NOAC 2020
Induction Weekends
From our Lodge Chief
Dear Candidate,
Recently you were elected by members of your unit to become eligible for membership in the Order of the Arrow. The Order of the Arrow is a service organization dedicated to four purposes: Recognition of scouts and scouters who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law, development of camping traditions and spirit, promotion of the camping program and developing habits of helpfulness and leadership in scouts. Your election proves that you live up to the Scout Oath and Law and that you are indeed an honored camper. I offer you congratulations on behalf of your chapter and Tahosa Lodge. However, before becoming a member you must first undergo an Ordeal to test your worthiness. I look forward to getting to know you and welcoming you into our honored Order!
Yours in the Brotherhood
Joseph Schwall
2023 Lodge Chief
What is a Fellowship?
The "Fellowship sequence" is at the heart of the Order of the Arrow.
The purpose of the induction is to encourage and inspire Arrowmen in the ideals of the Order and Scouting.
It is by this method that we also pass along our traditions.
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Your induction began with your election by your fellow Scouts.
They selected you for your dedication to the ideals of Scouting.
They look to you for leadership.
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The term "induction sequence" is used in recognition of the fact that events in our induction
must necessarily occur in a particular order, not at random.
Following your election, you were called out.
Next will come your Ordeal, it will begin with a pre-Ordeal ceremony,
and once completed, will end with an Ordeal ceremony.
What is an Ordeal ?
The Ordeal has a different meaning to each candidate who completes it.
It is a time of deep searching and high resolve; a unique opportunity to experience
all the richness and warmth of brotherhood.
Candidates need this experience not only for their own benefit,
but also because their Obligation will require
unusual devotion to the work of bringing this spirit to their own Scout unit.
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The purpose of the Ordeal is to have candidates reflect on their own Scout life and character, and to come to a deeper understanding of the Scout Oath and the principles of the Order.
This purpose is realized through a fourfold Ordeal that
includes sleeping alone, silence, work, and a limited amount of food.
No hazing or endangerment of a Scout's safety is allowed.
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Newly elected candidates for membership in the Order of the Arrow must complete the Ordeal and be inducted into the OA by the lodge that serves the council in which the unit is chartered.
This allows the candidates to bond with their contemporaries as they go through the Ordeal and creates a positive leadership environment in which they can progress.
Out-of-council Ordeals are not permitted.
Dates and Locations of Fellowships/Induction Weekends
Spring Fellowship May 5-7 Charles S. McNeil Scout Ranch
Registration Closes April 30
Western Slope Spring Fellowship May 19-21 TBD
Registration Closes May 12
Summer Fellowship August 11-13 Charles S. McNeil Scout Ranch
Registration Closes August 8
Western Slope Summer Fellowship September 22-24 TBD
Registration Closes September 15
Fall Fellowship October 13th-15th Charles S. McNeil Scout Ranch
Registration Closes October 9
Cost of the Weekend
The weekend cost is $65 for the Ordeal Candidate, which covers your 2023 Lodge dues, the cost of the weekend (camping fee, food, insurance) and all of your new member materials (OA Sash, Lodge pocket flap, OA pocket ribbon, and OA handbook).
Important Medical Information
Copies of the Scouting Medical Form A&B, complete with vaccination dates, Colorado immunizations for under 18, and your insurance card are required for the weekend. The OA keeps health forms for a year so please bring copies and not originals. The lodge does not have access to the internet, email, printer or copy machine at camp. NOTE: 2022 forms are not on file!
A full medical team will be onsite all weekend.
Schedule for the Weekend
Make sure to eat before you arrive at camp, as there will be no dinner on Friday night. Check-in is between 6:30pm-7:30pm on Friday evening (Peaceful Valley check-in at Headquarters). Pick up is at 9:30 AM on Sunday. Candidates should plan on staying at camp until check-out, unless religious obligations require otherwise.
Money
The Tahosa Lodge trading post will be open on Saturday night, if you are interested in purchasing any lodge items such as patches, shirts, hats, etc. Credit and Debit cards are accepted.
Questions
For more information or questions about the Induction (ordeal) weekend, please email us
Camp Contacts
In the event you need to contact your scout at camp, please call the following:
Charles S. McNeil Peaceful Valley Scout Ranch - Scott Field 720-841-6887
Cell service is spotty and often unavailable.
What to Bring
Here is a list of what to bring for the weekend. Packing the items in a backpack is suggested as there is hiking involved. Arrive at camp Friday evening in your work clothes and a warm jacket. Click the link to print the list of "What to Bring"
Signed Medical Forms A&B and insurance card Backpack with gear loaded
Sleeping bag (appropriate for weather) Pad (self-inflating or closed cell foam)
Ground cloth or tarp (at least 7' x 9') Canteen/water bottle - full of water
10 essentials Personal grooming items (toothbrush, towel, soap, etc)
Flashlight/head lamp Small notepad and pen
Work gloves Hiking boots (no open toed shoes)
Tent (for Saturday night) and a ground cloth Complete Class A uniform (merit badge sash not necessary)
or tarp so you can set up your tent on Friday will be left in tent until Saturday dinner and evening activities
night (you can have a tent buddy but must
follow YPT)