Scouts who were elected into the Order of the Arrow (OA) by their troop must complete an Ordeal within one year, in order to become a member of Colonneh Lodge.  If a candidate does not attend an ordeal within one-year, then the candidate has to be re-elected by their unit.  Because fall weekends are busy with football games, band competitions and other outside obligations, the lodge recommends that candidate attend one of the Ordeals earlier in the year, if possible. A candidate can only complete their Ordeal in Colonneh Lodge.  Note that some are two days, and some are three days.

There is important information about Ordeals for parents and candidate, including a list of what to bring on the lodge website.  

All candidates and their families are invited to attend the chapter banquet on Friday night 

Register for Ordeal

The purpose of the Order of the Arrow, Boy Scouts of America’s National Honor Society, is to:

• Recognize those who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives, and through that recognition, cause others to conduct themselves in a way that warrants similar recognition.
• Promote camping, responsible outdoor adventure, and environmental stewardship as essential components of every Scout’s experience, in the unit, year-round, and in summer camp.
• Develop leaders with the willingness, character, spirit and ability to advance the activities of their units, our brotherhood, Scouting, and ultimately our nation.
• Crystallize the Scout habit of helpfulness into a life purpose of leadership in cheerful service to others.

Brotherhood Walk

After 6 months of service as an Ordeal member and after fulfilling certain requirements, an Order of the Arrow member may take part in the Brotherhood ceremony, which places further emphasis on the ideals of Scouting and the Order. Completion of this ceremony signifies full membership in the Order of the Arrow.  Brotherhood is an opportunity for members to evaluate their past service to Scouting (camping and unit involvement) and to their lodge, and to reaffirm their belief in the high purposes of the Order.

Any eligible OA member can attend the walk and ceremony.  You do not need to attend the entire weekend event.

Ordeal members are entitled to all the same rights and privileges of membership in the Order as Brotherhood and Vigil Honor members—there are no ranks within the Order. However, moving on to Brotherhood membership offers an opportunity "to reaffirm [one's] belief in the high purposes of the Order." Before becoming a Brotherhood member, each Arrowmen makes a special effort to serve their troop. Each Brotherhood member commits to even more service to Scouting through the Order." Arrowmen may "seal" their membership after ten months by demonstrating their knowledge of the traditions and obligations of the OA. They then participate in an induction ceremony and become Brotherhood members.

Brotherhood membership is free and easy to obtain. All you need to do is participate in a “Brotherhood Walk” event that reviews the OA traditions, purpose and meaning, as laid out in the Ordeal Ceremony. Following the Brotherhood Walk, you will attend an inspirational and meaningful Brotherhood ceremony that marks the completion of your induction into the Order of the Arrow.  On the right you will find a listing of Brotherhood Walk and Ceremony opportunities. You do not need to go through another Ordeal to become a Brotherhood member. So do not delay, obtain your bars today!