About The Order of the Arrow
The purpose of the Order of the Arrow, Scouting’s National Honor Society, is fourfold:
- Recognize those who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives and through that recognition cause others to conduct themselves in a way that warrants similar recognition.
- Promote camping, responsible outdoor adventure, and environmental stewardship as essential components of every Scout’s experience, in the unit, year-round, and in summer camp.
- Develop leaders with the willingness, character, spirit and ability to advance the activities of their units, our Brotherhood, Scouting, and ultimately our nation.
- Crystallize the Scout habit of helpfulness into a life purpose of leadership in cheerful service to others.
For more complete information about Tamegonit Lodge and the customs and traditions of the Order of the Arrow, review the Lodge Handbook & By-Laws under the Resources menu.
Becoming and Growing as an Arrowman
In the Order of the Arrow, there are three degrees of membership rather than earning ranks or receiving elevations.
All Arrowmen are equal; as we are brothers.
Ordeal
The first stage in the Order of the Arrow is Ordeal membership.
This is the “joining stage”, and should be only temporary. After being elected or nominated by their fellow scouts, candidates participate in an Ordeal, intended to emphasize service and selflessness. During the induction, “candidates maintain complete silence, receive small amounts of food, work on camp improvement projects, and are required to sleep alone, apart from other campers, which teaches significant values.”
If they succeed in their ordeal the candidates are then welcomed as Ordeal members in a formal Ordeal Ceremony.
Brotherhood
Brotherhood membership does not provide a special degree of rank, status, or special honor (like that of the Vigil Honor).
Instead, the Brotherhood is an opportunity for members to evaluate their past service to Scouting and to their lodge, and to reaffirm their belief in the high purposes of the Order. The ceremony is intended as a source of inspiration that motivates brothers to give even greater service to Scouting.
Any individual who has been an Ordeal member of the Order of the Arrow for at least 6 months and is a dues-paying member of the lodge, may seal his or her membership as a Brotherhood member.
Vigil Honor
Alertness to the needs of others is the mark of the Vigil Honor. It calls for an individual with an unusual awareness of the possibilities within each situation. The Vigil Honor is the highest honor that the Order of the Arrow can bestow upon its members for service to Lodge, Council, and Scouting. Membership cannot be won by a person’s conscious endeavours.
Vigil Nomination
The Vigil Honor is a high mark of distinction and recognition reserved for those Arrowmen who, by reason of exceptional service, personal effort, and unselfish interest, have made distinguished contributions beyond the immediate responsibilities of their position of office to one or more of the following: Lodge, Order of the Arrow, Scouting community, Scout Camp. Under NO circumstances should tenure in Scouting or the Order of the Arrow be considered as reason enough for a Vigil Honor recommendation.
How to get involved
The Order of the Arrow is only as strong as each individual member chooses to make it in their own lives. Becoming a member of this great and honored Order is synonymous with the development of many new and exciting opportunities for you. Youth and adults alike are always in need. Get Involved!
Identify the need – feel the need. Meet the Challenge of the Order, remembering always that the ones who chose you, need you, and that you were so chosen not on the merits of what you have accomplished, but rather for what is expected of you in the future as an Arrowman.