A hearty bunch of Troop 323 Scouts tough it out in the wilderness with members of the Venture Crew on a hike into the Superstition Mountains on December 5 and 6. Troop members learned from their fellow Venture Crew Scouts tips on desert survival. On the last morning of the trip, scouts heard presentations from several crew members who spent two days alone in survival shelters with minimal equipment. Thank you Crew 2323 for the inspiring outing!

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By Brenden Rawlins:

The November bike outing was a fun bike ride around Usery Mountain Regional Park in Mesa. We arrived there and first ate while receiving instructions from Mr. Wright. Some people chose to ride freely while others went around to certain parts of the park to hole punch a card they received. After the ride, camp was set up and dinner was made, along with a campfire. There was a night walk to keep the scouts active. After this people stayed up for a bit and then went to bed. In the morning, breakfast was served and camp was then cleaned up. Then, the scouts went on about a two mile hike up a mountain to see Wind Cave, but when we arrived, there was no cave. We then rested and headed back down the mountain. After everyone was accounted for, we left for home.

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Centennial Camporee 2010: Fun in the Sun!

Twenty-two Boy Scouts, five Webelos from Pack 323 and 10 adults participated in the 2010 Centennial Camporee at the Ben Avery Shooting Range in North Phoenix, October 22 - 24, 2010. Scouts had the opportunity to learn gun safety and shoot shotguns, .22 rifles, and air rifles. They were able participate in archery and other activities such as petting an alligator, working on fishing skills, eating our award winning chili and enjoying an entertaining program conducted by several Scouts under the stars. Like the September outing, we were fortunate to have great weather and a good time with a great group! The Scoutmaster appreciates the efforts put forth by everyone helping the Webelos and their parents feel welcome.

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Sixteen scouts and nine adults enjoyed the September outing thanks to trip leader Dave Christiansen. The majority hiked more than six miles on the Abineau – Bear Jaw Trails on the north slope of the San Francisco Peaks while a few climbed the summit of Humphreys Peak (more than 12,000 feet). From various vantage points of the trail, the Grand Canyon appears as a wide gap in a broad plateau. On Sunday, scouts and adults hiked the Lava River Cave. The ¾ mile long lava tube was formed roughly 700,000 years ago by molten rock that erupted from a volcanic vent in nearby Hart Prairie. As the above picture demonstrates…fun was had by all!

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On August 14, 2010 Commander Eric Gagomiros and Youth Activities Leader Robert Krupp, III, from the local Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9400, came to the Troop Committee meeting and awarded Brian a certificate and small monetary award. In February 2010 Brian submitted his application for the VFW of the United States Scout of the Year Scholarship. This competition includes Eagle Scouts from across the country. First place for the national scholarship is $5000, $3000 for second place, and $1000 for third place. To be eligible you must be an Eagle Scout age 15 or older and enrolled in high school. Your application must also show how you demonstrated practical citizenship in school, Scouting, and in the community. All eligible Eagle Scouts should consider applying in 2011. For more information go to www.vfw.org. Click on programs and go to the scholarship section. Applications must be submitted to the local VFW post by March 1, 2011.

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Congratulations to the Newest Troop 323 Eagle Scouts

In May 2010, Jose Waldron, and in June 2010, Ian Foulger, Alec Skebo, Matt Petkiewicz, and Spencer Sawottke completed their Boards of Review for Eagle Scout. That is quite an accomplishment! They will be a part of the group of outstanding young men from Troop 323 who have earned the rank of Eagle. Information on their time in Scouting will be in a future troop newsletter.

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Seven Springs Winter Backpack Outing

On Jan 16, 2010, scouts from Troop 323 went to Seven Springs - about an hour northeast of Phoenix.  We hiked 4 miles along the upper reaches of Cave Creek which was a little challenging, but still fun. 

The campsite we first chose was too small, so we hiked a quarter mile more and found a nice campsite that fit everyone.  After unpacking and playing around, we had an amazing dinner, and a great fire. 

That night, the SPL annoyed everyone with the “who has the ball?” game.  

In the morning we got up, packed up and walked back along the path we came in on.  The hike out was way quicker than the way in.

Thanks to Dan McCarthy for leading the trip and congratulations to Kyle Spenik on his first backpack.

Check out more photos in the  Troop Gallery 

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