Welcome Candidates!
Congratulations on your election into the Order of the Arrow!
Becoming a member of the Order of the Arrow (OA) is an esteemed recognition. To be chosen by your fellow Scouts to become a part of our brotherhood is one of the greatest compliments a Scout can receive, and your election shows your commitment to Scouting’s ideals. Through the OA, you will have the opportunity to meet many people who share your passion for Scouting, many of whom may become your great friends. And, of course, OA events are some of the most fun you’ll have in Scouting! After you complete your Ordeal, a new world of fellowship is opened up to you, with opportunities to meet Arrowmen from the Middle Tennessee Council and the nation!
The Order of the Arrow provides many opportunities as an extension of Scouting. There are various leadership opportunities, ranging in scope from serving as an OA unit representative to serving as the National Chief! There are also opportunities for you to learn new skills, both for the outdoors and life, and to attend BSA National High Adventure bases — like Philmont Scout Ranch and the Florida Sea Base — at a reduced cost. Finally, the OA gives you the opportunity to attend many events and meet new people in your district, our council, the region, and around the nation. All that is required to take advantage of these opportunities is to be inducted as an OA member by completing your Induction Weekend.
Spring Induction Weekend: March 20 – 22, 2026 @ Camp Currier
Fall Induction Weekend: October 9 – 11, 2026 @ Camp Currier
Information About the Induction Weekend
The Ahoalan-Nachpikin Lodge offers two Induction Weekends each year, one at the end of March and the other at the beginning of October. The Induction Weekends are held at Camp Currier. Candidates should plan on arriving between 8:00-10:00 PM on Friday and should expect to leave at about 11:00 AM on Sunday morning. Upon arrival, candidates must check in at the Dining Hall, where they will receive further instructions. Candidates should arrive on time. Please notify us if you/your Scout will be arriving later.
Any concerns about allergies should be addressed to our Staff Lodge Adviser by completing the form, linked here. Any questions about the event should be addressed to our Induction Weekend chair and adviser by completing the form, linked here.
Parents, if you have any questions, please see our parent’s information page.
The Suggested Packing List is Below:
- BSA Medical Form Parts A and B
- Signed Lodge Code of Conduct
- Backpack that holds all gear
- Sleeping bag
- Ground cloth, tarp, etc.
- Gloves
- Old work shoes
- Toiletries
- Rain gear
- Water bottle
- Work clothes
- Change of clothes
- Full Uniform (“Class A”)
- Tent
- Bug Repellent
- Extra money for trading post
Candidate Expectations Are Listed Below:
- Candidates should plan to stay the entire weekend to receive the full experience and receive full credit for the Induction.
- This is an honor bestowed upon candidates by their unit, and the dates have been set for years in advance, and the lodge has been preparing for the Induction all year.
- Scouts, as always, must come prepared for the weekend. This includes bringing everything listed, as well as the other necessities. In addition, candidates may want to purchase Permethrin, an effective insect repellent, particularly potent against tick