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

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

Dale Murphy Praises Braves and Scouting While Here

Follow the link below for the audible article: https://www.northwestgeorgianews.com/catoosa_walker_news/lifestyles/ringgold-scout-troop-produces-five-more-eagles/article_d27bfc6c-8d4c-11ef-bf8c-eb081e2841c3.html

This month, scouts across the area joined forces with Wreaths Across Chattanooga to lay wreaths from Cleveland to Chattanooga. Click the link below for more photos: https://www.chattanoogan.com/2024/12/19/496909/PHOTOS-Scouts-Join-Forces-With-Wreaths.aspx

The Cherokee Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America hosted hundreds of attendees this year to honor the accomplishments of the 2024 Eagle Scout Class at the annual Gathering of Eagles. Co-presenting sponsors Synovus Bank and EPB were there to support the work of these outstanding young people across the Tennessee Valley. The 2024 Eagle Scout Class contributed nearly 10,000 hours of service to their local communities through 59 different projects. "This Eagle Scout class is especially exciting as it is just the fourth in the history of the Cherokee Area Council that includes young women among its recipients," officials said. Top awards were given to three youth for Eagle Scout Projects of the year: • Shane Boyd of Jasper, for his project at Fiery Gizzard Trail conducting trail conservation and constructing a bridge at a location over a mile down the trail; • Grady Pitts of Signal Mountain, for his project at East Lake Salvation Army Library revitalizing and installing all new Library Bookcases; and • Cooper Hampton of Lafayette, for his project at Summerville Montessori Schools completely revitalizing their playground with interactive and educational elements. The Cherokee Area Council also awarded the National Outstanding Eagle Scout Award to adult Eagle Scout Clay Watson. This award honors lifetime achievement of Eagle Scouts for their positive actions reflected by accomplishments and devotion to their local community, state and nation. Adult volunteers and Scout leaders including Tim Knight, Leslie Miller and Jim Morgan received the Silver Beaver Award, given for outstanding volunteerism to the local Council. J.J. Jerman was honored with the Council’s first Alumni of the Year award for his tireless efforts to promote reengagement of Scouting Alumni across the region. This dinner served as the Council’s largest and most important recognition event for local Scouts and adult volunteers.The event was held on Dec. 3 at the Westin in downtown Chattanooga, and featured Jed Mescon as Master of Ceremonies, with congratulatory remarks from officials with U.S. Senators Blackburn and Hagerty.

A day on the water is always a fun time, but area Scouts not only had fun Saturday on the Hiwassee River, but got to show off their paddling skills on their handmade rafts, too. Saturday afternoon was the 46th running of the Great Hiwassee River Raft Race, and while it was a smaller group of scouts participating this year, it was no less an exciting and enjoyable event. Shannon Ward, Scoutmaster for Troop 1010 in Cleveland and race coordinator, explained the race is the culmination of a weekend for local Scouts and others from outside Cleveland. She said this year there were several Scout troops from the Chattanooga area, and two from around Atlanta. The Scouts stay at the Gee Creek Campground in Polk County, where they eventually put the finishing touches on their rafts, have them inspected, and then transported to Hiwassee Outfitters in Reliance. The rafts are launched from that site, then continue down the Hiwassee River to the ramp at U.S. Highway 411. “I think the biggest thing about the raft race is they take the skills that they learned in scouting and through Scouting adventures, and they actually put those skills to use,” Ward stated. Those skills include lashing bamboo together in a way that it can be paddled. Then they put that raft on inner tubes, and then they are ready to be placed on the water. “It's not only aquatic skills that they have to have, but also pioneering skills and engineering skills [to create the rafts],” Ward said. Dave Briick of Troop 540 out of Marietta, Georgia, said they also have to have paddling skills, which they learn through practice. “They have to decide who is going to go where on the raft, and how and when they are going to paddle,” Briick said. “If one paddles when another doesn’t, then they are just going to go around in a circle.” Troop 540 and 675, also from the Atlanta area, were not strangers to the Hiwassee River, as this was the fifth time for Briick and his troop. They were also no strangers to the local Scouts. “They come down for summer camp at Fort Adams every year, so we kind of have a relationship with them,” he said. “We share in Scout spirit.” Each year, the Great Hiwassee River Raft Race has a theme for the Scouts which includes them dressing up as characters. One year, they were pirates, another year, one team dressed up like the rock band Kiss characters. This year’s theme was Fright Night, and there were several teams that dressed the part. Troop 1010 had two teams — one named Vampire69 that were dressed as hippies ready for the Woodstock Music and Art Fair [which occurred in August 1969] and the other characters from "Scooby-Doo." The teams competed for paddles that they will then take back to their Scout headquarters and display them for all to see. The awards and paddles given out were for Scout Skills, Best Design, Best Overall, Fastest Time and Spirit Award. The race was a little bittersweet for Ward, as it was the first race since the death of longtime Scoutmaster Dr. Cecil Stanbery, who actually passed away around the time of last year’s raft race. He had coordinated the race for several years, and Ward said she had learned so much from him. It was also the last race for Troop 10 [boys] and Troop 1010 [girls], as the two will merge into one troop on Sept. 1, when the Boy Scouts of America become Scouting USA. These two troops will be the first in the Cherokee Area Council to merge following the decision by the national organization. https://www.clevelandbanner.com/news/scouting-skills-on-display-at-river-raft-race/article_9a091fa7-89c2-50ab-9b2d-01311d1a8a0a.html By ALLEN MINCEY Banner Correspondent Aug 26, 2024

Thank you for leading our future leaders Mack!

Last month Troop 172 & Ship 2556 had an amazing adventure at Sea Base High Adventure Camp, here's what one of their leaders had to say about the experience. " We enjoyed the trip of a lifetime at Sea Base Bahamas on a Catamaran, aptly named Adonai. Adonai is another name for God. We had such meaningful devotionals on the bow of the boat in the evenings. Captain Josh who also is a missionary, truly encouraged our crew to do our Duty to God. The trip can only be described as a choose your own adventure. Most of the things we wanted to do and see the captain and his first mate, Thomas, made happen. We dived beautiful reefs, Civil War shipwrecks, toured ruins, visited the only man powered lighthouse in the world, had a campfire on the beach of a deserted island, ate so much conch cooked in a variety of ways, swam with sea turtles and spotted Eagle Rays, found the largest conch shells we have ever seen, walked on one of the world's only pink sand beaches, dived the reef off the coast of Gillian's Island, survived a storm with winds of 45 knots and waves lapping over the bow, all in the beautiful clear waters of the Sea of Abaco. An adventure and memories that will always be treasured ." -Amanda Smith 

Some rainy weather didn't stop the Boy Scouts of America from placing thousands of flags at the Chattanooga National Cemetery in honor of Memorial Day Weekend. Dozens of scouts met at the National Cemetery Saturday. Their day started with hearing local veterans share the importance of mourning the loss of those who died for our freedom. " But it's good to see them take the time to come out and say thank you to show appreciation, to show remembrance because these people have sacrificed, and sacrifice and remembrance is important and what they're doing here today is remembering ," said Captain Mickey McCamish. Following the ceremony the scouts banded together, placing flags on more than 55,000 headstones. " We go out and remember and solute to the fallen soldiers who died for us ," said Stacie Wilson, scout with troop 316 & 1316. " Everyday on Memorial Weekend, I get in my uniform and I go out and salute all of the fallen soldiers ," said Deklan Barry, scout with troop 316 & 1316. " And I feel like it's very important to respect them and I feel like the most we could do is put out a flag and solute ," said McKenzie Roberts, scout with troop 316 & 1316. Deklan, Stacie and McKenzie are with troop 316 and 1316. They learned the meaning of Memorial Day from parents and teachers who lost a loved one in a previous war. " Planting the flags here gives us chance to kind of bring everybody together ," said Bryan Ballew, scout with troop 316 & 1316. " I always think of, in the scout law, one of the final principles is reverence, this is a prime example here of showing our respect for people that have passed and people that have served our country and it kind of helps kids visualize that principle more ," said Dillon D'Errico, scout with troop 316 & 1316. Though rainy conditions brought a somber mood to the ceremony, local veteran Mickey McCamish believes the scouts walked away from the cemetery with a greater understanding of why we keep the memory of fallen soldiers alive. " There may be a little movement in the flag, I don't think it's from the wind or breeze, I think it's from the breath of that veteran whose grave they're placing that flag on that says thank you for remembering ," said McCamish. https://www.local3news.com/local-boy-scouts-plant-thousands-of-flags-at-headstones-for-memorial-day-weekend/article_4121d3be-1aa0-11ef-b453-63d8a37f4b2a.html

Food to serve 2,388 meals was collected by local Scouts across 11 counties that include Hamilton, Catoosa, Walker, Dade, Marion, Grundy, Bradley, Polk, Rhea, Bledsoe and Sequatchie. These items were provided to the local food pantry network in collaboration with the Chattanooga Area Food Bank. Most of the food was collected during the door to door “Scouting for Food” drive held in April. Officials said, "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, Boy Scouts of America. The Chattanooga Area Food Bank, the largest recipient of items, will deliver goods to various food pantries across the community who will receive the food collected, and in turn, give the food to thousands of individuals or 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." Contact Amy Phillips with the Cherokee Area Council at 706-313-1949 for additional information or to make a belated donation. https://www.chattanoogan.com/2024/5/10/487137/1000s-To-Be-Fed-Thanks-To-Local-Scouts.aspx

Mason Keith, age 15, has earned the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest rank within the Boy Scouts of America program. He is a member of Troop 224, chartered to Elizabeth Lee Methodist Church in Chickamauga, under the direction of current Scoutmaster Don Gregg. Mason demonstrated leadership to others in a service project that benefitted a local community agency. He and his helpers built and installed a wooden storage box for children’s toys, and two wooden bench seats to be placed on the screened porch and outdoor sitting area at the Northwest Georgia Family Crisis Center. They also added signage to the security entrance gates at the Center. Northwest Georgia Family Crisis Center provides emergency services for victims of family violence as well as outreach services including support groups and referrals for individual counseling. Mason has fond memories of scouting. His favorite is when he attended the Klondike Derby at Skymont Scout Reservation last year. He said it was fun building the sled and, “I enjoyed all the events in the rain and mud!” Mason has said that Scouting can be challenging, but it is always rewarding after you overcome the challenge. https://www.chattanoogan.com/2024/4/23/486296/Mason-Keith-Earns-Eagle-Scout-Rank.aspx

This weekend Troop 99 was honored to participate in #CleanCatoosa and helped plant some trees and do some erosion control at one of the local parks. "We were excited to work with Girls Cub Scout Pack 3070 & BSA Troop 1070 - Ringgold on these projects," officials said. "As scouts, we are always looking for opportunities where we can give back to our community." Cherokee Area Council Boy Scouts Participate In Community Service Projects - Chattanoogan.com

Troop 10, the oldest Boy Scout troop in Cleveland and Bradley County, is celebrating its 100th anniversary in April. The Troop was officially chartered as Troop 10 in 1924 and has served thousands of youth in the community since then. To commemorate this momentous centennial, the troop has scheduled three events to mark its 100 years of service to the Cleveland and Bradley County community. The Scouts will be hosting an open house at the Troop 10 Scout House located behind Broad Street United Methodist Church on Sunday, April 7. The community is invited to visit the open house and see the history of the troop and meet its members. The informal event will begin at noon and will be led by current Scouts showing off their history and many achievements, awards and adventures to open house attendees. Everyone looking for a future in Scouts BSA is especially invited to visit this event and learn about the storied Troop 10. Another event which is open to the public, is a historical display at the Museum & Cultural Center at 5ive Points. This special exhibit of troop artifacts covering the 100 years of Troop 10 will be displayed from April 16 through June 30. Everyone is encouraged to visit the museum and learn about the history and see artifacts that show Boy Scouts throughout the century. The final event to celebrate the anniversary on Saturday, May 11, is the Alumni Picnic at the Greenway Park on Raider Drive. The troop invites any Troop 10 alumni, community leaders and current troop members, parents and volunteers to celebrate with them at this picnic from noon to 2 p.m. An old-fashioned cook-out, Boy Scout-style, will be served along with great fellowship and fun. Sponsored by Broad Street United Methodist Church in 1924, Troop 10 has been led by several successful scoutmasters from the community. Wallets, Bags & More Bellroy The longest running scoutmaster recorded by the troop was William Cecil Stanbery, who proudly led the troop and volunteers for the past 20 years. Stanberry passed away in 2023 and is followed by Shane Coleman as current scoutmaster. There is also a dedicated group of adult volunteers and leaders who work with the Scouts as they advance rank and earn merit badges. Troop 10 has proudly produced more than 140 Eagle Scouts, which is the highest rank achieved in Scouts. Troop 10 is known as a “high adventure” troop, having taken trips throughout the country hiking, backpacking, biking, canoeing and much more. Their members enjoy an adventure each month throughout the year, learning survival and life skills that will serve them for years to come. Also known as a "Scout-led” troop, Troop 10 allows and encourages leadership from the youth as they work together to advance and learn. This teaches the youth responsibility, leadership and a path to success as they learn and grow as young men. As the county’s trailblazer troop, Troop 10 was also the first Boy Scout Troop in Tennessee to have a linked female troop. Known as Troop 1010 The Mighty Riveters, the female troop is an active, successful troop and they enjoy working alongside their male counterparts in Troop 10. The addition of females to Scouts BSA has afforded the other 50% of our nation’s youth the opportunity to take advantage of this great leadership program and its benefits. Having proven their mettle, female troops have produced Eagle Scouts and community and business leaders across the country. Troop 1010 has produced its first female Eagle Scout and the first Eagle in the Cherokee Area Council. Not only is Troop 10 a troop of adventure and leadership, its core purpose stays the same as when it was first formed — community service. The troop has achieved thousands of hours serving Cleveland whether it be through honoring veterans at local events, litter cleanup at the Cleveland/Bradley Greenway or helping seniors with needed projects. As Troop 10 continues its unwavering commitment to community service, organizers encourage the community to support its youth and leaders are they embark on their second century of service to Cleveland and Bradley County.  For more information about Troop 10 or its linked troop, 1010, contact Shannon Ward at shannsupermom@gmail.com.

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — A group of Chattanooga moms are in the process of forming a new Cub Scout pack for children with special needs. Downside Up Inc. is a nonprofit that provides support for families of children with varying disabilities, and 10 of those children will soon be official Cub Scouts. Theresa Nix, founder and executive director of the nonprofit says it was important that the Cub Scout pack was tailored to the children's specific needs. “A lot of times, we've tried to fit into a dance group or a theater team, or many things that we would love for our kids experience. But it just takes a lot of people to make that happen, or they don't have the resources," says Nix. Nix says many of the children need extra support, whether it be they have mobility issues or issues with going to the restroom. By working alongside the Boy Scouts of America, Downside Inc. will try to ensure that the boys get the ideal cub scout experience. “Sometimes it's with a multitude of them. It is a lot for a group to accommodate those needs. So we could just have that same experience and create it in our own way however the Boy Scouts will allow us . They've been very kind and helpful in that respect," says Nix. Nix’s son Everett has down syndrome and autism. He is the reason why Downside Up was created. She, along with Patty Casey, the scout leader, wanted to create an environment the children could feel like they belong. The 10 boys have different abilities and were already friends. Now they get to move forward in the process of becoming Cub Scouts together. In their first unofficial Cub Scout meeting the group did a trail mix and talked about eating healthy foods. Jared Pickens, CEO of Boy Scouts of America Cherokee Area Council, sent us the following comment: “Our team is truly excited to collaborate with this outstanding community partner. We work hard every day to include more families, especially those from underserved areas and communities, and we are grateful for opportunities like this to work together. We envision a community where everyone can experience meaningful and life changing Scouting programs. Growing access to families of all types is critical to achieving our vision." Nix says that since Downside Up Inc. posted about the Cub Scout pack, parents have also expressed interest in a Girl Scouts group as well.  https://newschannel9.com/news/local/meeting-their-needs-local-non-profit-forming-new-cub-scout-pack-for-special-needs-kids?fbclid=IwAR09jj2obIpQ-v7UoeNaxLMsYuYC0KWQ0VyVvkPdsSb1yKtFjO_U1b23yIM

Former Notre Dame and Washington Redskins quarterback Joe Theismann will be the featured speaker at the 20th annual Friends of Scouting Luncheon at the Chattanooga Convention Center. The event is at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 28. Theismann guided Washington to a 27-17 comeback victory over the Miami Dolphins at Super Bowl XVII in January 1983. He led Washington back to Super Bowl XVIII but was unsuccessful in a repeat bid against the Los Angeles Raiders. Before compiling a 77-47 record as Washington’s starter during the 1976-85 seasons, Theismann starred for the Fighting Irish, steering them to consecutive Cotton Bowl appearances following the 1969 and 1970 seasons. Theismann finished runner-up to Stanford quarterback Jim Plunkett in the balloting for the 1970 Heisman Trophy, with Ole Miss quarterback Archie Manning placing third. In addition to being a Life Scout, Mr. Theismann is known for his long-standing community service efforts as well as ESPN’s critically acclaimed Sunday Night and Monday Night NFL broadcasts. https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2024/feb/08/joe-theismann-set-to-speak-at-annual-scouting/ https://www.chattanoogan.com/2024/1/26/481713/NFL-Legend-Joe-Theismann-To-Speak-At.aspx

Luke Sowa has been playing tennis for the last four years. When he's not at school, the sophomore often practices at the Fox Run court on Signal Mountain. "I got into it because my sister, she started playing it before me. I thought it looked fun so then I started playing," he said. Luke is also a member of his local Boy Scouts chapter, Troop 116 on Signal Mountain. In order to advance to an Eagle Scout, members must complete a number of tasks and earn merit badges. They must also complete a service project. When deciding what he wanted to do, Luke thought about the tennis court in his neighborhood. "They're not in very good condition, they have a lot of cracks in them and stuff," he said. He has already started clearing brush, cleaning leaves and trimming nearby trees. But his plans don't stop there. "We're going to pressure wash the whole court, repaint it. Fill in the cracks and replace all the equipment and net," he added. Luke is raising money to help offset the cost through a GoFundMe page . His goal is to raise $2,500 by the end of February to help make the area a nicer and safer place for others. "This community does stuff for you. So you should give back to it. They gave us this court to play on and stuff. They built it for us, so why not repair it and keep it so other people can use it too," he said. Perhaps a reminder, we can all use. If you are interested in helping Luke reach his goal, click HERE ! https://www.local3news.com/local-news/making-a-difference-local-boy-scout-aims-to-clean-up-signal-mountain-tennis-court/article_16f7770c-c757-11ee-8daa-db4e780e9057.html?fbclid=IwAR0agE6QtFZDKradjKqkBK6eI9cw2qsEWgGlGQZuJD_ZVwFlF0YAuLRH9D0