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The
Ordeal
Starting with an inspiring ceremony, the candidate
is presented with four challenges to help him understand the obligations
of a member of the Order to show brotherhood, cheerfulness, and service.
Once the four tests are completed, the member takes an obligation of
service, and becomes an Ordeal member of the Order. Note that nothing in
the Ordeal is considered hazing; the "tests" are exercises intended to
promote self-discovery and inspiration, and all ceremonies are reviewed
regularly by Scouting and religious leaders. The experience of the Ordeal
is to challenge one's self to understand an obligation of life-long
cheerful service.
About a year after the Ordeal, Ordeal members who
have developed an ideal of cheerful service to others can "seal" their OA
membership through the Brotherhood Ceremony.
The Brotherhood
This second ceremony is a rededication to the
original principles of the Ordeal, and carries an additional obligation to
cheerful service.
Brotherhood members who devote years of service to
the lodge, to the camp, to the council, or some other part of Scouting may
be awarded the Vigil Honor, the lodge's highest award for exceptional
service.
 The
Vigil Honor
However, Vigil members carry an even greater
obligation to service, for the honor is bestowed not for what one has
done, but for what one is expected to. Vigil Honor members understand that
they are examples of leadership in cheerful service to others
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