Since our founding, the BSA has been taught gun safety, marksmanship and the importance of wildlife conservation. In 2008 as we were building our fourth high adventure camp, we wanted to accomplish several things: 1.) Have a permanent home for our National Jamboree that would be closer to the population in the Eastern US. 2.) Make it the most exciting youth facility in the world by having extreme experiences that youth love and allow us to teach the Scout oath and law.
On a personal level, I have very fond memories of learning to shoot at Scout camp. My father was the merit badge counselor and he loved to instruct youth and watch them overcome their hesitation and gain confidence by learning a new skill. When I learned of the plans for the Summit Bechtel Reserve, I was excited to honor my father’s memory by making a gift to create the Joe Reeves Crafton Sr. Shotgun Range. The range includes 79 sporting clay stations, 5 five stand stations and 50 trap stations. It is one of the largest shooting sports complexes in the world and each Jamboree, we shoot over 2 million rounds of ammunition.
Additionally, I wanted to create an engaging interpretive center within the Joe Crafton Sportsman’s Complex. The complex is comprised of 5 acres that has Hunter's Hall, Joe Crafton Skills Center, a bronze statue of a 17 year old version of me and my Labrador Retriever.
In Hunter's Hall, we set out to accomplish three things:
- Make a major statement about the proud 107 year heritage of the BSA and shooting sports.
- Change the misperceptions of the relationship between hunting and conservation.
- Show success stories from Scouters and therefore create a spark in young people’s hearts to pursue their passion.
Joe Crafton Hunter's Hall is a 3,000 square foot interpretive center teaching the legacy of the BSA Shooting Sports and the critical role hunters play in conservation.
