Santa Fe Trail Council, Garden City, KS
Mandan Lodge #194 - Providing Cheerful Service since 1948
National OA has changed Lodge Numbering policy. Lodge is now the same as Council Number.

(adapted from The Order of the Arrow Handbook, Boy Scouts of America)

Brotherhood

Brotherhood is an opportunity for members to evaluate their past service to Scouting (camping and unit involvement) and to their lodge, and to reaffirm their belief in the high purposes of the Order.  Once an Arrowman has been an active Ordeal member for at least 10 months, he (or she, in the case of adults) may choose to seal his membership by becoming Brotherhood. It is important to note that Brotherhood is the only OA level that a Scout may choose for himself.  (Ordeals are elected by their units; Vigil honorees are selected by their Lodge.)

The Brotherhood process can easily be completed in an afternoon.  The test and ceremony are intended to be sources of inspiration that motivate brothers to give even greater service to Scouting.  The meaning and purpose of the tests of the Ordeal will become much more clear at the Brotherhood ceremony.

From the inception of the Order of the Arrow in 1915, all members are equal.  There are no ranks.  Brotherhood membership does not provide a special degree of rank, status, or special honor similar to that of Vigil Honor.  Outside of making arrangements for Brotherhood ceremonies, Brotherhood members do not meet as a separate group.  In fact, social and service activities cannot be held for Brotherhood members apart from regular lodge members.