The Natahwop

The Online Journal of Blue Ridge Scouting History, Inc.

The Blue Ridge Scouting History Project is a 501(c)(3) non-profit in Roanoke, VA.
Our mission is to collect, preserve, and present the history of Boy Scouting and Scouting America in Central and Southwestern Virginia.

This website shares stories, photos, documents, and historical artifacts from the Blue Ridge Mountains Council, BSA, and its predecessors (including Blue Ridge Council, Piedmont Area Council, Roanoke Council, Lynchburg Council, and more). Our archives depend upon the generous donations of scouting materials, and the dedicated work of volunteers. If you wish to contribute any scouting history items, please reach out to us through the Contact Form. In the name of preservation, we appreciate your help!

  • 1986 Camp Ottari Staff Photo

    1986 Camp Ottari Staff Photo

    Front Row: Linda Curcio, Joe Curcio, Dave Clark Second Row: Tony Clark, John Glover (Int’l Scout), “Mr. Ketchup,” Aaron Clark, Sam Cook, Dan Teats, Stephanie Will, “Duck” Mallard Third Row: Joe Coyle, John Shaner, Eric Lassiter, Bill Moose, Travis Graham, Stu Schwarzer Fourth Row: Larry ‘Bluebear’ Edwards, Sam Lowry, Chris ‘Bear’ Aldrich, Bob Whitaker, Harold…

  • 1970 Camp Powhatan Leadership Staff

    1970 Camp Powhatan Leadership Staff

    1970 Camp Powhatan Staff Leadership. (Left to right): Michael Cannaday, Vince Howard, Bruce Lawrence, Mike Swiney (Sweeney), ?, Shelby Dickerson, Howard Christy, Gary Richardson, Doug Testerman. (Photo submitted by Brad Roscoe)

  • 1969 Camp Powhatan Staff Photo

    1969 Camp Powhatan Staff Photo

    First Row: Michael Cannaday, Lynn Wells, Paul Demming, ?, Frank Rives, David Abraham, ?, Tom Smedley, ?, Brad Roscoe, Mac Bowles, David Milligan, Bruce Lawrence Back Row: Howard Christie, Int’l Scouter Ortiz, Paul Cannaday, Bob McKinney, ?, Steve Shedd, Jim Vaughn, Vince Howard, Bob Walton, ?, Bill Irvin, Randy Moore, Claude Simpson, John Hankins (Photo…

  • Construction of Camp Ottari ‘Onion Ring’

    Construction of Camp Ottari ‘Onion Ring’

    During the mid-1970s, as Camp Ottari was returned to service as a base camp for the High Knoll Program, long-time staffer Brad Roscoe envisioned, designed and executed a plan for adding an amphitheater on the far edge of the lake. These photos are from his personal scrapbook, circa 1974-75. They show the construction of the…

  • 1970 Camp Powhatan Staff Photo

    1970 Camp Powhatan Staff Photo

    First Row: Bruce Lawrence, ?, ?, Frank Beaver, Mike Sweeney, Jim Nash, Doug Steger, Lynn Wells, Vince Howard Second Row: ?, Shelby Dickerson, ?, Frank Rives, Brent Lambert, Paul Cannaday, Rob Cole, Sam Slemp, Ware Branch, David Abraham, Jack Vincent, Richie Mansfield, Michael Cannaday Third Row: Howard Christie, Int’l Scouter, Camp Chaplain, John Hankins, ?,…

  • 1971 Camp Powhatan Staff Photo

    1971 Camp Powhatan Staff Photo

    First Row: Howard Christy, ?, ?, Doug Testerman, Jack Vincent, Brent Lambert, Tom Koch, Michael Cannaday, Gary Richardson. Second Row: Bruce Lawrence, Steve Shedd, Sam Slemp, Alonzo “Dojo” Wade, Rob Cole, Bob McKinney, Joe Larocco, Dean Johnson Third Row: ?, ?, Alex Echols, Charlie Whitescarver, ?, John Munton Fourth Row: Don Simmerman, ?, ?, David…

“The Natahwop” is an online journal of history for the Scouting programs of the Blue Ridge Mountains Council, BSA (formerly Roanoke Area Council and Piedmont Area Council), including Camp Powhatan, Camp Ottari, High Knoll Trail, and more. The Natahwop and the Roanoke Scouting History Project are supportive of, but not associated with the BRMC, which you can find here.