Johnston Mill Nature Preserve Webelos Hike

Troop 9 Family,

Yesterday's Webelos Day Hike produced outstanding results, notwithstanding the inclement weather, and I thought you would appreciate knowing more. Dave Filpus suggested the ideal location for a Webelos day hike. Wayne Vanderburg and I walked the Johnson's Mill trail on Saturday, identifying where we wanted our Scouts to set up teaching locations and trying to anticipate issues that might arise. But, by 12:30pm on Sunday, the rain was turning to ice in Chapel Hill. We decided to postpone and reschedule the event in order to avoid dampening anyone's enthusiasm for Boy Scouting with a day hike on a slippery, icy trail in freezing rain. James and Wayne called the Troop members who had committed to attend, and I called the Webelos parents I had spoken with previously, to advise of the reschedule. No one seemed surprised.

Wayne recommended that we go out to Johnson's Mill and inform anyone who showed up in the parking lot of the reschedule. Our expectations were so low that we were certain we would stand outside in the freezing rain for an hour by ourselves. James, Wayne, my son Garrett and I met in the parking lot at 1pm. A few minutes later, ASM Matthew Grady showed up. Then the first parent showed up with his Webelos son - they had both been at December's Movie Day recruiting event. As we were talking about the need to reschedule, five more cars pulled in. It was exactly 1:30. The rain was coming down steadily, mixed with some ice. Then Scout Sprit took over!

The Webelos said they wanted to see the trail anyway, and the rain did not matter to them. With the consensus of their parents, we agreed to an abbreviated hike that would fulfill the Arrow of Light requirements. James stepped up to lead the six Webelos and Garrett as a Patrol, followed by Wayne, Matthew, myself with the six parents. First, we stopped by the picturesque site of the old Johnson Mill to let James talk to the Webelos about Troop 9. We showed everyone the Eagle Project that was recently completed on the site, and answered more questions about the Troop and Boy Scouting. Then, James led everyone on the loop trail. We stopped twice, for James to teach the Scout Sign, Salute and Handshake, and recite the Oath and Law for them. The rain and temperature were not as bad as had been feared, and we returned to the parking lot after about an hour on the trail. Matthew helped me pass out information brochures to the parents, and skill worksheets to the Webelos. Everyone had thoroughly enjoyed themselves, in spite of the rain and cold temperature.

Two of the parents were Den Leaders. They said they would like to return with more Webelos from their Dens when we reschedule the hike. We made a very positive impression on our visitors, and I want to commend James for showing awesome Scout Spirit yesterday. Also, a big "thank you" to Wayne and Matthew for displaying great leadership qualities to the Webelos parents. Troop 9 could not have looked more impressive to our visitors. You truly helped "turn lemons in to lemonade" for those Webelos families and Troop 9.

Yours in Scouting,

Gregg

Eno River State Park

Length: Two nights
Crew: Three adults, four Scouts
Day One
Backpacked about three quarter of a mile to the group campsite at Few's Ford. We had to cross a pedestrian suspension bridge to get there. Set up camp.
Day Two
Since we did not have a Few's Ford for Saturday night, we moved camp to the new Piper Creek campground at Cole Mill. We backpacked out to the cars and hiked into the campground. We were the first campers to camp at Piper Creek. Only one site had a fire ring built, so that's where we camped.
The newest Scout in the troop had a magnesium fire starter. He taught the other boys how to use it. The leaders are trying to buy their own.
Day Three
Returned to Chapel Hill.