Orem Scouter's walking sticks get world exposure

OREM — Scouter Gail Roper has been making and giving away walking sticks for more than 20 years. In the process, he has discovered that the sticks not only help a recipient navigate hiking trails, but they also open doors and break down barriers.

Roper has been asked to send 200 of his custom-made walking sticks to the 2011 World Scout Jamboree, to be held this summer in Sweden. The sticks will be used to give individual recognition to the leaders of the Jamboree, and as gifts to the king of Sweden and other dignitaries.

In addition, Roper is contributing 6,000 engraved circles of wood that are dubbed "round to-its." The fun collectible items play off the often-heard expression, "I'll do that — when I get around to it," and will be handed out to Scouts and Scouters at the Jamboree, to be accumulated and traded as friendship tokens in the tradition of patches or knickknacks.

Roper will be taking his talents to the Jamboree as one of a 30-member delegation who will be representing The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the "Faith and Beliefs" area of the gathering, where 11 religions will have exhibits.

When Roper first began making the sticks, he hand-carved them, and was able to produce about 150 to 200 per year, but could not keep up with the demand. He decided to invest in a high-speed laser engraving system that is computer-driven, allowing him to produce 1,000 to 1,200 sticks annually.

"Even now, with the laser, I'm having trouble keeping up with the demand," he said.

To make the 5-foot walking sticks, Roper begins with 10-foot lengths of wood, cuts them in half and routers the indentations made to facilitate gripping the stick. Next, he sands, stains and puts a coat of sealant on the wood, then sands again and re-coats before using the laser to decorate the sticks with words and images.

Making the stick itself takes more time than engraving it now, Roper said.

Roper's trademark on his sticks is the familiar green and red Scout sock, with a miniature hiking shoe or boot placed on the end tip. The socks are made by cutting and sewing a regular-sized uniform sock. He said he did not number his sticks at first, but does now, starting over with the numbering each year. Knowing the number helps him remember the history of a stick.

Making the sticks is not a business for Roper, although he gets requests from all over the country. He makes them as a hobby — to give to young people, and to recognize the many contributions of Scout leaders.