Winter Ordeal Candidate Registration

December 6 – 7, 2024

George W. Pirtle Scout Reservation

440 County Road 1241, Gary, Texas 75643

Parent Information

Congratulations! Your Scout is a candidate for the Order of the Arrow. The mission of the Order of the Arrow is to fulfill its purpose as an integral part of the Boy Scouts of America through positive youth leadership under the guidance of selected capable adults. The purpose of the Order of the Arrow is to recognize those who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives and through that recognition cause others to conduct themselves in a way that warrants similar recognition; promote camping, responsible outdoor adventure, and environmental stewardship as essential components of every Scout’s experience, in the unit, year-round, and in summer camp; develop leaders with the willingness, character, spirit and ability to advance the activities of their units, our Brotherhood, Scouting, and ultimately our nation; and to crystallize the Scout habit of helpfulness into a life purpose of leadership in cheerful service to others.

Please visit oa-bsa.org for more information about the Order of the Arrow.

You can also visit our Lodge website tejaslodge72.org for more information.

The induction ceremony, called the Ordeal, is the first step toward full membership in the Order. During the experience, candidates maintain silence, receive small amounts of food, work on camp improvement projects, and sleep apart from other campers. The entire experience is designed to teach significant values. All candidates for membership must complete the Ordeal. This is truly an exciting time for your Scout. Your encouragement is very important and greatly appreciated. Please register online and pay the fee of $75 at the link provided below.

https://scoutingevent.com/585-2024TejasLodgeWinterOrdeal

Induction Fee of $75.00 covers:

• 2024 Membership Dues
• 2025 Membership Dues
• 2025 Brotherhood Ceremony Fee
• OA Handbook
• OA Ordeal Member Sash
• Tejas Lodge Flap—Membership Patch
• The Ordeal experience including meals

Candidate Information

Congratulations on your election as a candidate for membership in the Order of the Arrow! The Order of the Arrow is the national brotherhood of honor campers who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives. You will become a member of Tejas Lodge 72 during your induction weekend. This weekend will afford you the opportunity for you to reflect on your personal commitment to the principles of the Scout Oath and Law as well as become acquainted with the principles and purposes of the Order of the Arrow. The weekend is undertaken by every new candidate and is a meaningful and inspiring experience that will not soon be forgotten.

Please register online and pay the fee of $75 at the link provided below.

https://scoutingevent.com/585-2024TejasLodgeWinterOrdeal

What to Bring

Wear your Scout Field Uniform, shoes suitable for hiking and weather appropriate clothing.

Bring a copy of your current BSA Annual Health and Medical Record Part A & B.   It may not be returned.

Bring a backpack or a bag you can hike with containing:

1. Sleeping bag
2. Ground cloth
3. Rain gear
4. Work gloves
5. Canteen or water bottle
6. Weather appropriate clothing
7. Scout Activity Uniform (T shirt) for working and sleeping.
8. Insect repellant, sunscreen, medications, flashlight

Bring a separate backpack or duffle bag for Saturday afternoon containing:

1. Toiletries
2. Towel
3. Change of clothes
4. Tent and Sleeping Pad (Spring Ordeal/Fellowship Only)
5. Other personal items
6. Optional: You may bring spending money (no more than $25) to purchase Lodge merchandise after the Ordeal

Check-In/Check-Out

Check-in will begin at 7:00 PM and end at 8:00 PM on Friday evening. Check-out will be no later than 8:00 PM on Saturday. Plan for your transportation accordingly. Once again, congratulations on your election! We look forward to seeing you at your Ordeal weekend!