Ordeal (level of OA membership)

Ordeal membership is the first level of membership in the Order of the Arrow, after a candidate passes their Ordeal.

Unlike many organizations, Ordeal members are full members of their local lodge as well as the OA. The difference between Ordeal and Brotherhood members, is that an Ordeal member's primary responsibility of service remains with their scouting unit (troop, post, team, crew, pack, etc.).

Ordeal memberships have full rights and privileges in their lodge. Of course, they cannot participate in preparations for Brotherhood or the Vigil Honor.

When a member completes their Brotherhood, they "seal" their membership in the Order, by accepting an additional obligation of service to their lodge, council, or scout camp.

Originally, the ceremonies for Ordeal members and Brotherhood members where combined into what was called the First Degree, and what is now known as the Vigil Honor was then referred to as the Second Degree. It was later called the Third Degree, after the First Degree became separated into the First Degree and the Second Degree-- these levels of membership developed into the Ordeal Honor and Brotherhood Honor, respectively, and then simply the Ordeal and Brotherhood levels of membership.