Lodge History

The Nakona Lodge as it today (1970) owes its existence primarily to the efforts of one man, Chief Frank Runkles. When Chief Runkles assumed his job as Ranger at Camp Post in late 1930’s he saw a desperate need for some permanent organization recognizing those Scouts who had excelled in the camping skills and offering them an opportunity to use those skills in service to the council and the general Scouting program. Chief Runkles had previously worked in other councils to meet these needs. The most effective of these programs, it seemed were those that used a format of the Plains Indian culture as exemplary of the high ideals and fortitude to be express in the organization. He had had much experience and training with the Indian culture and felt this would form a sound basis for an honorary camping society. 

Among the programs which had been established in other Texas Councils were “The Council of the Black Arrow” and the “Kuni-eh Indians.” Combining these two with other forms, during the summer and fall of 1938 he organized the SPAC (South Plains Area Council) Indians. The SPAC Indians served basically the same purpose that the Order of the Arrow serves today and used only slightly varied ceremonies. The Order of the Arrow was advantages of operating on a national scale, in the fall of 1939 Chief Runkles recommended to the Council Camping Committee that the Order of the Arrow become the official council honor campers association. His suggestion was approved and through a National Charter the Nakona Lodge #150 was formed. 

Chief Frank Runkles was given the distinction of being the first member of the lodge and also the only one never to undergo an Ordeal. He gave the lodge its name and totem and was responsible for inducting its first members who were elected on an all-council basis rather than by individual troops. He also held the position of Lodge Lay Adviser during the 1940s (although it was inactive during World War II) and had remained a respected guide and supporter of the Lodge since that time up until his death on March 19, 2002.