Pa-Hin Lodge #27 proudly serves the Northern Lights Council, spanning four states and
uniting Arrowmen across vast plains, forests, and prairies. Since its founding, Pa-Hin Lodge has
stood as a symbol of brotherhood, cheerful service, and commitment to the ideals of the Order
of the Arrow. Pa-Hin Lodge was chartered in 1977 following the formation of the Northern Lights Council in 1976.
The new council brought together multiple geographic regions, each with its own Order of
the Arrow history. To unify OA operations under one banner, four legacy lodges —
Chan-O-Wapi Lodge #52, Chatoka Lodge #183, Thunderbird Lodge #371, and Minniduta
Lodge #176 — merged to form a single lodge that would serve the entire council.
The name Pa-Hin, meaning “Porcupine,” was selected as the lodge’s identity and totem. The
porcupine symbolizes humility, quiet strength, and self-protection — qualities that reflect both
the spirit of the Order of the Arrow and the character of the Arrowmen who call Pa-Hin Lodge
home.
In its early years, the lodge preserved the heritage of its predecessor lodges through tribal
organizations. As the lodge matured, these structures transitioned into a chapter system
aligned with council districts, strengthening local involvement while maintaining lodge-wide
unity.
Today, Pa-Hin Lodge spans more than 80 counties across Montana, North Dakota, South
Dakota, and Minnesota, making it one of the geographically largest lodges in the nation.
Despite the distances involved, Pa-Hin Arrowmen consistently come together for lodge
fellowships, service weekends, leadership development, and council support.
Service remains central to the lodge’s mission — from camp improvements and conservation
projects to leadership support at council events. Pa-Hin Lodge continues to uphold the OA’s
purpose of recognizing those who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law and encouraging
others to do the same.
Pa-Hin Lodge maintains a strong tradition of ceremony, fellowship, and honor. Inductions,
Brotherhood conversions, and Vigil Honor ceremonies are conducted with deep respect for OA
symbolism and meaning. Lodge fellowships and gatherings provide Arrowmen with
opportunities to strengthen bonds of brotherhood while celebrating the lodge’s shared identity.
The porcupine totem is proudly displayed in lodge regalia, patches, and awards, serving as a
reminder of the lodge’s values and history. Pa-Hin Arrowmen also take pride in their lodge flaps
and memorabilia, which reflect both the cultural heritage and geographic character of the
Northern Lights Council.
Through consistent leadership training and youth-led governance, Pa-Hin Lodge emphasizes
the importance of servant leadership, ensuring that traditions are passed down from one
generation of Arrowmen to the next.
Pa-Hin Lodge has a long history of developing leaders who serve beyond the lodge level. Over
the years, Arrowmen from Pa-Hin have gone on to serve in section, region, and national
leadership roles; including a Region Chief, contributing to the broader mission of the Order of
the Arrow.
Through service as section officers, staff members at national OA events, and contributors to
national committees and programs, Pa-Hin Arrowmen have helped shape the future of the
Order while bringing valuable experience back to the lodge. This tradition of leadership reflects
the lodge’s commitment to preparing Scouts for service at every level.
From its origins as a merger of four proud lodges to its present role as a unified force across the
Northern Plains, Pa-Hin Lodge #27 stands as a testament to the enduring values of the Order
of the Arrow. Guided by tradition, strengthened by service, and inspired by leadership, Pa-Hin
Lodge continues to build a future worthy of its past.