Boy Scout Troop 123 from Clay received second place in a bridge building contest at the Buckskin Council’s fall camporee. The Buckskin Council includes much of West Virginia, as well as parts of eastern Kentucky and southwestern Virginia. Boys had to use only axes and bow saws to cut trees and then secure the poles together with rope lashings. The troops were judged for their teamwork, design and strength of the bridge, and use of lashings. Placing second was an especially good showing for the Clay county boys, who were participating in their first competition.
While at the camporee, the boys also learned about modern highway bridge construction from the vice president of the ACCAD Corporation, an Ivydale based company currently building a bridge on Route 35 in Mason County near where the camporee was held. The National Guard was also on hand to work with the scouts on the stream crossing techniques that they use on military operations.
Boy Scouts focus on developing character, leadership, and team skills largely through outdoor activities. This was the sixth campout for Troop 123 since the end of April. They had a good summer of camping, fishing, swimming, and kayaking. They are looking forward to their next campout at Cranberry Glades in late January. The boys from Clay still promise “on my honor to do my duty to God and my country, to help other people at all times… to be physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight”. Thanks to Clay Lions Club for providing the meeting room every Tuesday evening. If you know someone ages 11 through 18 interested in joining Boy Scouts, contact Jason Triplett or James Summers.