Scout Camp

Sex, Death, and Secret Societies Inside the Boy Scouts of America

De: James Renner

Narrado por: James Renner

In the summer of 1995, at the largest Boy Scout camp in Ohio, a night of sexual violence ended with one counselor dead and another hospitalized. The death was ruled "accidental." It wouldn't be the last death associated with Seven Ranges Reservation.

James Renner, too, was a counselor at Seven Ranges that year. He was always sure there must be more to the story of Mike Klingler's death, because Renner also knew firsthand that the 900-acre camp was not the safe getaway it was portrayed to be. On Friday nights the boys were ushered into the woods for a frightening ceremony in which they learned the rules for becoming good young men—and, above all, that keeping secrets was a scout's duty. No matter how dark the secrets were.

Determined to face his demons, Renner embarks on a journey back to that tumultuous summer and exposes a clandestine society that left indelible scars on the scouts and the staff who were there. For Renner himself, it meant opening up about his twisted upbringing, his issues with trust and sexuality, and a lifetime of self-medication. The result is a deeply personal, no-holds-barred, and vitally important true crime memoir.

©2025 James Renner (P)2025 Tantor Media

Unexpected

Everything about this story was unexpected. I wasn’t looking for it, it just happened to be the first sample after I missed my last recording. I didn’t expect it to bring me to tears, but I wiped them from my eyes at the moments of pure vulnerability of the author. I didn’t expect the honesty, but this book was as much a deep dive into his own history as it was the tumultuous history of the BSA.

If you’re looking for easy listening, this is not it. But if you’re looking for a story of an imperfect path toward healing, then this might be perfect for you.

Love your book and appreciate learning about ...

the 80,000 boy scouts vs. much lower (sorry, can't remember for sure) 4 digit thousands of the c church. Although, I have no doubt the church numbers, considering the centuries, are incredibly more than that.

One thing I try to do for those people who believe that if a male gets an erection he obviously enjoyed it. REMEMBER THE PHRASE: Are you cold, or just happy to see me. For those not GenXers, it means that nipples will react to either. Just as male genitals will to cold water or other stimulus.

You're one of my favorite authors and podcasters. I'd never (nor have I ever been) be able to relate to someone who hasn't struggled through something they didn't ask for. I'm 58...59 this year. I so appreciate your work, and as far as I'm concerned, any comments on a book about your experiences as well as documentation or discussions with those who chose (THANK YOU EVERYONE!) to share theirs are hopefully positive. those that aren't....well... we're seeing why...in politics actually.

Again, thank you for your story and please keep readers (listeners) updated.

Harrowing, personal, and honest

Very personal account which reveals rippling effects on so many people beyond the victim.

An excellent, balanced, and fair discussion by a talented writer. Harrowingly honest.

The honesty

I learned a lot from this book. It is always healing to tell your story.

A disturbing story, skillfully handled

The author is a good narrator and it feels like he is talking directly to you. The book is structured in a way that gives the reader breathing time between upsetting passages. It is in part a memoir, and although his childhood was lacking Renner portrays his parents with compassion.

Hard broil for the modern day

I absolutely love James Renners’ writing. He’s also a great narrator it turns out. He’s gritty, but sensitive. Honest but funny. I enjoy how he organizes all his books. This book is more of a memoir and coming of age story then full-out true crime, but it was a pleasure to hear Renner’s experience with and reflections on the Boy Scouts in his own words and voice.

Good read with one exception

It would be an amazing book without the political pandering. Facts are enough to complete the story.