Order of the Arrow

Eligibility (Order of the Arrow)

• Must be a registered BSA member.

• Must have completed 15 days and nights of camping within the past two years, including one long-term camp (6 days/5 nights) and the rest short-term.

• Youth: Must be under 21, hold First Class rank or higher, and be elected by fellow Scouts with Scoutmaster approval.

• Adults (21+): Must meet the camping requirement and be nominated by the unit to the lodge adult selection committee. Selection is based on ability to support the Order’s purpose, not prior service. One adult may be nominated per 50 Scouts, only if at least one youth is elected (e.g., 51 Scouts = 2 adults).

Elections, Call-Out, Ordeal, and Membership

Elections

Candidates for the Order of the Arrow (OA) are elected by youth in their troop, including both members and non-members of the OA. All Scouts under 21, including Assistant Scoutmasters, may vote.

• Voting is by secret ballot.

• Scouts may vote for any number of eligible candidates, including themselves.

• Abstaining (not turning in a ballot) does not count against candidates.

• Blank ballots (submitted with no names selected) count against all candidates.

• A candidate must receive votes from at least 50% of the ballots turned in (excluding abstentions, but including blanks).
  
  

Ballots are counted privately by the election team. The Scoutmaster is informed of the results and decides when to share them.

Call-Out Ceremony

After election or nomination, candidates may be recognized at a call-out ceremony before completing their Ordeal. These ceremonies are often held at summer camp, but may also occur at camporees or troop meetings.

Ordeal and Membership

Elected candidates must complete the Ordeal within one year to become OA members. The Ordeal emphasizes selflessness and includes:

• A vow of silence

• A night alone without shelter

• Limited food

• Strenuous service work
  
  

Completion includes an induction ceremony, after which the Scout becomes an Ordeal member and is encouraged to remain active and support Scout camping.

More information can be found at Tsoiotsi Tsogalii Lodge.

Brotherhood Membership

After 10 months as an Ordeal member, Scouts may seal their membership by completing the Brotherhood ceremony, which deepens commitment to the values of Scouting and the Order.

Requirements:

• Be an Ordeal member for at least 10 months

• Be active in your unit and the Lodge (dues paid)

• Write a letter to the Lodge Secretary

• Pay the Brotherhood fee

• Attend a Brotherhood Enrichment session and ceremony

• Know the following:

  • The Obligation (OA Handbook, p. 10)

  • The Admonition

  • The OA Song (p. 13)

  • The OA Handclasp (p. 27)

  • The Sign of Ordeal Membership
    
    

Opportunities to complete the ceremony are typically available during Spring and Fall Fellowships, listed on the Council calendar.

Vigil Honor

The Vigil Honor is the highest recognition in the Order of the Arrow, awarded for exceptional service.

Eligibility and Selection:

• Must be a Brotherhood member for at least 2 years

• Demonstrated outstanding service to the Lodge, OA, Scouting, or Scout camp

• Selected by special nomination with national committee approval

• Limited to 1 Arrowman per 50 registered Lodge members annually
  
  

This honor reflects distinguished contributions and is not earned through application, but by recognition from others.