Order of the Arrow

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 2025 membership dues here! OA Dues & Golden Ticket

Want to know what's happening in the lodge? View our latest newsletter by clicking the link below!

Newsletter - March 2025 Smoke Signal

2025 Unit Elections

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

Click here to schedule your unit's OA election!

Upcoming Events and Service Opportunities

One of the main pillars the Order of the Arrow stands on is cheerful service. Through the lodge, there are many options for us, as Arrowmen, to fulfill this part of our Obligation. All help is welcome at these events, whether it be a single Arrowman, or one who brings their family, or even their whole troop. Much of the service that Ni-Sanak-Tani does is to the benefit of Gateway Area Council and Camp Decorah.

Ceremonies Workshop @ GAC Scout Office, La Crosse
May 1 at 5:30 pm
Website

Call Out at Council Camporee @ Pine View Campground, Fort McCoy
May 3
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June Induction Weekend @ Camp Decorah
June 6-7
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July Fun Day @ Camp Decorah
July 12
Shooting Sports & Swimming
Website

August Induction Weekend @ Camp Decorah
August 8-9
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Trail Mix Race & Canoe Float @ Camp Decorah
August 23
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Section G10 Conclave @ Gamehaven Scout Camp
Sept 12-14
Website

High Ropes & Climbing Event @ Winona State
October 11
Details TBD, approx. cost $20

Spook-o-Ree @ Camp Decorah
Date TBD

Please send an email to our Lodge Advisor, Karissa, at karissaadams@icloud.com if you are interested in any of these opportunities, or if you know of another service opportunity to share with the Lodge.

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 Ni-Sanak-Tani, meaning 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.