Welcome Candidate!
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Congratulations! Your peers have recognized you for your dedication to the Scout Oath and Law. Being elected as a candidate for the Order of the Arrow is a significant honor, marking the beginning of a new chapter in your Scouting journey.
Kunamokst Lodge is excited to welcome you. This page contains everything you need to know about your path toward membership in the OA.
What is the Order of the Arrow?
The Order of the Arrow (OA) is Scouting’s National Honor Society, founded in 1915 by Dr. E. Urner Goodman and Carroll A. Edson. It was created to recognize those who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives.
The Order of the Arrow is divided into lodges, each serving a local council. Kunamokst Lodge is the OA lodge that serves the Pacific Crest Council.
Understanding the OA Journey
Your journey doesn’t end with your election; it is just beginning.
Election
The unit election is the first step in the membership journey and one you have already completed.
Your peers elected you because they believe you represent the best of Scouting’s values, and as such, are worthy of becoming a member in the Order of the Arrow.
Callout
The Callout is a formal ceremony, often held at District Camporees or summer camp, where candidates are publicly recognized. While it is a memorable milestone, please note that participation in a Callout is not required to attend an Induction weekend.
The 2026 Order of the Arrow Callout will take place on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Camp Mooney.
Welcome Event
Your local chapter will hold a welcome event in your local district area sometime before the induction. This event is an opportunity for you and your parents to learn more about the OA, the induction, and get your questions answered.
These events will be published on the lodge calendar, in the member portal, and communicated via email as they are confirmed.
Induction
The Induction process is known as the Ordeal. It is a unique experience designed to teach the deeper meanings of the Order of the Arrow and Scouting through self-reflection and service to our council camps.
More information about the induction will be available soon!
Activation
After the completion of the induction, new members are encouraged to attend a chapter or lodge event as full members of the OA. This is the perfect time to start building lifelong friendships and discovering all that the OA has to offer.
Check out the lodge calendar to see all upcoming events.
Brotherhood
After 6 months of service as an Ordeal member and fulfilling certain requirements, a member may take part in the Brotherhood ceremony, which places further emphasis on the ideals of Scouting and the Order of the Arrow.
Upcoming Induction Opportunities
You have 18 months from the date of your election to complete your Ordeal. We host several opportunities throughout the year:
Baker Induction
- June 19-21, 2026
- Camp Baker
Melakwa Induction
- July 17-19, 2026
- Camp Melakwa
McLoughlin Induction
- August 21-23, 2026
- Camp McLoughlin
Makualla Induction
- October 16-18, 2026
- Camp Makualla
OA Member Portal & Candidate Journey
Kunamokst Lodge utilizes an online member portal. Candidates should receive an email invite to create your account and connect to the portal following your election.
This online portal allows you to update your contact information, contact the lodge, and view upcoming events. You can also complete your online candidate journey which is a series of steps to help prepare you for your induction, featuring information, links, videos, and more.
Visit our Member Portal page for additional information on getting started. Didn’t receive your invite? Reach out to us at [email protected] and we can resend the invitation.
Next Steps
Review the Candidate Packet
You should have received a packet following your induction that contains additional information. You can also get it here.
Register for an Induction
Decide on an induction weekend to attend and register.
Connect Your OA Member Portal
Accept the invite to connect your OA Member Portal. See above for more information about the portal.
Verify Your Contact Information
Login to your OA Member Portal and make sure your contact information is correct.
Complete the Ordeal Journey
Complete the Ordeal Journey tasks in your OA Member Portal to prepare for your induction.
Invite Your Parents
Encourage your parents to review the information on our parent page.
Attend a Welcome Event
These events will be published on the lodge calendar, in the member portal, and communicated via email as they are confirmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will I be notified about induction opportunities?
Candidates will received information about opportunities to complete their induction through several methods.
An automated system sends reminder emails before each induction. Additional emails from your local chapter or the lodge leadership will also be sent.
Additionally, information is included on our website, in the candidate packet distributed following the election and callout, and provided to unit leaders.
If you have any questions about the induction, you can reach out to our team at [email protected].
How long do I have to complete my induction?
You have 18 months from the date of your election to complete your induction. If you do not attend an induction during that time, you must be re-elected by your unit.
Will I be completing the induction by myself?
While the induction is a unique and personal experience for each individual, you will be placed in small crews with other Scouts and Scouters going through the same experience.
Once I complete the induction, what additional privileges do I have?
Once you have complete the induction, you are an Arrowman and entitled to all the rights and privileges thereof, including wearing the OA sash and lodge flap, attending OA events, voting in and running in youth elections, and purchasing OA-restricted merchandise. Arrowmen also have access to special opportunities in Scouting such as the National Leadership Seminar and OA High Adventure.
Have Questions?
If you have questions regarding you election or the induction process, please reach out to our membership team at [email protected].