Information for Brotherhood Candidates

Brotherhood membership in the Order of the Arrow is not a rank or a step up the ladder in the same sense as from First Class Scout to Star, Life and Eagle Scout. Brotherhood membership is the completion of the process of becoming a true Arrowman. Brotherhood members have no special privileges that are not open to Ordeal members, except to attend Brotherhood ceremonies. They do, however, have additional responsibilities and obligations. After 10 months or more of active membership in the Order, Ordeal members may "seal" their membership and learn more about the true meaning of brotherhood by becoming Brotherhood members. The Brotherhood ceremony, when properly conducted, is one of the most meaningful experiences available to members of the Boy Scouts of America. Those being inducted should have an inspirational experience and should, as a result, do their best to live a life of cheerful service to others. Members should not take part in the Brotherhood ceremony unless they truly wish to continue actively in Scouting and the Order of the Arrow. The Brotherhood is an opportunity for members to evaluate their past contributions to Scouting and the lodge and to reaffirm their belief in the high purpose of the Order. The ceremony is intended as a source of inspiration, motivating its members to render even greater service to Scouting.

Have you been an Ordeal member for 10 months or more? If so, please consider sealing your membership in our Order by becoming a Brotherhood member. Brotherhood membership is attained by completing the following:

• Be an Ordeal member for 10 months or more
• Maintain active membership in the Boy Scouts of America and the Order of the Arrow
• Recite or show from memory the following: The OA Obligation; the Official OA Song; the Admonition; the sign of Ordeal membership; and the Arrow handclasp.
• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the Ordeal through which you have passed.
• Write a letter of rededication to service to the lodge secretary expressing your thoughts on what the Obligation means to you; how you have been fulfilling this Obligation in your unit and daily life; and your specific plans for giving future service to the lodge.

Further information on the above requirements is found in your Order of the Arrow Handbook.

You can complete your Brotherhood testing at most chapter meetings and any lodge meeting or event. The Brotherhood ceremony is conducted at the Spring Ordeal, Fall Ordeal, and the Fall Fellowship. Brotherhood membership can only be conferred by an Arrowman’s home lodge, which is the lodge that serves the council in which the Arrowman’s unit is chartered.

We hope to see many of you this year on the trail to Brotherhood!

Copyright 2006 Takachsin Lodge, Sagamore Council BSA