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Induction Weekends
The Ordeal Weekend
The Ordeal has a different meaning for 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 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 Order 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.
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2024 Dates and Locations of Induction Weekends
Spring Induction Weekend May 3-5 McNeil Scout Ranch at Peaceful Valley
Registration Closed
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Cony Slopes Spring Inductions May 17-19 Jolly Ranch in New Castle, CO
Registration Closed
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Summer Induction Weekend August 9-11 McNeil Scout Ranch at Peaceful Valley
Important Induction Weekend Information
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Cost of the Weekend
The weekend cost is $65 for the Ordeal Candidate, which covers your Yearly 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).
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Important Medical Information
Copies of the Scouting Medical Form A&B, complete with vaccination dates, Colorado immunizations for those under 18, and your insurance card are required for the weekend. The OA keeps health forms for a year so please bring a copy- not originals. The lodge does not have access to the internet, email, printer, or copy machine at camp. NOTE: 2023 forms are not on file! A full medical team will be onsite and ready to perform aid all weekend.
Typical Schedule for the Weekend
Please eat before you arrive at camp, as there will be no dinner on Friday night. Check-in is between 5:00 pm-6:30 pm on Friday (Peaceful Valley check-in at Headquarters). Pick-up is at 11:00 AM on Sunday. Candidates should plan on staying at camp until check-out unless religious obligations require otherwise.
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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.
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Questions
For more information or questions about the Induction (ordeal) weekend, please email us.
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Camp Contacts - Emergency Directions
In the event of an emergency DO NOT CALL 911, please get in contact with the nearest OA staff member or call the McNeil Scout Ranch ranger, Scott Field at 720-841-6887. This may not work or go through as cell service is often spotty or unavailable.
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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/headlamp 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 It will be left in the tent until Saturday evening. activities night (you can have a tent buddy
but must follow youth protection rules.)