Ordeal Candidate Information

General

Your election is the first step in your induction into the Order of the Arrow. The next step will be the Ordeal. The Ordeal is a 24-hour test of your strength and will. The Ordeal is not a test to see if you are worthy for membership in the Order. By being elected by your unit, you've passed that test already.

The Ordeal is a 24-hour intensive leadership development exercise designed to demonstrate to the candidate the values on which Scouting and the Order of the Arrow are based. After completing the Ordeal a Scout becomes a member of the lodge and is entitled to seal his membership through the Brotherhood Ceremony. Candidates should select a date when they can complete the entire Ordeal without interruption. If the candidate chooses the week that he is at camp he will not be released for merit badges or troop responsibilities.

Call-out (optional)

There is an intermediate step between the election and the Ordeal called the Call-out. The Call-out is the only public ceremony that the Order runs. During the Call-out, we publicly recognize your election to the Order in front of your troop, your family and your friends. You do not need to be called out. It is an optional part of the process. You may also be called out after you've taken the Ordeal (if you take your Ordeal before your week at camp, for example). The timing of your Call-out is entirely up to you.

The Ordeal

Ordeals are held seven times a year, Spring Fellowship, Each Week of Summer Camp, and August Ordeal. You will be expected to be in attendance for the complete Ordeal, so you will need to schedule an Ordeal when you have no other obligations.

Ordeal check-in for all Ordeals candidates is between 6:00–7:00 pm at the Augustus Training Center at Beaumont Scout Reservation. Candidates must bring a completed Class 1 medical form with them. During the check-in process the candidate will need to sign in, hand in medical form, and if not prepaid, pay the $36.00 fee for the Ordeal.

During the Ordeal you will be expected to do physical labor, this may involve lifting, walking, reaching and other strenuous activity. If you are physically incapable of performing these activities, please contact the Ordealmaster, we'll make adjustments according to your abilities.

Things you need (and don't need) to bring: You'll need to pack for about exactly 24 hours. You'll need to carry what you bring so pack lightly and properly. What you bring is up to you, but here's a brief list of things that you should remember.….Class I BSA Medical form with signatures, Class A uniform, Sleeping Bag, Ground Cloth(s), Rain gear , Shower Kit, Work Clothes, Class ‘A’ Scout Uniform, Water Bottle, Work Gloves, Prescription Medicine, Ordeal Fee.

Some things you should NOT bring would include portable electronic equipment (like Walkmans, video games, etc.), sheath knives, matches, and tents. In general, if it's bulky, dangerous or time wasting, you won't need it.