John D. Parker honored by Boy Scouts
Web posted July 11, 2007
BROMIDE With a name like Momma John, one would naturally assume an individual would have something special going for him.
Momma John had his day in the sun Monday during a Camp Simpson dedication ceremony conducted in conjunction with an American Indian Scouting Association's visit to the Arbuckle Area Council's Johnston County facility. Momma John is actually John D. Parker, a long-time Sulphur resident who spends his summers in service to Boy Scouts passing through camping sessions. He's respectfully known as Momma John by the scouts because of his role as health officer.
Parker's service was recognized by David Brenner, president of the Arbuckle Area Council of Boy Scouts of America. AISA was recognized in the observance of its 50th anniversary in Ada and at Camp Simpson.
The camp director's cabin and health lodge constructed last year was dedicated to Parker for his dedicated service to Boy Scouts, specifically those passing through Camp Simpson each summer. His tenure dates to 1955 when Parker became a Boy Scout with Troop 160 in Sulphur, the same year he attended his first summer camp at Simpson. With the exception of one session, he's attended every camp session for 32 years. His role changed 20 years later when he became health officer.
Since 1975, Parker has removed thousands of ticks, bandaged thousands of scrapes and cuts and handed out an uncountable number of medications to campers.
"Camp Simpson is my home," Parker said. "It is a work of love that I do for these boys and this camp."
Scout Executive Bill Nichols said more than 200 AISA members, along with local and national Boy Scout officials, family and friends were present for Monday's ceremonies.
"Southern Oklahoma and the Arbuckle Area Council are truly fortunate to have John D. Parker serving their communities and their youth," Nichols said.