By Michael Todd
Throughout the BSA, when a Scout or Scouter is sporting a lodge flap, it is certain that they've shared the experience of going through an Ordeal. No matter what lodge, section, region or era, Arrowmen hold that journey in common with each other. They made the choice to attend an induction event knowing little of what was in store outside of service. For most of us, our Ordeal was a memorable experience and for a plethora of reasons. Ideally, Ordeal projects have a lasting impact and leave a legacy.
We reached out to our followers on Facebook, and we asked them what projects they were involved with during their Ordeal that left a legacy.
Many Arrowmen recalled projects that improved campsites or added to program.
"We built tent platforms for Camp La-No-Che in Central Florida Council," said Michael G. "They are still in use today."
"My project was an addition to our big nature trail at Camp Old Indian," said Matthew W. "I've been an ecology counselor there for four years and still take many of my classes to it."
Other Scouts helped build or repair facilities.
"I helped reroof [the] camp dining hall," says Alex N.
Some projects need multiple revisions. This offers generations of Arrowmen to help carry on the legacy.
"[We] put in a bridge over a creek at camp 41 years ago," recalls Kevin P. "It's been redone, and it is ready to be done again which will be a new Ordeal project." This allows new Arrowmen to add their mark to old projects.
Some projects help a smaller subset of Scouts but in a larger way.
"[It was] 1981. [We] built a handicap ramp sidewalk that's still in use." notes Richard M.
Ryan S. had a similar experience when his Ordeal class, he says, "helped make a handicap access ramp at Scout Heard Pueblo, Arizona."