Talidandaganu’ Lodge #293 F.A.Q.
Many general questions can be answered by researching the numerous publications the Order of the Arrow produces.
For Talidandanganu’ Lodge specific questions not answered here, it may be necessary to contact certain people. Refer to the Contact page for more information.
What is the Order of the Arrow?
The Order of the Arrow is Scouting’s National Honor Society. Sometimes referred to as the OA, the Order recognizes those Scouters who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Scout Law in their daily life.
The Purpose of the Order is:
- To recognize those campers — Scouts and Scouters — who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives and by such manner as to warrant recognition.
- To develop and maintain camping traditions and spirit.
- To promote Scout camping, which reaches its greatest effectiveness as a part of the unit’s camping program, both year-round and in the summer camp, as directed by the camping committee of the council.
- To crystallize the Scout habit of helpfulness into a life purpose of leadership in cheerful service to others.
What’s a Lodge & Chapter?
Each local BSA council has its own assembly of the Order of the Arrow called a Lodge. Our lodge, Talidandaganu’ Lodge #293 is chartered within the Cherokee Area Council. In 1915, Dr. E. Urner Goodman and Carroll A. Edson began the Order of the Arrow at Treasure Island Camp to recognize those Scouts and Scouters who best exemplified the Scout Oath and Scout Law in their daily life.
A Chapter is a smaller component of a Lodge, and there are 2 chapters in Talidandaganu’: River and Mountain.
What is the Section & Region?
A Section is a smaller component of the Region and assists in executing a Conclave. Talidandaganu’ is in the SR-6 section. Four Regions are partitioned in the United States. Among other things, regions plan the National Leadership Conferences. Talidandaganu’ is in the Southern region.
Who is in charge of the Chapter, Lodge, Section, and Region?
The Chapter is led by a Chief and is mentored by an adult Adviser that has been assigned to aid in carrying out duties. A Lodge is run by the Lodge Officers and LEC. In Talidandaganu’, there are seven officers: Lodge Chief, Vice-Chief, a Secretary, a Treasurer, and three Chapter Chiefs. The Section is run by a Chief, Vice-Chief, and Secretary. The Region is run by a Chief who reports to the National OA Chief.
These youth leaders are guided by a lodge adviser who is appointed by the Scout Executive. He or she then appoints associate lodge advisers, chapter advisers, and operating committee advisers to assist in this mentorship. The Scout Executive also assigns a member of professional staff to serve as the lodge staff adviser. Although members of the Executive Committee, none of the adult advisers are voting members.
How can I contact my Chapter’s Chief?
If you are not familiar with who your Chapter Chief is in your District, you can see who they are on our Leadership page. You can use the drop-down menu on our contact page to send an email directly to the Chapter Chief.
When and where are the meetings for my local OA Chapter?
The Chapter may have this information posted on its district’s webpage. Those pages are located under the Districts Tab on the Cherokee Area Council website. If you cannot find the information you need, contact the Lodge Chief.
What is a LECM? Can I attend one?
A Lodge Executive Committee Meeting is a monthly meeting where Lodge business is discussed amongst the chapters, committees, and officers. All are welcome to attend but only youth may speak without referral and non-committee members cannot vote. Talidandaganu’s LEC meetings are held on the third Thursday of every month with the exception of the summer months of June, July, and August. We rarely change the meeting day, but you can always double-check the Lodge Calendar to stay informed of any updates.
What are dues? Why do I have to pay my dues yearly?
Dues are the annual fees required to be considered a member of Talidandaganu’ Lodge. Our current dues are $12.00 per year and can be paid online. A member who does not pay his dues cannot wear the Lodge flap. All money collected from paying dues is used to run our program. The more members that pay dues the better program the Lodge can put on. Our purchases go towards food, sashes, patches, mailing costs, scholarships, merchandise, ceremony regalia, chapter funds, and training. For questions, contact our Membership Committee.
How do I check if I paid my dues?
Contact the Lodge Treasurer or Membership Committee to check if your dues are paid.
I am a Newly Elected Candidate, what do I do?
Congratulations, you or your youth have been elected to be a candidate for membership in the Order of the Arrow. Upon completion of the Ordeal, you/he/she will have all the rights and privileges of all Arrowmen in our Lodge – for more information please see our guide for Elected Candidates.
Where do I go for my Ordeal?
All Talidandaganu’ Lodge Ordeals are held at Skymont Scout Reservation, located at 243 Talidandaganu Rd, Altamont, TN 37301 – Candidates are to report to the Skymont Administration Office by 5:30 pm CST – for more information, for more information please see our guide for Elected Candidates.
I’ve registered for an EVENT or an ORDEAL, but I can’t make it. What should I do?
Refund requests must be received in writing and will be granted in accordance with the General Refund Policy of the Cherokee Area Council, BSA. There is no need to contact us alerting of a late arrival unless it is for an Ordeal.
I’ve registered for an ORDEAL, but I will be arriving late. What should I do?
Contact the Ordeal Master. Depending on the arrival time, accommodations may be made to allow for the completion of a full Ordeal, but this will be determined at the time of the request.
How do I schedule an election for induction into the Order of the Arrow?
Currently, you may use our online form to request an election in your Unit. Coming soon, you will be able to schedule your Unit election from within ScoutBook or using the OALM Portal. Updates for these options are forthcoming.
I was a member of Talidandaganu’ #293 or another Lodge and Council in the past, or am moving from Chattanooga – how do I rejoin or transfer in or out?
After completing your Ordeal, you attain membership to the Order of the Arrow for life. In order to be a member of the Talidandaganu’ Lodge, you will need to be registered with the Cherokee Area Council. We will need to know your full name, BSA ID number, your registered Troop/Crew or other position, your current honor, contact information (phone number and email), as well as your current district, and you must have your dues paid for the current year. To be current with your dues for the year, you may pay online using this link. For any other questions contact us.
A lodge member must have their dues paid for the current year and be registered in the BSA to be considered a full-time member and be eligible to wear the lodge flap.
My Unit wants to have a Call Out at Summer Camp. Who can help?
Please use the Request an Election form to schedule and fill in ALL information. By completing this form, you understand:
- Please provide this information AT LEAST 2 weeks prior to the start of camp.
- Your Unit must provide a copy of the Election/Nomination form to the camp
- Due to changes in 2020, all Scouts/Scouters now have 2-years to complete their Ordeal from the date of their election and NOT the Call-Out.
I missed my Ordeal within 12 months of my election. Can I have an extension?
Depending on the circumstances you may receive an extension. A request must be sent to the Ordeal Master, approved by the Lodge Officers, and voted on by the Lodge. If an extension is not granted, you must be re-elected by your unit.
Why do I have to pay for an event if I have already paid for my dues?
All but a small portion of the registration fee goes towards food and camp reservation costs. These fees are unavoidable and function on a by-weekend basis. The small portion goes towards the program budget to provide a quality program to all of our members.
Last update: 3/19/2022 LKF