OA Candidates
Election
Scouts are elected to the Order by their fellow unit members, following approval by the Scoutmaster or Venturing Crew Advisor. To be eligible for election, a youth must be a registered member of a Scouting America Troop or Venturing Crew and hold First Class rank, or have earned the Discovery Award. The youth must have experienced fifteen days and nights of Scout camping during the two-year period prior to the election. The fifteen days and nights must include one, but no more than one, long-term camp consisting of six consecutive days and five nights of resident camping, approved and under the auspices and standards of Scouting America. The balance of the camping must be overnight, weekend, or other short-term camps.
Adult nomination is based on their ability to perform the necessary functions to help the Order fulfill its purpose, and is not for recognition. Selected adult Scouters must be an asset to the Order because of demonstrated abilities, and provide a positive role model for the youth members of the lodge. Adults are typically nominated by their Troop or Crew.
Once elected or nominated a Scout/Scouter/Venturer is considered a candidate until they complete the Ordeal. The scout must complete the Ordeal within 18 months of election or they must be re-elected or nominated.
The following videos (one for candidates and one for parents) provide some information.
A Message for New Ordeal Candidates
A Message for Parents of New Ordeal Candidates
Induction
The induction process, called the Ordeal must be completed for full membership. The Ordeal Weekend is held by our lodge twice a year at our Spring and Fall Lodge Conclave. The Ordeal begins with a moving ceremony on Friday evening and concludes with the induction ceremony on Saturday evening. The Ordeal experience is designed to teach the candidate the values of the Order.
The Order of the Arrow is not a secret organization - we are the Honor Society of Scouting America . We don't tell the scouts exactly what they're getting into for their Ordeal, as this allows the scout to experience the learning experience without preconceptions . The mystique of the program is meant to make it exciting to youth while complying with the regulations of Scouting America.
The Ordeal Candidate Letter provides more details about the Ordeal Weekend.
Please select one of the following events to register on-line for your Ordeal, register as a "Ordeal Candidate":
Spring Ordeal Weekend (May 19-21, 2023)