By Charlotte Underwood 

 LAFOLLETTE, TN. (WLAF)- Scouts with BSA Troop 310 learned primitive skills such as shelter building, wood working, outdoor cooking and more during their recent summer camp. Two Scouts also ‘ranked up’ while another crossed over from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts.

The summer camp was held on private property in White Oak and lasted June 23 through June 28. During that time, Scouts built their “shelter, tables and even their own outhouse”, according to Troop 310 Scoutmaster Chris Thacker.

While at camp, Scouts also learned about primitive crafts such as black smithing, wood working and how to cook a 35 pound turkey over a fire. Other activities included a guided after dark “critter hunt” and “building a primitive flag pole.”

The troop focused on primitive skills to show Scouts how “things used to be done” and to teach outdoor survival techniques such as shelter building and outdoor cooking, according to Thacker.

BSA Scouts attended summer camp from June 23 through June 28. Troop 310 Scoutmaster Chris Thacker is shown demonstrating blacksmithing.

“The boys had a great time at camp and learned a lot; we also had two Scouts rank up as well,” Thacker said. 

Scouts who earned their rank promotions were Roger Smith who achieved Scout rank and Jacob Heck who earned Tenderfoot rank.

Scout Garrett Gibson also crossed over from Cubs to Boy Scouts in a memorable ceremony by “crossing over on a bridge the boys built.” 

This was the first crossover in Campbell County in at least eight years, Thacker said.

“We’re excited for the troop to grow and are always looking for youth interested in joining Scouts,” Thacker said. 

He and Troop 310 said they wanted to say a “big thanks to all the leaders, Cedar Hill Baptist Church and the Green family who provided the land. We couldn’t pull it off without all of the support,” Thacker said.

Scouts with BSA Troop 310 built a primitive flag pole during summer camp last week. Pictured is troop leader Chris Thacker, scouts Roger Smith, Cole Smith, Jacob Heck, Elijah Lamb and Danny Garrett.
Garrett Gibson crossing over from Cubs to Boy Scouts on a bridge the Boy Scouts built.
Scout Roger Smith holdings a 35 pound uncooked turkey. Eagle Scout Elijah Lamb tending the turkey.

Assistant Scoutmaster Stewart Thacker leading a night time “critter hunt” for Scouts during last week’s summer camp in White Oak.

(WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED 7/6/2023- 6AM)

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