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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
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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.
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To develop and maintain camping traditions and
spirit.
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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.
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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. |