Brotherhood Membership

On the Trail to Brotherhood: Your completion of the Ordeal sets you on the next part of your "long and toilsome journey." At least 10 months of active preparation for sealing your membership is necessary before your Brotherhood ceremony.

The Ordeal has introduced you to the mysteries of the Arrow. Now, during your service as an Ordeal member, you have ample opportunity to increase your knowledge of the Arrow and make it work for you. This section provides you with all the basic information you will need during your service as an Ordeal member. Your Brothers in the Order stand ready to help also and you should take advantage of their support whenever possible.

Purpose of Brotherhood Membership: From the inception of the Order in 1915, it was intended that all members should be of the same rank or standing. Brotherhood membership does not carry with it any degree of rank, status, or special privilege within the Lodge. It is not to be thought of as a separate honor in the same sense as the Vigil Honor. Except for making the necessary arrangements for Brotherhood ceremonies, it is not necessary for Brotherhood members to meet as a separate group. Social and service activities are not held for Brotherhood members apart from other members of the Lodge.

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 purposes of the Order. The ceremony is intended as a source of inspiration, motivating its members to render even greater service to Scouting.

The Challenges of Brotherhood Membership: You must meet four challenges before you can enter The Circle of Brotherhood. The first of these you should meet now. The next three require steady effort over a period of many months.

• Memorize the signs of Ordeal membership. Memorize the Obligation of the Order, which you received from Allowat Sakima (printed on the back of your membership card). Also, memorize the official Order of the Arrow song, the Admonition, the sign of Ordeal membership, and the handclasp of the Order.
• Advance in your understanding of the Ordeal. Gain a thorough understanding of the Ordeal through which you have passed.
• 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 Post.
• 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.

Refer to the Order of the Arrow handbook for the exact questions and answers which will be asked in your Brotherhood testing session.

Be sure to let the worker at the registration table know that you wish to test for Brotherhood when you register for the weekend. There will be a nominal extra fee.