Dear Newly Inducted Ordeal Member,
Congratulations on your recent completion of the Ordeal. This is the first, and to some,
the most difficult endeavor you will encounter as a member of the Order. You will remember
the experience of your Ordeal for the rest of your lifetime.
However, the Ordeal is just the beginning. As it was mentioned during the Ordeal
ceremony, another time of trial awaits you.
The term “Ordeal” refers to a time of trial. While the purpose of the Ordeal weekend is
designed to test to see if you are worthy to become a member of the Lodge, the period after
completing the Ordeal ceremony is an opportunity for you to determine whether the Order if for
you. When you determine that the Order is for you, you are ready to seal your membership in
the Brotherhood.
Ten months after your Ordeal, you are eligible to permanently seal your membership in
the Brotherhood. This is the process where you make the commitment to become a full member
of the Order of the Arrow. The process of doing so is fairly simple, and should not be difficult
for anybody who is active in their home unit. In preparation, it is hoped that you take some time
to look over the Brotherhood Questionnaire, which is also located on this CD. Although you are
asked to look at these questions, it is not necessary to know the answers word for word. There is
no pass or fail involved with the Brotherhood interview.
If you completed your Ordeal at an August weekend, you will be eligible the following
June. If you completed your Ordeal at an October weekend, you will be eligible the following
August. Finally, if you completed your Ordeal at an April or June weekend, you will be eligible
the following April. More information will be provided to you via mail or email prior to the
weekend you are eligible for your Brotherhood. However, as notices are often sent out via
standard mail, often these notices are not received in a timely fashion. Therefore, if you believe
you are eligible, feel free to contact the Brotherhood Committee for more information.
Also, you are invited to attend the Brotherhood Conversion Information Seminar, which
will be held at the Lodge Banquet in February. While attendance is not a requirement, it is
strongly encouraged that you attend. You will receive more information about sealing your
membership into the Brotherhood, as well as the opportunity to ask any questions you might
have. Also, free refreshments are always provided.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact the Brotherhood Chairman (youth leader),
at Brotherhood@oa6.org, or the Brotherhood Adviser (adult) at BrotherhoodADV@oa6.org.
Yours in WWW,
Wagion Lodge Brotherhood Committee