For almost 50 years, Boy Scouts have camped and created cherished memories at Bert Adams Scout Reservation in Newton County. Feb. 8, 2010 also marks 100 years of Boy Scouts of America.

 Members of the Atlanta Area Council are in the midst of planning "The Campout of the Century," in celebration of both milestones, May 14-16 at Bert Adams.

 Jack Langford, who recently had a new nature center at Bert Adams named for him, said the council expects 5,000 Scouts to camp that weekend.

 "For about a 40-hour period at Bert Adams Scout Camp," Langford said, "we may have the second largest city in Newton County." 

 Bert Adams is currently undergoing a $12 million renovation that includes a new swimming pool, nature center, dining hall, program stockcade, Cub camping facilities and modern bath houses. The majority of the renovation is expected to be complete by early June.

 For the actual campout, council members have high hopes a popular band, military equipment displays, Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center programs and a fireworks show. They have invited high profile guests as well as any Scout alumni who attended Bert Adams or the original Bert Adams Camp in Vinings.

 "Like Jack says, ‘you’ve got to keep the outing in Scouting,’" said Tom Wilson, Atlanta Area Council of BSA director of support services. "That’s how you keep the kids." 

 The News is planning a special commemorative edition to publish the weekend of the campout. If you have Scout stories you would like to share or photos from campouts or badge ceremonies, send them to us at 1166 Usher Street, Covington, Ga. 30014 or news@covnews.com with "Scouts" in the subject field. Please include a SASE if you would like your photos/memorabilia returned. If you would like to help support this edition’s success through advertising, please call Gail Mooneyham at (678) 750-5010.