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Ordeal, Brotherhood, and Vigil Honor Sashes |
The OA was founded in the summer of 1915 by Dr. E. Urner Goodman and Carroll A. Edson at the Philadelphia Council summer camp on Treasure Island. Their purpose then was the same as now - to recognize outstanding campers. The idea was so appealing that it continued beyond the summer, and soon became a part of other area councils. In 1936, the OA was introduced to the Rochester Area Council at a council campout held in Mendon Ponds. Thirty-five members were inducted, and the following year they established Ty-Ohni Lodge #95. Ty-Ohni is the Seneca Native American word for wolf, and is the totem of the Lodge.
Since then, thousands of Scouts have become members of Ty-Ohni Lodge. A unique custom of the OA is that non-members elect members. The OA is a youth led organization guided by adult advisors. Adults, Scouters over the age of twenty-one, are nominated for membership by their unit committees.
Membership
OA membership begins with the Ordeal, and is completed with Brotherhood. At least ten months of service must pass before Brotherhood can be attained. If after two years of Brotherhood participation, a
member has shown outstanding service, he or she can be nominated for the Vigil Honor, a National Council recognition.
Elections
The OA is an official part of all Troop programs. It is open to males as well as females. The OA is not a secret society, and does not support hazing in any form. For further information about holding unit elections, nominations, or other program opportunities, contact the Camping Department.
Forms
OA election, nomination, registration, and dues payment forms can be found at the Scout Servicenter . . . or can be downloaded as .PDF documents, by clicking on the Forms button above, and following directions. The .PDF forms are then printed out, filled in and returned to the Servicenter.
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