Candidate Information
Congratulations on being elected as a candidate for membership into the Order of the Arrow. In most organizations, those who are already a part of the group select new members. However, with the OA, your peers, many of whom may not be OA members, selected you. They saw a quality inside of you that you might not be aware of, and they have faith in you and how you live the Scout Oath and Law. Do not fail them
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:
Attend an Ordeal within one year of the unit election date. Each year, Tsali lodge hosts two induction weekends: Spring Ordeal and Summer Ordeal. Information about those events is below.
Spring Ordeal (Typically the third weekend in May)
Summer Ordeal (Typically the third weekend in August)
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:
Attend an Ordeal within one year of the unit election date. Each year, Tsali lodge hosts two induction weekends: Spring Ordeal and Summer Ordeal. Information about those events is below.
Spring Ordeal (Typically the third weekend in May)
Summer Ordeal (Typically the third weekend in August)
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. You might think that this sounds like a lot to do. It is, but we have faith that you can do it. This weekend will test not only your physical strength, but your inner strength as well.
What Should I Bring?
In one package:
Ground cloth/Tarp--large enough to sleep on and cover you top to bottom Sleeping bag
Water bottle with water
Flashlight
In a second package:
Rain Gear
Personal hygiene items
Towel and wash cloth for showering
A change of clothes
Scout uniform (Class A)--wear to Ordeal
Work gloves
Work clothes
Sturdy comfortable footwear (boots)
Anything else you want to pack for a weekend at camp
Also bring:
Current BSA medical form--a must (bring a copy with you to Ordeal to be turned in at check-in)
Extra money--OA items will be on sale for purchasing
What If I have any Other Questions?
If you have any other questions you should contact the Vice Chief of Administration at [email protected], or you can contact their adviser at [email protected].
Information for parents and guardians about Order of the Arrow ceremonies
1. Parents, guardians, and Scout leaders shall not be excluded from any Boy Scout activity or function including any Order of the Arrow (OA) ceremonies.
2. Any concerned parent, guardian, or religious leader may view any OA ceremonies, attend meetings, or read scripts upon request to a council, district, lodge, or chapter official to assure themselves that there is nothing objectionable. Such persons are asked to safeguard the details relating to ceremonies for the sake of the participants. Hazing or demeaning initiation pranks are also prohibited by the OA and the BSA.
3. Induction into the OA is not a hazing or an initiation ceremony. The OA is not a secret Scout organization, and its ceremonies are open to any parent, guardian, Scout leader, or religious leader. There is an element of mystery in the ceremonies for the sake of its effect on the candidates. For this reason, ceremonies are not held in public. The ceremonies are not objectionable to any religious group.
The following pages on the National Order of the Arrow website should help with any other questions you may have:
Order of the Arrow Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.)
1. Parents, guardians, and Scout leaders shall not be excluded from any Boy Scout activity or function including any Order of the Arrow (OA) ceremonies.
2. Any concerned parent, guardian, or religious leader may view any OA ceremonies, attend meetings, or read scripts upon request to a council, district, lodge, or chapter official to assure themselves that there is nothing objectionable. Such persons are asked to safeguard the details relating to ceremonies for the sake of the participants. Hazing or demeaning initiation pranks are also prohibited by the OA and the BSA.
3. Induction into the OA is not a hazing or an initiation ceremony. The OA is not a secret Scout organization, and its ceremonies are open to any parent, guardian, Scout leader, or religious leader. There is an element of mystery in the ceremonies for the sake of its effect on the candidates. For this reason, ceremonies are not held in public. The ceremonies are not objectionable to any religious group.
The following pages on the National Order of the Arrow website should help with any other questions you may have:
Order of the Arrow Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.)