TROOP 9 NEWSLETTER

Chapel of the Cross

March 3, 1971

Troop Scoutmaster


Beginning in March, Jim Coke will assume duties as Scoutmaster. Mel Mohr, Scoutmaster during the fall, stepped down due to an extremely demanding schedule at the hospital. We are pleased that Mel has agreed to continue in the capacity of Assistant Scoutmaster. Tony Owen, who has been with the Troop for several years continues to be active aa Assistant Scoutmaster.

Troop Court of Honor

Court of Honor will be held in the scout troop meeting room in the basement of Chapel of the Cross at 7:30 on March 10, 1971. All scouts are expected to attend and are urged to bring their mothers and fathers. In addition to several scouts who will go through Tenderfoot Investiture, there are a number of scouts who have advanced in rank and some who have earned merit badges. A11 the scouts will participate in the ceremony; therefore, it is very important to have all the scouts present. Parents of all scouts are invited to get acquainted with the troop leaders and the program for the remainder of the year.

Activities For The Spring

1. There will be a Troop Committee meeting at 7:30 p.m. on March 15 at the home of Francis de Friess, 303 Pine Street, Carrboro. All fathers who are interested in the activities of their sons in the Scouting Program are invited to attend this meeting. It you would like to find out how you can participate in our Scouting Program and our outdoor campouts, this meeting is an excellent opportunity.

2. Troop 9 has been very active in the National Scouting Conservation ProJect SOAR (Save Our American Resources). The Troop initiated its SOAR Program on February 13 with a display at Eastgate to round out Scout Week. The display consisted of a map of Chapel Hill and photos with short essays identifying areas where Chapel Hill residents could undertake conservation projects of their own to improve their community. The display included photos and a model of the Troop's own SOAR project. The Troop project, which will be carried out on March 20th, is an effort to correct an erosion problem along Culbreth Rd.. The Troop intends to plant grass seed and cover the area with straw. Fulfillment of a SOAR project will entitle each scout to wear the much coveted SOAR patch.

3. Linville Gorge Wilderness Trip: On March 26, 27 and 28 Troop 9 will take a backpacking trip through the rugged and scenic Linville Gorge. The trip will take the scouts through an area of North Carolina which is regarded as one of the most beautiful, untouched virgin forests in the Eastern United States. Several fathers are already planning to go on this trip and others who are interested are welcome.

4. Spring Camporee: This Camporee will emphasize primitive camping utilizing only that equipment which the boys can carry on their backs. The Camporee will be held at Camp Reeves on April 16, 17 and 18. Camp Reeves is located near Carthage, N.C. and is the same camp they will attend this summer.

5. Scout-O-Rama: All families of scouts are urged to attend this Scout-O-Rama to be held at the Fairgrounds in Raleigh on May 1st. A Scout-O-Rama is a Scout Fair exhibiting all aspects of the scouting program. Troop 9's entry will include a filmed account of its outdoor activities during the spring.

6, Camping trips for May and June: A weekend camping trip on May 13, 14 and 15 and a June outing have been planned. Details for these trips will be announced later.

7. Summer Scout Camp: Troop 9 has decided to attend Camp Reeves again this summer during the week of July 18-24. We have found that summer camp has been a very rewarding experience for the boys. The week is dedicated to advancing boys in the scouting program while they enjoy a fun filled week of outdoor camping. The camp provides a trained staff of instructors in addition to the troop's adult leaders. Total fee for each scout for summer camp is $25. A registration fee of $5.00 in advance is required for each boy. This registration fee must be sent in during March in order to secure a campsite. A11 parents who want their boy to attend summer camp are urged to send the $5 deposit to the troop by March 25.

Attendance--

Troop 9 is currently enjoying active attendance at both meetings and outings. We are pleased with the current participation of the scouts and hope that it will continue throughout the spring and summer. Our scouting progress can only be successful through the combined efforts of scout leaders and parents alike. Because of the amount of time that boys are involved in scouting activities we feel that parents should share in the responsibilities of that program in order to make it a success.

Yours for better Scouting
Troop 9