BSA Troop 12 News:

2007

            The retirement of JR Figler as troop historian has adversely affected our troop history. I shall try to recall events.

1/9/07 - The first PLC meeting or the ear began with efforts to plan the years activities. First up will be the Winter camp out and the ski trip. Planning began including plans for activities and menus.

1/15/07 - this was the first meeting of the year for the whole troop. As we have had several WEBELOS cross over, the older scouts began instructing the younger scouts on what they would need to bring on a cold weather camp out. Also we began the process of registering for Merit badge College. Scoutmaster Mays announced that he would teach the Computers MB at the MBC. Also plans we made to take the younger scouts to a school board meeting for C in the Community. 15 scouts attended.

1/16/07 - Scoutmaster Mays took the new scouts and a few older scouts who did not yet have the C in the community MB to the school board meeting to help fulfill an old requirement.

1/22/07 - Plans were made for the cold cabin camp. A menu including chili for dinner was made. Food purchasers were assigned. Others were assigned to obtain other provisions. Mark Springer agreed to let us borrow his propane cabin heater. Plans were made to organize the "compass game" for an orienteering challenge. 18 scouts were there.

1/27/07-1/28/07 - 13 scouts and 5 adults attended the cold cabin camp which was help at black jack for the first time. Scoutmaster Art Roa brought is truck which we used to ferry troop gear to the cabin. The scouts marched in in full pack (about 1/4 mile). We opened the cabin and made camp.

The morning was spent playing "the compass game". This is an old scout game that works on compass and orienteering skills. In addition to this compass navigation exercise we practiced skills for the second class orienteering requirements. Ok the scouts played football too.

Lunch consisted of grilled cheese sandwiches and soup - always a treat on a cold day. Thanks to the scoutmasters who labored over lunch while the rest of us worked on our orienteering skills.

After lunch we descended the old jeep trail down into the valley. It was a muddy walk due to the recent rains. At the bottom we were faced with a creek, the boys devised a dam and we used that as a bridge to cross the water. There way along the stream was thick brush so crossing seemed the better way. There was less brush on the opposite bank and traveling was much easier. We began to hike based on compass bearing and topographic map under the guidance of Scoutmaster Smith.

Going up a hollow off of the main valley floor we came to a steep hill. The boys asked if they could climb it ... and I said yes. Up they went. They did not return - so we followed. This was a steep, rocky, hill so it was an effort. At the top we took a bearing on the hill that the cabin is on and made sure that everyone knew where camp was.

Jeff seemed to think that it would be easier going to stay up on the ridge and to try to find a trail shown on the map (it turned out to be a cow path). We worked across the ridge through an area of many tree falls. This made for slow going. Following the compass and the map we climbed up the ridge to where we expected to find a plateau.

After much bushwhacking, we found a trail. 2 scouts went forward to find the way. We came to a field and skirted its perimeter. We observed herd behavior in cattle and discovered the joys of walking on a muddy cow path a we descended the same on our way back to the KT, which was our route back to camp. By this time we were racing the approaching storm which we spied from the ridge top. I showed the boys the proper technique for falling on ones rear on a muddy cow path and the technique for sliding down hill on the same while screaming "aaahhhhh".

We hike the trace back up hill to camp and recrossed the stream at a different point.

Back at camp, the boys made a fire and got to work making 25 pounds of chili (7 lbs meat, the rest beans, chili sauce, etc.) and several pounds of corn bread. The boys kept the fire going (outside) in the rain. We used Mark's gas head to warm the cabin (Black jack School house) and had it quite toasty - smaller but warmer the Cherokee. We ate well. Many word games were played. Riddles were solved. A great evening. It was so warn at lights out that we shut off the gas head and opened the door. i closed the door during the night - but it was chilly when we awoke.

With all the rain and the standing water in pools on the ground - I was glad that we'd cabin camped.

We awoke to brief snow squalls that left behind a dusting of snow. After breakfast, we cleaned the cabin, packed up and hauled out - leaving camp in a snow squall. A nice weekend.

1/29/07 - we met to finalize plans for merit badge College and the ski trip. it was hectic. there was much to do.

2/1/07 - a big thanks to Jeff Jackson for getting the troop rechartered.

2/3/07 - we met at the church and loaded our gear for the ski trip. We filled out permission slips and paid our fees. Then we loaded up for the trip to MU. The assembly in the Cafeteria was as chaotic as ever. Somehow we all got off to our MB classes. We met back in the cafeteria for lunch and ate well. Then we headed off to our afternoon MB (or leader training classes). Though 3 of us did not hear our afternoon MB class announcement and hung out together until it was over. Hmmm. These things happen. Remember I can't get you to eagle - that you must do on your own. We met after MBC was over, collected blue cards and went back to the church

2/3-4/07 - Ski trip - we met others at the church and handled their paperwork, we loaded up and headed out to the AFC retreat. We stopped at the rest stop and then again at Tamarak for food and fuel and coffee. Then we stopped again in Lewisburg at the exit before heading off again. We arrived at the AFC retreat and had some time to depressurize in the game room - noisy.  We then settled down into motel style rooms (no linens or TV) in pairs. There was a little hold up finding all gear and getting it and all persons into their rooms. Their roommates were chosen by Mr. Mays and myself to optimize actual sleeping and waking likelihood.

I awoke early and roused the scouts, stopping at each window until I had a light on in the room and at least one scout talking to me. I made it clear that the scout who was up was responsible for getting his roommate moving so that we would not be late and to maximize our ski time. We were up and out of the rooms - dressed and on time. We went to the kitchen for breakfast - ate played - and left only 4 minutes behind schedule.

We drove over the mountain to Snowshoe on 219 and arrived at the welcome center. We had our smoothest registration ever. We went up hill to Silver creek and divided into groups. I handled the ski patrol paper work and the lesson paperwork while the other adults got the scouts through the equipment line. One leader was responsible for the lockers and the keys - another for the lunch tickets.

All were in time for lessons. All got to ski. A great day, cold but good conditions. At lunch Dr. Roa met the scouts inside the cafeteria and dispensed the lunch vouchers. I stood outside and waved people in. We had a great ski afternoon. the sun cam out and it was a pretty day. I did 5 jumps and landed 3 - caught major air. Had 2 wipe outs - ouch. Old men should not ski jump.

Drive back went well - though I was exhausted - we rotated drivers to avoid fatigue. A great trip.

2/15/07 - the scouts attended night court. This was a great experience. Boys got to see the legal system in action. And we got to take a tour of the police ststion when court was over. Always an instructive evening.

3/07 - was spent planning for the fishing trip; menu, review of cold camping skills, and we had 3 separate Presentations on how to fish for trout (by Rick Wilson, Daniel greens uncle, and Jacob Preston's step Granddad Greg Milum). The trip was cancelled as: high was below freezing, low was below 10,  Greg M. found ice on the road above campsite six and the lower camps occupied, the river had not been stocked, river level was high and rising, and both the Ranger and Greg M. thought it was a bad idea to go. Nuff said.

Also in March we worked on eagle projects. Justin's and Spencer's went on simultaneously at separate locations during the first week of spring break. A big thanks to all those who helped out.

3/24/07 - 3 adults and 1 scout attended the low COPE training class for the jamboree. Thanks guys! I demonstrated how not to make coffee with a jet boil system and its French press attachment. Apparently you boil the water first, shut it off and then add the coffee and not the other way around. Think about a coffee ground volcano.

4/07 - was spent prepping for the jamboree. We held meetings to work on lashings. The PLC developed the menu at its meeting. We planned to feed both T12 and P43 adults and scouts. they also planned indoor and outdoor meetings to practice scout skills pre-jambo. This was capped off by a 2 hour meeting at camp on 4/16 to practice: fire building, canoeing, lashing, and first aid. We ate bratwurst (spicy type) and hot dogs. Travis Carlton was the chef. Christian and Jacob M. came up with a gate design for the jamboree. Eric M supervised the canoeing. The other adults supervised wood chopping and fire building as well as other scout skills. Some football was played. A tree based rope swing was erected using the "rescue rope" - which was set up over a mud pit BTW - this was used until the Camp Ranger asked us to take it down.

4/20-22/07 - Second TASC Regional Jamboree - this was the best ever! It makes you look forward to the one in 2010! 17 scouts, 2 WEBELOS, 5 full time adults and 6 daytime adults attended our councils second Jamboree (the first was 2005, the next will be 2007 for the 100th Anniversary of scouting). The 2005 Jamboree was the largest (1300 total attendance) and the best event ever held by our council up to that time. The 2007 jamboree now claims the titles of best and largest event ever held by our council (over 1500 total attendance). Everything was perfect from the weather to the location. We had warm, cloudless, sunny days with highs in the low to mid 80's and nights in the high 30's to mid 40's which made sleeping a pleasure (except for those who brought a summer weight sleeping bag to a spring event - be prepared).

Awakening to views of the lake steaming in the early morning air gave a peaceful and magical feel to the start of the day. All we needed was some etherial, new age music. The nighttime trains reminded us of our event's "River and Rail theme" and allowed some of us to begin our day at 5 AM ... WAAAAAAAAAHHHH  WAAAAAAAAAHHHH  WAAAHHH  WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH - thats 2 longs, a short and another long held through the crossing. The blue sky gave all a cheerful outlook. Even the fishing was good. At the lake side - a mere 40 feet from the edge of camp, Spencer caught 22 fish prior to the close of events at 5PM on Saturday. The fish were hitting on meal worms.

The arrival of the black Hawk at 10 Am let all know that the event was in full swing. It buzzed the camp, hovered, and landed to give the scouts a close up look at a military medievac chopper. It was amazing to watch it hover motionless in the air - it is so big - it just seems impossible.

The display areas were great. Scouts learned about snakes, rail roads and other things. There was a band stand and bands played pretty much nonstop for the entire day. The Guard brought in 2 climbing towers. There was rifle and shotgun shooting, a historical trail too. The COPE area and scout competitive events were two time intensive areas. There was mountain biking and much more.

We learned about being prepared by bringing the tarps and poles for the Scout Master Pavilion - but not its connecting pieces - oops. Ok I forgot the council's sky scout. Thanks to Jeff Smith for fetching the former and to Rick Wilson for fetching the latter. Thanks to the scouts for setting up such an orderly camp. Christian and Jacob M showed the value of the pioneering MB by first assembling a tripod to hold a lantern and then by lashing together a camp site gate out of ropes and poles by lantern light. This gate won 15 of 10 possible points with a 5 point bonus awarded for the tightness and quality of the lashing (I felt like I was in Griffendor - getting extra points and all that). Good job! A big thanks to Robert Mays and Travis and Jeff Smith for getting camp squared away. We had a nice cook area with 4 stoves (Michael Mayes - thanks for the loner stove), the kitchen sink and several tables.

Chef Robert Mays made sure that breakfast and dinner got off to an earl start. He made the coffee and ran the kitchen. He began the cooking then switched to a supervisory role as the scouts arose from their tents. A big thanks to all of his assistants, especially Danita, Kathy, Monika, and Karla for getting lunch served and dinner prepared. This was made a larger effort as we fed not only our troop but also adult and youth members of Pack 43 - our feeder pack and the source of several of our scouts. I think that we fed 52-54 people on Saturday night including our guests Ed and Jamie Dzierzak from T762 (our mentor troop).

While the two scout patrols roamed the jamboree, participating in events. Six adults helped Rick Zima and the adults of T20 run the COPE area (1/2 of the competitive scout events area). There were: Rick Wilson, Travis Carlton, Tom Dougherty, Robert Mays, Jeff Smith and Rodger B. In the AM there was little staff from T20 so these guys made the COPE area happen. In the PM there were more T20 adults and less scout traffic and we were able to "spring" leaders to do other things. A big thanks again to those adults who stayed in camp and thus allowed us to help run the COPE area which was such an important part of this event. An area visited by literally hundreds of scouts.

In the evenings we practiced principles of leave no trace camp fires. The scouts learned how to remove sod and lay it and the dirt from the fire pit on a tarp for later replacement.  The scouts enjoyed fellowship while sitting around the fire. The fire ring and chairs proved to be a focal point for scouts to gather in between or after events. in the evening it provided light and warmth.

Our event is "jamboree style" - there is too much to do in one day (as opposed to camporee style where all troops rotate through the same events). We had 6 scouts who made it to all 4 of the major event areas (Christian, Spencer, Daniel, Quinton, Joe, and William). We had 10 scouts who participated in the service project (planting trees for one hour). This helped the council plant over 700 trees, exceeding our planned total of 500 by over 200! A big round of thanks is owed to Christian, Spencer, Daniel, Quinton, Bobby J, Joe O, Connor, Rob A, William C, Gabe and Zach for their efforts! We had 5 leaders camp (Robert Mays, Jeff Jackson, Travis Carleton, Rick Wilson, and Rodger B) and 7 day camp (Danita Green, Tom Dougherty, Karla Dougherty, Monika Jackson, Jeff Smith, Kathy Smith, and Eric Maniskas) for a total of 12 adult and 19 youth at the jamboree. A big thanks to Danita and Karla and to their assistants for their intensive food prep work.

In the end, we patrolled the Camp to leave it cleaner then we found it. I would like pictures for the web site if you took any (digital preferred).

4/27-29/07 was the Spring OA fellowship. 1 leader, 3 Ordeal members and 2 ordeal candidates attended. Daniel Green and Jeff Overstreet passed their ordeal and were inducted into the order as ordeal members. The three scouts who attended the fellowship (Christian Roa, Max Wilson, and Jacob Masters) are now eligible for brotherhood. They can do their brotherhood service and ceremony at camp during the summer fellowship in August. Lodge Chief Tyler Grimmet would know if they could do it during summer camp. Much was done. The OA ring maintained, a wall built, signs placed, a tree removed from the lake, the Craft shelter re-floored with new gravel (tons of it), ceremonies conducted, a large fire made, meals prepared and eaten, scouts dunked in a dunking booth. A good fellowship.

4/30/07 A small number of scouts met.  Daniel took charge and he and Christian taught the 4 younger scouts who were there tenderfoot skills. We talked about the need to get ready for summer camp. We missed the rest of you.

05/07/07 The PLC met and came up with th following plan - hold a BOR on 5/14, hold a meeting at camp Arrowhead on Monday 5/21  to work on tote'n chip & fireman's chit & personal fitness requirements, 5/28 - prep for summer camp and sign up for MB. Also plan to work on Spencer's eagle project on 5/19.

5/14/07 The troop held a BOR. A big TY to Mark Springer, Jeff Smith, Eric Maniskas, Robert Mays, Michael Mayes, Travis Carlton, Jeff Jackson, Donita Green and Francis McComas for making Monday;s BOR happen. 8 scouts advanced in rank, one by 2 levels. 3 TF, ON SC and FC, 3 Star and 1 life advancements occurred. Good job scouts!!!

5/18/07 - Ranger Geer and I put in about 2.5-3 hours of work and took down the beech tree (it was rotten inside) and broke it down as part of Justin's eagle project.

5/19/07 - a group of scouts met to work on Spencer's eagle project at little victories animal shelter - gravel was moved - up hill, dog houses were painted, boards were placed and secured. We worked hard.

5/21/07 - the scouts met at camp arrowhead at the river bend site - we broke up into groups and taught knife, axe, saw, and fire making skills so that the new scouts could have their firemen's chit and toten chit for camp. We used the fire that the boys had made to cook silver turtles featuring a choice of ground beef and chicken. thanks to Jeff Jackson for supervising the cooking and to the older boys for helping the new scouts earn their "chits".

5/28/07 - memorial day no meeting

6/4/07 - Camp set up day. I went down and worked like a dog. 2 scouts came but never linked up with me due to poor planning on my part.  With the chain saw, I sawed up 2 trees with the chain saw and did other work at the OA ring and boat house.

6/9/07 - A group met Spencer to work on his eagle project - more painting, fencing work, and gravel hauling/spreading. Did I mention that it was hot?

6/11/07 - We held a pre camp court of honor and gave out like 6 months (+) of MB! Rank advancements occured. And several scouts got last minute boards of review so that they were able to attend scout camp as first class scouts. We held elections for the OA - WWW. Many were chosen - results to be revealed only at the Friday end of summer camp campfire! I am proud of our scouts. Eagle scout Christian Roa was honored for earning his eagle scout rank.

6/13/07 - 8 scouts and eagle scouts Art and Christian Roa came to finish off Justin's eagle project. Grape vines were dragged out of trees. brush was scattered, animal habitat was build, and the site was cleaned up - then we set off to cut up some downed trees and used that wood to block off a "short cut" that was eroding the trail. And we finished by noon! 2 days later the Park Superintendent signed off on the project as completed! Could we have 3 eagles this year? Do I hear 4?

6/17-23/07 - Summer camp was chaired by ASM Robert Mays and ASM Jeff Jackson. 15 scouts attended. We camped at River Bend with 2 other troops. Friends were made and knowledge was shared - and that was just in our camp site. MB were earned. The troop matched last years achievement by completing 2 service projects in addition to all of the work required for the MB program. For the first time since I have been in the troop, their was a flag raising and lowering ceremony in the camp site every day. T-12 Pioneering projects director John Cornell persuaded the ranger to furnish him with trees of suitable size and he had the boys lash these together to make  a double inverted tripod tower - the first in camp pioneering project completed by T - 12 in my experience with the troop. All of this was done in my absence. I think that it speaks legions that because of troop 12's efforts at camp both last year and this year that the council's summer camp director came up with a new never before presented award - the scout master service project award - to recognize the contributions of the T 12 leaders to the organization and completion of camp improvement projects performed  at summer camp. The council hopes that by giving this award that other troops will be motivated to follow the example set by T-12 and carry out camp improvement projects while attending camp - WWW.

7/2/07 - We had a very lightly attended PLC meeting where we discussed upcoming events. We made plans to hold a Duct Tape (cardboard) regatta and planned a hike. We discussed options for a possible white water trip. We looked into teaching the aviation MB and practiced flying indoor helicopters.

7/9/07 - 13 scouts and 5 leaders met at beech fork lake on the "52 side" at the parking lot for the swimming beach. While 2 adults stayed behind to organize dinner, the rest of us hiked the "blue" (aka 2 coves) trail (about 4-5 miles). We saw wild turkey and had nice views of the lake. We got to practice tic removal and did some moderate up and down hill hiking. This is prep for the KT hike in October. We finished up with a meal of brats, dogs, and chips.

7/16/07 - 14 scouts and 9 adults attended the first ever T-12 Duct tape regatta. We began with a review of water rescues for the new scouts - emphasizing  the "reach throw, row but never go [in the water]" principle. We talked over options for the 8/10-12 weekend. Then having eaten a traditional meal for brats and dogs and chips, we divided up in 3 teams - 2 scout and one leader to make boats using only cardboard, string, and 2 rolls of duct tape. Each scout group had an eagle scout in attendance. When the boats were placed in the water - the adult boat (blue team) and the red team (eagle scout Lavalley's bunch) had floating boats. The black team (eagle scout Roa's bunch)  was a little exuberant in boarding their craft. the bow struck a rock as it settled when the bow man entered and promptly capsized. It was righted and thanks to the water tight compartments was able to float near the shore briefly - prior to taking on more water and sinking. It was never a factor in the race. Propelled by Kayak paddles the blue and red boats raced neck and neck - at least until my knee started to go through the bottom of the blue boat. By shifting my weight, I was able to keep the hole above water, but new holes formed - only 40-50' off shore the boat filled with water, collapsed about me and capsized. This left only Michael Mayes and the red boat in the race, he made the mark, rowed back to shore and with the boat still floating. the square design and reinforced (multi layer) floor seemed to be the key (or was it those water tight flotation devices that they taped to the boat bottom? I don't know as those seemed to have flooded). So the Red team was the winner. A good time was had by all. I think that we should consider doing this again as a warm weather, water based activity.

8/6/07 At this scout meeting we welcome the Smith brothers from T32 who plan to transfer to troop 12. We tied some knots.

8/13/07 Second indoor meeting of the late summer. Prep for aquatics camp. Life scout A Smith presented his eagle project plan to the board. Comments and revisions were made. He will represent his revised plan to Mr. Maniskas who will do diligence on project revisions to confirm that it is "do able" and will as needed assist with planning. It looks Good to me.

8/20/07 The troop gathered to prepare gear for the up coming Aquatics camp. Plans were made to attend merit badge secessions, teach the sailing merit badge, plan and prep what gear to take with us. Developed a dinner plan for Friday.

8/24-26/07 Council Aquatics camp. 12 scouts and 4 leaders participated. 3 leaders and 3 scouts were full time merit badge counselors and 2 more were part time MBC. We Camped "light" for a car camp. Scouts attended land and water based merit badges. Some were surprised to learn that all MB cannot be earned in a weekend. We will need to see how the scouts can complete these MB. The sailing Mb went well until we tried to take the boats out of the water in the late evening, then the troubles started. As I result, I have a few interesting tales to tell. We got to learn the importance of staying cool and hydrated in hot sunny conditions. The value of a hat was made known to some as well. We discussed the importance of keeping our camp site clean and in the spirit of selfless service packed up the camp diligently and quickly (but what do I know, I was underwater - holding my breath - and trying to use a 18" long screw driver to try to free a jammed centerboard at the time that camp was broken). Ah the sailing life. Aaarrrrrggg.

I think that having sailing as an all weekend merit badge helped. All got some sailing in. Most got to sail on all of the boats.

This was the last Aquatics camp that Joe ever cooked at. It was an honor to know him. He fed us well. he took care of us. We will miss him.

9/3/07 - troop meeting -

9/8/07 WVU Game parking. 9 scouts and 8 leaders parked over 400 cars at the ACF lot on Saturday virtually filling the lot (Save for the United Way Season Pass Parkers) by 9:30 Am and closing the gate for good at 10:01 AM - not bad. it was insanely busy but we went a long way towards helping the less fortunate in our community through our efforts - thanks to all who helped. The United Way - thanks to you its working for all of us.

9/9/07 John Vanhorn and I met at "sunken boat cove" out at Camp Cherokee, Arriving first, I removed the cover and as much material from the boat as I could. Once John arrived, using land scraping timbers and pieces of 4x4" lumber  slowly pried the sunken boat up and wedged 4x4's to hold it up. Working with 3 posts we eventually raised the boat by 5 " enough to get the hole for the rudder slot above water.  we could have used another. Then, temporarily patching the hole in the center board well we used a gas pump to bail the boat - I cannot describe our elation when it was clear that the pump was removing water faster then it leaked back in. An then after gaining about 1.5' of free board the pump died. John and I used the new "Thirsty mate" hand bilge pumps to empty the rest of the water from the boat. We then dragged it over to the shallowest part of the cove, grounder her, and then used our levers to raise her another 4-5" out of the water onto landscaping timbers. We took down the mast, covered her with two tarps and chained her to a big iron drain pipe. Whew.

9/10/07 12 scouts and 7 leaders we joined by T 762/VC 762's leader Ed Dzierzak  who showed us his back pack cooking set up and meal choices. We set up and labeled a few of the new tents and bagged up and numbered the new alcohol stove sets.

9/15/07 - the scouts and leaders parked cars for the New Hampshire game at MU. We were busy at the end and parked more then we thought that we would.

9/17/07 - 4 scouts attended and helped Mr. Maniskas get 10 cozies made for the trip (a cozy is a insulated bag for preparing a dehydrated meal) - other troop gear was readied as well.

9/22-23/07 - 6 adults and 10 scouts went on the 10 mile hike at Greenbo - 5 adults and 8 scout stayed overnight as part of a backpacking camping trip. We enjoyed the well marked trail, the variety of terrain (from bottom land to ridge top to hillside). The lake has amazingly clean water and you could easily see to a depth of at least 10'. We used the new alcohol cook sets which worked well. The dinners were a hit while the breakfasts were not sweet enough for many of the scouts. Quinton has offered to teach us how to make a more tasty meal. The new tents were a big hit as well. We all enjoyed packing lighter. The scouts who has never back packed before learned what to bring and what not to bring - all wished that they would have taken less.

We learned a new campout discussion technique called: roses, buds and thorns. An variation on shoulda, woulda, coulda.

I think that everyone enjoyed the trip. Daniel learned the importance of carrying adequate water. We all learned about some gear that would have been helpful in a dry camp - collapsible buckets for instance.

This was our first test of the new alcohol stoves and the "freezer bag" style meals. I think that it went well. We were lucky that some one had gone out to weed whack the area where we camped. But both streams that rum by camp were dry and we had to send scouts down to the lake with collapsible buckets to get water. This created problems as - it was muddy at the edge of the lake and the scouts who went were more interested in playing by the lake shore then in collecting water.

The trail was very well marked and easy to follow with only a relatively small amount of road walking needed. The weather was great. The camp site was dry. We met another troop who was camped closer to the lake.

There is no swimming in Greenbo so although it was hot, in the lake we were not.

We packed into camp (about 2 miles) - set up tents and then finished the loop (dropping off the Roa's in the Parking lot) and then hiked back to the camp site. In the morning we only had to pack about 2 miles out.

9/24/07 - the scouts and leaders aired out the tents and settled the troop gear back into the scout closet.

9/28-30/07 The OA held its fall fellowship - Daniel green was elected to be the second in command of the dance and drum team.

10/1/07 - this was our last planning meeting before the KT hike. We talked a little about what to bring for the hike and for the camp out.

10/5-7/07 KT hike. The adult and youth members of T-12 met at Camp Arrowhead at 6:00 AM. By 6:30 we were leaving for the trail head and we were on the trail as dawn broke at 7 AM. Mr Jackson drove our gear to Black Jack while we hiked off. I think that Mark Springer was driving the church van. We hiked the early miles with a jaunty air. We stopped along the way to help troops whose scouts were not prepared. We carried their packs. And dropped them off at the Williams Shelter (about mile 5 ish). After a brief rest to make sure that the scouts from other troops who we had picked up would be reunited with their troop, we set off for what would be a grueling day. We walked with Ed Dzierzak of T 762. We went up and down hills. Ed had us stop underneath a rock ledge in the shade (just below mile 10) for lunch. We had taken water at the road just before this. We went straight up hill after lunch. Here we lost one scout to dehydration. Lucky for us we met a back hiking paramedic and got him up to the road at mile 10 and were able to get him evacuated. This taught us the importance of staying hydrated and the need to prepare for a long hike. We set off on a flat bit on the road before once again heading into the woods. Many fences were crossed at styles. It was hot, in the 90's and water became an issue. The streams were dry and a water break was a precious site. We did some road walking over cleared hills and stopped at a man's house. He kindly lets the scouts use his well water . We all filled up out containers ( we needed about 3 liters a man between water drops - which were about every 5 miles). We walked down the hill and then up. As 5 Pm came and went we stopped and downed the last of the snacks that we carried with us. Ed hike on about a mile up the road and found that the hot dog stop was still open. We summoned out strength to make it their and sat down again for hot dogs and chips. We then descended into a bottom. The trail runs next to the creek through cow pastures. We crossed fence after fence. By now we had separated into two groups. One scout has mad cramps and Ed introduced us to "oral rehydration salts" - imagine drinking sweat. With these and Scout Master Pitanello's stretching, we got going again. Mile after mile we walked, never seeming to get any closer to Black Jack. The light and out spirit's faded. We had one last steep hill to climb. About half way up cramping resumed. With Ed and Greg's help we gout our scout moving and we hiked the rest of the way up the hill and then the last mile along the flat top of the hill into Black Jack by flash light. When we got there we were very impressed. The faster group had beaten us by at least a half an hour and had set up all of the tents. All we had to do was find our bag and place it in our tent. We dropped to the ground with joy, well and because we were exhausted. I was never so happy as when I saw those tents. After a bit of washing up and foot care - we went over as a troop and enjoyed a fine meal. They made sure that we did not go hungry. After dinner there was more foot care, a bit of star gazing and then I collapsed in my tent and slept. This was my first 20 miler. It had been very hot, the sky blue and relatively cloudless.

In the morning others arose before I. We packed our gear and tents and loaded it into Jeff Jackson's truck. We held a brief church service out of the Magnificat. Then having had a fine breakfast and having filled our water bottles we set off down the hill. Which I thought was great until I realized that we then had to go up hill. We raced a few troops for a while and then settled into our pace. We did a little road walking and passed by farm bottom land - trying to stay in the shade as much as we could as the sun and temperature rose. We broke for a snack break at the top of a small hill in the shade. Then we strode on breaking into two groups. Occasionally I halted the front one to allow the troop to reassemble. We road walked to the lunch meting area. Lunch was great. Here my recollections and the official scout record differ. I remember distinctly not filling my water bottles so that scouts could fill theirs and then watched the last 5 gallon jug run dry. It was hot, it was humid, and we did not all leave with much water. The dusty walk through the pine forest over hills was harder as I ran out of water (giving some away to smaller scouts, etc.). I was glad when we hit the construction site with its water drop. We walked along trough open areas and forest and pine forest. The trail went up and down hills, there was dust. Towards the end we crossed style after style (though by now our technique was down pat). I was never so happy as when I saw the end of the trace. An 11 mile hike done - 31 miles in two days. A big thanks to Jeff Jackson and Mark Springer who drove people and gear and helped to make this happen.

10/8/07 - troop meeting - we aired out tents and put troop gear away.

10/15/07 - I was out of town - we met - what happened?

10/21/07 We parked cars for the MU football game - it was dark and busy for the last 90 minutes - I think we parked 238 which beat my expectations. All appreciated the need for head lamps or flash lights.

10/22/07 5 leaders and 7 scouts met - we planned for elections, a cave trip in January, a ski trip in February, a cold camp in March, and a fishing trip in April. We worked on lashing and other skills with the younger scouts.

10/27/07 - we parked cars for the MU game - I think we parked nearly 300 - Homecoming

10/29/07 - Elections, the troop has chosen its new leadership:

Jr Assistant Scout Master - Christian Roa

SPL - Matt Peyton

ASPL - Jacob Masters

OA Rep - Daniel Green

Patrol leaders: Robby Blair and Michael Mayes

Chaplain Aid - Jacob Preston

Scribe - Quinton Mays

Quartermaster - Max Wilson

Librarian - William Cornell

Historian - Zach Dougherty

Troop Guides: Spencer Smith, JR Figler, Ryan Lavalley, Rob Anderson

Congratulations!!! Attendance was 7 leaders and 17 scouts. A pretty good turn out. After elections were over we conducted 2 BOR and 2 scouts advanced. Jacob P made Star and Jacob M made Life.

11/05/07 At this meeting 14 scouts attended. Older scouts worked with younger scouts on rank advancements and we held 2 BOR, Daniel and Quinton advanced to Life. Scoutmaster Mays got troop gear ready for TGIW and the scouts loaded it into my van.

11/12/07 12 scouts and 8 adults met, We held 3 BOR (results pending), Mr. Mays had the scouts load more TGIW gear into my van and he took a head count for dinner on Saturday.  Then the scouts played a game that had been created by 2 of the older scouts - kind of a sharks and minnows w/o the water.

11/16/07 - pre-TGIW camp out 12 scouts, 4 WEBELOS, and 7 leaders braved the cold and set up the SMP and made camp. Dinner featured jumbalaya. This was followed by a council cracker barrel that featured hot dogs, chips, and snacks. The scouts were asleep by "midnight-ish".

11/17/07 15 scouts and 16 leaders either attended the camporee, cooked, or ate dinner. It was at the Riverbend camp site. With guests the total was between 65 and 70 ( 2005 - 76, 2006 - 60) and was up from last year. We cooked 4 turkeys - 2 in pit and 2 in deep fryer and heated 2 hams. We had sweet potato (yam) casserole, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce made from real cranberries, stuffing, green beans, corn, bread and dessert - Apple crisp and peach Cobbler. the weather was fantastic - warm and clear in the 50's. At the camporee - the boys learned how to use a GPS and learned about geo cashing. Football and soccer were played. Some dug in the dirt - some for fun, others to make a pit oven. A good time was had by all - hope to see you there next year.

11/19/07 - post TGIW clean up meeting. Ok mayber some things should soak for a while, hmmm.

11/24/07 - this was the last parking event of the year - yippie skippy

11/26/07 - meeting - new leadership took over

12/10/07 - discussed issues related to cell phone calls - this was a well attended meeting. We all wish SPL Matt well - he missed the meeting because of appendicitis - excuse accepted.