Flyer for Brotherhood Opportunities in 2026
Why should I choose to complete Brotherhood?
- You fulfill the commitment you made during the Ordeal ceremony to conclude the induction
process that you started when you were called‐out as a candidate for the Ordeal! - You gain further awareness of the Order’s purpose.
- You learn the other part of the Legend… about Uncas’ challenge while helping the Lenâpé
force back the fierce marauders. - You will meet new friends outside your troop/crew.
- You learn the symbolism behind the two bars on the Brotherhood sash.
- You discover what “service to others” really means.
- You rededicate yourself to the traditions of the Order of the Arrow.
- You set the example that other Arrowmen should follow.
- You gain a sense of belonging to something greater than yourself.
- It is a personal growth experience.
- It teaches the value of leading by example.
- It renews your enthusiasm for Scouting/Venturing.
- “It is a rewarding experience!”
- “It just makes me feel better knowing I’ve completed it!”
Am I eligible to complete Brotherhood?
If you took your Ordeal during 2025, then you are eligible to participate in the Brotherhood
ceremony in 2026. The only other requirement is that your lodge dues are paid for. (Everyone who took the Ordeal during 2025 paid lodge dues for 2026 as part of their Ordeal fee.)
How much does it cost?
There is no additional fee; you paid to complete Brotherhood when you paid to take the
Ordeal. As stated above, your lodge dues must be current (i.e., paid for 2026). If you have not
already done so, please continue your membership in the lodge by paying your lodge dues for. Thank you.
2026 Brotherhood Opportunities
The Brotherhood Experience and the Brotherhood ceremony will be offered four times in 2026:
- April service weekend April 24–26, 2026
- June service weekend June 5–7, 2026
- September fellowship weekend September 25–27, 2026
- Brotherhood Blitz December 12, 2026
All events will take place at Camp Horseshoe. Choose your opportunity and sign‐up online at:
octoraro22.org/event-registration
Adults: Please set-an-example for the youth by completing your Brotherhood!!!
What information do I need to prepare for the Brotherhood Experience?
All information and paperwork necessary to get ready for completing Brotherhood will be
provided by the lodge’s Brotherhood team. This material is provided via three
communications: a “welcome packet” provided with your Order of the Arrow Handbook after
the Ordeal ceremony, plus e‐mails sent two months and six months after taking the Ordeal. If
you mislaid any of these items, you should contact the Brotherhood team to obtain
replacement copies. The Brotherhood team can be contacted at:
brotherhood@octoraro22.org.
Final Thoughts
Remember how cheerful you felt on being called‐out as a candidate for the Order of the
Arrow? Remember how you were referred to as a “friend” at the Pre‐Ordeal ceremony, but
were called a “brother” at the conclusion of the Ordeal ceremony? Even if you did not realize it,
you started upon a journey when you took the Ordeal — the journey to discover the true Spirit
of the Arrow. However, your journey is not finished until you have sealed your membership in
the Order by participating in the Brotherhood ceremony.
The Brotherhood Experience will clarify your understanding of the true purpose of the Order of
the Arrow. The bars on your new Brotherhood sash will signify your commitment to that
purpose. Lastly, by completing Brotherhood you express your gratitude to those who saw your
potential and elected you to the Order.
