Winter Ordeal

Ordeal – General Information

Winter Ordeal

Congratulations on becoming a candidate for the Order of the Arrow and getting called out! Being selected by your peers as one who truly lives up to the Scout Oath and Law, is a great honor. Many opportunities await you, and O-Shot-Caw Lodge looks forward to having you as a new brother.

The next step in order to become a member of the OA is to go through your Ordeal at one of the three ordeal opportunities (Winter, Summer or Fall) during the twelve months following your election.

Preparing for your Ordeal

Recommended Packing List:

  • Medical Form and any Medications you take
  • Tent (you will only use this on Sat. night)
  • Tarp (for Friday night)
  • Sleeping Bag
  • Flashlight w/ extra batteries
  • Insect Repellent
  • Sun Screen
  • Hat
  • Work Clothes (wear these out to camp)
  • Work Gloves
  • Class A and Class B Uniform
  • Rain Gear – even if the weather man says you don’t need it!
  • Winter Ordeal – bring WARM clothes, coat, hat, gloves. It can get VERY cold in January, especially if we are at Camp Everglades.
  • Toiletries and Shower Supplies (depending on the location, you may or may not have access to showers)
  • Money (if you want to buy anything from the OA Trading Post)

Check-in usually begins at 6:00pm. All candidates need to register on-line no later than the Friday before the event. There are no walk-up registrations at Lodge Events.

Once you are checked-in, you may set up your tent with your Chapter. Note: you will be sleeping under the stars with a tarp on Friday. However, it is a better idea to set your tent up on Friday because it will be dark after the ceremony on Saturday. Spend any time left reviewing the schedule and getting to know other Chapter and Lodge members.

At 9:00pm, the Pre-Ordeal Ceremony will take place. All Ordeal Candidates MUST be at registration by 7:00pm!Bring all of your overnight supplies with you – this includes your tarp, sleeping bag, and pillow. It is recommended to wear your work clothes on Friday night for the next day. You will not need any electronic items, including cell phones, as well as any food/snacks. You will be returning to your tent Saturday morning to drop off your sleeping bag, etc. as well a getting other items you will need during the work projects, like gloves, hat, etc.

Fall Ordeal Saturday

Your Ordeal experience will begin on Friday night and conclude on Saturday night. After the ceremony there will be a “feast” after your ceremony. On Sunday Morning after breakfast, there is an Inter-faith Worship Service followed by an important meeting for all new Ordeal Members. You will be dismissed 11:00am.

Check the Registration page for the specific ordeal you are attending to confirm location and times. This page is provided for general information only.

If you have questions in advance, please contact the lodge chief.