Order of the Arrow
Black Eagle Lodge
Honoring Leadership, Service, and Adventure – The Order of the Arrow in Scouting America
For over a century, the Order of the Arrow (OA) has stood as Scouting America’s National Honor Society, recognizing those who exemplify the values of leadership, service, and dedication to the Scouting movement. Founded in 1915 by Dr. E. Urner Goodman and Carroll A. Edson at Treasure Island Camp, this esteemed society has grown into a vibrant and impactful organization that fosters personal growth, community service, and outdoor adventure.
The OA began as an experimental program in 1922, gaining official status in 1934. Over the years, it has evolved beyond its roots in camping, embracing a broader mission of service and leadership development. In 1998, it was formally recognized as Scouting America’s National Honor Society, reinforcing its commitment to supporting Scouting and making a lasting impact in communities worldwide.
#ChooseOA
For more than 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.
Structure
The Transatlantic Council is home to the Black Eagle Lodge of the Order of the Arrow.
Within Black Eagle Lodge, there are six chapters, each serving a district of the council:
- Lakota Chapter (Barbarossa District)
- Mantowagan Chapter (Charlemagne District)
- Achwon Woapalanne Chapter (Edelweiss District)
- Desert Eagle Chapter (Horizon District)
- Namassakett Chapter (Mayflower District)
- Mamchachwelendam Chapter (Mediterranean District)
Black Eagle Lodge #482 – A Legacy of Excellence
The Transatlantic Council (TAC) is home to the historic Black Eagle Lodge #482, founded on September 25, 1952. Serving members across Europe and beyond, the lodge plays a vital role in fostering camaraderie, personal growth, and service opportunities within the Scouting community. Through a strong tradition of leadership and dedication, members of the Black Eagle Lodge continue to uphold the OA’s mission by engaging in high-impact service projects, adventure-based programs, and leadership training experiences.
A Commitment to Service and Adventure
More than just an honor society, the Order of the Arrow is a unique experience that challenges its members to develop their leadership skills, deepen their commitment to service, and embrace the spirit of cheerful giving. Through local and international events, wilderness treks, and service initiatives, the OA empowers Scouts to leave a lasting legacy within Scouting America and the communities they serve.
Whether you are a current member or new to the Order, the Black Eagle Lodge #482 welcomes those who seek to embody the ideals of selfless service and adventure. Join us in continuing this proud tradition and making a difference through leadership, fellowship, and service.
Lodge Leadership
The Order of the Arrow is led by youth leadership, guided by adults. The lodge and chapters each have a youth who serves as Chief, as well as Vice Chiefs.
The Black Eagle Lodge Leadership:
Lodge Adviser: Mike Garst
Lodge Associate Adviser: James Beatty
Lodge Associate Adviser: Rob Meade
Lodge Registrar: Jen Guth
Lodge Staff Adviser: Rodney Henk
Lodge Inductions and Ceremonies Adviser: vacant
Lodge Chief: Abbie S
Lodge Vice Chief: vacant
Lodge Chief of Administration: vacant
Lodge Secretary: vacant
Lodge Vice Chief of Ceremonies: Quinn B.
Lodge Vice Chief of Inductions: vacant
Lodge Vice Chief of Elections: Jeremy T.
Lodge Treasurer: Scott B.
Lodge Historian: Patrick R.
Chapter Advisers:
Lakota Chapter (Barbarossa): Paul Skinner
Mantowagan Chapter (Charlemagne): Trevor Nitz
Achwon Woapalanne Chapter (Edelweiss): Nicholas Dickson
Desert Eagle Chapter (Horizon): Daniel Littell
Namassakett Chapter (Mayflower): Frank Sotrines
Mamchachmeledam Chapter (Mediterranean): Jessica Smith
2025 Lodge Events
Please find a planned list of Lodge dates for 2025. All dates are “tentative” until we have a registration link available. Future announcements about confirmed dates and locations will be announced via Lodgemaster emails and other Black Eagle Lodge social media as well as a clickable hyperlink to more info on the council calendar.
Every month there is an online LEC meeting on the 3rd Sunday of the month at 4:00pm CET – this is open to the whole lodge and we encourage any lodge youth members to join the call. Click the calendar link below in the LEC section to find the zoom link
- Spring Fellowship 2025! This year we hope to assist with planning and preparation for the 2025 Intercamp event hosted by TAC! More to follow on dates however we have earmarked the May 16 to 18 weekend but may shift based on the location needs to either the 24th and 25th or the 31 May – June 1 weekend based on the needs of the Intercamp event location in Baumholder.
- September 12 to 14, 2025 OA Fall Fellowship – Camp Freedom, Frankenkaserne Germany LINK to registration
- LLD (Lodge Leadership Development training event) The lodge is planning to conduct this online in November – a poll is being sent to registered members to gauge interest and plan those virtual sessions in November – more to come!
Lodge Executive Committee (LEC)
The Order of the Arrow is led by youth leadership with adult guidance. The Lodge Executive Committee (LEC) is the steering committee of the lodge and is responsible for executing the annual program of the lodge. The LEC follows all policies concerning the organization and administration of the lodge utilizing the Guide for Officers and Advisers.
Who is the Lodge Executive Committee?
The Lodge Executive Committee (LEC) —a key group—consists of the youth serving as lodge officers (including the immediate past lodge chief), vice chiefs and their advisers, operating committee chairs and their advisers, the lodge adviser, and the Scout executive.
The lodge chief is the chair of the LEC and presides over meetings. The lodge chief is expected to prepare agendas and share them with the lodge and staff adviser before sending them to committee members with the meeting announcement.
What does the Lodge Executive Committee do?
The LEC committee meets to share reports, promote lodge events, and let the Arrowmen decide the plan for Black Eagle Lodge. The LEC typically includes breakouts sessions such as administration, inductions, program, service, and chapter operations. The LEC is the primary method to provide key information to the chapters.
The LEC is the steering committee for the lodge. The LEC carries out the business of the lodge by planning, coordinating and executing the annual program of the lodge, fellowship and ordeal (induction) weekends, service projects, training sessions, and other events as appropriate.
The LEC faces the problems, studies possible solutions, and then, through the lodge or chapter committee organization, acts. It carries out the business of the lodge, coordinating the work being done by officers and operating committees. Regardless of any executive committee decision or undertaking, the lodge must operate within the policies established by the national Order of the Arrow committee, without variation or modification.
When is the next LEC meeting?
LEC meetings are typically held the 3rd Sunday of the month online at 1600 CET. To find out when the next LEC meeting is being held, visit the lodge calendar!
Who can attend LEC meetings?
All voting members of the LEC are expected to attend. Any dues paid member of Black Eagle Lodge can attend LEC meetings as an observer. All youth Arrowmen are encouraged to attend to provide input.
Social Media
Black Eagle Lodge (Closed Facebook Group)
Black Eagle Lodge, Order of the Arrow (Public Facebook page)
Lakota Chapter Order of the Arrow TAC-BSA
Mamchachwelendam Chapter for Black Eagle Lodge #482
Instagram @oablackeagle
