BSA Troop 398

BSA SWIM TEST TONIGHT!
ASM Jon Doliana will be the Sportscom Indoor Pool at 7:00 PM tonight, Thursday, Aug. 11 at 7:00 PM. He will administer Swim Tests for those who need one and he would be willing to pass scouts off on any remaining aquatic requirements for rank or merit badges.

August Camp Out
The troop white water weekend is this weekend August 12 - 14. Scouts needing a ride should be at the Eagle’s Nest at 4:30 PM. Mr. Carey, Mr. Ervin and Mr. Meyers will provide rides form those who need one.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 $20 to about $50. We have budgeted $ 20 to cover food (Sat. breakfast, lunch and supper: Sun. breakfast, and lunch) and camping fees 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.

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. 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. Should you choose to float on Sunday, you will make your own arrangements with the outfitter. 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 $24.00/person, 4,5, or 6 person rafts are available $18.31/person or $73.20 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 We will pay Hiwassee Outfitters by troop check on Saturday to avoid paying sales tax.

Please check out with an adult leader before you depart on Sunday – every year we end up trying to locate a scout who has already caught a ride home.

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 2 day weekend rental – you will pay this regardless if only choose to paddle one day). PFD’s, and paddles are included, in addition, helmets are provided for kayakers. Troop kayaks are provided on a first come basis. 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.

Directions to Gee Creek Campground, 404 Spring Creek Road, Delano, TN 37325

Take I 24 East to Chattanooga. Go north on I 75 toward Cleveland & Knoxville. Get off I 75 at exit # 20 (Hwy 64 bypass). Turn right at the top of the ramp on Hwy 64 bypass. On bypass go 6 miles to Ocoee Exit (Highway 64 East). Turn right onto Hwy 64 East to Ocoee (approximately 13 miles) to Hwy 411 North exit (Maryville exit).At the exit stop sign, turn left on Hwy 411 toward Maryville, Benton & Etowah. Go through Benton (well known in the past for its speed traps!). Continue on Hwy 411 about 6 miles and cross the Hiwassee River bridge. Approximately 1/4 to ½ mile after crossing the river go past the Cowboy Restaurant (now closed) and turn right on Spring Creek Road at an old antique store (there is a brown sign pointing to Gee Creek Campground). Follow this road until you pass the rangers office. Go about 1/4 mile and then watch for the entrance to Gee Creek Campground on your right. (If you arrive late at night, the gate may be closed, but it won’t be locked) Turn right into the campground then take your first right turn then turn right again into a large field (Overflow/Group camping area). Look for our Troop 398 trailer. Quiet time begins at 10:00 PM, so try to keep it down if you arrive late.

To get to Hiwassee Outfitters, 155 Ellis Creek Road, Reliance, TN 37369, go back out to Hwy 411 and turn left. Go back across the Hiwassee River and turn left on Hwy 30 and go to Reliance (approx. 5 miles). Rafters and Funyakers will be getting their equipment from Hiwassee Outfitters.

Troop Court of Honor
The next Troop Court of Honor will be Aug 22nd. The last Board of Review will be held on August 15th .


Missing Keys
For convenience we have a key safe in the breezeway at the Eagle’s Nest. There are two keys; one for the Eagle’s Nest and one for the restroom. Both are missing! If you have them, please return them!