S2 Ep. 14 | Ben Pierce: High Adventure & Myth-Busting at BSA Swamp Base

Written By Elliott Coker
S2 Ep. 14 | Ben Pierce: High Adventure & Myth-Busting at BSA Swamp Base
Sidewalk Chalk Studios

Aides to Scouting Podcast — Hosted by Walker & Elliott

Tonight, we head into the "Great Unknown" of the Atchafalaya with Ben Pierce, the driving force behind BSA Swamp Base. Ben joins Walker and Elliott to discuss his personal Scouting journey—a path that took a major turn in 2010—and how his mission to preserve the swamp aligns perfectly with the values of Scouting America.

We’re breaking the myths! Is the swamp just a place of danger and gators, or is it a vibrant, essential ecosystem? Ben explains why Scouts from as far away as California are flocking to Louisiana to experience the water, and how his eye as a professional photographer helps tell the story of one of the world's most unique environments.

In this conversation, we cover:

  • Breaking Swamp Myths: Moving past the "scary" stereotypes to see the beauty of the Atchafalaya.

  • The 2010 Pivot: Ben’s personal journey and how he dedicated his career to the swamp.

  • The California Connection: Why West Coast units are choosing the Bayou for high adventure.

  • Preservation Through Scouting: How the Scout Law helps protect the nation’s largest river swamp.

  • The Visual Story: How photography captures the soul of the high-adventure experience.

📍 Connect with Ben & Swamp Base: 🔗 Swamp Base Official Website: https://www.bsaswampbase.org/ 🔗 Ben Pierce Photography: https://www.benpiercephotography.com/ 🔗 Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BSASwampBase/

🎧 Listen and Watch Aides to Scouting: • Show Website: https://www.sidewalkchalkstudios.com/aidestoscouting • Linktree: https://linktr.ee/aidestoscouting

📸 Produced by Sidewalk Chalk Studios

Elliott Coker

Elliott Coker: Co-Host & Producer

Elliott Coker is an Eagle Scout, media producer, and lifelong resident of the region southeast of Atlanta, Georgia. As the co-host of the Aides to Scouting podcast alongside Walker Chandler, Elliott helps pull back the curtain on the Scouting movement. Through his interviews with national Scouting executives, museum curators, and trail experts, he explores the logistics of leadership, the preservation of Scouting history, and the future of the organization.

A Lifelong Scout

Scouting has been a foundational thread in Elliott’s life. He spent the vast majority of his childhood deeply involved in the program, culminating in earning his Eagle Scout rank in December of 2015. His dedication to outdoor leadership and education continues to this day; he and his partner recently completed their Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS) training to further hone their trail expertise.

Creative Roots & Sidewalk Chalk Studios

Beyond the campsite, Elliott is a creative powerhouse with a deep love for music—whether he is strumming a guitar, playing the drums, or singing. After graduating from high school in May 2016 and subsequently working in a family-owned business, his journey eventually led him to the world of digital media and audio production.

In 2023, Elliott and the light of his life, Melody, launched Sidewalk Chalk Studios. Operating with the professional motto "We Make You Stand Out," the studio serves as the official production home for the Aides to Scouting podcast. Whether he is behind the microphone or managing the technical side of the studio, Elliott blends his audio-visual expertise with his commitment to preserving and sharing the stories that shape the Scouting community.

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S2 Ep. 15 | Mackenzie Sookhoo: Leading the Order of the Arrow & Ini-To Lodge
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S2 Ep. 13 | Greg Joiner: The Future of Programming in the Flint River Council