On Saturday, November 14th and 21st, as part of the Lakeland District's effort, we will be assisting the Cooperative Christian Ministry in collecting food for the less fortunate in the Hickory area.  Let's all participate in order to help out those who need a helping hand this holiday season.  On Nov. 14th, we will meet at the church to distribute door hangers throughout the Oakwood and Hillcrest neighborhoods.  On the following Saturday, Nov. 21st, we will collect food items in the same area. Traditionally, Troop 231 and Pack 231 collect some of the largest amounts of food in the district.  We need everyone's participation for this worthwhile event.

New River State Park Camping/ Canoeing Trip- Oct. 24- 25, 2015

On Saturday, October 24, we will traveling to the New River State Park in Ashe and Alleghany counties of NC for a canoeing and camping trip.  We will be inviting the Webelos from Pack 231 to join us on this trip.  Our plan is to travel to RiverCamp USA campground, we will be outfitted with gear and canoes for a 4 to 5 hour canoeing trip down the New River, one of the oldest rivers in the world and one of the few rivers in the northern hemisphere that flows north.  Our campsite, which is at the RiverCamp USA campground, is directly off of the river.  This will be the point where we will end our canoe trip.  We will monitor the weather forecasts as we get closer to that weekend, but be prepared for cooler temperatures and a chance of rain.  Your clothes selections should include fleece, rain jacket, and quick drying clothes.

Where: New River/ RiverCamp USA in Allegheny county,  near Piney Creek, NC.  It is both our canoe outfitter and campsite for the weekend.

When:  Saturday, Oct. 24- Sunday, Oct. 25th.  We will meet at the church at 9:00am.  It will be a 1 1/2- 2 hour trip to RiverCamp USA on the New River.  We plan to be up, have breakfast, and return to Hickory by 12:30.

Equipment:  We will be car camping.  Troop tents, sleeping bags/pads, mess kit, water bottle.  Prepare for cooler weather for this trip.  Should something unfortunate happen, like falling in the river-- intentional or not, please make sure you have extra dry clothes available back at the campground.  We will be patrol cooking for the entire group. We'll have a fire ring in our campsite and we'll bring firewood.  There are restrooms and water is available in the campground.

Meals:  Please eat breakfast at home and pack a bag lunch.  We will eat our lunch either prior to or on the river. We will be cooking as a patrol Saturday night and breakfast Sunday morning.  Please bring a water bottle for the river and you may bring your mess kit.  We will have paper plates and utensils available for dinner and breakfast.

Cost:  Camping and Canoeing will be $20 per person.  Please also include $10, which will cover the cost for food.  Total cost $30.

Carson H. Earns Eagle Scout

Congratulations to Carson H for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout.  Carson successfully completed his Eagle Board of Review and his Eagle Leadership project will benefit his church,  Episcopal Church of Ascension's new landscaping and beautification project.  Very nice job, Carson!

Roan Highlands/ Appalachian Trail Camping Trip

On Saturday, June13th, we will be traveling to the Roan Highlands section of the Appalachian Trail for a backpacking and camping trip.  This portion of the Appalachian trail is a ridgeline of bald mountains that lies along the North Carolina- Tennessee border.  We will be hiking along the northern tip of the Roan Highlands, from Yellow Mountain Gap to Hump Mountain.  Our hike will begin where the Overmountain Victory Trail crosses over the Appalachian Trail.  The Overmountain Victory Trail follows the route of men who crossed the Appalachian Mountains to fight the British during the Revolutionary War, ultimately engaging the British at the Battle of Kings Mountain, which is known as the "Turning of the Tide" and one of the turning points in the war for our country's freedom.

What: Roan Highlands camping trip.  We will be hiking from the Overmountain Shelter to Little Hump Mountain.  The area where we will be hiking is a mixture of open, "bald" mountains with expansive summit views to spruce-fir forests.  This is also to the peak blooming season for native Catawba Rhododendrons, which is usually spectacular.  We will set up camp at a campsite near Little Hump Mountain and explore some of the area.  Please bring a drawstring bag to carry your water and a snack as we day-hike around Hump Mountain.

When: We will meet at the church at 10am on Saturday.  We will return Sunday afternoon.  Scouts will be able to call for a ride as we get close to Hickory.

Equipment/ Gear: Each scout will need to bring their own personal gear and mess kit.  This list  includes:  sleeping bag, clothing (remember to layer), toiletries, camp stove (if you have one), mess kit, sunglasses, rain jacket, sun protection, bug spray, and hat.  They weather forecast calls for highs in the low 70s during the day and around 60* at night, with chance of showers.  Weather can change quickly in this area, so be prepared for cool temps and quickly rising storms.  Troop tents will be distributed Saturday morning.

Equipment: 

• Folding knives and multi-tools only! No straight blades.  
• We will be cooking over camp stoves this trip, but we'll build campfires if wood is available.
• 2-3 liters of water.  If you have a drawstring bag, you could use it to hold water and stuff on our day-hike.  If you would like to bring more soft drinks and leave in the vehicles for the return trip, that is fine.
• Headlamp or small flashlight
• Sleeping bag 
• Drawstring bag/Camelbak to day-hike 
•  Don't leave food/snacks in tents.  As with gatorade and sodas stored in the vehicles, extra snacks can be stored in the vehicles
• Bring mess kits. We will be cooking individually, so you will need your cups, utensils, etc. If you do not have a camping stove, don’t worry, there will be enough to borrow and the older scouts will be able to assist the younger scouts prepare their meals.
• Rain Jacket/ Sun Protection/Fleece for the evening

Food/ Meals: We will be cooking our own meals.  Please eat a good breakfast Saturday morning.  We will stop for lunch on the way.  Please plan to cook your own dinner Saturday night and breakfast Sunday morning.  We will also stop for lunch on our return to Hickory, so you will need to bring some money for 2 fast food meals.  Please make sure to bring at least 2 liters of water on this trip.  There is a spring located on the trip and we can filter water if we need, but it is a good idea to bring enough water in case the springs are not flowing well.  Dinner ideas for new scouts are Raimen noodles, Easy Mac and Cheese, foil- packaged tuna or chicken, granola, fruit, or dried meat.  Breakfast ideas include oatmeal, grits, granola/ fruit bars, etc.  Please put your food in a ziplock bag with a spare ziplock inside (for your trash).

Call or email Mr. Roberts (robertspartyof4@embarqmail.com) or Mr. Webber (1webber@charter.net) if you have any questions.

Will P. earns Eagle

Congratulations to Will P. for earning his Eagle Scout Award.  He joins Jackson W. and Patrick R. as Troop 231's newest Eagles!  Will successfully completed his Eagle Board of Review and his Eagle Leadership project will benefit the Hickory Parks and Recreation Department this upcoming baseball season. Nice work, Will!

Carolina Beach Fishing Trip, Sept. 26- 28th

On Friday, Sept. 26, we will be heading to Carolina Beach State Park on the NC Coast, for a 2- night outing.  We will be camping within the state park at a group camp site near the intercostal waterway.  We will also spend Saturday deep sea fishing for black sea bass, porgies, grunts, and sharks.  Scouts who participate will have the opportunity to earn their fishing merit badge on this trip.  We will leave the church Friday morning and arrive back in Hickory on Sunday afternoon.

What: Carolina Beach camping trip. The State Park is a 761-acre triangle of land known as Pleasure Island, located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Cape Fear River. This will be a 2-night car camp on the inter-coastal waterway in a developed campground.  Facilities include grills, picnic tables, pit toilets, and showers nearby.  The beach is within a short drive of the campsite.

When: Friday, Sept. 26 to Sunday, Sept. 28th.  We will leave the church Friday at 10am.  Friday is a teacher workday for students in Hickory City Schools.  We will return Sunday afternoon.  Scouts will be able to call for a ride as we near Hickory.

Equipment/Gear: Each scout will need to bring their own personal gear and mess kit.  This list  includes:  sleeping bag, clothing (remember to layer), toiletries, camp stove (if you have one), mess kit, sunglasses, rain jacket, sun protection, bug spray, a hat, swimsuit, and towel.  Please wear your Class A uniform for travel on Friday and Sunday.  Troop tents will be distributed Friday morning.


Food/ Meals:  We will be cooking our own meals.  Please eat a good breakfast Friday morning.  We will stop for lunch on the way to the beach.  We will be responsible for dinner Friday night,  3 meals Saturday, and breakfast Sunday.  We will also stop for lunch on our return to Hickory.  Meals have been planned at the troop meeting last Tuesday night, and food costs have been included in the trip cost, except for money for fast food stops en-route.

Cost:  Cost for this trip will be $90 per person, which includes van rental, meals at the beach, fishing fees, and camping fees.  Additional money for fast food lunches to and from the beach will be needed, as well.

This will be a terrific outing for the scouts.  The adult leaders of the troop have been planning for this trip since the beginning of the year.  We made this trip several years ago, and we've been looking forward to returning.  I hope everyone that wants to go can make it this weekend.

Call or email me or Mr. Webber if you have any questions.

Jackson W. Earns Eagle

Congratulations to Jackson W., Troop 231's newest Eagle scout!  Jackson successfully completed his Eagle Board of Review and his Eagle Leadership Project will benefit the Cooperative Christian Ministry of Hickory.  Nice job, Jackson!

Panthertown Valley

The next camping trip for Troop 231 is scheduled for June 7th and 8th.  We will be camping and backpacking in Panthertown Valley of the Nantahala National Forest, in Jackson County near the town of Cashiers, NC.  Panthertown Valley is a unique area that is revered by ecologists as well as hikers.  There is a network of hiking trails leading to at least 8 major waterfalls and as well as multiple smaller ones along several streams that course through the 6700 acres of federal forest land that form the headwaters of the Tuckasegee River.  The valley is also home to a rare southern appalachian bog containing varieties of plants found only in this area. There are also granite domes and spectacular cliff faces that frame the valley, leading some to describe Panthertown Valley as the "Yosemite of the East". It is our goal next weekend to do some day-hikes, find some waterfalls, and break out the field guides and do some identification.

Additionally, we tentatively plan on visiting either Turtleback Falls in nearby Gorges State Park or Sliding Rock, both of which form natural rock slides, for some swimming and sliding prior to our return trip home on Sunday.

Our schedule is as follows:

Dates:  Saturday, June 7th and Sunday, June 8th.

Times: Meet at First Presbyterian Church at 8am, depart at 8:30.  It will be a 2.5 hour drive to Panthertown, so we should arrive in the area at about 11am.  We will be stopping for lunch in Brevard, which has several fast food restaurants.  On Sunday, we should be returning to Hickory around 5-6 pm.  Scouts will be able to call parents as we are getting close to town.

The church buses will be available to us this weekend. Please let the leaders know soon who will be in attendance on this trip, so that we can plan accordingly.  Parents are welcome to join us as well.  Please let us know if you are planning to attend.

Places: We will be arriving to Panthertown after stopping for lunch on Saturday.  We will hike down into the valley approx. 1/2 to 1 mile and set up basecamp near Schoolhouse Falls.  We will day-hike (without heavy packs) to several other falls and granite domes.  It will be important to practice "Leave No Trace" principles while in this area.  This means staying on the trail as much as possible, avoid damaging the native plants, trash management, etc.

Equipment: 

• Folding knives and multi-tools only! No straight blades.  
• Two scouts per tent.  
• We will be cooking over camp stoves this trip, but we'll build campfires if wood is available.
• 2-3 liters of water.  If you have a drawstring bag, you could use it to hold water and stuff on our day-hike.  If you would like to bring more soft drinks and leave in the vehicles for the return trip, that is fine.
• Headlamp or small flashlight
• Sleeping bag 
• Drawstring bag/Camelbak to day-hike 
• This is bear country, and we will be bear bagging our food.  Don't leave food/snacks in tents.  As with gatorade and sodas stored in the vehicles, extra snacks can be stored in the vehicles.
• Bring your swimsuits for playing below waterfalls and on our stop at Turtleback or Sliding Rock.  Watershoes wouldn't be a bad idea for Sunday.
• Bring mess kits. We will be cooking individually, so you will need your cups, utensils, etc. If you do not have a camping stove, don’t worry, there will be enough to borrow and the older scouts will be able to assist the younger scouts prepare their meals.

Clothing:  Plan to bring 2 pairs of shorts or pants, 2 shirts (nylon or Under Armour type material that dries quickly is preferred over cotton), light fleece jacket, 2 pairs of socks, underwear, rain jacket, hat, sunscreen and bug repellant, swim suit, and extra pair of shoes that can get wet (Tevas or water shoes).

Meals: We will be stopping at a fast food restaurant in the Brevard area for lunch on Saturday and also stopping for fast food on our way home Sunday.  Please bring money for these meals.  You should plan to bring food for dinner Saturday night and breakfast on Sunday morning, in addition a light snack for lunch.  Dinner ideas for new scouts are Raimen noodles, Easy Mac and Cheese, foil- packaged tuna or chicken, granola, fruit, or dried meat.  Breakfast ideas include oatmeal, grits, granola/ fruit bars, etc.  Please put your food in a ziplock bag with a spare ziplock inside (for your trash), and label it with your name.

Money: Costs for the weekend should include fast food for 2 meals (Sat. lunch and Sunday dinner). 

Details will be finalized once we know how many will be attending and as we near next weekend.  You may also check the troop’s website, www.http://troop231bsa.blogspot.com.  This has been a very popular trip for our troop in the past. It should be a great experience for our scouts and hopefully we'll have cooperative weather.  

Call or email Mr. Roberts (robertspartyof4@embarqmail.com) or Mr. Webber (1webber@charter.net) if you have any questions.

           
         

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!

Aviation Merit Badge

On Saturday, Feb. 1st, the troop will be participating with the EAA Young Eagles program at the Hickory airport and have the opportunity to earn the Aviation merit badge.  This will be a great chance to earn an awesome merit badge!  Part of the course will include the chance to to take a short (15-20 min) flight with a fully credentialed pilot from the Hickory area.  We will meet at the airport at 9am and should be able to complete the merit badge sometime shortly after lunch.  There is no cost to participate and other activities will include a visit to the Aviation Museum and the air traffic control tower at the airport.  The Cafe at the airport has a special low-cost lunch deal for the participants of the Young Eagles Program.

However, I need a headcount for them to make arrangements for enough planes and pilots needed.  So, please respond to me via email to let me know if your scout will be there.

Thanks!

Mark

Beech Mtn Ski Trip

Our next activity will be a ski trip to Beech Mountain Ski Resort on Sunday, January 26th.  We will leave the church at 8am on Sunday and return to Hickory around 4:30- 5pm.  The cost for this event is $54 to ski or $57 to snowboard.  This cost includes equipment rental, lift ticket, lunch, and a lesson (normally a $95 value).  Please try to bring exact change, if possible, or bring a check made out to PIEDMONT COUNCIL BSA. We had lots of fun last year skiing at Beech and I hope everyone will be able to make it  this year.  Parents, siblings, and friends are welcome to join us.  Invite a friend to scouting!

If able, please send me an email to let me know if you are attending so that we can ensure enough vehicle space.  Thanks and see you Sunday before 8am.

Metalwork Merit Badge

This Saturday, after Scouting for Food door hanger distribution, we will start our Metalwork merit badge.  Mr. Andrew Chapman, who will lead this merit badge, has made several requests that will make your experience safe and more enjoyable.

In order to participate, you will need to obtain and bring these safety gear items:

1. Safety glasses or goggles (we may have enough pairs in the scout closet- please check on Tuesday night)

2. Leather gloves

3. Ear protection...ear plugs or head phones (I have access to enough ear plugs for everyone)

4. Long pants

5. Leather boots... No sandals or sneakers... Hiking boots are OK

6. Apron is optional... Leather or heavy canvas...no light weight fabric

7. No synthetic fleece or fibers, such as Under Armor shirts...these fabrics can melt.


The best place to find these items for the best price will be Harbor Freight or Northern Tool.  For an example, Harbor Freight sells a leather apron for $10 and leather gloves for less than $5.  We will need to help him with the cost of materials (ie., the metal we will use).  I'll let you know about that soon.

 If you have any questions, please feels free to let me know.

Scouting for Food

On Saturday, November 16th and 23rd, as part of the Lakeland District's effort, we will be assisting the Cooperative Christian Ministry in collecting food for the less fortunate in the Hickory area.  Let's all participate in order to help out those who need a helping hand this holiday season.  On Nov. 16th, we will meet at the church at 8:30am to distribute door hangers throughout the Oakwood and Hillcrest neighborhoods.  On the following Saturday, Nov. 23rd, we will collect food items in the same area. Traditionally, Troop 231 and Pack 231 collect some of the largest amounts of food in the district.  We need everyone's participation for this worthwhile event.

In addition, we will begin Metalwork merit badge on these days.  Andrew Chapman, a local artist, has agreed to lead our troop in designing and making a special metalwork piece in time for the holiday season.  We are very fortunate to have someone of his ability volunteer his time and talents to the troop for this unique merit badge.  Details will be forthcoming at Tuesday night's meeting, but plan on assisting at Scouting for Food and then heading to Andrew's studio (Red Anvil Studios) for the merit badge class.  We have planned to spend both Saturdays after Scouting for Food working in his studio.

Thanks and have a great weekend!

Red Anvil Studios

Pamlico Sea Base Pics

Fishing at Dusk

Launching

Pirate Patrol

Early morning paddle

Open Water 

Trolling Motor

Happy Faces!

Diving Dog!

What do you mean I can't wear my boots!?

What a Fantastic Trip!

Pamlico Sea Base

On Friday, November 1st, we will be headed to Pamlico Sea Base, a high adventure base near Washington, NC, for a 2-night outing. This will be an awesome opportunity for the scouts.  Scouts will be paddling in the Pamlico Sound and have the opportunity to earn either Canoeing or Kayaking merit badge.  Our first night will be at the Sea Base on the property of East Carolina Council's Camp Bonner.  We will arrive set up camp and prepare dinner, while having time to explore Sea Base and receive instruction from the program leaders about our excursion for the weekend.  Saturday morning we will break camp and prepare for the paddling trek.  We will spent the night at Goose Creek State Park on the Pamlico Sound.  We will return to Sea Base Sunday morning and arrive back in Hickory on Sunday afternoon.

What:  Pamlico Sea Base, a high adventure camp.  It offers sea-kayaking treks around the Outer Banks.  It's located on the Pamlico River as part of East Carolina Council's 600+ acre scout camp.

When: Friday, Nov. 1 to Sunday, Nov. 3.  We will leave the church at 9:30 am Friday.  We will return Sunday afternoon/evening.  Scouts will be able to call for a ride as we approach Hickory.

Gear/ Equipment: Sea Base will take care of most of our equipment.  Each scout will need to bring their own personal gear and mess kit.  This list  includes:  sleeping bag, clothing (remember to layer), toiletries, camp stove (if you have one), mess kit, sunglasses, rain jacket, sun protection, bug spray, a hat, and towel.  Please wear your Class A uniform for travel on Friday and Sunday.  Everyone should plan to bring a swimsuit or quick-drying pants for certain requirements for your merit badge.  I would not recommend you wearing blue jeans to paddle in, in case you get wet-- they dry very slowly and could cause you to become cold very quickly.

The Sea Base will be providing tents, paddling and safety equipment, and dry bags to carry our gear in the boats.

Food/ Meals:  We will be cooking our own meals.  Please eat a good breakfast Friday morning.  We will stop for lunch on the way to Sea Base.  We will be responsible for dinner Friday night,  3 meals Saturday, and breakfast Sunday.  We will also stop for lunch on our return to Hickory.  Meals will be planned at the troop meeting Tuesday night, but plan on food costs of about $25, plus money for fast food stops en-route.

Cost: The Sea Base weekend program will be $45 per person, plus $25 for meals at Sea Base.  Additional money for fast food lunches to and from Sea Base will be needed, as well.


This is a terrific outing for the scouts.  I hope that everyone who can attend will plan on attending.  This should be a fun and unforgettable trip for everyone.

Call or email me if you have any questions.  Thanks, and I'll see you Tuesday.

New River State Park Canoeing

On Saturday, Oct. 19, we will be traveling to the New River State Park near Jefferson, NC, for a canoeing and camp out.  We have also invited the Webelos from Pack 231 to join us on this trip.  Our plan is to travel to Zaloos Canoes on the New River, where we will be outfitted with the gear for a 5-mile canoe trip down the New River, one of the oldest rivers in the world and one of the few rivers in the northern hemisphere that flows north.  Our campsite, which is in the Wagoner Access portion of the New River State Park, is directly off of the river.  This will be the point where we will end our canoe trip.  The forecast for Saturday will be partly cloudy with a high of 57/ low 41.  The chance of rain is 30%.  Please keep the temperatures and possibly of rain in mind as you prepare for the trip, making sure to dress in layers with a rain jacket.

Where: New River State Park, Wagoner Access, located off Hwy. 16 near Jefferson, NC.  Our river outfitter is Zaloos Canoes on Hwy. 16.

When: Saturday, Oct. 19- Sunday, Oct. 20th.  We will meet at the church at 9:00am.  It will be a 1 1/2 hour trip to Zaloos Canoes on the New River.  Several scouts are expected in Hickory for a school orchestra concert on Sunday afternoon, so we plan to be up, have breakfast, and return to Hickory by 12:30.

Equipment:  We will be car camping.  Troop tents, sleeping bags/pads, mess kit, water bottle.  Prepare for cooler weather for this trip.  Should something unfortunate happen, like falling in the river-- intentional or not, please make sure you have extra dry clothes available back at the campground.  We will be patrol cooking for the entire group. We'll have a fire ring in our campsite and we'll bring firewood.  There are restrooms and water is available in the campground.

Meals:  Please eat breakfast at home and pack a bag lunch.  We will eat our lunch either prior to or on the river. We will be cooking as a patrol Saturday night and breakfast Sunday morning.  Please bring a water bottle for the river and you may bring your mess kit.  We will have paper plates and utensils available for dinner and breakfast.

Cost: Canoeing will be $18 per person.  Please also include $8, which will cover the cost for camping and food.  Total cost $26.

I look forward to seeing everyone on Saturday!

Troop Election Results

Congratulations to the elected troop officers.  Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops (ILST) training will be required to hold the following positions:  Senior Patrol Leader, Asst. Senior Patrol Leader, and Patrol Leader.  The date and time for ILST will be announced soon.

Senior PL- Carson H.
Asst. Senior PL- Will P.
Chaplain Aide- Patrick R.
Quartermaster- Charlie C.
Scribe- Allen P.

Snipe Patrol
PL- Harper H.
APL- Peter W.

Chupacabra Patrol
PL- Bradley L.
APL- Baylor P.

War Eagle Patrol
PL- Patrick R.
APL- Allen P.

Court of Honor Tuesday, August 27

We will be holding our next Court of Honor on Tuesday, August 27th at 7pm.  This has been a busy summer and we have many awards and ranks to present and celebrate.  Please plan to attend!