Troop 398 News - Aug 13

Eagle Court of Honor
All members of the Troop 398 family are encouraged to attend Devin Bargatze's Eagle Court of Honor at 2:00 PM this Saturday, August 14th in the Worship Center at St. Mark's United Methodist Church. While the main purpose of an Eagle Court of Honor is to honor the recipient and celebrate his achievement, It also serves as an inspiration to those scouts of all ranks who are working toward Eagle. Please make every effort to attend.

Troop Re-charter
Re-charter time is the end of August.  Everyone needs to check in with Mr. Holtman and Mrs. Hamrick, preferably at a troop meeting or email at mike.holtman@yahoo.com and pam_hamrick@yahoo.com.  Adults remember that we need a copy of your Youth Protection training certificate dated within the last two years in order to renew your registration. This training is available on line.

August Camp Out (Dead Line to sign up is Monday, Aug 16th!)
I need to know if you are going so I can make reservations for boats! The troop white water weekend is August 20-22. Families are welcome to participate on this camp out. All adult and youth members of the troop who have passed the BSA Swim Test are eligible to float the river. (Note: in order for registered scouts and adult leaders to be covered by BSA insurance, they must pass the BSA Swim Test - regardless of the type of water craft they use, to include those rented from Hiwassee Outfitters) The troop will camp in Gee Creek Overflow Campground on the Hiwassee River near Benton, TN. Porta-potties are available in the campground and showers are a short walk away in the main campground. We will cook as a troop so no patrol menus are required.  Cost will vary depending on the type of water craft from $15 to about $30. We have budgeted $17 to cover food and camping fees in the overflow camping area to which you should add the cost of your water craft.  We will provide breakfast, lunch and supper on Sat. as well as breakfast and lunch on Sunday. (We can adjust the food and camping cost if you let us know ahead of time if you plan to leave early.  Plan to arrive no later than 7:30 AM EST if you plan to float on Saturday.  The float is about 6 river miles and takes 4 to 5 hours to float. We try to get off the river by 4:30 PM EST on both days. Bring sunscreen and water bottle and avoid cotton clothing. Wear lace up shoes (old athletic shoes are good), the rocks are sharp and the current will suck off crocks and flip flops.

We need input from all participants as to which water craft you wish to use. Please make a selection on the sign-up sheet posted on the bulletin board or reply to this email. This will allow us to make reservations with Hiwassee Outfitters and pick up adequate equipment from council.  Generally, those renting from Hiwassee Outfitters choose to float on Saturday only due to the cost of equipment and the fact that younger participants are pretty tired after a day on the river.

First year scouts and non-registered family members will run the river on Saturday in a water craft of their choice obtained from Hiwassee Outfitters. Non-registered family members are not required to take the BSA Swim Test, but parents should use discretion as far as floating the river with younger children. This river does have a swift current and 55 degree water temperatures. I strongly urge that all participants be able to swim well enough to self-rescue if necessary. The following costs from Hiwassee outfitters are for one day rentals only: Sit-on-Top Kayak $ 30.00/person, 1 person Funyak (Inflatable Kayak) $30/person, 2 person Funyak $22.00/person, 4,5, or 6 person rafts are available $17.00/person or $68.00 per raft minimum. PFD's (life jackets), paddle and a shuttle to the put-in are included. More info on watercraft is available at http://www.hiwasseeoutfitters.com

Due to equipment limitations, we have the following guidelines for BSA equipment. Sign up for a canoe for your 2nd and 3rd year on the river. Sign up for a kayak if you have two years Hiwassee experience in a canoe or one year and canoeing merit badge or have attended the kayak phase of the BSA paddling Clinic.  If in doubt, see Mr. Warren.  BSA Canoe $27.00 or $13.50/person if tandem, BSA Kayak $17.00/person (this is the cost for a weekend rental).  PFD's, paddles and helmets for kayakers are included. Canoes and kayaks will float the river on Saturday and Sunday. Only registered scouts and adults can use the BSA equipment due to insurance concerns.

Adult Picnic
Adults, mark down September 25th on your calendars – plans are going forward for a cook out and fellowship at Gary Whitaker's house probably starting late afternoon till ???? More details to follow!

KEY DATES
Aug 13-15                     Order of the Arrow Fall Ordeal
Aug 14                          Eagle Court of Honor – Devin Bargatze - 2 PM – St. Mark's UM Church
Aug 20-22                     Troop White Water Camp Out Hiwassee River
Aug 30                          Popcorn Sales Kickoff
Aug 31                          Troop 398 Recharter date
Sept 6                           Labor Day No Troop Meeting
Sept 10-12                    Adult Rappelling Certification Weekend
Sept 17-19                    Troop Camp Out - Duck River near Normandy - canoeing & fishing
Sept 25                         Adult Picnic – Gary Whitaker's House
Oct 8-10                        Council Jamboree
Oct 15-17                      Bell Buckle Craft Fair