2013 Outing History

2013 Calendar 2013-In-Review Aviation Merit Badge Bumble Bee Planning Conference Havasupai Geronimo CPR training and Swimming MB DeadHorseRanch Troop 323 Annual Golf Tournament Parson's Spring Geronimo Big "G" Tent Repair Cross Over Spring Church Cleanup Eagle Court Of Honor Hatching Eagle Winter Outing Merit Badge Roundup Scouting For Food Barnhardt Trail First Eagle Greenway Cleanup 2012-In-Review 2012 History

Havasupai Canyon backpack

Havasupai Canyon is an off-shoot canyon on the west end of the Grand Canyon. The trip will be 5 days and 4 nights with 3 nights actually in the canyon. We will leave (Phoenix) on the afternoon of the 24th (plan on a 6-hour drive).

We will be walking into the canyon under full moon at 2am on the 25th; it is truly very beautiful under full moon. A stop at first water to play a little before heading into Supai village (8mi hike). We will take care of some book keeping at the village and then continue the other 2.5 miles to the campground at the bottom of Havasupai falls.

There will be a day trip to the Colorado river on the 26th for anyone who wants to join. This hike will pass by Beaver Falls (more swimming opportunities). You may get to hoot at the boats going through the Grand Canyon.

We will start out of the Canyon mid-day on the 27th, rest at the bottom of the switch backs for about 5 hours then tackle the last mile and half up the mountain.

Slots are still available, so to signup, please contact SPL, Don, or Scoutmaster.

Questions? contact trip leader Don Nicholas
Weather
Havasupai canyon hike video
Havasupai Canyon Trail

Camp Geronimo summer camp

Troop 323 will be at Geronimo this year from Saturday, June 15th, to Saturday, June 22rd (session #3). Once again we will be in our usual campsite, Arapaho (campsite #2). This year we will be sharing our campsite with Troop 428 (Mr. Ballou's troop).

This is a great event for the boys to go on. Ask any boy in the troop who has been before! Boys get to work on merit badges, go hiking, help prepare troop and camp meals, participate in flag ceremonies, do the climbing tower, spend free time at the archery and shooting ranges or swimming pool (all under competent supervision), experience Camp Geronimo campfire programs, and much more.

However, the main benefit is being together as a troop for a week which allows the boys to get to know each other better and work together. It also gives the Scoutmaster a chance to get to know the boys better.

Let me stress that our new Scouts that are crossing over into our Troop this spring from a Pack are encouraged to go! If parents have any concerns about sending a new Scout to camp please do not hesitate to contact Scoutmaster. Please note that parents are allowed to visit us at camp on the weekend.

This year there will be new shower facilities to replace the old ones that were in desperate need of repair.

Final payment for Geronimo is due by Tuesday's 5/14 Troop Meeting.

"Be prepared!", please read Camp Geronimo Parents Letter; it should answer most if not all of your questions about going to camp. It contains information about camp preparation, what to pack, directions, camp contact information, mail, required paperwork, and much more.

Geronimo Flyer, weather, Geronimo Video

map & directions, Important Information for 1st year Geronimo Scouts, Camp Geronimo Parents Letter, Campsite 2 Layout Map, Merit Badge Requirements, Weekly Schedule, All Around Trail Horses LLC DBA

Dead Horse Ranch

Troop 323 is going camping at Dead Horse Ranch state park, together with Pack 323 Webelos, just north of Cottonwood. Even though this is a cushy (running water and water closets) car-camp, there will be plenty of opprtunity for both hiking and fishing.

The Dead Horse Ranch state park is located just north of Cottonwood. It's a very beautiful riperian area along the Verde river. The "lagoon" is stocked with trout every other week through Mars, it also holds catfish. There are also hiking trails, bike trails, picnic areas, or just wading in the cool water.

Adjacent to the state park is a six-mile reach of the Verde river; known as the Verde River Greenway State Natural Area, preserving a unique ecosystem and riparian zone.

Parsons Spring

This backpack is 5 miles along a cool, clear desert stream set in a magnificent red rock canyon. Sycamore Canyon is a place sufficiently unique to have been one of the first areas protected as wilderness in Arizona. The trail leads through the lower reaches of this wilderness through a riparian area rich in plant and animal life. Colorful cliffs that are a unique mix of dark columnar basalt, red sandstone, and buff colored limestone enclose the lush green of this oasis.

The trail leads 4 miles to a large pool called Parsons Spring where this considerable stream springs to the surface from the underground course it has followed through the majority of the canyon. Many great features combine to make this trail one of the most popular, and one of the most crowded, on the forest. When we visit this truly exceptional place please exercise extra discretion in making sure the impact you create is as slight as possible. We will practice and observe all “leave no trace” guidelines.

There are about 5 water crossings so water shoes are a must on this outing. Water level is normally only about ankle deep but we don’t want any foot issues. If you are a scout and still need requirement #9 for the Fishing Merit Badge. There will be plenty of opportunity and time to work on this item during this trip. Mr. Kloostra or Tanner will help you fulfill this item.

Please note there is no camping with the first 4 miles of the hike up to the main spring and 200 feet beyond so we will be continuing the hike another mile to a predetermined campsite.

The Parsons Spring trip is a great first-time backpack; here are some important reminders about preparing for this trip:

1. The hike in both directions (to/from camp) will involve several crossings of Sycamore Creek (that's what makes it fun!). Your feet may get wet!. Each Scout must bring a pair of old shoes (or water shoes), especially if you plan on going swimming at the swimming hole. Hiking in wet shoes is not fun! Flimsy water shoes are not a good idea as the bottom is rocky and these types of shoes might not give you good support. An old pair of tennis shoes work fine.
2. Hiking poles are recommended for the trip to help a Scout maintain balance while crossing the creek. Given the rocky bottom of the creek, having the hiking poles helps to steady you as you cross. Hiking poles are useful for many other hikes as well and so investing in a pair now is worth it.
3. Pants with zip-off leggings (like your scout pants!) are an excellent choice for this trip. Scouts can take off the leggings before the crossings to keep from getting them wet, and yet have a pair of long pants for in the evening when it will get a little cooler.
4. Scouts are highly encouraged to bring their backpacks, sleeping bags, and whatever else they think they will be taking on the outing to their Patrol Meeting before the outing, so your patrol can review and make any suggestions. Remember that in packing your backpack you will need to leave some room for patrol equipment and patrol food that you will get the day of the outing. The troop meeting on April 9 is also dedicated to backpacking equipment.
5. Remember, proper equipment is, usually, the difference between a fun outing, and a miserable outing. The troop will also discuss backpacking & camping equipment, with new scouts and parents, on Cross Over

Please read full Outing Description

Cross Over

This is Troop 323’s annual outing where our new Scouts “cross-over” into Boy Scouts and Troop 323. The outing is at the beautiful Bumble-Bee Ranch. This is a car camp that is very family friendly as the site has running water and bathrooms and a wonderful pavilion with tables, chairs, and a stage. There is plenty of open space for playing and camping, and a Ranch House for the adults to sleep in. New Scouts will get their first chance to sleep with their newly assigned patrols. Scouts can sleep in tents or out under the stars.

After arriving at the ranch, the Scouts are quickly employed with structured activities to encourage bonding, advancements, and fun. There will be informational sessions for the adults. On Saturday evening new Scouts cross-over into Boy Scouts in the light of a raging bonfire, courtesy of Willie Fahy. Then by tradition we will chow on cobbler during the famous “Saturday Night Live: Bumble Bee # 323”. Sunday morning will include a sulfurous rocket launch in the cow fields. All Scouts and adults are encouraged to bring all of their model rocket gear (no cows will be harmed in the launching of our rockets). We will depart and return home in time for Sunday lunch.

New Scouts should bring their BSA handbook!!

Scouts and their families are invited. The troop is hosting this outing; there is no outing fee. All food is provided. Parents wanting to stay in the ranch house will need to help chip in for that cost (contact outing leader Sharon Haynes).

Activities for Scouts:

1. New Scouts are assigned to patrols
2. New Scouts get trained for “Totin’ Chip” (knife/axe training) and “Firem’n Chit” (Fire training)
3. New Scouts work on Tenderfoot and 2nd Class Rank requirements
4. New Scouts “cross-over” into BSA on Troop 323 rope bridge
5. Bumble Bee Ranch Geocaching
6. Model rocket building and rocket launch

Activities for Adults:

1. Introduction to BSA and Troop 323 – lead by Scoutmaster
2. Review of volunteer positions - lead by Scoutmaster
3. How to select needed camping/backpacking equipment - lead by Crew 2323 leader
4. Register Scout/adults for BSA and Troop 323
5. Purchase BSA uniform patches, Troop 323 class B shirts, hats, and other accessories
6. Get to know other troop adults

Also:

1. Spectacular bon fire
2. “Saturday Night Live: Bumble Bee #323” skits
3. Flag retirement
4. Delicious food cooked by Scouts
5. Dutch Oven cooked cobbler

Questions? contact Mitchell Rutherford, Sharon Haynes

Directions, Outing Description, Weather

"This was an excellent outing. The troop did a wonderful job of planning and leading this cross-over. We have a great group of Scouts joining us this year with parents that are excited about getting involved. We had the traditional bonfire, new Scouts cross-over on our rope bridge, flag retirement, skits and cobbler. Sunday morning saw many rockets flying through the sky; some returning to the ground without parachutes. Thanks everyone for making this such a successful outing." - Scoutmaster David Wright.

Winter Outing

The troop stayed at Camp Navajo Army Depot in Bellemont, west of Flagstaff.

On Saturday, it was downhill skiing or snow-boarding at Snowbowl. The troop had lunch in the parking-lot at Snowbowl, and finished off the day with dinner at Northern Arizona University. On Sunday, it was sledding, at Oak Hills snow play area before heading home.

"There was lots of snow this year for skiing, snow boarding, and sledding. We actually had snow flurries on Saturday night at the Barracks. The boys had a great time. Special thanks to the Falcons for providing Saturday lunch. Also, a big thank you to Sharon Haynes and Paul Foulger for stepping up at the last minute to be drivers for this outing." - Scoutmaster David Wright

Questions? Contact SPL, Clay Cady, Joe Clements, or Scoutmaster

Outing Summary Cost Breakdown Snowbowl parental release Nordic Center webcam Snowbowl snowforecast 2012 Winter Outing 2011 Winter Outing

The cost estimate includes ski-rental and lift-passes.

Please signup on or before the troop-meeting on Feb. 12.

Barnhardt Trail backpack

The Barnhardt Trail is located in a beautiful area in the Mazatzal Wilderness. It is considered “one of the expressways to the Mazatzals” as it links to other trails including the Arizona Trail.

On this one night backpacking trip we’ll start at an elevation of 4200 feet and end at about 6200 feet. We’ll hike just over 6 miles to get to our campsite. The trail is well defined but narrow, and at times hiking along the canyon wall so trekking poles are highly recommended. We’ll be hiking next to Barnhardt Canyon with some very beautiful, seasonal waterfalls.

When we get to the junction of the Sandy Saddle trail we’re halfway to our campsite. We continue on the Barnhardt Trail until we get to the junction of the Mazatzal Divide Trail #23 which is part of the Arizona Trail. Our campsite is less than a half mile north of the trail junction.

There was snow and ice on the trail when I hiked it on 12-22-12 so it’s very important we are prepared. The hike on Sunday returning to our cars is downhill and the 6 mile return hike will be quicker.

This outing will satisfy some of the requirements for the Camping Merit Badge. It will be very important to plan for the weather (possible freezing temperatures overnight), travel lightweight, bring at least 2 liters of water, water filters, layered clothing, sturdy hiking shoes, trekking polies, and other warm weather gear.

Outing Summary, Weather forecast, Barnhardt Trail, Questions? contact outing coordinator Barry Giesemann

The Barnhardt Trail Outing in the Mazatzals Wilderness was advertised as to provide our Scouts with a challenging hike with more than a 2000’ elevation change, hiking in snow, and the experience of dealing with below freezing temperatures at night and being able to function adequately the next morning. The trip certainly provided the Scouts with a challenging hike, but due to a Scout injury they did not end up spending the night.