In the 18th century, the mountains that are now Blue Ridge camp were trapped and hunted by longhunters who spent months at a time in the wilderness. Wagons and horses traveled the famous Wilderness Road, bringing explorers and settlers to nearby Newbern, Radford, and Christiansburg. Ingles Ferry served as an important rest stop, as travelers on the Wilderness Road paused to cross the New River. The ancient route serves as the main street of Newbern, Radford, and Christiansburg. They made their own tools and clothes. They learned the skills of blacksmithing, leatherworking, and finger weaving. They started fires without matches. They cooked their food over the open fire. A muzzle-loading rifle was the trusted tool for hunting and defense. Step back in time and enter the world of the Blue Ridge Mountaineer, camping in a living history setting.

A Mountaineer scout in the traditional shirt and belt practicing tomahawk throwing

Friday - after lunchtime, there is a closing ceremony at about 1:30pm.  The Ordinary (trading post) will be open from 3-5pm. Scouts and leaders attend the Powhatan closing campfire and Order of the Arrow Ceremony.

Monday-Thursday Learn about frontier life. You’ll shoot and care for a muzzle-loading rifle, make your own Green River knife, spend time blacksmithing at the forge, throw knives and tomahawks, build fires without matches, and cook your own meals. You’ll have time for activities ranging from basic blacksmithing to wilderness survival. On some days you’ll also have the opportunity to hike into Camp Ottari to swim and/or take a shower. On one evening, we will travel to Camp Powhatan to visit the Trading Post.