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Brotherhood Membership

After six months as an Ordeal member, Arrowmen may seal their membership in the Order of the Arrow by becoming a Brotherhood member — a deeper commitment to service, leadership, and brotherhood.

Brotherhood is intended for members who feel ready to take the next step in living the ideals of the Order and giving meaningful service to their troop, chapter, lodge, and council.

Requirements for Brotherhood Membership

After at least six months of active membership and service, an Ordeal member may choose to seal their commitment to the Order of the Arrow by becoming a Brotherhood member.

Brotherhood represents a deeper dedication to service, leadership, and involvement in lodge life. To prepare, candidates are asked to complete the following:

Steps to Become a Brotherhood Member

  • Register for an Induction Weekend as a Brotherhood candidate

  • Attend the Friday night preparation session

  • Participate in a Saturday morning service project supporting the lodge and camp

  • Write a brief letter to your Lodge Secretary, who is our Vice Chief of Communications in Tamegonit Lodge, explaining:

    • 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 this service

    • A description of how you plan to continue serving your troop, chapter, lodge, camp, and council

  • Review and understand key Order of the Arrow traditions, including:

    • The OA Obligation

    • The OA Song

    • The OA Handclasp

    • Core OA history and customs outlined in the OA Handbook

  • Take part in the Brotherhood hike and ceremony

A Commitment to Greater Service

Brotherhood membership reflects a personal commitment to give deeper service, strengthen your leadership, and continue living the values of the Order.

Resources

Preparing for Brotherhood is easier when you know where to look. The OA Handbook includes much of the information you’ll need to review, including traditions, expectations, and key parts of the induction process.

We also recommend visiting OA JumpStart, an interactive resource with visuals, audio, and step-by-step explanations to help you better understand the Order of the Arrow and Brotherhood membership.

These resources are designed to help you feel confident, prepared, and ready to take the next step in your journey.

Attend a Brotherhood Celebration

To continue your Brotherhood journey, you may attend either a standard two-day Induction Weekend or a Brotherhood Celebration — a streamlined one-day induction designed for Brotherhood candidates.

During the induction, you will:

  • Participate in a meaningful service project

  • Reflect on the values and purpose of the Order of the Arrow

  • Complete the Brotherhood hike and ceremony

  • Connect with Arrowmen from across the lodge

Brotherhood Celebration days offer a streamlined, single-day opportunity to seal your membership.

Ready to take the next step?

Register for an upcoming Brotherhood event to complete your Brotherhood membership.

Sign me up

Questions?

If you have any questions about the brotherhood process, please contact the Nimat Chairman at [email protected]