Trip Descriptions
Boy Scout Troop 9
<www.t9ch.org/>
2003 - 2004

August 2003 Camp Durant Campout, Carthage, NC

This "starter" trip is an overnight camping experience in preparation for longer trips. The camp is at an old Boy Scout camp on Kerr Lake. The day's activities include swimming, canoeing and kayaking. Canoeing skills are covered in preparation for the Cape Fear canoe trip.

September 2003 Cape Fear River Canoe Trip

This canoe trip is along a section of the Cape Fear River between Sanford and Lillington. The river is largely flat water with several rapids, which are remnants of dams from the era when the river was traveled by steamboat through a series of locks and dams. Overnight is spent at Raven Rock State Park, a natural wonder.

October 2003 Patrol  Trips

Patrol trips are focused on three elements of camping for the individual patrols: 1.) site selection, 2.) trip coordination, 3.) an easy, fun weekend. Trips can be as simple as back yard over nighters. Adult oversight and approval are required.

November 2003 Shenandoah National Park, VA

The hike under pack is six miles of the Appalachian Trail and Rip Rap trails in the Shenandoah National Park, from the Calvary Rocks parking lot on Skyline Drive at the southern end of the park. The route passes Calvary Rocks, Cold Spring Hollow, and Rip Rap Hollow. Friday and Saturday nights will be spent at Cold Spring Hollow. A day hike on Saturday will include the Rocks Mountain trail. Return to Chapel Hill will be Sunday afternoon.

December 2003 Vertical Edge Lock-in

This is an overnight at the Vertical Edge climbing center. The boys can climb all night.

January 2004 Grandfather Mountain

Grandfather Mountain provides backpacking sites on the side of the mountain with numerous trails for hiking and climbing. The highlight of the trip are the "ladders" near the top of the mountain.

February 2004 Joyce Kilmer

The Joyce Kilmer Wilderness is one of the few remaining stands of virgin forest in the eastern United States. The Tulip Tree or Poplar grove near the southern entrance is magnificent. The flora vary strikingly with sharp lines between stands of deciduous and coniferous forest. The hike in along Little Santeetlah Creek provides opportunities to lunch beside downed hemlocks with rings that can't be counted during one meal. The view from Naked Ground, the bald gap at the head of the Little Santeetlah Creek watershed, is not to be missed. This is a place to come back to.

March 2004 Staff Trip (Caving, tba, TN)

This year's staff trip will be the annual caving trip. The group will stay in cabins in a Tennessee state park and spend the day exploring one of the many Tennessee caves.

April 2004 Orange District Camporee

A good chance for fellowship with brother scouts from other units. The program is seldom exciting but this leaves more opportunity for good visiting time. The Saturday night campfire is always exciting with the Order of the Arrow, The Brotherhood of Cheerful Service, and the tap out of candidates from the troop.

May 2004 Kerr Lake Bike Trip and Spring Court of Honor

This trip is a one day forty mile bike trip Saturday with an overnight at the Kaufmanhaus near the Haw north of Pittsboro. The bike trip includes a car and trailer that follow to pick up folks with equipment failures or who are ready for a rest. Families are welcome for the whole trip but are particularly encouraged to come Saturday evening for the Spring Court of Honor. On Sunday, weather permitting, the troop will go canoeing and kayaking on the Haw at Jordan Lake.

July 2004 Summer Camp

This week of intense advancement at Summer Camp provides the scouts an opportunity to complete a series of merit badges especially in aquatics, crafts, and areas like Environmental Science that work well with a daily attention. Class time is mixed with free time, recreation, and campfires that are put on by a consistently enthusiastic and well trained staff.