2024 LODGE OFFICERS
Dylan Blackmon
Lodge Chief
Dylan Blackmon is an Eagle Scout from Troop 220 in Fort Mill, SC. She has been in Scouts for 5 years and in the OA for 3 1/2 years. She went through her Ordeal fall of 2020 and her Brotherhood spring of 2021 and was the secretary for the lodge in 2022, now she is the current Lodge Chief.
RJ PLUMLEY
Program Advisor
RJ Plumley is from Spartanburg, SC and began his Scouting career in Troop 9, where he earned the rank of Eagle in 2006. His OA career began in 2000, when he went through his Ordeal at Camp Bob Harden. Throughout his time as a youth, he held the offices of Chapter Chief, VC of Program, and Lodge Chief. After he aged out, he took some time off, but returned to act as Treasurer Advisor, VC of Inductions Advisor, and now as VC of Program Advisor. he has enjoyed his time as Advisor, watching youth grow and become leaders in the program. He looks forward to following the path that our future youth leaders set forth for us.
Joseph Cohen
Vice Chief of American Indian Affairs
Joseph Cohen is an Eagle Scout from Troop 275 in Indian Land, SC. He has been in Scouts since 2011, beginning his scouting career in Pack 717 and later in Troop 4016 in the Hudson Valley Council in New York. He has been in the OA since Summer Ordeal 2019 with Skyuka Lodge. He went through his Brotherhood in the Fall of 2020 and received his Vigil honor in 2023. He was the York Chapter Chief for the lodge in 2022, now he is the current VCAIA.
CHRIS GARRISON
American Indian Affairs Advisor
Chris Garrison is from Rock Hill, SC Native from Troop 33B. He has been in Scouting since 1988, and a member of Skyuka Lodge since 1996. He received his Eagle Scout in 2001, Vigil Honor in 2003, Indian on the Mountain 2004, Daniel Carter Beard Masonic Scouter Award in 2017 and Founder’s Award in 2018. He is also a recipient of the Skyuka Lodge Elder’s Charm Award, and have served as AIA Advisor since 2013.
CHRIS HERRING
Inductions Advisor
Chris is in Troop 219 in Fort Mill, SC, and joined Skyuka Lodge in 2019. Chris completed his Ordeal in 1993 as a part of the Quanopin Lodge 309 in Massachusetts and then his Brotherhood in 1994. He was awarded the Vigil Honor after serving in several LEC positions, including Lodge Chief in 1997 as a part of a merged Grand Monadnock Lodge 309. Chris has served as Skyuka’s Inductions Advisor since 2021 and was awarded the Founder’s Award in 2023.
DOUG BARTLETT
Secretary Advisor
Doug Bartlett was tapped out and went through his Ordeal in 1975 at the Santee Lodge. Then he had his Brotherhood at Santee Lodge in 1976. He joined Skyuka Lodge in 2001. He became the secretary advisor in 2003 and still continues as secretary advisor. He received his Vigil Honor in 2007. He also attended 8 different NOACs.
TAYLOR THOMAS
Lodge Staff Advisor
Taylor Thomas is a native of Chester, SC. After graduating from Union County High School, he attended Wofford College where he earned the B.A. in Business Economics. Thomas began working with the Palmetto Council in April of 2013 as a York District Executive. Prior to joining our staff, Thomas was a very active Scouter. As a youth participant, he earned his Eagle Scout with Troop 45. He was also a very active brother in the Skyuka Lodge 270, Order of the Arrow (OA). Thomas held various leadership positions in the OA including two terms as Lodge Chief and one term as the Southern Region Section 5 Training Coordinator. Thomas was recognized by Skyuka Lodge as a Vigil Honor member, Founder’s Award recipient, Indian on the Mountain Award recipient, and Centurion Award recipient.