About Us...

River-based Service & Adventure

Crew 1776 is chartered by Blackwater Creek Association, which is dedicated to the education and preservation of the cultural, historical, architectural, and natural heritage of the Blackwater Creek Watershed in Lynchburg. Other memberships include the James River Batteau Festival, Inc. and the Virginia Canals & Navigations Society.

Throughout the year, the crew participates in river-oriented activities, including the James River Batteau Festival and canoeing, camping, fishing, and hiking trips. In addition to these activities, the group also provides service to Lynchburg's downtown and riverfront by completing and/or supervising meaningful projects and events.

Venturing is a division of the Boy Scouts of America that is designed for young men and women between the ages of 14 and 21. Venturing Crews are distinguished from traditional Scout Troops because they participate in more challenging outdoor activities, do not follow a strict uniform policy, have a proficiency program to those who are interested, allow great flexibility in program design, and allow females to join become full members. Venturing offers a challenging advancement & skills.

Uniforming
At Crew 1776 activities, uniforming is optional. An official Crew 1776 polo or T-shirt may be worn, but normal civilian clothes are fine. At some events, like the Batteau Festival, historically accurate clothing is worn by most crew members.

Leadership

2002-2003 YOUTH LEADERSHIP

Crew President
Elections will be held on November 6th 2002

Vice President of Service
Elections will be held on November 6th 2002

Vice President of Program
Elections will be held on November 6th 2002

Secretary/Treasurer
Elections will be held on November 6th 2002

2002-2003 ADULT ADVISORS & COMMITTEE

Crew Advisor
W. Scott Smith
Lynchburg, Virginia

Scott currently serves on the National Outdoor Venturing Committee of the Boy Scouts of America and played a role in the development of the Venturing Ranger Award. He was a Section Chief in the Order of the Arrow, received the National Distinguished Service Award, and is an Eagle Scout. He serves on the Board of Trustees of the Virginia State Parks Foundation and the James River Batteau Festival Committee of the Virginia Canals & Navigation Society. Smith is the Executive Director of Bedford Main Street, Inc., a non-profit historic preservation and economic development organization.

Associate Advisor of Service
Vacant
Vacantsville, Virginia

Associate Advisor of Program
Arvid Englund, IV
Bedford, Virginia

Arvid is a Vigil member of the Order of the Arrow and serves as Activities Adviser for Tutelo Lodge. He is an avid black powder marksman, and has attended many pow wows and related events. Arvid works for C.R.. Hudgins Plating in Lynchburg, and is attending Central Virginia Community College.

Ranger Advisor
Kevin Godfrey
Bedford, Virginia

Bio coming soon!

Associate Advisor of Administration
Krista Bratton
Madison Heights, Virginia

Krista has held many district level positions, including Assistant District Commissioner, and is a Vigil member of Tutelo Lodge. She enjoys attending rendezvous and pow wows, loves sailing, and is active with the United States Power Squadron.

Crew Committee Chairman
John Sites
Bedford, Virginia

John is a Vigil member of Tutelo Lodge, and is the Lead  Advisor of American Indian Events for the 1999  SR-7A Conclave. He is  a former Chapter Adviser and Adviser to the Vigil Committee. John is active with Troop 183 in Bedford, VA, and has provided positive guidance  to youth for many  years.  John is retired from Sweet Briar College and is now an independent HVAC consultant.

Charter Organization Representative
Vickie Puckett
Brookneal, Virginia

Bio coming soon!