Ho-De-No-Sau-Nee Lodge #159, Order of the Arrow

Ordeal

After election from his troop or unit, a Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, or Scouter is considered an Ordeal Candidate until he completes the Ordeal of the Order. If the candidate does not complete his (or her, in the case of adults) Ordeal within 12 months of being elected, he is no longer a candidate and cannot go through his Ordeal unless he is elected again by his unit.

Purpose of the Ordeal: It is the purpose of the ordeal to have the candidate reflect on his own Scout life and character and come to a deeper understanding of the Scout Oath or Promise and the principles of the Order.

Ordeal Membership: The steps required to complete the Ordeal membership are defined clearly. Once a person has been elected to the Order of the Arrow by his unit members, he is formally recognized as a candidate. This is done at a calling out ceremony, usually conducted by the ceremonies team in an outdoor setting. The candidate takes part in a brief pre-Ordeal ceremony, then an actual Ordeal (series of tests) to prove his sincere dedication to the principles of the Order of the Arrow. Finally, if he qualifies, he is accepted as a member in a colorful and memorable ceremony.

Elections are held between January 1 and April 30 of the current year. All requests for elections must be submitted a minimum of 3 weeks before the date they are held. No one can conduct an election in their own troop with out a trained and authorized representative of the lodge present. To schedule an election please use the following form: Youth Election Request Form. Adult Candidate Nomination Form

Candidates can take their ordeals during the ordeal weekend of their choice. There are three opportunities in the spring and three opportunities in the fall. Candidates should report to the camp of their choice no later then 7 PM on Friday. The weekend ends at the conclusion of the chapter meeting on Sunday morning (approximately 10 am).

Last update: December 14, 2018