Old Man of the Mountains

Introduction

("The Old Man of the Mountain" enters, with a welcoming yet mysterious aura, speaking with the wisdom of someone who has seen centuries pass in the Appalachian Mountains.)

"Howdy folks, welcome to the heart of the Appalachian Mountains!" (spoken loudly with a sweeping gesture towards the landscape) "I’m known as the Old Man of the Mountain. Been roaming these hills longer than most can remember, watching over the land and its people. Now, I ain’t no fancy city slicker or a rough-and-tumble rodeo star. No, I’m a guardian of these ancient hills, a keeper of stories, of lessons learned the hard way by those who came before you."

The Land and Its First People

("The Old Man" gestures towards the surrounding mountains.)

"Y’all are sitting right smack in the middle of lands that were once the domain of the mighty Shawnee and Cherokee. They walked these ridges and hollows long before any of us were here, living in harmony with nature, taking only what they needed. They understood that these mountains were alive, with stories in every river and lessons in every tree. The land, to them, wasn’t something to be conquered, but something to be respected, a partner in life’s journey."

European Settlement and the Struggles Over the Land

("The Old Man" adopts a more somber tone, recounting the arrival of settlers.)

"Then came the settlers, bringing with them new ways of thinking, new tools, and new desires. They cut down forests, built their cabins, and claimed the land as their own. The Shawnee and Cherokee resisted, of course, but the tide of change was unstoppable. Soon, these mountains saw the rise of small farms and growing communities, but also the harsh realities of conflict, as the land’s original guardians were pushed further and further away."

The Era of Coal and Railroads

("The Old Man" points toward an imaginary horizon where the coal mines and railroads once dominated.)

"But the biggest change was yet to come. When coal was discovered deep within these mountains, it set off a rush like you wouldn’t believe. Men came from all over, looking to strike it rich, carving tunnels deep into the earth, and leaving scars on the landscape. Towns sprang up overnight, railroads snaked through the valleys, and the very heart of these mountains was ripped out to fuel the fires of industry."

("The Old Man" pauses, letting the weight of this history sink in.)

"But the land… it remembers. It remembers the trees that once stood tall, the rivers that ran clear, and the people who respected its rhythms. And it also remembers the greed, the destruction, and the countless lives spent trying to tame what should never have been tamed."

The Rise of Conservation and the Legacy of the Bechtel Family

("The Old Man" shifts to a more hopeful tone, focusing on the modern era.)

"Yet, not all is lost. In these later years, there came those who recognized the need to give back to the land, to heal the wounds of the past. Among them was the Bechtel family—builders, yes, but also visionaries who understood the importance of leaving a positive legacy. They looked at these mountains and saw not just resources to be extracted, but a place where young minds could be shaped, where future leaders could learn the lessons of the land."

The Gift of the Summit Bechtel Reserve

("The Old Man" speaks with pride and reverence.)

"The Bechtels took it upon themselves to ensure that this land, scarred as it was by history, would become a beacon of hope and learning. They established the Summit Bechtel Reserve, a place where the youth of America could come, connect with nature, and understand the importance of stewardship. They knew that true leadership is not just about power or success, but about leaving the world better than you found it."

Final Reflection and Challenge to Participants

("The Old Man" steps forward, his voice filled with the weight of wisdom.)

"Now, I ask you, what legacy will you leave behind? Just like those who walked these hills before you, you too will leave your mark. Will it be one of respect, care, and leadership? Will you honor the lessons of the past and carry them forward into the future?"

"Remember, treating people well and respecting the land are the foundations of true leadership. Without them, all your plans and ideas will crumble like an old, abandoned mine shaft. So, when you go back to your units, your districts, your councils—ask yourself: What will be your legacy?"

Conclusion

("The Old Man" gives one final nod, a gesture of encouragement and respect.)

"The mountains are watching, folks. They’re waiting to see what you’ll do next. Make your legacy one worth remembering."