Events!!
See Also:
Fort Snelling Wreath Cleanup - 2/4/2023
Started by the legacy Kaposia Chapter of the Totanhan Nakaha Lodge, the annual Ft. Snelling National Cemetery Wreath Clean-up is one of the largest service projects undertaken in Northern Star Scouting each year. Held the first Saturday in February (this year, Saturday February 3, 2024 from 9 AM to 12 PM), the project consists of removing wreaths and holiday decorations from memorials on the grounds of the Ft. Snelling National Cemetery. Although led by the Totanhan Nakaha Lodge of the Order of the Arrow, the event is open to Cub Scouts, Scouts, Venturers, and the public.
In just a few short hours, our volunteers collect and dispose of every wreath left on or near every headstone at the cemetery – no small feat to be sure!
2024 Fort Snelling Service Project – Event Flier Link
Fort Snelling Map
This no cost service event will run from 9AM to 12PM on Saturday February 3, 2024 and is open to all (Cub Scouts, Scouts, Venturers, and the general public). The service event consists of removing wreaths and holiday decorations from memorials on the grounds of the Ft. Snelling National Cemetery.
Register by individuals or by group. Use the registration button on the right to register. Enter in the number of adults and youth coming as a part of your group within each category and then provide your contact information (this is to provide pre-arrival information via email).
Annual Health and Medical Records are required for all Scouting participants. Participating units should ensure that members have parts A and B of the Annual Health and Medical Record. Forms will be retained by participants or units, but will need to be presented.
All forms can be found in the attachment section of this landing page.
Fort Snelling National Cemetery is adjacent to the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport at 7601 34th Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55450. After registering, you will receive instructions on your assigned entry gate and work area. The use of gates and areas is to help ease traffic flow and distribute the volunteer force across the cemetery grounds for the event. Close to 1,000 volunteers are expected to attend, so please ensure that you follow arrival instructions that will be sent out the week prior to the event.
- Weather: Always plan for cold weather! The event will adhere to Northern Star’s policy regarding winter weather listed here. Medical personnel are on site at each of the three cemetery sections to assist with first aid if-needed.
- Walk-ins: You are strongly encouraged to pre-register your attendee count, but walk-ins will be allowed. Please follow the entry instructions for your group regarding your gate/ area for arrival.
- Map: An event map has been added as an attachment to this site.
- For those clearing headstones, it is recommended to bring sleds for transporting wreaths, and wire cutters for undoing attachment wires.
- Drivers are encouraged to bring open top trailers and trucks when possible to assist in moving collected material to the dumpster areas.
Fort Snelling Cemetery Wreath Cleanup Service Project
When:
Event will run from 9AM to 12PM on Saturday February 4th, 2023.
Process:
Register by individuals or by group using the registration button below. Enter the number of youth or adult participants, and ensure to provide an email addresses for any adults that should receive pre-event instructions (especially if coordinating a larger group of volunteers on behalf of a Scout unit or other volunteer organization).
Annual Health and Medical Records are required for all Scouting participants. Participating units should ensure that members have parts A and B of the Annual Health and Medical Record. Forms will be retained by participants or units.
Event Staff Help Need:
During the registration process you will be prompted whether or not you have any volunteers that may be able to assist in specialist roles during the event. We are always looking for individuals that are able to serve as members of the dumpster teams, and drivers (transporting wreaths to dumpster areas with personal vehicles or open top trailers).
If you have access to a truck or open top trailer, please consider bringing them to the event to assist with hauling wreaths to the dumpster locations on-site.
Where:
Fort Snelling National Cemetery is adjacent to the Minneapolis/ St. Paul International Airport at 7601 34th Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55450. Instructions for gate arrival and work assignments will be sent to registrant contacts ahead of the event. Close to 1,000 volunteers are expected to attend, so please ensure that you follow the arrival instructions that will be sent out prior to the event.
How:
In order to provide updates to participants ahead of the event, as well as assist in designating arrival gates, we are asking that all participants pre-register for the event. Once arriving on-site, you will receive your assigned working area for the event – please stay at your assigned area until the wreathes you have collected are picked-up. As the morning progresses you can call in to a number to receive a further section assignment. An email will be sent to the registration contact the week of the event with final details.
Scouting Participants:
This no cost service event will run from 9AM to 12PM on Saturday February 5, 2022 and is open to all (Cub Scouts, Scouts, Venturers, and the general public). The service event consists of removing wreaths and holiday decorations from memorials on the grounds of the Ft. Snelling National Cemetery. Registration link for Scouts and Scouters is located here: https://www.scoutingevent.com/250-2022wreathcleanup
Important Note for Non-Scout Groups:
The registration for community organizations and non-Scout groups is located here: scoutingevent.com/250-2022wreathcleanupcommunity. This separate registration site bypasses questions that pertain only to Scouting participants.
Process:
Register by individuals or by group. Use one of the registration buttons on the right to register. Each button is registering you for arrival at one of three gates. Enter in the number of people coming within each category and then provide your contact information (contact Information necessary to provide pre-arrival information via email).
Annual Health and Medical Records are required for all Scouting participants. Participating units should ensure that members have parts A and B of the Annual Health and Medical Record. Forms will be retained by participants or units.
All participants should fill out a Health Screening Checklist prior to attending. Forms will not be turned-in.
All forms can be found in the attachment section of this landing page.
Event Staff Help Need:
During the registration process you will be prompted whether or not you have any volunteers that may be able to assist in specialist roles during the event. We are always looking for individuals that are able to serve as members of the dumpster teams, and drivers (transporting wreaths to dumpster areas with personal vehicles or open top trailers).
Where:
Fort Snelling National Cemetery is adjacent to the Minneapolis/ St. Paul International Airport at 7601 34th Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55450. The registration for the event is broken into three gates/ areas. The use of gates/ areas is to help ease traffic flow entering the cemetery grounds for the event. Close to 800 volunteers are expected to attend, so please ensure that you follow arrival instructions that will be sent out the week prior to the event. Gate/ area registrations will not guarantee specific clean-up assignments (which are assigned on entry).
How:
In order to provide updates to participants ahead of the event, as well as assist in designating arrival gates, we are asking that all participants pre-register for the event. Once arriving on-site, you will receive your assigned working area for the event – please stay at your assigned area until the wreathes you have collected are picked-up. As the morning progresses you can call in to a number to receive a further section assignment. To help manage the number of volunteers, the site will be divided into three event spaces. Prior to the event, registrant contacts will receive a notice with specific arrival instructions.
Good to Know:
- Weather: Always plan for cold weather! The event will adhere to Northern Star’s policy regarding winter weather listed here. Medical personnel on site at each of the three cemetery sections to assist with first aid if-needed.
- Walk-ins: You are strongly encouraged to pre-register your attendee count, but walk-ins will be allowed. Please follow the entry instructions for your group regarding your gate/ area for arrival.
- COVID-19 Precautions: Participants should ensure to remain in their group as much as possible. It is a good practice to keep distinct groups at least 20′-30′ from each other while participating in the event. This event will occur outdoors, but participants are still encouraged to have facemasks for situations in which social distancing is not possible.
- Map: An updated event map has been added as an attachment to this site.
- For those clearing headstones, it is recommended to bring sleds for transporting wreaths, and wire cutters for undoing attachment wires.
- Drivers are encouraged to bring open top trailers and trucks when possible to assist in moving collected material to the dumpster areas.
Last updated: 1/4/2022
PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED FOR COVID-19 PROTOCOLS
We are excited to announce that the Totanhan Nakaha Lodge has been given the go-ahead to implement the clean-up effort in 2021!
WHEN
Event will run from 9AM to 12PM on Saturday February 6th, 2021.
WHERE
Fort Snelling National Cemetery, adjacent the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport. In vehicle check in will be offered this year to help maintain social distancing. Further information will be communicated as the final COVID-19 preparedness plan is confirmed.
HOW
In order to provide updates to participants ahead of the event, as well as assist in designating pre-assigned work areas, we are asking that all participants pre-register for the event. The registration will be finalized once the COVID-19 preparedness plan has been approved. Once arriving on-site, you will receive an assigned working area for the event. Social distancing best practices and gather size limitations will be adhered to throughout the event. At this time, we are asking prospective volunteers to be prepared to be placed in cohorts of up to 15 individuals, as well as understand that additional participants or walk-ins may be turned-away if capacity limits are reached.
COST
Free! This event is offered at no cost to the participant. Patches will be provided as a recognition for taking part in the clean-up effort.
REGISTER NOW
Please register for the event using the link below. Event protocols are subject to change, and registered participants will receive a communication the week of the event.
When: February 1st, 2020, 9:00-12:00
Where: Meet at the activity center at the corner of LaBelle and Nelson drives
There is no registration – walk-ins only!
Spring Fellowship, Recognition and Brotherhood Conversion event
The spring recognition event allows our lodge time to honor and recognize those Arrowmen who have gone above and beyond in their dedication to the Order. Presented at this banquet are our Roll of Honor, Roll of Merit, Vigil Honor, and Founder’s Award recipients, in addition to recognizing our past-year youth leaders and retiring lodge leaders. We may also enjoy good food and fantastic speakers!
Where: Team Building Center at Base Camp (6202 Bloomington Rd, Ft. Snelling, MN 55111)
When: Sunday April 30th
Cost:
- $25 covers the full program, including the recognition event.
- A meal will be provided during the fellowship beginning at 6:30PM.
- Walk-ins will be accepted, but the price will increase to $35 after April 23rd.
- Dutch Oven Cooking Contest (pre-registration required)
- Dutch Oven Cooking Demo
- Climbing Wall will be open
- Indian Ceremony Discussion with Lodge Ceremony Advisor
- Special Presentation by Scuba Venture Crew 9820
- Lodge Recognition
- Regalia Construction Crafts
Recognition:
Join us for a celebration of our 2023 Founder’s Award recipients, James E. West Fellowship recipients and other honorees. Our members are what make the Totanhan Nakaha Lodge great, and we hope to see you at the TeamBuilding Center as we thank our fellow members for their contributions to the Order and Scouting.
Dutch Oven Cooking Contest: Pre-registration is required. If interested in participating in the contest, please sign-up as an individual or as a group. Contestants should plan on bringing their own Dutch Oven, supplying their own ingredients, and having recipe handouts to share. The lodge will supply charcoal. Top 10 entries will win $25!
Please note: Only one registration per Dutch Oven is required if participating as a group (e.g. if there are 3 people entering 1 Dutch Oven, only one person needs to register the entry).
Officer Elections:
The lodge will be offering an in-person opportunity to cast your ballot as a part of the annual lodge officer elections at the Spring Fellowship and Recognition Event! As a youth member, do not miss this opportunity to meet officer candidates in-person and cast your ballot! Digital voting will still be supported in 2023, but we encourage you to join us in a strong kick-off to the season this April.
PRE-EVENT: BROTHERHOOD INDUCTION – PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED Overview: This ceremony event is for Ordeal members that have served as an Arrowmen for a minimum of 6 months. Traditionally, the Brotherhood ceremony is offered as a feature at Induction Conclave events, but we are excited to announce a closer-to-home option this Spring.
Where: Leadership Center (6202 Bloomington Rd, Ft. Snelling, MN 55111)
When: Sunday April 30th
1PM Registration open.
5:30PM Expected wrap-up.
Event Cost: $15 covers the full program.
OA Spring Fellowship & Recognition Event 2022 – April 24 – 5:30 PM – Base Camp Team Building Center
On Sunday April 24th 2022 Totanhan Nakaha lodge is hosting the spring event to bring the membership together for fellowship and to recognize those who have served the lodge. The event will be held at Base Camp Team Building Center. The evening will begin at 5:30pm with various booths set up around the building for Scouts to interact with. Come watch DRONE RACING! There will be a light lunch available to eat while interacting with the presenters at the booths. Booths from the various technical colleges, Scout camps, Explorer posts and many other exciting ways to learn, will be present. In addition attendees may have the opportunity to make a bead necklace. The organizing team is working on a few more exciting options. Stay tuned!
The recognition event portion will begin at 7 pm and in addition to recognizing many members of the lodge, it will include the kick off for the lodge elections. Attendees will be able to meet and talk with the youth running for the lodge positions. Voting for the lodge positions will be available starting with the event.
Pre-Registration for the event is required, so that we have enough chairs and food provided for all attendees.
More information about this virtual event will be coming out soon!
Indian Winter
Indian Winter is an annual event hosted by the Pa-Hin, Naguonabe, and Totanhan Nakaha Lodges of the Order of the Arrow that focuses on educating Arrowmen about American Indian culture, and the appropriate use, maintenance, and creation of American Indian regalia. Sessions offered during the training are taught by subject matter experts, and cover a wide range of topics from culture, to crafts, to Order of the Arrow ceremonies.
Indian Winter is an excellent opportunity to broaden one’s understanding of the connection between American Indian culture and the Order of the Arrow, and ensure that local lodge and chapter ceremony practices follow a respectful standard.
This event is for all Arrowmen regardless of lodge affiliation. We encourage all youth members and ceremonialists to get trained. Indian Winter is an excellent opportunity to broaden one’s understanding of the connection between American Indian culture and the Order of the Arrow, and ensure that local lodge and chapter ceremony practices follow a respectful standard.
We regret to inform you that due to low overall registrations, our lodge needed to cancel the 2024 Indian Winter event. If you have already registered, refunds of your registration fees will be processed
We regret to inform you that due to low overall registrations, our hosts have needed to cancel the upcoming Indian Winter event. If you have already registered, refunds of your registration fees will begin to be processed starting March 8th, 2023. Our Spring Fellowship organizing committee is working on developing a plan to incorporate some elements of Indian Winter into that event on Sunday April 30th. More information will be communicated about any offerings once they are added to the Spring Fellowship registration.
When: March 11-13, 2022
Where: Stearns Scout Camp
Facilities: There will be indoor housing, meals, training, recreational opportunities and much more.
Cost: The event fee is $35.00, but there may be additional cost depending on any craft projects. Once you register we will send you a break down on the cost for craft kits so you can plan accordingly.
Transportation: Any expense to you getting to and back from an event is not included in the event fees.
DUE TO COVID-19, TENTATIVE PLANS MAY CHANGE!
When: March 13, 2021
With the event being held virtually this Winter, we hope that you enjoy this great event from the comfort of your own home! The event will run from 8:45AM to 5PM on Saturday March 13th, 2021. Online registration is available here ( https://scoutingevent.com/250-indianwinter2021 ), and closes Friday, March 12th at 5:00PM. This event is for all Arrowmen regardless of lodge affiliation. We encourage all youth members and ceremonialists to get trained this March!
When: March 13-15, 2020
Where: Camp Ajawah
Facilities: There will be indoor housing, meals, training, recreational opportunities and much more.
Cost: The event fee is $35.00, but there may be additional cost depending on any craft projects. Once you register we will send you a break down on the cost for craft kits so you can plan accordingly.
Transportation: Any expense to you getting to and back from an event is not included in the event fees.
Fall Fellowship
Join us for our annual Fall Fellowship day at the Mall of America.
October 29th, 2023
1:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Time for some fun. Unlimited rides, pizza and fellowship. We have two options for attending:
- 1) For $50:
- A wristband good for 5 Hours of Unlimited Ride
- A Fall Fellowship Patch
- A Pizza Party
- 2) For $25
- A Fall Fellowship Patch
- A Pizza Party
Both options come with fellowship time. A great way to meet fellow lodge members, kick back and relax.
Agenda:
- 1 PM On-Site Registration Opens (outside Parkview Meeting and Event Center) Located on the Main floor – SW corner of MOA ride area)
- 1 PM – 6 PM – Unlimited Rides
- 6:15 PM Pizza and Snacks in Parkview Special
- 6:45 PM Totanhan Nakaha Lodge Program
Learn about the Lodge 100-year celebration plans and other 2024 plans
Door Prize drawing follows Lodge Program!
As a bonus:
Augment your day with these ½ price ticket options.
- $12 – Flyover America – flight simulation ride ticket, Good for a show on Oct 30th, add 1 or more tickets to either registration option, only for use on Oct 30th.
- $25- Extra 5-hour unlimited ride wristband – Purchase extra wristbands for family members and/or friends. At this special price you can also purchase extra tickets for future family outings to MOA. Wristbands do not expire. (5-hour period, starts with first use). This is $49.99 if you purchase it directly.
We hope to see you there.
Click here to register
Where: Great Wolf Lodge (1700 American Blvd E, Bloomington, MN 55425)
When: Sunday October 30th
- 2-7PM – Water Park.
- 2:30-6PM – Cribbage Tournament and Board Games (Ballroom).
- 6:15 – Pizza followed by Lodge Meeting (Ballroom).
Participation Packages:
- Full Package ($60) – Includes water park pass (2-7pm), patch, pizza (6:30PM).
- Partial Package ($25) – Includes games, patch, and pizza.
- NEW: All youth members inducted in 2022 can register for a $10 discount on the full package or $5 discount on the partial package by using the code on their event invitation postcard.
*Note: After October 23rd prices increase (Full = $70 / Partial = $30 / for New Members Full = $60 and Partial = $25).
Cribbage Tournament and Board Games:
Registration for the Cribbage Tournament begins at 2:00PM in the Ballroom, with the event planned to start at 2:30PM. The tournament is open to youth and adult participants.
For those who want to bring board games to share with friends, the Ballroom is open for set-up around 2:30PM, and will be available until 6PM.
Other Important Information:
- The Lodge Trading Post will be available.
- Health Form required (parts A and B) will be required for those taking part in the Water Park program.
- Space at the venue is limited, so early registration is highly recommended.
- With the limited capacity of the venue, walk-in registration will not be available.
Questions? Contact: program.adviser@oa.nsbsa.org
Where: Great Wolf Lodge (1700 American Blvd E, Bloomington, MN 55425)
When: Sunday November 21st
- 2-7PM – Water park.
- 4-5:30PM – BSA/ OA program update and lodge discussion.
- 6:30-7:15PM – Pizza.
- 7:30-8:30PM – Recognition Event.
Participation Packages:
- Full Package ($45) – Includes water park pass (2-7pm), patch, pizza (6:30-7:15), and the recognition event (7:30pm).
- Partial A ($35) – Includes water park pass (2-8 pm) and patch (no meal).
- Partial B ($15) – Lodge Discussion (4-6pm), patch, pizza (6:30), and the recognition event (7pm).
- Partial C (Free) – Recognition event (7:30) attendance only (no meal).
Please join us for a Virtual Fellowship Event Saturday, February 20th
One of the greatest aspects of the Order of the Arrow is the fellowship we share as members. Although conditions will not allow us to meet in person this Winter, the Totanhan Nakaha Lodge Program Committee is happy to announce a virtual Winter Fellowship.
This event is open to all Arrowmen, and provides both games as well as training segments. Test your knowledge with Jeopardy! and learn more about Order of Arrow program with a event and service seminar. There are plenty of great opportunities spread across a single evening.
We hope that you will be able join us from the comfort of your own home this February!
WHEN
6:30PM to 8:30PM on Saturday February 20th, 2021.
WHERE
This is a virtual event, so enjoy this training from the comfort of you own home without the need for a commute or an overnight stay.
HOW
Online registration – you will need your Order of the Arrow ID number in order to register for the event, and receive the event access links. Registration closes Friday, February 19th at 5:00PM.
COST
Free!
REGISTER NOW
Registered participants will receive a communication with zoom information prior to the event.
The 2020 Fall Fellowship has been cancelled due to the COVID-19 crisis. Stay tuned for news on a virtual make-up event.
2019 Fall Fellowship Info: Join your fellow Arrowmen for a night of fun, pizza, games, sports and fellowship. At the annual Fall Fellowship event, sponsored by the Northern Lights Chapter and the Totanhan Nakaha Lodge. We promise to have lots of fun, food and refreshments through the night. Make sure you are ready to go until dawn. This is a overnight lock-in where sleeping is possible, but not usual.
When: Friday October 25th, starting at 6:00 pm to Saturday, October 26th at 8:00 am. (Can’t make it by 6:00 pm, come when you can)
Where: Maple Grove Middle School, 7000 Hemlock Lane, Maple Grove MN 55369
Cost: $20.00
Food: Yes!!!! Lots and lots of pizza and refreshments
Bring: Health form, Board Games, Card games, Cribbage boards, Video Games (rated E or T, bring your own equipment), a swimsuit and towel if you want to swim. Make sure you pack a willingness to have lots of fun.
Activities: You will have the opportunity to swim in the pool, compete in the gym, and meet other Arrowmen from around the Council! Need a little time to relax? We’ll also be showing movies in the community rooms. Want to learn a little more about ceremonies and regalia? We will have a marquee session at midnight to broaden your knowledge.
Section Conclave
Once a year, the six Order of the Arrow Lodges in Section G-11 come together for a conclave to share in fun, fellowship, skills, and training that can help you, your unit, and your lodge. Hundreds of Arrowmen attend every year, and the event is an unforgettable experience!
Greetings Arrowmen,
Clear your calendars September 29th- October 1st, 2023, for this year’s Section G-11 Conclave “Chopping through Cuyuna”.
This Lumberjack themed event has so much to offer:
- Meet Arrowmen from across the Section
- Compete for the glory of your Lumberjack Crew in events like Log Carry, 2-man saw and many other fun events.
- Bring your Ceremony teams for NOAC style evaluations.
- Learn about powwows and Native American culture.
- Be the best at Lodge trivia.
- All of that and so much More!
We hope you will join us Sept. 29th-Oct. 1st, 2023, so we can CHOP through Cuyuna!
Register on the council website now and get your patch before the event.
Kalen Hill
Section Chief
The 2022 Section G-11 Conclave, hosted by Naguonabe Lodge (Central Minnesota Council) will be held September 30 – October 2 at Camp Ripley near Little Falls, Minnesota.
The 2022 theme is ” Guardians of the Gateway.” Whatever you are looking for we are sure you will be able to find it at G-11’s 2022 Guardians of the Gateway Conclave.”
Join us for fun and fellowship this October – see you at Camp Ripley!
DUE TO COVID-19, TENTATIVE PLANS MAY CHANGE!
When: October 1-3, 2021
Where: Watertown, SD
Hosted by Tetonwana Lodge (Sioux Council MN)
After a difficult deliberation, Section Leadership has decided to move the 2020 Section Conclave to a virtual event on October 3rd.
OA High Adventure
Each summer, the Order of the Arrow offers a myriad of different high adventure opportunities to meet your summer needs. Along with your one week trek completely designed by you, each Arrowman will be afforded the opportunity to leave their mark in history by helping to shore up portage trails, backpacking trails, or coral reefs. Aside from providing a good deed to each of these high adventure bases, every participant will have the opportunity to work closely with other Arrowmen from across the country, who have a similar interest in the future of both the program and the adventure base.
Totanhan Nakaha Lodge offers a limited number of scholarships for youth members interested in these treks! Fill out a scholarship application or contact us at totanhannakahalodge@oa.nsbsa.org for application instructions.
For more information, check out the OA High Adventure web site.
NOAC
The National Order of the Arrow Conference
NOAC is the largest gathering of Arrowmen. During your time at NOAC you will have the chance to meet over 8,000 other Arrowmen from across the country.
The next NOAC is at the University of Colorado Boulder July 29th-August 3rd, 2024!
You will be able to participate in competitions, adventures, training, and numerous games. PLUS – if you don’t like to cook, this is the trip for you! All the meals are prepared for you in the University of Colorado Boulder’s cafeteria. You will be staying in the dorm rooms on campus. Competition, Adventure, Training
There are ceremony team competitions. There is an awesome Order of the Arrow Trading Post and NOAC hosts the second biggest patch trading event (first being the National Jamboree). There are exhibitors with the latest in camping and outdoor equipment and high adventure trip planning. Interested in the history of Order of the Arrow? See it in the Museum of the Order of the Arrow and Scouting History.
The lodge provides a partial scholarship to defray costs to NOAC for those in need. Click here to access the scholarship application form.
