Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live as an 18th century mountain man, living off the land, sleeping under the stars, cooking over a fire, not showering for a week? Then look no further than BSA’s own Mountain Man high adventure program. In July of 2018, Troop 581 took 15 Scouts to Camp Ottari, not far from Blacksburg, VA to participate in their summer Mountain Man Adventure. Available for Scouts 13 years and older, it allows participants to experience the life of the 18th Century Mountain Man while camping in the backwoods of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Scouts lived and dressed like the Mountain Men of yore, even making their own shirt, which becomes a coveted item long after camp. The Scouts used the tools wielded by Mountain Men like tomahawks, knives, muzzle loaders, and practice skills such as leather working, cooking and blacksmithing. They learned how to start fires with flint and steel and cooked most of their meals this way. They even learned how to do this in pouring rain. Our Scouts learned the basics of blacksmithing and each made their own hunting knife.
After a week-long adventure, Troop 581 returned home with a sense of accomplishment, memories of a great adventure, and in need of a shower. It was an experience that they will not forget. Hopefully, Troop 581 will return to Camp Ottari and Mountain Man soon.