I was a Boy Scout once. I never made Eagle or earned The National Order of The Arrow but I did make it to Star Scout. I wasn't really driven to earn merit badges or rise in boyhood rank, but I did enjoy being a Boy Scout. My Scoutmaster was a large sweet fellow who whose name was Milton Smitherman. I was a member of Troop 54 that met up atop Lookout Mountain at Noccalula Falls Park. There used to be an old green cabin where the camp ground is today. If memory serves, I brought my dime dues every Monday night around 6 o'clock. 
We went to a lot of Jamborees and the like but my favorite outings were our yearly trip to Shiloh National Military Park. They had about six different hikes to take on. We'd split up into different groups and given a map and a sheet of questions to answer. You'd go on the long hike and answer the questions on the markers we'd have to locate. These hikes would go from dawn to dusk. They were very tiring but equally as exciting. I loved the scouting experience. I don't hear much talk about kids being scouts in this day. Seems though when I was a kid, every kid donned that uniform proudly.
The Scout Oath
On my honour I promise that I will do my best
To do my duty to God and my Country
To help other people at all times
To obey the Scout Law
2 comments:
David, some of my fondest childhood memories are of Troop 54 as well. In fact, I remember catching rides to the troop meetings (which I am pretty sure started at 7:00PM on Mondays, not 6:00) with you and your brother in his little VW. I still consider Milton Smitherman to be one of the top three influences as to whom I am today (for better or worse, ha). Johnny Byrd, also. Sadly, both of these fine individuals are now gone.
Our old Scout cabin is still there, it is one-half of the current campground office. Not green any more, though. Thank goodness!
I don't think I ever went to Shiloh, at least not with Troop 54. I do remember going to Chickamaugua which is near Chattanooga. We would make that a part of our trip to Cumberland Caverns. Speaking of Cumberland Caverns, I believe it was you that had this very evil laugh that you would do when the lights went out.
But I think my favorite Troop 54 memories are of summer camp at Comer Scout Reservation. I could type all day about that, so I will just leave it at that for now.
Thanks for the memories.
Do you remember the Comer visit where we did clean-up and clearing the whole time. I remember Milton was trying to crank a chainsaw for hour after hour. He finally got it started and had become lax holding onto it. That saw came to life and buzzzzzed a big hole in the seat of his pants. It was hilarious. That's when I learned that Milton wore XXL white briefs.
Yes...I can still do that laugh.
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