Your election is the first step in your induction into the Order of the Arrow. The next step will be the Ordeal. The Ordeal is a 24-hour test of your strength and will. The Ordeal is not a test to see if you are worthy of membership in the Order. By being elected by your unit, you've passed that test already.

The Ordeal is a 24-hour intensive leadership development exercise designed to demonstrate to the candidate the values on which Scouting and the Order of the Arrow are based. After completing the Ordeal a Scout becomes a member of the lodge and is entitled to seal his membership through the Brotherhood Ceremony. Candidates should select a date when they can complete the entire Ordeal without interruption. If the candidate chooses the week that he is at camp he will not be released for merit badges or troop responsibilities.

There is an intermediate step between the election and the Ordeal called the Callout. The Callout is the only public ceremony that the Order runs. During the Callout, we publicly recognize your election to the Order in front of your troop, your family, and your friends. If you are going to be called out your unit needs to send their Order of the Arrow Unit representative to Buena Vista Cabin at 7:00 PM on Sunday of your Summer camp week to be sure that your name is on our list, especially if you are going to be called out during a week in which you are not at camp. It is important that every unit has someone on hand -- preferably their Order of the Arrow Unit Representative -- with a list of Ordeal candidates from their troop. Your Scoutmaster has more information about how to check in for the Callout, please contact him for details. You do not need to be called out. It is an optional part of the process. You may also be called out after you've taken the Ordeal (if you take your Ordeal before your week at camp, for example). The timing of your Callout is entirely up to you.

Ordeal check-in For all Ordeals this year, Ordeals candidates must check-in no earlier than 7:30 PM and no later than 8:00 PM. Ordeals occurring at Camp Stambaugh should check in between 7:30 PM and 8:00 PM at Brown Pavilion. Ordeals occurring at Camp Manatoc should check in between 7:30 PM and 8:00 PM at the Trading Post.

During the Ordeal you will be expected to do physical labor, this may involve lifting, walking, reaching, and other strenuous activity. If you are physically incapable of performing these activities, please contact the Ordeal Master, and we will make adjustments according to your abilities.

The Ordeal fees are $55 for 2023. This covers the cost of supplies and the cool stuff you get in your Member Packet. Some units require the scout to pay; others cover the cost from the unit budget. Please do not pay at the council office or at the camp office. Please pay at check-in time for your Ordeal. If you are worried that you cannot afford the Ordeal fee, we have a scholarship program that will cover some of the cost if you are eligible. Please contact your Scoutmaster for details.

The Ordeal will be finished at 10 PM on Saturday. Please make arrangements to be picked up by the dining hall or the Brown Pavilion. However, you are invited to stay the night Saturday if your Ordeal lands on a fellowship weekend. You will not be allowed to remain for the Ordeal if you do not bring a valid, signed class II medical form with you.

While there are no secret ceremonies in Scouting (in accordance with National Policy) we HIGHLY DISCOURAGE nonmembers from attending ceremonies, as you may be going through it at some time in the future. Pictures of any kind are not permitted during ceremonies but may be taken afterward at the feast. If you have any other questions, please contact us at chief@marnoc.org.