Tutelo Lodge Responds to Storm

The Blue Ridge Scout Reservation experienced a great Summer Camp in 2007. However, this summer presented a unique challenge. On June 5, Camp Powhatan was hit by a major storm, two weeks before camp opened. Power was lost and more than 3,000 trees were down, many of them in campsites where tents were already setup. The heart of Powhatan was hits as well as Jersey Ridge. Thankfully no buildings were damaged and AEP worked quickly to restore power to the camp. But trees blown over were every where, how could we be ready for campers? The response for assistance was immediate. AEP and community volunteers came quickly with a bucket truck and chain saws. Our Order of Arrow Lodge was hosting its summer ordeal that next weekend and quickly moved to take on this project. Adults came like an army to clean up and move logs, brush and reset tents downed. During the weekend more than 200 Arrowmen and candidates provided true cheerful service. Lots of hands pulled tree limbs, hauled brush, and chipped limbs. Downed logs were move and stacked for later removal. By Monday morning June 11, Charlie Shultz, Reservation Superintendent reported that most of central camp and campsites were cleared.Special thanks to the Arrowmen of Tutelo Lodge 161, what an effort and quick response for a very effective weekend. Phillip Martin was the weekend service chair, Matt Allen, Lodge Chief  and David Rutherford Lodge Advisor. Thanks to AEP and George Holland for securing the professional tree removal equipment. Our chain saw crews headed by Rick Wrimmer, Don Canfield, Chris Yon, Kent Brown, Bigfoot, Spyder, Rodney Allen, and Hollis Shrader lead the charge to cut the trees and limbs into pieces that could be hauled off. Every one truly provided service beyond self for this project. Thanks! When Camp opened on June 17, very few troops and campers realized the way Camp Powhatan had looked less than two weeks before, great job!

Yours in Scouting,

(edited for content)