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Written by Jeff Gleiser Tuesday, 07 April 2009 02:13
Report from Raven’s Knob
For the past several weeks, Scouts have been preparing for our trip to Raven’s Knob Scout Camp in Mount Airy. The trek was a great challenge for everyone, and it was met with a good attitude and many lessons in self-reliance, perseverance, and team work. The map and compass were tools we used often, as we traversed the western ridge above the camp.
We arrived to “The Knob” on Friday evening and quickly set camp as darkness fell. It was cool with a stiff wind along the ridge where we were camped. Much to everyone’s disappointment, we could not start a fire due to the wind. This dashed any hopes for a snack of s’mores Silas brought to share. Instead, everyone chose to turn in early for the night.
Written by Jeff Gleiser Saturday, 28 March 2009 01:33
The Troop will be backpacking the Boundary Trail of Camp Raven Knob the weekend of April 3 -5,
2009. Camp Raven Knob is the Boy Scout property owned by Old Hickory Council. It is located
north west of Mt. Airy, NC. It is a beautiful camp in a mountain setting. The trail is going to be a
challenge, but the trail system around Raven Knob will allow for changes and shortening of the route
if the need arises.
All Scouts and Leaders should plan to carry 3 water bottles (96 – 100 oz) total. We will have access
to streams along the way, but would prefer to start off well supplied. We will have filters to purify the
water supply. As this is a backpacking trip, Scouts should plan and bring meals, cooking pot, and
stove in addition to tent and sleeping bag. We will have fuel for them. They should plan on a snack
for Friday evening, three meals Saturday, and Sunday breakfast. Look at the weather for the Mt Airy
area on Thursday to plan for the weather. Cost for the trip will depend on the food choices, a
donation for gas, $3 for camp facilities, and some spending cash for lunch on Sunday in Mt Airy.
Written by David Edrington Sunday, 22 March 2009 00:00
Although we had to wait an extra week due to the rain out last weekend, Troop 534 had a great time at the 2009 Camporee at Camp Cherokee. On Friday night we set up camp in the primitive campsite, on Saturday morning we broke camp and began our 5 mile around Cherokee.
Along the way we were able to spot lots of different animal tracks, including coyote, turkey, deer, and one very large dog track.
We broke for lunch by the Farmer Lake. After lunch we hiked to the shelter by the pump (uphill the whole time it seemed) and set up our camp for the night.
Saturday night after dinner, we sat around the fire with the other troops, sang songs and performed skits. Then the troop participated in a United States flag retirement ceremony; two flags were retired.
Sunday morning we arose to chilly but sunny morning, broke camp, ate breakfast and hiked the last 1 1/2 miles back to our cars. We stopped along the way to show the younger scouts the different areas of Camp Cherokee to prepare them for Summer Camp.
Special thanks to Larry Parker and Tom Gold for all their work in setting up this very fun event.
Below is Silas, Ben and Jeff hiking after lunch.
We will meet at the community building at 5:30p on Friday, March 20th. We will leave and go to Camp Cherokee to set up our camp for Friday night. The cost of the trip is $7 per person. Each Scout is responsible for bringing their food.
Saturday –
6:30 is a suggested “Get Up” time, due to the amount of equipment to deal with, preparing and cleaning a meal, and loading all equipment for backpacking.
8:30-8:55 A designated pickup truck will load troop water containers and labeled troop equipment. The truck will be located at the fence of the Climbing Tower, in the camp’s main parking lot.
8:45-8:50 Assembly of all units and backpackers at Blackfoot site. Followed by explanation of hiking rules. Scouts will stay with registered unit. Hiking will be somewhat brisk-paced, and each unit must keep up with the preceding unit. (Some areas are not well marked due to the effects of timbering.) Breaks will occur at approximately 1 and ½ hour intervals. There will be 2 morning breaks before lunch
(pack off, water, quick snack). A very important rule is the Scouting use of positive encouragement, and “NO PUT-DOWNS.”
9:00 Begin hiking with backpacks around the Perimeter Trail to CSR's "Wilderness Camp," located beyond the camp lake a few hundred yards. (Saturday hike about 5 miles).
Mid-day - Lunch will be a lengthy break – time for troops to quickly heat soup on backpacking stoves if they choose, or enjoy sandwiches and fruit, and a moment to relax.
Mid-Afternoon – Arrive at Wilderness Camp. Set up troop sites. (Units will empty some backpacks and quickly hike to waterfront area to retrieve additional water and equipment.) Then assemble at announced time with compasses, first aid kits, and other search/rescue items. Participate in a Search and Rescue Activity. Return to assembly area at designated time and give report about the group’s search, discoveries, and treatments.
Supper – Units are responsible for their meal and clean-up.
Campfire – Time will be announced. Each unit is asked to prepare and share a skit, song, or special cheer at the campfire.
10:00 – “Taps” or “…q…u…i…e…t…”
Sunday – 7:00 is a suggested “Get Up” time. There will be meals, clean-up, and taking down camp. An early trip will be needed to waterfront area with labeled troop equipment and water containers for the pickup truck to shuttle troop items to the camp main parking lot. Troops will load up backpacks to carry out on their backs.
9:30 – Wilderness Camp worship service
10:15 - Scouts will hike with backpacks across the dam, and along the road from waterfront to the main camp. (Sunday hike about 1 and 1/2 miles - uphill). Unit leaders will individually be in charge of their own unit, its hike out, and its time for departure on Sunday. Some units may need to depart early in order to attend services at their own house of worship.
Possible materials to help your troop’s preparation are added below.