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Ceremonies

Ceremonies Events – 2025 E6 Conclave

The 2025 E6 Conclave Ceremonies Events provide lodges with the opportunity to demonstrate their dedication and skill in conducting Order of the Arrow ceremonies. Ceremonies play a vital role in maintaining the traditions and spirit of the OA, and this event allows ceremonialists to showcase their expertise while receiving valuable feedback.

Ceremony Categories & Venues

The conclave will host competitions for the following ceremonies, each performed at designated venues:

  • Pre-Ordeal – 3 venues
  • Ordeal – 2 venues (can overlap with Pre-Ordeal)
  • Brotherhood – 2 venues (separate from Pre-Ordeal & Ordeal)
  • Pre-Vigil – 1 venue (separate from all other categories)

General Guidelines

All participating teams and individuals must adhere to the following criteria:

  • Lodges must have a current national charter.
  • All team members must be registered BSA members with current lodge dues paid.
  • Participants must be under 21 on the day of the performance.
  • Teams must be composed of active lodge members—”all-star” or “conclave-only” teams are not permitted.
  • Proper attire is required:
    • American Indian costumes from the same tribe and time period OR a Scout uniform with an OA sash.
    • No face paint, body paint, wigs, or endangered animal parts are allowed.
    • Proper undergarments and footwear must be worn.
  • Teams must memorize their scripts using the latest OA ceremony guidelines.
  • All materials (tokens, props, etc.) must be provided by the team.
  • No candidates are required for the ceremony, but teams may provide their own if desired.

Pre-Ordeal Competition

  • All teams will be filmed during evaluation. Teams may opt out, but will not be eligible for Honor Ceremony Team awards.
  • Teams must introduce themselves on camera before performing.
  • Honor Teams will automatically advance to the competition round.
  • A panel of trained judges will review the films and rank the top three teams.
  • Spectators are allowed at the discretion of evaluators and must remain respectful.

Judging & Scoring

  • Evaluators must complete mandatory online training before Conclave.
  • Teams will be judged based on accuracy, delivery, teamwork, authenticity, and adherence to OA traditions.
  • Feedback is provided at the judges’ discretion.
  • Judging decisions are final, and challenges will not be accepted.

Registration & Deadlines

  • Teams must register via Google Sheets Here! 
  • Deadline to register: March 22, 2025.
  • If you are interested in being a judge, please email Elliot Mayo and Christopher Arnold by March 22, 2025.
 

For questions, contact:
Ceremonies CVC: Elliot Mayo – elliotdmayo@gmail.com 
Ceremonies Advisor: Christopher Arnold – christopherarnold.2011@gmail.com