My induction into the Order of the Arrow in 2020 was not ideal. Not that it was anyone’s fault, mind you, but for obvious reasons it was not a normal induction weekend. The event itself was very well executed given the circumstances, but for some reason it didn’t really connect with me. Despite this, I’ve learned to enjoy the induction weekend more and more every year, and I’ve always appreciated the opportunity to serve there. Perhaps my unconventional induction has led me to take a step back and see the beauty and uniqueness of the ordeal, and how necessary it is to the Order of the Arrow.
Since the founding of the organization, the induction process has been the most important aspect. It truly is an experience, one that is designed to help the candidate in their life. To challenge them. To inspire them. To give them a purpose.
Their Tests
The induction centers around four tests: fasting, silence, isolation, and labor. Each of these has a purpose in teaching the candidates. Fasting helps us stay cheerful even in uncomfortable situations. It’s easy to feel tired, grumpy, and short when you’ve only had little food – the ordeal gives each of us a chance to stay positive and focused regardless of the circumstances.
Silence lets us pay more attention to the needs of those around us. It also allows us to have a deeper connection with nature, listening to the birds, winds, and earth around us.
The night spent in isolation supports the other tests. It gives you time to think and ponder. All of us can be brave when we have the support of close friends, but will you do the right thing when the time comes, even if you are alone? Sleeping on the ground and under the stars causes you to consider your purpose in humility.
Then there’s the day of service, the constant reminder to serve those around us. It’s about giving back to our units and the camps who’ve helped us. We are called to serve not just the people we’re friends with, but also strangers and outcasts.
The ordeal is the principles of the OA in action: staying connected, cheerful, and helpful even in the midst of challenging circumstances, and the induction teaches these ideals to the candidates through a powerful experience of learning by doing.
Our Challenge
Therefore, the key to a meaningful induction is to focus on the candidate experience, especially when it comes to these core challenges. It’s not always an easy thing to pull off, and it takes much time and dedication, but it means everything to the Order of the Arrow, which cannot exist with the induction. So I challenge you: make the difference! Focus on improving the candidates’ experience.
Are you an Elangomat? Foster connections with your crew. Be the cheerful example, the friend guide. Help them understand the meaning of the ordeal.
Are you a ceremonialist? Work hard to clearly communicate the tests and purpose of the weekend. Come from a place of empathy, of wanting to help them on their journey.
Are you simply a member, going to help out where needed? Don’t be afraid to reach out and make new friends! You might be the reason they stay in the OA. You can even serve as a guide outside inductions by helping candidates register for a weekend, or encouraging them to come to their first event.
The point is that the induction is a necessary part of the OA, and everyone has the opportunity to help with improving the experience of the candidates by focusing on the four challenges. This creates stronger inductions, stronger lodges, and a stronger section!
And maybe, if you’re like me, you’ll grow to love the awesome experience we provide!