The Legend of the Wah-tut-ca Totem Pole

Originally published September 15, 1979 in preparation for the dedication of a 20 foot totem pole at Wah-tut-ca Scout Reservation.

The totem pole has all but retreated into memory for many of us, but it is not forgotten.

The Eagle

The topmost figure is the majestic Eagle – the highest rank in Scouting and the symbol of our great Country.

The three designs on the right wing represent the three programs of the Boy Scouts of America i.e. Cub Scouting, Boy Scouts and Explorers. The figures on the left wing symbolize the three parts of the Scout Oath. The Design in the ears denote the motto and slogan.

The powerful beak shows strength and durability or our great movement and nation.

The Bear with Child

The powerful bear holding the copper colored child represent our great camp- Camp Wah-tut-ca. The translation of the name means “Friend of Little brother” hence the bear caring and protecting the “little brother” or “little scout.”

The figures are so placed in this position of honor depicting the high place camp holds in the lives of our scouts and their advancement.

The Bear also acknowledges the importance and role that cub scouting plays in the lives of boys.

The Beaver

The Beaver represents the volunteer Scouter. Just as the Silver Beaver award symbolizes the high quality and extreme industry of our adults in the program, this beaver tells all that the scouting movement would be dormant without our volunteer leaders who “work like beavers.”

To our men and women in scouting, the Beaver say, “Thank You”

The Turtle

The green turtle with its determination acknowledges the role of Wannalancit Lodge of the Order of the Arrow and the great contribution they make to the Greater Lowell Council in so many areas. The pace fo the turtle may seem slow to some but it is steady and unswerving and upward towards its mark of excellence.

Polaris Star

The Polaris star – the guiding light and pinnacle of the ancient mariner and present day scouting, the training and development so vital to the success of our scout units. It is painted in the colors of our country to symbolize “respect for country.”

The Sun

The Indian sign for the sun is the circle with twelve rays emanating from the center of the universe. The twelve rays representing the twelve parts of the Scout Law.

Without the sun there can be no life and “Duty to God” is a fundamental precept to our movement.

The Sentinal Pine

The Sentinel Pine represents an old traditional spot in our camp dear to many of our veteran scouters and symbolizes the part the Exploring program plays in our movement. The tall explorers and camp staff members in their magnificent green uniforms stand guard as sentinels over our beloved camp steeped in tradition and expresses our deep love of nature and the great outdoors.

The Bear Tracks

The long climb through the trail of scouting as in life must start with a single step. The Bobcat in Cubbing is taken up the trail past this first unsteady step. It is here we also acknowledge the contribution of all our career scouters, the Executive Staff. They stand at the base showing all the trail.

Technical Data:

• Type of Wood: Large Tooth Aspen
• Felled: June 23, 1979
• Location: Tree Farm, Camp Wah-tut-ca
• Work Started: June 24, 1979
• Completed: August 26, 1979
• Dedicated: September 16, 1979

Designed and Carved by Kenneth Conrad, Plymouth, CT and Edward Tomasi, Chelmsford, MA

Original Color scheme

From an original plaster casting of the totem pole model: