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What is Brotherhood Membership?
"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, service, 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 or team and to learn about the Order. Each Brotherhood member commits to even more service to Scouting through the Order." - OA Handbook page 47.
How Do I become a Brotherhood Member?
Learn the signs of Arrow membership - they may be found in your handbook or on the JumpStart website:
Learn the Obligation of the Order, which you received from Allowat Sakima (printed on the back of your membership card and in your OA handbook on page 10).
Learn the Order of the Arrow Official Song (p.13)
The Admonition
The sign of Ordeal membership
The Arrow handclasp.
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).
Serve your unit. Retain your registration in Scouting: During a period of at least 6 months after your Ordeal, strive to fulfill your Obligation by continuing and expanding your service to your own troop.
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.
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 you 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.
Bring this letter that you have written with you. Have your letter typed or in neat, legible handwriting. All letters must be turned in to the Lodge Secretary when you check in Friday evening.
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.
Summer Camp - Camp Grimes
What happens at the event / what is the process of becoming a Brotherhood Member?
Friday at check-in turn in your Brotherhood letter to the Lodge Secretary and make sure that you have registered to be a Brotherhood Candidate.
Friday night there will be a meeting with all of the Brotherhood Candidates to make sure that the letter was turned in and all fees are paid up. At this meeting the candidates will be informed of the weekend schedule.
On Saturday morning all Brotherhood Candidates will be expected to help in a Brotherhood work project - to help them remember the cheerfulness found in arduous labor.
Saturday afternoon there will be a Brotherhood study session where all of the candidates can study together with other Brotherhood members. During this time the candidates can ask questions and get a better understanding of those items they need to know and the Lodge. After the study session there is a one on one review of the candidate knowledge of those items the candidate has been asked to understand.
Once this is complete the candidate is ready for the Brotherhood walk and ceremony Saturday evening.
Why is the event registration fee more for a Brotherhood Candidate?
You will notice that the event fees for those wishing to become Brotherhood Members of the Lodge are more than the standard event fee. This is to cover the cost of the Brotherhood Sash and the Brotherhood Pocket Flap.
How do I learn more about becoming a Brotherhood Member and the Order?
Jumpstart 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 questions.
Who do I need to contact to learn more about Brotherhood Membership in Catawba Lodge?
Please email the Brotherhood Chair (Nash Pelak) or the Brotherhood Advisor (Heather Jewell)
Page Revised: 3/10/2025
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