Congratulations on being elected to the Order of the Arrow, the next step is to undergo your ordeal. This can be done at our Spring or Fall conference. You must go through your Ordeal within one year of being called out or you must be reelected. Extensions will only be granted for extenuating circumstances. To request a extension write a letter explaining why you need a extension and send it to the Lodge Chief.
Candidates are required to stay Friday night through Sunday morning. Candidates should also eat dinner before they arrive as no food is served Friday night. As a candidate you will not be allowed to use electronic devices such as cell phones Friday night trough Saturday evening.
Part of what makes the Order of the Arrow such an exciting organization to be a part of is its special ceremonies. We don't keep "secrets" in the OA, however part of the excitement of taking your Ordeal comes from the suprise of all of the events that take place. It's a wonderful feeling to be a part of something brand new and to know that your fellow Scouts have selected you to be a part of that. We ask that you be considerate of your fellow Scouts by not sharing with them the events of your Ordeal. That way, their own experiences will not be diminished.
Scouts, of course, are encouraged to discuss their experiences with their parents. Likewise, any parents with concerns about the Ordeal are encouraged to contact the Lodge Adviser before or after the ordeal so that they may discuss their concerns. We also offer a information meeting for parents on the Friday of our conferences if they wish to attend.
Often, members of the Order of the Arrow might make up stories about what happens during the ordeal to frighten young Scouts or to make the experience sound more magnificent. As a division of the Boy Scouts of America, the Order of the Arrow follows all youth protection guidelines including anti-hazing rules. The Ordeal is a program that is administered using standardized guidelines that were developed on a national level with the approval of all major religious organizations.
That is not to say that taking the Ordeal is easy. The Ordeal is designed to challenge Scouts and Scouters, mentally. Will you work hard to make the camp look as good as possible, or will you do the least amount possible? Will you deny yourself and put others ahead of your own desires? Will you show your true honor by keeping promises that you have made? These are all questions you will need to answer to yourself during the Ordeal.
What do you need to bring to the Ordeal?
These are items you should bring to Ordeal weekend. Note, you will be sleeping outside without a tent on Friday night, come prepared.
- Health Form (Parts A and B)
- Sleeping Bag
- Tarp
- Tent
- Toiletries
- Scout Uniform
- Water Bottle
- Rain Gear
- Flashlight
- Spare clothing
You will be working on one or more work projects during your Ordeal with other members of our Lodge as we provide service to our camp. Please bring the following items as you may be assigned to any work project.
- Long Pants and Long Sleeved Shirt
- Boots
- Safety Glasses
- Work Gloves
- Old Clothing - For Painting