Candidates
Congratulations on your election to become a candidate for memebership in the the Order of the Arrow, Scouting’s "National Honor Society." Our local lodge, Echockotee Lodge, comprises the Scouting units in the North Florida Council. To be chosen by your fellow Scouts for membership is a great honor, and you should be proud of your election. The next step toward full membership in the Order is to attend one of the induction weekends hosted at Camp Shands in Melrose, FL.
The Induction is a weekend experience in which those elected or selected learn about the customs and traditions of the Order of the Arrow and undertake a journey to discover the true meanings of leadership, cheerful service, and the brotherhood of Scouting. It might sound like a lot, but we have faith that you can do it.
When can I complete my Ordeal?
The Induction is offered three times a year and must be completed within 18 months of election (or nomination for adults). Please make every effort to attend the earliest date possible because if something happens and you don't attend within 18 months, you must requalify for election and be re-elected the following year.
An example schedule can be found here. Check-in for each Induction begins at 6 PM and closes at 7 PM. You must stay until you are dismissed Sunday morning by approximately noon. The activities Saturday night and Sunday morning are designed to enrich your induction experience and are required to complete the induction process. Plan to stay the entire weekend — please do not plan to leave Saturday night.
How do I register?
Please visit our dedicated Candidate registration site by clicking here. Please note that if you do not have an account with North Florida Council you will need to create one. Complete instructions are here.
To begin the registration process you must have an active account in the Council’s event registration system. If you don’t have one yet, please click on the blue "Create Account" button when you are on the registration page [see photo one at the bottom of this page]. The next step is to select an Individual/Family account type [see photo two at the bottom of this page]. Then click on “Complete” at the bottom of the screen. At this point, you will need to check your inbox for a verification link. Then, click the link in the email and log in with the username and password you created.
Please select the Fellowship you are interested in attending remembering that it must be within 12 months of the candidate’s election.
Now, fill out your contact information and your unit information. If you are unsure of your District, click here and match the district to the county your unit is in. When complete you’ll end up at the Financial Summary page where you can checkout or add another participant [see photo three at the bottom of this page].
What do I need to bring?
To complete your Ordeal, you will be required to bring a number of items. A copy of your updated Medical Form will be required at check-in. A detailed packing list can be downloaded below ("What to Bring List"). If you have dietary issues please contact us a few days before the fellowship so that we may be able to accommodate them.
What can I expect during the weekend?
The weekend will consist of several ceremonies and service projects that run beginning upon arrival Friday evening and running through Saturday afternoon and conclude with a final ceremony welcoming candidates into the OA. Saturday evening will consist of activities designed to welcome our new members. The Induction weekend concludes Sunday morning at approximately 11am after breakfast and a morning program designed to explain more about the OA, the Echockotee Lodge, and meet the Lodge Leadership. A detailed schedule can be downloaded below.
Upon being elected, each candidate should have received Spirit of the Arrow: Book I – Upon a Lofty Journey. This is the first of several booklets that candidates will receive throughout the weekend to help explain the process and encourage them. If you are a candidate and have not received Book I, it can be downloaded below.
Please remember to stop for food as you head to camp. Dinner will not be served Friday evening.
