Order of the Arrow - Ni-Sanak-Tani Lodge | Gateway Area Council BSA

Order of the Arrow - Ni-Sanak-Tani Lodge

For over 100 years, the Order of the Arrow (OA) has recognized Scouts and Scouters who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives. This recognition provides encouragement for others to live these ideals as well. Arrowmen are known for maintaining camping traditions and spirit, promoting year-round and long term resident camping, and providing cheerful service to others. OA service, activities, adventures, and training for youth and adults are models of quality leadership development and programming that enrich and help to extend Scouting to America's youth.

Pay for your 2021 membership dues here! OA Dues & Golden Ticket

2021 Unit Elections

Units can now schedule their OA election for 2021 online! Click the link below to learn more information.

Click here to schedule your unit's OA election!

Upcoming Events

Key: Lodge Events (Bold)

Section/National Events (Not Bold)

Cancelled ~~OA Fun Days & Winter Banquet - January 8-9, 2021~~

Cancelled ~~Wing Ding - February 5-6, 2021~~

June Induction Weekend at Camp Decorah - June 4-5, 2021

Rendezvous & Induction Weekend at Camp Decorah - August 20-22, 2021

Section C-1B Conclave at Camp Decorah - September 17-19, 2021

Click on the following links for the latest information

Newsletter - February 2021 Smoke Signal

Newsletter - September 2020 Smoke Signal

Click here to view old editions of the Smoke Signal

New to the OA? Click here for more information: OA Jumpstart

Background

The Mission and Purpose of the Order of the Arrow

The Order of the Arrow was founded in 1915 to serve a useful purpose: to cause the Scout Oath and Law to spring into action in all parts of the nation. To this day, the Order is dedicated to this high purpose.

History of the Order

The Order of the Arrow has a rich history spanning 100 years, from its beginnings at a Boy Scout summer camp to its present role as a part of the Scouting program.

Organization & Structure

The Order of the Arrow has over 150,000 members nationwide. Although the Order of the Arrow is a thing of the spirit, there are several layers of organization, each with its own role.

Ni-Sanak-Tani Lodge

Ni-Sanak-Tani Lodge # 381 was founded in 1947 as the Braves of Decorah. The Lodge name was changed in 1995 to the “place where three rivers meet”.

Membership Requirements and the Inductions Process

OA is the only current organization where candidates for membership are selected by non-members as well as members. Elections are usually held between February and April, with the Call Out recognition during the spring district camporee. Youth are selected by an election in the troop (plus, starting 2/1/2019, in a crew or ship), performed by a trained election team from our Lodge. Adults are nominated for what they can do for the lodge, after the unit successfully elects a youth. Once a youth is elected, or an adult’s nomination is accepted, they have 12 months to perform their Ordeal, or they will have to be re-elected or re-nominated.

Click here to learn about the requirements to become an Arrowman, the induction process, and the levels of memberships within the Order.

Leadership

The Order of the Arrow is led by youth leadership (national chief, national vice chief), the national Order of the Arrow chairman, the OA director and the OA specialist. In addition the national Order of the Arrow committee provides direction for the yearly program.