ORDER of the ARROW
Wundchenneu Chapter / Jaccos Towne Lodge
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Honors
 Order of the Arrow Memberships
Ordeal
 
Ordeal membership is the first level of membership in the OA, which is bestowed after a candidate passes their Ordeal. The Ordeal, often conducted at a Scout camp, tests the candidates' devotion to the Order's principles by introducing the candidates to hardship and arduous labor . Unlike many organizations, Ordeal members are full members of their local lodge as well as the OA. Ordeal memberships have full rights and privileges in their lodge. Of course, they cannot participate in preparations for Brotherhood or the Vigil Honor.
 

Brotherhood

Brotherhood membership is the second level of membership in the OA. After a minimum of ten months, an Ordeal member may "seal" their membership in the Order by accepting an additional obligation of service to their lodge, council, or scout camp.

An Ordeal member must complete the following requirements to obtain Brotherhood membership:

1.  Know the signs of Order of the Arrow Membership. Memorize the Obligation of the Order, the
     Order of the Arrow Official Song,   the Admonition, sign of Ordeal Membership, and the Arrow Handclasp.
2.  Advance in your understanding of the Ordeal. Gain an understanding of the Ordeal you have passed.
3.  Serve your unit. Retain your membership in Scouting. During a period of at least 10 months, strive to
     fulfill your Obligation by continuing and expanding your service to your own troop or team.
4.  Plan for service in your lodge. Retain your registration in your Order of the Arrow lodge and keep
     your dues paid. Be aware that acceptance of Brotherhood membership involves a pledge of service
     to the lodge. Develop a concrete idea of how you plan to fulfill this pledge.
5.  Review your progress. When you earnestly feel that you have met the four challenges above, write a
     letter to your lodge secretary. Be sure to include the following:
                    1.  Explain what you think the Obligation means
                    2.  Describe how you have been fulfilling this Obligation in your troop or team and
                         in your daily life, and how you have used your understanding of the Ordeal to aid in this service
                    3.  A description of your specific plans for giving service in the lodge program 
 
Vigil

The Vigil Honor is the highest honor of the Order and is bestowed by special election upon an individual for exceptional service after a minimum of two years as a Brotherhood member from a group of his peers within the Order. Vigil members may be identified by the triangle imprinted on their sash, in addition to the Arrow of the Ordeal sash and the bars of the Brotherhood sash. Some lodges also supply a special Vigil Honor flap, although this practice is frowned upon by the National Committee of the OA. However, the Vigil Honor is not a third level of membership-- they are still a Brotherhood member, but one who has been bestowed with the Vigil Honor. The members are advanced to the Vigil Honor after completing their Vigil. The first Vigil Honor member was the founder of the Order of the Arrow, E. Urner Goodman.