Information for New OA Members
Ordeal/Brotherhood
Purpose and History of the Order of the Arrow (OA)

Purpose

The purpose of the Order of the Arrow is fourfold:

  • To recognize those Scout campers who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives
  • To develop and maintain camping traditions and spirit
  • To promote Scout camping
  • To crystallize the Scout habit of helpfulness into a life purpose of leadership in cheerful service to others

History

The Order of the Arrow (OA) was founded by Dr. E. Urner Goodman and Carroll A. Edson in 1915 at the Treasure Island Camp of the Philadelphia Council, Boy Scouts of America. It became an official program experiment in 1922 and was approved as part of the Scouting program in 1934.

In 1948 the OA, recognized as the BSA's national brotherhood of honor campers, became an official part of the national camping program of the Boy Scouts of America.
History of the Lodge
CATAWBA Lodge 459 chartered on June 18, 1951 in Area 1, with Arrowmen Roy House, Sr., Gene Grimes and Fred Van Treece, and was named after the Catawba Indians who lived in this area. First Ordeal held at Camp Steere on Lake Wylie hosted by Itibapish Iti Hollo Lodge 188. The Lodge has many events throughout the year and also offers a chance for youth members to hold offices of responsibility as well as the ones they hold in the troop.
Videos of Various Lodge Events
Here are some videos that the lodge has put together to give you an idea of what happens at any of the lodge events. All of the lodge events are similar to the videos here, but each event is unique as to what goes on during the weekend.
Ordeal Member Information

Congratulations on being elected in the Order of the Arrow, here is a list of what you will need to bring with you to go through your Ordeal:

Before arriving it is suggested that every candidate pack two bags:

  1. Camping gear in your backpack:
    • A tent
    • Clothes (for a normal camping trip)
    • Extra cash (for trading post when Ordeal is over)
    • Meals are provided so no cook gear is needed unless directed by scoutmaster
  2. Ordeal gear in a duffle bag or a day pack:
    • Sleeping bag
    • Ground cloth
    • Water bottle
    • Toiletry items (soap, towel, toothpaste, toothbrush, etc.)
    • Poncho (rain gear)
    • Work Clothes - you don't mind getting dirty
    • Work Gloves
    • Pocket knife

Full scout uniform is expected of everyone upon check in.

Bring a full stomach because dinner is not provided Friday night.
Brotherhood Member Information
Click here to download the Brotherhood Letter. When finished, email it to the vcadministration@catawba459.org
Congratulations on your 1st Year Anniversary in Catawba Lodge. Here is what you will need to go through the Brotherhood Questionnaire:
What to study for Brotherhood membership: The OA Song
  1. Learn the signs of Arrow membership - they may be found in your handbook:
    • Learn the Obligation of the Order, which you received from Allowat Sakima (printed on the back of your membership card and in your OA handbook on page 10).
    • Learn the Order of the Arrow Official Song (p.13)
    • The Admonition
    • The sign of Ordeal membership
    • The Arrow handclasp.
  2. Advance in your understanding of the Ordeal: Gain a thorough understanding of the Ordeal through which you have passed. (refer to pages 52-54 on your handbook for reference).
  3. Serve your unit. Retain your registration in Scouting: During a period of at least 10 months after your Ordeal, strive to fulfill your Obligation by continuing and expanding your service to your own troop.
  4. Plan for service in your lodge: Retain your registration in your Order of the Arrow lodge and keep your dues paid. Be aware that acceptance of Brotherhood membership involves a pledge of service to the lodge. Develop a concrete idea of how you plan to fulfill this pledge.
  5. Review your progress: When you earnestly feel that you have met the four challenges above, write a letter to your Lodge Secretary. In this letter:
    • Explain what you think the Obligation means.
    • Describe how you have been fulfilling this Obligation in your troop or team and in your daily life, and how you have used your understanding of the Ordeal to aid in this service.
    • Describe your specific plans for giving service in the lodge program.
    • Bring this letter that you have written with you. Have your letter typed or in neat, legible handwriting. All letters must be turned in to the Lodge Secretary when you check in Friday evening.
  6. Register for the Lodge event you wish to attain Brotherhood Membership and show up Friday evening.

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Mecklenburg County Council, Boy Scouts of America.
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Last Updated: May 21, 2010