Main Resources

Ordeal candidates are those who have been tapped out, called out, or know they have been elected, but have not yet attended Ordeal weekend.

• Candidate Information Packet

• Ordeal FAQ

Welcome to the Order of the Arrow and to Tonkawa Lodge! We aim to be the premier lodge in the nation, and we’re glad to have you along for the journey. A great place to get started is our Welcome to Tonkawa guide. Beyond that, visit JumpStart, a guide for new members published by the National OA Committee. Our first and best advice is to start attending your Chapter Meetings and don’t be shy about plugging in! 

Returning to the OA? New to Central Texas?

Whether you’ve been away for a while or recently moved to Central Texas and want to transfer your membership to Tonkawa Lodge, we’ve got you covered! Visit our Dues page to learn how to renew your membership or transfer it to our lodge. We look forward to welcoming you back!

Scouting is a youth-led program, and the Order of the Arrow (OA) is no different. As an adult, your primary role is to support and facilitate the program, helping youth take the lead while offering guidance when needed. This might include assisting with ceremonies, sewing regalia, organizing service projects, and—most commonly—providing transportation to OA events.

Here are some ways you can get involved:

In Your Scouting Unit:

• Support your unit’s OA Troop or Team Representative, a youth leadership position, in fulfilling their responsibilities.

• Help coordinate transportation for youth attending monthly chapter meetings and OA events.

In Your Chapter:

• Attend chapter meetings regularly to stay informed about the needs of youth members.

• Connect with other adults to see how your skills can contribute to chapter success.

• If you’re unsure where to start, check out the OA Performance Measurement Program (formerly Journey to Excellence goals) and help work toward those benchmarks.

• Offer assistance to your Chapter Adviser—there’s always a task that could use extra hands.

• Don’t hesitate to ask questions, even if you’re asking the youth. OA is a learning experience for everyone!

In the Lodge:

• Attend as many Lodge events as possible and offer to help transport youth (while following Youth Protection policies). Events include:

  • Ordeal weekends (held twice a year)

  • Lodge Executive Committee (LEC) meetings (2nd Sunday of each month)

  • Other service projects, trainings, and gatherings throughout the year

• If you’re interested in serving in a leadership role, explore the list of Adviser positions—many roles are available, both officially and unofficially. Consider starting as an assistant adviser to gain experience.

Your involvement helps shape the future of the OA by empowering youth to lead. However you choose to contribute, your support is invaluable to the success of the program!

If you have been an Arrowman for at least six months, you are eligible to seal your membership by becoming a Brotherhood member. This is an important step in your OA journey, signifying your continued commitment to the Order.

To learn more, visit our Membership page, and be sure to memorize the OA song found here:

• 📖 Order of the Arrow Song (Audio Version): Watch Here

Check out our Brotherhood page to learn more

• National Inductions Portal

• Ordeal Ceremony Script

• Brotherhood Ceremony Script

• Ceremony Team Evaluations & Competition Guidelines

• Unit Visitation Guidebook

• Visit the National Unit Rep website

• Unit Rep Guidebook

Like anything in life, your experience in the Order of the Arrow (OA) is shaped by the effort you put into it. While family, school, and work come first, dedicating time to OA service can be incredibly rewarding.

Start with the Basics:

Begin by revisiting the legend of the Lenni Lenape tribe, which was introduced during your Ordeal. You can find it in your OA Handbook. Understanding this story will deepen your appreciation of our guiding principles and how they influence the ceremonies we perform.

Get Involved:

Your Chapter meetings are the heart of the OA experience—this is where the program comes to life. Make it a priority to attend these meetings and Lodge events as well! The OA is a welcoming, tight-knit community, and attending alongside fellow members from your troop or team makes the experience even more meaningful.

Find Your Role:

Identify committee chairmen or Adult Advisers who oversee areas that align with your skills or interests. Getting involved in something familiar can be a great starting point.

Ask Questions & Take Initiative:

Engage with fellow members at Chapter and Lodge events. The more you participate, the more you’ll contribute to the OA community—and in return, you’ll grow in brotherhood, fellowship, and friendship.

Your OA journey is what you make of it—so jump in, get involved, and make it unforgettable!