Those who have spent time at Camp Tanasi in the past decade have likely had the privilege of knowing a Ray Clabough. He joined the Tanasi staff for the summer of 2010, serving up baked goods, everything from pizza crusts to his infamous cinnamon rolls.

Ray worked 35 years as a baker in Knoxville, including Tiffany’s Bakery at the West Town Mall and Wades Bakery. He then drove a truck for several years until he turned 70. After he couldn’t get his trucking license renewed, he saw an ad for help in a Girl Scout camp kitchen, and the rest is history.

According to Kathy Hopkins, who has run the kitchen at Camp Tanasi since 2001, all the camp food is made from scratch, and it is very rare for a camp to have a baker. Ray worked part time in the kitchen, but according to staff, was always willing to help out wherever needed. During certain weeks of camp, he loved getting to work with girls in culinary classes, teaching them how to make pretzels, pasta, or yeast rolls from scratch.

“He was like an artist, it was fascinating to watch him work,” said Kathy. “He never measured a thing, yet all [the baked goods] turned out perfect.”

Kathy laughs as she shares about Ray’s camp name: Jake. “He said as little boy, he always wanted to be called Jake! He ended up being called Ray anyways.”

Ray was as equally known for his talent in the kitchen as his infectious positive attitude and stories that he would tell over and over again.

“He was everyone’s friend; he lived his life serving other people,” said Amanda Johnson, Camp Tanasi Director. “[Ray was] a joy to work with and a joy to talk to.”

Ray, age 80, passed away in January of 2020 from lung cancer.

Camp Tanasi is a quieter place due to Ray’s absence. He is a beloved member of the GSCSA community and truly exemplified the Girl Scout Promise and Law.