Congratulations on your election to become a candidate for membership in the Order of the Arrow, Scouting’s “National Honor Society.” Our local lodge, Echockotee Lodge, comprises the Scouting units in the North Florida Council. To be chosen by your fellow Scouts for membership is a great honor, and you should be proud of your election. The next step toward full membership in the OA is to attend one of our induction weekends, which are held as part of select fellowship weekends hosted at Camp Shands in Hawthorne, FL.
The Induction is a weekend experience in which those elected or selected learn about the customs and traditions of the Order of the Arrow and undertake a journey to discover the true meanings of leadership, cheerful service, and the brotherhood of Scouting. It might sound like a lot, but we have faith that you can do it.
When can I complete my Ordeal?
The Induction is offered three times a year and must be completed within 18 months of election (or nomination for adults). Please make every effort to attend the earliest date possible because if something happens and you don’t attend within 18 months, you must requalify for election and be re-elected the following year.
An example schedule can be found here. Check-in for each Induction begins at 6pm and closes at 7pm. You must stay until you are dismissed Sunday morning by approximately noon. The activities Saturday night and Sunday morning are designed to enrich your induction experience and are required to complete the induction process. Plan to stay the entire weekend — please do not plan to leave Saturday night.
How do I register?
Please register for an Ordeal in the Registration section below. CouncilWare is used to manage event registration and participant information. If you do not already have a CouncilWare account for North Florida Council, you can create one during the registration process. Simply follow the prompts on the registration page to create your account and provide the required information. Once your account is created, you can continue and complete your registration.
Please select the fellowship weekend you are interested in attending, remembering that it must be within 18 months of the candidate’s election, and follow the prompts to complete the registration process.
What do I need to bring?
To complete your Ordeal, you will be required to bring a number of items. A copy of your updated Medical Form will be required at check-in. A detailed packing list can be downloaded below (“What to Bring List”). If you have dietary issues, please contact us a few days before so that we may be able to accommodate them.
What can I expect during the weekend?
The weekend will consist of several ceremonies and service projects that run beginning upon arrival Friday evening and running through Saturday afternoon and conclude with a final ceremony welcoming candidates into the OA. Saturday evening will consist of activities designed to welcome our new members. The Induction weekend concludes Sunday morning at approximately 11am after breakfast and a morning program designed to explain more about the OA, the Echockotee Lodge, and meet the Lodge Leadership. A detailed schedule can be downloaded below.
Upon being elected, each candidate should have received Spirit of the Arrow: Book I – Upon a Lofty Journey. This is the first of several booklets that candidates will receive throughout the weekend to help explain the process and encourage them. If you are a candidate and have not received Book I, it can be downloaded below.
Please remember to stop for food as you head to camp as dinner will not be served Friday evening.