![Ordeal Sash](art/ordealsash_sm_a.jpg)
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.
Elections are held between January 1 and April 30 of the current year. All requests for elections must be submitted a minimum of 3 weeks before the date they are held. No one can conduct an election in their own troop with out a trained and authorized representative of the lodge present. To schedule an election please use the following form: Youth Election Request Form. Adult Candidate Nomination Form
Candidates can take their ordeals during the ordeal weekend of their choice. There are three opportunities in the spring and three opportunities in the fall. Candidates should report to the camp of their choice no later then 7 PM on Friday. The weekend ends at the conclusion of the chapter meeting on Sunday morning (approximately 10 am).