The Order of the Arrow

The Order of the Arrow is the National Honor Society of the Boy Scouts of America.

Visit the National Order of the Arrow Website

History of Tannu

In 1946, the Nevada Area Council, Boy Scouts of America, chartered the Wiyaka Lodge, Order of the Arrow, to replace the Tribe of Nacopen as NAC’s Honor Camper Society. Wiyaka, the Sioux word for feather, was chosen by camp director Larry Lake and was used as the Lodge name until 1961. In 1961, after a rather stagnant period, the Lodge underwent a period of restructuring, and a new name and totem were deemed in order, something more reflective of the area. The pronghorn antelope was chosen as the new totem and Tannu, the Shosone-Paiute word for antelope or deer, became the new Lodge name.

During the 1960s, the Lodge grew in membership, and, as one of the larger Lodges in the old Area 12-C, Tannu hosted the Area 12-C Conference at Galena Creek. As the Lodge prospered, the ability to fulfill the mission to promote Scout camping grew as well. In 1972, Tannu Lodge earned the E. Urner Goodman Camping Award for excellence in our promotion of the camping program. During the mid-1970’s, Tannu experienced another downswing in membership and activity but rebounded under new leadership toward the end of the decade.

In 1974, Tannu hosted the W3B Conclave at Sky Tavern. In 1982, the Lodge received the E. Urner Goodman Award for the second time, a feat considered quite rare. In 1986, Tannu Lodge hosted the Section W3B Conclave at Stead, Nevada. Now well into the 21st century, members of the Tannu Lodge are proud of the past and looking forward to the future. In 1996, Tannu hosted the Section W3B Conclave at NAS Fallon and celebrated the Lodge’s 50th anniversary.

Scouts are elected for membership by their peers. To be elected, a Scout must be a registered member of the BSA, have experienced 15 nights of Scout camping within the two years prior to election, be under the age of 21, and a First Class Rank. Once elected, a candidate will have 18 months to complete their Ordeal.

Induction (Ordeal) is the first step toward full membership in the Order. During the experience, candidates maintain silence, receive small amounts of food, and spend the day in service. The entire experience is designed to teach significant values.

Tannu Lodge Notifications

  • Like the Tannu Lodge – Order of the Arrow Facebook page!
  • Visit the Tannu Lodge Instagram page – Instagram.

Resources

National OA Guide to Unit Elections

Unit Election Request

OA High Adventure

Induction Resources

LodgeMaster