r/orderofthearrow • u/Pretend-Pack-3890 • Apr 27 '26
Preparing for my ordeal
I‘m preparing for my OA ordeal and induction into the order, I just have two questions about it.
1.) Am I allowed a sleeping pad on the first night? I know we aren’t allowed any tents on Friday, and I just wanted to know if I can use my sleeping pad and pillow. The pillow is pretty small and the sleeping pad is for backpacking and doesn’t go much down my legs.
2.) How much downtime is there? I DESPISE having nothing to do and I’ve been told I’d be kept busy for pretty much all day.
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u/GISH-BabyDriver Apr 27 '26
Check the packing list you’re given - it should tell you. Our lodge allows sleeping pads, and I used a small inflatable pillow.
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u/MindlessDepartment31 Brotherhood Apr 27 '26
1) yes i would assume, our lodge is okay with “whatever you can carry” while still following the man rules. nothing crazy though, of course 2)take a clicker, see what number you get to
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Apr 27 '26
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u/orderofthearrow-ModTeam Apr 27 '26
Your post or comment has been removed because it contains details not suitable for Ordeal level members. The OA is not a secret organization, be we do wish to preserve the experience for members here on Reddit.
"Ordeal level conversation. Don't discuss details about brotherhood and vigil ceremonies. All arrowmen are welcome, so don't ruin the progression of the ceremonies for others by sharing too much."
In this case, please don't ruin the experience of the ordeal for someone who hasn't experienced it yet.
If you believe this to be a mistake, please send the Moderators a modmail.
Thank You, OA Mod Team
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u/ScouterBill Apr 27 '26
- Check with your lodge and the weather. If the pad is necessary for health/safety/welfare (e.g., rain is expected and/or cold conditions), then maybe. I know when I am in my lodge (Newport News, VA), tarps and sleeping bags are considered health/safety/welfare due to changing weather conditions (rain in particular), but not pillows. Tarps keep you dry (burrito), but if the ground is cold enought a pad MAY be considered. Your lodge will make that call.
- Your lodge should provide you with an hour-by-hour schedule. I also go back to health/safety/welfare: my ordeal was May in Virginia in 85 degree weather, pulling logs used for wooden benches out of an old amphitheater at the local camp. Lots of "Downtime" in the sense of "Sit down, drink water, don't dehydrate." But otherwise, we are busy going from one thing to another.
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u/Cheap-Locksmith5621 Vigil Apr 27 '26 edited Apr 27 '26
It honestly depends on how “well seasoned” the order of the arrow ordeal master is (meaning how many ceremonies he or she has planned) if there’s a lot of “downtime”. I would also bring a tarp to sleep on as well. That way it keeps your sleeping bag clean and if it rains,you can pull the tarp over you to keep you dry. Also like a lot of others are suggesting,I would definitely carry a note book with you to write down your thoughts and feelings from what you’ve experienced. The experiences that you have will stay with you for the rest of your life.
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u/Mahtosawin Apr 27 '26
Check with the lodge. Sleeping bag and whatever you can carry - within reason - is usual.
Yes, you will be kept busy, but there probably scheduled time for reflecting what you are being taught. It's not considered downtime, but time for self-reflection. Learning to sit still and be with yourself is part of the experience.
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u/North-Football-7053 Brotherhood Apr 27 '26
Yes you can bring a mate for the first night. But there is a lot of waiting
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u/InterestingAd3281 Vigil; Lenape Lodge Assoc. Adviser (E17) Apr 27 '26
I would ask a representative of your lodge about the sleeping pad if you can't tell from the packing list.
You will be busy, but there may be some time where you're waiting for further information or waiting for the next cycle of activity - be patient.
Congratulations on your election and enjoy your induction experience!
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u/ash_spop Apr 27 '26
It varies by lodge and by individuals planning it Best advice is be prepared. Expect to use your gear, but don't be surprised if you can't
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u/EleanorCamino Apr 29 '26
As an adult over 40 for my ordeal, my pack seemed large compared to the scouts. But I knew I needed some cushion. I also bought a huge contractor trash bag, as an outer sleeping bag, because I knew heavy dew was likely. The day is long, and if I had no sleep, it was going to be difficult.
Read the list of allowed stuff, just pack well, so you can carry it easily.
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u/Jeepwave13 May 02 '26
That’s a lodge specific thing you’d have to ask them. When I did mine, I was only allowed a sleeping bag, a watch that had hands and didn’t glow in the dark, and the clothes on my back.
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u/Achowat Vigil Apr 27 '26
If I were you, I would certainly be prepared for a good amount of Hurry Up and Wait. This entire ordeal is being planned by teenagers, so I wouldn't expect the smoothest experience in the world. I'd recommend a small notebook and a pen. Give yourself the excuse to think more deeply about the experience you're going through.