Black Eagle Lodge Order of the Arrow Spring Induction Weekend- May 21& 22

Under normal circumstances, electees into the Order of the Arrow would be invited to a live Black Eagle Lodge event to seal their bond of brotherhood in the Order of the Arrow but as we are well aware, these are not normal times. COVID regulations vary and fluctuate across the council.

To that end, the chapters of the Black Eagle Lodge Order of the Arrow will host a Spring Ordeal Induction event on the weekend of May 21st across the lodge territory.  While all members of the lodge are welcome to participate, the time zone used for the event will be UTC+1 (Central Europe/Germany).   The event will be a mix of in-person cohorts or participation in the event remotley.  Events will be coordinated locally by the chapter leadership.

Events need to be held within the current local guidelines of the host nation and/or military authorities. Regulations permitting, Lakota Chapter will host their event at Sembach Germany, Achon Woapalanne will hold theirs in Grafenwoehr Germany, and Namasakket will hold theirs at Walton Firs. Site locations will have restrictions on the number of people in one location- including participants and staff.  In the event local restrictions restrict a candidate from joining other Scouts or camp overnight, they can do the weekend on their own at home, following the guidlines of the weekend.  While the event will be available to all new Ordeal members, Brotherhood Walks will only be offered at the weekend’s face to face at chapter events.  

Ordeal Candidate Fees for the virtual weekend are $35.00.  Brotherhood Fees will be $15.00.  Upon receipt of payment, Ordeal registrants will be sent an Order of the Arrow Handbook, Black Eagle Lodge pocket flap patch, and an Ordeal Sash. Brotherhood candidates will receive their sash.  For candidates from the same troop, we would prefer to send one package of materials for all the candidates to one point of contact.  APO/DPO/FPO mailing addresses are preferred.

Candidates going through their induction will be administered the four tests of the Ordeal and ceremonies content.  Application of the four tests of the Ordeal can be performed on either an individual or small group basis depending on restrictions in your local area. If being done in small groups, the lodge will need the help of the local troop(s) to administer the elements of the weekend component. If being done individually, parents will be provided with guidelines to ensure successful completion.  This include:

• A Night Alone which should be completed outdoors if at all possible.
• Scant Food suggestions (e.g., a sample menu) along with an explanation of why this is being done.
• Working in Silence should be explained to both parents and candidates and should be in effect throughout the night alone and during the day of service (unless communication is necessary to successfully complete the service project or in an emergency).
• Service projects.  These will need to be arranged in advance by the candidate and approved by the candidate’s Elangomat. Service projects should be community-based projects wherever possible (e.g., cleanup of a public park, support to their local church, litter sweeps, etc.).

Given the unique nature of this virtual induction process as part of the pre-Ordeal event, special effort will be made to clarify the purpose of the procedural exceptions being used and to explain how they differ from a traditional induction process. The success of this event is largely dependent on the Scout’s honest participation (Scout’s honor) in adhering to guidelines outlined and complying with the spirit and intent behind them is likewise important.

Planned Schedule.  All times are Central European Time (Germany)

Friday, May 21

8:00 PM- Booklet #2 Given to Candidates

9:00 PM- Opening Show on Zoom

9:30 PM- Pre-Ordeal Ceremony

10:30 PM- Candidates Leave for Evening Under the Stars

Saturday, May 22   

7:30 AM- Wake-Up / Booklet #3

7:45 AM- Breakfast

8:00 AM- Start Service Project on own or with troop

11:00 AM- Lunch on own or with troop

12:00- Resume Project

1:00 PM- Project Complete/ Shower Relax and stay Silent/Given Booklet #4

1:45- Closing Ceremony on Zoom 

2:00- Ordeal Weekend Completed

Registrants will be emailed Zoom link information upon completion of their registration. 

Register today!