Scouting success

The Walland/Townsend Boy Scout Troop 777 has had a busy and productive year with many activities designed to train and challenge the boys in the troop.

Troop 777, which meets at Walland Elementary School, includes Matthew Brown, Eagle Scout,
Tucker Brown, Colton Calloway, Luke Cox, Noah Erwin, Jesse Hackworth, Caleb Leach, Christopher Malenfant, Jesse Malenfant, Seth Morton, Jacob Payne, Adam Sawalhah, Samuel Walker and James Wright, Jr, Troop leaders are Ken Abbott, chartered organization representative; Andy Morton, Scoutmaster; Cindy Malenfant, executive chair; Michael Brown, Paul Erwin and Denis Malenfant, assistant Scoutmasters; and Johnny Hackworth, committee member. The charter organization is Tuckaleechee United Methodist Church, Townsend
Special activities this year have included restorative work to one of the cabins at Camp Tipton, including removal of debris;
participating in the Spring Camporee at Sequoyah Birthplace Museum; summer camp at Camp Buck Toms; hiking to Campsite #30 at Elkmont; the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum Fall Festival; backpacking and hiking.

At the Camporee, the Pirate Patrol of Troop 777 received an award for the 3rd best overall troop. This was the first Camporee for the current Troop 777, since forming in September 2006. At Camp Buck Toms,
Christopher Malenfant, Jesse Malenfant, Jesse Hackworth and Tucker Brown all volunteered to help with the Tuckaleechee District Cub Scout Twilight Camp.

The scouts have shown a real interest in Sequoyah Birthplace and Museum, where some members have participated now for four years on the worthy and educational cause. They have been invited back next year to volunteer their time again, and the troop received the Historic Trails Award for their work.

In April, Chris Malenfant began work on his Eagle Project at Sequoyah Birthplace Museum planting trees at the museum which will provide shade in the future. Matt Brown, Luke Cox, Jesse Hackworth and Jesse Malenfant all assisted in the planting, with guidance from the museum staff. The trees will be numbered and a pamphlet made for visitor use.

Special awards for the troop have included the Quality Unit Award from the Great Smoky Mountain Council in 2006, National Camping Award; Honor Patrol Award for the Pirate patrol; and the Historic Trails Award for volunteer efforts at Sequoyah Birthplace Museum.

Christopher Malenfant received the William T. Hornaday Award for his work on acid raid and its effects on conifers. He received a pin and certificate for his efforts.

At the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum, members of Troop 777 planted trees to provide shade for future visitors. The project
was part of Christopher Malenfant’s Eagle project.