FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FAQ Index:

• What does Ordeal, Brotherhood, and Vigil Honor Membership mean?
  
• How do I become a Brotherhood member?
  
• How do I become a Vigil Honor member?
  
• How do I pay my dues?
  
• I've lost a form.  Where can I get extra forms?
  
• I've taken my Ordeal, so now what can I do at a function?
  
• How do I register for a function?
  
• What is the Torchbearer?
  
• Why haven't I received a Torchbearer for a few months?
  
• How do I join a committee?
  
• Other Questions

What does Ordeal, Brotherhood, and Vigil Honor Membership mean?

Ordeal membership is earned by those Scouts who have been elected by their unit and have completed their Ordeal.  Ordeal membership entitles you to full membership in the Order of the Arrow.  You can participate in any lodge activities or committees.

Brotherhood membership may be earned by those arrowmen who have been an Ordeal member for 10 months and have continued to serve their units and the Order of the Arrow.  Brotherhood marks an Arrowman's acceptance of the lodge and its traditions.  The Brotherhood is often referred to as "sealing your bonds in Brotherhood."

The Vigil Honor may be bestowed after a Brotherhood member has served the lodge for two years since becoming a Brotherhood member.  The Vigil Honor is awarded through nominations and a selection committee.  Vigil Honor is the lodge's highest honor.  Alertness to the needs of others is the mark of the Vigil Honor. It calls for an individual with an unusual awareness of the possibilities within each situation.

It is also important to emphasize that Ordeal, Brotherhood and Vigil Honor members all share the same rights and privileges in the lodge. Ordeal, Brotherhood, and Vigil Honor are less like "ranks" and more like "honors" in the lodge. They are not distinctions that should separate or classify Arrowmen as different from one another. Instead, they are simply honors that have been bestowed to recognize a Brother's commitment to the Lodge.

How do I become a Brotherhood member?

To become a Brotherhood member, you must first remain active and registered in your Scouting unit.  In addition, you must keep your dues paid in the Order of the Arrow.  After 10 months have passed since your Ordeal, you become eligible to take your Brotherhood. 

How do I become a Vigil Honor member?

You cannot earn the Vigil Honor like you earned the Brotherhood.  Instead, Vigil Honor candidates are chosen from those arrowmen nominated by their Brothers.  You can find nomination forms in your Torchbearer or on this website to nominate worthy arrowmen who have served Scouting for 2 years since their Brotherhood Ceremony.  After a Vigil candidate is selected, the Vigil Committee begins the induction process.

How do I pay my dues?

It is important that your dues are up to date because you do not receive the Torchbearer or count as an active member unless your dues are current.  Dues are $7 if paid before the beginning of the new year.  For example, if it is December 5, 2002 and you wish to pay your 2003 dues, the cost will be $7 until the end of the year.  However, as soon as January 1 of the new year rolls around, you will have to pay a "reinstatement fee" in addition to the regular price, the cost will be $14 instead of $7.  It's in your best interests to pay your dues ahead of time to avoid the late charge.  To pay your dues, you have several options.

The first option is to pay your dues with the lodge treasurer at a weekend.  The Treasurer will usually give you a receipt and you can pick up your new membership card at the next weekend function.

A second option is to fill out a dues form found in your Torchbearer or on this website and send it with a check payable to Tutelo Lodge 161-BSA to the council service center.  Your new membership card will be available at the next weekend function.

The third option is to fill out a dues form found in your Torchbearer or on this website and take it to the council service center with your payment and pay in person. 

I've lost a form.  Where can I get extra forms?

Forms can be downloaded from Tutelo's online forms page and printed.  Also, the council service center usually has several extra forms on hand.

I've taken my Ordeal, so now what can I do at a function?

Now that your Ordeal is over, you are entitled to all the rights and privileges of a member of the Order of the Arrow.  At a function, you can enjoy fun, great food, fellowship, and cheerful service with your brothers in the Order.

At the function, you can volunteer to be an Elangomat and help the new Ordeal candidates by contacting the Ordeal Chairman.  You could be a crew chief and lead service project crews, or you could help out on a service project crew to put up tents or give other service to the camp.  There are many opportunities open to you.

In addition, you can enjoy the lodge's great cooking and sleep in the great outdoors.  Furthermore, there are usuallyn activities such as volleyball and other games and fun to participate in.  Make new friends, have a blast, all while cheerfully serving your camp.  Weekends are a ton of fun!  Don't be afraid to try something new -- come to a weekend!

How do I register for a function?

Registering for a function is easy.  First, find a weekend registration form.  They are usually mailed with your Torchbearer, or if you lost the form you can download and print another from this website.  Fill out the form with the requested information.  If you are confused or don't know what to write, try to talk to an experienced OA member in your troop or contact the Membership committee with any questions that you have.  When your form is filled out, mail it with a check payable to Tutelo Lodge 161- BSA to the council service center by the dates indicated on the form.

What is the Torchbearer?

Torchbearer is the official lodge newsletter.  The Torchbearer is mailed every few months to members who have their dues currently paid.  The Torchbearer contains news about upcoming events, officer briefings, phone numbers, and much more.

To help with the Torchbearer , you could write an article.  If you're interested, contact the Publications Chairman listed in your Torchbearer.

Why haven't I received a Torchbearer for a few months?

This is probably because you haven't paid your dues.  The mailing list for the Torchbearer is based upon the list of members who have their dues paid.  Pay your dues and you will be put back on the list.

Another reason may be that your address is incorrect.  To investigate a mailing address mistake, contact the Membership committee advisor listed in your last Torchbearer or on this website to try to fix the problem.

How do I join a committee?

It is easy to join a committee.  When you find a committee that you would like to help, you need to contact the committee chairman.  A list of committee chairmen and phone numbers is provided in the Torchbearer or on this website.  Call the chairman and ask how you can help.  Usually, he will have plenty of jobs for you to help with.

Other questions ...

If these Frequently Asked Questions have not helped you with your problem, you need to seek additional help.  You could talk to an experienced OA member in your troop and perhaps he would be able to help you.

If you need additional help beyond that, please contact the Lodge Adviser, Lodge Chief, or appropriate chairman listed in your Torchbearer or on this website and they will be eager to talk to you and try to solve your problem.