Blairsville Boy Scout Troop 101 on the Trail

Submitted photo Blairsville Boy Scout Troop 101.

On July 28th and 29th 12 Scouts and leaders backpacked over 14 miles along the Appalachian Trail from Unicoi Gap to Hogpen Gap. Neither the rain nor remote terrain with its thousand foot elevation climbs could dampen the Scout Spirit as Scouts from age 12 - 17.

The hike was across Blue Mountain for an overnight stay at Low Gap. The common consensus was that the trip was tough, but the Scouts enjoyed it.

Scouts making the trek were Brady Kumler, Jacob Chambliss, Andrew Brumley, Harrison Garner, Wilson Warren, and Andrew Stephens. Adult leaders were Nathan Parry, Alan Kumler, Jeff Chambliss, Bobby Brumley, and Joe Garner with TJ Stephens providing the transport between trail heads.

The Scoutmasters were extremely proud as the Scouts demonstrated the ability to build a campfire using wet wood, prepare their meals over backpacking stoves, rig their food so that the bears in the area could not enjoy it, and keep smiling after packing their gear up and down the mountain tops.

Scouting seeks to provide these types of confidence building activities in challenging settings which allows young men to develop strength of mind, body, and character.

Troop 101 invites young men ages 11 - 17 in Union County to find out more about Scouting by visiting www.scouting.org and then finding out more about our Blairsville unit. Regular Troop Meetings are held most Mondays at 7:00 PM at the United Methodist Church of Blairsville's Scout Hut located off Hwy 515.

For more information contact Bobby Brumley, Membership Coordinator, at 706-897-5606.