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About Us
About
For over 100 years, the Order of the Arrow (OA) has recognized Scouts and Scouters who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives. This recognition provides encouragement for others to live these ideals as well. Arrowmen are known for maintaining camping traditions and spirit, promoting year-round and long term resident camping, and providing cheerful service to others. OA service, activities, adventures, and training for youth and adults are models of quality leadership development and programming that enrich and help to extend Scouting to America's youth.
The Mission and Purpose of the Order of the Arrow
The Order of the Arrow was founded in 1915 to serve a useful purpose: to cause the Scout Oath and Law to spring into action in all parts of the nation. To this day, the Order is dedicated to this high purpose.
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History of the Order
The Order of the Arrow has a rich history spanning 100 years, from its beginnings at a Boy Scout summer camp to its present role as a part of the Scouting program.
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Leadership
Like Boy Scouts, The Order of the Arrow is primarily led by youth leadership. Along with the youth leaders, the adult leaders serve as advisers for the Lodge. Youth leaders serve as the Lodge Officers (Lodge Chief, Lodge Vice Chief of Program, Lodge Vice Chief of Administration, and Lodge Secretary), and Lodge Committee Chairs as well as makeup the committee.
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Membership Requirements
Members of the Lodge must meet the following requirements prior to inductions:
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Be a registered member of the Boy Scouts of America.
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Have 15 nights of Boy Scout camping while registered with a troop or team within the past two years. Of these 15 nights, one must include long-term camp consisting 5 consecutive nights under the auspices and standards of the Boy Scouts of America. (Only one 5 long-term camping nights may be counted toward the 15 nights)
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Youth must be under the age of 21, hold the BSA First Class rank or higher, and following approval by the Scoutmaster or Varsity team Coach, be elected by the youth members of their troop or team.
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Adults (age 21 or older) who are registered in the BSA and meet the camping requirements may be selected following nomination to the lodge adult selection committee.
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Japeechen Lodge
Japeechen Lodge serves as the Order of the Arrow Lodge for the Jersey Shore Council. We are currently under Section 5 of the Northeast Region.
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Ordeal Frequently Asked Questions
What happens now that my son has been nominated by his troop?
Now that your son has been nominated, he will have the opportunity to take part in The Order of The Arrow Induction ceremony, known as the Ordeal. During the experience, candidates maintain silence, receive small amounts of food, work on camp improvement projects, and sleep apart from other campers. The entire experience is designed to teach significant values. All candidates for membership must complete the Ordeal. For more specific instruction on the Ordeal, click here!
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What is after the Ordeal?
After completing the Ordeal, Arrowmen are invited to attend all Lodge events, Chapter events/meetings, and any other acts of cheerful service! After 10 months of service as an Ordeal member in Japeechen Lodge as well as meeting certain requirements, an Arrowman may take part in the Brotherhood ceremony, sealing his membership into the Order. Any Arrowman who achieves Brotherhood within their first year of their Ordeal as well as meeting certain requirements, is eligible for the First Year Arrowman Award.
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What's the difference between a Lodge and Chapters?
A Lodge is made up of Chapters. Our Lodge, Japeechen Lodge, serves as the Order of the Arrow Lodge for the Jersey Shore Council. In Japeechen Lodge there are 3 Chapters: Northern, Central, and Southern. If your troop is in the Joshua Huddy District, than you're in the Northern Chapter. If your troop is in the Jersey Devil District, than you're in the Central Chapter. If your troop is in the Sea Pines District, than you're in the Southern Chapter. Your chapter is also listed underneath your name and Arrowman rank on your OA membership card.
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What is after Brotherhood?
After two years of exceptional service as a Brotherhood member, and with the approval of the national Order of the Arrow committee, a Scout or Scouter may be recognized with the Vigil Honor for their distinguished contributions to the Lodge, the Order of the Arrow, Scouting, or their Scout camp. This honor is bestowed by special selection and is limited.
Ordeal
Frequently Asked Questions by Brotherhood Candidates
Do I have to attend the entire OA weekend in order to receive Brotherhood?
Although all candidates are encouraged to stay for the whole weekend, the Lodge does understand that individuals have busy schedules that may not always allow them to stay for the entire weekend. In most circumstances, the Lodge has been able to accomodate the candidate's request, if scheduled and approved in advance.
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Is the Brotherhood Reflection a test?
While the Brotherhood candidate is required to become knowledgeable of specific aspects of the Order of the Arrow and the Lodge, this process should not be viewed as a test, but as an opportunity for each candidate to learn more about the Order and their role within the Lodge. During the reflection process each candidate will have an opportunity to exhibit his or her understanding of this information to a Brotherhood Committee member. At the same time, the committee must caution each candidate that certain aspects of the Reflection should be learned to the best of each candidate’s ability (i.e. The Obligation, the song, the handclasp and the password). By being well prepared for the challenge, the candidate will make the Reflection process much easier and more enjoyable for those that are involved.
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Do I have to be able to sing the Order of the Arrow Song or can it just be recited?
While each candidate is encouraged to sing the song, it is not required that the song be sung but only that the candidate be familiar with the words and it’s usage within the Lodge.
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What happens if I miss a word or two, while repeating the Obligation or the Song? Would that be reason enough for me not to become a Brotherhood member?
While each candidate in encouraged to learn the above items to the best of their ability, missing a word or two will not be cause for a candidate not to make it through the Brotherhood Challenge. With that stated each candidate is cautioned that appropriate study time is required and that they should enter this process as well prepared as possible.
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Can a candidate go through the Reflection process prior to the scheduled OA weekend?
Yes, candidates are encouraged to meet with Brotherhood Committee members prior to their arrival at one of the OA weekends. In many cases, candidates have fulfilled these requirements at their Chapter OA meeting. If a Brotherhood candidate should choose to pursue this method of review, it is requested that upon completion of the requirements that the selected committee member notify the Lodge Brotherhood Chairman of Advisor, in order that they may properly record your progress along the trail.
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Once I have completed the requirements for Brotherhood membership, when will I receive my new sash and membership card?
Following the completion of the Brotherhood Reflection, candidates will be required to take a hike with other candidates. Upon completion of the hike the candidates will be taken to the ceremonial circle, at which time they will take part in the Brotherhood ceremony. During the ceremony each candidate will receive a new Brotherhood sash. In past years, the Lodge has scheduled a dinner following the completion of both the Ordeal and Brotherhood ceremonies. Once the dinner has been concluded, new membership cards are usually issued to the new Brotherhood members.
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Are all Brotherhood candidates required to be an Elangomat?
While each candidate is not required to be an Elangomat, all are encouraged to assist the Lodge in one of the many areas of service during the Ordeal and Fellowship weekends. In many cases, candidates have taken on active roles in either their Chapters or within the Lodge. In these cases, their service to the Lodge may be utilized in lieu of being designated and Elangomat at the Ordeal weekends.
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Can accommodations be made for individuals who are physically impaired or disabled to go through the Brotherhood Reflection, hike and ceremony?
Yes, with proper notice, arrangements can be made by the lodge to accommodate these individuals. In the past, an alternate ceremonial site has been utilized to meet the needs of the individual as may be required.
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How can I study for my Brotherhood Reflection?
Luckily, the Order of the Arrow and your fellow Arrowmen have created multiple ways of studying for your Brotherhood Reflection. Japeechen Lodge has made a Trail to Brotherhood Guide which contains the information you need for your Brotherhood Reflection! The National Order of the Arrow has setup an online method of studying called Jumpstart. Another good method of studying on the go would be the set of flashcards on Quizlet which can be easily accessed on a mobile device. (The password is the fifth word of the title on page 11 of your OA Handbook (in editions prior to 2015, the title to refer to is on page 10). Use all lower case letters, no spaces, no quotes, no punctuation.)
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Brotherhood
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