• Overview of Program:

• The following is the complete packet for teaching a course on Implementing and Strengthening the Elangomat program. This course is designed to instruct OA members on how to start an Elangomat program in their lodge, improve an already existing Elangomat system in their Lodge, and to discuss among the attendees ideas of what other lodges do for their Ordeal Inductions.

This handbook is specifically designed for the benefit of Elangomats. This book is based on the Extended Elangomat program, and can be used in the implementation of this program.

If you are an Elangomat, or are about to become one, this handbook is just right for you. Regardless of whether you are an experienced Elangomat or a novice, you can, and will, benefit from this book. When used in conjunction with the Order of the Arrow Handbook, you will be prepared for your upcoming Ordeal.

This book is basically a reference book for all Elangomats. You should become familiar with it; it is your friend. You can use it to quickly look up information that you need, but do not read from this book word for word. You can develop your own style as an Elangomat. Your clan needs to know some of the information in here, but do not act as a mirror and reflect the material from the book to your clan. However, when you need to give particular information to your clan, do not stray off the subject. You can get the ideas across while making it fun.

Principle One - Purpose: The Purpose of the Induction is to encourage and inspire each candidate to develop firm individual dedication to the ideals of Brotherhood, Cheerfulness, and Service.

Principle Two - Eligibility: The right to earn Ordeal and Brotherhood membership is given only by the scouts of a candidate’s home unit during an authorized Order of the Arrow unit election. Only the candidate himself can overrule their decision.

Principle Three - Candidate’s Compliance: The candidate has the continuous choice of meeting the tests of the Ordeal to the best of his ability or of withdrawing.

Principle Four - Members’ Compliance: All members participating in the induction must respect and comply with the tests of the Ordeal, to the extent allowed by their responsibilities.

Principle Five - Discretion: In cases where strict application of the tests and requirements of the Induction is not possible, the lodge may choose an alternative that will best preserve the spirit of the Induction and the quality of the candidates’ experience.

Principle Six - Importance of the Individual: All actions and procedures must recognize the worth, dignity, and separate identity of the individual and his present or potential ability to govern himself.

Principle Seven - Generosity: The attitude of members toward the candidate must be one of acceptance, respect, understanding, friendly encouragement, sincerity, support, and trust.

Principle Eight - Focus: Everything in the lodge-created environment must direct the candidate to the central meaning of the induction, and not distract him from it.

Principle Nine - Symbolic Progression: No symbol or symbolic procedure should be mentioned or used unless it is called for in the authorized ceremonies.

Principle Ten - Active Membership: Lodge policy must recognize that one who understands the Obligation of the Order and is striving to fulfill it is an active member, his dedication in itself accomplishes the major service of the lodge.

As an Elangomat, you have some specific responsibilities. The following items are your jobs.

Participate in the Elangomat training session prior to the Ordeal. Get to know this handbook, and know the appropriate sections of the Order of the Arrow Handbook. Remember, your job as an Elangomat is much easier if you are prepared.

Be sure to call each clan member well before the weekend. Introduce yourself and answer any questions that they might have. Make sure that each can attend the Ordeal and each has a ride. You are their friend, and it is pertinent they need to think of you as one by the end of the conversation. (See "What do I cover during discussions?" for some guidelines.) The only equipment that they should need would be the following: a sleeping bag, ground cloth, work clothes, full uniform, sleeping clothes, clothes for Sunday, and anything else included in the information sheet. They DO NOT NEED and SHOULD NOT BRING tents, any kind of radios and televisions, and food.

Make sure that you arrive at the weekend either before or at the same time as the candidates. It is imperative that you are punctual. Greet each candidate personally while in full uniform with your sash on. (Later there should be a ceremony in which your sash is turned inside out, but have the arrow showing for now.) When the entire clan has arrived, take them to deposit the equipment that they will not need for the evening. The Elangomat Sakima will tell you where the equipment storage place is. At this point, hold "Discussion #1." (See "What do I cover during discussions?")

After you finish the discussion, tell the Elangomat Sakima that you are finished, and he will inform you of where to wait for the Elangomat Induction Ceremony. After this, you will be told where to gather your clan for the pre-Ordeal ceremony.

Assemble your clan as told for the pre-Ordeal ceremony. At a given time, the torch bearer will come to you and you will exchange in this conversation:

Torch Bearer:

"I seek those who are prepare to continue the journey of the Ordeal."

Each Elangomat (in turn):

"The members of the ------- clan, here assembled, are prepared to continue the journey."

Each Elangomat will follow the Torch Bearer in turn with his own equipment. Make sure your clan follows you. You will participate in all aspects of the ceremonies with your clan.

"A Night Alone Under the Stars to Prove Your Self-Reliance."

Following the pre-Ordeal, Kitchkinet will lead the clans to where they will sleep. When Kitchkinet asks you for the name of your clan, stop and tell him. He will then say:

"The Elangomat of the ------ clan chooses to continue the Ordeal at this location."

Remain in place until the other clans are out of sight. When they are gone, take each candidate silently to his sleeping place and say:

"Sleep here in peace, friend. If you need me I’ll be near."

Point out where you will be sleeping. Space each candidate evenly. The Elangomat must know where each clan member is at all times. Then go to your own resting place at the front of the clan. Drape your sash inside out conspicuously over a tree branch regardless of the weather. It would be a good idea to remain awake for about an hour to be sure that all your clan members are settled.

"Twenty-Four Hours of Scant Food to Prove Your Powers of Self- Denial."

Elangomats will be awakened, at a designated time, by Kitchkinet. He should bring breakfast for the clan and leave it with you. Awaken each clan member, and tell them, silently, to quickly collect their equipment, change into work clothes, and come to your sleeping site. After you have finished this, return to your site and collect your equipment and change.

When the entire clan has gathered at your site, have breakfast. Then conduct "Discussion #2." (See "What do I cover during discussions.) After breakfast and the discussion, clean the site. Remember to keep your sash on throughout the day. Now you may begin the start of your work.

"A Like Period of Silence to Turn Your Thoughts Inward."

"A Day of Arduous Toil to Prove Your Willingness to Serve Others."

You will be assigned a work project, and it is likely that there will be Brothers assigned to your task also. Most times, Brothers and candidates will not work together, but it may be necessary. In this case, the Brothers must respect the fourth Principle of the Induction. This means no talking, and no bothering the candidates. They should respect this, and if they do not, either talk to them about it, or talk to a lodge officer, the Elangomat Sakima, or the Elangomat committee advisor.

All during the day, you will work alongside the candidates in your clan. Lead by example as often as you can, rather than giving orders. You can give necessary directions, but avoid chatting with either candidates or Brothers. You are the example that the candidates follow. If necessary, you may counsel a candidate or Brother privately by removing yourself and that individual from the group and temporarily overriding the vow of silence.

Explain to the candidates the work that needs to be done. Explain how to do it by example, if possible, and explain its value. Do not tell them how to do it, nor should you say, "We will do it." Just explain that it is a job that needs to be done, and start working. The concept of allowing the candidates the opportunity to choose to serve is realistic and perhaps essential in regard to the structure of our Order. Give the candidates every opportunity to offer their assistance.

During the work projects, you should allow your clan to rest when necessary in relation to the work being performed, their ages and physical conditions, and the weather. Allow candidates to drink as much water as they choose, and let them take necessary latrine breaks.

Kitchkinet and the kitchen crew will probably deliver lunch. If any Brothers are working with the clan, they will return to the dining hall for lunch. Conduct "Discussion #3" during lunch. (See "What do I cover during discussions?")

You will be told when to return to the dining hall. When that time comes, make sure you have had the clan finish up what they were doing and clean up. When you return to the dining hall, have your clan gather their equipment that they had stored before the pre-Ordeal and bring it to the clan’s campsite. (The Elangomat Sakima will tell you which site to go to.) Once there, allow the clan to clean up and dress in full uniform. You should now return to the dining hall and hold "Discussion #4." (See "What do I cover during discussions?") During some Ordeals, a snack may be provided for the candidates at this time. After you have finished your discussion, inform the Elangomat Sakima that you are ready. Please do not take all day. It is very important that things are completed as soon as possible.

When everything is ready, you will receive enough sashes for your clan members. You will be told where to go and wait. At the designated time the Torch-Bearer will lead you to the ceremonial grounds to await Kitchkinet. You will walk hand on shoulder, you will be bound, and you will participate in every aspect of the ceremony. You are expected to show, by example, the solemnity of the ceremony.

The sashes should be draped over your right shoulder before the ceremony. Near the end, the candidates will receive their sashes. At this time, one of the Indians will take the sashes. He will then move in front of each candidate and drape a sash over their shoulder. You should follow him behind the candidates and button the sash on each person.

This is the new Brothers’ first opportunity to "mingle" with the other Brothers. Encourage them to sit with you, your friends, any Brothers they know, and other new Brothers. Remember, "Elangomat" means "friend." After dinner, but before the evening activities and cracker barrel, hold "Discussion #5."

During the cracker barrel, make sure your clan members are having a good time and get to meet both new and experience Brothers.

You have not finished your duties as your Brothers’ friend. This is the difference in the Extended Elangomat program. During the next year, make sure that you keep in touch with all of your clan members. Inform them of lodge and chapter events if they are not aware of them. See if they can get to these events. Encourage them to become active within their lodge and chapter. Make sure they know who the lodge and chapter officers are and their phone numbers. Answer any of their questions, or find the answer to them. You are their friend and they are yours.

As soon as possible after the Ordeal, write a report (it could be as short as a paragraph) on the Ordeal and Elangomat programs. Include what you liked and did not like. Also include what could be improved and how. Remember, it is your ideas that build next year’s Elangomat program. Send this report to the Elangomat Chairman.

The development period is basically to prepare the Ordeal members for Brotherhood membership. In the months after the Ordeal, you should, therefore, help your clan members memorize what they need to know according to the requirements. It is very important that you help your clan members understand the Order of the Arrow and Brotherhood membership. In the "What do I cover during discussions?" section, there is a list of information that you should get across. You should also want to help your clan members write their Brotherhood letter, but do not write it for them. You may want to meet as a clan once or twice during this period to help them understand what they are doing for their Brotherhood membership. You can even make this a fun weekend. Of course, none of that is required, just as long as the information gets across well.

Write another report about one year later on post-Ordeal activities and how to best keep Brothers active. Send it to the current Elangomat Chairman.