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Eligibility
Scouts are elected to the Order by their fellow unit members,
following approval by the Scoutmaster or Varsity team Coach. To
become a member, a youth must be a registered member of a Boy
Scout troop or Varsity Scout team and hold First Class rank. The
youth must have experienced fifteen days and nights of Boy Scout
camping during the two-year period prior to the election. The
fifteen days and nights must include one, but no more than one,
long-term camp consisting of six consecutive days and five nights
of resident camping, approved and under the auspices and standards
of the Boy Scouts of America. The balance of the camping must
be overnight, weekend, or other short-term camps.
Ordeal Membership
Induction
The induction ceremony, called the Ordeal, is the first step toward
full membership. During the experience, candidates maintain silence,
receive small amounts of food, work on camp improvement projects,
and are required to sleep alone, apart from other campers. The
entire experience is designed to teach significant values.
Brotherhood Membership
Brotherhood
Membership
After 10 months of service and fulfilling certain requirements,
a member may take part in the Brotherhood ceremony, which places
further emphasis on the ideals of Scouting and the Order. Completion
of this ceremony signifies full membership in the OA.
Vigil Memebership
Vigil
Honor
After two years of service as a Brotherhood member, and with the
approval of the national Order of the Arrow Committee, a Scout
may be recognized with the Vigil Honor for outstanding service
to Scouting, his lodge, and the community. This honor is bestowed
by special selection and is limited to one person for every 50
members registered with the lodge each year.
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