Ordeal Candidates
Congratulations on your election into BSA’s National Honor Society! The induction ceremony, called the Ordeal, is the first step toward full membership in the Order. The entire experience is designed to teach significant values.
Note: Once you become a member, we’d be happy to see you come back for more events! Future Shenandoah Lodge events are not just the Ordeal!
WHEN?
The Ordeal is offered on the following dates and must be completed within 18 months of your election or nomination date.
2025
- Spring Fellowship: March 21st — 23rd @ Camp Shenandoah
- June Fellowship: May 30th — June 1st @ Camp Shenandoah
- August Fellowship: August 8th — 10th @ Camp Shenandoah
Check-in for the Ordeal will be at the Camp Office, at 5:00 PM and will be open until the weekend events begin at 7:00 PM. Late arrivals are unfortunately not permitted. The Ordeal ends at approximately 8:00 PM on Saturday, but the overall weekend will end around 10:30 AM on Sunday. For safety and programming purposes, it is requested that prior arrangements are made if a member has to leave upon completion of their Ordeal.
REGISTRATION
Pre-registration is required for all members, at all events, including Ordeal Candidates. This helps us with meal planning and to ensure that there are enough materials for all new participants. The event cost is $40.00 for Ordeal Candidates, which includes:
- an event fee,
- an Ordeal Sash,
- a membership flap,
- two years of Lodge dues,
- and other required materials.
If one registers after 11:59 p.m. on the Sunday before the event, there will be a $5.00 late fee enacted.
WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING
Review the Ordeal Packing Instructions for the details of what all you’ll need.
You do not need any cooking gear, as all meals are provided during the weekend.
Plan to eat before arriving at camp. Dinner will NOT be served Friday evening.
You must bring your Scouts BSA or Venturing field uniform.
You MUST bring a completed Medical Form (Parts A & B are required).
WHAT YOU DO AFTER
Attend Lodge and Section events to learn more about the Order and how you can best serve your Troop, District, and Council. After 6 months of active membership in the Order, an Ordeal member can advance to Brotherhood membership.
Additionally, you can serve as an Elangomat to pay it forward and give back to future arrowmen, as well as gain discounted/free entry into the event.
For those looking to go above and beyond, they can look at earning the First Year Arrowman Award. Any Arrowman who completes the requirements within 12 months of completing the Ordeal will be awarded a specially made Shenandoah Lodge 258 pin along with a certificate acknowledging their completion of all the criteria.
