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Welcome to Troop 344
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Troop 344 operates in the
Falls District
of the
Occoneechee Council
of central North Carolina.
The troop was originally chartered in March of 1949.
The following sixty-plus years have generated many lasting memories for hundreds of boys and parents.
Over 80 Scouts have attained the rank of Eagle Scout during this time.
These young men have taken the values and character development they learned to
become good citizens in their community, their state, and their country.
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Activities and Adventures
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Troop 344 plans a weekend activity outing, and a day service project each month.
The only exception to this is when the Troop visits summer camp, which is a full week.
Activities and service projects vary greatly in order to provide the Scouts with as much exposure to variety as possible.
Each year the Troop attends a week long resident camp during the summer.
Traditionally, the Troop visits a new summer camp each year.
Each summer camp offers new and unique experiences for the Scout, as well as an opportunity to work on advancement and merit badges.
Over the years, the Troop has visited summer camps all over North Carolina, and in Virginia.
During the year, Troop 344 makes every effort to have the widest possible variety of monthly adventures,
while making every attempt to keep trip expenses reasonable.
We have been to Kerr Lake, fishing on the North Carolina Coast,
hiking in Uwharrie National Forest, snow skiing in West Virginia,
hiking Linville Gorge, canoeing at Merchant's Millpond,
caving in the Virginia Mountains, and whitewater rafting just to name a few.
Troop 344 attempts to attend at least one "merit badge weekend" each year.
For the past several years we have participated in Durham Merit Badge College (held at Duke University),
Raleigh Merit Badge College (sponsored by another Raleigh Troop),
and the Council's Merit Badge University (held at NC State).
In keeping with Scouting's ideals, activities are planned by the Scouts.
Adults oversee the planning process, and may provide ideas and guidance,
but the Scouts decide what they want to do.
This ensures that the outings are truly something of interest, and keeps things always changing..
The possibilities are limitless!
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In Service to Our Community
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In the spring of 1999, Troop 344 adopted Sawmill Creek,
located off Sawmill Road. The Troop visits the stream
periodically, armed with large orange trash bags, boots,
gloves, and tools with which to clean the stream.
We also partner with REI at different times to help cleanup local parks, and hiking trails.
We assist St. Mark's with their Feeding the Hungry initiative "Soup on Sunday".
The Troop has also helped elderly members of the community with yard work,
performed street cleanups, served veterans on Veterans Day, and assisted with Relay for Life with the American Cancer Society.
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Every Scout Deserves a Trained Leader
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The majority of active Adult Scouters affiliated with Troop 344 have completed some level of Adult Leader Training.
Our training ranges from Safe Swim Defense, BSA Lifeguard Certification, Rappelling Tower Certification,
Scoutmastership Fundamentals, Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills, Venturing Powderhorn and Wood Badge Advanced Leader Training.
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Fund Raising
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We make every attempt at not over-burdening our Scouts with fundraisers.
However, it is necessary to keep adequate funds in the Troop treasury and still be reasonable with dues.
Fund raising helps reduce the cost of outings, and can be applied to the cost of summer camp.
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