Brotherhood Membership

After at least 10 months of active service to your unit as an Ordeal member in the Order of the Arrow, you will be eligible to seal your membership through the Brotherhood Ceremony.  The Ordeal has introduced you to the Order.  Now through your service as an Ordeal member, you have many opportunities to increase your knowledge of the Arrow and to make it work for you.

The Order of the Arrow Handbook provides all of the information you will need to understand the Order of the Arrow and the challenges of Brotherhood membership.  Your Elangomat, Chapter chief and fellow brothers are also willing to help you with the following requirements.

Brotherhood Requirements
 

1)      Memorize the signs of Ordeal Membership, which include, the obligation of the Order, the 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 through which you have passed.)

3)      Serve your unit.  (Retain your registration in scouting.  During the 10 months since your Ordeal, strive to fulfill your obligation by continuing and expanding your service to your troop or team.)

4)      Plan for service in the Lodge.  (Retain your registration in the 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 the pledge.)

5)      Review your progress.  (When you feel that you have met the four challenges listed from above, write a letter to your Lodge Secretary.  In this letter explain what you think the obligation means.  Describe how you have been fulfilling this obligation in your unit and in your daily life, and how you have used your understanding of the Order to aid in this service.  Describe your specific plans for giving service in the Lodge program.)

Vigil Honor

The Vigil Honor is the highest Honor that the Order of the Arrow can present its members for service to the Lodge and council.  It is a high mark of distinction and recognition reserved for those Arrowmen who have given exceptional service, helping others beyond the call of duty involving personal effort and unselfish interest to one or more of the following: The Lodge, the Order of the Arrow, Scouting, or a Scout Camp.  After two years as a brotherhood member, selection by the Lodge’s Vigil Selection Committee, and approval of the National Order of the Arrow Committee, a Scout or Scouter may be recognized with the Vigil Honor.