By Britt Brinson

The Withlacoochee Lodge of the Order of the Arrow held its annual Spring Fellowship and Ordeal at Camp Patten in Lanier County on April 5-7, 2024. Several members of Cordele Boy Scout Troop 270 attended the event.

Two youth members of Troop 270 completed membership requirements for the Order. Jacob Frost completed his Ordeal to become a member of the Lodge. Simon Baker confirmed his membership by completing the requirements for Brotherhood.

The Order of the Arrow is Scouting’s National Honor Society for campers administered through the Boy Scouts of America. It is also known as the “brotherhood of cheerful service.”

To be inducted into the Order of the Arrow, a Scout must:

* Be at least First Class rank.

* Have at least 15 nights of camping, including a 6-day long-term camp.

* Participate in the “Ordeal” and induction ceremony, after election by his Troop.

* Be a registered member of the Boy Scouts of America.

* Have experienced 15 nights of Scout camping while registered with a troop, crew, or ship within the two years immediately prior to the election.

The induction ceremony, called the Ordeal, is the first step toward full membership in the Order. 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.

After 6 months of service as an Ordeal member and fulfilling certain requirements, a 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.

Scoutmaster John Frost also camped for the weekend. His daughter Sara, a member of Scouts BSA Troop 13 in Albany, also completed her requirements for Brotherhood. Troop Committee Chair Terry Fennell and Assistant Scoutmaster Britt Brinson arrived on Saturday and attended the Ordeal and Brotherhood induction ceremonies.

Congratulations to Simon, Jacob, and Sara.