Kittatinny Lodge #5 - BSA
Brotherhood Review & Ceremony Checklist

This page contains information that you will need to know to complete your Brotherhood Review and ceremony.

NOTE:  In the past, the process of becoming a Brotherhood member was called the "Brotherhood Test."  This term is no longer accurate because the process is not a test.  Instead, it is a thing of the Spirit.  No one can fail to become a Brotherhood member if they desire to do so.  Before you can complete your ceremony, you will take part in a counseling session to ensure that you understand the meaning of your Ordeal and what being a Brother in the lodge means.  To prepare for your Brotherhood Review, please do your best to learn the information found on this checklist.  Your counselor will help you through the information if you have difficulty learning it on your own.  We want you to become a Brotherhood member of our lodge and we will make every effort to help you achieve your goal.

Lodge ID # _______________ (on the front of your OA ID card)

Are your Dues paid for year? (Dues are normally $7.00 if paid on time.  Late dues are $10.50. Dues Forms are available HERE.)  Note sure if your dues are paid up, click HERE to find out online.

Name: ________________________________________________________

Address:_______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

Registered as __________________________ Unit # __________________

District:   Broad Mountain / Frontier / Appalachian / Indian Run / Cacoosing

Or as________________________________________ Council Registration

Date of Ordeal _____/_____/_____
 

All answers to the following questions are in the OA Handbook in the section entitled "Trail to Brotherhood."

Reminder:

  1. Send in your $16 for Brotherhood Sash and Pin with registration form (if registration date on form is past, bring $16 with you to test... you are still welcome to take your test if you forgot to pre-register)
  2. Bring a carved arrow with 12 notches on top, 3 notches on bottom

Memorize the following (It's all in the Order of the Arrow Handbook.  If you don't have a book, ask another OA member from your troop to help you or contact one of the officers listed below):

  1. The Admonition (this was whispered in your ear at the Ordeal ceremony)
  2. The Obligation
  3. The Arrow Handclasp (you were given this handclasp when you got your sash at your Ordeal)
  4. Official Song of the Order
  5. Sign of Ordeal Membership (this was also shown to you at your Ordeal)

Learn the four Indians, their role in the ceremony, and their symbolism:

Kitchkinet Guide Helpfulness and friendliness
Nutiket Guard Cheerfulness
Meteu Medicine Man Brotherhood
Allowat Sakima Mighty Chief Service

Learn the tests of the Ordeal and their significance:

Night alone Need for courage and self reliance
Scant food Self denial
Pledge of Silence Need to spend time in thought, full silence to make difficult decisions
Day of Work Willingness to serve

Write a letter to the secretary reviewing your progress toward Brotherhood, explain the meaning of the Obligation to you, and outline how you plan to be active in the lodge.

Any questions or problems?  Contact the lodge leadership, we'll be glad to help!

Additional resources that might be useful:

Online Registration Forms - You need to register to take your test.  Complete a form for an Ordeal weekend (April, May, or September). Mail the completed form with payment to the Council Service Center (address is at the bottom of the forms).
Frequently Asked Questions - A helpful list of common questions from new members.
Kittatinny Lodge V Online - Lots of handy information.

Thanks for taking the time to prepare for Brotherhood.  Through your efforts, our lodge is one step closer to achieving Honor Lodge for this year.

Don't hesitate to contact us if you have any problems.  (We're friendly and we don't bite!)  Our numbers are in your latest copy of Wolf's Tale, or you may reach us via the Kittatinny Lodge Message Center, attn: Brotherhood.

Cheerfully yours in Brotherhood,
Your Lodge Officers & The Brotherhood Committee