Frequently Asked Questions |
| Below are the answers to some frequently asked questions about our lodge events. |
What happens at a lodge fellowship/conclave? There are two primary components to the lodge fellowships and conclaves: inductions (for both Ordeal and Brotherhood) and service projects. |
What’s the difference between a fellowship/conclave and a fix-it? The spring fellowship and fall conclave are weekend OA events for OA members only and include Ordeal and Brotherhood inductions. A fix-it is a day of service that is organized by the OA, but is open to all. Usually, no inductions take place at a fix-it, but for 2021 we have added an "induction overnight" portion to allow for missed opportunities due to the reduction of events in 2020. |
So what is the section conclave? The section conclave is organized at the section level, which is an geographical area comprised of several lodges. We belong to Section G-9, which includes 8 lodges spanning southern Wisconsin, northern Illinois, and northwest Indiana. The section conclave is held in April each year and consists of training, sharing of best practices, recreational activities, and evening shows. No inductions are held at the section conclave. For more information regarding the section and the section conclave, check out www.sectiong9.oa-bsa.org. |
The last event I attended was when I did my Ordeal. How are fellowships/conclaves different for regular members? A typical fellowship/conclave includes service projects around the camp. There are Arrowmen from all across the council there, and there is a good chance you will make new friends and/or run into other Scouts that you've encountered at other various Scouting events. When you check in on Friday evening, the various work projects will be explained to you and you will be asked to sign up for one of the work crews. Fellowships and conclaves also usually have activities for fun and socialization, as well. These events are typically planned in the afternoon and/or evening after work projects and ceremonies are completed. |
Who can attend a fellowship/conclave? In general, fellowships and conclaves are for Order of the Arrow members only. Family members who are concerned about what goes on during a fellowship weekend should contact the lodge adviser for more information. |
WHEN are the fellowships? Refer to the lodge calendar for the exact dates, but in general, the spring conclave is typically the second weekend of May and the fall fellowship is typically the weekend after Labor Day in September. |
WHERE are conclave and fellowships The spring conclave and fall fellowship is held at Camp Oh-Da-Ko-Ta near Burlington. |
What time should I plan on arriving? Ordeal candidates should plan on arriving between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. on Friday. All other members should plan on arriving between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Friday. The check-in area is the welcome pavilion at Camp Oh-Da-Ko-Ta. If you arrive after the designated check-in times, please check in at the dining hall. |
When do we finish up on Sunday? The fellowship/conclave typically finishes around 9:30 a.m. On Sunday morning there is a new parent orientation for new ordeal members. It usually begins at 9:00 a.m. and lasts until 9:30 a.m. The orientation takes place at the friendship pavilion (chapel) at the back end of staplekamp field. The trading post is typically available at the welcome pavilion following the orientation until about 10 a.m. If you are completing your Ordeal or Brotherhood during the weekend and need to leave on Saturday evening or earlier on Sunday morning, please be sure to let the inductions advisers know so that you can pick up your certificates before you leave. Note, however, that you must plan on remaining until the conclusion of the events, which is usually around 10:00 p.m. Saturday evening. |
What about meals? All meals are provided, starting with a cracker barrel on Friday evening (for members) and ending with breakfast on Sunday. You should plan on eating before arriving on Friday. Ordeal candidates will not have a chance to eat until Saturday morning. |
What about tents? At Camp Oh-Da-Ko-Ta, you must bring your own tent (or make arrangements to share). Ordeal candidates will receive special instructions regarding sleeping arrangements. |
What should I bring? You should bring a current COPY of your BSA health form (Parts A and B completed), work clothes, work gloves, water bottle, uniform and OA sash, sleeping bag, pillow. Showers are available. Be sure to watch the forecast a couple of days ahead of time to see what the weather will be like and pack accordingly (rain jacket? heavier jacket if it is cooler?, etc). In any case, at least a light jacket is always a good idea, as it can get cool during the evening outdoor activities. You don't need to bring anything for cooking or any food, unless you want some of your own snacks. However, a water bottle is always a good thing to have. Ordeal candidates: Please use this list to prepare for your Ordeal. |
Is a BSA health form required? YES!! Health forms are required at check-in for all Kanwa tho Lodge fellowships and fix-its. Only Parts A and B are required. Part C (which requires the physical and physician signature) is not required. For the safety of all, it is important for us to be aware of any allergies, medications, and serious medical conditions, and also to have emergency contact information. Health forms will NOT be returned at the end of the weekend because state laws require that we keep them on file. |
What is the agenda for the non-Ordeal candidates? We encourage all to attend the events on Friday and Saturday evenings. Most everybody is involved in some sort of work project on Saturday. When you check in on Friday evening, you will be asked to sign up for a work crew. You can pick whatever looks interesting to you, or if you have any particular skills, one that seems best suited for your skills. In addition, we usually take Saturday afternoon off and enjoy an “Arrow Fair,” which consists of fun and games, and usually also a performance by the OA dance team. |
Should I bring any special materials or tools for work projects? Unless you’ve been contacted in advance for a specific project, nothing else is really necessary beyond work clothes and work gloves. |
I’m an adult OA member with special skills (maintenance, construction, painting, landscaping, electrical) and am willing to offer my services. Who should I contact? Please contact the lodge service committee (service@Kanwatho.org) to see how your skills can be best utilized. |
Are religious services available? Yes. A Scout is reverent. We generally offer a Catholic service and an interfaith service on Saturday evening. We have typically been fortunate to be able to make arrangements with local Catholic priests to offer the Catholic service. The interfaith service is usually a “Scouts’ Own” service. If you are interested in helping to facilitate or run the Scouts’ Own or interfaith service, please contact LodgeAdviser@Kanwatho.org in advance of the fellowship weekend. |
Nobody else from my troop is going. Is that a problem? Can my Scout still go? That largely depends on the maturity and confidence of your Scout. It is certainly ok for him or her to come on his own if you and he feel comfortable with it. For newly-elected Ordeal candidates, there is plenty of adult supervision. The Ordeal candidates are kept separate from all other attendees from the time they arrive on Friday evening until about 10:00 p.m. Saturday evening, so even if an adult came with, they likely wouldn't see each other for most of that time anyway. After completion of the activities on Saturday evening, your Scout will retire for the evening and come for breakfast on Sunday morning before heading home. If your Scout is already an OA member, he or she will have quite a bit more independence. When he or she checks in on Friday evening, your Scout will be given a schedule for the weekend and will also be asked to sign up for a work project (always under the leadership of a capable adult), and it is up to him or her to show up for the meals and work crews. A certain level of maturity is expected to be at the right places at the right times. We always have designated health officers, and emergency contact info should be supplied on the BSA health form (which is required). |
I was elected to the OA but cannot attend any of the events this year. What are my options? OA national rules require candidates to complete their Ordeal within 18 months of their election. If they are not able to do so, they must again meet the eligibility requirements and be re-elected the next year. |
I have another question that was not answered here. Who can I contact? |
FAQ Updated August 18, 2024 |
