The Ordeal
The Ordeal begins in the evening and lasts throughout the following day. At check-in registration, a Candidate is assigned a group, called a Clan, to participate with. An OA member called an Elangomat guides each clan. The Elangomat stays with the clan during the entire Ordeal. Throughout the Ordeal the Candidate learns about the OA and contributes to various service projects. If the Candidate is successful, an Ordeal sash with a red arrow is placed upon his shoulder at the Ordeal Ceremony. The sash signifies that he is now a member of the OA. Once a member, a person is considered a member for life.
However there is a difference between active and inactive membership. A member is considered active if his yearly Lodge dues are current, and is also a registered member with the BSA. ![[Jumpstart Logo]](images/jumpstart.gif)
The Jumpstart Program is a great way to "Jump Start" your membership in the Order of the Arrow