From the beginning of the Order in 1915, all members have been equal. There are no ranks. As an Ordeal member you are entitled to all the rights and privileges of membership in the Order. Yet, so important is the induction sequence that the Order strengthened it by creating Brotherhood membership. It is an opportunity for members to evaluate their past service to Scouting (camping and unit involvement) and to the lodge since their Ordeal induction. Brotherhood membership is sought by Arrowmen seeking to reaffirm their belief in the high purposes of the Order. Before becoming a Brotherhood member, each Arrowman makes a special effort to serve the troop and to learn about the Order. Each Brotherhood members commits to even more service to Scouting through the Order.

Completing your Ordeal set you on the next part of your "long and toilsome journey," applying what you learned in your Ordeal to your life. When you have learned about the ideals of the Order and made them a part of your life, you may become a Brotherhood member. Brotherhood membership marks the completion of your induction into the Order of the Arrow.

Except for making the necessary arrangements for Brotherhood ceremonies, it is not necessary for Brotherhood members to meet as a seperate group. Social and service activities are not held for Brotherhood members apart from other members of the lodge.

The Ordeal, with its tests and ceremonies, presents many ideas and ideals. During the months that follow, you think about your Ordeal. Practicing the principles taught in the Ordeal deepens your understanding of them. Each new experience strengthens your committment to the Order's principles and purposes. Finally, you are able to accept the additional obligations and insights of the Brotherhood.

Your primary obligation as an Ordeal member is to serve your troop, and only after you have satisfied that you are doing this are you ready for more. The Brotherhood obligation includes a pledge to support the work of the Order. As an Ordeal member, you are invited and encouraged to serve in lodge activities, but you have no obligation to do so. As you approach Brotherhood membership, you should develop a definite idea of how you can serve the Order.

Your Ordeal consisted primarily of physical impressions. The Brotherhood ceremony is one of deeper and quieter mental impressions.

 

How Do I Become A Brotherhood Member?

1. Learn the signs of Arrow membership - they may be found in your handbook or on the JumpStart website:

* Learn the Obligation of the Order (OA handbook on pg. 10).
* Learn the Order of the Arrow Official Song (OA handbook pg. 13)
* The Admonition
* The Sign of Ordeal membership
* The Order of the Arrow handclasp.
* The Four Purposes of the Ordeal
* The Four Characters of the Ordeal Ceremony

You can also get the same information online by clicking the links below:

The password for the below documents is the "Admonition"
If you do not know this please contact your Chapter Chief

Brotherhood Help Sheet
Brotherhood Tri-Fold

2. Advance in your understanding of the Ordeal: Gain a thorough understanding of the Ordeal through which you have passed. (refer to pages 52-54 on your handbook for reference).

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

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. Register for the Lodge event you wish to attain Brotherhood Membership and show up Friday evening.

When can I become a Brotherhood Member?

At almost every gathering of the Lodge we offer the ability for Arrowmen to become Brotherhood members of the Lodge.

Spring Fellowship
Summer Camp Week 1-7
Ordeal I and II
Fall Fellowship
Featherfest

What happens at the event?

What is the process of becoming a Brotherhood Member?

Every event is different for the Brotherood Conversion. 

At Summer Camp a Brotherhood Help Session will be held at the Raven Scouts Shelter after Dinner on Monday. There Arrowmen from the Lodge will help you memorize the signs of membership and answer any questions you may have. Tuesday afternoon the Brotherhood Questions will take place at the Log Cabin after lunch. There a Brotherhood member will sit down with you and ask you a series of questions regarding your membership in the Order, as well as the signs of membership discussed on Monday night. That evening you will be asked to meet at the Log Cabin for the Brotherhood Walk. The Brotherhood Chairman, or another individual will walk you through camp, asking you a series of questions pertaining to the Order. After the walk you will enter a ceremonial ring  and continue through the Brotherood Ceremony.

The Brotherhood Conversion process is slightly different for other events outside of the Summer. Generally an announcement will be made at Friday night crackerbarrel or Saturday breakfast. The Brotherhood questioning will take place after Lunch on Saturday at the Log Cabin similar to Summer Camp. The ceremony will then be completed that evening. If you are having trouble with the signs of membership for Brotherhood at one of these events and would like help, please ask someone in your Chapter or the Lodge who is already a Brotherhood member. They would be more than happy to help you along this journey.

Is there a fee for Brotherhood?

If you have not already noticed the Brotherhood Sash has two red bars above and below the Arrow. The $16 will cover this sash. This fee will need to be given to the Brotherhood Chairman or the Lodge Vice Chief of Finace.

How do I learn about becoming a Brotherhood Member & the Order?

Jumpstart is (www.jumpstart.oa-bsa.org) is an excellent reference for information on the OA and the Ordeal. You can also use it to help review for Brotherhood. The website even has sample Brotherhood questionnaire.

Who do I need to contact to learn more about Brotherhood Membership in Wahissa Lodge?

The Brotherhood Chairman is Ryan Hunter and he can be contacted by email at  HunterW@lrc.edu
The Brotherhood Adviser is Andrew Erickson and he can be contacted by email at vtbanks9@aol.com