BSA Troop 344 Home

Welcome to Troop 344
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 fifty-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.

Activities and Adventures
Troop 344 plans an activity the second week of every month during the calendar year. Our only exceptions to this occur in a month there is a District or Council Activity. Additionally, Troop 344 traditionally attends summer camp the week of July 4th every year. In addition, a good number of Troop 344 Scouts periodically attend provisional summer camp at Camp Durant as a group.

Through the years we have attended summer camp at Raven Knob Scout Reservation and Camp Bud Schiele Scout Reservation located in western North Carolina, Camp Bonner in Eastern North Carolina, Goshen which is located in the mountains of Virginia, as well as our own Occoneechee Scout Reservations. Troop 344 also travels to other camps, which include Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico & SeaBase in Florida.

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 one "merit badge weekend" each year. Over the past nine years the Troop has traveled to the U.S Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, for their "Merit Badge Jamboree." This is a wonderful opportunity for the young men to earn merit badges to which they would not normally be exposed.

Our annual visit to Annapolis is an excellent opportunity for the boys to learn of the rich Naval History of the United States. Troop 344 is fortunate to have our own "personal tour guide" at The Academy in the person of one of our own Eagle Scouts - Tyson Stahl. Tyson is our second Eagle Scout in recent history to attend the Naval Academy, for his older brother, Hoot Stahl also attended prior to becoming a Marine.

In Service to Our Community
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 serve at homeless kitchens; work at the Food Bank of North Carolina, clean-up yards for the senior adult members of Saint Mark's United Methodist, volunteer for Special Olympics and work at annual fund-raising events held for Cancer Research.

Every Scout Deserves a Trained Leader
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.

Fund Raising
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.

Troop 344 participates in the annual Occoneechee Council Popcorn Sale. Periodically, Troop 344 sells hamburgers and hot dogs in shopping centers as well as pet shows. We are always looking for fundraising opportunities.

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