This page contains instructions for candidates for Order of the Arrow membership from Istrouma Area Council. Youth candidates for membership are chosen by elections in their unit and adult candidates for membership are nominated by the troop at the time of that election. If you are a unit leader and need to schedule an election for your unit, please use the contact box below.
Welcome
You have been elected as a candidate for induction into the Order of the Arrow, but you must complete the Ordeal to become a full member of Quinipissa Lodge and the Order of the Arrow. The two purposes of an Ordeal are to induct new members like you into the Order of the arrow and to help provide needed services at our council’s camp.
OA Welcome Sessions
The Lodge will be hosting a series of informational welcome sessions throughout the year to present key information to both parents and candidates about the OA, and our lodge. The session will be hosted on Google Meets. We highly encourage scouts and leaders as well as legal guardians to attend.
Dates
Links will be emailed out to you in the weeks leading up to these dates, however, of you have not received them, please email…
Meet and Greets
These meet and greet sessions are a time for you, as candidates to meet your elangomats as well as the other people in your crew. This will also be a time for you to ask any last-minute questions of the inductions team before your induction event. These events take place the Tuesday before each Ordeal and are hosted on Google Meets. Links will be emailed out in the days leading up to the meet and greet.
Ordeal Weekends
Quinipissa Lodge is holding three Ordeals during 2025 (spring, summer, winter). To participate in the Ordeal, you need to completes parts A and B Personal Health and Medical History and register for the Ordeal you would like to attend. Registration can be done via the Tentaroo link below. All ordeals are held at Avondale Scout Reservation.
Candidates are allowed 18 months for the date of their election to complete their ordeal.
We have the following events in 2025 for you to complete your ordeal:
- Spring Ordeal
March 13-15, 2026 - Summer Ordeal
August 14-16, 2026 - Winter Ordeal
December 4-6, 2026
Register at https://www.istroumascouting.org/Ordeals
The cost for the Ordeal is $60, this covers the following items:
- Event Fee (Meals, Insurance, Etc)
- Sash
- Order of the Arrow Handbook
- Lodge Flap
- Lodge Dues
Important Information
You will need to bring with you the following minimum gear:
- Tent with tarp
- Water Bottle
- Work Gloves
- Scout Uniform
- Rain Gear
- Bedroll (watch this video on how to make a bed roll https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmHfVAqzuBI)
- Flashlight
- Medical Form
- Sunscreen and Bug spray
- Working cloths and proper footwear
Accessibility Statement
Quinipissa Lodge wants to ensure that all members can meaningfully participate in a safe manner. Registration will take place with access to the road. All meals are served in accessible facilities. Ceremonies take place on the grounds of camp and may include uneven trails. Accommodations can be made for any with difficulties in traveling during the Ordeal or to the ceremony site. Mobility concerns can be arranged for transportation to ceremonies.
At no time will any Scout be left alone during the Ordeal. Please note on your registration any: dietary restrictions, dietary hardships if receiving only scant food, or restrictions on physical activity that may affect service projects. We are willing to collaborate to make a meaningful Ordeal experience. If there are any questions, reach out to us at email.
Question & Answer
What time is drop-off?
Check in is from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm on Friday night. Friday night is required.
What time is pick-up?
Check out is at 10:00 am on Sunday.
What is the basic schedule?
8:00 pm Ordeal Candidates Meet
Around 9:00 pm Ordeal Process Starts
Around 7:00 am Breakfast
Around 12:00 pm Lunch
3:30 pm Ordeal Rest Period
5:00 pm Dinner
10:00 pm Ordeal is completed
What will I do?
Scouts participate in a service project with other scouts for most of the day.
What do I/my scout need to bring?
Tarp, Sleeping bag, Water bottle, Work gloves, Change of clothes, Winter hat, Backpack, A and B Medical Form, Tent (for the second night), Toothbrush & toothpaste, extra socks, Class A uniform, work clothes (grubbies), waterproof bag for items
What do I not need?
Cooking equipment, work tools, bear bags
When can I use my phone?
Scouts can use their phones following the completion of the Ordeal Ceremony on Saturday night.
What is an Elangomat?
The guide for scouts going through the ordeal coming from a word meaning eternal friend.
When do I need my Scout Uniform?
The uniform is worn for the first time on Saturday afternoon at new member orientation and on Sunday at our Lodge Meeting.
Who do I reach out to if I have more questions?
If there are any questions, reach out to us at