Those who are selected by their peers are chosen because of their camping ability and their Scouting spirit.  The troop or team members set the candidate apart as one of whom much is expected.

To be eligible for election to the Order of the Arrow, a Scout has to be at least First Class and have experienced fifteen days and nights of Boy Scout camping in 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 residence 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.

 Once a Scout has been elected he is formally recognized as a candidate. This is done at a “Call Out” ceremony, which is usually conducted in an outdoor setting by a ceremony team outfitted in American Indian regalia.  In Cowikee Lodge, a Call Out ceremony, for newly elected candidates, is held at the council spring camporee.

The candidate then participates in an Ordeal weekend at scout camp. This starts with the pre-Ordeal ceremony and then the candidate undergoes an actual Ordeal which is a series of tests to prove sincere dedication to the principals of the Order of the Arrow.

After the successful completion of the Ordeal, the candidate is accepted as a member in a colorful ceremony and becomes an Ordeal member of the Order of the Arrow.

An Ordeal member pledges to provide cheerful service to Scouting. The Ordeal member’s responsibility of service is with their scouting unit.

Sign of Ordeal Membership:

The sign of the Ordeal membership is a white sash with a red embroidered arrow.

No Ranks in the OA:

Even thought the Order has Ordeal, Brotherhood and Vigil members it is important to understand that from the beginning of the OA in 1915, all members have been equal.  There are no ranks in the OA.  An Ordeal member is entitles to all the rights and privileges of membership in the Order.

On to Brotherhood: