OA Fall Service and Induction Weekend

October 4-6, 2024

Wahinkto Lodge is excited to offer the Fall Service and Induction Weekend at Camp Sol Mayer, October 4-6, 2024. This is an opportunity to recognize our new members elected into the Order of the Arrow through the completion of the Ordeal, the solidification of membership through the Brotherhood Ceremony, and service and fellowship opportunities. This registration platform is for everyone registering for the event. The information below is intended for Ordeal Candidates as they prepare for their ordeal experience. Publications attached to the right are available to assist with questions for Brotherhood Candidates and other attendees.

Wahinkto Lodge Ordeals

In order to become a member of Wahinkto Lodge, Scouts who were elected into the Order of the Arrow (OA) by their unit must complete an Ordeal within their eligibility period. Candidates elected as of January 1, 2023, have 12 months from the date of election to complete their Ordeal. If a candidate does not complete their Ordeal within their eligibility period, then the candidate has to be re-elected by their unit. A candidate can only complete their Ordeal in Wahinkto Lodge.

A Call-Out Ceremony is a form of public recognition used to communicate the honor of being selected for membership into the Order of the Arrow to members, non-members, and the public and impresses the high ideals and standards of the Order of the Arrow. It serves to intensify a Scout's desire to become a member. Units and districts may conduct ceremonies. Scouts are not required to participate in a call-out ceremony in order to participate in an Ordeal. 

Ordeal Registration

The registration fee includes the cost of the Ordeal, current year lodge dues, lodge flap (patch), OA sash, and meals.

There is no onsite registration. About a week before the Ordeal, information will be sent to candidates to the email account provided in the election results through Lodgemaster, the lodge membership management system.

Registration closes four days before each Ordeal so meals can be ordered.

What to Bring

Candidates will need to arrive at the Ordeal in their field uniform (Scout uniform) with the following equipment and prepared to spend the first night under the stars:

Eat a hearty dinner before arriving. Arrive hydrated.

Copy of Annual Health and Medical Form (parts A, B;  "All Scouting Events”)

Hand sanitizer

Field uniform (Scout uniform)

Work clothes: jeans, long sleeve shirt, boots, work gloves, hat, etc.

Sleeping bag, ground cloth and foam pad: for sleeping under the stars on Friday night.

Backpack to carry gear (except for tent)

Tent

Ensure candidates arrive hydrated

Insect repellant

Sunscreen

Flashlight

Rain gear

Water bottle: Candidates need to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Water will be supplied at all work locations. 

Personal hygiene items: soap, towel, shampoo, toothbrush/toothpaste, deodorant, etc.

Cell phones: One of the challenges of the Ordeal is to participate in contemplative silence. Cell phones, if carried, need to be turned off for the event. 

Health and Safety: Work clothes, consisting of long sleeve shirts, long pants, boots or closed-toed shoes, gloves, hat, and weather-appropriate layering are required for participation in the service projects. Service projects.
Poison Ivy: Several locations have poison ivy or thorns. Candidates should wash their hands frequently.
Meals: Candidates should eat a hearty meal before arriving at the Ordeal. A meal will not be served Friday night. Candidates should not bring food unless it is part of a medically prescribed diet detailed on the medical form. Special foods and medications will be turned over to the Ordeal adviser for distribution. Please notify the Ordeal staff about required medication, medical conditions and dietary restrictions before the Ordeal.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why all the secrecy around the OA activities?
  • The Order of the Arrow recognizes that an aura of mystery not only stimulates interest in the OA but also helps new members feel proud of an accomplishment that is not achieved by every Scout. Most candidates receive fewer benefits if they know about the induction in advance. Knowledge of the ordeal events lowers expectancy and dulls the edge of experience. In other words, you hurt candidates by telling them about the "ordeal." After the ordeal is completed, parents should feel free to discuss the experiences their Scout had at the Ordeal. The Order of the Arrow is happy to share any pertinent information about our activities with parents who are not members.
  • The OA is not a secret society and does not support hazing in any form. BSA has officially stated: "The induction is not a hazing or an initiation ceremony. The Order is not a secret Scout organization, and its ceremonies are open to any parent, 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 put on in public. The ceremonies...are not objectionable to any religious group."
• Can parents or non-OA members attend ceremonies?
  • Parents and non-OA siblings are strongly discouraged from attending OA ceremonies. The concern is that the future experiences of participants, who may one day have an opportunity to join the lodge, will be spoiled.
• What happens during the Ordeal?
  • The Ordeal starts with an inspiring ceremony, where the candidate is presented with four activities to help them understand the obligations of a member of the Order of the Arrow: brotherhood, cheerfulness, and service. Once the four activities are completed, the member takes an obligation of service and becomes an Ordeal member in the OA. Note that nothing in the Ordeal is considered hazing; the Ordeal activities are intended to promote self-discovery and inspiration while providing service to our Scout camps. All ceremonies are reviewed regularly by Scouting and religious leaders. The experience of the Ordeal is to challenge the candidate to understand an obligation of life-long, cheerful service.
• How do Scouts benefit from the OA?
  • Over 75 Arrowmen in Wahinkto Lodge give more than 1050 hours of service to their units, districts, council and communities every year. The Order of the Arrow program provides additional opportunities for a Scout to develop leadership talents and motivational skills; improve speaking, planning, and motivational skills; fellowship with older Scouts; and achieve a deeper understanding about cheerfully and unselfishly giving of themself in the service of their fellow Scouts.
• What is expected of a new OA member?
  • OA members are expected to stay active in their unit, set an example by living the Scout Oath and Law, promote camping and provide service to Scouting and the community. In addition, OA members should attend chapter meetings and lodge events, pay annual dues and provide service.
• How do new OA members get involved?
  • Besides the personal experience of being part of an honor society, Arrowmen can sharpen their leadership skills, work with others to solve problems and brainstorm with others to help make the organization as strong as it can be. Getting involved is easy. OA programs provide a variety of innovative leadership opportunities, and fun events not found anywhere else in Scouting. New Arrowmen should first find out when and where their chapter meets in their district.
  • Arrowmen can serve as an Elangomat or “friend” at ordeals, to make new candidates feel welcome. Serving as an Elangomat is a wonderful leadership experience, as well as an opportunity to make new friends. Serving as an Elangomat can help youth earn the Service Crew Sash.
  • Scouts can help their unit and earn credit for rank advancement leadership by becoming a unit OA representative. The unit OA representative serves as a link between the lodge or chapter and the unit. In the unit, the unit OA representative makes sure that fellow Arrowmen know about upcoming OA events. In addition, the unit OA representative takes information back to the chapter and lodge on how the OA can help the unit. The OA unit representative is a very important role to the OA. It is a way to serve the lodge and unit at the same time, and fulfill a leadership requirement for advancement towards Eagle Scout.
  • The OA was founded upon camping traditions. Serving on winter camp staff at Camp Sol Mayer is an outstanding opportunity to serve Scouting.

Elangomats

Unit leaders should encourage Arrowmen in the unit to attend the Ordeal with the candidates to serve as elangomats to work alongside the candidates to help inspire a life of cheerful service and have the opportunity to make a positive life-lasting impact on the candidate and to fan the flame for the next generation of leaders in our Order. Arrowmen with a passion for service, who will be able to communicate the spirit of the Order through their actions and example make ideal elangomats.

Elangomat is the Lenni Lenape word for “friend.” The OA gives the title “elangomat” to Arrowmen who lead Ordeal candidates through their Ordeal by the power of their example. The elangomats lead by example as they go through the Ordeal again and successfully complete the four tests of the Ordeal while leading their crew of candidates. As Allowat Sakima said, “One who follows such a pathway in unwavering cheerful service will be seen by many others and, by inspiration, lead them.”

What is an Elangomat? The Elangomat is one who is fully willing to give of themself in order to bring to others the true realization of the purpose and spirit of the Order of the Arrow. They will endure the hardships of the Ordeal, again and again, to help new members gain the deep and powerful experience of the Ordeal. The title, “Elangomat” means FRIEND. Your primary responsibility is to be a friend to the candidates. Your job is not easy; you must function as a mentor, counselor, mediator, and authority figure. The Ordeal is, however, better the second time around.

The Elangomat Promise I, do hereby promise, on my honor as a member of the Brotherhood of Cheerful Service, to remain true to the ties of the Elangomat; to exemplify and endure the tests of the Ordeal, that those who are to join in our brotherhood may gain greater understanding of our purpose; to be a constant example of cheerful service and brotherhood; and to strive with all my power to help them see the Arrow.

The Spirit of an Elangomat The Elangomat is willing to sacrifice themself in order to preside over their crew. Their job is to act as Allowat Sakima in observing the candidates throughout the Ordeal. If you embody the spirit of the Ordeal, the candidates will follow your example and act accordingly. The more you keep the spirit of the Ordeal with you, the more powerful and meaningful the Ordeal will be for the candidates.  A crew is a small group of Ordeal candidates under your supervision. You will get to know your members and be a friend and mentor to them during their Ordeal and as they rise up through the Order. You are a patrol leader in charge of the crew. The Ordeal master assigns the crews.

Responsibilities of an Elangomat 

• Honestly try to bring the candidates understanding of the spirit of the Order of the Arrow. Take the initiative in performing service and accomplishing tasks.
• Be a continual example of the spirit of the Order.
• Ensure that the candidates fully follow the challenges of the Ordeal.
• Make the candidates feel they are part of the Order and work with them until they achieve Brotherhood.
• Show the Ordeal candidates respect
• Ensure are staying hydrated