Lawrence Faulkner

Wings-the Story of Camp Westmoreland Lawrence Faulkner

Shortly after the Boy Scouts organized an American version of the successful English program, local organizations called councils began to operate. Composed of progressive community leaders, they offered a framework for Scouting to offer its program to boys. Along the way, councils acquired property-through lease, donation, purchase or a combination of all three-for camping and other outdoor activities. Wings: The Story of Camp Westmoreland recounts the tale of the oldest continuously operational Boy Scout Camp in Alabama. Larry Faulkner, himself a former camper on the property, bases his story primarily on the memory of Scouts and their leaders who used the facility. Scouting began in the area in 1912. By the 1930s, Camp Westmoreland flourished as a popular summer facility. With the acquisition of Camp Jackson, near Scottsboro, Westmoreland went through a period of decline starting in 1979. In the 1990s, dedicated volunteers-including many former campers-worked to restore the property to usefulness. Faulkner's book recounts timeless stories of camp life at Westmoreland through an entertaining and enlightening view of Scouting in northwest Alabama demonstrating the positive impact the Boy Scouts provide in this area. Bob England, Ph. D. Professor of History & Program Director, Outdoor Leadership Northwest-Shoals Community College