Mattatuck Induction Weekend 2026

If you have not yet attended an Induction Weekend for the Order of the Arrow, please navigate instead to the Ordeal Candidate page. Information for both groups differs significantly.

Brotherhood Requirements

1. Memorize the signs of OA Membership: This includes the following. Additionally, you can find these materials in your OA Handbook or on the OA Portal.
   
   • Obligation
     I do hereby promise on my honor as a Scout, that I will always and faithfully observe and preserve the traditions of the Order of the Arrow, WIMACHTENDIENK, WINGOLAUCHSIK, WITAHEMUI. I will always regard the ties of brotherhood in the Order of the Arrow, as lasting, and will seek to preserve a cheerful spirit even in the midst of irksome tasks and weighty responsibilities, and will endeavor, so far as in my power lies, to be unselfish in service and devotion to the welfare of others.
   • OA Song
     Firm bound in brotherhood, gather the clan
     That cheerful service brings to fellow man.
     Circle our council fire, weld tightly ev’ry link
     That binds us in brotherhood, Wimachtendienk.
   • Admonition
     Never said above a whisper. If you need your memory refreshed, consult your OA Handbook, the OA Portal, or a Lodge Officer.
   • Ordeal Handclasp
     Done with the left hand, lower fingers interlocked.
   • Sign of the Ordeal
     Drawing an arrow from a quiver over the left shoulder with right arm
     
2. Advance in your understanding of the Ordeal: During the brotherhood conversion process, you will have the opportunity to see the Pre-Ordeal Ceremony for a second time. Using your OA Handbook, the OA Portal, or online research, learn more about the 4 principals, challenges of the Ordeal, and the symbolism of the Ordeal and Pre-Ordeal ceremonies.
   
3. Serve your Unit for 6 months since your first Induction Weekend
   
4. Plan for future Service: Develop a concrete idea of how you will continue to give back to the Order of the Arrow, Tschitani Lodge, and your Unit.
   
5. Review Your Progress: Write a Brotherhood Letter to the Lodge Chief and participate in a Brotherhood Interview during the Weekend.

Brotherhood Letters

You need to submit your Brotherhood Letter, addressed to Tschitani Lodge Leadership, by the end of lunch on Saturday (12:45pm). This letter should include the following:

– Your full name and unit number
– How you’ve given back to your unit since you became an Ordeal member
– What the OA means to you
– How you plan to continue service to the Lodge and your unit in the future

You are highly encouraged to write your Brotherhood Letter ahead of the Induction Weekend, as time may be limited depending on your role. You may either submit a printed/hand-written copy during the weekend to Brotherhood Lead Ian F. OR send him an email at [email protected] at any time (include an Adult to comply with Safeguarding Youth Guidelines).

There’s no minimum or maximum length for this letter. However, please make a thorough effort to reflect on your experience since your Ordeal.

Brotherhood Interviews

Before the Brotherhood Ceremony on Saturday, you will be asked to engage in a short interview​ ​conducted by a few ​Lodge members.​ This is not a test or anything you need to prepare for in advance, ​this is simply ​a time for us to get to know you better.​ Do not worry about when/where this interview will be held, we will be in contact with each of you during the weekend to find a time that works best.

For more information on what to bring, see the inductions page for Current Lodge Members.

For any questions on the Brotherhood Conversion process, please reach out to Ian F, Brotherhood Lead, at [email protected] (Include an Adult to comply with Safeguarding Youth Guidelines).

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