Brotherhood is the second honor level in the Order of the Arrow.
After 6 months of service as an Ordeal member and fulfilling certain requirements, a member may take part in the Brotherhood ceremony, which places further emphasis on the ideals of Scouting and the Order. Completion of this ceremony signifies full membership in the Order.
Brotherhood Workshops
We require all brotherhood candidates to attend a brotherhood workshop before attending a ceremony and completing their brotherhood. These take place the Wednesday before each ceremony opportunity this spring and at the additional dates listed below. You can RSVP for those Workshops HERE.
Monday, February 13, 2023 @ 7PM
Wednesday, March 1, 2023 @ 7PM
Wednesday, March 22, 2023 @ 7PM
Wednesday, April 26, 2023 @ 7PM
Wednesday, May 3, 2023 @ 7PM
Wednesday, May 17, 2023 @ 7PM
Wednesday, May 24, 2023 @ 7PM
Brotherhood Ceremony Opportunities
We have a number of brotherhood opportunities locally, at council summer camps, and our fellowships.
March 26, 2023 – Greene Valley Forest Preserve Youth Campground – Naperville, IL
September 23, 2023 – Location TBD
November 11, 2023 – Location TBD
Summer/ Fall Fellowships:
Summer Fellowship – August 11-13, 2023 – Camp Betz – Berrien Springs, MI
Fall Fellowship – September 8-10, 2023 – Camp Betz, Berrien Springs, MI
Spring Fellowships:
Betz Fellowship – May 5-7, 2023 – Camp Betz – Berrien Springs, MI
Owasippe Fellowship – May 26-29, 2023 – Owasippe Scout Reservation – Twin Lakes, MI
At Summer Camp:
While attending summer camp at Owasippe Scout Reservation (Camp Wolverine and Camp Blackhawk) , Arrowmen will be able to complete their Brotherhood.
Arrowmen looking to seal their membership are highly encouraged to complete a Brotherhood workshop before they arrive at camp. In addition, arrowmen will also need to pay the $20 brotherhood fee, which covers their new sash and membership card. The brotherhood fee can be paid either at camp or online.
Tests of Brotherhood
Memorize the signs of Arrow membership.
Memorize the Obligation of the Order of the Arrow, which you received from Allowat Sakima (printed on the back of your membership card and in the handbook). Also, memorize the Order of the Arrow Official Song, the Admonition, the sign of Ordeal membership, and the Order of the Arrow handclasp.
Advance in your understanding of the Ordeal.
Gain a thorough understanding of the Ordeal through which you have passed. See “The Customs and Traditions of the Ordeal” in the handbook.
Serve your unit.
Maintain your registration in Scouting. During a period of at least 6 months, strive to fulfill your Obligation by continuing and expanding your service to your own unit.
Plan for service in your lodge.
Pay your dues in your Order of the Arrow lodge. Be aware that acceptance of Brotherhood membership involves a pledge of future service to the lodge. Develop a concrete idea of how you plan to fulfill this pledge.
Review your progress.
When you earnestly feel that you have met the four challenges above, write a letter to the Brotherhood Chairman and VC of Inductions. In this letter:
- Explain what you think the Obligation means,
- Describe how you have been fulfilling this Obligation in your unit and in your daily life, and how you have used your understanding of the Ordeal to aid in your service, and
- Describe your specific plans for giving future service in the lodge program.