Let’s welcome this year’s National Order of the Arrow officers

The Order of the Arrow (OA), Scouting’s national honor society, elected its youth national officers for 2025.

Samuel Crowder was elected national chief, Ben Jones as national vice chief, and Elijah Aiken and Haley Flores as the region chiefs. Elected by their peers at last year’s national OA planning meeting, these officers exemplify the ideals of the Scout Oath and Law. They will serve Scouts across the country, supporting lodges and leading the OA’s program.

These officers are part of the national leadership for the Order of the Arrow, serving one-year terms. 

What is the Order of the Arrow?

The Order of the Arrow, founded in 1915, recognizes Scouts and Scouters who exemplify the Scout Oath and Law daily. It includes members in Scouts BSA troops, Venturing crews and Sea Scout ships. As an integral part of Scouting America, the OA enriches its members’ Scouting journey by offering them advanced leadership experiences. The members are elected to the OA by their peers, showing a recognition of their commitment to the ideals of Scouting.

Through cheerful service, OA members impact their units, community, council and ultimately our nation. Being in an OA lodge helps youth to be leaders beyond their unit. The transformative fellowship that members share often forges lifelong bonds and encourages youth to continue in Scouting.

This year’s officers

2025 National Chief Samuel Crowder

Lodge: Klahican (Cape Fear Council – North Carolina)

Scouting background: Eagle Scout. Served as the Activities and Recreation conference vice chief at the National Order of the Arrow Conference (NOAC).

OA background: Vigil Honor member, section chief for section E8, National Leadership Seminar staff member.

Education: Attends the University of North Carolina, studying business.

Quotable: “I am most excited about the opportunity to have one-on-one conversations with lodge chiefs and leaders and work to understand the challenges they are facing and work to empower them to tackle those challenges and find personal success.”

2025 National Vice Chief Ben Jones

Lodge: Wenasa Quenhotan (W.D. Boyce Council – Illinois)

Scouting background: Eagle Scout. Served as the Adventure Central conference vice chief at NOAC.

OA background: Vigil Honor member, lodge vice chief, section chief for Section G8.

Education: Attends Dunlap High School, plans to study political science.

Quotable: “This year is focused on growth, transparency and realigning toward a bold future. Our renewed mission, vision and purpose equip us to transform countless lives for the better, and I am fully confident that we are prepared to meet this challenge.”

2025 Gateway Region Chief Haley Flores

Lodge: Tamegonit (Heart of America Council – Kansas/Missouri)

Scouting background: Eagle Scout. Served on the National Youth Council.

OA background: Vigil Honor member, section chief for Section G6.

Education: Attends Ottawa University in Kansas, studying politics, philosophy and law.

Quotable: “What fuels me as a leader is my desire to love others with intention. Whether it’s taking a minute to check in on a friend, encouraging someone to step up in leadership or remembering details from event interactions, I firmly believe that intentionality behind our admonition is how we show others the love of our organization.”

2025 Eastern Region Chief Elijah Aiken

Lodge: Atta Kulla Kulla (Blue Ridge Council – South Carolina)

Scouting background: Eagle Scout.

OA background: Vigil Honor member, section chief for Section E7.

Education: Attends Anderson University in South Carolina, studying secondary education and history.

Quotable: “My purpose is to ensure that every Arrowman knows they are a valued and important member of our organization, reminding them that they are an essential piece of the OA’s puzzle. Ultimately, I am committed to investing in the leaders of tomorrow, just as so many invested in me.”