Congratulations on your election to the Order of the Arrow. After you’ve been elected by your unit (or selected if you’re an adult), your next step on the path to becoming a member is to attend an Ordeal.
The Ordeal
Ordeal is a weekend experience, centered around service and looking inward. Throughout the weekend you’ll learn about the traditions and customs of the Order of the Arrow but you’ll also learn more about yourself, leadership, and the Brotherhood of Scouting.
This guide will give you some specifics on what you need to do, gear you need to pack, and how to register for your Ordeal – but not specifics on what happens at Ordeal. Not because its some big secret or anything crazy happens, but because the experience loses it’s deeper meaning for new members if they have preconceived expectations of what’s going to happen.
Know this: the Ordeal weekend is an amazing experience. Knowing the details won’t help you and would in fact, negatively impact your experience and understanding of the Order of the Arrow.
Safety
You may be wondering why it’s called Ordeal. Well, it can be an ordeal or it can be an enjoyable experience of learning and growth, but that depends on you. We’ll do our best to make it a great experience and don’t worry, it’s perfectly safe and all BSA Safe Scouting rules are strictly followed. Ordeal candidates are treated as honorees, because that’s what you are. Your unit elected you because they feel you’re worthy to wear the OA sash.
Parents or guardians who are concerned about what happens at Ordeal can contact the lodge for details, but are asked to keep details about the experience to themselves so they don’t diminish it for other Scouts.
You’ll bring a current BSA Medical Form parts A & B signed by a parent/guardian and your current BSA Membership ID card with you to check-in.
Special Medical Needs
Please submit information about medications, dietary restrictions, or any other relevant medical conditions with your registration. Also let the folks know about it at check-in when you arrive on Friday evening.
Cost
The candidate fee to attend Ordeal is $51.00.
Schedule
Ordeal is a full weekend of camping running from Friday evening through Sunday morning. You should make arrangements to be picked up between 9:30am and 10:00 am on Sunday morning.
Friday Check-In
Arrive between 6:30 and 7:30 pm on Friday. Check-in will be in the OA Shelter. All meals will be provided starting with Saturday breakfast, so plan to eat before you arrive Friday night.
Friday Night
After you check-in you’ll be able to go set up your tent for gear storage and your Saturday night camping. Your Ordeal starts Friday night and while we won’t reveal specifics, you’ll need to be prepared for camping on the trail Friday night.
Check the weather forecast for Camp Bud Schiele before you come and arrive dressed in outdoor clothing appropriate for the weather.
You ‘ll need to bring some specific items for camping on Friday night.
Packing List for Friday Night
- Tarp (you can bring two)
- Sleeping Bag
- Water bottle
- and a small pack to carry those items in if you wish
That’s all you’ll be allowed to take with you on Friday night. The rest of your gear will be stored in your tent. If you require medication at bedtime, you must bring it on the trail.
Packing List for the rest of the weekend
- tent
- flashlight
- rain gear
- boots
- towel / bath items
- hat
- bug spray
- sunscreen
- work gloves
- extra clothing
You may also want to bring some money for the lodge store that will open Saturday night.
What NOT to bring:
MP3 players, handheld electronic games, or other electronic devices are NOT allowed. Ordeal is an outdoor experience, please do not bring these to camp.
After Ordeal
After you complete your Ordeal, it’s time to get active in the lodge. Attend your Chapter meetings and lodge events. To have the most fun possible in the Order of the Arrow, join one of our teams like the Sing Team, Dance Team, Ceremonies Team, or Cook Team. Get active and you’ll learn the true meaning of Brotherhood, Cheerfulness and Service.
After 10 months of service as an Ordeal member and fulfilling certain requirements, you’ll be eligible for Brotherhood. Sealing your membership by becoming a Brotherhood member shows your commitment and furthers your experience with the Lodge.
The Order of the Arrows Jumpstart program is a great way for Arrowmen to view and study the requirements for Brotherhood. Visit jumpstart.oa-bsa.org after your Ordeal to get started.
