Curtis Creek Campout

On Saturday, April 5th, we will be camping in the Curtis Creek area of the Pisgah National Forest near Old Fort, NC.  Curtis Creek is a quiet, tranquil area that is designated as hatchery supported  and a delayed harvest section of NC trout waters, as well as sections of wild trout waters.  Its a beautiful area at the foot of the Black Mountains section of the Appalachians.  Curtis Creek was the first part of 8,100 acres purchased as national forest east of the Mississippi following the passage of the Weeks Act of 1911 that protected watersheds.  For several of our scouts, this will be the first time out as a Boy Scout and we are excited to have what appears to be great weather for our trip.  We will be camping in designated campsites next to the stream and will be able to "car camp".

What: Curtis Creek camping.  We will be able to camp within the vicinity of our vehicles on this trip.  There are designated campsites that are adjacent to Curtis Creek.  Water is available as well as vault toilets.  Nearby are several opportunities to hike and fish public trout waters.  Curtis Creek area is approximately 1 hour from Hickory near Old Fort, NC.

When: Saturday, April 5th to Sunday, April 6th.  We will meet at First Presbyterian Church at 9:30 and return to Hickory on Sunday around 1 pm.  Scouts can call for a ride as we are returning to Hickory.

Gear/Equipment:  This will be a car camping trip.  Each scout will need to bring his own personal gear and mess kit.  For new scouts, a mess kit is a pot/plate/cup that is made of metal that you can cook and eat from.  Examples of a mess kit are this or this.  Walmart also has a mess kit made by Coleman Max for around $20 that's made of aluminum that cleans easily and works great.  Other personal equipment needed are: sleeping bag, clothing (remember to layer and if you're plan is to get wet-- extra dry clothes), toiletries, camp stove (if you have one-- younger scouts can borrow one form an older scout), rain jacket, bug spray, and a headlight or flashlight.

Meals:  We will be cooking our own meals.  Please eat breakfast Saturday morning prior to the trip and pack a bag lunch for Saturday.  We will be patrol cooking Saturday's dinner and Sunday's breakfast.  Scouts needing to meet cooking requirements, please be in attendance on Tuesday night to plan the menu.  Costs for meals will be determined on Tuesday night and scouts will need to bring money to cover the cost of their food on Saturday morning.

Cost: Scouts need to plan to bring $5 for camping fees plus food cost, which will be determined on Tuesday. It is important that you let us know if you will be attending the campout, so that we can plan menus and food cost accurately.  Scouts may bring a few extra bucks to pick up a snack at a gas station (not Mickey D's!) on the way home Sunday.

I hope that everyone plans on attending.  If you decide to fish, please be aware of the trout water regulations because there will be Wildlife Officers in the area (single hook only, no live bait, over 16 must have a fishing license)!  Any questions, please call or email me.  Thanks!

Mark

Scout Sunday

On March 16th, Troop 231 will observe Scout Sunday at First Presbyterian Church.  The Scout Law says that a "Scout is Reverent" and all scouts Promise to "Do Their Duty to God".  These values strengthen youth character in their family, community, and faith.  Scout Sunday is an opportunity for scouts of Troop 231 to raise awareness of scouting within the church, show our appreciation for the church's support of the scouting program, and allows the scout to live out parts of what is pledged every week.   The troop will be assisting with church services during the morning worship and afterwards,  hold a spaghetti lunch in the fellowship hall.  Donations received during the luncheon are split among the participating scouts to help towards their costs of scout camp.

More information to come regarding Scout Sunday during our regular troop meetings.

Merit Badge University

Merit Badge University will be held on Saturday, March 8th from 9am until 3pm at Gaston College in Dallas, NC.  This will be a great way to earn a more difficult merit badge in a short period of time. This is a popular event and many of the scouts choose to sign up for an Eagle required merit badge.  There will probably be some pre-requisites involved if a scout wishes to earn the merit badge by the end of the day.  Your adult scout leaders can help you find out what is required prior to attending MBU, and help you get started on the merit badge.

Many scouts have already signed up for their merit badge classes.  If you plan to attend and haven't signed up for a class, you need to let one of the scout leaders know as soon as possible.  The cost for MBU is $15, which includes your lunch for the day.  You can bring your payment either on Tuesday night or Saturday morning.  Please try to either bring a check to the troop or exact change, if at all possible.  Each scout will also need to have a parent sign a consent form, as well.

We will meet at the church at 7:45am on Saturday and return to Hickory around 4pm.  Scouts can call home for a ride as we are getting close to Hickory.  We look forward to seeing you on Saturday!