Can you identify these LaFollette Boy Scouts from 1957 – 1963 era?

LAFOLLETTE, TN (SPECIAL TO WLAF) – Scout Sunday and Boy Scouts Founder’s Day are observed around the globe in February. The Boy Scouts of America began in 1910, and just 11 years later in 1921, Scouting became active in the LaFollette/Campbell County area as troops were organized here.  The LaFollette Council was established in 1921, and Scouting has remained active since, celebrating 100+ years of helping young people reach their full potential. In addition to camping and hiking, LaFollette area Scouts are involved in the community: Serving at roadway cleanups, as color guards (flag corps) at civic events, and more.

Who Are They?

Now we need your help in identifying some LaFollette Scouts from the 1957 to 1963 era.  The LaFollette Scouts in this photo are packed and ready for an adventure.  They include: Front row, from left: 

     a Scout from Middlesboro, KY;

     a LaFollette Explorer Scout in a dark-green uniform;

     a LaFollette Boy Scout from Troop 23 in a lighter-green uniform; 

     a Scout from Pineville, KY.

Back row, from left:

     an adult Scout leader from LaFollette, also from Troop 23;

     another leader, unknown city / troop.

If you can identify any of these 1957-1963 Scouts: Make a post on https://www.facebook.com/LaFolletteScouts100 or wlaf@1450wlaf.com.

All the Scouts in this photo are from the Boy Scouts’ Cumberland Council (based in Middlesboro, KY, 1929-1963), which covered six Kentucky counties and two in Tennessee: Campbell and Claiborne. These Scouts may have been headed to the Cumberland Council’s summer camp in Tennessee – Camp Sequoyah on Norris Lake near LaFollette.

Note the “31” on the vehicles’ license plates, which indicated Campbell County’s population (from 1939 to 1965).  Photo courtesy of Dan Freeman and John Troutman, Eagle Scout “alumni” from LaFollette.

For more info about LaFollette Scouting:

These troops are an active part of the Great Smoky Mountain Council, based in Knoxville, which serves 5,000 young people in 21 counties in East Tennessee:

Chris Thacker, Scoutmaster of Troop 310, sponsor Cedar Hill Baptist Church in LaFollette. aitgChris@gmail.com, 423 494-6221;

Scout Leader Liz White, all-female BSA Troop 435, sponsor LaFollette Methodist Church.  LizWhite73@hotmail.com, 423 907-4160. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 02/19/2024-6AM)