Troop Nine Bowline
Volume 3 Issue 2
January 1997
BOY SCOUT TROOP 9
CHAPEL HILL, NC


TROOP CHARTER

The troop renewed its charter in January with twenty-three active scouts ranging from four scouts, three Tenderfoot, two Second Class, seven Star, six Life, and one Eagle. We are grateful for the long standing and continuing sponsorship of the Chapel of the Cross. We also recognize the tremendous contribution John Risk makes to the troop as liaison with the church and active participant in troop activities.



STONE MOUNTAIN

The first hiking trip of the year had perfect weather. With twelve scouts, five adults, and a younger brother, we had a wonderful week-end of fellowship. A day-hike across the mountain and around to the falls provided clear lovely views of the ridge line that the Parkway traverses. Color was not quite at peak, but with the bright skies, the hikers were out in abundance. Quite a change of pace from the planned trip to Hammocks Beach State Park. We hope to put that park back on our agenda after the damage from Hurricane Fran is repaired.




SHINING ROCK

The Troop's November trip to the Shining Rock Wilderness Area was our first snow trip of the year. Seventeen scouts and nine adults hiked in from Ivestor Knob to Grassy Cove Knob on a cold Saturday afternoon. With several inches of fresh powder on Saturday night, we decided that either dry feet or warm were a good idea. Since we could not seem to arrange for one or the other of those conditions for everyone, we left a day early: a great learning experience for all and a fun time. We look forward to a repeat visit with more favorable weather.



HANGING ROCK

After snow, we decided to settle for cold rain for December. With heightened preparation, seven scouts and two adults hiked up the Window Falls and Hidden Falls trail Saturday in a steady, cold drizzle. A great evening with a cooking contest left the Panthers as the undisputed champion cooking patrol for the trip: salad with Ranch dressing, barbecued chicken, and an iced cake. The Eagles were a strong second with a superbly prepared quesadilla. Rain no obstacle, the non-cooks demonstrated their fire building prowess with a cheery camp fire for after-dinner marshmallows. Sunday was cold and bright. A brisk hike to Hanging Rock and a picnic before returning home made for a pleasant and memorable trip.



PHILMONT WARM UP

As part of the preparation for the trip this summer, scouts and parents who are scheduled for the Philmont trip were encouraged to attend the February climb on Maple Camp Trail. This 3400 foot climb is an excellent preview. Peak altitudes of 6600 feet will compare with the base at Philmont. On top of that (no pun intended), the views from Balsam Cone, Potato Hill, and Deep Gap are well worth the trip.




DUES DUE

Troop dues are fifty dollars a year for the September to August troop year. This fee covers registration, Boys Life, badges, and troop equipment. Scholarships are available. If you have not sent in your son's dues, please do so now. Checks should be payable to Boy Scout Troop 9. If you have a question, please contact the Scoutmaster.



PARENTS' COMMITTEE

The Troop Committee, the parent leadership of the troop, meets once a month to review troop activity and plan for future events. The meetings are from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. on the second Thursday. All parents are welcome.



LEADERS COUNCIL

The scouts who lead the troop meet once a month to plan troop activities for the following month. The meetings are from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. on the Friday after the second Thursday. Patrol Leaders, Assistant Patrol Leaders, Senior and Assistant Senior Patrol Leaders, Scribe, Quartermaster, Junior Assistant Scoutmaster, and other boy leaders are expected to attend. Bring a bag supper or pizza.



COURT OF HONOR

The Troop 9 Court of Honor, held January 28, 1997 marked the first step on the Eagle trail for Taylor Ansley, Lucas Nelson, Graham Paulsgrove and John Williams who advanced to the rank of Tenderfoot Scout. Andrew Hoover marched a step closer to Eagle earning First Class Scout rank, and Mike Clarke-Pearson advanced to the rank of Life Scout, one notch away from Eagle. Eagle Scout Ben Peterson continues to advance; for additional work beyond the Eagle requirements he was awarded the Bronze Palm. Merit Badges were awarded to 8 scouts: Family Life to Evan and Ryan Erickson, and Chris Garlington; First Aid to Jason Gabriel, Eric Nelson and Scott Noel; Nature to Ben Irvin; and Citizenship in the Nation, Weather, Wood Carving and Woodwork to Nathan Ripperton. Congratulations to all the scouts for their hard work.



Troop 9 is a youth ministry of the Chapel of the Cross, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and a scout unit in the Occoneechee Council of the Boy Scouts of America.