Mikanakawa Lodge #101 Circle Ten Council , TX

Ordeal Candidate Call-Out Ceremony (Approved March 1, 2019)

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Scouting’s Barriers to Abuse

Two-deep leadership for all Order of the aRrwow activities myst meet the requirements of ’s Barriers to Abuse whice can be found at www.scouting.org/outProtection.

The Relevant portion of this policy is quoted below:

Two-deep leadership on all outings required. A minimum of two registered adult leaders, or one registered leader and aparticipating ’s partne, or another adult is required for all trips and outings. One of these adults must be 21 years of age or older.

Adult Supervision/Coed Activities

Male and female adult leaders must be present for all overnight Coed* Scouting trips and outings, even those including parent and child. Both male and female adult leaders must be 21 years of age or older and one must be a registered member of the BSA.

*Please note: If any female is present, of any age, the event is considered coed.

Purpose of the Call Out and National Guidelines

The purpose of a call out is to officially recognize each elected Scout as a candidate for membership in the . The call out is a form of public recognition used to communicate the honor of being selected for membership into our Order to members, non- members, and the public.

Its dignity must impress all with the high ideals and standards of the Order. It should serve to intensify a Scout’s desire to become a member.

The National Committee of the Order of the Arrow does not provide lodges with a specific call out ceremony. The committee has instead produced a list of items that all call out ceremonies must include. Each lodge should develop its own call out ceremony that incorporates these items as well as information about its lodge history and traditions.

Items that every call out must include: • Purpose of the Order of the Arrow. • History of the Order of the Arrow in Scouting. • History of the lodge. • Reason for selection. • Recognition of candidates: calling-out every candidate’s name, unit number, and community. • Challenge to the candidates to continue their pursuit of membership in the Order of the Arrow. • After the ceremony, distribute Spirit of the Arrow booklet 1 and information about all • upcoming Ordeals to the candidates. • A letter of recognition and welcome from the Lodge Chief. • The giving of the Scout handclasp. • Welcome from the Lodge/Chapter Chief.

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Conducting a Call-Out Ceremony

The Call-out also provides an introduction into the mystique and traditions of the O.A. to younger Scouts, parents, and the public. Because every ceremonial site is physically different, and because every ceremonial team has different resources, some interpretation of this ceremony may need to be made. However, every effort should be made to adhere to these guidelines and to the policies and traditions of Mikanakawa Lodge.

Chapter Preparations Before the Ceremony

The week prior to the Call Out, the Advisor or his/her designee should login in to Lodgemaster and download a copy of the list of eligible candidates. Only candidates whose names are on the list can be called out during the ceremony. If a unit arrives with a valid election form, you can collect that form to be delivered to the Ordeal Registration Adviser, but under no circumstances are you allowed to include names from that election form in your callout ceremony unless those names appear on the List of Eligible Candidates found in Lodgemaster.

Rules for the Ceremony Team

The Field Operations Guide, in relation to outfits, states: • No parts of any protected species are permitted on any outfit. Please be aware of all state and federal laws regarding endangered species parts. (See Chapter 4 Section Training). • Within the guidelines found in the U.S. Code pertaining to the American Flag, flags are not to be used as wearing apparel. Therefore, no type of U.S. Flag(s) will be permitted as part of an outfit. Flag motifs in quillwork and beadwork are acceptable. • National Order of the Arrow Face Paint Policy: national Order of the Arrow conferences and activities conducted beyond the individual lodge will not permit face paint, body paint, or wigs to be used in social or competition dancing or in ceremonies. (See Chapter 4 Section Training). • The Boy scouts of American policy regarding firearms and knives, as stated in the Guide to Safe Scouting, will be followed. • Appropriate undergarments shall be worn under costumes. Each participant must wear shorts for modesty. For safety reasons appropriate footwear should be worn. • All ceremonialists must wear American Indian style dress and their current Order of the Arrow sash. All principals should be of the same tribe, nation, or other historic group to blend with each other.

Ideally, ceremonial outfits should reflect the local American Indian culture. With a bit of research, costumes which are authentic to local traditions can be created, adding to the presentation. It is very important that outfitting be as authentic looking as possible. (See Mikanakawa Lodge Outfit Guide)

If American Indian costume is not a part of the ceremony, the appropriate attire is the Scouts BSA dress uniform with OA sash.

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Symbolic Progression

Symbolic progression is one of the 10 induction principles, but it applies to the other public ceremonies as well. Of the 10 induction principles no symbol or symbolic procedure should be mentioned or used unless and until it is called for in the authorized ceremonies. The meaning of the nationally prescribed induction unfolds in a logical, systematic manner, and this progression should not be violated in other public ceremonies.

The Site

The Call-Out site will be different from other ceremony sites in a candidates Induction process. It should be sufficiently large to contain a single-file line of members of every unit present, with Arrowmen present in a row behind, while still small enough for ceremonialists to be heard by everyone present. It is helpful, though not necessary to have trees or other structures nearby to help reflect voices so that all may hear. It is also recommended the site is not too publicly visible, to help maintain the solemnity and air of mystique suffusing the ceremony.

Props

Many public ceremonies require props as an integral part of the ceremony, and these should be accounted for as part of planning. However, there are other props that can be used that can add effect and atmosphere to ceremonies.

One of the best props to incorporate is a drum. As a background for the entrance and the conclusion of a ceremony, a drumbeat provides great atmosphere. Along the same lines, flute music can provide the same type of background.

Tipis are another background prop that will lend credence and sincerity to the ceremony. Other props should look authentic to the tribe and time-period selected by the lodge or chapter.

If fires other than the main central fire are necessary for lighting purposes or as a backdrop, they should be smaller than the main fire. 4 Smudge pots or candles should be placed at the cardinal directions to guide the principals to their respective places in the ring and nothing more.

In the interest of protecting ceremonial progression, items such as a bow, quiver of arrows, bowstring, rope, or WWW should not be utilized during the ceremony.

A Note on Fire Bans

One of the problems that may arise during an induction weekend is dealing with dry weather and a fire ban. Lodges are encouraged to use creative solutions for alternatives to fire while still preserving the spirit of the ceremony. Possible solutions include creating a substitute fire such as a lantern or candle. While this situation may not be ideal, it is important to keep an open mind and adapt to the situation. Always be sure to have enough water available and practice good fire safety.

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The Ceremony Begins

Shortly before dark, the Camp Chief or O.A. member in charge of the call-out assembles the Scouts in numerical order by Unit (Troop, Crew, Ship). He should be in full dress uniform, including O.A. sash. His job is to prepare the Scouts and visitors for the ceremony. When he is done, the ceremony will begin. He will also request assistance from Uniformed and Sashed Arrowmen in directing the non-members in the ceremony circle, later. Two lines may be necessary, one for candidates, and another for all Arrowmen.

Example Speech for Opening

MC: Good evening; My name is (Say Your Name). I am the (state your position in the Chapter/Lodge/Camp/Council). You are about to experience what several million Boy Scouts and Scouters have witnessed for over 100 years.

From this point to the end of the ceremony, I ask you to be QUIET. You may take pictures, BUT please do not use a FLASH.

This Call Out is just the beginning. Listen to the words and think on their meaning.

Introduction & Greetings

[Guide, carrying a lit torch, comes out of the darkness and addresses the assembled Scouts.]

GUIDE: My scouting brothers, I am your guide. I have prepared a trail for you to follow to our Council ring. There we will seek out those Scouts who have been found worthy to join our National Society of Honor Campers. Now in reverent anticipation gather your courage and follow me!

[Guide, approaches the first person in the line, and motions the line to follow him]

[Guide approaches the ceremony site from the most expedient path, but if possible approach the Ring from the South. A large fire should be burning in the center of the ring and four smudge pots should mark the four points of the compass. Additional smudge pots may be used to mark the trail and the entrance to the ceremony site. Additional fires may be lit if desired for illumination; however, they should be smaller than the center fire.]

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[Chief is at the North, Shaman is at the West and Guard stands at the South. All three face South towards Guide as he approaches, leading the candidates. Two Runners, in outfits, should be nearby to escort candidates to a holding area near the fire later in the ceremony.]

[Guide circles clockwise all non-OA members in an inner circle and OA members in an outside circle. He then takes his place at the East. All four principles turn and face the fire.]

GUARD: [To Guide] My brother, who are these Scouts who follow you?

GUIDE: I have brought these Scouts to this, our meeting place, and circled them around our Council fire so we may seek out those who have been selected by their fellow Scouts as honor campers.

GUARD: Do we have candidates who have achieved first class rank, the Discovery award, or Ordinary Rank, camped for a minimum of 15 days and nights, attended one long term camp, and participated in an election by their fellow Scouts?

GUIDE: We do.

GUARD: You have done well.

Reason for Selection

GUARD: [To the Audience] We are here to honor those Scouts elected as candidates for membership in the Order of the Arrow. The Order of the Arrow is Scouting’s “National Honor Society”.

Purpose of the OA

GUIDE: The Purpose of the Order of the Arrow is: (slight pause) To recognize those who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives and through that recognition cause others to conduct themselves in a way that warrants similar recognition.

GUARD: To Promote camping, responsible outdoor adventure, and environmental stewardship as essential components of every Scout’s experience, in the unit, year-round, and in summer camp.

CHIEF: To develop leaders with the willingness, character, spirit and ability to advance the activities of their units, our Brotherhood, Scouting, and ultimately our nation.

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SHAMAN: To crystallize the Scout habit of helpfulness into a life purpose of leadership in cheerful service to others.

CHIEF: Brothers, are all things prepared for us to find the candidates worthy of joining us as honor campers?

GUARD: As Guard of this fire, I have secured our meeting place and will remain watchful.

CHIEF: I ask the Shaman of our Order to remind us of our traditions and history.

History of the Order of the Arrow

SHAMAN: As a way to recognize the accomplishments and leadership of campers who went above and beyond the call of duty, the Order of the Arrow was founded by Dr. E. Urner Goodman and Carroll A. Edson in 1915 at the Treasure Island Camp of the Philadelphia Council, . They decided to use the lore of the local Lenni Lenape tribe as an attractive basis for their ceremonies, and as a way to honor American Indians who lived in this land for thousands of years before other people came to this continent.

History of Mikanakawa Lodge

SHAMAN: Shortly after the founding of our Order, a Wise Man found a place he wished to dedicate to young men and women in the Scouting movement. He founded and developed a campground like no other, where these young people could come year-round. In 1937, those Scouts formed Mikanakawa Lodge and held their first ceremony, much like this one. Over the years, the lodge grew, encompassing more than the original 10 counties, incorporating different camps and more scouts. The Lodge has continued to grow, incorporating more counties and expanding its programs to still more Scouts and Scouters. Today, our lodge is one of the largest in the nation, recognized for its dedication to the high ideals of Scouting. But, we also recognize that much of the land our Lodge encompasses was once and is still inhabited by people from tribes such as the Wichita, Choctaw, Caddo, and Comanche.

Selection

GUIDE: Tonight, as we call out candidates for membership in our lodge, we strive to honor those campers who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives. They will help us uphold the history and traditions of our Order and Lodge.

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CHIEF: Let us seek out, mark, and set apart the candidates for our Order.

[Guard stands near a designated holding area near the fire. Chief, Shaman, and Guide begin the first pass by starting at one end of the line, circling the fire in a clockwise direction. Designated O.A. members will place a call-out card with the Candidates (1) name, (2) Unit number, and (3) City over the candidate's head.

(1) Chief walks just past the candidate, turns sharply, points at the candidate, says “YOU!” very loudly. a. To add a dramatic flare, the Chief could stop, appearing thoughtful, and quietly turn to a candidate and speaking quietly, state “You.” In normal vocal tones (not yelling). b. This should only be done occasionally and not consistently. (2) Chief leads (in an appropriate manner, not roughly) the candidate out of line. (3) Chief gives the candidate the Scout Handclasp only retrieves the card from the O.A. member. (4) Shaman gives the candidate the Scout Handclasp only and passes him or her to the Guide or a runner. (5) Guide, or a runner, then leads the candidate to the holding area near the fire and seats him or her. {Seat Candidates a safe distance from the fire so they will not be affected by the smoke and heat}.

CHIEF: [After the Call Out card has been passed to the Chief, and as the Guide takes the candidate to the holding area, the Chief says very loudly] “______(candidate’s name) of Unit (Troop, Crew, Ship) #### in ______(town/city) is called to the Order.”

[Make 1 to 4 passes, but in the interest of time, attempt to limit the number of passes. Do not make passes where no candidates are selected.]

[When all candidates have been called out, announced and seated, Chief, Shaman, Guard, and Guide return to their positions in the circle.]

GUIDE: [Gesturing towards the candidates] You have been selected and set apart from your unit. Remember, first, that you were approved by your Scoutmaster and elected by your peers. So, honor them with your future deeds.

GUARD: At the completion of your Ordeal you will be eligible to wear the white sash with the red arrow, which is the symbol of our order. Wear this symbol proudly as you live according to our ideals.

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CHIEF: [To the candidates] Congratulations on your selection as a candidate for the Order of the Arrow, Scouting’s National Honor Society. The Order of the Arrow is one of the only organizations in the world where non- members elect its members. Because of your attitude and willingness to help your fellow scouts, you were elected by the members of your unit as being worthy of this honor. You are not a member at this time, you are a candidate. When you complete your Ordeal, you will be a part of our Order. We stand by you on this journey.

Challenge for Non-members

CHIEF: [Address these comments to those in the circle that were not selected] Many came to our callout fire and these [gesturing to the new candidates] have been selected for our Order. Others among you will someday be called out as members of Scouting’s National Honor Society. Strive to be an honor camper and to live your life in a spirit of cheerfulness and service to others. Then someday it may be my pleasure to address you as my brother.

Closing

CHIEF: [Gestures towards Shaman] My brother, as we finish the business of this Call Out Fire tonight, help us focus our minds and hearts on our higher calling.

SHAMAN: [Pause for at least 30 seconds, before The OA Grace] For night alone that rests our thought For quiet dawn that lights our trail For evening fire that warms and cheers For each repast that fuels our work We give thanks.

CHIEF: [Commandingly to everyone] This concludes our Call Out Ceremony. As the word Mikanakawa imparts, My brothers and I [pause, to allow all Arrowmen present to recite together] “go to prepare a trail for you.” Let us now depart.

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After the Ceremony

[Guide leads Chief, Shaman, and Guard away from the ceremony site going towards the South. The candidates will be asked by an Arrow man in uniform and sash to stay seated and the spectators will be asked to leave. After the spectators leave, the Arrow man should hand out the following – • a letter of congratulations from the Lodge (or Chapter) Chief • Spirit of the Arrow Booklet number 1 • an Ordeal Registration card with eligible ordeal dates. The Arrow man should verify names and addresses and answer concerns or questions from the candidates concerning the upcoming time before their ordeal.]

Note: At no time are the candidates placed on silence in this process. If a candidate’s unit has a tradition of silence after this Call-Out, they can enact that. But, the Order of the Arrow does not place a candidate on silence until a point in the Pre- Ordeal ceremony.

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