Troop's trip helps fulfill badge requirements


Saturday, November 01, 2008

Members of Boy Scout Troop 500 recently enjoyed a fall camping trip at Rock State Park in Pickens County.

Scoutmaster Ron Mosely, assistant scoutmaster Claude Rentz and scout parent Herbert Frazier joined the troop members during their trip, where they set up in the park's primitive camping area and worked on camping and cooking merit badge requirements.

The troop was required to hike two challenging trails as part of their merit badge requirement. The trek up Table Rock Mountain offered a spectacular view from its 2,000-foot granite dome. This mountain trail's highest point stood at 3,157 feet and proved to be the park's toughest trail.

Several of the varsity patrol scouts and Mosely hiked four miles one way up Pinnacle Mountain and reached an altitude of 3,425 feet. The narrow trail took members along winding creeks and streams, and cedar and hardwood trees lined the steep mountain slope.

The trip was the first of many outdoor activities in which the troop will participate. The 4-year-old scout program is sponsored by New Light United Methodist Church and its United Methodist Men group under the leadership of Mosely, a veteran scoutmaster.

The Boy Scouts of America has evolved over the past 100 years to become the largest and most inclusive youth organization dedicated to developing the character and physical fitness of its members. For more information about scouting or Boy Scout Troop 500, call Mosely at 803-531-0140 or the Indian Water Council at 803-750-9868.

Special to The T&D