The VFW and Auxiliary Post #9660 at Chimney Rock was host to the Scouting District of Mountain Valley on Sept 14, 2024 for their Rock Climbing Merit Badge Event. 20 scouts from six troops within the district got to learn skills like climbing, belaying, specialty knots and safety, plus so much more. Lester Zook from WILD GUYde Adventures was the merit badge counselor along with Chad Heddleston a professional rock climber, both who ran the climbing skills and requirements the scouts had to accomplish. Scout leaders Scott Sprague, Scout Master, from Troop 1 plus Tom Boller and Kevin Finnegan, Asst Troop Masters, from Troop 124 were able to assist and guide the youths as well.
Scouts from Troops 1, 38, 84, 124, 314 and 1038 showed great courage and met every challenge thrown at them. When asked what their favorite part was it was the climbing and belaying; the hardest part was the knots they had to master. Watching the scouts work in teams to encourage, support and work together with ages 11 to 17 was a great sight to watch. The scouts also got to meet and chat with “real” rock climbers and then watch them climb parts of the Chimney Rock only the masters can do. Lunch was served by Cosmic Smoke-N-BBQ, that was carried up the mountain to each scout and leader. The scouts all will meet for the final requirement their rappelling at Hidden Rocks near Hone Quarry in the next 3-6 weeks. Scouting is alive and well, interested what it can do for your youth check out https://www.scouting.org .
Submitted by Cory May
