Congratulations on being elected by scouts in your unit to join the Order of the Arrow.
You are currently a candidate for membership. The next step in your journey is to complete your Induction Weekend.
What is an Induction Weekend?
The Induction Weekend is the first step towards full membership in the Order of Arrow. The entire experience is designed to teach significant values. It will allow you to learn about our organization and meet fellow arrowmen. All candidates must complete their Induction Weekend within 18 months of their election(youth) or nomination(adults).
The Induction Weekend will be a time spent in service to the camp, working in silence and on scant rations. It will be a time free of distraction to contemplate the value of service to others. There will also be time for fellowship, an opportunity to meet other scouts from across the council who share your love for scouting and serving others.
The Induction Weekend does not mark the end of a journey. Instead, it represents the beginning of your new journey within scouting. Once you have completed your Induction Weekend, you are an Ordeal Honor member of the Order of the Arrow and will have access to unique opportunities and experiences only offered to arrowmen. We invite you to attend our fellowships and service projects held year round.
After six months of membership, Ordeal Honor members are encouraged to participate in a Brotherhood Ceremony where they will seal their membership and earn the Brotherhood Honor sash.
What does my registration fee cover?
The $97 fee covers:
– All expenses for the Induction Weekend (including food, program, supplies, etc.)
– 2026 Wiatava Lodge Dues
– Ordeal Honor sash (recieved at closing ceremony)
– Wiatava Lodge flap patch (recieved during check-out)
– OA Handbook (recieved during check-out)
– Brotherhood Ceremony & Brotherhood sash (can be earned 6 months after the completion of your Induction Weekend)
2026 Induction Calender
Induction #1 March 20-21 Oso Lake Scout Camp
Induction #2 June 5-6 Irvine Ranch Outdoor Education Center (IROEC)
Induction #3 August 7-8 Oso Lake Scout Camp
Induction #4 October 9-10 Irvine Ranch Outdoor Education Center (IROEC)
What to Bring?
Wiatava 2026 Inductions Packing List
2026 Inductions Packing List.pdf – Google Drive
Sign up below (2026 Dates)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it a secret? The OA is not a secret society, and any element of mystery in the ceremonies is for mistake. As stated by BSA, “ceremonies are open to any parent, Scout leader, or religious leader”. We are happy to share any information about activities with those who are not members.
What happens in the Induction? Inductions start with a ceremony, giving candidates an understanding of the the keystones of the OA- brotherhood, cheerfulness, and service. After this, each member is challenged to lifelong cheerful service as they enter the Order of the Arrow.
How to get involved after? Check out the New Members page!
How do I get to the Induction? We understand that some locations may be far or difficult for travel. If you contact evc@wiatava.org, we can help coordinate rides for Inductions.
Can I arrive late or leave early? While it is preferred that candidates arrive on time and stay for the entire event, exceptions can be seldom made for unavoidable conflicts. Please email evc@wiatava.org sooner than later if this is the case.
Can parents or guardians attend the Induction? Due to the personal and reflective experience of the Induction, parents and guardians are generally not allowed to observe. However, parents are assured that there are no secretive or harmful activities involved, and that adult supervision and proper youth protection is maintained at all times.