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About The OA
Purpose of the Order
In 1915, E. Urner Goodman and Carroll A. Edson founded the Order of the Arrow to recognize those Scouts who best exemplify and live by the Scout Oath and Law. The purpose of the Order includes the following four objectives:
- To recognize those campers - youth and adult - who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their everyday life, and by such recognition cause other campers to conduct themselves in such a manner as to warrant such recognition.
- To develop and maintain camping traditions and spirit.
- To promote Scout camping, which reaches its greatest effectiveness as part of the unit's camping program, both year-round and summer camp, as directed by the camping committee of the council.
- To crystalize the Scout habit of helpfulness into a life purpose of leadership in cheerful service to others.
You, as an Arrowman of Kishkakon Lodge #32, were selected from and by your peers because of your unselfish service to your unit and camping skills that were magnificent beyond doubt. You were selected to help make this "honored campers society" more than it is today. You may not realize it yet, but you have been brought into a very prestigious organization. Now that you have been selected, "go now and find the arrow." It is inside of you. You are the only one that can find it within yourself. Please read through the four purposes of the of the Order again, and think about what it really means and entails.
Ordeal Membership
When you completed your Ordeal, you became and Ordeal member of the Order of the Arrow and of this Lodge. Ordeal membership should be looked upon as a time of trial and learning. During this time, Ordeal members should test themselves on the spirit of the Order, as they learn fully of the customs and traditions of the Order of the Arrow. As an Ordeal member you are a full member of the OA, entitled to all rights and privileges of the Order, which obligates you to a life of cheerful service. When you feel you are ready to seal your obligation, then you are ready for Brotherhood membership.
Brotherhood Membership
The Brotherhood is an opportunity for members to evaluate their past service to Scouting, their Lodge, and to reaffirm their belief in the higher purposes of the Order. The requirements for Brotherhood membership are as follows:
1) At least ten months of service as an Ordeal member.
2) Must be a registered and active member in the BSA and in Kishkakon Lodge.
3) Memorize the Obligation, Song, and Admonition, as found in the OA Handbook.
4) Take part in the "Journey to Brotherhood" process held at Fall Reunion and Spring Fellowship of Kishkakon Lodge, and on other dates as decided by the LEC.
Before each event offering a Journey to Brotherhood, every eligible Lodge member will receive a letter from the Lodge Secretary and Lodge Chief describing the requirements for Brotherhood in more detail.
The Vigil Honor
The Vigil Honor is the highest honor that a Lodge can bestow upon one of its members. It is a high mark of distinctive service, given only to a few members each year for exceptional service beyond the call of duty. The Vigil call-out follows the Ordeal call-out held on Family Night at our Council Camps. |
