[pirate00]

In my chapter, one week after Initiation, we hold a paddle/letter exchange. A pledge presents his/her big brother with a "paddle" (It can be anything: paddle, picture frame, block of wood, spice rack, etc) as long as it has on it the following: Alpha Phi Omega, pledge class name and semester, your name, your big bro's name, and our Fraternity's crest.

In exchange, the pledge receives his/her letters along with other Fraternity paraphernalia (key chains, jewelery boxes, car decals, etc.).

Then, the pledgemaster recieves a large paddle given by the entire pledge class commemorating their service in that office. My class gave our pledgemaster a paddle in the shape of the front of a doghouse, because she loves dogs. The next semester's pledgemaster got one in the shape of a yellow rose, as it was her favorite flower.

No matter what you do or how you celebrate your new brothers crossing over into your world, do it with style, love, and care.