Ordeal Candidates

Congratulations on your election into the Order of the Arrow! The OA is the National Honor Society of Scouting, and your election by your peers speaks highly of your commitment to the ideals of scouting. The purposes of the OA are to recognize scouts and scouters who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives, to develop and maintain camping traditions and spirit, to promote Scout camping, and to crystallize the Scout habit of helpfulness into a life purpose of leadership in cheerful service to others. When you become a member of the Order of the Arrow, you will have the opportunity to pursue these ends, and in the process, join a community of scouts across the council and nation in scouting. Joining the Order of the Arrow gives you the chance to explore opportunities available nowhere else in scouting and to bring it all back to your unit. But first, you must undertake the Ordeal.

Passaconaway Lodge holds two to three Ordeal weekends during the year, one in the spring and one to two in the fall. You must attend one of these weekends within a year following your election to be inducted into the OA. During the Ordeal, you will have the opportunity to reflect on your personal commitment to the principles and purposes of the Order of the Arrow and scouting. This weekend must be undertaken by every new OA candidate and is a meaningful and inspiring experience that will not be forgotten.

How to Prepare

To register for the Ordeal, go to the homepage and select the listed event.  This action will take you a page which you can use to register online and pay.

You will need to bring with you parts A & B of the BSA Annual Health and Medical Record.

Items you will need for the weekend are listed below. Please make sure to dress appropriately for the weather and in layers.

  • Horseshoe pack (written instructions, video instructions) containing:
    • Jacket or sweatshirt
    • Work gloves
    • Poncho or other rain gear
    • Toilet articles (in a small plastic bag)
  • Water bottle
  • Flashlight
  • Scout Uniform (do not wear, just bring)
  • Rake, shovel, or brush clippers (marked with your name)
  • Parts A & B of the BSA Annual Health and Medical Record

Also, pack the following separately. It will be left at your campsite Friday evening.

  • Tent
  • Sleeping bag
  • Change of clothes

Message to New Ordeal Candidate’s Parents

Good luck on your Ordeal!