Ordeal Information

Having been elected (youth) or selected (adult) and properly called out you are now ready to continue with the inductions process to become a member in the lodge and the Order of the Arrow.

There is only one step left:

1. Attend an ordeal within 18 months of the unit election date.

* For the prior five steps (Unit Election / membership requirements / call out ceremony) please visit the Joining the Order of the Arrow webpage.

The Ordeal:

What is the Ordeal?

The Ordeal is a weekend experience in which those elected or selected learn about the customs and traditions of the Order of the Arrow and undertake a spiritual journey to discover the true meanings of leadership, service and the Brotherhood of Scouting.

What weekends can I go through my Ordeal?

The Lodge conducts weekends in May, June and September in which you can go through your Ordeal. These are held at the Council's two camps, Camp Grimes and Belk Scout Camp. The exact dates and locations for each Ordeal can be found on the Events Calendar.

To register for the an ordeal please visit the Event Registration page.

Please register by the deadline in order to attend the Ordeal weekend - A lot of work is done in preparation for the event and there is no such thing as a late registration for Ordeal candidates.

What do I need to bring to the Ordeal weekend?

Before arriving it is suggested that every candidate pack two bags:

1. Camping gear in your backpack:

   • A tent

   • Clothes (for a normal camping trip)

   • Extra cash (for trading post when Ordeal is over)

   • Meals are provided so no cook gear is needed unless directed by your Scoutmaster

• 1. Ordeal gear in a duffle bag or a small pack: 

     • Sleeping bag

     • Ground cloth

     • Water bottle

     • Toiletry items (soap, towel, toothpaste, toothbrush, etc.)

     • Poncho (rain gear)

     • Work Clothes - you don't mind getting dirty

     • Work Gloves

     • Pocket knife

Full Class A Scout uniform is expected of everyone upon check in.

Bring a full stomach or a meal for your campsite because dinner is not provided Friday night.

You must bring current BSA Health and Medical Record forms with Parts A and B applicable for a weekend camping trip of less than 72 hours.  These forms must be turned in to the Medical Officer at check-in.

When do I need to arrive and what do I do when I arrive?

Check in for Ordeal, on Beaver Weekend, is between 5:00pm and 7:30pm (Nichols Shelter). It is suggested that you arrive on the early side.  After setting up your camping gear at your unit's campsite, all Ordeal candidates need to return to the Nichols Shelter by 7:30 for their Ordeal candidate meeting.

Check in for ordeal, on June Ordeal or September Ordeal, is between 5:00pm and 6:30pm (Welcome Center/Health Lodge). It is suggested that you arrive on the early side.  After setting up your camping gear at your unit's campsite , all Ordeal candidates need to return to the Berry Shelter by 7:00 for their Ordeal candidate meeting.

Ordeal candidates should arrive early enough to:

• • Check in with a unit leader

  • go to your unit's campsite

  • set up your tent and stow your camping gear

  • get to the Ordeal candidates meeting in full Class A Scout uniform with your Ordeal gear.  You will then be directed by the Elangomats (translated to "friend") from there.

I have special medical needs - who do I notify and when?

During sign-up, at check in and at the Ordeal meeting please let them know of any special medications you are required to take, any special dietary restrictions or any other relevant medical conditions.  These restrictions or conditions should also be included in your Ordeal registration.

Above all else make sure your Elangomat knows of these conditions he/she will be working with you through the Ordeal process.  Both your Elangomat and the Ordeal master (Elangomat chairman) will make sure you are taken care of. 

The adult leaders of the Induction team will apply the BSA policy on medication management during the Ordeal process.

When is the Ordeal over?

The Ordeal process is not complete until you have been publicly recognized on Sunday morning.  At this recognition ceremony you will receive your membership card, lodge flap and other items related to membership in the Order of the Arrow.

Typically everything is cleaned up, everyone is packed up and ready to leave.

After my Ordeal what's next in the Order?

Attend our events and have a good time - learn the true meaning of Brotherhood, Cheerfulness and Service.

After being in the Order for 6 months and staying active in your unit you are eligible for Brotherhood membership in the Order.  Please visit the Brotherhood website for more information about Brotherhood membership.

All new Arrowmen are instructed to visit the JumpStart website.  This website will explain more about the OA and their Ordeal - it will also prepare them for their Brotherhood. 

I have more questions that have not been answered about my Ordeal?

If you have more questions about the Ordeal experience then please feel free to contact your unit's OA Troop / Team Representative - he should be able to point you in the right direction.

The lodges Vice Chief of Inductions and his Adviser can also help with your questions:

Vice-Chief of Inductions: James Keane

Adviser: Mike Shaw

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Page Revised: 3/28/2025