The Troop's high adventure program traces it roots back to the Pack 97 hiking program. Each month the pack would venture out on a hike designed for cub scouts, their parents and siblings. The pack would explore state and local parks in the Piedmont of North Carolina. As the cubs hiked around the state, they would be awarded with a commemorative patch at 10 miles, then a hiking stick after 20 miles. With each additional 10 miles hiked, the scout would receive a medallion to add to their hiking stick. Many scouts achieved the highest award presented at 100 miles with some scouts going above and beyond - reaching nearly 200 miles!

Pack 97 Hiking Medallion

 

After several years hiking in the Cub Pack, enough scouts and leaders had crossed over to the Troop and the desire for greater adventures bubbled up. In 2017 the Troop put in for a high adventure trek to Florida Sea Base. The troop was off for a week on Big Munson Island "MUNSON!!!" in the Florida Keys!

Once the Troop returned from Florida and dried out a few things, a path was charted to keep the troop on the trail to high adventure. Every 2 years (or so) the troop would set off on another trek, targeting a different BSA high adventure base. Over the next several years the troop has visited Northern Tier, Philmont and then back to Florida Sea Base, once again landing on the shores of Big Munson Island "MUNSON!!!"

 


Troop 97 on top of Mt Baldy
 
 

Troop 97 is proud to celebrate two scouts who have received the Triple Crown award. The Triple Crown award honors those who have participated in at least one qualifying high adventure program at three of the BSA’s four national high adventure bases. Dean and Seth join adults Bob Lang and Sasha Timkovich as recipients of this honor.

Troop 97 Triple Crown recipients of honor Troop 97 Triple Crown recipients of honor