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 participate in the Brotherhood ceremony, which further emphasizes the ideals of Scouting and the Order. Completion of this ceremony signifies full membership in the Order.
Tests of Brotherhood
Memorize the signs of membership.
Memorize the Obligation of the Order of the Arrow, the Song of the Order of the Arrow, 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. Strive to fulfill your Obligation by continuing and expanding your service to your own unit for at least six months.
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.
Brotherhood Ceremony Opportunities
We have several Brotherhood opportunities locally, at Owasippe Scout Reservation, and our fellowships.
If you plan on attending a Brotherhood Bash, please plan on attending a virtual brotherhood workshop before the event. If you are earning your Brotherhood at a Fellowship, please plan on attending an in-person brotherhood workshop before the event.
Local Brotherhood Bashes:
March 22, 2026 – Greene Valley Forest Preserve, Naperville, IL
- Brotherhood Workshop on March 18th
October 3, 2026 – Location TBD
- Brotherhood workshop on September 30th
November 7, 2026 – Location TBD
- Brotherhood Workshop on November 4th
Fellowships:
May 1-3, 2026 – Spring Fellowship – Camp Betz, Berrien Springs, MI
May 22-25, 2026 – Owasippe Fellowship – Owasippe Scout Reservation, Twin Lake, MI
August 14-16, 2026 – Summer Fellowship – Camp Betz, Berrien Springs, MI
September 11-13, 2026 – Fall Fellowship – Camp Betz, Berrien Springs, 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. They will also have to pay a $20 brotherhood fee to cover their new sash and membership card. This can be paid online or at camp.
