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ORDEAL CEREMONY

The Ordeal is the joining ceremony of the Order of the Arrow. It is held at a place where service can be done for a camp or a community organization.  The Ordeal encompasses four distinct challenges:

Ordeal Service

Camping along during the night:  Each candidate is assigned a place to sleep during the night apart from other campers.  This teaches self-reliance.

Silence:  Each candidate completes the 24 hour period on silence.  It is a time to reflect on Scouting and its ideals and make personal commitments as to how one intends to live his life in accordance with those commitments.

Scant Food:  Candidates eat only what is given them.  While it is sufficient, it does remind candidates that often one must meet his commitments even through there is some personal discomfort.

Service:  The date is spent in service since that is the hallmark of the OA.  Service is the rent that we pay for life.

The weekend starts with a ceremony soon after registration and ends with one where the candidate takes upon himself the Obligation of the Order of the Arrow and is presented with his Sash.  Former members are welcome to attend the ceremonies.

There is nothing in the weekend that would offend any religious principles.  In the event that any parent or religious leader desires to discuss the activity and the ceremonies, he or she should contact the Lodge Adviser at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Specific details of the agenda for any of the scheduled Ordeal dates can be found as part of the registration area.

Last Updated (Sunday, 23 January 2011 08:27)