Trailcraft Troop 123 Mountain Man Program

We started this program in 1993 to help teach self-reliance.  Scouts make their own "mountain man" knife, leather sheath for the knife, leather pouches, their own clothing, they learn basic blacksmithing (making their steel striker, cookfire sets, and other essentials.  We attempt to look the part of an 1800's mountain man, cook like one, camp like one and learn many of the skills that they used.  This program is open to all scouts in Troop 123 who desire to put forth this kind of effort.  We make a lot of things, learn a lot and then teach others about what we have learned. If you are interested in this, contact us.

The 2002 Mountain Man season is upon us.  We will have our first introductory meeting on Tuesday, October 22 at the Scouthouse, starting at 7:00 P.M.  It will probably run until 9:00.     All boys currently in the program are requested to bring in their gear so they can put up a disply of what they choose to use.  All guests and possible future members will be given time to check each "mountain man's" gear selection and ask questions about it. We expect Mr. John Struthers to be at this meeting.  Mr. Struthers is a long time reenactor and professional blacksmith.  He will bring authentic gear (what we strive to attain) and explain the program and why we want to do this sort of thing.

A typical camp                                                     Typical Leader Activities

Mr. Struthers using a blowpipe on  a coal to burn out a spoon bowl.

Mountain Man Group - 1987

Mountain Man Group - 1989

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Mountain Man Group - 2001