Your son has been elected as a candidate for the Order of the Arrow, the National Honor
Society of the Boy Scouts of America. Organized in 1915 to recognize honor campers, the
purpose of the Order of the Arrow is to recognize those who best exemplify the Scout Oath and
Law in their daily lives and through that recognition cause others to conduct themselves in in a
way that warrants similar recognition; to promote camping, to develop leaders, and to crystallize
the Scout habit of helpfulness into a life purpose of leadership in cheerful service to others.

Candidates for the Order of the Arrow are chosen not only for what they have done, but
also for what they are expected to do in serving the welfare of others. Because your son was
selected for candidacy by the unique method of being elected by his peers, we are sure that he is
well worthy of this honor.
The Lodge will be hosting three Induction Weekends this year. They are:

• November 6 – 8, 2020, Bert Adams Scout Camp    Directions to Camp   Map of Camp
  Register Now Deadline Monday, October 26, 2020

Your son will become a member of our Order of the Arrow Lodge, Egwa Tawa Dee, during
one of these induction weekends. This weekend, which you choose for him to attend, will offer a
unique opportunity for him to reflect on his personal commitment to the principles and purposes of the Order of the Arrow and Scouting. The weekend is undertaken by every candidate and is a
meaningful and inspiring experience that will not soon be forgotten.

Induction in the Order of the Arrow will open many new doors for your son. Our lodge
participates in many events every year. He will be entering the OA at a great time. In addition, the
Order of the Arrow provides some of the most valuable youth leadership training and opportunities available. These opportunities will build upon the knowledge he already has received during his scouting experience. This is truly an exciting time for you and your son. Your encouragement and support will be appreciated.

Please feel free to contact me at if you have any questions
concerning the Order of the Arrow. You may also contact the Ordeal Chairman at
with any questions. Thank you for your support of your son and of
Scouting.

Sincerely,
Alex Girard                                              Ryan Girard
2020 Lodge Chief                                   Lodge Advisor

The Ordeal is a weekend experience in which those elected or selected learn about the customs and traditions of the Order of the Arrow and undertake a spiritual journey to discover the true meanings of leadership, service and the Brotherhood of Scouting. 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.

WHAT WEEKENDS CAN I GO THROUGH MY ORDEAL?

The Lodge conducts weekends in the Spring and Fall during which you can go through your Ordeal. These are held at the Council’s camps.

Having been elected (youth) or selected (adult) and properly called out you are now ready to continue with the inductions process to become a member in the Lodge and the Order of the Arrow.

There is only one step left, attend an Ordeal within one year of the unit election date. Use the registration links below to get signed up.

Notice to ALL candidates:

According to the Order of the Arrow Guide to Inductions, events and tests during the Ordeal are given in a stated sequence. Disrupting the sequence for any reason gravely takes away from the entire Ordeal experience; therefore, any candidate who leaves the Ordeal for any reason before the Ordeal ceremony withdraws himself from candidacy in the Order of the Arrow.

No walk-ins will be accepted and everyone must register. An acknowledgement of your payment will not be sent.

• No matter what you’ve been told by any other adult leader you must arrive at camp on Friday night before 9:00 pm. You must stay until you are dismissed Sunday morning by approximately 10:00 am. The activities Saturday night and Sunday morning are designed to enrich your Ordeal experience. You are not free to leave Saturday night.
• You must bring to camp a copy of parts A & B of your BSA Annual Health and Medical Record to be turned in at check-in.

The Lodge conducts weekends in the Spring and Fall during which you can go through your Ordeal. These are held at the Council’s camps.

THINGS YOU’LL NEED FRIDAY NIGHT TO CARRY WITH YOU

• BSA Medical Form (photo copy only)
• Sleeping Bag
• Day Pack (for items below)
• Ground Cloth (plastic, or pull from your tent bag)
• Personal Medications
• Toiletries (soap, toothbrush, etc.)
• Work Clothes (including gloves, uniform not recommended Friday night)
• Any Change of Clothes Needed (socks, underwear)
• Jacket
• Rain Gear
• Hat
• Water Bottle
• Sun Screen
• Insect Repellent
• Flashlight
• Note Pad and Pencil or Pen
• Cheerfulness and Service
• No Cell Phones or Other Electronic Devices

THINGS YOU’LL NEED LATE SATURDAY AFTERNOON (WE’LL TELL YOU WHERE TO LEAVE THESE DURING CHECK IN):

• Towel
• Full Field Uniform (Class “A” Scout Uniform)
• Tent
• Spending money for OA Trading Post
• Camp Chair
• Any other normal weekend camping items

Congratulations! Your son has been elected to be a candidate for membership in the Order of the Arrow, Scouting’s National Honor Society. Take a moment and review this Welcome Letter from the Lodge. It will answer most of your questions.

We appreciate your support. While many organizations have specific commitments for every member, the Order of the Arrow is unique because it offers each Scout a multitude of opportunities to serve, and your son can tailor his involvement accordingly.

An active member is a registered member that is committed to serving his home unit.

INFORMATION FOR PARENTS AND GUARDIANS ABOUT ORDER OF THE ARROW CEREMONIES

1. Parents, guardians, and Scout leaders shall not be excluded from any Boy Scout activity or function including any Order of the Arrow (OA) ceremonies.
2. Any concerned parent, guardian, or religious leader may view any OA ceremonies, attend meetings, or read scripts upon request to a council, district, lodge, or chapter official to assure themselves that there is nothing objectionable. Such persons are asked to safeguard the details relating to ceremonies for the sake of the participants. Hazing or demeaning initiation pranks are also prohibited by the OA and the BSA.
3. Induction into the OA is not a hazing or an initiation ceremony. The OA is not a secret Scout organization, and its ceremonies are open to any parent, guardian, Scout leader, or religious leader. There is an element of mystery in the ceremonies for the sake of its effect on the candidates. For this reason, ceremonies are not held in public. The ceremonies are not objectionable to any religious group.