A Salute to Jack: Thunderbird
The second tier of the "Salute to Jack" awards is titled Thunderbird since Jack used that emblem to represent his troop. Our goal for the 2023 camping season is to see 146 Scouts and leaders complete the challenges associated with this award. During his leadership, 146 Scouts reached the rank of Eagle-- we hope you'll be one of the at least 146 Scouts that accomplish these goals in his honor! The expectations are detailed below for both youth and adults.
A leader from your troop will be able to submit your name here (link to be inserted) to be added to the list. All earning the Thunderbird award will be recognized at Friday night's campfire by members of Jack's troop.
Youth Requirements:
- Earn (or previously have earned) Canoeing merit badge.
- Why? One of Jack's campfire stories/ Scoutmaster minutes while he was Camp Director was about the importance of having the right paddle. Jack's troop also enjoyed canoeing as part of it's regular program. We offer several classes and the staff can also help you work on requirements during freetime!
- Earn (or previously have earned Forestry, Backpacking, OR Scouting Heritage merit badge.
- Why? Leaders in Jack's troop described these as merit badges that he enjoyed or he would describe as particularly important. Our staff can help you earn these!
- Interview at least two people that knew Jack and learn about his contributions to Scouting. Share what you learned with your patrol or other members of your troop.
- Why? This one explains itself. The interviews don't need to be formal. Invite a leader or staff member to eat with you at a meal or chat with them during free time-- we're sure you'll get some great stories!
Adult Requirements:
- Complete 4 hours of service to Camp Barnhardt beyond your Scoutmaster role either during your week of camp or on Beaver Day (4 total, so 2 additional if you already earned Scouting's Flame).
- Why? Jack said "when they can't afford your help, do it for free."
- While at camp talk to someone in a council or district leadership role about how you can get more involved in Scouting beyond your troop.
- Why? Though Jack always prioritized his troop, he also served Central NC Council and Rowan District in countless roles. He was Camp Director, he led Jamboree troops, he led funding efforts... he did it all. We don't expect you to commit beyond your current role at this time; we just want you to know how your unique skills could continue to help the council after your children age out of Scouting.
- Either enter an item into the adult division of the Craftsmanship Competition on Wednesday (can be made before camp) or compete in the adult division of the Hungry Lumberjack Competition using a dutch oven. You can do both but only one is expected.
- Why? Jack was an excellent craftsman and would likely win a competition like the one we have on Wednesday. He'd encourage everyone to try to make something with their own hands. Those away from camp on Wednesday can have a scout take their craft to the competition. Jack also taught campsite cooking to his troop as recently as 2019. He was the last Camp Director to oversee camp before we had a dining hall.