Co-Ed Troop 10 Makes Six Day Trip

Chattanooga, TN -- Troop 10 out of Cleveland, Tennessee, recently completed a 100 mile canoe trip that began on the Ocoee River and ended at Brown's Ferry Marina on the Tennessee River. This trip went into planning stage last summer. The troop had completed a shorter trip several years ago and decided duplicate and lengthen the trip

I contacted Shannon Ward, Scoutmaster of Troop 10 to find out more about the troop behind this journey.

I see from social media, that troop 10 has taken a few exciting trips over the last few years. Could you talk a little about those?

"Troop 10 was born in 1924. We started the first female Troop in Tennessee (Troop 1010) on February 1, 2019. We combined in September of 2024 to become one of the first co-ed Troops in the United States. 
Over the years Troop 10 has visited three high adventure bases. The troop visited Philmont in New Mexico, Sea Base in the Florida Keys, and Northern Tier at the US-Canadian boundary waters. Those trips are definitely memorable, but Troop 10 is a consistent high-adventure Troop. We plan trips ourselves that are every bit as memorable as those trips. Sailing from Miami to Key West and back. SCUBA diving and snorkeling along the way. Bike trekking from Pennsylvania to Washington DC on the C & O Canal Towpath. Most recently, canoeing 100 miles covering the Ocoee, Hiwassee, and Tennessee rivers."

When did you begin planning this 100 mile canoe trip?

"We began planning the canoe trip last summer. Troop 10 had done this trip many years ago with a 20ish mile trip on the Ocoee and Hiwassee rivers. That trip morphed into the Great Hiwassee River Raft Race that was an Ocoee District camporee event (Cherokee Area Council). That event ran for nearly 50 years. Last year the council decided not to do it anymore. Troop 10, for our first year "post" Raft Race, decided to revive the original trip that started it all. However, we thought we'd make it a true adventure. The two rivers became three... the 20ish miles became 100."

I understand, that your troop celebrated 100 year anniversary last year. How was that anniversary celebrated?

"We did celebrate our 100 year anniversary last year. This was celebrated with Scout House tours, a dedication from the mayor, a three month long exhibit at the Museum Center at Five Points, and an alumni picnic."

Talk a little about the cost involved for scouts to participate in the program?

Cost for the Scouting program varies from Troop to Troop based on activity level. However, there are some fixed costs. It cost each Scout around $120 to be registered with the national organization. Summer camp costs around $400. The actual program cost... what it costs each Troop to put on the program for a year is what varies. Troop 10 has a year around schedule with monthly high adventure trips, awards programs, and community events and service projects. We do this for around $200 per Scout. This fee covers 11 weekend trips, transportation, fuel, and food. Three awards ceremonies with merit badges, ranks, and awards. And other various Troop and program supplies."

"We have several fundraisers each year, the most notable being our annual Pancake Breakfast. The Scouts set up our entire cook kitchen in the street. They cook the food right in front of our patrons, who then go inside the dining room to eat. We have table waiters who take care of them and make sure they have everything they need. It should be noted however, NO Troop 10 Scout is ever excluded because of an inability to pay. We have generous community donors who enable us to offer financial assistance to families in need."

Tell us a little about your journey in Scouting.

"I have been involved in Scouting since my son was a Tiger Cub, back in 2006. I was a Den Leader and Committee Member with his Cub Pack. In 2009 I became Ocoee District Commissioner for the Cherokee Area Council. I held that position until December of 2023. I became the Advancement Coordinator for Troop 10 in 2012 and in 2019 I became the Scoutmaster for Troop 1010. I held both of those positions until I became Troop 10 Scoutmaster in September of 2024."

What are some of the skills you think scouts will find most useful in their future?

LEADERSHIP LEADERSHIP LEADERSHIP! Troop 10 is a Scout-led Troop. Our Scouts are taught to lead and then we let them do it. It isn't always successful. Sometimes they mess up, but there is a lesson in failure. The average Troop 10 Scout has leadership skills that are recognized by teachers, employers, and community leaders. I am often asked "where do you find kids like that?"

"The truth is, every Cub that comes to Troop 10 as a 10/11 year old, will develop leadership skills that far surpass their peers. They leave us at 18 years old, better prepared to step up and be leaders in their communities and workplaces.Troop 10 is the only Troop in the Cherokee Area Council (so far) to reach 100 years."

How has scouting changed over the last 10 years?

"The last 10 years have brought many changes. The difference in parenting styles, the public school systems, and the school and community sports programs have all played a huge part in the changes in Scouting. However, the pandemic changed the Troop dynamic more than anything else. Some places were on lockdown for almost 2 years. It was really difficult to get kids back out of the house post pandemic. Our Troop fared better than most because we very purposefully and creatively kept up the Troop activities. With so many other things demanding attention, the days of Scouting being the only outlet for young people are in the past. That being said, there is no sports or academic program that can offer the leadership achievements the Scouting program can offer."

It is crazy how much Scouting has changed over the years. A lot of changes were just common sense. Many changes were brought about because of litigation. When someone sues because of a mosquito bite (yes that has happened) it goes without saying that an organization that has swimming and shooting sports will go through some changes. However, even though there are more restrictions and tighter safety measures, All requirements for ranks are still in place. For example, I read on the internet a few years ago that the swimming requirement was removed. This is untrue. Although Scouts have a choice of earning the Swimming, Cycling, or Hiking merit badge, to earn the 2nd Class rank, a Scout MUST pass the swim test."

"I think the biggest change that is on everyone's mind is the fact that there are now females in Scouting. While I cannot speak for the reasons it finally happened on a National level, I can absolutely speak about my experience here in Southeast Tennessee. From the time I became District Commissioner I was involved in recruiting. From the very beginning I had many parents asking me to make an exception and allow them to enroll their daughters. Some of those parents had experienced "the other girl program" and were not happy. Some parents had sons in Cubs and wanted their daughters to learn the same things. Some fathers were Eagle Scouts and wanted their daughters to be Eagle Scouts. Whatever their reasons, there were more and more of them every year. It was a relief when we were finally able to say "yes" to those parents."

"There was such an uproar when females were allowed to join the 11-18 year old program. Speaking from the Troop 10 perspective, there was definitely an adjustment period. Although we had none of the "problems" most people assumed we would have, there is a definite difference in how teen-age boys and teen-age girls go about things. The girls are very motivated starting out. They often run through the first few ranks very quickly. The boys work hard toward rank, then back off a bit. Then they work hard again... then back off again."

"So, at first, there were some discontented feelings about this. However, as the program wore on, we found the girls slowed down after they were in the Troop for a couple of years. They just enjoyed their time with their Scout brothers and sisters. In contrast, while the boys started out less focused, they became more so toward their mid-teen years. In the end, both the males and females reach Eagle at about the same age. And no.... there ARE NOT different requirements for males and females. 
What are some things that have gone away and some things that are new and mightSurprise scouts who went through the program in the past."

What is the normal progression for Scouts? 

"Scout • Tenderfoot • Second Class • First Class • Star • Life • Eagle. "Eagle" is the highest rank that can be earned. And while most Troop 10 Scouts earn this rank in high school, Troop 10 Scouts generally stay until they age out at the age of 18."