Over the weekend of October 3-5, the Order of the Arrow, Boy Scouting’s Honors Society, held its annual ordeal at Camp Augusta to welcome new members. Current OA youth and adult members led the invitees (nine Boy Scouts from different Troops and four adult leaders) through a program of hard work, scant food, personal reflection and dedication to service.

After arriving Friday night, the group congregated in the cabin for a relaxing time of wood carving (whittling arrows) and fellowship. Then, amidst torrential sheets of rain hailing from a pitch-black night sky, the initiates gathered their camping gear, donned their jackets and ventured outside for the introductory ceremony. Although the rain prevented the candles from being lit, the mythical Indian figures that greeted and challenged them instilled a sense of awe for the tasks ahead. After a night spent sheltered from the incessant rain, the OA staff woke up the initiates, gave them a sparse breakfast of an egg and piece of bread and led them to their work stations.

By way of embodying the OA theme of “cheerful service”, they did various service projects for Camp Augusta, including constructing doors for a new storage building, installing outdoor plumbing, cleaning the art shack and performing various electrical work- all while retaining a strict vow of silence (for the most part!). A short afternoon break allowed for a recovery and another small meal before a resumption of work. Through laboring together, the initiates bonded and shared the fellowship of hard labor and fasting.

Following this demanding but satisfying day, the initiates participated in the induction ceremony surrounded by current Order of the Ordeal members eager to welcome them to their ranks. Congratulations and handshakes were extended to all and then everyone relaxed together over a sumptuous dinner of tri-tip, roast ham and a medley of side dishes. A night spent in the lodge fellowshipping, learning about the Order of the Arrow and celebrating member and Troop 15 Scoutmaster Bruce Turner’s birthday provided a fitting end to the day’s events. Another shared meal at breakfast the next morning followed by a final group meeting concluded the Ordeal. After a thorough sweep, the group broke camp by 10:30 a.m.

It was a fulfilling time for the new members, as they challenged themselves physically and spiritually before joining the fellowship of the Order of the Arrow and being welcomed as new brothers.