Unit Elections
Youth Elections
To be elected as an OA member, a youth must be a registered Scout, under the age of 21, and hold the Scouts BSA First Class rank, Venturing Discovery Award, Sea Scout Ordinary rank or higher. Fifteen days and nights of camping must be completed which includes one (but not more than one) five day long-term camping period. Scouts are elected to the Order by their fellow scouts, following approval by their Scoutmaster, Crew Advisor or Sea Scout Skipper.
Click for the Election Worksheet.
This PDF fill-able worksheet can be provided to the Scoutmaster to be filled in ahead of time or be used by the election team to enter the eligible scouts names in the fillable form. Once the form has been completed, a ballot will automatically be created on the second page. This ballot can be printed out and copied to be used in the unit election. Printed ballots have a MUCH higher success rate than ‘write-in’ ballots and are more fair to the youth that might not be physically present during the election.
After the election, please have the Election Worksheet signed by the Scoutmaster and Election Team. Please provide the unit leader a copy of that form (could be at a later date). The Chapter Adviser will use the worksheet to enter the necessary information into the Chapter’s online Elections Results Form.
Adult Nominations
Adult membership is available for anyone over 21 years of age, and candidates shall be selected based upon the following criteria and based on where the candidate holds primary registration:
A. Adult Leaders in Units: Adults (according to the ratios below) may be recommended to the Lodge Adult Selection Committee each year upon submission in writing of the Adult Nominations Form by a Unit Committee for consideration as a candidate for participation in the induction process provided the following conditions are fulfilled:
1. Selection of the adult is based upon their ability to perform the requisite functions and not for recognition of past service, including current or prior achievement and position.
2. The individual will be an asset to the Order due to demonstrated skills and abilities which fulfill the purpose of the OA.
3. The camping requirements set forth for youth members are completely fulfilled.
4. The adult leader’s membership will provide a positive role model for the growth and development of the youth members of the Lodge.
5. The unit has held a youth election that same calendar year.
6. See PART C below.
B. Adult Leader In Council And District Positions: An adult may be recommended upon submission in writing of the Adult Nominations Form to the Lodge Adult Selection Committee by a District Chairman, Council President, Scout Executive, or members of the scouting professional staff as long as:
1. All requirements previously set forth in Paragraph A for adult leaders in units shall be fulfilled. There is an exception concerning the camping requirement which may be waived at the discretion of the Lodge Adviser or Council Executive.
2. The selection of an adult member shall be at the complete discretion of the Adult Selection Committee, who shall vote regarding the approval or disapproval of each proposed candidate.
3. An adult who holds a registration in a unit and in a District or Council position must be nominated from the body where the primary registration is held.
4. See PART C below.
C. Processing of Adult Nominations: All Adult Nominations must be sent directly by the nominating person to the Lodge Adult Selections Committee for review:
1. Do not submit to the unit Elections Team.
2. Do not give or send to the Chapter Adviser.
3. Please mail the form directly to the Lodge Adult Selections Committee at:
Passaconaway Lodge
ATTN: Adult Selections Committee
1500 Bodwell Rd
Manchester NH 03109
4. The Committee will work directly with the Chapter Adviser and approve/dissaprove and then inform the candidate.