Santa Fe Trail Council, Garden City, KS
Mandan Lodge #194 - Providing Cheerful Service since 1948
National OA has changed Lodge Numbering policy. Lodge is now the same as Council Number.

(adapted from The Order of the Arrow Handbook, Boy Scouts of America)

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.