Last Frontier Council
Southern Prairie Lodge

Lodge Rules & Regulations

SOUTHERN PRAIRIE LODGE NO. 14, ORDER OF THE ARROW
LAST FRONTIER COUNCIL NO. 480, SCOUTING AMERICA

LAST UPDATE – AUGUST 5, 2025

I. MISSION OF THE LODGE.

The mission of this lodge is to support and fulfill the vision, mission, and purpose of the Order of the Arrow, Scouting America, and the Last Frontier Council by serving the council, its districts, and individual units.

II. NAME AND AFFILIATION OF THE LODGE.

The name of the lodge shall be Southern Prairie Lodge No. 14. The Lodge shall be affiliated with Last Frontier Council No. 480, Scouting America, and shall be under the supervision of the Council Camping Committee and the administrative authority of the Council Scout Executive.

III. INSIGNIA.

The insignia and totem of the lodge shall be the American Bison. Use of the insignia, including the lodge flap, must be approved by the Lodge Executive Committee and the Lodge Key 3. Members in good standing are entitled to wear the Order of the Arrow sash and official lodge insignia in accordance with Scouting America official uniform guidelines.

Section A: Historic Insignia

The historic insignia and totems of the lodge include, but are not limited to, the Black Beaver, the Thunderbird, the Coyote, the White Elk, and the White Buffalo. Use of these insignia must be approved by the Lodge Executive Committee and the Lodge Key 3.

IV. PROGRAMMING AND OPERATIONS.

All lodge programs and operations shall align with the purposes of Scouting America and the Order of the Arrow. All lodge activities must follow the policies and procedures established by the Order of the Arrow and Last Frontier Council. Lodge and chapter goals and programs are expected to fully support the goals and initiatives of the council.

V. LODGE CHARTER RENEWAL AND PERFORMANCE.

The Lodge shall maintain an active charter with Scouting America through the annual lodge charter renewal process as outlined by the National Order of the Arrow Committee. The lodge is also expected to actively participate in the Lodge Performance Measurement Program, using it as a tool to guide program excellence, assess annual goals, and track progress in key areas such as membership, service, leadership development, and program delivery.

VI. ELECTION TO MEMBERSHIP.

Section A: Membership Requirements

The requirements for membership in this lodge are as stated in the current edition of the Order of the Arrow Handbook and the Order of the Arrow Handbook for Officers and Advisers.

Section B: Ordeal Induction Procedures

The procedure for the Ordeal shall be as stated in the current edition of the Order of the Arrow Handbook and the Inductions Handbook.

VII. BROTHERHOOD MEMBERSHIP.

Completion of Brotherhood membership shall be in accordance with the requirements in the current edition of the Order of the Arrow Handbook and the Order of the Arrow Handbook for Officers and Advisers.

VIII. THE VIGIL HONOR.

Attainment of the Vigil Honor shall be in accordance with the requirements in the current edition of the Order of the Arrow Handbook and the Order of the Arrow Handbook for Officers and Advisers.

IX. LODGE YEAR.

The lodge program shall operate on a standard calendar year schedule, beginning January 1 and ending December 31.

X. LODGE OFFICERS.

The elected officers of the lodge shall include the Lodge Chief, Vice Chief Operations, Vice Chief Planning, Vice Chief Logistics, Vice Chief Chapters, Vice Chief Publicity, and Vice Chief Administration. All officers must be under 21 years of age for the entirety of their term.

Section A: Lodge Election Procedure

The following procedure shall be used for any contested lodge office election:

  1. Any active lodge member under the age of 21 may nominate or second another eligible youth for the office in question.
  2. Once nominations are closed, each candidate will have the opportunity to speak, followed by their nominator, who may speak on their behalf.
  3. After all candidates and nominators have spoken, all lodge members under 21 years of age may vote, excluding any youth serving as election officials.
  4. A simple majority of the votes cast is required to elect a candidate. If no candidate receives a majority, the nominee with the fewest votes will be dropped, and another round of voting will occur. This process will continue until one candidate receives a majority or until two consecutive ballots result in a tie and the election is declared deadlocked.
  5. If a deadlock occurs after two consecutive tie votes, the presiding election official will announce a final ballot. If that ballot also results in a tie, the presiding official shall cast the deciding vote and declare the elected candidate.

Section B: Vacant Lodge Office Appointments

If no candidate is elected or if a lodge office becomes vacant, the Lodge Chief shall appoint a qualified youth to fill the position. All appointments must be confirmed by the Lodge Executive Committee at its next scheduled meeting.

Section C: Vacancy in the Office of Lodge Chief

If the Lodge Chief becomes unable to fulfill their duties during their term, the Vice Chief of Operations shall temporarily assume the responsibilities of the office until a special election can be held to fill the vacancy.

Section D: Removal of an Elected Lodge Officer

An elected lodge officer may be removed from office for neglect of duties or misconduct related to their responsibilities. Removal proceedings may be initiated at either a Lodge Executive Committee meeting or a Lodge General Business Meeting. A two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the voting members present at the meeting is required for removal. The officer in question must be given at least fourteen (14) days’ written notice prior to any final action being taken.

XI. ADULT ADVISERS.

Adult Scouters aged 21 and older serve in an adviser capacity within the lodge and chapters. While they do not hold voting privileges in matters of lodge business, their role as mentors, coaches, and supporters is essential to the success of youth leadership. Adults are expected to model the values of the Scout Oath and Law, provide continuity and institutional knowledge, and guide youth members in fulfilling the mission and purpose of the Order of the Arrow and Scouting America.

Section A: Appointment of the Lodge Adviser

The Lodge Adviser shall be appointed annually by the Council Scout Executive at the start of each lodge year.

Section B: Appointment of Adult Advisers

At the beginning of each lodge year, the Lodge Adviser shall appoint an adult adviser to each lodge officer and committee chair, in consultation with the Lodge Chief and Lodge Staff Adviser.

XII. LODGE COMMITTEES.

Lodge committees may be established as needed by the Lodge Chief. A list of recommended standing and ad hoc committees can be found in the Handbook for Officers and Advisers. All lodge committee chairs shall be appointed by the Lodge Chief and serve at their discretion.

XIII. LODGE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.

The Lodge Executive Committee (LEC) serves as the lodge’s steering committee. It is responsible for routine operational decisions and for coordinating the efforts of lodge officers, operating committees, and chapters.

Section A: Lodge Executive Committee Membership

The Lodge Executive Committee shall consist of the elected lodge officers, immediate past Lodge Chief, lodge committee chairs, Lodge Adviser, immediate past Lodge Adviser, Council Camping Chair, Council Vice President of Program, Chapter Chiefs, Chapter Advisers, Council Scout Executive, and Lodge Staff Adviser. Only members of the committee who are under 21 years of age may vote on Lodge Executive Committee business.

Section B: Lodge Executive Committee Meetings

A regular schedule of Lodge Executive Committee meetings should be established prior to the start of the lodge program year. It is recommended that meetings be held monthly or at least every two months. Special meetings may be called by the Lodge Chief, Council Scout Executive, or any five (5) voting members of the committee as needed.

Section C: Lodge Chief Responsibilities

The Lodge Chief serves as the chair and presides over all Lodge Executive Committee and business meetings. They are responsible for preparing meeting agendas in consultation with other lodge leaders and distributing them to committee members in advance. If the Lodge Chief is unavailable to preside over a lodge meeting, the next highest-ranking lodge officer should temporarily assume that responsibility.

Section D: Meeting Procedures

Lodge Executive Committee meetings shall be conducted in accordance with the Order of the Arrow Handbook for Officers and Advisers. The current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order should be used to guide procedure and decorum, provided they do not conflict with the policies outlined in the handbook.

Section E: Quorum

Each youth member of the Lodge Executive Committee is entitled to one vote. A quorum for conducting business shall consist of a simple majority of voting youth members, along with the presence of the Lodge Adviser and Staff Adviser or their designated representatives.

XIV. LODGE GENERAL BUSINESS MEETINGS.

The lodge shall hold at least two (2) general business meetings each year. Special business meetings may be called by a majority vote of the Lodge Executive Committee or by the Lodge Key 3, provided that all active lodge members receive at least thirty (30) days’ written notice in advance of the meeting.

XV. VOTING.

Section A: Voting Eligibility for Youth Members

Arrowmen under the age of 21 who are primarily registered with a unit in this council and whose dues are currently paid in this lodge may vote in matters of lodge business.

Section B: Voting Eligibility of Adult Members

Adult Scouters aged 21 and older serve in advisory roles and do not hold voting privileges in matters of lodge business.

XVI. FINANCES.

All Order of the Arrow funds shall be handled through the council service center and go through all normal council accounting procedures

Section A: Lodge Fees, Charges, and Dues

All fees, charges, and dues shall be set annually by the Lodge Executive Committee, with final approval by the Lodge Key 3 and in accordance with the Order of the Arrow Handbook for Officers and Advisers. Any increase in annual lodge dues beyond adjustments to the national portion must be confirmed and communicated to the lodge at least ninety (90) days prior to the start of the new lodge program year.

XVII. CHAPTERS.

Chapters shall be established in accordance with the Order of the Arrow Handbook for Officers and Advisers and shall operate under the authority of the council and lodge. The mission of each chapter is to carry out the program of the lodge. All chapter operations must follow the procedures outlined in the Handbook for Officers and Advisers.

Section A: Chapter Officers

Each chapter shall elect a Chapter Chief, one or more Vice Chiefs, a Secretary, a Treasurer, or a combined Secretary/Treasurer.

Section B: Chapter Structure and Responsibilities

Chapters shall align their goals, organization, and calendar to fully support the mission and objectives of both the lodge and the council. Each chapter is responsible for delivering a complete and balanced program and for working toward the standards set forth in the Order of the Arrow Handbook for Officers and Advisers and approved by the Lodge Executive Committee.

Section C: Chapter Budget

Each chapter shall submit an annual operating budget to the lodge. The budget must be approved by the Lodge Executive Committee before the chapter may incur any expenses.

Section D: Chapter Boundaries

Chapters of the lodge shall align with the council's district boundaries. Any changes to district boundaries will result in corresponding adjustments to chapter boundaries.

XVIII. SHORT-TERM CAMP AND SAFETY STANDARDS.

All overnight lodge and chapter events shall be conducted in accordance with the National Camp Accreditation Program (NCAP) requirements for short-term camps. This includes proper adult supervision, pre-approval through council procedures, and adherence to safety protocols outlined in the Guide to Safe Scouting and Scouting America’s Youth Protection policies. Event planners must coordinate with the Lodge Staff Adviser to ensure full compliance with these standards.

XIX. AMENDMENT PROCEDURE.

The following process shall govern any amendments to these rules.

Section A: Proposing Amendments

Any proposed amendment to these rules must be submitted to the Lodge Executive Committee at least one (1) month prior to its consideration by the lodge. The Lodge Executive Committee shall present its recommendation regarding the amendment at the Lodge General Business meeting where the proposal is to be considered.

Section B: Lodge Notice

A copy of the proposed amendment(s) must be provided to all active lodge members at least thirty (30) days prior to the Lodge General Business meeting at which the amendment will be considered.

Section C: Voting

An amendment to these rules shall require a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of all active youth members present at the Lodge General Business meeting for adoption.

XX. GENERAL POLICY COMPLIANCE.

All matters not specifically addressed in these rules shall be guided by the Scout Oath and Law, the Order of the Arrow Handbook, the Order of the Arrow Handbook for Officers and Advisers, national Order of the Arrow policies, and the policies of Scouting America.