New Member Guide
Tsoiotsi
Tsogalii Lodge 70, W.W.W.
Order of the
Arrow
Old North State Council
Forward
This booklet was
prepared for you, the new Arrowman, to aid you in the understanding of the
Order of the Arrow, the Ordeal you just went through, and the journey that lies
ahead of you. Keep this booklet and
refer to it often, as it contains very important information that will be of
use to you in future years.
Feel free to contact any
of the officers or advisers listed in the back of this booklet if you have any
questions now, or in the future.
Also feel free to
reference the websites listed at the end of this booklet. They contain valuable information, and are
likely to be more up-to-date.
You
have just become one of the newest members in Tsoiotsi Tsogalii Lodge #70. The
Ordeal weekend through which you have passed was filled with new experiences
and a lot of information. This guide will show you what lies ahead of you on
the exciting journey that you have begun.
There have been many events leading up to your
membership in the Lodge, and they are all part of a process we call symbolic
progression.
The first step in your induction was your unit election.
You were chosen by the members of
your unit because of something they saw in you. Allowat Sakima, the mighty
Chief, talked of the election in the Pre-Ordeal Ceremony:
most
trustworthy from the quiver,
you
were drawn from many others"
This was the first
indication of your worthiness to be inducted to the Order.
Summer Camp Tap-Out Ceremony
The next step in your
induction was the Tap-Out Ceremony. At this ceremony, you were officially
recognized as a candidate. You were taken from the audience of your fellow scouts,
and presented before the lodge, where you were tapped out and recognized as a
candidate for membership in the Order.
When you arrived at our Ordeal, you were curious. Many questions floated in your head. Soon after you arrived, you were introduced to your Elangomat and the members of your clan. The Elangomat would be your friend throughout your Ordeal Experience. He is a member of the Lodge who would experience all the things you would during the Ordeal.
The first glimpse of the
Pre-Ordeal ring was undoubtedly breathtaking. Fifteen small fires circled an
unlit fire lay. The fifteen fires represent the twelve points of the Scout Law
and the three points of the Scout Oath. One at a time, you met the four
ceremonial principals. They encouraged you and presented you with a challenge.
The most important
moment of the Ordeal is when you took upon yourself the Obligation of the Order
of the Arrow. This solemn obligation is the very heart of what the OA is all
about:
“I do hereby promise, on my honor as a Scout,
that it will always and faithfully observe and preserve the traditions of the
Order of the Arrow, Wimachtendienk, Wingolauchsik, Witahemui.
I will always regard the ties of brotherhood in
the Order of the Arrow as lasting, and will seek to preserve a cheerful spirit,
even in the midst of irksome tasks and weighty responsibilities, and will
endeavor, so far as in my power lies, to be unselfish in service and devotion
to the welfare of others.”
The Obligation can also be found on the back of your membership card and in your Order of the Arrow Handbook. When you sign the back of you membership card, you reaffirm this obligation and again pledge yourself to live by it.
What's
it all about?
The Order of the Arrow is known as
Scouting's National Honor Society.
To recognize those campers - Scouts, and Scouters - who
best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives and by such
recognition cause other campers to conduct themselves in such a manner as to
warrant recognition.
·
To develop and maintain camping traditions and spirit.
·
To promote Scout camping, which reaches its greatest
effectiveness as a part of the unit's camping program, both year-around and in
the summer camp, as directed by the camping committee of the council.
·
To crystallize the Scout habit of helpfulness into a
life purpose of leadership in cheerful service to others.
During
your Ordeal weekend, you were inducted into Tsoiotsi Tsogalii Lodge #70. During
the Ordeal Ceremony, you became an Ordeal
Member. As you were told, you have all of the rights and privileges of the
Order of the Arrow. The Order does not have ranks like in Scouting. It has levels of membership. However, these
levels do not cause one Arrowman to be superior to another, for we are all
brothers.
After you have been active as an Arrowman in the Lodge for 10
months, you are eligible to become a Brotherhood
Member. This involves a ceremony similar to that of the Ordeal. The
Brotherhood Ceremony builds upon some of the occurrences in the Ordeal
Ceremony. This is an important step that you should plan to take. By becoming a
Brotherhood member, you seal your membership in the Order. You must meet a few
more challenges regarding the customs, tradition, and obligations of the Order.
See
"What’s Ahead?" on page 5 for more details.
Each year the Lodge honors several Arrowmen with the Vigil Honor. These individuals are Arrowmen who seem to go above and beyond what a typical Arrowman is expected to do. They have held Brotherhood membership for two years or more. These Arrowmen undergo new tests and a new ceremony before receiving the Vigil Honor. A committee meets each year to nominate the Vigil Honor Recipients. The selections are made based on continuing service and devotion to the Order of the Arrow and Scouting.
The Lodge is lead by several youth Arrowmen who serve as officers, under the guidance of selected, capable adult Arrowmen. Together, these Arrowmen are responsible for conducting the program of the Lodge. Many of these Lodge leaders comprise the Lodge Executive Committee, the decision making body of the Lodge. The LEC is composed of the Lodge Officers, Lodge Advisers, Committee Chairmen, and Committee Advisers.
The officers of the Lodge are
the Chief, and several Vice-Chiefs, including a Vice-Chief of Program, Service,
Indian Affairs, Publications, Records, and Finance. These Lodge leaders are
responsible for overseeing and conducting the operations of the Lodge and
administering the Lodge program.
There are many opportunities
for Leadership in the OA. If you have an interest in becoming more involved in
the Lodge Program and are interested in learning about the Order of the Arrow
through one of its numerous leadership positions, contact one the Lodge Leaders
and discuss it with him. There's a role for every Arrowman in the Order of the
Arrow, rather it be an officer, a chairman, or an adviser.
What's
In It For Me?
The Order of the Arrow has a lot to
offer you, from activities to leadership and service opportunities.
Each activity is promoted in the Lodge Newsletter, which you will now be receiving, as well as the lodge website. Pay attention to the articles in the Newsletter so you don't miss registration deadlines and other important information.
This is an event that
is held every January to train the incoming officers of the lodge and
chapters. It is open to any Arrowman
that will be serving as a chapter or lodge officer or chairman.
Spring Fellowship is
held in March of each year. It is a
weekend that is intended to show the fun side of the Order, and thus there are
very few, if any, work projects scheduled for this weekend. Typically, there are chapter competitions,
training events, Native American Activities, patch trading, lots of games, and
a whole lot of food! This is an
excellent time to make new friends, meet up with old ones, and to just hang
out. Be sure to check out the lodge
newsletter and website for the latest news about fellowship events.
Section Conclave
Arrowmen from all over North Carolina meet every year in
the spring for this event. All Arrowmen are welcome to attend this event and
enjoy the fun, fellowship, competition, training and to exchange energy and
ideas. This event is hosted by a different Lodge from Section SR-7B each year.
This first weekend in May is a time that we render cheerful service back to our council camps. This is also the lodge’s prime opportunity for Arrowmen to take the Brotherhood Ceremony. While there is an Ordeal conducted at the Brotherhood Weekend, the weekend itself is not carried out like an Ordeal. Arrowmen are free to talk and eat just like at fellowships.
Summer Camp
Every Monday night at
Summer Camp, the lodge holds a meeting of all Arrowmen at camp that week. This is when we promote our upcoming lodge
events, fill you in on recent happenings within the lodge, and start preparing
for the Thursday Evening Campfire Call-out Ceremony. Be sure to stop by for this important meeting while you are out
at camp.
The National Order of the Arrow Conference is held
bi-annually on the campus of a major university.
This week of training, Brotherhood, competition, and
fellowship includes Arrowmen from all over the
United States. There are many opportunities offered at
this nationwide event.
Fall Fellowship is occurs every November, it is the last
event for the lodge each year. This is
also the time of the annual lodge meeting, the time when we elect officers for
next year and conduct any lodge business that may be necessary. This is also the last opportunity to take
the challenges of the Brotherhood for the year. Saturday evening, we hold our Annual Lodge Banquet in
the dining hall at camp. This is where
we present the awards for the year and recognize both our incoming and outgoing
officers.
What's
Ahead?
Your completion of the Ordeal
sets you on the start of an exciting adventure. After at least 10 months of
active service in the Lodge, you will be eligible to seal your membership with
the Order in the Brotherhood Ceremony.
The Ordeal has introduced you to the mysteries of the Order. Now, during your service as an Ordeal member, you have ample opportunity to increase your knowledge of the Order and to make it work for you.
Your brothers in Tsoiotsi
Tsogalii Lodge #70 stand ready to help you, and you should take advantage of
their support whenever possible.
The Challenges of Brotherhood
Membership
You must meet five challenges before you can enter the
Circle of Brotherhood. The first of these you should meet now. The next three
require steady effort over a period of months. The last challenge you must meet
after you are satisfied that you are meeting the first four challenges.
1.
Memorize the signs of Arrow Membership. Memorize
the Obligation of the Arrow, which you received from Allowat Sakima (printed on
the back of your Membership Card, in this Guide, and in the Order of the Arrow
Handbook). Also, memorize the Order of the Arrow Official Song, the Admonition,
the sign of the Ordeal membership, and the Arrow handclasp.
2.
Advance in your understanding of the Ordeal. Gain a
thorough understanding of the Ordeal through which you have passed.
3.
Serve your unit. Retain
your registration in Scouting. During a period of at least 10 months, 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 you Lodge Secretary.
How?
To sign up for Brotherhood Conversion, register using
the Lodge Newsletter. The Lodge offers the Brotherhood Ceremony at least four
times a year. It is held at Spring Fellowship, Brotherhood Weekend, October
Ordeal, and Fall Fellowship, so be sure to read the Lodge Newsletter for more
information. The guide on the next page will help you prepare for the next step
in you journey.
Your
Guide to Brotherhood
Do the following to meet the 5
challenges of Brotherhood Membership.
1) Memorize these signs of membership.
·
The Obligation. Can be found on page 2 of this Guide, on
the back of your membership card, and in your Order of the Arrow Handbook.
·
The Order of the Arrow Official Song can be found in
your Order of the Arrow Handbook.
·
The handclasp of the Order is made with the left hand
intertwining the ring and little fingers.
·
The Admonition is a very sacred element in the Order of
the Arrow. So sacred is the Lenni Lenape word that it is only printed in
ceremonial booklets. It appears nowhere else in print. The word is only to be
whispered between brothers during ceremonies and to verify OA membership; it is
never to be spoken out loud. The meaning, however, can be shared: "To love
one another". If you need to be reminded of what the admonition is, ask a
fellow Arrowman who can tell you.
2) To further your understanding of the Ordeal, please study the answers to these questions found in your Order of the Arrow Handbook. There is also a study guide printed later in this guide.
·
Who is Kichkinet? Nutiket? Meteu? Allowat Sakima?
·
What tokens did the four ceremonial principals reveal to
you in the Pre-Ordeal, and what did they represent?
·
What are the tests of the Ordeal, and what do they
illustrate?
·
What are the three symbolic preparations for the
Obligation in the Ordeal Ceremony?
·
What is the tradition given us by Uncas as described in
the legend?
·
What is the significance of Allowat Sakima's description
of the Arrow in the Ordeal Ceremony?
·
What is Ordeal Membership
·
When are you ready to accept Brotherhood Membership in
the Order?
3) Retain your registration in Scouting. During
a period of at least 10 months, strive to fulfill your Obligation by continuing
and expanding your service to your own troop. An Arrowman's greatest obligation
in Scouting does not belong to the Order of the Arrow; rather, it lies in
service to the Troop.
4) 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. Attending
events is a great way to develop an idea of how you can serve the Lodge.
5) Write a letter to the Lodge Secretary. This
letter is for you to explain your journey in the Order thus far. It should be
brought with you to the weekend of your Brotherhood Ceremony. In it include:
·
Explain what you think the Obligation means.
·
Describe how you have been fulfilling this Obligation in
your Troop 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.
The questions and
answers below are intended as a guide to aid you in understanding the different
parts of the Ordeal. More detail
information can be found in the Order of the Arrow Handbook, which you received
at your Ordeal.
1.
What is the name of initial
membership in the Order of the Arrow?
2.
Why is it so called?
3.
What are the four parts of
the Ordeal and their respective purposes?
4.
How were you prepared for
this Ordeal?
5.
When you had completed the
Ordeal, how were you dealt with?
We were placed
on the trail that leads to the circle
6.
By whom were you first
stopped as you approached the circle?
Nutiket the
guard
7.
Who next barred your further
progress?
8.
Had you been given the
admonition?
No, but Kitchkinet gave it for you.
9.
Before who did you last
arrive?
Allowat Sakima the Might Chief. He asked if we were ready for the Obligation.
6.
What was Kitchkniet's reply
to this inquiry?
Only in the binding of them
Together
7.
How did Kitchkinet call the
attention of eaach of these officers to your presence?
Three taps to the shoulder
8.
What did these three taps
signify?
The three parts of the Scout Oath
9.
How did each of these
officers respond to Kitchkinet?
1 tap, then 2 taps.
10.
What Does this represent?
The 12 points of the Scout Law
11.
How were you and your
companions bound together?
By a rope which represent the Ties
of Brotherhood
12.
How was your preparation for
the Obligation completed?
13.
In what did Meteu then
instruct you?
The Legend of the Order.
14.
Who are the central figures
of that legend?
Chingachcook the Chieftain and Uncas his son.
15.
What did Allowat Sakima then
impart to you?
The symbol, handclasp, and the Obligation.
16.
What is the symbol of the
Order? How is it worn?
My
Trail to Brotherhood
Check off each item as you complete
it.
1)
Memorize.
2) Further
Your Understanding of the Ordeal.
_____Look up answers to
questions
_____Study questions and
answers
3) Remain
Active in Your Troop and Lodge.
Date
of Ordeal __________________________________________
Date
Eligible for Brotherhood ______________________________
(10 months after Ordeal)
4) Attend a Few Lodge Functions.
Event
Attended ___________________________ Date ___________
Event
Attended ___________________________ Date ___________
Event
Attended ___________________________ Date ___________
5) Develop
a Plan for Service to the Lodge.
How I plan to serve Tsoiotsi
Tsogalii Lodge #70:
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
6) Watch
the Meechgalane for
registration Information.
Send the registration page in
the lodge newsletter, The Meechgalane, as soon as you find the date
for an event with a Brotherhood Conversion Opportunity. Review and Familiarize
yourself with the Customs and Traditions of the Order of the Arrow.
7) Write a
letter.
Write a letter to the Lodge
Secretary and bring it with you to the Brotherhood Weekend.
If you
ever have any questions regarding the Lodge or Brotherhood Membership, fell
free to contact your Elangomat.
Elangomat
Name _________________________________________
Phone
Number ___________________________________________
Address
________________________________________________
City ____________________________________________________
State
___________________________ Zip __________________
e-mail __________________________________________________
You
may also want to keep track of your new brothers who served with you in your
clan. Feel free to record their names
and numbers below.
Name ___________________________________________________
Name ___________________________________________________
Name ___________________________________________________
Name ___________________________________________________
Name ___________________________________________________
Name ___________________________________________________
Name ___________________________________________________
Name ___________________________________________________
Name ___________________________________________________
Name ___________________________________________________
Name ___________________________________________________
Lodge Website: http://www.bsaonsc.org/oa/index.htm
Council Office: PO Box 29046
Greensboro, NC 27429-9046
(800) 367-9166
http://www.bsaonsc.org
National Order of the Arrow website:
http://www.oa-bsa.org
National Boy Scout Website: http://www.bsa.scouting.org