Just a reminder that we will be going to REI tonight for their first ever Scout Night. We need to leave the church parking lot by 6. That means pulling out by 6. I think this will be a very good way to end our focus on backpacking. While we are not going on a shopping spree, I think it would be a good opportunity for the boys to make a wish list for their future backpacking/camping needs. Please try to be at the church before 6pm. If you are not going to be able to go please let me know so that we will not be waiting. We will need some parents to drive as well. Hope to see you tonight.

Order of the Arrow update

On April 14th, we had three new inductees complete their ordeal in the Order of the Arrow. These scouts and leaders were; Caleb Pace, Levi Hendricks and Steve Skinner. A big congratulations to these members of our troop. We still have one scout, Bryce Burgess, scheduled to complete his ordeal in August. I look forward to attending with him. On the same weekend we had three other scouts and leaders seal their membership through Brotherhood. These members were Nick Abbott, Chris Skinner and Rob Hawk. Congratulations, as well, to these members of our troop. We also had a few folks attend to work along side and encourage these new members and brothers. Kameron Vaughn, Levi Grasty, Joe Grasty and myself were there as well. Our troop was well represented with 10 people attending the weekend. Great job guys!

Turkey Pen

This past weekend the troop did a beginners backpacking trip to Turkey Pen in Transylvania County. Even though we had a small group, we had a great time. The weather looked like it would be bad but it actually held off till we went to bed and quit before morning. From our campsite, we hiked to the chimney and back, about 5 miles. Later that afternoon we set up a safe swim area and some of the boys went for a dip. They didn't stay long. The water was ice cold. I'm looking forward to seeing some of the boys continue to work on their backpacking merit badge. Backpacking is one of my favorite activities and I love to see the boys excited about getting out in the backcountry. Thanks to Eddie Hendricks for setting up this trip. I believe that we will go back on a regular basis. The picture at the bottom left is the view from my sleeping area. Beautiful!

Summer Camp

Summer camp is just around the corner and will be here before we know it. This is a great time for the boys to bond as a troop and to experience all that camp has to offer. Dates for this year's camp are July 15th thru the 21st.

It is now time for us to get our payments in to council to insure our ability to register for merit badges and other activities. If your boy is planning to attend summer camp this year, you need to come to our meeting next week (April 9th) for a short meeting. We will discuss camp and fees that are due.

Also, if your son has been selling camp cards, we need to have the money or the cards turned in. These are due in the council office by April 20th or we will have to pay for them.

Hope to see you next Monday!

Board of Review Training

Don't forget about our Board of Review training tomorrow night. Doc Summerlin will conduct this training for all interested adults. I believe that it is important for everyone to understand the importance of conducting quality boards of review. This training will help you to understand your role in our scouts progress toward advancement.

Hope to see you tomorrow!