FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FAQ Index:

• What does Ordeal, Brotherhood, and Vigil Honor Membership mean?
  
• How do I become a Brotherhood member?
  
• What do I do with a Brotherhood testing form?
  
• How do I become a Vigil Honor member?
  
• How do I pay my dues?
  
• I've lost a form.  Where can I get extra forms?
  
• I've taken my Ordeal, so now what can I do at an OA weekend?
  
• How do I register for an OA weekend?
  
• What is Wolf's Tale?
  
• Why haven't I received a Wolf's Tale for a few months?
  
• How do I find my lodge ID number?
  
• What do the numbers on my Wolf's Tale label mean?
  
• How do I join a committee?
  
• Other Questions

What does Ordeal, Brotherhood, and Vigil Honor Membership mean?

Ordeal membership is earned by those Scouts who have been elected by their unit and have completed their Ordeal.  Ordeal membership entitles you to full membership in the Order of the Arrow.  You can participate in any lodge activities or committees.

Brotherhood membership may be earned by those arrowmen who have been an Ordeal member for 10 months and have continued to serve their units and the Order of the Arrow.  Brotherhood membership is given after a Brotherhood Review Test is taken and the Brotherhood ceremony is completed.  Brotherhood marks an Arrowman's acceptance of the lodge and its traditions.  The Brotherhood is often referred to as "sealing your bonds in Brotherhood."

The Vigil Honor may be bestowed after a Brotherhood member has served the lodge for two years since becoming a Brotherhood member.  The Vigil Honor is awarded through nominations and a selection committee.  Vigil Honor is the lodge's highest honor.  Alertness to the needs of others is the mark of the Vigil Honor. It calls for an individual with an unusual awareness of the possibilities within each situation.

It is also important to emphasize that Ordeal, Brotherhood and Vigil Honor members all share the same rights and privileges in the lodge. Ordeal, Brotherhood, and Vigil Honor are less like "ranks" and more like "honors" in the lodge. They are not distinctions that should separate or classify Arrowmen as different from one another. Instead, they are simply honors that have been bestowed to recognize a Brother's commitment to the Lodge.

How do I become a Brotherhood member?

To become a Brotherhood member, you must first remain active and registered in your Scouting unit.  In addition, you must keep your dues paid in the Order of the Arrow.  After 10 months have passed since your Ordeal, you become eligible to take your Brotherhood Review Test.  The Brotherhood Committee will send you a Brotherhood Testing sheet.  Fill out the front of the form with your name, Ordeal date, unit number, etc.  Then you must learn about all of the topics listed on the back of the page.  In addition, you must fill out a weekend registration form that you will get in your Wolf's Tale and check the box for "additional Brotherhood testing fee."  Send a check to the address on that form for the weekend fee and Brotherhood testing fee.  When the weekend of your test comes, take your Brotherhood testing form and a carved arrow with you to the weekend.  You will be tested and the back of your form will be initialed.  You will then participate in the Brotherhood ceremony and become a Brotherhood member.

What do I do with a Brotherhood testing form?

You need to fill out the front of the form with your name and other information.  The back should contain a listing of topics.  You need to study these topics for your Brotherhood Review Test.  Your tester will initial each of the topics when you demonstrate knowledge of them.  Therefore, you need to take the form along to the weekend at which you are taking your Brotherhood test.

How do I become a Vigil Honor member?

You cannot earn the Vigil Honor like you earned the Brotherhood.  Instead, Vigil Honor candidates are chosen from those arrowmen nominated by their Brothers.  Only worthy arrowmen who have served Scouting for 2 years since their Brotherhood Ceremony maybe considered for the Vigil Honor.  After a Vigil candidate is selected, the Vigil Committee begins the induction process.

How do I pay my dues?

It is important that your dues are up to date because you do not receive Wolf's Tale or count as an active member unless your dues are current.  Dues are $7 if paid before the beginning of the new year.  For example, if it is December 5, 2000 and you wish to pay your 2001 dues, the cost will be $7 until the end of the year.  However, as soon as January 1 of the new year rolls around, you will have to pay a "reinstatement fee" in addition to the regular price.  Including the late fee, the cost will be $10 (plus postage if appropriate) instead of $7.  It's in your best interests to pay your dues ahead of time to avoid the late charge.  To pay your dues, you have several options.

The first option is to pay your dues with the lodge treasurer at an Ordeal weekend.  He will usually give you a receipt and you can pick up your new membership card the very same weekend.

A second option is to fill out a dues form found in your Wolf's Tale or on this website and send it with a check payable to Kittatinny Lodge 5-BSA to the council service center.  Include a self-addressed stamped envelope and your new membership card will be mailed to you.

The third option is to fill out a dues form found in your Wolf's Tale or on this website and take it to the council service center with your payment and pay in person.  The secretary will usually be able to give you your membership card.

I've lost a form.  Where can I get extra forms?

Forms can be downloaded from Kittatinny 5 Online's forms page and printed.  Also, the council service center usually has several extra forms on hand.

I've taken my Ordeal, so now what can I do at an OA weekend?

Now that your Ordeal is over, you are entitled to all the rights and privileges of a member of the Order of the Arrow.  At an OA weekend, you can enjoy fun, great food, fellowship, and cheerful service with your brothers in the Order.

At the weekend, you can volunteer to be an Elangomat and help the new Ordeal candidates by contacting the Ordeal Chairman.  You could be a crew chief and lead service project crews, or you could help out on a service project crew to put up tents or give other service to the camp.  You could also participate in the Health and Safety Committee as a Health and Safety assistant.  There are many opportunities open to you.

In addition, you can enjoy the lodge's great home cooking and sleep in a cozy cabin on a cot.  Furthermore, there are usually clan activities such as the Invitational Volleyball Tournament and other games and fun to participate in.  Make new friends, have a blast, all while cheerfully serving your camp.  Weekends are a ton of fun!  Don't be afraid to try something new -- come to an OA weekend!

How do I register for an OA weekend?

Registering for an Ordeal weekend (OA weekend) is easy.  First, find a weekend registration form.  They are usually mailed with your Wolf's Tale, or if you lost the form you can download and print another from this website.  Fill out the form with the requested information.  If you are confused or don't know what to write, try to talk to an experienced OA member in your troop or contact the Membership committee with any questions that you have.  When you form is filled out, mail it with a check payable to Kittatinny Lodge 5 - BSA to the council service center by the dates indicated on the form.

What is Wolf's Tale?

Wolf's Tale is the official lodge newsletter.  Wolf's Tale is mailed every two months to members who have their dues currently paid.  Wolf's Tale contains news about upcoming events, officer briefings, Lenape Lore, phone numbers, and much more.

To help with the Wolf's Tale, you could write an article or help to copy, fold, and label.  If you're interested, contact the editor or Publications Chairman on the back of your Wolf's Tale.

Why haven't I received a Wolf's Tale for a few months?

This is probably because you haven't paid your dues.  The mailing list for Wolf's Tale is based upon the list of members who have their dues paid.  Pay your dues and you will be put back on the list.

Another reason may be that your address is incorrect.  To investigate a mailing address mistake, contact the Membership committee advisor on the back of the Wolf's Tale to try to fix the problem.

How do I find my lodge ID number?

Your lodge ID number is printed on your lodge membership card.  It is also printed on your Wolf's Tale mailing label above your name.  The number is a 4 digit number.

What do the numbers on my Wolf's Tale label mean?

There should be two numbers printed about your name.  The first is usually a 4 digit number.  This number is your lodge ID number.  The second number is usually a 2 digit number.  This number is the year for which your dues are current.  For example, a "99" signifies that your dues have been paid for 1999.

How do I join a committee?

It is easy to join a committee.  When you find a committee that you would like to help, you need to contact the committee chairman.  A list of committee chairmen and phone numbers is provided on the back of your Wolf's Tale.  Call the chairman and ask how you can help.  Usually, he will have plenty of jobs for you to help with.

Other questions ...

If these Frequently Asked Questions have not helped you with your problem, you need to seek additional help.  You could talk to an experienced OA member in your troop and perhaps he would be able to help you.

If you need additional help beyond that, please contact the Lodge Adviser, Lodge Chief, or appropriate chairman listed on the back of your Wolf's Tale and they will be eager to talk to you and try to solve your problem.