Nentico Lodge 12 Order of the Arrow > New to the Order of the Arrow

New to the Order of the Arrow

 
Congratulations!
You have been elected to be a candidate for membership in the Order of the Arrow. Upon completion of the Ordeal weekend, you will have all the rights and privileges of all arrowmen in our Lodge.
 
What is the Order of the Arrow?
The Order of the Arrow (OA) is Scouting’s National Honor Society. It was founded in 1915 by Dr. E. Urner Goodman and Carroll A Edson at Treasure Island, the Council camp for the council in Philadelphia, PA. Units hold elections where Scouts are selected based on their adherence to the Scout Oath and Law. Requirements for eligibility are at least First Class rank, 15 days and nights of camping within 2 years prior to the election (must include 1 and not more than 1 long-term camping experience), and Scoutmaster approval.
 
 
What to Expect
The Ordeal is a vital part of the induction process of the Order of the Arrow. The Ordeal provides a time for a Scout to reflect upon his experiences within Scouting. These reflections will hopefully broaden his experiences and reaffirm his love for Scouting.  During the Ordeal experience, a “candidate” is required to:
  • Maintain silence
  • Receive small amounts of food
  • Work on Camp improvement projects
  • Sleep alone and apart from other campers
The entire experience is designed to teach significant values.  Ordeal weekends are filled with many activities, all of which are safe and fully supervised in accordance with BSA Policies. There are hundreds of thousands of OA members, all of whom have participated in an Ordeal. The Ordeal experience is one that no Scout will ever forget because of the honor that has been given by being inducted into the Order of the Arrow.
**Please Note:  This is an outdoor weekend, you will need to come to camp prepared for the weather – the weather can change quickly and without prior notice, so be prepared with rain gear, boots and extra clothes in case you get wet.
 

Click for Ordeal Candidate Documents updated 2022

 
Cost for the weekend
Ordeal registration is $65.00 – includes insurance, all meals, current lodge dues, an OA Handbook, an Ordeal sash, and a lodge flap – REGISTER HERE
 
What will he need to bring?
 
**Due to COVID-19 the list of items that candidates need to bring to camp has been updated**
  • BSA Health & Medical Record (Parts A&B)
  • At least 2 facemasks. Facemasks with valves or holes are not permitted.
  • At least 2 pairs of Nitrile gloves
  • Work clothes and gloves for Saturday
  • Rain gear if rain is in the forecast
  • Bedding appropriate for outdoor weather
  • Ground cloth
  • pocket knife
  • water bottle
  • flashlight
  • 36-inches of cord
  • personal toiletries
  • Tent & sleeping bag for overnight camping Sat Night
  • You should arrive to camp in your Field (Class A) Uniform.  It is recommended that you do NOT wear your neckerchief or merit badge sash.
  • Medications (if any)
  • Spending Money for Lodge Trading Post
When are the Ordeal Weekends offered?
April thru September as indicated on the Lodge calendar
 
Where do I go?
Broad Creek Memorial Scout Reservation, 1929 Susquehanna Hall Rd., Whiteford, MD – report to Camp Saffran – OA Pavilion, unless noted otherwise on the registration.
 
When is check-in?
Friday evening at 7:00 pm (dressed in Class A uniform)
 
When is checkout?
Sunday at 10am
 
What should be done after the Ordeal?
Once a candidate has completed an Ordeal they become a full member of the Order of the Arrow and Nentico Lodge 12.
 
They are encouraged to:
– Check out the OA Jumpstart site HERE
– Attend a local Chapter meeting
– Come to a Lodge event as indicated on the Lodge calendar (Fellowship, Picnic, Banquet, etc.)
– Convert to Brotherhood after 6 months after fulfilling certain requirements
– Research OA history and information on the following websites:
 
Nentico Lodge 12      nentico.org
Section E10                E10.org
Northeast Region      northeast.oa-bsa.org

National                      oa-bsa.org