The Ancient Quest

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE FOUR WAYS (TESTS) OF THE ORDEAL

The Way of Solitude (Night alone)

Each candidate and Elangomat spends the night alone in a wilderness setting. There are no tents allowed that night. Ground cloth below, sleeping bag or bedroll of some kind, something to place over you if it rains. They should be separated enough so that they are not able to see each other in the morning.

The Way of Service (Arduous labor)

Patrols are not combined together for work projects. The projects must be useful, not “make-work”. The purpose of the service is to grow together in our joy in serving others. Not to simply be difficult. Or to get the work done. An Ancient Quest can accomplish an amazing amount of work. We should have extra projects should a patrol get done early. Interestingly, candidates report “down time” as their biggest complaint.

No project for which there are safety issues arising from silence are appropriate for candidates and their Elangomats in their Ancient Quest. In particular, projects that require talking are not appropriate just because the candidates are adults, as they should receive the same experience as the youth.

The Way of Fasting (Scant food)

The two meals during the Ancient Quest (breakfast and lunch) are to be small in quantity and bland. It is important to take into account any allergies or medical issues that impact diet. Only breakfast (optionslly) is cooked by each patrol in the woods. We have used a individual carton of milk and a raw egg for each person. They drink the milk, and use cartons to cook multiple eggs. This must be a group (patrol) process. We do not want Scouts who are poor at cooking to do without breakfast.

The Way of Silence (Listen inward and outward)

The ideal is absolutely no talking by candidates, Elangomats, or any staff within hearing distance of them. No candidate or Elangomat hears a spoken word, or music. Just silence. In an emergency, the Ancient Quest is suspended and normal conversation to deal with the emergency is not just allowed, it is required. When the emergency is over, all return to silence. Staff may communicate with written notes. Elangomats may also use written notes, if necessary.

THE ROLE OF ELANGOMAT

The patrol leader of a patrol of candidates is called an Elangomat. His example is the most important single part of the Ancient Quest. Staff are to treat Elangomats with respect and honor. They should never pull an Elangomat aside to talk. Each Elangomat, just like each candidate, is going through a personal experience. Respect this and support them in their own Quest. Assistant Elangomats are to be treated as Elangomats for all purposes.

The Elangomat instructs the candidates what to do by setting the example, doing it themselves first.

He lays out his bedroll while viewed by his patrol, places his sash on a tree or similar for visibility, and only then places each candidate. He begins a work project by seemingly attempting to do it alone, leading the candidates to join in by the force of his example rather than any other sign. Although some Elangomats may have the skills, the role is that of an exemplar, not a counselor or mentor.

The attitude of the Elangomat toward the Ways of Solitude, Service, Fasting, and Silence is key to the impact of the Ancient Quest.

For more information about the Ancient Quest, download: Induction Manual v09

For more information about the fifteen Ideals of the Induction (included in the Induction Manual) go to our sister site Proposed Revisions to the Ten Induction Principles