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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 has since been to include the following four objectives:
-To recognize those campers - Scouts, Explorers, and Scouters - 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 your peers, because of your unselfish service to your Troop or Post. You had camping skills that were magnificent beyond doubt. You were selected to help make this "honored campers society" what 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 really 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, but this 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 at the Fall Reunion or Spring Fellowship of Kishkakon Lodge.
Before the Spring Fellowship and Fall Reunion, every Lodge member eligible for Brotherhood 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 takes place during Family Night on the last week of Council Summer Camp. |
