SCOUTING HISTORY 2000 ~ 2009

2000:
Wahissa Lodge #118, Order of the Arrow, wins the "Spirit Award" at the SR-7B Conclave at Camp Bowers near Fayetteville, North Carolina.

2000:
The Harry R. Vaughn, Sr., Dining Hall is dedicated at Camp Raven Knob on May 20th.

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2000:
The Old Hickory Council Camporee is held just south of Pilot Mountain State Park, near sites of the earliest Boy Scout camping trips in northwest North Carolina.

April l4, 2000
"...For however much Scouts have adapted to modern times - the first two-dozen pages of the current 'Boy Scout Handbook' is a pull-out parents' guide on 'How to Protect Your Children From Child Abuse' - as a whole the enterprise offers today's boys much the same thing it offered their fathers and grandfathers. Indeed,...what a boy takes away from these activities is not the know-how behind pitching a tent, shooting an azimuth or surviving in the great outdoors. It's confidence and independence..."

The Wall Street Journal, editorial

August 8, 2000
"....Larry Roth, the executive director of AIDS Care Service [in Winston-Salem], watched Mayor Cavanagh stroll through the crowd [at Wake Forest's Poteat Field] with Alderman Joycelyn Johnson...The heavy turnout of walkers (125), runners (200), volunteers (more than 50), and the donations made by several corporate sponsors 'show that we are living in a caring community,' Mr. Roth said...The success of the Red Ribbon Run & Ramble, now in its fourth year, attests to the community's growing understanding of HIV and AIDS, Mr. Roth said. 'We find more and more acceptance and support every year. There's still a lot of fear out there, a lot of prejudice. But we see a lot of volunteers and donors with open hearts.' [M]embers of Boy Scout Troop No. 934...directed traffic on [the Wake Forest] campus [for the fundraising event for AIDS Care Service of Winston-Salem]...

The Winston-Salem Journal, p. E3

2000:
The 4th Camp Raven Knob "Staff Reunion" is held on July 15-16. "Staff Reunions" are held every five years with the first held in 1985. [Photo courtesy of Ken Badgett]

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2000:
In the case "Boy Scouts of America vs. Dale", the United States Supreme Court upholds the right of the Boy Scouts to establish and to maintain membership standards, which include the denial of membership to homosexual adult leaders. The Old Hickory Council refuses the request of the United Way of Forsyth County to endorse a general policy of non-discrimination that includes sexual orientation.

2000:
Jason Kemp of Mount Airy is elected Chief of the Southern Region of the Order of the Arrow. He is one of four regional chiefs of Scouting's National Honor Society in the United States.

2001:
The Old Hickory Council Website, www.oldhickorycouncil.org, is officially opened on January 1st. The Executive Board approves Jimmy Chrysson to serve as Council President and Charles W. Griffin to serve as Council Commissioner.

2001:
The Old Hickory Council purchases 135 acres of land from the Ramey family in Surry County for addition to the Raven Knob Scout Reservation. The acquisition helps the Scouts to control the headwaters of the camp's major streams and to nearly complete the ownership of the reservation's watershed.

2001:
The 66th annual Old Hickory Council Awards Banquet is held on February 16th at Ardmore Baptist Church, Winston-Salem, North Carolina. "Keep The Scouting Spirit" is the banquet theme. Silver Beaver recipients are: Larry Ashby, Paul Cartrette, William Gibson, Charles Griffin, Galen Hahn and John Sigers. Adult Scouters Zeb Barnhardt and Silas Wild receive 70-Year Veterans Awards.

2001:
The Old Hickory Council Executive Board approves a budget of $2,740,252 for 2002.

2001:
Jason Kemp of Mount Airy is named one of five national winners of the Young American Award. Marissa Morgan is named the National Venturing President of the Boy Scouts of America.

2001:
The Old Hickory Council receives the Quality Council Award for the 12th consecutive year.

2001:
Harold T. Murray, Jr. retires October 1, having served as the Council Executive of the Old Hickory Council for 17 years.

2001:
Michael W. Butler, Director of Financial Services in the Atlanta Area Council, is hired on November 1 as the Old Hickory Council's tenth Executive.

2002:
As 2002 begins, Jimmy Chrysson serves as Council President and Charles Griffin serves as Council Commissioner.

The Old Hickory Council Website, www.oldhickorycouncil.org, celebrated its first anniversary since beginning on January 1, 2001. Ed Freels serves as the Webmaster.

The Triad Cluster Commissioners College is held on January 26 at Rockingham Community College.

The 67th annual Old Hickory Council Awards Banquet is held on February 15th at Ardmore Baptist Church, Winston-Salem, North Carolina. "The Values of Scouting Are Strong" is the banquet theme. Silver Beaver recipients are: Dannie Barker, William E. Batts, III, Dennis Boyce, Ted Laverty, Andy Moore and Don Wilson. James B. Sechrist and Oscar Holcomb receive 45-year Veteran Awards. The Historical Association awards the Raven Award to Charles Griffin; and, the Roy M. Hinshaw Award to William E. Batts, III, Joyce Gibson, and Mark Snyder.

In March, Phillip Thompson, District Executive for Dogwood and Laurel districts, retires after more than 40 years of service. At the March board meeting, a budget of $2,179,357 is approved for the year 2002.

During April, the Order of the Arrow Conclave is held at Camp Cherokee in Caswell County.

The Distinguished Citizen Award is presented to John A. Allison, IV, C.E.O. of B.B.&T. Corporation. Over 300 people attend the dinner held in his honor at the Benton Convention Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, in May.

In June, Camp Raven Knob openes for its 47th season of summer camp. By the close of camp in August, Raven Knob sets a new record with 3,953 Boy Scouts attending. For a fifth year, the Camp Raven Knob Boy Scout Museum is open as part of the regular summer camp program.

During October, the Council Camporee is held at Valle Crucis in Watauga County with nearly 800 Scouts and adult Scouters attending.

The Trail's End popcorn sales ends in November with sales totaling $885,000. The Old Hickory Council remains #1 in the country in per boy sales.

Ted Fyock is elected at the November annual business meeting to serve as Council President for 2003.

In December, the National Quality Council Award is presented to the Old Hickory Council. Piedmont, Salem, Hanging Rock, Laurel, and Dogwood Districts, along with the Exploring Division, receive the Quality District Award. A record of 1,413 new Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts enter the rolls of Scouting through fall recruitment efforts, and the "Campaign For Values" program reports $3,200,000 in pledges for camp improvements and endowment needs. During 2002, 165 Boy Scouts receive the Eagle Scout Award.

The 8th annual patch/memorabilia Trade-O-Ree is organized by duWayne Amen and held in late December at Summit School in Winston-Salem, NC.

2003:
As 2003 began, Ted Fyock serves as Council President and Charles Griffin serves as Council Commissioner.

The Triad Cluster Commissioners College is held on January 25 at Patrick Henry Community College near Martinsville, Virginia.

The 68th annual Old Hickory Council Awards Banquet is held on February 21st at the Anderson Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. "One Voice...One Heart...One Mission..." was the banquet theme. Cameron Kent, WXII Channel 12 News Anchor, serves as the Master of Ceremonies; and, Allen Joines, Mayor of Winston-Salem, presents the Eagle Charge. Silver Beaver recipients are: David Haymore, Terry Mills and Steve Woronoff from the Dogwood District; Joyce Gibson and Jim Mitchell from the Hanging Rock District; and Gary Jordon from the Wilkes District. Kenneth B. Spicer is the honoree of the 2002 Silver Beaver Class.

Veteran Awards are presented to Earl Shelton for 45 years service, and to Arthur Spaugh for 50 years of service . The Historical Association awards the Raven Award to Johnnie P. Pearson, and the Roy M. Hinshaw Award to Jewel Dotson (Council Registrar), Boy Scout Troop722, and Michele Gillespie and students (Kurt Banas, Ethan Kirby-Smith, Sean Whelan and Nelson Woltz) of Wake Forest University.

During March, renovations are started on expanding the meeting room at the Wachovia Scouting Center. Space is provided for establishing a storage and display area for the Historical Association. Funds from the museum grant account are used to provide display cases for scouting memorabilia. Woodworking equipment is relocated to Camp Raven Knob.

In April, Scout Executive Mike Butler resigns to pursue other career interests. The Norman Rockwell Art exhibit is presented on April 24th at the Adam's Mark Hotel in Winston-Salem.

The Distinguished Citizens Award dinner is held on May 21 at the Benton Convention Center in Winston-Salem, honoring basketball coach Clarence "Bighouse" Gaines for his contribution to the community and service to the Boy Scouts of America.

2004:
As 2004 began, Ted Fyock serves as Council President and Charles Griffin serves as Council Commissioner.

The Triad Cluster Commissioners College is held on January 24 at the BB&T Training Center on Reynolda Road in Winston-Salem.

The 69th annual Old Hickory Council Awards Banquet is held on February 20 at the Anderson Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Scott Bauer, President of Southern Community Bank & Trust, serves as the Master of Ceremonies. Cam Finley presented the Eagle Charge. Silver Beaver recipients are: Ken Badgett; Foy E. Crouse, Sr.; Ted Fyock, Sr.; J. D. Moser; David Ryggs, Sr.; and Tomm Tomlinson. Zeb Barnhardt was the honoree of the 2003 Silver Beaver Class. Victor Jordan, V. P. Scoutreach, presented Whitney M. Young, Jr. Service Awards to Patricia Meyers and Marcallas Sunday.

Veteran Awards recipients having 35 or more years service are recognized: 35 years-Myrton Daniel and Charles Griffin; 40 years-V. Gray Martin, Jr.; 45 years-Terry Brindle and Tom Travis; 50 years-Gordon Foster, Floyd VanAntwerp and Graves Wilson; 55 years-Russell Shouse and Phillip Thompson;and, 65 years-Kemp Savage.

The Historical Association awards the Raven Award to Arvil Sale and the Roy M. Hinshaw Award to Steve Daniel.

The 10th annual patch/memorabilia Trade-O-Ree is held at Summit School in Winston-Salem, NC.

The Old Hickory Council receives the Quality Council Award, and the following districts receive the Quality District Award: Alleghany, Blue Ridge, Dogwood, Laurel, and Piedmont.

2005:
As 2005 began, Ted Fyock serves as Council President and Charles Griffin serves as Council Commissioner.

The 50th Anniversary Committee is formed to develop a program and events to commemorate the first fifty years of the existence of Boy Scout Camp Raven Knob. Ken Badgett serves as the chairman. The committee develops and sells signed and numbered prints of Camp Raven Knob by Applachian artist Willard Gayhart, council shoulder strips, and many other patches and items. All proceeds from the sale of these items is directed to projects approved by the Old Hickory Council Executive Board for Camp Raven Knob.

Seth Dearmin of Pinnacle is elected Chief of the Southern Region of the Order of the Arrow. He is one of four regional chiefs in the United States. Seth served as Chief of Section SR-7B (which includes most of North Carolina) in 2004 and was Chief of Wahissa lodge #118 in 2002.

The 70th annual Old Hickory Council Awards Banquet is held on February 11th at the Cross Creek Country Club in Mt. Airy, NC, in commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of Camp Raven Knob. The banquet theme was "Leading The Way." Ron Snow, Keith Roberts, Clifford Phillips, Thomas Mickens, Jr., Joe Love, and Roachel Laney receive the Silver Beaver Award. Bill Schley and Lydia Jordon receive the Whitney M. Young, Jr. Award. Scout Michael Marcela receives the Heroism Award. V. Gray Martin, Jr. receives the Historical Association's eighth Raven Award. The Roy M. HinshawAward is presented to Bruce Bradley, Jim Mabry, and Bill Orr.

The Order of the Arrow holds the SR-7B Conclave at Camp Raven Knob in April. Cub/Webelo Resident Camps are held in June, and Parent/Son Camporees are held in September and October.

The 11th annual patch/memorabilia Trade-O-Ree is held at Summit School in Winston-Salem, NC, in late December. Approximately 80 Scouts and Adult Scouters attend the event.

2006:
As 2006 began, Tim Davis serves as Council President and Charles Griffin serves as Council Commissioner.

The Triad Cluster Commissioners College is held on January 28 at Patrick Henry Community College near Martinsville, Virginia. The Old Hickory Council has the largest number in attendance―44.

2007:
As 2006 began, Tim Davis serves as Council President and Charles Griffin serves as Council Commissioner.

The Triad Cluster Commissioners College is held on January 27 at the BB&T Training Center in Winston-Salem, NC. Over 120 participated either as faculty, staff or degree candidates. The Old Hickory Council had the largest number of participants―67.

The 72nd annual Old Hickory Council Recognition and Awards Banquet is held on March 16th at the Village Inn Golf & Conference center, Clemmons, NC with Ken Badgett serving as the banquet chairman. The banquet theme is "Scouting's Worldwide Centennial: 1907 ~ 2007." Reginal Brown, John Carson, Jeff Mosley, Jason Nagle, Randy Rogers, and Murray receive the Silver Beaver Award. Betty Taylor was proudly named the Silver Beaver Award class honoree. Cameron Kent of WXII TV and the St. Peters World Outreach Center receive the Whitney M. Young, Jr. Award. Dave Whitfield receives the Historical Association's tenth Raven Award. The Roy M. HinshawAward is presented to the Digwood District, John Purvis, and Justin Stirewalt.

2008:

As 2008 began, Tim Davis serves as Council President and Charles Griffin serves as Council Commissioner.

The Triad Cluster Commissioners College is held on January 25 at Rockingham Community College near Wentworth, NC. About 80 participated either as faculty, staff or degree candidates. The Old Hickory Council had the largest number of participants―32.

The 73rd annual Old Hickory Council Recognition and Awards Banquet was held on March 7 at the James A. Walker Center on the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, NC. More than 300 people attended. The banquet theme was "Follow The Scouting Trail."The Silver Beaver Award was presented to Randy Brown, Lynn Frank, Phillip D. Thompson, Victor Jordon, Bill Rabill, Jr. and Bill Schley, Jr. The Congressional Silver Metal was awarded to Alston Harris. Kin Cartrett and Robert Cunningham received the Whitney M. Young, Jr. Service Award. The Historical Association presented the Raven Award to Keith Bobbitt; and the Roy M. Hindshaw Memorial Award to Glenn Farthing of Greensboro, and Mimi Hammock and Ned Vaughan-Lloyd, Jr. of Wimston-Salem. Shella Grisard of Speas Elementary School in Winston-Salem, and B.J. Edwards of Alleghany High School, Sparta, received the Vivian Harris Award. Surry Community College received the Russell C. Hill Award for their work through the BSA Learning For Life Program. Representative Virginia Foxx was honored as the namesake for the Eagle Class, and John Bently was honored as the namesake for the Silver Beaver Class. Cam Finley was the master of ceremonies and Ken Badgett was the banquet chairman.

2009:

As 2009 began, Alan Proctor serves as Council President and Charles Griffin serves as Council Commissioner.

The Triad Cluster Commissioners College is held on January 24 at Patrick Henry Community College near Martinsville, VA.

The 74th annual Old Hickory Council Recognition and Awards Banquet was held on March 6 at the Bermuda Run Country Club in Bermuda Run, NC. More than 300 people attended. The banquet theme was "Setting the Right Course."The Silver Beaver Award was presented to George Clinard, T. Cameron Finley, Pete Honaker, Bill Seippel, Bruce Sherman, and Kirby Smitherman. James Brown received the Whitney M. Young, Jr. Service Award. The Historical Association presented the Raven Award to James E. (Doc) Bennett, Jr.; and the Roy M. Hindshaw Memorial Award to John Bentley, Robert Mason, and Denny Shelton. Council Commissioner Charles Griffin was honored as the namesake for the Eagle Class, and James E. (Doc) Bennett, Jr. was honored as the namesake for the Silver Beaver Class. Dudley Watts was the master of ceremonies and Ken Badgett was the banquet chairman.