Despite cold, rainy weather for much of the time, almost 300 Boy Scouts and leaders from Greene County and two neighboring counties participated in a Continuous Campfire here over the weekend to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America.

The Scouts and leaders are part of the Nolachuckey District, Sequoyah Council, Boy Scouts of America, which includes Greene County, Hancock County, and part of Hawkins County.

The campfire, organized and coordinated by Nolachuckey District Camping & Activities Chairman Jim Snyder, was held behind the SouthCo plant (the former Kaydon Corporation plant) at the intersection of Bohannon Avenue and the Andrew Johnson Highway.

Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts from across the district set up camp at the site for the weekend.

Boy Scout troops and Cub Scout packs "manned" the campfire from 5 p.m. Friday through 5 p.m. Sunday, with each unit covering a seven-hour shift.

Weather conditions were challenging, with cold wind, scattered showers, and even some snow flurries, but, regardless, the Scouts kept the fire burning all weekend, according to Nolachuckey District BSA Chairman Art Masker.

There were several tents set up on the property, which provided some protection from the elements, but many of the Scouts seemed to enjoy braving the conditions.

On Saturday afternoon, Greene County Mayor Alan Broyles presented a proclamation to the Scouts and their leaders.

Also on Saturday, a Centennial group photograph was taken of all Scouts present -- a once-in-a-lifetime event. All former Scouts and adult volunteers had been encouraged to be present for the photo.

Later Saturday, the Scouts conducted an official Flag Retirement ceremony as part of the Continuous Campfire Weekend. Old and worn flags were collected from citizens and businesses across Greene County, Masker said.

There were also various demonstrations of Scouting skills such as cooking, campcraft, and pioneering in the campsite, and camping equipment was on display.

The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) was officially chartered on Feb. 8, 1910, by American William Boyce after a visit to Lord Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the Scouting movement in England in 1908.

Boy Scouts will also be celebrating the 100th Anniversary during Scout Week, Feb. 8-14, and throughout the year, with many special activities.

District Scout Executive Wesley Miller said that the Nolachuckey District serves nearly 1,200 youth with nearly 300 adult volunteers, and is part of the Sequoyah Council.

The Council serves nearly 10,000 youth with nearly 3,000 adult volunteers in 16 counties in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia.

For more information on the Boy Scouts, call District Executive Miller at 914-1510, or go to www.scbsa.org.