Brotherhood Membership

Brotherhood Membership

After a period of 10 months, during which the new Ordeal member has shown a continued interest in Scouting and the camping program and has served others cheerfully, he may seal his membership in the Order of the Arrow by participating in the Brotherhood ceremony.

"Not so much for what you have done as for what you are expected to do"—this we learned in the Ordeal ceremony: Recognition comes for our first efforts, but we are expected to continue to be of service.

The Ordeal and Ordeal ceremony brought to the new member many ideas and ideals that were new and difficult to comprehend. During the months that follow, he is able to think about his induction into the Order and how he has tried his best to live according to the principles as they were taught to him.

The Brotherhood affords him an opportunity to continue with a life of cheerful service to others and to strengthen those things taught in the Ordeal. These two elements make up the complete induction into membership and, after the Brotherhood ceremony, the member becomes a "brother" in the lodge. The Order is trying, thereby, to impress upon the new member the value of a life of cheerful service to others and the knowledge that all others are his brothers.

The Ordeal consists primarily of physical impressions, new associations, and additional preparation. The Brotherhood ceremony is one of deeper and quieter mental impressions for the member.

Brotherhood Eligibility

Each Ordeal member must meet five challenges before he can enter the Circle of the Brotherhood. The first of these should meet during the first few months of membership. The next three require steady effort over a period of months. The last challenge must be meet after the Ordeal member is satisfied that he has met the first four.

1. Memorize the signs of Arrow membership. Memorize the Obligation of the Order, which you received from Allowat Sakima (printed on the back of the membership card and in the handbook). Also, memorize the Order of the Arrow Official Song, the Admonition, the sign of Ordeal membership, and the Arrow handclasp.

2. Advance in your understanding of the Ordeal. Gain a thorough understanding of the Ordeal.

3. Serve your unit. Retain your registration in Scouting. During a period of at least 10 months, strive to fulfill your Obligation by continuing and expanding your service to your own troop or team.

4. Plan for service in your lodge. Retain your registration in your Order of the Arrow lodge and keep your dues paid. Be aware that acceptance of Brotherhood membership involves a pledge of service to the lodge. Develop a concrete idea of how you plan to fulfill this pledge.

5. Review your progress. When you earnestly feel that you have met the four challenges above, write a letter to your lodge secretary. In this letter:

! Explain what vou think the Obligation means.

! Describe how you have been fulfilling this Obligation in your troop or team and in your daily life, and how you have used your understanding of the Ordeal to aid in this service.

! Describe your specific plans for giving service in the lodge program.

Include with this letter your advance registration application and fees for the next Brotherhood ceremony according to the instructions given by the lodge.

When an Ordeal member meets these standards he may seal his membership in the Order. It is up to the Ordeal member to decide whether or not he is qualified and wishes to participate in the Brotherhood ceremony. A letter similar to the one illustrated above should be sent to all Ordeal members when they have completed 10 months or more of service as an Ordeal member.

Download Brotherhood Study Booklet
(The password is the Admonition in all lower case in the language of the Delaware)

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Site last updated: 5/20/2011