Order of the Arrow and Firecrafter Honor Societies
Troop 318 Scouts have opportunities to participate in two long-standing Scouting traditions: the Order of the Arrow and Firecrafter. Both programs encourage camping, leadership and service, but they recognize Scouts in different ways. The Order of the Arrow is Scouting America’s national honor society. Firecrafter is a regional program associated with the Crossroads of America Council and offered at Ransburg Scout Reservation, where Troop 318 attends summer camp. Many Troop 318 Scouts participate in both programs. The Order of the Arrow recognizes Scouts selected by their fellow troop members, while Firecrafter challenges Scouts to develop their outdoor skills and leadership through progressive camp ranks.
Order of the Arrow
Founded in 1915, the Order of the Arrow, commonly called the OA, recognizes Scouts and Scouters who best demonstrate the ideals of the Scout Oath and Scout Law. Its members are committed to the principles of brotherhood, cheerfulness and service.The OA became part of the national Boy Scout program in 1934 and was fully incorporated into the Boy Scouts of America in 1948. Today, it serves as Scouting America’s national honor society. Troop 318 is part of the Calumet Chapter of Takhone Lodge. Through the chapter and lodge, members can participate in service projects, camp improvement weekends, fellowships, leadership training and other activities beyond the troop.
Becoming a Member
Youth membership in the Order of the Arrow is based on eligibility and election by fellow Scouts. A Troop 318 Scout must:
Be a registered member of Scouting America.
Be under age 21 at the time of the election.
Hold the rank of First Class or higher.
Have completed at least 15 nights of qualifying Scout camping during the previous two years, including one long-term camp of at least five consecutive nights.
Receive the Scoutmaster’s approval.
Be elected by the youth members of the troop.
Election to the OA is especially meaningful because the Scout is selected by fellow troop members who believe that the candidate lives according to the Scout Oath and Law.
After being elected or nominated, a candidate must complete an induction experience called the Ordeal.
Order of the Arrow Honors
The OA has three membership honors.
Ordeal
The Ordeal is the first level of membership and the OA induction experience. During the Ordeal, candidates reflect upon the values of the Order and participate in meaningful service, frequently involving the improvement of a Scout camp. Completing the Ordeal makes the candidate a member of the Order of the Arrow. An Ordeal member is encouraged to become active in the troop, chapter and lodge and to practice cheerful service in everyday life.
Brotherhood
After at least six months as an Ordeal member and after completing the appropriate requirements, a member may seal their membership by completing the Brotherhood ceremony. Brotherhood is not an award for being better than another OA member. It represents a deeper understanding of the Order’s principles and a renewed commitment to its obligations. Completion of Brotherhood signifies full membership in the Order.
Vigil Honor
The Vigil Honor is the highest honor the Order of the Arrow can bestow upon a member. It recognizes exceptional and sustained service to the lodge, the OA, Scouting or a Scout camp. A member must have been a Brotherhood member for at least two years before becoming eligible. Vigil candidates do not apply for the honor or complete a normal advancement checklist. They are selected by other members because of distinguished service beyond the ordinary responsibilities of their position.
Firecrafter
Firecrafter was founded in 1920 and is a service and outdoor-skills organization of the Crossroads of America Council. The program emphasizes the ideals of friendship, leadership and service.Firecrafter is closely connected to long-term summer camping. Its progressive ranks reinforce basic Scout skills while challenging participants to develop confidence, maturity, responsibility and leadership. Troop 318 Scouts can participate in Firecrafter while attending Ransburg Scout Reservation. Unlike membership in the Order of the Arrow, the principal Firecrafter ranks are earned by completing specific requirements during summer camp.
Becoming a Firecrafter
A Scout begins by completing the Camper and Woodsman ranks. Each rank builds upon the skills and expectations of the previous one. Firecrafter requirements are completed during a long-term camping experience. At Ransburg, the requirements for a rank generally must be completed during the Scout’s week at camp. Scouts are normally encouraged to complete one rank during each year of summer camp. (Ransburg Scout Reservation)The first two ranks prepare Scouts for the more demanding Firecrafter candidacy. A Scout seeking the Firecrafter rank must demonstrate not only outdoor proficiency, but also the character, attitude and leadership expected of a Firecrafter.
Firecrafter Ranks and Honors
Camper
Camper is the first Scouts BSA rank in the Firecrafter program. It is intended primarily for a Scout’s first year at long-term summer camp, although an older Scout may also complete it.The Camper requirements introduce Scouts to camp life and reinforce basic skills associated with the early Scouts BSA ranks. The experience helps new Scouts become more comfortable camping away from home, caring for themselves and participating as members of a troop.
Woodsman
Woodsman is the second Firecrafter rank and is usually completed during a Scout’s second year at summer camp.Its requirements build on Camper by developing greater proficiency in areas such as:Fire buildingWood-tool safetyKnot tyingNatureFirst aidOutdoor cookingThe Woodsman rank encourages Scouts to become more independent and capable members of their patrol and troop.
Firecrafter
Firecrafter is the third and highest earned Scouts BSA rank in the program. It is generally attempted by an experienced Scout during the Scout’s third or later year at summer camp. A candidate must have earned First Class and completed the Camper and Woodsman ranks. The requirements are considerably more challenging and require preparation, maturity, Scout skills and leadership. Firecrafter candidates may be asked to demonstrate advanced campcraft, build a fire by friction, plan and lead a campfire program, complete an overnight experience and consistently demonstrate the ideals of friendship, leadership and service.After successfully completing the in-camp candidacy, the Scout attends a Firecrafter Ritual weekend to complete the induction and become a member of the Firecrafter organization.
Minisino
Minisino is Firecrafter’s highest honor. It is bestowed upon exceptional Firecrafters who have demonstrated outstanding friendship, leadership and service.Minisino is not a rank that a Scout can simply decide to pursue. A youth must have been a Firecrafter for at least two winter seasons, remain active in Firecrafter and their local Ember, be nominated by another Firecrafter and be approved through the organization’s selection process.