National Order of the Arrow History

In 1915, Camp Director E. Urner Goodman and Assistant Camp Director Carroll A. Edson searched for a way to recognize select campers for their cheerful sprits of service at Treasure Island Scout Camp in the Delaware River. Goodman and Edson founded the Order of the Arrow when they held the first Ordeal Ceremony on July 16th of that year. By 1921, as the popularity of the organization spread to other camps, local lodges attended the first national gathering called a Grand Lodge Meeting.

The Order of the Arrow was one of many camp honor societies that existed at local Scout camps across the country. As the years went on and more camps adopted the Order of the Arrow’s program, it gained prominence and became part of the national Scouting America program in 1934. By 1948, the OA, was recognized as Scouting America's national brotherhood of honor campers, and became an official part of Scouting America. Toward the end of the twentieth century, the OA expanded its focus to include conservation, high adventure, and servant-leadership.

Throughout the years, the Order of the Arrow has played an integral role in the program of Scouting America and in the community service its members contribute to their communities. To date, more than one million people have been members of the Order of the Arrow.

Presently, the Order of the Arrow consists of over 250 lodges, organized into 43 sections in two regions. Leadership positions are reserved for members under 21 years-old. Through the program, members live up to the ideals of brotherhood, cheerfulness, and service set forth by E. Urner Goodman and Carroll A. Edson.

For More Information Visit: https://oa-scouting.org/history

History Of Calusa Lodge

Calusa Lodge 219 , was chartered on June 6, 1942 and ended on December 31, 1955 when its charter expired. Even so, members participated in the April 1956 Area 6-E Conference. The Calusa Indians were native to Florida long before the arrival of those Native Americans who would eventually be called the Seminole. Historical resources on the Calusa were gathered from a furniture store owner in east Bradenton, Montague Tallant. According to his obituary from April 4, 1962, he was “an authority on wild life and Indian Lore in Florida, he gave his collection of artifacts to the South Florida Museum.” The Tallant Collection is still on display at the museum and is one of the major attractions at the site. While a small lodge by today’s standards, it was influential in the O.A. during its short life-span.

History Of Eckale Yakanen

Eckale Yakanen 552 had its number assigned in June of 1961, but was not actually active until July 16, 1962. The name, Eckale Yakanen, supposedly translates to “rising sun’ in the Calusa language. No one knows for sure where the words were located. The lodge had its ups and downs during its 34-year history, won the Quest for the Golden Arrow several times, and has had a loyal following by its members. When Sunny Land Council merged with Southwest Florida Council in 1995, Eckale Yakanen was merged into Osceola Lodge.

History Of Osceola Lodge

Osceola Lodge 564 was chartered in 1968. Osceola Lodge’s name is not derived from the famous 19th century Seminole War chief as many believe. It is actually named after 20th century Seminole, Chief Cory Osceola, who lived in Collier County and was known to the founders of the lodge.

In the beginning, Osceola like any lodge struggles: low membership, poor Brotherhood conversion, and poorly planned events. As time progressed, however, many of these problems began to disappear as enthusiastic advisers came on board and created an atmosphere more conducive to progress. Osceola Lodge has always been known to challenge the status quo. In 1991, Osceola hosted its first Section Conference with a theme of "Challenging Tradition". This event being one of the best the section had seen. In 1995, Eckale Yakanen merged with Osceola, increasing its membership. Since the merger, it has hosted several more conferences and is looking forward to its next. Throughout the history of the lodges in our area, two things have remained constant... the brotherhood of Arrowmen and their love for the Order and what it stands for, Brotherhood, Cheerfulness, and Service. 

The Legend of the Orb

Why should our “ Osceola Lodge Orb” mean so much to us? The outer ring signifies the Ordeal. The red ring represents the Brotherhood and the symbolic shedding of blood. The smallest circle is that of the Vigil whose members must be the heart of the Lodge. The chickee is the Lodge and its duty to service. The fire with its four radiating logs means cheerfulness. It is fed by the four directions of its members. Our orb is something special. Let’s keep it that way. We can now wear our lodge shirts and hats with a new understanding.

Osceola Lodge Patch History