Wow - it has been too long since we gathered by the campfire, but we are back, and many episodes are being edited now. In this episode, we discuss the role of Native Culture and Cultural Appropriation in the BSA with Scouter Melissa Watts.

Melissa Watts is a member of the Yurok tribe and a Scouter with Troop 111 in the Monticello District of the Virginia Headwaters Council. Adam and I sat down with her to talk about the recent BSA survey on using Native Imagery in scouting and, of course, her favorite camping story.  In a recent email survey taken by 35,000 current and former members, the national organization asked a broad range of questions about what changes should be made to its usage and portrayal of Native American imagery, ceremonies, and rituals. Native Imagery and Culture is pervasive in the history of the BSA, from our cub programming to the Order of the Arrow. This has not been a positive history, but recent work by the BSA and OA has worked to address the past and our future. Melissa sits down with us to give her thoughts and perspective as one voice in the conversation, which you can continue by emailing us at:vahccampcast@gmail.com. We hope this is the beginning and welcome you back to the campfire.