Display highlights 100 years of Scouting

By JEFFREY SIMMONS/Staff

For this birthday, Billy Joe Chandler Jr. was prepared.
The Rural Retreat High School sophomore’s tribute to all things Scouting will be on full display on Monday as the organization that’s taught millions of boys to build fires and fire up their leadership and life skills turns 100.
Chandler, with the help of fellow Troop 58 member Daniel Ball, recently turned the Rural Retreat Public Library into a mini museum that showcases the history of the Boy Scouts of America, which was incorporated on Feb. 8, 1910. The motto of this year’s commemoration is “Celebrating the Adventure, Continuing the Journey.”
“He does it because he loves Scouting,” said Chandler’s mother, Angela Chandler, when describing her son’s immersion into the camping, character building and camaraderie that comes with his involvement.
Encouraged by his troop leader, Dan Ball, Chandler designed and created a tableau of old and new Scouting memorabilia in the library’s display case. The 16-year-old said he wanted to illustrate how the organization had changed through the years. An artist who enjoys drawing and painting, Chandler diagrammed his exhibit on paper before arranging the shelves of merit badges, uniforms, magazines and gear on Feb. 1.
The items can be viewed throughout February when the library’s open.
For Chandler, creating the display was just one of a long line of activities that makes Scouting relevant in his life.
Involved in the program since first grade, Chandler has learned how to swim, use a compass and hone his leadership skills.
“One of my favorite things about Boy Scouts is being a den chief,” said Chandler who volunteers his time each week to share his knowledge with younger Scouts.
It’s this opportunity to be a role model, and to mature and build character that Chandler’s mother appreciates.
“I’m big on character,” she said. “I’ve always made it such an important part of his life.”
Both Angela Chandler and Billy Joe Jr.’s father, Billy Joe Sr., were involved in Scouting in their younger years.
Scouting, though, which, according to the BSA Web site, involves 2.8 million young people between the ages of 7 and 20, is not just about acquiring life skills.
“Plus it’s fun,” Angela Chandler said. “They do a lot of activities.”
Soon, Billy Joe Jr. and his fellow troop members will take part in a Klondike Derby in Galax that will challenge their wilderness survival skills. There’s also canoeing and hiking to keep the members busy.
“(Scouting has) helped a lot of boys become wise people and make better decisions,” Billy Joe Jr. said.
Jeffrey Simmons can be reached at 228-6611 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).