Greeneagle5

I need opinions : Our Troop's trailer (heavy, 16 ft. tandem, cargo) is pulled by ASM's on most every camp-out and major Scout activity. It requires a 3/4 ton truck/suburban to manage the hitch weight. Question : Should Scouts be permitted to ride in the Trailer towing vehicle ? It seems like an extra risk/burden on the driver when there is usually several open seats in accompanying vehicles. Does BSA have a published opinion on this ? Greeneagle5

Hey mk9750, Share some more info., it sounds interesting. Who.....what...where...when.....contact site, etc. Thanks, Greeneagle5

Eagle69, We loaded your raft w/ info on the Ocoee River @ the Open Discussion Forum. Greeneagle5(This message has been edited by Greeneagle5)

Eagle69, A few more notes : The outfitter(NOC) in 2002 presented a Troop meeting program for our trip promotion by using a guide that lived in the St.Louis metro area. His program included useful insight into what we would encounter on the rivers, equipment we'd use, safety procedures and equipment, and a general introduction to the region's natural history and geology. He also had hand-outs, and a great video. This speaker answered mega-many questions after the meeting and was appreciated by parents and Scouts. We took a group of 50+ in 2002. The rivers are VERY popular, don't wait to contact an outfitter. We already have made a deposit and itenerary w/ NOC for July. Mid week trips are less congested but still busy and popular w/ large groups of summer camps. Ocoee is dam controlled(TVA) and has a water release schedule posted (TVA site) for commercail rafting outfitters. Water releases are not every day so check w/ outfitter ASAP. Greeneagle

Our Troop experienced the Nantahala, Chattooga, and Ocoee in 2002. The Scouts voted on returning again this Summer...........so..............we're headed out again in July. We use Nantahala Outdoor Center ( www.noc.com )as our pricipal outfitter............very experienced professionals, safety is top quality, and I happened to work for them on the rivers way back in the wild '70's. We stay @ their basecamp facility on the Nantahala River (rustic cabins, with bunks, shower facilities, and a community kitchen) that is located @ their main operations headquarters. I'd suggest trying the Nanatahala R. (fast Class 2 - 3+) for a break-in run, if this is a 1st time whitewater experience for younger/older Scouts. We actually run the Nantahala twice the 1st day, and end the trip w/ a wild and wet ride down the Ocoee as we head home to Missouri. Hope this helped you Eagle69. Greeneagle5

The flames have died down with his recent apology to the Troop and CC. We hope he will adapt and lead us in a forward direction. Thanks for your comments and input. Greatly appreciated, some were sent to the CC. Greeneagle5

This COH was very important to me due to one of my son's Patrol members was receiving his Eagle...........The SM's personal agenda was an unappreciated distraction to this special occasion, for me and I'm sure the Eagle's family and honored guests. Not to mention 10 new Scout families at their 1st COH !!! Greeneagle5

At a recent COH our SM's Minute turned into a sermon lecturing the audience on why he insists on using the inappropriate verse to Scouts: " I'll kill you if you don't receive your Eagle award !!" The CC has repeatedly visited this controversial behavior w/ the SM...but he has his agenda, period. The CC is wood-badge trained and is gently shoving the SM towards a boy run Troop, which he is fighting.This is causing frustrations among parents and the ASM corps who like the SM but feel he needs to bend his attitudes, at times. The SM is very well liked, long tenured with theTroop,but this situation is creating Troop tensions which spill over into Scout activities. Whats the best way to get a handle on this situation ? I need input........Thanks ! Greeneagle5

Our Troop *HAT* for 2004 is a return trip (2002) to NOC @Wesser, N.C. in the Nantahala N.F. and just outside the Great Smoky Mtns. N.P. Scouts really enjoyed the whitewater rafting in 2002 and voted overwhemingly to return in 2004. We'll take an instructional 1 day course in whitewater kayaking this year along w/ rafting the Nantahala River (2 times) and the fun-filled (hold on tight)Ocoee River . Our trip out to NOC will detour slightly for a 5 hour cave tour(60 degree coolness) at Mammoth Cave NP (to work off some road stress and July humidity). NOC has great barebones cabins and kitchen facilities for Scout groups, as well as awesome w/w trips. It also offers group meals @ their river-side restaurants, equipment rentals such as mtn.bikes, and backpacks for the tons of nearby trails and tracks (AT goes right thru NOC's facilities).

We're sending a few older Scouts to an OoC Camp(Camp MANCHESTER on KENTUCKY LAKE) this year prior to our Troop going to our *In Council Camp*. These older Scouts will be participating in a *High Adventure Program* that our council doesn't offer or promote as of yet. This might spur the Troop into looking outside the home Council Camp for more exciting and rewarding experiences in the future.