Order of the Arrow Eagle Ceremony

Setting:	If the candidate is a member of the Order of the Arrow, this ceremony could be most appropriate. It requires a total of six members of the Order, in ceremonial dress; a ceremonial campfire could be used as a backdrop, also. OA members enter either in silence or chanting in a low voice either from backstage, if a stage is used, or from the rear of the audience, if no stage is available. They would form with the four winds on one side, Allowat in the center of the the stage area, and Kinet off to the side near the candidate.
Allowat:	[Gives the sign for quiet.] I have led my braves to the summit of this mountain in a long journey from our camp to show you the rewards of your climb along the trail. When you began this trip as a young Cub Scout or Boy Scout on the trail many years ago, you had this mountain top as your goal. You now have reached the summit, the realm of the Eagles. But before admitting you to this honored membership, we must first hear the story of your long climb along the trail.
Kinet:	This Scout, after reaching the First Class rank, has worked diligently and has sought experts who gave him valuable counsel on many subjects. He has been given advice and encouragement along the trail by capable leaders.
Allowat:	Before admitting this Scout to the realm of the Eagle, I would like to have assurance that he has been faithful in serving his troop, in giving leadership to younger Scouts, and that he is entitled to wear the wings of the Eagle. Scoutmaster _____________, has your Scout met these qualifications?
Scoutmaster:	Yes, he has.
Allowat:	Scout ______________, you have worked to the point where you are about to become an Eagle. But, listen first to the wisdom of the winds.
East Wind:	I am the spirit of the East Wind. I represent the common law, your duty to God and to country. Trustworthy, loyal, and helpful, are the qualities which a man must possess who lives by the laws and rules of this land. See that we do not lose this great blessing of a lawful land.
West Wind:	As the spirit of the West Wind, I represent the law of equity, your duty to country and to others. Friendly, courteous, and kind are the laws that breathe of conscience. They create the atmosphere that comes from within your heart. They bring the desire for you always to be a friend to those of all ages, young and old alike. They tell you to be courteous to those who pass along your trail. Cast away the harmful spirits of unfriendliness and selfishness.
South Wind:	I am the spirit of the South Wind. I represent the civil law, your duty to others and to self. Obedience, cheerfulness, and thrift are the characteristics of civility. A life of cheerful obedience is necessary for the development of a true citizen. Obedience is something everyone has to learn--to take orders and carry them out cheerfully. Real thrift means earning, spending wisely and saving, and sharing with those less fortunate.
North Wind:	I am the spirit of the North Wind, the most powerful of all. I represent the divine law: brave, clean, and reverent. To be brave is to be unselfish. To be clean in body and soul is to be pure in heart. Cast from your mind and body any evil spirit that tries to weaken or destroy the divine law. Live a life of reverence. Be brave and clean.
Allowat:	Through all the climb up the Scouting trail, the badges have changed as your abilities grew. But one pledge remained unchanged, the Scout Oath. Is there any reason why you as a new Eagle cannot renew this promise which you first made as a new Scout.
Candidate:	No.
Allowat:	Then you will make the Scout sign and state the Scout Oath slowly and clearly.
Candidate:	[Repeats the Scout Oath slowly.]
Allowat:	Scouting has been a great influence in your life. It has supplemented the effect of your home, your church, and your school. You climbed through the ranks of Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class.
Kinet:	Then additional merit badges allowed you to be a Star, while still more and harder ones found you wearing the heart of a Life Scout. More time and much harder requirements found you adding to your qualifications until now you have reached the highest rank in Scouting achievement, the Eagle.
Allowat:	Without the love and guidance of understanding parents, a boy is severely handicapped. Your mother has watched you grow and develop. She has worked for you in health, nursed you in sickness, guided your thoughts and actions, and helped you in untold ways. Your father has been a strength to lean on, someone to turn to in times of trouble and for help. Your home influence will last you throughout your life. I ask your parents to stand beside you as a symbol that they will continue to help the young Eagle to grow in the qualities of leadership and citizenship which a true Eagle must have.
	[The four winds escort the parents to the side of the candidate.]
Kinet:	As a token of your willingness to continue your help for this young Eagle, I ask you, Mrs. ______________, to pin the Eagle badge on your son. [She does so.] Scout, you have seen how your mother plans to stand by you in the future. Do you now promise to do your best as an Eagle Scout?
Candidate:	Yes.
Kinet:	Then you now have the honor to pin a miniature Eagle pin on your mother. [He does so.] In recognition of the wisdom and encouragement which your father has given you along the trail, I ask you to present this Eagle Dad tie tack to him. [He does so.] Mr. ______________, please read the letter to your son from the Chief Scout Executive and present him with the Eagle certificate and letter. [He does so.]
Allowat:	As Ceremonial Chief, I now call upon Mr. ______________ to give the new Eagle the charge. [Any of the forms of the charge may be used here.] [When the charge is finished, the four winds step, one at a time, to the new Eagle, and each puts his right hand on the Eagle's right shoulder as he states the follow:]
East Wind:	Remember the common law: trustworthy, loyal, helpful.
West Wind:	Remember the law of equity: friendly, courteous, kind.
South Wind:	Remember the civil law: obedient, cheerful, thrifty.
North Wind:	Remember the divine law, the most powerful of all: brave, clean, reverent.
Allowat:	I now welcome you, new Eagle, to the summit of your trail. The Eagle is strong and powerful, and flies unblinking into the face of the sun. It soars high and builds on a pinnacle. You must not swerve from your duties as an Eagle.
Allowat:	[Hands upraised.] We now call upon the Great Spirit of all, for His blessing on this young man. May he ever strive to attain the noblest and highest ideals of life. Be his strength and his guide. Cause him to follow a straight trail and to never be a reason for other Scouts to waver from the path. Protect him for many moons to come. May the Great Master of all Scouts be with us until our trails cross again. [Hold pose until curtains close, etc.] [If no stage or curtains are used, the OA members walk back from whence they came, and the Scoutmaster takes over to start the congratulations.]