Troop Historian

2011 October Mountain Biking Trip

Brian Burnham — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 21:20:07 +0000

This October, our troop went mountain biking. We arrived at nighttime on a campsite that overlooked a lake (the view was pretty good). The gang set up their tents and we went to sleep. The next day we ate breakfast so that we could get energy for the mountain biking trip. We got our mountain bikes, put them in the vehicles, and drove out for adventure! When we arrived, we first were going to do a service project that was clearing a mountain bike trail. The supplies we used were rakes, shovels, and other gardening tools. Even though they were gardening tools, they did a ton of clearing of leaves, dirt, and obstacles. When our troop was done we thought it was a job well done. Then we got our bikes out for the real reason of this trip. Our troop ate lunch and did some practice laps before doing a trail. Some did 6 miles, some 8 miles, and there were even 12 milers. On the trail there were some obstacles that resembled a skate park, ones that held surprises, and there were ferocious uphill's as well. The scenery was beautiful and there was some neat discoveries as well. After riding, the people who got done early played some ultimate Frisbee and ate some of their snacks. When everybody was done, we headed back to the campsite to have dinner. Mr. Frimmel held a competition for something and the winner got a Late Night Roy stick. We all had a campfire, Brian Burnham told epic stories, and we all went to sleep. The next morning we had breakfast and went home.

This November we are doing a hiking trip on the Appalachian trail and are practicing First Aid for it.

Troop Historian,

Harry Kmiec

2011-2012 Smallboat sailing trip

Brian Burnham — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 22:38:16 +0000

This September, our troop went smallboat sailing and kayaking at Pamlico Sea Base. When we arrived, we took our spots to sleep in a cabin while some had to sleep outside. The campsite was bug-infested and we had to use our bug spray to keep them off. We also had a little campfire to kick off our trip. Next morning we made our breakfast and got ready to do some sailing. Brian told us the rules we had to follow and then we put together our sailboats to have some fun. One thing we did was play pirates and take each others rudders and dagger boards. Some of us even ripped masts off! After the fun we ate lunch and had some more fun. We roughhoused all day out there, but then some of us got stranded. The people who got stranded had to paddle/walk about a mile down the shore until we got back. After that crisis we ate dinner had an AWESOME campfire, and went to bed. When we got up next morning, we ate our breakfast and went to the climbing tower for some climbing/repelling. After 2 hours of that we headed back home.

This October we will be heading mountain biking on Warrior Creek and will be practicing for it.

Troop Historian

Harry

June 2011- Blackbeard Sailing Trip

Brian Burnham — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 18:49:20 +0000

In June the troop went small and largeboat sailing at the Blackbeard Sailing Club. When we arrived the young Scouts played some games of CTF and Blackjack. We hit the sack at about 10:00 at night. Next day the adults made us breakfast (Yay:D) and after eating we did some Kubb then a service project. The troop had to move branches to make room to build houses for club members. One time during the project we had to move a log. It was hard to lift, so we had to roll it out of the way, and to make the job harder, there were fire ants. After all the hard work came the lunch. Everyone got to eat tacos and after lunch we went sailing. Some groups went largeboat sailing while others went smallboat sailing. It was a fun experience for all groups and we all had an awesome time. We had to clean up the smallboats afterwards. After clean-up we played cards, and had hot dogs for dinner. We played more CTF and some of us stayed up to play cards. Next day we packed up, did a trash sweep and headed back home.

Troop Historian,

Harry

2011 May Whitewater Rafting Trip

Brian Burnham — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 00:26:12 +0000

This May the troop went whitewater rafting and it was a pretty epic trip. When we got to our site we just set up camp had a campfire and then went to sleep. During the night we were next to a railroad track so we heard a ton of trains passing. The next morning we ate breakfast and got ready for our whitewater rafting fun. The troop went to a whitewater rafting store, we hung out a bit and bought some stuff, then the guide came and told us what to do. We got our equipment on and went on the bus to the whitewater rafting course. We were chatting and stuff on the bus and in a while we reached the beginning of our whitewater rafting fun. We got on our rafts and took off. The rapids were easy at first but got harder in the end. We ended up bouncing a lot and it felt like surfing waves. In the middle we had a snack break and a bathroom break too. There was a 2-mile flat water surface called the Plain and you could enjoy nature and some of us even saw a bald eagle in the scenery. The hardest was the Frank Belle and some people fell out of the raft on that one. The rapids were big and we jumped pretty big on them. Overall it was pretty fun and we had an awesome time. When we got back to camp we had dinner, a campfire, and a good night's sleep. Next morning we set up camp, had breakfast, then left. This was one of the most epic trips ever.

Harry,

Troop Historian :)

March 2011 - COPE Trip to Camp Bowers

Brian Burnham — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 14:55:10 +0000

In March we went on the most epic trip ever in our troop. We did low COPE and high COPE on this trip, which made it one of the best trips ever. After arriving at Camp Bowers, we slept, ate breakfast, then had fun on low COPE. Brian went over the rules before we could begin practice. We were put into groups and practiced challenges that involved teamwork.We then all got into a circle and did a couple of challenges. We put our gear on and Brian double checked us. Then we were ready for action. On the low COPE people had to work together to get through obstacle courses, solve puzzels, and get over 13 foot walls. After low COPE we ate lunch and prepared for high COPE. Brian went over the rules again and we put our gear on, then we went for the COPE course for the real epic part of this trip. People went into the air and balanced on ropes, tried to hit a beach ball in the sky, do the zipline, and climb the Tango Tower which you do not do the Tango in. We had about 5 hrs. of epic high-sky fun and most people were wanting more. It was high, challenging, but fun for all. Right after that, we had a water gun war. The day after that we did climbing, repelling, and the Tango Tower. That's right!, more epic high-sky action! Everyone was not tired and were hungry for more. There were a ton of happy looks when we came back. After all our fun, we headed back towards home. This in all of our minds, will be the most epic trip of all the epic trips.

Bad news, the canoeing trip in April has been cancelled which is a bummer cause many people looked forward to it.:(

Harry Kmiec

Troop Historian

February 2011 - Caving Trip

Brian Burnham — Sun, 13 Feb 2011 21:37:47 +0000

This month we went caving in West Virginia. The troop slept and ate in a church. When we got there, we settled ourselves in. After that we played epic dodgeball. At midnight we hit the sack. Next morning we got up bright and early. We ate our breakfast, then prepared ourselves for caving. It was a one-hour and thirty minute drive from the church to the cave. When we arrived, we got our materials and went inside the gift shop. Before we went into the unknown, some adults helped us get into caving gear. After that, we went into the cave. First there was a spot where you could see different interesting cave stuff, including bats. Next, we jumped or ducked the rail and climbed into the dark parts of the cave. We had to climb ledges that were steep. The first challenge was the funnel tunnel. It was basic and simple. After that came the slippery ledges. Some people almost fell. Next was the squeeze box. It was a small tunnel you had to crawl through. Soon came the sewer (not an actual sewer). It was a passageway that was a little wet. Once through we had some fun with the hole and the "treehouse". After our fun came the 50 yrd. crawl. It was agonizing, had a short ceiling, and was a long distance. The final challenge was the Birth Canal. You had to crawl through or past wet, muddy water. Most went but some decided not to. After that we hiked out of the cave. We changed clothes, ate lunch and cupcakes (Happy Birthday Alex!), then drove back to the church. We ate dinner, played more epic dodgeball, then went to sleep. The next day, we woke up, ate breakfast, then packed up our things. Before leaving we took a group photo. This was one of the best trips ever.

In March we are doing advancements and going on a Cope trip.

Harry Kmiec

Troop Historian

Fort Fisher - 2011

Brian Burnham — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 00:49:05 +0000

This January, we went to Fort Fisher. It was a 3-hour drive to get there. When we got there, we unloaded our stuff in our cabins. They had beds, TV, couches, and a kitchen. We let some of our energy out, then hit the sack. Next morning we got up early and made breakfast. We had pancakes, sausage, and pop-tarts. After that we drove to the aquariam near Fort Fisher. There we worked on the Oceanography badge. Most of the badge got done, then we toured the aquariam. There were places where we watched the feeding to the fish, places with different kinds of fish, and a place where you can drop coins and race them. Soon, we left and had a picnic at the beach. We had Doritos and cold cuts. After lunch, we went to a spot near Fort Fisher to watch stuff from the battle of the fort. People went back to the cabin while others went to the museum. We played CTF and Cubb until dinner. People had some spaghetti and garlic bread. The troop went over a few more stuff for the Oceanography merit badge then relaxed themselves. Near midnight, we went to bed and said good night. Next morning we had some breakfast, played Cubb, then left. We stopped by the North Carolina battleship and toured around. The lower decks was like a maze. After that we had a drink and took off. On the way we stopped for lunch at Subway. When we got back, we left for home, thinking that this was a great trip.

In February, we go on a caving trip in West Virginia. We also do our usual routine.

December 2010 - Capture the Flag

Brian Burnham — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 01:34:46 +0000

This December, we went on the Capture the Flag Trip (you can see all pictures under Trip Photos 10 - 11). On this trip the adults cooked all our meals. When we arrived at the campsite, we pitched our tents then made a fire. We warmed up from the coldness and were happy about it. After that, we went to sleep in our tents. The next morning we woke up and ate our breakfast. The breakfast consisted of sausage and pancakes. After eating breakfast, we were ready for Capture The Flag. Some people didn't go for the first game because of requirements for Scout ranks. The game was inthe woods which had tons of obstacles and hiding spots. The game went on pretty long and it was fun. After that we headed back for lunch. We had cold cuts which were yummy. We played a second game after that, except it snowed, which made it more fun. People used the snow for good hiding spots. After the second game, we went to a field and had a snowball fight. People pelted one another and had cover for defense. We were worn out from the battle, but then we made a huge snowman. We rolled up huge snowballs and piled them on one another. We gave him arms, a hat, and the other body parts. We called him Vladimere, although when we got back to camp, he perished. We changed clothes, warmed up by the fire, and ate spaghetti and bread for dinner. Then we went back to the fire and ate Smores. Some people went to bed, while others stayed and listened to Brian tell stories. The next morning, we got up, ate breakfast, then took down our campsite. We left as soon as we could and remembered this as a hard, but fun trip.

In January we'll be doing advancements and going to Fort Fisher on the coast.

Troop Historian,

Harry Kmiec

November 2010 - Cold Mountain Backpacking

Brian Burnham — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 00:51:42 +0000

This month we went to Cold Mountain. After the 4-hour drive we set up camp near the parking lot. Around us were cars, bathrooms, and long grass. It was cold, but most scouts had clothing layers on them. Next morning we got our breakfast and ate. We went by the bathroom when ready to hike. We had to hike 5 miles to base camp. Once everyone was in groups, we set off. We took some breaks but kept on going. We traveled through ridges, mountains, and trees. We saw mountain ranges as far as the eye could see. All of us kept traveling through land until the destination, Shining Rock, was reached. There was tall grass, trees, and a field for resting. Tents were set up at our 2nd campsite and we explored. Others tried to reach Cold Mountain's summit and they all made it and some people came back after dark. People played Capture The Flag, others rested, and explored Shining Rock and the surroundings. After a while, we cooked our dinner. People played to burn off the meal. Some people went to bed, but others made a fire. Scouts and Scoutmasters told their stories. We also got some of a Hershey bar and warmed ourselves. After the fire it was bedtime for people.

Next morning we ate our breakfast. Everyone took down their tents and were ready to go. Before leaving we had to do a trash sweep. Everyone arrived by the two ways back when done. We had to take another 5 mile hike with only one break. We put our packs away then took a group picture. People went in their cars and we drove back home and some people stopped for lunch along the way.

This November we're doing regular troop activities. People are also getting ready for the Capture The Flag campout this December.

Harry Kmiec

Troop Historian

October 2010 - Pilot Mountain Outdoor Climbing Trip

Brian Burnham — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 23:45:13 +0000

Our October trip was to Pilot Mountain (you can see all pictures under trip photos). We took a 3-hour drive to a campsite that did not have much grass. When we arrived, the scouts started pitching their tents. We used large tents because the campsite charged by tent number. Some of our troop started making a fire. We tried two times and it didn't work. It worked the third time, so as they say, the third time's a charm. Next morning, we had breakfast of Pop-Tarts, sausage, and scrambled eggs. After breakfast, people were getting ready to climb. They had armor against the cold. People put lunches in bags which was a apple, PB&J, lemon flavored sprinkles for the water, a S'mores granola bar, a honey & oat bar; and went in a car to ride to Pilot Mountain.

When everyone got there, we walked to a platform at the edge of the mountain. The view showed a ton of green and houses from way high up. After that, Brian explained the rules of the climbing/repelling site. After that, the troop hiked down to the site to climb/repel. Most of the scouts made it to the top of the first wall. Older Scouts climbed more advanced walls. People ate lunch and enjoyed the day climbing and repelling. When finished, the troop went back to the top for a group picture on the view platform. We headed back to the campsite at sundown. When there we made our dinners. The troop made a big fire and ate some cobbler and cake. Some scouts told amazing riddles and stories. After that we went to bed in our tents. We all were ready for tomorrow.

On Sunday morning we broke down camp and hurried for an amazing morning repelling. After repelling we drove for home and stopped for lunch along the way. This was a great trip and everyone shared an amazing experience that we want to have again next year.

The rest of October we did advancements and prepared for our next adventure at Cold Mountain. We also had the Light is Right meeting, explaining how to pack lightly for a backpacking trip.

Harry Kmiec

Troop Historian