Elected but Didnt Go Through Ordeal

[cseltenright 10]

My son and I were called out in the Spring of 2003 but never got to go through the Ordeal.Do we have to be re elected to go through the Ordeal??Is there a time limit on time to complete the Ordeal??Our Troop is having its elections and we just wanted to know if we have to be part of the election process again.Thanks

[OldGrayOwl 10]

Yes. There is a one year time limit from the time the election was. You have to do the Ordeal within that year or you will have to be re-elected.

[scoutldr 732]

OGO is correct. If you do not complete your Ordeal within one year of the date of election, you are no longer a "candidate" and must be re-elected.

 

PS: Adults are not "elected"...they are nominated by their Troop committee based on what talents they can contribute to the Lodge, as an advisor, worker, driver, etc. Since units are restricted in how many adults can be nominated, if an adult has no intention of participating actively, in my opinion they should decline the nomination and let someone else serve.

[John-in-KC 311]

Welcome to our Forums and campfire!

 

OGO told you right, as far as your son: One year clock on taking the Ordeal. There IIRC are a limited number of exceptions, mainly involving if the Scout was injured/ill beyond the ability to undertake the Ordeal or his parents were relocated outside the US where BSA (and thus the Order) have no presence whatsoever.

 

Scoutldr told you right as far as you go: Adults are nominated by their Troops not as an honor, but rather for their potential to contribute and support the OA and Scout camping program. The SE or his designated representative (professional staff adviser to the Lodge) is the ultimate approving authority. Again, though, a 1 year clock, save significant extenuating circumstances.

[Gold Winger 9]

If you are concerned about the re-election/nomination, you can look for another chapter or lodge that is having a late fall Ordeal.

 

 

[mdutch 10]

Actually, to take the ordeal through any lodge other than your home lodge, you must get an exemption from the Region, and they are only given in very specific circumstances (ie an observant Jew who needs a non Saturday ordeal).

[Gold Winger 9]

I was told that it only up to your lodge. I tried to get permission for a Scout to do his ordeal at an out of council summer camp. The second lodge said, "Sure. Fine." Our lodge said, "nope."

[mdutch 10]

They changed the rule in 2005. Now, page 23 of the guide to officers and advisors reads "Ordeals. Candidates for membership in the Order must complete the Ordeal and must be inducted into the Order by the lodge that serves the council in which the unit is chartered. Out-of-council Ordeals are not permitted except when religious custom and observance precludes attendance at the Ordeals of a Scouts home lodge (e.g., Sabbath-observant Jewish Scouts). In this special case, the region Order of the Arrow chairman may be petitioned for an exception to permit the Scout to be inducted by another lodge." (http://www.main.oa-bsa.org/resources/pubs/GOA-2006-Final.pdf)

[cseltenright 10]

Thanks all for your insights.I found out from an O/A advisor also.Good news is my son was elected last night and I was again nominated to join O/A.Thanks again!!

[John-in-KC 311]

Congratulations to your son. May you enjoy the opportunities to serve youth, for you.

 

If you have a special skill (any number of trades or crafts), make sure to touch base with the Scout Reservation Ranger in advance of your Ordeal weekend. You may well get a very rewarding task which will directly benefit the Scout Camp!!!

 

As an example: Two years ago our Lodge had two guys who owned their own backhoes. One of our Reservation sewer lines needed serious refurb. Guess what their Ordeal was!! Yep, 200 meters of exposing the sewer line.

[emb021 16]

FWIW, in my area, most Lodges have 1 or 2 'make up' Ordeals for those people who, for whatever reason, missed Ordeal.

 

If Lodges in other areas are not doing so, prehaps they should consider it. It could be as simple has having a small group going thru Ordeal at a subsequent lodge weekend event.