Strother Freetrappers Host Lone Bear District Camporee

The Boy Scouts of Lone Bear District turned out in droves for their 2008 Fall Camporee which was hosted this year by Strother Freetrappers Black Powder Club. 174 Scouts and 45 leaders from 15 different troops showed up at the club on Friday evening and camped through Sunday morning. Many of boys and leaders dressed in period garb while they participated in different activities including black powder shooting, tomahawk throwing, archery, flint and steel fire starting, tug of war, beaded feather craftwork, metal working, and a cooking contest. The boys saw a trapping demonstration put on by Douglas Hertzog; a blacksmithing demonstration by club member Bill McDonald; and a demonstration shoot of a gatling gun by club member Ken Roberts. The gatling gun demonstration was probably a once in a lifetime event for most of the boys. Ken Roberts built the gun by hand over a period of seven years and it is a replica of one of the early models built before the invention of the enclosed cartridge. This demonstration took place at dusk to maximize the “fire breathing dragon” effect!

Club members Stan Adkins, Les Whiteside, Ian Whaley, and Greg Lesko ran the shooting line using powder donated by Hodgdon and balls donated by club member Larry Turkington. Club member Tracy Smith showed the boys how to throw the tomahawk. With a lot of hard work throughout the day all the boys and most of the leaders were able to shoot, throw and participate in all of the other activities. Greg Lesko and scout leader John Cerda along with his staff were instrumental in planning the event. The boys held a campfire ceremony Saturday evening and ended the weekend with a church service Sunday morning.

The Scouts, leaders, staff and club members did a great job and the event was a great success. It was nice to walk through the club campground and see tents covering the ground from one end to the other. This is truly one of the best services our club can provide. By helping to promote and interest in history, the out doors and the shooting sports, we are building the future of our country and keeping our heritage alive.