Congratulations on your election to the Order of the Arrow! So what now? The information on this page will hopefully answer your questions. So read on!
So what is next?
You have one thing to do to become a full member in the Order of the Arrow: go through the Ordeal weekend. You have two chances to do this: August 6-8 2010 OR the second date later in the year, which is usually in May of the following year (you only go through the Ordeal once). That is it. Most will go through in August. The ones that cannot make August will go through the second Ordeal. Once completed, you are a full member of the Order, entitled in full to it's rights and provledges. However, if you miss both weekends, you will have to be elected again the next year.
How do I register for the weekend?
To register for the Ordeal Weekend, go over to the Palmetto Council E-store website. Click HERE to get to the e-store. (There is also a link from the Skyuka Lodge homepage, as well as from the Palmetto Council homepage.) You will need to register as a user on the e-store site, and then you can register for the event. You can print the registration form and mail your money to the Council office, or you can pay online with a credit card or with Paypal. Please note: you do not need to be a registered user on the Skyuka Lodge website to register. Just the e-store. You can register for the e-store with no approval. You have to be approved to register with the Skyuka website, which we will not do until you go through your Ordeal weekend. So go over to the e-store website, register as a user, and register for the Ordeal! DO NOT ORDER A STEAK WHEN YOU REGISTER. You need to eat dinner before you arrive on Friday!
What is the schedule for the weekend?
You need to arrive on Friday evening at Camp Hardin between 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm and go to registration. Earlier is better than later. EAT DINNER BEFORE YOU ARRIVE. All meals on Saturday and Sunday breakfast will be provided. You can leave after the camp is clean on Sunday morning after worship service, which is typically around 10:00 to 10:30 am.
What do I need to bring?
You will need to arrive on Friday evening in your Class-A scout uniform, with your Medical Form, and with two bags packed. One will be used for Friday Night and most of Saturday. The other will be for you to use late Saturday afternoon through the rest of the weekend. If you have any tools (rakes, shovels, hammers, loppers, etc.) bring those as well (make sure to put your name on them!). Bring extras too so that we can get all of the work done.
What needs to be in the Friday bag?
You need to pack a ground cloth or tarp, sleeping bag, poncho, flashlight, work clothes, work gloves, water bottle, hat, and any basic toiletries that you might need. Make sure you can easily carry this bag around Camp.
What needs to be in the Saturday bag?
Additional toiletries(items you will not need until Saturday evening such as shampoo and shaving stuff), towel, washcloth, money (for the trading post Saturday evening and Sunday) and anything else you might want for Adirondack camping on Saturday night.
What if I have special medical or dietary needs?
You need to bring these up Friday evening as you register so that they can be properly addressed.
What do I do when I arrive Friday evening?
You will go through registration (wearing your Class-A Uniform and with your Medical Form), stow your non-Friday stuff in the designated location, and then wait with your Friday bag until the activities begin (which should be around 7:30 pm). Make sure that you can easily carry your Friday bag around Camp!
What if I have questions?
If you have questions, please send an e-mail to the Skyuka Lodge Chief or the Skyuka Lodge Advisor (links for these e-mail addresses are on the Skyuka Lodge home page in the top-right corner.
Congratulations again, and see you up at Camp Hardin for your Ordeal weekend!