Miami Lodge 495

The Vigil Honor

The Vigil Honor is the highest honor that the Order of the Arrow can present its members for service to the lodge and council. It dates back to the year 1915, when the OA's founder, Dr. E. Urner Goodman, became the first Vigil Honor member. Since then, thousands of members have been given this honor. Once an Arrowman has been Brotherhood for at least 2 years, he (or she, in the case of adults) may be considered for Vigil honor by the Lodge members. Generally, only 2% of the Arrowmen in a Lodge will achieve Vigil in any year.

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 of their position of office to one or more of the following: their lodge, the Order of the Arrow, Scouting, or their Scout Camp.

View the list of Miami Lodge's 300+ Vigil Honor members.

Who is Eligible for the Vigil Honor?

Any member of the Order of the Arrow registered in the Miami Valley Council and in good standing (dues paid) with Miami Lodge is eligible for recommendation for the Vigil Honor, provided that the individual has been a Brotherhood member for a minimum of 2 years by the meeting date of the Vigil Selection Committee. No nominations will be considered of individuals who are not current dues paid members of the lodge. Under no circumstance should tenure in Scouting or the Order of the Arrow be considered as reason enough for a Vigil Honor recommendation.  View the list of eligible members.

How Can I Nominate Someone for the Vigil Honor?

Any Lodge member may submit a nomination form recommending an eligible Brotherhood member for the Vigil Honor.  The nomination form will typically be made available three months prior to the Vigil Selection Committee's meeting.  An eligible member needs only to receive one nomination in order to be considered for the Vigil Honor; it makes no difference how many nominations a person receives.

Nominations for 2024 year's Vigil class are open,     Nominations for the 2024 year's Vigil class are Due May 16, 2024 

What is the Vigil Selection Committee?

The Vigil Selection Committee is made up of youth and adult Vigil Honor members of Miami Lodge.  The committee meets annually to review nominations for the Vigil Honor, traditionally sometime during the summer months.  Only the committee's youth members will vote on which nominations to accept, and no adult members are present during the voting process, with the exception of the Lodge Adviser and the Vigil Committee Adviser.

Vigil Reunion

Each year we host a Vigil Reunion at Cricket Holler.  The reunion consists of a steak dinner, Scouting memorabilia auction, and the Vigil induction.  The reunion is usually held the last Friday in September.  Invitations are sent out mid summer.  If you would like to be added to the invitation list contact our Vigil Chief.

2024 Vigil Reunion & Induction

When:    Friday, October 11th
Where:   Cricket Holler Scout Camp K-Lodge
Cost:     $30.00 /person (includes food & Vigil collectible)  if staying the night $35.00 / Dinner & Breakfast 

Click here to Registation