BLUEFIELD, W. Va. -While it still may be a little chilly outside, some Scouts got to spend some time in the pool, learning valuable lessons on swimming and how to save themselves or someone else in an emergency.
The annual “Swim-O-Ree” was created in 2023 by Brian Blankenship, district chair of the BSA Mountain Dominion District, to give local scouts something to do during the colder months, thanks to the pool at Bluefield State University. However, he says he didn’t know how much it would grow.
Since it began, attendance has doubled, with 40 kids signed up to participate throughout the day. This includes kids from multiple troops, Cub Scout packs, and even scouts from different districts, all here to learn new water-related skills or keep their skills fresh.
At the Swim-O-Ree, they can complete requirements for swim checks that are needed to swim at summer camp and can complete merit badges like “Swimming” and “Lifesaving.” However, the skills learned here have application beyond the campground.
“…It can be anything from Scouts to, let’s say you’re at the beach and… something tragic happens, they start drowning… you know what to do after we’ve done it for so long…” says Blake Blankenship with Troop 1.
“It’s a skill that you hope need to know, but things like CPR… is a very important thing to know, and I don’t think enough people know about how to do it,” says Landon Lester, also with Troop 1.
“There’s many adults that I know that doesn’t even know basic CPR now days, so a lot of these skills in this environment will definitely protect them and they can be able to… help rescue themselves or someone else later in life because Scouting provided that to them,” says Brian Blankenship, the creator of the event.
Scouts and leaders we spoke to encourage those interested in joining Scouting to do so. You can find more information and where your local troop or pack is located by going to the Buckskin Council website.
Copyright 2025 WVVA. All rights reserved.