Tom Kita Chara Lodge #96 is an active Order of the Arrow (OA) lodge for the Samoset Council in Wisconsin. Established and chartered in 1936. Its name, which means "leaping buck" in the language of the Chippewa Indians, was inspired by a deer that leaped through the first call-out ceremony. 

Historical Milestones

• Founding and Name: The first members were called out on July 26, 1936, at Camp Tesomas, and the lodge was officially chartered in December 1936 as the 96th lodge of the Order of the Arrow.

• Early Activities: The first formal meeting was held in early 1937, and members held "work camps" at Camp Tesomas that spring, establishing the tradition of the annual Spring Work Trek.

• National Recognition: At the 1937 National Jamboree, the Samoset Council contingent, mostly OA members, used distinctive "paper teepees" that became a sensation, leading the lodge to make and sell over a hundred kits. William E. Hoffmann, the Scout Executive who initiated the lodge's formation, was elected to the National Executive Committee in 1938.

• General Eisenhower's Visit: In 1946, General Dwight D. Eisenhower was made an honorary member during a visit to Wisconsin and presented the lodge with a family sword (an "Eisenhauer") and a letter, both of which are displayed in the Archives Room at Camp Tesomas.

• National Legend: In 1947, the lodge's version of the Lenni Lenape legend used in the calling-out ceremony was published by the National Order of the Arrow Bulletin and adopted as the national official version, a version still in use by many lodges today.

The Samoset Council (Wisconsin) primarily operates the Crystal Lake Scout Reservation near Rhinelander, which includes three main camps: Tesomas Scout Camp (long-term summer camp for Scouts BSA), Akela’s World Cub Scout Camp, and Hanna Venture Base (high adventure/winter camping). An early camp, Camp Sam-O-Set in Harrison, closed in 1934. 

Key Samoset Council Camps:

• Crystal Lake Scout Reservation (CLSR): Founded in 1999, this serves as the primary camping hub.

• Tesomas Scout Camp: Located 10 miles from Rhinelander, operating since 1935 as the flagship summer camp.

• Akela’s World Cub Scout Camp: Specialized camp for younger Scouts.

• Hanna Venture Base: Designed for older Scout adventure and winter camping.

• Camp Sam-O-Set (Historical): Operated until 1934; the council is named after this site. 

These facilities offer year-round, high-quality outdoor programs in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, including specialized winter activities at the Hanna Venture Base. 

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