Boy Scouts featured in national manual
When Boy Scouts in Warren County purchase their new version of the Boy Scout Field Manual, they may see some familiar faces in the pages of the national publication.
Warren County’s very own Boy Scout Troop 631 Venture Crew participated in a photo session at Cumberland Caverns last Saturday that will be used in the manual’s caving section.
Randy Piland, a contract photographer for the Boy Scouts of America who is based in Nashville, contacted the local troop and asked them to be a part of the publication, which was last revised in 1984.
Piland said the caving section will advocate strong environmental attitudes, hence the use of Cumberland Caverns in the photo shoot.
“In caving it’s the same thing where you would go in and take the tour, have the caving experience without leaving any evidence that you’ve been there.”
Piland says using real scouts in the photos is important to the organization.
“That’s the key,” he said. “We always try to include local scouts in the areas that we go in and photograph for the books.”
Venture Crew 631 is part of a relatively new type of program in scouting, which includes both male and female members from 14 to 21 years of age who participate in various excursions including caving, mountaineering and sailing, among other activities.
Josh Stoner, who, along with Jason Blaylock, was one of the founding members of the local Venture Crew, is now an adult leader but is still very much involved with the group.
“I love it,” he said. “We’re extremely active. We’re considered one of the most active crews in the nation right now. We’ve gone on two sailing trips to the Bahamas and to the Keys. We’re constantly rappelling, camping, backpacking, all high adventure sports.”
Scoutmaster Kelly McVey was quite pleased for the local troop to be included in the project as well.
“I’m excited,” he said. “A lot of scouts are in scouting their whole lives and have never had the opportunity, so I’m just thrilled for our guys to have this opportunity to get in the book.”
Laura Jennings, who was one of the first female members of the new co-ed Venture Crew, says the program has been a great experience for her.
“It’s awesome,” she said. “It’s fun. I’ve been doing it forever, and I just don’t know how I’d have been without it. It’s been a big part of my high school career and even in my college career now.”
Piland says the new revision of the Boy Scout Field Book should be out this fall or early next year.