Last Updated: 27-Jun-2004

Summer Camp (June 2004)

Ten scouts and three adult leaders braved the wet, wild, and wonderful world of Camp Grimes. Starting with a Father's Day mass at St. John Neumann, the troop spent a great week up in the mountains at Camp Grimes for a week-long session where the scouts earned almost forty merit badges in everything from Indian Lore, metal working, shotgun shooting  to cycling, climbing, and even soil and conservation. In addition, Troop 12 was recognized as an honor camping unit by the Order of the Arrow, placed in the top 3 in almost every event of the Grand Ole Adventure (a competition amongst all visiting troops), and saw two scouts elected into the Order of the Arrow. A big thanks goes out to the adult leaders who participated for the entire week who also earned their Scoutmaster Merit Badge for their support of the troop and the camp staff during the week. [Click for Photos]

King's Mountain (May 2004)

Six scouts and five adults traveled King's Mountain for a weekend full of training and fun. Scouts were focused on rank advancement as well as hiking the National park to see if they could find signs of animal life. All three patrols: Eagle, Panthers, and Wise Old Owl had a great weekend of cooking demonstrations too with lots of creativity and good eats shared each patrol. The Troop was small but it did not dampen the determination of the scouts to move closer to their next rank. [Click for Photos]

Biking (April 2004)

Eight scouts and four adults traveled across the North Carolina-Virginia border to participate in a biking adventure at New River State Park in Foster Falls, Va. Six scouts and three adults took the old train tracks used in the late 19th century to deliver iron ore to the area with some scouts and adults going almost 26 miles round trip. In addition, other scouts participated in a 2.5 mile hike exploring the old shot tower, blast furnace, and many other interesting sites at the park. The campsite was nestled next to New River and provided a beautiful background to a great weekend. [Click for Photos]

Caving (March 2004)

Five scouts and three adults took part in adventure just outside of Johnson City. The intrepid group explored Worley's Cave. The expedition spent almost four hours exploring this inner mountain. They learned about different rock formations, caving safety, and how the cave is alive and should be respected and treated. The scouts also learned that a lot of the leave no trace concepts used in backpacking also apply to caving as well. There are plans already being made for next year to do another caving adventure. Take a look at some of the great photos provided by Mr. Tarney by clicking here.

Scouting For Food (February 2004)

Six scouts participated in the Scouting For Food day held on February 7th. Canvassing neighborhoods next to Columbus Swim Club, Troop 12 collected 243 pounds of food. The goal is 100% participation and scouts who could not attend will be asked to collect food on their own and bring it to a future Troop meeting. A special guest appearance was made by the Unknown Scout who helped in collecting food and keeping spirits high. Click here to see the Unknown Scout and the other scouts who collected food.

Troop Retreat (January 2004)

The Troop traveled to Mr. Morris' lake house to work on re-focusing their efforts and trying to determine how the troop could make meetings and camping trips more successful. The trip was inspired following the unsuccessful efforts to prepare properly for the Cold Weather Camping trip. Matt T help put together a successful weekend of discussion, games, and team building exercises that helped each focus on the trail of the COMET. Click here to see some pictures from the weekend and the five key points of leadership to improve our efforts as a troop.

Troop Workday (January 2004)

Troop 12 conducted a workday in early January to determine the current status of our Troop equipment and the shed. In addition, the Cobra patrol continues to work on their scout advancement. The Troop had 100% attendance by all scouts which proved to make it a very successful day.

Cold Weather Training (January 2004)

Four scouts attended the Order of the Arrow Cold Weather Camping program held at University Place Methodist Church.

Court of Honor (December)

Troop 12 celebrated the holidays and recognized several scouts for their efforts in the recent Webelos Camping Trip conducted the weekend prior to the COH. In addition, Phillip K earned his Tenderfoot marking the first scout from the Cobra Patrol to earn their first rank. Phillip is well on his way to Second Class and has served the Cobra Patrol well as their Patrol Leader. Mr. D Tarney recognized the top 3 sellers of popcorn. The Troop earned close in $800 in sales which will help with offsetting equipment purchases as well as subsidize future trips for scouts. Mr. Wahl recognized Mr. G Tarney for his contributions to the Pack on their caroling adventure. Mr. Tarney also provided a slideshow for families of the Troop's recent adventures. You can visit it at http://www.tarneydigital.com/scouts/scout_mov.htm and see all the fun we've had over the past 6 months. Finally, Mr. Morris made various presentations thanking the scouts, leaders, and mom for all their support. He stated without everyone's support Troop 12 would not experience the same success.

Webelos Camping Trip (Camp Barnhardt)

Troop 12 sponsored Pack 12's second year Webelos in their final steps toward earning their Arrow of Light. Six scouts along with four adult leaders hosted the 5 Webelos and their dads on a weekend that saw the temperatures dip down into the low 40s which was compounded by a steady rain that arrived Saturday night. Scouts from Troop 12 provided a variety of training sessions to introduce the Webelos to how the Troop sets up a campsite as well as provided some additional instruction in how to properly use a compass and basic orienteering skills. The Webelos showed some real `chutzpa` as they battled the elements and showed their commitment to scouting. Despite the weather, a good time was managed by all with lots of good food and a great fire that was maintained for the entire weekend. The Scouts are looking forward to the new scouts arrival in February when the official crossover is planned.

Pilot Mountain

Troop 12 traveled to Pilot Mountain in Mt. Airy, NC for a cold wet weekend of orienteering and hiking. Seven scouts and five scout leaders attended the challenging weekend. The Troop hiked the entire base of Pilot Mountain plus traveled along various trails as they worked on their orienteering skills. The eventual result was a five mile hike turned into an eight mile hike for some and 10 miles for other scouts. Several scouts completed some key requirements for advancement with Joey K completing the final requirement to earn his Second Class rank. The biggest challenge besides the wet weather came in the form of setting up circus tent-sized tarp using only tent poles in an open field. With much thought and several reconfigurations, the adult patrol was proud to announce success. In addition to the day adventures. This highlight of the trip was the cooking contest between Mr. Wahl and Mr. Morris using Dutch Ovens. Unfortunately, Mr. Morris cannot read and hasn't caught to the metric system in measuring liquids so Mr. Wahl was the winner with an awesome cherry pound cake.

Etowah Camporee (Clear Creek Scout Camp)

Troop 12 participated in the 2003 Etowah District Camporee. Six scouts attended the adventure whose theme was `Call To Duty` in honor of the Scottish tradition when clans were called to serve and protect one another. The Camporee was filled with 10 different events that tested the scouts skills and teamwork of our Cobra patrol. The Cobra patrol represented Troop 12 proudly as they earned a variety of ribbons for first aid, knots, animal tracks, campsite inspection and others.

In addition to participating in the events, the Troop also sponsored the First Aid event with many thanks going out to Mr. Wahl, Mr. G Tarney, Mr. D Tarney, Mr. Koummen, Mr. Krouse, Mr. Sites (who came for the day to visit with the Troop), and Mr. Clorite (aka Cookie). Thanks to all the adults who supported Troop 12 and answered the call to duty.

The highlights of the Camporee were the campfire where scouts met the `shoe sniffing` prophet, saw a grown man in a skirt [kilt], and saw the Cobra patrol leader, Phillip K, represent his Troop and the Knights of Columbus proudly. The closing ceremonies saw an inspirational church service where scouts and leaders learned how the scouting tradition and our friends help each of us be stronger individuals. Congratulations to all scouts and adults who participated.

Canoe Training (Camp Grimes)

Troop 12 conducted it's third training session for canoeing skills with a weekend camping trip at Camp Grimes. Eleven scouts and six adult leaders spent three glorious days at Camp Grimes preparing for the November canoeing trip. Skill training was conducted by Mr. Wahl and Mr. Krouse using the canoeing merit badge requirements to help develop more confidence in each troop members personal canoeing skills. By early Sunday morning, the results were showing and every scout had shown great improvement over the weekend. There is great anticipation for November's trip.

Court of Honor

Troop 12 conducted it's summer court of honor on August 27. Brian W provided an overview of the troop's summer camp achievements with some assistance from Mr. Krause. Joey K presented the updated phone list. The focus of the night was the recognition of scouts who earned 17 merit badges and one rank advancement [Matt T -- Life Rank]. In addition, the Troop officially introduced and inducted Mr. Morris as the Troop's new scoutmaster. The troop also recognized Mr. Fraher, the outgoing scoutmaster, for his year's of dedication and service to the troop. The troop is fortunate that Mr. Fraher will be moving into the new Eagle Adviser role within the troop to help our next set of Eagle candidates prepare for this phase of their scouting career.

Troop Annual Planning (Lake Tillery)

Troop 12 scout leadership met on August 22 and 23 to plan the upcoming year calendar. Led by Mr. Morris and Matt T, the leadership reviewed last year's trips, set troop goals, and set the calendar for the upcoming year. Lots of exciting opportunities are planned including a canoe trip, caving, bike trip, and much more. The calendar will be presented at the August Court of Honor.

Canoe Training (Clear Creek Scout Camp)