What an ordeal.

Webster’s dictionary will tell you that an ordeal is a severe trial or experience, but ask any Boy Scout who has been chosen by his peers to be inducted into the Order of the Arrow and I think they will tell you something much different. They might tell you they were hungry because they didn’t get that much to eat, or that it was hard work completing their service project, or that it was hard keeping silent the entire weekend. They may even tell you they did not sleep well laying only on their ground cover without a tent, but I think they will also tell that it was an honor to be chosen and that having accomplished the ordeal they feel very good about themselves.

That is what I hope my son says when he comes home from his ordeal Sunday afternoon. I am a little worried because rain is in the forecast while he is gone but sleeping in the rain won’t kill him, just make him miserable but I am pretty confident that he will dry out again. He is quite capable of existing on little food because if breakfast, lunch or dinner is not to his liking, which most often is not, he will state loudly, “I guess I won’t be eating with you”. That used to bother me as I felt it was my duty as a mother to make sure his tummy was full so I or his Dad would prepare him something to his liking. Now we just tell him it’s your choice. It is amazing that if he is really hungry how quickly what was once not so appetizing now becomes edible. I am not worried about his ability to perform hard wok as he is one of the hardest working boys I know when he is motivated and passionate about something. I am a little worried about the sleeping arrangement as I figure when he does come home he will be one very tired boy which translates to grumpy obnoxious boy who will torment and pick on his sister until I send him to his room for a nap. I am also concerned about his ability to remain silent for the weekend. Knowing that he takes after his mother I fear that not talking may be his undoing. I can’t imagine not being able to talk; just the idea makes me shudder.

But it’s not just the lack of food, hard work, bad sleeping conditions and enforced silence that will make this an ordeal for my son. I believe it is the fact that they are not allowed to bring any electronic comforts such as his mp3 player or hand held games. It also means he can’t take his Rubik’s Cube, yo-yo’s, or his beloved deck of cards for either performing magic or playing a very bizarre card game he calls mowe. I can’t tell you how to play because that would violate the rules. Like I said it’s a very weird game. Without any distractions and no one to talk to my son is going to have a lot of hours to do some pretty deep thinking which I think is the purpose for the ordeal in the first place. Not every boy is chosen for Order of the Arrow. They are voted on by their peers if they show willingness and cheerfulness in serving others as well as showing leadership skills. It is an honor to be asked and it is an excellent way to become a better person, scout and leader. I think when he comes home tomorrow afternoon he will be tired, dirty and sore, but he will also have learned about hard work and commitment.