This page provides all the information needed for Ordeal members interested in sealing their membership in OA through Brotherhood conversion.
Why Brotherhood?
To achieve Brotherhood membership in the lodge, you must first complete six months as an Ordeal member and familiarize yourself with the lodge program. The decision to advance to Brotherhood membership is a personal one. We encourage you to review the information on this page and then consult your Order of the Arrow Handbook or reach out to fellow Arrowmen who have already attained Brotherhood for additional guidance.
Where/When?
Brotherhood counseling and ceremonies are typically held at the first event that happens 6 months after an ordeal group goes through. For the last few years this has meant Brotherhood happens at Spring and Fall Fellowships
Requirements for Brotherhood Membership
Be an Ordeal member for at least six months.
Be an active member of your Scout unit.
Be an active, paid member of Semialachee Lodge.
Write a letter to the Lodge Chief.
Participate in a Brotherhood Counseling class and Brotherhood Ceremony.
Understand the signs that show your membership within the Order of the Arrow:
- The Obligation (p. 10, OA Handbook)
- The Admonition
- The OA Song (p. 13, OA Handbook)
- The OA Handclasp (p. 27, OA Handbook)
- The Sign of Ordeal Membership
To gain a better understanding of the Ordeal, review the questions found on pages 52-54 of the Order of the Arrow Handbook.
Once you have reviewed the above items, thought about what you have learned, done, and planned to do, write a letter to the Lodge Chief.
The Letter
When you feel ready to pursue Brotherhood Membership, you must submit a letter to the Lodge Chief that includes the following: Explain your understanding of the Obligation, detail how you have been living out this obligation within your troop and in your everyday life, and how your experience with the Ordeal has helped guide your service. Additionally, outline your specific plans to contribute to the lodge program through service.