Quick Start: Get Up And Start Hiking!

 

There are many reasons to start your hike early in the morning:

1. More time to hike farther and more time to enjoy nature and the scenery.
2. You will see more wildlife before other hikers scare them away from the area around the trail.
3. It is the cooler part off the day.
4. You can avoid hiking during afternoon thunderstorms.
5. The best campsites on the trail are first come, first served.

You can sleep at home but you cannot explore the wilderness while you’re sleeping, so get up and start hiking. If you don’t eat in camp it will give your group only one purpose at the start of the day: to break camp and start hiking. This is especially important if you are hiking with a group because some will be trying to eat while others are putting up gear and still others are taking down their tents, plus a few are still in their sleeping bag.. This is very inefficient because the group is not working together.  If you just have one objective, to get out of camp, things will go much better. This does take some planning by the group and individuals. The group needs to have someone in charge of things like the bear bag and the dining fly, and individuals need to pack up the night before, except for their shelter and sleep system.

You and your group will take a long break on the trail anyway, so why not make it your breakfast? Snack as you hike and try to get a few miles in before you stop for breakfast. Look for an awesome location with a beautiful view; better yet, find a spot where you can also refill your water bottles.  This “Quick Start” will let you enjoy our great outdoors.

 Philmont Quick Start

All the above reasons apply at Philmont, but it is even more important to hike efficiently so that you can enjoy the programs. I had a discussion with a Scout at Philmont who did not like getting up early and he said, “It is not a race”, but I had to disagree.  The programs at Philmont are first come, first served, so it is to your crew’s advantage to get there first. For an example, our sister crew (they started the same day and had the same itinerary) missed out on black powder shooting because they were slow getting into the staff camp.  It was a day that we were to summit Mount Phillips, but we were to have programs at Clear Creek Camp on our way to our trail camp on top of Mt. Phillips. Our crew got up early and we were the first to arrive at Clear Creek, therefore  we were able to get the first shooting slot after lunch. We enjoyed the other programs offered at the camp while waiting and we cooked our lunch (with no water available at our future campsite on Mt. Phillips). Our sister crew arrived after us and found that the only slot available for black powder shooting was so late in the day that it would make it difficult for them to reach their trail camp on Mt. Phillip,. They had to pass on doing the shooting, so because they got a late start they missed a cool program at Philmont.

The reasons I mentioned earlier about hiking in the cool of the day and avoiding the thunderstorms especially apply at Philmont.  There are many great vistas at Philmont to take long breaks and enjoy the view, so give your crew time to enjoy and still get into camp early to experience the programs.

Philmont Light Gear List

Backpacking Light Philmont Gear List

This article helped me reexamine what I was going to take to Philmont, and maybe the most important part was to understand that the official Philmont gear list is the maximum that you should take with you. It is about what you need not what you want. Your crew needs to take advantage of the fact that it is going as a group. So do you need 12 pocketknives, how many tubes of toothpaste, would one first aid kit be enough? Use the crew to divide the load and split the seldom-to-almost-never used stuff (who brushes their teeth at Philmont?). Keep your own TP, but the crew should have the group supply.

I took a second shirt because I wanted to have a dry shirt to put on if it rained. If it is the mid 50’s or above I don’t put on a raincoat while I’m hiking in the rain. It is too hot inside any “breathable” shell that I have ever worn if I’m trudging up a trail, so the heat and sweat would make me more uncomfortable then just being wet. That being said, if you can hike early in the day at Philmont and avoid the afternoon thunderstorms you can often avoid the hiking in the rain problem. I want to have a dry shirt to keep my core warm after I stop hiking, plus I can wash a shirt and have a dry one to put on. Mostly I used one shirt as my hiking shirt and the other as my camp shirt. My camp shirt was a Columbia long sleeved shirt with the air vents in the back, while my hiking shirt was a merino t-shirt (Icebreaker). If you want to keep the stench down then you need to go with merino because the synthetic shirts will become nasty in a day or 2. I also carried no underwear, just like the author of the article. I used the built-in briefs of running shorts with pockets and the same zipoff pants that author used. You need long pants for many of the programs that Philmont provides and I use a rain skirt instead of rain pants, so I needed another pair of pants. I love hiking in my running shorts and the extra airflow provided by the built in briefs helps to make it more comfortable to hike, there is a reason that hiking kilts have a popularity with some long distance backpackers.

Philmont requires separate sleep clothes so that you have no smellables in your tent. I used a merino shirt and the lightest running shorts I could find (with no built in briefs) to get as much air flow as possible.

I would recommend the Dri ducks rain suits for most Scouts because they are light and cheap. They can be your pants and windshirt, but they are just Tyveks so they are not bombproof.

Use your shakedown hikes to work out what is best for you.

I wanna go back to Philmont.

T934 Philmont Movie 2010

The short version of our 2010 Philmont trip. You get to roll with "Wagon Wheel" as the slide show plays.

3D Archery at Apache Springs

2010 Philmont Crew doing 3D Archery at Apache Springs.

Philmont 2010

In the Summer of 2010 Troop 934 sent a crew (623-E4) to Philmont Scout Ranch. After flying 3/4 the way across the country we had a adventure filled pre-trip. In Denver we attended a Rockies game; in Colorado Springs we visited the Air Force Academy, the Indian Cliff Dwellers, and finished with the "Garden of the Gods". Then the next day we had a full day of whitewater rafting trip down the Browns Canyon section on the Arkansas River. The next day over we biked 20 miles down the 14,000 foot Pikes Peak and revisited the Garden of the Gods.

After all of that we then were able to get to the meat of our adventure at Philmont.

I've been gathering the pictures and adding some maps and patches to help divide the days. I still have the hope of getting a few more pictures and will update if I get some more. The photo album has over 800 pictures, but I have culled just as many. If you have some time to spend check out our "Summit of Scouting" adventure. Click below to see the photo album.

From Philmont Picks

Sea Base 2010

In the summer of 2010 Troop 934 sent 17 Scouts and Scouters down to the Florida Keys and the BSA Sea Base. They took part in the High Adventure Sea Exploring program. Below is the description offered at the BSA Sea Base web site.

SEA EXPLORING (Keys Tall Ship)

Designed for larger groups (either a council contingent or a larger troop), offering your crew the opportunity to experience a sailing adventure of yesteryear. These are large vessels, 75 feet or more, normally gaff-rigged topsail schooners, fully equipped and prepared to provide an unforgettable adventure snorkeling the beautiful Keys' reefs, fishing, and hands-on sailing as well as a port-o-call in Key West.

For a hands-on sailing adventure voyage, one that is exciting, ruggedly challenging, and excellent for larger groups, pack your sea bag for the Sea Exploring program. This is an eight day event.

Click on the picture to go to photo album.

Sea Base 2010

2010 Webelos Trip

In November we had a wonderful trip with the Pack 934 Webelos. We went to Camp Raven Knob and spent the weekend at Cold Creek Camp site and the Kyle Johnson Shelter. Our older Scouts helped the Webelos with their Readymen requirements and assisted our first year Boy Scouts with advancement requirements. Everybody had a chance to play in Mountain Men games. Lots of really good food and great times.

Fall Fellowship 2010

Fall Fellowship at Camp Raven Knob was a great success. A great turnout, election of Lodge and Chapter offices,patch trading,tasty food(and lots of it), and loads of fun. Troop 934 had three of its Scouts elected to office for the Elauwit Chapter. Andy was elected VCA (Vice Chief of Administration), Philip was elected to VCECA (Vice Chief of Elections and Camping Activities), and David is the new VCP (Vice Chief of Publication). Congratulations!

Creeper Trail BikeTrip

What could be better than a 17 mile downhill bike ride on the Virginia Creeper Trail? Not anything our intrepid Scouts could think of. It is a beautiful ride that starts at Whitetop and ends in Damascus. We then had the opportunity to play in Beartree Lake, and this gave us a chance to reinforce the "Buddy System". The food was great with wonderful cobblers by Ricki, tasty bacon by Justin and Kyle, and fluffy pancakes courtesy of Philip and Steven. Our new SPL Evan helped to make this a very successful adventure.

Creeper Trail 2010

Shinning Light 2010

Troop 934 led the parade of units around BB&T ballpark at the 100th BSA Anniversary Shining Light event. Our own Sean R. and Thomas B. helped to represent the Boy Scouts and were presented a flag by Congresswoman Foxx. To see more pictures check out my Shinning Light Web album on the right.

14 Eagles Take Flight

Fourteen Scouts with T-934 were recently awarded the rank of Eagle Scout at a joint ceremony at Mt. Tabor United Methodist Church on June 6.
Senator Richard Burr participation in the ceremony.

Standing (Left to Right): Senator Richard Burr, Alex Bauer, KyleNoyes, Benjamin Smith, Jonathan Walker, Matthew Walker, Drew Wall & Jarret Cline.

Kneeling (left to Right): John Alava, Austin Butler, Thomas Beaty, Grant Jared, BradleyStokes, Robert Eason, Colin Arnott(not pictured).

Congratulations guys!

T934 Scout at the Jamboree

Check out Josh Golden's blog from from the Boy Scouts Jamboree.



Josh on TV.

Boogerman Trail 2010

Boogerman 2010

A split shakedown hike in the Great Smokies on a double loop trail. I insisted that we had to do the Boogerman Trail (I loved the name). A very pretty area and if I have time I'll write about my encounter with Momma and Baby Bear. Enjoy the pictures.

Artic Blast 2010

Arctic Blast on Grandfather Mountain
McRae Meadow, Grandfather Mountain, Linville, NC
Depart — Saturday, February 20, 2010
Meet at MTMC by 8:00 A.M.
Depart from MTMC @ 8:30 A.M.
Return — Sunday, February 21, 2010
Parents pick up scouts @ 2:30 P.M.

Cost —$10.00 (plus pocket money)
Parents; Read the required clothing and equipment list. We expect very cold temperatures. Please ensure scout is safe; assist your scout in packing all required clothing and equipment.

Equipment List
Wear:
 Class A Uniform
 Jacket or fleece
 Boots with wool socks (you must bring winter boots see below)
 Spending money; we will stop for morning snack and return lunch

Pack:
 Backpack with pack cover
 Winter Coat
 Insulated Winter Boots (snow boots – no sneakers!)
 Mittens or gloves with glove liners
 Toboggan hat or ski mask (wool knit)
 Extra pair of Long Pants
 Extra Long Sleeve shirt
 Sweat Shirt or wool sweater
 Extra pairs of underwear. tee shirt, and long underwear
 Extra wool socks
 Rain gear or poncho
 Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries
 Winter Sleeping bag (or supplement lighter bag with a blanket or liner)
 Sleeping Pad
 Ground Cloth or Small Tarp
 Personal Hygiene Kit (toothbrush, etc)
 Bowl, Cup, Fork, Spoon
 Compass ( if you have one)

Veteran's Day Parade

Mr. Vickers organized an opportunity for the Ravens to march in the Veteran's Day parade. Mr. Dossel has also uploaded some pictures.




It was a great way for the boys to learn about what our Veterans did for our country.

Camp Grimes with Webelos 2009

Webelos-Grimes-09

Click on photo for photo album.

We again went to Camp Grimes for our November Webelos trip and once again had a great time. The week before was filled with rain but on our weekend it was great weather. We were prepared for 80 people so we put together a special Scout Cook Crew to cook for them all. Our wonderful Scoutmaster (H2) even made each boy a special apron to signify their special position as part of the “Cook Crew”. They were led by Jay C. with long time Scouter Mr. Werkman providing coaching and encouragement. It started with hot dogs and kielbasa on Friday night and continued until lunch on Sunday.

The Ravens were able to finish many of their rank advancement requirements by making a fire, going on a hike, and preparing and cooking a meal over fire on Saturday. The Troop provided the Webelos the opportunity to earn their Outdoorsman Activity Badge. Then Webelos had a chance to participate in Highland Games with the Troop. We had a nice flag retirement ceremony on Saturday night along with a hearty meal of Chili and Beef Stew followed by Dutch Oven Cobblers.

On Sunday the Webelos started their day with a mountain man breakfast cooked by our Cook Crew. Then it was on to our day hike around Camp Grimes. We finished up with a Chapel service provided by our Chaplain Assistant Ryan K. It was a nice ending to our weekend with the Webelos.

Camp Grimes/ Webelos Trip

Camp Grimes
(Last Trip of the 2009!!)
Featuring Highland Games

Who: Scouts, Leaders and Guests

When: November 13-15, 2009

Where: Camp Grimes (Charlotte’s version of Raven Knob)

Why: Good Times, Good Food and Great Scout Fellowship

What: Spending our last weekend of the year at an excellent Scout Camp. The Troop leaders will provide fine dining for all. H2 will lead the exciting Highland Games (kilts optional) with a strenuous tug of war to end the festivities. Take part in teaching Scout skills to Webelos as we start them on the path to being a Boy Scout. Free time to play (basketball, football, Frisbee or whatever else you can imagine to do). The older Scouts will be able to do a COPE program that will include: Rock Climbing, Rappelling, Zip Lines, Obstacle Course and Team Building. We will end our stay on Sunday with a hike to further explore Camp Grimes.

Highland Games Highlights:

Caber Toss: The throwing of a young tree trunk used as a trial of strength in a Scottish sport.

Shot Put: A field event in which a rock is heaved for distance.

Hammer Throw: A field event in which a rock is attached to a wood handle and is thrown for distance.

Tug-of-War: A contest in which two teams pull against each other at opposite ends of a rope with the object of pulling the middle of the rope over a mark on the ground.

Cost: $20

What to Bring:

• Bag Supper (Friday Bus Ride)
• Sleeping Bag
• Foam/air pad for sleeping bag
• Toiletries (toothbrush, tooth paste, soap or hand sanitizer etc., etc...)
• Rain jacket (no ponchos)
• Hat, Cap or toboggan
• Gloves
• Pants (dry fit, no cotton)
• Shirts
• Undershirts (dry fit, no cotton)
• Underwear
• 1 water bottles
• Long underwear
• Fleece Sweatshirt
• Socks
• Small Flashlight or headlamp
• Non-aerosol Bug Repellant
• Sunscreen Lotion, if desired
• Spending Money
• Extra jacket (suitable for the weather)
• Personal First Aid Kit
• Compass
• Rope
• Backpack w/ Pack Cover
• Cup, bowl, and spoon

What not to Bring:

o Electronics
o Snacks
o Cell Phones

Departure and Arrival Times

Friday 5:00 Meet at Church (Bring Supper)
5:30 Depart
Sunday
3:00 Arrive at Church
3:30 Gear Stored – Go Home

T934 Popcorn Sale

Here is some information about our Troop Popcorn sales.

Important document Links:

2009 Troop Popcorn Information

2009 Troop Popcorn Calender

Receipt

And Read the Important Information Below:

SCOUTS & PARENTS:

Are you READY to sell some POPCORN?! Sale starts THIS THURSDAY - 10/1/09!

Do you know WHAT'S NEW FOR 2009 ?!

Hopefully, you got a TRAIL'S END POPCORN SALE PACKET in the mail containing ORDER FORMS and PRODUCT INFO -- OR -- you were at the MEETING this week and picked one up! (If you didn't, you'll need to COME BY CYNTHIA MCGUINNESS' house and pick one up from the file box. Address & directions are at the end of this email.)

PLEASE DISREGARD THE LEVEL PRIZE INFO in the Trail's End mailer. Our level prize program is SO much better!! You can EARN prizes based on your sales level -and- ONCE YOU REACH $350 IN SALES, YOU WILL BE ENTERED IN WEEKLY TROOP PRIZE DRAWINGS. The more you sell after that, the more chances you get in the drawings. The prizes in the weekly drawings are FABULOUS, but you need to be AT THE MEETINGS to actually win! Last year, someone's name was drawn for $160, interior frame, uber-light, adjustable backpack, but he wasn't there. My son's name was drawn next, and he's been putting it to use ever since.

**See the TROOP POPCORN INFO FORM for more details on the PRIZE PACKAGE !!**

TAKE A LOOK at the Trail's End packet! Get familiar w/ the PRODUCTS and ((NEW this year)) read up on how to COLLECT DONATIONS for the Scouts and/or Military Troops. Yep, people who don't want to buy popcorn for themselves can still support Scouting either directly or by BUYING POPCORN FOR THE TROOPS! Scouts get FULL CREDIT towards earning prizes for donations & military gifts... but the donors will need YOU to give them a RECEIPT! The file containing the receipt form is attached to this email, and you can print as many as you need.

SET A SALES GOAL! Scouts have been asked to reach AT LEAST $350 in total popcorn sales & donations. (Re-read that prize package info!)

>>>Our Troop's Total Goal is $30,000!<<<

PUT ON YOUR CLASS A UNIFORM & GO! Remember all the safety rules (use the buddy system, don't go inside houses, look both ways, don't sit down with your pen in your back pocket, etc...) and remember to SPEAK UP about our great Scouting program and TASTY products! >>Idea: keep your sales sheets every year & take them with you when you sell! Help people remember what they got last year & suggest they buy extra!

~~BLITZ WEEK INFO~~ This year, you have over a WEEK to fill up a sheet and earn the BLITZ PRIZE! Choose between a "Bow & Mallow" and a Suunto A-30 compass. See Trail's End Mailer for picture & details on this as well as how to earn tickets to the WFU Sports Spectacular plus SCHOLARSHIP info.

TURN IN ANY CASH/CHECKS YOU COLLECT EACH WEEK to Mr. Spiegelman. Technically, you're not supposed to collect payment for popcorn orders until delivery, but sometimes people insist. That's OK - if they insist, take their money (or better yet, their CHECK made out to TROOP 934) and check off their order as "PD" in the last column on the order form. If they give you a donation, don't forget to give them a receipt & note the gift details on the portion of the form you keep. PARENTS - you may need to show your Scout how to do this part. If you need more info on this, please contact me & I'll walk you through it.

* * FORMS-YOU-NEED * *

** Please PRINT & KEEP this email & the attachments. **

ADDITIONAL COPIES OF SALES FORMS & RECEIPTS will be available in a file box in my driveway by the garage.

1. 2009 TROOP POPCORN CALENDAR - get it done on time!

2. 2009 TROOP 934 POPCORN INFORMATION FORM / PRIZE INFO.

(Scouts: If you have NOT turned one of these in, please print 2 copies & turn 1 in! We need your goals!)

3. RECEIPT FORMS - for donations. It may help to pre-clip these at least part-way before you head out.

I am one of a few people helping Steve Kelley with the sale this year. More help will be needed as the sale progresses, especially when that truckload of popcorn rolls in! Please let Steve, Cathy Watkins-Smith or me know if you can help in any way.

Thanks & best wishes for a successful sale!

Cynthia McGuinness

4005 Windsor Place Drive, W-S, NC 27106

922-4922

Directions to my house from the church:

Right on Robinhood Road

Right on Shattalon Drive

(down the hill...up the hill...)

Windsor Place development is at the top of the hill on the left w/ a brick wall running along Shattalon Drive.

Turn Left onto Windsor Place Drive.

At 2nd STOP sign, turn right onto Willow Knoll & make an immediate left into my driveway.

(I live on the corner of Windsor Place Drive, but my driveway is on Willow Knoll. There are two yellow Adirondack rockers in my front yard.)

The file box will be labeled "Troop 934"

New Blog

I am helping with Troop 934 trek to Philmont in 2010 and so I started another blog for high adventure trips. T934 High Adventure. If you would like you can follow our adventure as we prepare for "a trip of a lifetime".

Summer Camp 09

Check on the link to see a few pictures from Raven Knob.

Raven Knob 09