Ordeal FAQ

All elected candidates must successfully complete the Ordeal experience before becoming members of the Order of the Arrow. The Ordeal is a protected rite of passage, and in Tonkawa Lodge, it takes place over a weekend at Lost Pines Scout Reservation. This experience is sanctioned by National BSA, and any legitimately interested adult with questions about the Ordeal process will receive full answers.

Important National Rule:

As of January 1, 2023, candidates have 18 months from the date they are elected (not the date they are tapped out) to complete their Ordeal. If the Ordeal is not completed within this timeframe, the candidate will lose their elected status and must be re-elected by their unit—with no guarantee of being chosen again.

This 18-month rule applies to both youth and adults. However, candidates elected before January 1, 2023 have 24 months to complete their Ordeal.

To avoid missing your opportunity, we strongly encourage you to attend one of the Ordeal weekends within your eligibility period.

The Ordeal is administered by Tonkawa Lodge at Lost Pines Scout Reservation in Bastrop or Camp Green Dickson near Gonzales. Ordeal weekends are held annually on:

• First weekend in May

• First weekend in October

• First weekend in December

Registration Details:

• Candidates must register online for their Ordeal weekend.

• Exact dates and details are available on the registration page.

• Registration is handled through the council’s BlackPug system and typically opens about one month before each Ordeal weekend.
  
  

Be sure to register early to secure your spot!

Yes, there is a fee to attend your Ordeal. The current fee will be listed in your Candidate Information Packet, which will be emailed to you before your Ordeal weekend. It is also clearly stated on the registration page.

What Your Fee Covers:

• Meals for the weekend

• Lodging accommodations

• OA sash

• OA handbook

• Lodge flap

• First-year dues

• Additional Ordeal materials

Optional Expenses:

If your Ordeal is held at Lost Pines Scout Reservation, the Tonkawa Trading Post will be open, often with special deals for new members. It’s a good idea to bring a little extra money for patches, apparel, and other OA gear.

Adult nominees must meet the same eligibility and participation requirements as youth. However, unlike youth, adults are nominated by their Troop or Team Committee—there is no voting process for adult candidates.

Adult Nomination Ratios

The number of adults a unit may nominate depends on the number of youth actually elected (not just eligible):

• 1–2 youth elected → 1 adult may be nominated

• 3 youth elected → 2 adults may be nominated

• 4–5 youth elected → 3 adults may be nominated

• 6 youth elected → 4 adults may be nominated

• 7–8 youth elected → 5 adults may be nominated

• (And so on…)

Scoutmaster Exception:

If a Scoutmaster is not already a member of the OA and has served in that role for at least one full calendar year, they may be nominated without counting against the unit’s eligible adult nominations.