Camp Whaley held on August 25 – 26 at the Andrew Johnson Homestead was a success. Following is a report from Ashley Burns, Education Technician with the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site. The Andrew Johnson Heritage Association, the Official Friends Group of AJNHS, funded this educational program.

“Learning how women tended injured soldiers during the mid-1860’s; or about the daily life of Sam and Dolly Johnson – enslaved people at the Andrew Johnson Homestead; or how Artillery and Infantry functioned on the battlefield during the Civil War were just a few of the activities that scouts, their adult chaperones, and members of the public participated in during last weekend’s Camp Whaley event.

    Staff, partners, volunteers, and presenters worked together to provide a quality experience for approximately 80

    scout campers, scout leaders, and members of the public, who stopped by the historic Andrew Johnson

    Homestead on Main Street to take part in the living history event.

This year’s event was based on Tennessee state curriculum standards for Social Studies and focused on the Civil War in Greeneville as seen from three perspectives: soldiers (U.S., Confederate, and United States Colored Troops), women, and African Americans. Presenters included staff from other NPS sites, local partners, and knowledgeable volunteers.

The event included a service project at the Andrew Johnson National Cemetery for participating scouts in addition to other opportunities to work on merit badges. Scouts earned a Camp Whaley patch as well as a Scout Ranger Resource Stewardship patch from the NPS. Judging from smiles on faces and feedback from the participants, this year’s event was not only educational, but fun.

Special thanks to the Andrew Johnson Heritage Association, the presenters, volunteers, and staff who made the 2023 Camp Whaley event spectacular – It wouldn’t have happened without their support!”

Ashley Burns

Education Technician

Andrew Johnson National Historic Site