Manitous 88 is a Order of the Arrow Lodge serving the Great Sauk Trail Council based out of Ann Arbor, Michigan. The Lodge and Council serve six counties in Southeastern Michigan. Manitous Lodge carries out the mission and purpose of the National Order of the Arrow as outlined below. 

What is the OA?

Purpose of the Order of the Arrow

• To recognize those campers - Scouts and Scouters - who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives and such recognition cause other campers to conduct themselves in such manner as to warrant recognition.
• To develop and maintain camping traditions and spirit.
• To promote Scout camping, which reaches its greatest effectiveness as a part of the unit's camping program, both year-round and in the summer camp, as directed by the camping committee of the council.
• To crystallize the Scout habit of helpfulness into a life purpose of leadership in cheerful service to others.

Mission of the Order of the Arrow Lodge

The mission of the lodge is to achieve the purpose of the Order of the Arrow as an integral part of the Boy Scouts of America in the council through positive youth leadership under the guidance of selected capable adults.

Principles of the Order of the Arrow

The Order of the Arrow was founded upon the principles of brotherhood, cheerfulness, and service. These principles form the foundation for the Obligation of the Order. This is not an easy pledge to fulfill, for there are few who live a life of cheerful service in our world. For some, the Order will be like a supernova, shining brilliantly for a brief time and soon crumbling to ashes. For others, the Order will kindle a flame or brotherhood, brighter than a thousand suns, lasting throughout eternity.

The steps required to complete the Ordeal membership are defined clearly. To become a candidate for membership in the Order, a youth must be at least a First Class Scout, and spend at least 15 days and nights camping in a two year period (six days must be spent at a long-term camp). Once a person has been elected to the Order of the Arrow by unit members, he or she is formally recognized as a candidate. This is done at a call-out ceremony during the summer camp season, each week at family night. The candidate then is invited to attend a lodge conclave to take part in a brief pre-Ordeal ceremony, and then an actual Ordeal (series of tests) to prove sincere dedication to the principles of the Order of the Arrow. Finally, if qualified, the candidate is accepted as a member in a colorful ceremony.

The completion of the Ordeal sets members on the start of an exciting adventure. After at least 10 months of active service, the Arrowman will be eligible to seal their membership in the Brotherhood ceremony. The Ordeal introduces the mysteries of the Order. Now, during Ordeal member's service, they have ample opportunity to increase their knowledge of the Arrow and to make it work for them.

The Vigil Honor is a high mark of distinction and recognition reserved for those Arrowmen who, by reason of exceptional service, personal effort, and unselfish interest, have made distinguished contributions beyond the immediate responsibilities in their lodge, the Order of the Arrow, Scouting and their Scout camp. To be eligible for the Vigil Honor, an Arrowman must be active for at least two full years as a Brotherhood member, and his dues must be current. Each June, the Vigil Honor members of the Lodge meet to select candidates who have given exceptional service to the Order for the Vigil Honor. The new candidates are tapped out at the annual Spring Ordeal and stand their Vigil in at Fall Fellowship. They are then recognized at the Winter Banquet.