About the Ordeal Weekends

Next Ordeal: September 14-16, 2006 at Camp Wanocksett in Dublin, NH

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

This is just the first step in your journey, one that will last a lifetime. Your next step is to attend what is called an Ordeal, which is the induction experience for the Order of the Arrow. This is a weekend where you will have a chance to prove your courage and self-reliance; pay attention to inner thoughts; serve your fellow man cheerfully; and prove your ability to live the Scout Oath and Law. 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.

The Order is shrouded in mystery. We closely safeguard our ceremonies and traditions. This does not mean that you cannot talk to your parents about what happens. In fact, we encourage it, because it helps you to gain a better understanding. We do, however, ask that you not discuss it with your friends who might become members themselves one day. You would ruin the surprise and the experience for them.

You will have 2 chances to complete your Ordeal. The lodge holds Ordeal Weekends in May and September of each year. You must attend one of these weekends within 12 months (1 year) of being elected. Otherwise, you will need to be re-elected, or need to get an extension). Ask your Scoutmaster or the Lodge Adviser for additional details.

For this Ordeal Weekend, you will be expected to arrive at Camp Wanocksett by 8:00 pm on Friday, and remain at camp until 10:00 am on Sunday. (Saturday night exceptions may be requested in advance by notifying the Lodge Adviser.) Leaving in the middle of the weekend for band practice, a softball game, etc means that you cannot complete your Ordeal properly, and is not encouraged. Please plan accordingly.

Once you have completed your Ordeal, you will be a full member of the Order of the Arrow, in the Grand Monadnock Lodge #309, our local lodge of the OA. You have the right to wear the sash, the lodge flap patch and attend our events, such as other Ordeal weekends, Fellowship Weekends, banquets, Conclaves, or National Conferences. You may only wear the GML patch and attend its events if you keep your dues paid. You remain a member of this lodge only as long as you are "dues-paid". Your initial induction fee includes dues paid up to June 30 of next year.

Grand Monadnock Lodge is the lodge chartered to Nashua Valley Council. We are a "youth-run" lodge. This means that all the voting members of the Lodge Executive Committee are youth. Every decision about the lodge, its weekends, etc are handled by youth. This might sound strange when you realize that over half of our membership are adults. As a youth leader in the OA you can really make a difference.

After being an Ordeal member for at least 10 months, you can "seal" your Order of the Arrow membership through attaining Brotherhood membership. This is merely an intensification of what you have experienced during the previous year. It is not difficult to attain, and it continues your development in the Order. That opportunity will come in the future, and you'll be told more about Brotherhood later on.

Also, once a member you have the opportunity to attend Section Conclaves, National Conferences, the National Leadership Seminar, and other regional and national events. These events, ranging from one weekend to almost 2 weeks, are fun, train you and inspire you, help you meet brother Scouts from all over the country, and continue your development in a life of cheerful service, all while having a great time!

We look forward to seeing you soon at the Ordeal Weekend, and congratulations again. Enjoy your journey.

Any questions? Ask your lodge leaders!