General Information: The Order of the Arrow is Scouting's National Honor Society. Marnoc Lodge, the local chapter of theOrder, has been serving the Great Trail Council for over 60 years. The Order is designed to recognize those Scouts who best exemplify the ideals of Scouting and to provide opportunities for service and fellowship. Our summer activities are designed to compliment the Summer Camp program by providing our members with additional opportunities for leadership, service and fellowship.
 
OA Ambassador: As part of ongoing efforts to improve communication between the lodge and other Scouts and Scouters in the Council, Marnoc Lodge has worked with the Camp Manatoc Summer Camp Staff in order to create an important new position called the OA Ambassador. The OA Ambassador is a paid member of Summer Camp Staff who, in addition to responsibilities at Summer Camp Program areas, will serve as a communication link between the Camp Staff, Marnoc Lodge and each individual unit. The OA Ambassador will promote and coordinate much of the OA Summer Camp program by visiting units, holding meetings, attending meetings and serving as an information resource. In short, if you have questions, concerns or need information about an OA event at any time during your week at camp, the OA Ambassador is the man to see.
 
Buena Vista Cabin: This summer camp season Marnoc Lodge will be operating out of Buena Vista cabin. This cabin is centrally located on the hill overlooking the volleyball court, trading post and oldarchery range.
 
Check In: The OA Ambassador will be available in the Administration building during Sunday afternoon check-in in order to handle any OA-related business which needs handled prior to your week at camp.
 
Troop Representative Meeting: Sunday, Following Retreat at Buena Vista Cabin At the same time when Senior Patrol Leaders are meeting with Camp Staff, the OA Ambassador will be holding a meeting for all OA Troop Reps. Every Unit should send their Troop Representative to this meeting so that he can receive information about the week's OA activities. All the information your troop needs about the OA program at camp will be discussed at this meeting.
 
Brotherhood Meeting: Tuesday Afternoon, 1:45 p.m. at Buena Vista Cabin the Brotherhood Ceremony is for Arrowmen who have be Ordeal members for ten or more months and who wish to seal their membership in the lodge by becoming Brotherhood members. In order to seal their membership in the Order a Brother must first know and understand the signs and symbols of the Order. A MANDATORY review session for all Brotherhood candidates will be held Tuesday afternoon. This brief meeting will allow Brotherhood Candidates to fully enjoy the Ice Cream Social before participating in the Brotherhood Ceremony. For candidates who are coming into camp specifically for the Brotherhood Ceremony other arrangements can be made.
 
Ice Cream Social: Tuesday Night, 8:00 p.m. at Buena Vista Cabin this year the Lodge will be continuing our tradition of hosting an Ice Cream Social every Tuesday night during Summer Camp. This year the fun and fellowship is moving outside, to the Buena Vista Cabin. Remember: All OA members and Adult Leaders as well as youth leadership from troops without OA members are invited to attend this event.
 
Brotherhood Ceremony: Tuesday Night, 9:00 p.m. at NEW Brotherhood Ring the Brotherhood Ceremony will be held immediately following the Ice Cream Social. The cost to participants is now $15.00, which covers the cost of a new sash, mailings and putting on the ceremony. All Brotherhood members of the lodge are encouraged to attend this important ceremony. For information about attending, including ceremony location, contact the Brotherhood Chairman or the OA Ambassador.
 
Elangomat Training: Wednesday Afternoon, 2:30 p.m. at Buena Vista for any Arrowmen interested in serving as an Elangomat or in another capacity during the Ordeal or Brotherhood Inductions process there will be a workshop hosted by the OA Ambassador every week on Wednesday afternoon at the Buena Vista Cabin. These sessions will be especially important during the weeks where Ordeals are scheduled, but will be interesting and informative to all Arrowmen who attend.
 
Callout Ceremony: Wednesday Night, 8:00 p.m. at Ad Building Shelter the Callout Ceremony is the only public ceremony of the Order of the Arrow. In this ceremony the names of candidates will be called so that their friends, family and fellow scouts can publicly recognize them. Beginning at 8:00 p.m. Scouts, Scouters and their families are encouraged to gather on the parade field so that the ceremony can begin promptly at 8:15 p.m. It is important that every unit has someone on hand --preferably their Troop Rep -- with a list of Ordeal candidates from their troop. After the callout the Camp Staff will host the Parent's Night Campfire.
 
The Ordeal: The Ordeal is a 24-hour intensive leadership development exercise designed to demonstrate to the candidate the values on which Scouting and the Order of the Arrow are based. After completing the Ordeal a Scout becomes a member of the lodge and is entitled to seal his membership through the Brotherhood Ceremony. Candidates should select a date when they can complete the entire Ordeal without interruption. If the candidate chooses the week that he is at camp he will not be released for merit badges or troop responsibilities.
 
Ordeal Check-In: The first day of the Ordeal, 9p.m. at Buena Vista Cabin for all Ordeals this year Ordeals candidates must check-in beginning at 9:00 p.m. at Buena Vista Cabin. If candidates are not attending camp the week of their Ordeal they must bring a completed Class II medical form with them. For details about what else to bring, consult the Ordeal Chairman. During the check-in process the candidate will need to fill out some forms, pay the $32.00 fee for the Ordeal and go through a quick medical re-check. There is a scholarship fund available for candidates who need assistance with the fee.
 
The Ordeal Ceremony: The second day of the Ordeal, 9:00 p.m. at the Ordeal Ring all members of the Brotherhood are encouraged to attend the Ordeal Ceremony, which will be held at the Ordeal ring beginning at 9:00 p.m. Any non-Arrowmen with concerns about the ceremony should contact the Lodge Advisor. Post Ordeal Cracker Barrel: After the Ordeal Ceremony at the Dining Hall After the Ordeal Ceremony the Lodge holds a cracker barrel in order to welcome the new brothers into our Order. At this time candidates will receive their handbook, certificate, lodge flap and other membership tokens as well as information about upcoming lodge events.