Longs Peak Council

Boy Scouts of America

Remembering a Master Carver

Monte Porter, the "Master Carver" who served as Handicraft Director at the Ben Delatour Scout Ranch for almost 25 years, is now remembered with his likeness on a specially crafted hiking stave medallion. Monte, with his wife Rose, who continues as Boy Scout summer camp Handicraft Director, introduced thousands of Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts to the basics of basketry, wood carving, metalwork, and leatherwork.

One of the signature features of Monte's life in later years was his and Rose's Fox'n Feather Handcrafted Walking Sticks. These sticks were available at Ben Delatour Scout Ranch Camps Jeffrey, Ruth Coffin, Elkhorn Base, and Jack Nicol; and for a time at the Seton Museum at Philmont Scout Ranch. It is estimated that 25,000 of these sticks are now in the hands of Scouts and outdoor enthusiasts.

For many years during the numerous Cub Scout program activities and weekends that included Partner & Pals, Webelos' Adventures, Haunted Weekends, Akela's Adventure, and Jack Nicol Cub Scout Family Camp sessions, Monte would carve the tops of hiking staves per a Scout's instructions. Hundreds of bears, birds, cougars, dinosaurs, and whatever were carved yearly while Monte stayed up well after sundown. With his white beard covered with sawdust, he endeavored daily not to disappoint a young boy who was eager to take his carved trophy home. Between 1994 and 2004 BDSR Trading Posts sold over 100,000 hiking staves. How many of these staves Monte carved is unknown, but a good guess would be 50%!

The hiking stave medallion is available as not only a remembrance of Monte, but as a thank you to individuals for a minimum contribution of $ 10.00 to the Monte & Rose Porter Handicraft Lodge Fund. This handicraft lodge will be situated in Camp Jeffrey at BDSR near the current handicraft area to serve the thousands of Scouts who will engage in handicraft programs in the decades to come. With the Monte Porter BDSR Master Carver hiking stave medallion adorning your hiking stick, you can be proud to show that you remember Monte's legend and support quality Scouting programs for the future.

Medallions are available at Trading Posts at the Ben Delatour Scout Ranch during the summer months. When camp is not in session medallions will be available at Longs Peak Council Service Centers.

Terry Dunn

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Last Updated Thursday, 30-Jul-2009 13:49:00 MDT