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.
Mark Gantt |
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.
