23rd Annual Friends Of Scouting Luncheon Held Feb. 24

Aiden Castellanet - Student Body President from Signal Mountain Middle High School Interview from CityScope Magazine

The Adventure Begins!

100 years ago in 1925, the Chattanooga Council built their second scout camp, Camp Tsatanugi, the namesake of Boy Scout Road in Hixson. It served as the summer camp for 25 years, and was used for other activities for even longer. Two of the buildings from this camp still stand, now owned by the Highland Sportsman Club, which has done a great job of preserving them. The largest building is Patten Hall, which was given by the sons of John A. Patten in his honor. It served as the dining hall for the camp.

The Original Scout Camp Mascot - Carranza the Mule

Chattanooga's First Scout Camp - Boulder Nook

The Cherokee Area Council's Scout Service Center

The number of new families joining Scouting jumped 148% over the prior year, as parents seek a safe refuge from rising digital risks through authentic outdoor adventures. The number of new families joining Scouting eclipsed the number of those who joined in both 2024 and 2023. Local officials expect that hundreds of boys, girls and families will be welcomed into Cub Scouts as the weather cools. “Every great leader, athlete or innovator can trace their success back to those first, formative steps,” said Jared Pickens, scout executive and CEO of Chattanooga’s Cherokee Area Council, Scouting America. “In Cub Scouts, we empower young people with the courage, curiosity and skills they need to confidently embrace every new challenge and opportunity ahead. And I’m thrilled to be personally involved in the program as both a parent and volunteer.” Cub Scouts is known for offering a fun, welcoming and structured environment where all boys and girls can try new things, build friendships and discover their strengths. It’s more than hiking and camping, it’s about helping kids be prepared for life, Pickens said. Cub Scout programming is calibrated to help kids learn critical real-world skills including teamwork, problem-solving, empathy and perseverance. The program is designed to transform wide-eyed beginners into leaders capable of tackling any challenge with a “can-do” mindset. Over the last year, local Scouts have: ● Delivered 1,874 pounds of food to the Chattanooga Area Food Bank through the “Scouting for Food” drive and over 120,000 pounds of hurricane emergency relief supplies were collected, loaded, and shipped; ● Decorated 58,500 graves of veterans with an American Flag for Memorial Day; and ● Contributed 9,750 hours of community service on their path to Eagle. 58 young people earned the rank of Eagle Scout including 6 girls. Girls now represent 24% of local youth membership. As a parent of a scout, Pickens said he understands that balancing school, sports and other activities can be a challenge. That’s why the organization offers flexible programs that fit into busy schedules. This fall, parents can visit www.BeAScout.org to find a local pack and start their Scouting journey, he said. About Local Scouting Cherokee Area Council, Scouting America provides the nation’s foremost outdoor youth program of character development and values-based leadership training, which helps young people be “Prepared. For Life.” Scouting America welcomes all youth into its programs throughout 11 counties across Southeast Tennessee and Northwest Georgia. Our goal is to give them fantastic experiences in the outdoors, and elsewhere, where they can grow with us in a safe environment. Join Scouting today by visiting www.BeAScout.org . https://www.clevelandbanner.com/news/local-families-join-cub-scouts-at-record-rates-for-august/article_331e3fb3-f792-53b0-a4e9-b1b9869422ae.html https://www.chattanoogan.com/2025/9/17/508705/Local-Families-Join-CubScou  ts-At.aspx

Troop 10 Scouts out of Cleveland load up and head out onto the open water, ready for the 100 mile trek ahead. The group spends the week before the six-day trip making sure their skills were ready. "All the scouts on the water had to pass a swimming test. You have to make sure everybody is a proficient swimmer to do something like this," Troop 10 Scoutmaster Shannon Ward said. Ward said the troop has been an aquatics-based group for more than 100 years. "A lot of our scouts are scuba certified. They do a lot of canoeing," she added. The group started on the Ocoee, went through the Hiwassee and ended at Brown's Ferry Marina on the Tennessee River. Boston Heier is a youth leader for the group. He said there were times when the water's currents were challenging. "I definitely think going down the Ocoee was the hardest part. At times, whenever I was taking a break or I wasn't paddling for whatever reason, we would actually go backwards," Heier said. Abby Ross agrees, but said the challenges on the water taught her an important lesson in perseverance and teamwork. "We did a lot of miles. That was a little difficult. Sometimes the big boats would drive by and make waves that we would have to go over," Ross said. The older leaders of the group also had to learn how to work with the younger scouts and different experience levels. "Leading them was definitely a challenge and I definitely learned how to cooperate with them and make sure everyone had a good time," Heier said. A ground team of adults made sure the scouts had campsites and food ready at the beginning and end of each day. But Ward said, the overall goal was for the group to overcome and persevere together, building a bond that's long lasting. "The kids, they know that they make or break this troop. It's all about them. It's all about what they can achieve," Ward said. https://www.local3news.com/local-news/making-a-difference/making-a-difference-local-scout-troop-makes-history-with-100-mile-canoe-trip/article_b2ec1fe8-e80a-4430-aa06-c864a7390ded.html

Memorial Day is the day we set aside to honor those who gave their lives in service to this country. Ahead of the holiday, Scouts from the Cherokee Area Council placed over 60,000 flags in Cleveland, Tracy City, Ringgold Soddy-Daisy and the Chattanooga National Cemetery on Saturday. The Scouts were joined in their efforts by both leaders and parents. Scout Executive and CEO of the Cherokee Area Council Jared Pickens explained how this event can teach the Scouts about honoring those who served. "It is truly incredible to see this service provided to our community by these young people," Pickens said. "This is a fantastic learning experience for our Scouts – to respect the service of those laid to rest in these sacred places." Greg Lee, Volunteer Vice President of Program for the Cherokee Area Council, described the importance of getting young people involved early on. "A lot of younger Scouts don't exactly know why we're putting the flags out or what it symbolizes, what Memorial Day is, what's Veteran's Day, what's Armed Forces Day, so we kinda try to educate them on part of that, where Memorial Day is those who have lost their life in defending our country for our freedoms," Lee said. Lee tells us he's been involved with placing the flags for about 25 years, but the view never gets old. "It's really neat to watch as you stand back at the amphitheater to watch up over the hill as the red, white and blue goes in the ground," Lee said. The Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park is also honoring those who served. Park Ranger Will Wilson said those soldiers are the reason the National Military Park exists. "Park Historian Jim Ogden will be giving a torchlight tour of Chattanooga National Cemetery and telling some of the stories of some of the soldiers that were involved here," Wilson said. Wilson hopes people who attend the torchlight tour leave with more connection to its history. "This is a place of remembrance now and a place that really speaks to us as a nation and who we are," Wilson said. In a release, the Scouting America Cherokee Area Council said they were "thrilled" to honor Medal of Honor recipient Captain Larry Taylor on this year's commemorative patch. "We are honored to serve these local heroes once again this year," Lee said. Starting Wednesday of next week, the Scouts will begin taking the flags back down, Lee said. Those interested in volunteering to help with this can contact the Cherokee Area Council. https://newschannel9.com/news/local/scouts-honor-fallen-heroes-by-placing-flags-in-area-cemeteries-for-memorial-day?fbclid=IwY2xjawKimNVleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFLSWE3U1ROWW1jUU0zVmRRAR7UO86NlXwM0XqhuHorIYMZBSV2BkmTRPDLapOWnwp7fwexJ-YOnUBE55AThg_aem_mxfJyyX4mPAr0Z3m1jxphA

Eisa Eilertson: T roop 1020

Scouting Founder Dan Beard Honored at Chattanooga Pow-Wow On March 21, 1928, Scouts from the Chattanooga area gathered at Memorial Auditorium for The Spirit of Tsatanugi, a Scout pageant and Pow-Wow honoring Daniel Carter Beard, one of the founding leaders of Scouting in America. The event was described as one of the most vibrant and memorable celebrations ever presented by the local Scout organization, drawing an audience of between 3,000 and 4,000 people. According to the Chattanooga Times, the program began at 8 p.m. and featured a wide range of performances and demonstrations reflecting Scout life, including a “Day in Camp” program and a theatrical variety show, which was praised for its creativity and enthusiastic participation. As the National Commissioner of the Boy Scouts, Beard took part in the evening’s events by presenting Eagle Scout badges to youth who had earned Scouting’s highest rank. He was introduced by R.T. Faucette, head of the local council, and later addressed the audience, speaking about the mission of Scouting and his lifelong commitment to supporting youth development. Beard shared how meaningful it was to be welcomed in Chattanooga—his first visit in 31 years—and reflected on his personal ties to the region through his father, who had connections to notable historical figures and helped design the flag carried by Kentuckians in the Texas Revolution. Council Executive R.T. Faucette, a longtime admirer of Beard, spoke of his legacy: “Scouting began in part because a young man from Kentucky, moved by the lack of welcoming spaces for children in a big city, made it his mission to create positive opportunities for youth. Today, thanks to leaders like Dan Beard, Scouting has become a movement that empowers young people across the country to grow, lead, and serve.” Wearing his signature frontier-style hunting shirt and breeches, Commissioner Beard arrived at Chattanooga’s Terminal Station, where he was welcomed by a local reception committee. That morning, he and his wife visited various sites around the city, followed by an informal afternoon reception at Scout headquarters. All local Scouts were invited to meet one of the movement’s founding figures, at a time when Scouting in the Chattanooga area had grown to include nearly 10,000 participants. Thank you to the Cherokee Area Council History Sub-Committee for writing this article.

Eagle Scout, Blake Webber, talks about his experience in the caving community.

This week, Scout units across the Chattanooga region collected 2,525 pounds of non-perishable food items in partnership with local food banks and Crown Subaru of Chattanooga. The groceries collected will provide 2,104 meals for those in need throughout our area. To help alleviate hunger in our community, 'Scouting for Food' is an annual collection of nonperishable food items, coordinated across the 11 counties served by the Cherokee Area Council of Scouting America. The Chattanooga Area Food Bank, the largest recipient of items, will deliver goods to its network of Hunger Relief Partners across the community and in turn, provide food to thousands of individuals and families in need. “We are deeply grateful for the nourishing meals that Scouting for Food will be able to provide to the families in need in our community,” said Melissa Blevins, president & CEO of the Chattanooga Area Food Bank. “In serving their community, the local Scouts are helping us provide food - and hope - to those neighbors in our community who are struggling and seeking food assistance.” Jennifer Franklin, community engagement manager of the Chattanooga Area Food Bank, added, “Not only does this help us provide groceries for our neighbors in need, but also enables us to spread awareness in our community.” The Scouting for Food campaign involved door-to-door food collection efforts by Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA and Venturers. Scouts distributed informational door hangers throughout their designated neighborhoods and community areas. "The Scout Slogan is Do a Good Turn Daily," said Council Commissioner, Zachary McCarty. "Our Scouts log thousands of service hours annually. This project was a great way to demonstrate to the community the values of Scouting that we teach to the youth of the program." Crown Subaru of Chattanooga, a partner with local Scouts for this effort, and issued a statement, “We are thrilled to work with Scouts and our local food banks through this effort. Everyone knows that both Scouting and Subaru help get families into the great outdoors – but now we can spread the word that we are all here to help our community as well.” Contact Edward Ellis with the Cherokee Area Council at 423-315-0329 or edward.ellis@scouting.org for additional information or to make a belated donation. https://www.chattanoogan.com/2025/4/28/502898/1000-s-To-Be-Fed-Thanks-To-Local-Scouts.aspx?fbclid=IwY2xjawJ_Rx9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFkanRFN0dqQkdiSlp6YzBRAR7WCaOFbnPWy4XfW34V7-Gc8CralnGR9VClKifRAE1b-aKpv3YY_jaZ4pzPSg_aem_VWyWIh9QS6TNfOJVbvHmNA

This week's history blurb is from a longstanding troop from Polk County!  In 1928, Ducktown Troop 14 first registered with the Cumberland Council, moving to the Chattanooga Council in 1931. There is also some evidence of Scouts in Ducktown earlier. They were under the leadership of Lamar Weaver, who helped build a swimming lake with cabins outside Ducktown that was named in his honor, “Lake Lamar.” With frequent swimming practice at Lake Lamar, Copperhill and Ducktown Scouts often won competitions at Lake Winnepesaukah all through the 1930s-1950s. James Howell was Troop 14’s first Eagle Scout in 1931, and since then they have boasted over 25 Eagles. Into the 1980s, scouts took part in tree planting programs to remediate the environmental damage of the mining that led to the infamous “red hills.” With proximity to vast acres of National Forest, Scouts of the Copper Basin had exceptional wilderness experiences, many remembering long trips up Big Frog Mountain. They carried on an almost 100 year tradition of wearing wide brim campaign scout hats, which you may recall the late scoutmaster Phil Sheffer always sported. Sadly COVID and other factors caused the troop to have to disband, close to their 100th anniversary, but their memory lives on! Credit for much of this information goes to former Troop 14 Scoutmaster John Eberle, and former Troop 10 Scoutmaster William Snell, who collaborated to collect and preserve Ocoee District scouting history.

Camp Glancy and Our Partnership with Local Girl Scouts

Dale Murphy Praises Braves and Scouting While Here

A deadly mid-air collision between a passenger jet and an Army Black Hawk helicopter on Wednesday was the first major fatal plane crash in the U.S. since 2009. The crash occurred as an American Airlines flight, from Wichita, Kansas, approached the Reagan Washington National Airport.it was back in 1982 when the area was the site of another fatal crash…killing 78...welcome Mickey McCamish. Especially now we can all use an uplifted story to take us away from the air distaer. Well we got that story right here in Chattanooga and it involves two boy scouts Axel Apablaza and Edward Knight two young men who earned what’s called a Grand Slam Award. And they did on a dog sled journey. Increasing the value of a home is a priority for many homeowners, so where should you start... a lot of home shows are coming your way…. But many experts say a Garage Door Replacement… a Kitchen Remodel: with updates like new countertops and energy-efficient appliances and landscaping are a great starting point. Good morning to our favorite realtor Cindi Richardson…..from the Richardson group Keller Williams. Cindi we can’t forget fresh Paint: and most importantly the act of Decluttering. https://omny.fm/shows/talk-radio-102-3/1-31-25-7a-mickey-mccamish-boy-scouts-and-home-i  mp