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Scouts reel in young Cubs Rappelling event way to rope boys into senior Scouting from the News Sentinel, Knoxville, TN, April 25, 2004 by Bob Fowler
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| From rappelling down special ropes to zooming down a zip line, prospective Boy Scouts got a chance to experiment with out-of-the-ordinary adventures during an event that's become a tradition.
The 14th annual "Rappel-O-Ree" of Oak Ridge Boy Scout Troop 129 was held last weekend at Melton Lake Park in Knox County.
Webelos, boys in the fourth and firth grades from Cub Scout packs in the area, are invited to the event.
Boys in packs in Anderson County's Lake City, Norris, Andersonville, Grand Oaks and Dutch Valley receive special invitations, said Tom Moore, an assistant Scoutmaster with Troop 129. |  Brian Marsh, a senior leader in Boy Scout Troop 129, is on rappel during the troop's 14th annual "Rappel-O-Ree," an event to acquaint older Cub Scouts with some of the activities in Boy Scouts. |
| Along with the highlights of the zip line and rappelling from a wooden tower lashed together for the event by senior Scouts, the Webelos also become familiar with other Scouting skills, Moore said.
They learn how to use a compass, are taught the rudiments of first aid, receive tips in reading maps and also are taught about outdoor cooking.
Moore, who served as Scoutmaster of Troop 129 for 27 years and has been in Scouting for 34 years, originated the Rappel-O-Ree.
"He's the father and the grandfather of this," said Scoutmaster Joni Morgan.
The idea, Moore said, was to let the older Cub Scouts become familiar with what they could expect if they continued in Boy Scouts.
Parents with boys in the troop help set up the Rappel-O-Ree and oversee activities. The Scouts instructed the Webelos in rappelling and the safe use of the zip line.
"It's interesting that the scouts in the troop enjoy it as much as the Webelos," Moore said. "They're putting forth a lot of service to the Pellissippi District (of Boy Scouts). They probably don't realize it."
Moore said several Webelos who have attended Rappel-O-Rees have gone on to join Boy Scouts.
Boy Scout Troop 129 meets in the First Baptist Church of Oak Ridge and will be celebrating its 60th anniversary next year, Moore said.
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