What is the ordeal?
Perhaps you are a scout who has heard older scouts talking about the
Order of the Arrow. Or perhaps you are a parent of a son who will soon be
participating in the "Ordeal". Either way, this article discusses what
the Ordeal is all about.
The Order of the Arrow is simply a fraternal service organization
dedicated to four purposes:
- Recognition of scouts and scouters who best exemplify the scout oath
and law.
- Development of camping traditions and spirit.
- To promote the camping program.
- To develop habits of helpfulness and leadership in scouts.
Membership in the order of the arrow consists of three levels: Ordeal,
Brotherhood and Vigil.
In order to be a candidate for the Ordeal, scouts and scouters must be
elected by the members of their troop (youth vote for youth, and adults
vote for adults). The Order of the Arrow is very unique in that it is one
of very few organizations where its membership is selected by both its
members and non-members as well.
Once scouts are selected as ordeal candidates, they must seal their
membership by taking part in an event known as "the Ordeal". This event
starts on a Friday night and continues until Saturday evening.
Part of what makes the Order of the Arrow such an exciting organization
to be a part of is its special ceremonies. We don't keep "secrets" in the
OA, however part of the excitement of taking your ordeal comes from the
supprise of all of the events that take place. Its a wonderful feeling to
be a part of something brand new and to know that your fellow scouts have
selected you to be a part of that. We ask that you be considerate of your
fellow scouts by not sharing with them the events of your ordeal. That
way, their own experiences will not be diminished.
Scouts, of course, are encouraged to discuss their experiences with their
parents. Likewise, any parents with concerns about the Ordeal are
encouraged to contact the Council Service Center before or after the
ordeal so that they can discuss their concerns with a professional
scouter.
Often, members of the Order of the Arrow might make up stories about
what happens during the ordeal to frighten young scouts or to make the
experience sound more magnificent. As a division of the Boy Scouts of
America, the Order of the Arrow follows all youth protection guidelines
including anti-hazing rules. The Ordeal is a program that is administered
using standardized guidelines that were developed on a national level with
the approval of all major religious organizations
That is not to say that taking the ordeal is easy. The ordeal is
designed to challenge scouts and scouters, mentally. Will you work hard
to make the camp as good as possible, or will you do the least amount
possible? Will you deny yourself and put others ahead of your own
desires? Will you show your true honor by keeping promises that you have
made? These are all questions you will need to answer to yourself during
the ordeal.
