Our program in 1984 provided opportunities to be in the outdoors and learn outdoor skills, services (without pay) to the community for its betterment, introductions to many areas of knowledge, development of leadership skills, and personal growth in confidence and self-reliance. Activities included camping trips to Raven Rock and Hang Rock State Parks, a backpacking trip to Mount Rogers, Virginia, being "bell hops" for the Elderhostel program at UNC, and rebuilding a trail at the N. C. Botanical Gardens.
We are proud to report that in addition to the number of skill awards, merit badges, 50 miler awards, and mile swim awards earned, 8 boys earned advancement in rank. Particularly noteworthy are Pat Rothwell, who earned God and Country as well as the Life Progress Award, and Andrew Leech, who earned Scouting's highest advancement award for boys, the Eagle Progress Award.
In 1984, Troop 9 had a membership of 23 boys. We currently have 15 boys and are seeking to increase our membership to about 30.
Troop 9 operates with money collected as dues, earned through occasional fund raisers, and with the kind support of Chapel of the Cross. We are also fortunate to have parents who donate their time, expertise, and transportation towards the accomplishment of our program goals.
Currently, Troop 9's leadership rests with Andrew Melvin, Senior Patrol Leader, Pat Rothwell, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Neal Hutcheson, Patrol Leader of Delta Patrol, Stan Black, Patrol Leader of Phoenix Patrol, Roger Connor, Scoutmaster, Genet Hutcheson, Committee Chairman, and Lyman Ripperton, Scouting Coordinator.
In 1985, the 38 year tradition of Troop 9 providing an outstanding program
of camping, hiking, community service and leadership development will continue.
Our goals are to recruit more members, possibly establish an amateur radio
station, have more boys advance towards Eagle, establish several long-term
relationships with area community services, and plan for a major expedition
to one of the Scout High Adventure bases.