Our Story

What Is Etowah?

Etowah is one of three chapters apart of Catawba Lodge 459. We are composed of the south-eastern areas of Charlotte and including towns like Matthews and Mint Hill. Our Chapter name is from the Muskogee (Mus·ko·gee /ˌməˈskōɡē/) language and describes a term for town, people, or tribe. In Etowah, we like to embrace the meaning of our name by creating a community that all Arrowmen apart of our district can join.

Our Symbol

The Etowah Symbol is the skull of a bull surrounded by lime green fire. We chose the bull to represent the strength of the chapter and the fire to demonstrate our passion for the Scout Oath and law.

What we do

The Order Of The Arrow is a brotherhood of cheerful service, we strive to demonstrate the values taught in the Boy Scout program and take them a step further both in activity's a leadership. The Order of the Arrow offers opportunities not found in typical scouting programs, We offer specialized high adventure trips, further leadership development, and ways to interact with other troops in your area. This is not all we offer however, when you join the OA many more exclusive programs become open to you, Camping trips only available to those within our order, National Conferences where you can receive world class trainings, even events where you compete in events against other lodges. These events are taken a step up from the normal Boy Scout program allowing you to make memories you will remember long after your time in scouting.

The 2026 Vision

Through the 2025-2026 year, the Etowah chapter will continue to boost member retention through our meetings and events. We will improve our chapter spirit and bring our spirit to chapter and lodge events.. We will work closely with units, the district, council, and the entire lodge using clear communication. We will continue to strengthen our ties of brotherhood, we will uphold the ideals of fellowship and cheerful service in all that we do.

The Goals for 2026

Increase and maintain current participation in chapter activities and lodge events.
Work towards planning and establishing a weekend chapter fellowship event.
Establish a chapter service project.
Have each election for every unit that wants one, fully staffed.
Increase involvement with the Etowah Camp-O-Ree. Continue concessions and an OA info-session during Camp-O-Ree.
Host a chapter meeting at all lodge events to strengthen ties with brothers in our chapter.
Have clearer communication with chapter members, Utilizing email, Band, etc, to reach all arrowmen in the chapter.
Increase spirit at all events.
Successfully run concessions at events.
Establish a clear expectation of OA Rep's role, attendance, and participation in the chapter to communicate with units.
Reach out to units that aren't active, to create more involvement in the chapter from a wider range of units.

How do we give back?

Our Chapter takes our vow of cheerful service seriously and constantly look for ways to give back to our lodge, our district, and our units. We believe in giving back to those who make our program possible and value the opportunities where we have the chance to say thank you. Our Chapter does not exist without those who support us, and we will seek out ways to give back to the communities that allow us to function.

Our Purpose

As Scouting’s National Honor Society, our purpose is to:

1. - Recognize those who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives and through that recognition cause others to conduct themselves in way that warrants similar recognition.
  - Promote camping, responsible outdoor adventure, and environmental stewardship as essential components of every Scout’s experience, in the unit, year-round, and in summer camp.
  - Develop leaders with the willingness, character, spirit, and ability to advance the activities of their units, our Brotherhood, Scouting, and ultimately our nation.
  - Crystallize the Scout habit of helpfulness into a life purpose of leadership in cheerful service to others.

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