Troop 27 Jacksonville

Florida Backpacking Trips

John Frost — 2011-11-14T11:46:16-05:00

Florida Backpacking Trips

New to backpacking and need a partner? Returning to backpacking and looking to brush up your skills? Browse the listings on the right for opportunities to join upcoming backpacking trips led by activity leaders from our various chapters.

Our prime backpacking season is December to March, with most major organized events occuring in February, designated by the state as Florida Hiking Trails Month.

You'll find activities scheduled during all of our hiking season, October through May. Organized backpacking trips are rare in our summer months, since the heat, insects, and afternoon thundershowers dampen the experience. http://www.floridatrail.org/trips-backpacking.html

Suggested Backpacking Trips

Overnight Trips (loop)

Croom Tract Loop Trail, Croom Tract, Withlacoochee State Forest, 20 miles
Fort Braden Hiking Trail, Lake Talquin State Forest, 18 miles
East Loop & West Loop, Jonathan Dickinson State Park, 17 miles
Dupuis Hiking Trail, Dupuis Wildlife Management Area, 15 miles
Torreya Hiking Trail, Torreya State Park, 12 miles
Florida Trail, Bull Creek WMA, 12 miles
Big Oak Hiking Trail, Suwannee River State Park , 12 miles
Florida Trail, Three Lakes WMA, 12 miles
Buster Island Loop, Lake Kissimmee State Park, 6.5 miles
Collier-Seminole Hiking Trail, Collier-Seminole State Park, 6.5 miles

Overnight Trips (linear)

Florida Trail, Econfina Creek, 18 miles
Florida Trail, Juniper Springs to Hopkins Prairie , 11 miles

3 Day Weekend

Florida Trail, Blackwater River State Forest, 38 miles
Florida Trail, Green Swamp, 34 miles
Florida Trail, Hickory Hammock to Kicco, 31 miles
Ocean to Lake Trail, Everglades Youth Camp (Corbett WMA) to DuPuis Reserve entrance, 26 miles
Richloam Loop , Richloam Tract, Withlacoochee State Forest, 26 miles
Florida Trail, Osecola National Forest, 21 miles
Arbuckle Trail , Lake Wales Ridge State Forest, 19 miles (loop)

Less than 1 Week

Florida Trail, Eglin Air Force Base, US 331 to FL 85, 49 miles (permit required)
Florida Trail, Big Cypress National Preserve, 45 miles
Citrus Hiking Trail , Withlacoochee State Forest, 43 miles (loop)
Myakka Hiking Trail, Myakka River State Park, 35.9 miles (loop)
Florida Trail, Cross Florida Greenway , Pruitt Trailhead to Marshall Swamp, 31 miles
Florida Trail, Suwannee River , 58 miles (membership required)
Florida Trail, St. Marks NWR , 54 miles (permit required)

1 Week or More

Florida Trail around Lake Okeechobee , 112 miles (loop)
Florida Trail, Ocala National Forest , 70 miles
Florida Trail, Apalachicola National Forest, 71 miles

Backpacking Gear, Tips, etc...

ADULT LEADERS

Charles Doak — 2011-10-26T21:45:53-05:00

ADULT LEADERS

Scoutmaster

Paul Hubert* email: Mr. Hubert

Assistant Scoutmasters

Tom Gyorog email: Mr. Gyorog
Ken Grula* email: Mr. Grula
Darrin Willingham* email: Dr. Willingham
Carlos Arango* email:Dr. Arango
Tim Buchanan* email:Mr. Buchanan
Charles Doak* email: Mr. Doak
Perry Sanders* email: Mr. Sanders

* Adult Leaders who have completed Wood Badge

Troop Committee

John Frost - Committee Chair email: Mr. Frost
Tim Buchanan email: Mr. Buchanan
Beth Schrader email: Mrs. Schrader
Andrea Hazen email: Mrs. Hazen
Jim Bolling email: Dr. Bolling
Lisa Bolling email: Mrs. Bolling
Ramesh Rajan email: Mr. Rajan
Srini Polineni email: Mr. Polineni
Ed Jenkins email: Mr. Jenkins
Beth Jenkins email: Mrs. Jenkins

Policy and Procedure Forms

John Frost — 2011-09-17T12:06:08-05:00

Policy and Procedure Forms

Below are the Troop 27 general policy and procedure forms including an introduction to the overall Troop policies, bylaws, operating procedures, and personal conduct. Please read and review these as necessary.

Troop 27 Program Introduction

Troop 27 Operating Procedures

Troop 27 Bylaws

Troop 27 Conduct Discipline Policy

A Time to Tell- Troop Meeting Guide

How to Protect Your Children From Child Abuse - A Parent's Guide

Everyday Forms

Campfire Planner Program

Troop 27 Scoutmaster Conf Guide

Merit Badges Requiring Prior Approval

Sample Letter of Recommendation

national_honor_patrol_award.doc Scoutmaster Note The Scoutmaster must be made aware PRIOR to a Patrol beginning tracking this award. i.e. you cannot start and use the previous 3 months as accomplishments.

Camping Organization (for setting up an Event)

permissionslip_1-2010_camporee.doc This is a typical, already filled our Permission Slip. Change location, cost, times, etc. as needed. Email to all ahead of time. Print multiples and bring to meetings prior to event.

blank_roster_template.xls This excel form is highly flexible - use and/or tailor it to your liking. Easy to keep track of who paid and cash vs. check. When filled out with the attendees and printed, it makes a nice “headcount” checklist to bring on the event.

camping_activity_template.xls A few years back, another leader created this very useful set of Worksheets which allow for better organization with the heavy activity weekends. Again - tailor it to your needs.

Troop Program Resources

The Scoutmaster’s Minute
Games
Ceremonies
Interfaith Worship Service
Glossary of Scouting Terms
Pearls of Wisdom—Quotes From Baden-Powell
Founders of the BSA
Forms
Clip Art
Court of Honor1
Court of Honor2

About Troop 27

Ken Grula — 2011-01-04T21:20:49-05:00

About Troop 27

Boy Scout Troop 27 is in the North Florida Council, Boy Scouts of America. We are sponsored by The Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, 7500 Southside Blvd, Jacksonville, FL. Troop meetings are held on Monday nights from 7pm to 8:30pm. Please check our calendar for specific meeting dates and times.

The meetings are run by the Scouts themselves under the guidance of trained adult leaders. Parents are welcome to visit a troop meeting anytime and are expected to help out as requested by the Troop Committee. Parents, Scout Leaders and the youth work together through the Eight Methods of Scouting.

Troop 27 was first chartered in 2001. Since that time, 19 dedicated boys have earned the rank of Eagle Scout. The Episcopal Church of the Redeemer is our Charter Organization…many thanks to them.

The Troop is primarily an outdoor activity Troop. Between September and May (generally following the school calendar), we camp once monthly - some “bring everything” type events and others backpacking, “pack-only-what-you-can-carry”. We participate in several District Events (we are part of the Riverbend District) - including their main blowout - the CAMPOREE held every January.

Our Troop goes to a summer camp each year. At camp the first year Scouts can earn many of the requirements for most of the first three ranks. The older Scouts can concentrate on the earning of Merit Badges or take in a high adventure program. They typically sleep in two man canvas tents that are set-up on wood platforms. Scouts eat in the mess hall and swim in the camp lakes.

Our Troop has been to all 3 National High Adventure Bases.
Philmont Scout Ranch - 2007
Florida Sea Base - 2006, 2009
Northern Tier - 2008
This is the ultimate in an outdoor camping adventure for not only the Scout, but for the Leaders, too.

We take canoe trips in the summer/fall time and hike/backpack in the winter/spring.

Troop 27 is an active Troop with a dynamic year round program. We are one of the largest troops in our District and pride ourselves on delivering a quality troop program. We believe in providing the youth with challenging opportunities and High Adventure trips that encompass the aims and methods of Scouting. Our current membership exceeds 40 youth (ages 10 1/2 to 17) and 25+ registered leaders. When a boy joins the Troop, we welcome the entire family as well. Many parents find themselves having as much fun as the Scouts!

Leaders

Please refer to our Adult Leaders page (also link under “Troop Information” at right) for our current leader's list with contact information - phone numbers, email, etc.

Our History

Troop 27 was established in 2001 by Scoutmaster Kevin Pryor after his son advanced from a local Cub Scout Pack. Kevin served as our Scoutmaster as his son and several boys made their way to Eagle. Afterwards, he turned the leadership of the Troop over to our 2nd Scoutmaster, Ron Fish. Ron was a dedicated leader for several years and 8 boys achieved the rank of Eagle during his tenure. Our third Scoutmaster was Dave Albers. Under his leadership our Troop added another six Eagles. Today, our current Scoutmaster is Ken Grula and the Troop now has several active Eagles, and many Scouts only a few merit badge requirements and one Eagle Project away.

Our Eagle Scout Honor Roll can be found here.

Troop 27 Eagles

Ken Grula — 2011-01-04T21:15:06-05:00

Troop 27 Eagles

Class of 2003 Kevin Pryor - Scoutmaster
Alek Pulido

Class of 2004 Kevin Pryor - Scoutmaster
Matt Bradley

Class of 2005 Kevin Pryor - Scoutmaster
Thomas Saddington	Antonio Arango

Class of 2006 Kevin Pryor - Scoutmaster
Orlando Pryor

Class of 2007 Ron Fish - Scoutmaster
Justin Bryan		Nathan Maxwell
Erik Fish	Sean Fish	Mike Werner

Class of 2008 Ron Fish - Scoutmaster
Joseph Bolling	Chris Trivett	Logan Kimbrell

Class of 2010 Dave Albers - Scoutmaster
Chase Divertie	Nathan Sanders	William Sanders
Tyler Albers	Sai Polineni	Karthik Rajan

Click HERE to see their projects.

Adult Leader Eagles

Colin Doak 2007, Troop 136 Who used to meet here! Jacksonville, FL in the Riverbend District of the North Florida Council. Jacksonville is located in the First Coast region of northeast Florida and is centered on the banks of the St. Johns River, about 25 miles (40 km) south of the Georgia border and about 340 miles (547 km) north of Miami. The settlement that became Jacksonville was founded in 1791 as Cowford, so named because of its location at a narrow point in the river where cattle once crossed. In 1822, a year after the United States acquired the colony of Florida from Spain, the city was renamed for Andrew Jackson, the first military governor of the Florida Territory and then-future President of the United States.
The township coordinates are: 30°19′10″N 81°39′36″W
Chris Freyer 1985, Troop 550 formed in 1965 in Warner Robins, Georgia of the Central Georgia Council. Warner Robinsis a city in the U.S. state of Georgia, located primarily in Houston County with a small portion in Peach County. The city has its own metropolitan statistical area (Warner Robins metropolitan area. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 48,804. The official motto of Warner Robins is EDIMGIAFAD, which is an acronym for “Every Day In Middle Georgia Is Armed Forces Appreciation Day”. The coining of this phrase is attributed Dr. Dan Callahan, a local civic leader.
The township coordinates are: 32°36′31″N 83°38′17″W
Perry Sanders 1977, Troop 142 in Tullahoma, TN of the Elk River District of the Middle Tennessee Council Tullahoma is a city in Coffee and Franklin counties in the south-central part of the U.S. state of Tennessee. The population was 17,994 at the 2000 census. It is the principal city of the Tullahoma micropolitan area, which consists of Coffee, Franklin, and Moore counties and is the second largest micropolitan area in Tennessee after the Cookeville micropolitan area. The cities name is from two Greek words - 'Tulla' meaning mud, and 'Homa,' meaning more mud. Troop 142 currently meets at 6:30-9pm on Tuesdays in the First Christian Church at the corner of Jackson St and Grundy St. across from Traders' Bank and City Hall.
Township coordinates are 35°22′7″N 86°12′48″W

Level 2 Headline - created

Ken Grula — 2011-01-04T21:06:08-05:00

Level 2 Headline

At a farm near Middleburg.
Similar to the River Bend District Camporee in January - but includes ALL districts / All troops.
2,000+ scouts expected.

GBB @ O'Leno State Park

Ken Grula — 2011-01-04T21:04:15-05:00

GBB @ O'Leno State Park

First campout for the newly crossed over Webelos. O'leno State Park - approx. 1 1/2 hr west of jax.
Lots of scout skills - knots, knives, fire, etc. New scouts get to know the older ones.
Swimming in the Sante Fe River.

Orienteering Campout March 18 to 20, 2011

Ken Grula — 2011-01-04T21:02:05-05:00

Orienteering Campout March 18 to 20, 2011

__is the Adult organizer. Contact him to confirm attendence, make payment, driving plans, menus, permission slips, etc.
Meet at Publix parking lot in front of Brooklyn Pizza, Baymeadows and 9A 5:30pm Friday. Scouts should already have eaten - so we should be on the road by 5:45.
Camp at Wekiva State Park (near Orlando).
Saturday compete against the clock and other Scout and ROTC groups in the Florida Orienteering Club. 6 different level courses.
This is an opportunity to get much of the Orienteering merit badge complete.

Upcoming Events

Ken Grula — 2011-01-04T20:59:17-05:00

Upcoming Events

  * [[info:rbcamp|Camping weekend of January 14, 2011 - RiverBend Camporee]]

Camping weekend of February 18, 2011 - 3 Day Weekend Hike Providence Canyon in central Georgia

Camping weekend of March 18, 2011 - Competition Orienteering & Camping @ Wekiva State Park (just north of Orlando)

Camping weekend of April 15, 2011- GBB for New Scouts recently crossed over. O'Leno State Park. SWIMMING!!!

Camping weekend of May 13, 2011- North Florida Council-Wide Camporee

Summer Camp 2011 Camp Rainey Mountain, GA. July 3 - 9.

Eagle Projects

Nathan Sanders project - building tables and chairs Sat. 8/14/10 @ Camp Chowenwa. This is more for scouts who attended Carpentry merit badge on 8/7 (because building the items is the final requirement). Contact Nathan with specifics. Watch for emails.

In reference to Eagle Projects: Assisting another Scout with his Eagle project is something that all scouts need to participate in repeatedly. This is not a “did it one time” or “once-a-year” thing. If a Scout does not have a prior committment, they should make every effort to attend. For those who stay focused in scouting and continue on toward Eagle, at some point in the future, they will look to other scouts for help with their Eagle project - there is no better way to learn to lead than being lead. Experience is the best teacher. Although the days usually involve physical labor, they are always good-hearted fun among the boys and they always benefit a community cause.

Welcome to Troop 27 on the Web

Ken Grula — 2011-01-04T20:56:39-05:00

Welcome to Troop 27 on the Web

Troop meetings are held on Monday nights, 7pm to 8:30pm
at The Episcopal Church of the Redeemer
7500 Southside Blvd
Jacksonville, FL 32256

The Boy Scouts of America is one of the nation's largest and most prominent values-based youth development organizations. The BSA provides a program for young people that builds character, trains them in the responsibilities of participating citizenship, and develops personal fitness.

For nearly a century, the BSA has helped build the future leaders of this country by combining educational activities and lifelong values with fun. The Boy Scouts of America believes — and, through nearly a century of experience, knows — that helping youth is a key to building a more conscientious, responsible, and productive society.

Upcoming EVENTS & Camping

River Bend Camporee - Jan 14-16
University of Scouting Jan 29th for adults and/or leaders who want to learn more about any scouting topic. This is the NF Council Site Link to info, registration, etc.
http://www.doubleknot.com/registration/calendardetail.asp?orgkey=1312&ActivityKey=893270 Please sign up and pay directly through the Council.
Sat. Feb 5th - Swimming 2nd and 1st Class Rank items at UNF Pool 9:30 am - swimsuit and towel.
Sat. Feb 12th - Day Event @ Camp Echockotee - Orange Park - T. 27 Boy Scouts working with Webelos from some local Packs. Basic outdoor skills, Scout rank items, etc.
Feb 18 - 20 Backpacking weekend at Providence Canyon in Georgia.

Please check the “Events & Camping” link on the right menu for upcoming activities. If the upcoming event is your son's first event with Troop 27, the Scoutmaster must have his completed Health Form - Parts A & C. Blanks can be found in the BSA Forms and Resources link at right.

Wiki Statistics

Chris Freyer — 2010-12-06T09:48:14-05:00

Wiki Statistics

Total pages: 127

Total user IDs: 15

Hall of Fame

Hall of Fame
Position	Name	No of edits
1	Charles Doak	690
2	Ken Grula	300
3	Chris Freyer	124
4	John Frost	19
5	Tom Gyorog	4

Edits By Month

Largest Pages

Ranking of Page Sizes
Position	Page	Size
1	RANK ADVANCEMENT REQUIREMENTS	22821
2	Active Troop 27 Eagle projects	16916
3	Georgia	16617
4	North Florida Council	11558
5	So far we’ve heard about the following merit badges:	10307
6	Boy Scout Leader Specific	9488
7	home	8846
8	Basic Information	8106
9	2010 Jamboree Activities	7819
10	Order of the Arrow - Southern Region	7753

Top Edits


Position	Page	No of edits
1	Welcome to Troop 27 on the Web	110
2	Troop Information	84
3	Troop 27 Eagles	51
4	Leave No Trace Principles	43
5	North Florida Council	42
6	RANK ADVANCEMENT REQUIREMENTS	39
7	ADULT LEADERS	39
8	Boy Scout Leader Specific	34
9	Application forms:	29
10	Upcoming Events	28

Photos & Movies

Chris Freyer — 2010-11-23T14:32:21-05:00

Photos & Movies

This page contains links to various photos, albums, and videos related to the troop. Some of the resources presented here are hosted by other sites.

Camp Daniel Boone, June 2009
- Pictures
- Movies
Torreya State Park, October 2009
- Pictures
- Movies
Suwannee Backpacking Trip
- Pictures

Summer Camp July 3 to 9, 2011 - created

Ken Grula — 2010-08-08T07:29:36-05:00

Summer Camp July 3 to 9, 2011

Going back to 2010 location - Camp Rainey Mountain in North East Georgia. FANTASTIC EXPERIENCE.
First year scouts welcome. Excellent programs for younger boys to get early rank requirements.
This is the link to the 2010 Camp, 2011 not yet posted: Rainey Mountain

3 day weekend, hike at scenic Providence Canyon, Georgia February 18 to 21, 2011

Ken Grula — 2010-08-07T18:10:56-05:00

3 day weekend, hike at scenic Providence Canyon, Georgia February 18 to 21, 2011

Mr. Sanders is the Adult organizer. Contact him to confirm attendence, make payment, driving plans, menus, permission slips, etc.
Meet at Wendy's parking lot Baymeadows and 9A 5:30pm Friday. Scouts should already have eaten - so we should be on the road by 5:45.
Plan is still in the works. This is the link to the Park: Providence Canyon
Will be similar to Suwanee November hike - except this park has hills, and some beautiful terrain. Carry all food and gear. Return home Monday - no school President's day.

River bend Camporee - Echockotee January 14 - 16, 2011 - created

Ken Grula — 2010-08-07T18:06:02-05:00

River bend Camporee - Echockotee January 14 - 16, 2011

The fall SPL is the organizer. Contact him to confirm attendence, make payment, driving plans, menus, permission slips, etc.
Meet at Wendy's parking lot Baymeadows and 9A 5:30pm Friday. Scouts should already have eaten - so we should be on the road by 5:45.
For anyone who does not know the weekend, ask any other scout. Echockotee + Non Stop competitive activities + Horns + Dodgeball + Sore Throats = SPIRIT AWARD
Everyone should try and attend this event.
Lots of fun and getting to know your fellow Troops.

Camp & Competition Orinteering Weekend of Dec 10, 2010

Ken Grula — 2010-08-07T18:01:12-05:00

Camp & Competition Orinteering Weekend of Dec 10, 2010

Mr. Grula is the Adult organizer. Contact him to confirm attendence, make payment, driving plans, menus, permission slips, etc.
Meet at Wendy's parking lot Baymeadows and 9A 5:30pm Friday. Scouts should already have eaten - so we should be on the road by 5:45.
Camp at Kelly Park in Apopka, FL (South East of Ocala) where the Florida Orienteering Club is having a competition weekend. Saturday, we will break into 2 to 3 person teams - and compete against the clock on any of a variety of professionally layed out courses.
Think your Orienteering skills are top notch??? Come and test them for real.
Awards will be given to fastest, successful scouting teams.

2 night, 2 day hike on the Florida Trail November 19 to 21, 2010

Ken Grula — 2010-08-07T17:55:14-05:00

2 night, 2 day hike on the Florida Trail November 19 to 21, 2010

Mr. Freyer is the Adult organizer. Contact him to confirm attendence, make payment, driving plans, menus, permission slips, etc.
Meet at Wendy's parking lot Baymeadows and 9A 5:30pm Friday. Scouts should already have eaten - so we should be on the road by 5:45.
Camp at Stephen Foster Folk Cultural Center State Park in Fort White Friday. Hike the florida trail Saturday - carrying all food and gear. Stop and camp Saturday night. Get up Sunday, hike several more miles to pick up point, and return home late Sunday evening.
This event is not for everyone. Total hiking between 15 and 18 miles over 2 days. Boys will carry 20 to 40 pounds on their back. Scoutmasters will review individuals to determine if they have the skills necessary.

Oleno State Park Sept. 17 to 19, 2010

Ken Grula — 2010-08-07T17:52:59-05:00

Oleno State Park Sept. 17 to 19, 2010

Mr. Grula is the Adult organizer. Contact him to confirm attendence, make payment, driving plans, menus, permission slips, etc.
Meet at Wendy's parking lot Baymeadows and 9A 5:30pm Friday. Scouts should already have eaten - so we should be on the road by 5:45.
Camp at Oleno State Park (1/2 hr. south of Lake City) Friday and Sat night
Saturday we will tube Itchetucknee all day, have lunch in the parking lot
SUNDAY - something different. Once we pack-up our gear, we will be going to a private swimming hole minutes from Oleno called Blue Springs. Play in the spring, horseshoes, volleyball from approx. 10:00am to 2:00pm. Scoutmasters will cook out lunch for everyone - burgers and dogs. Parents and Siblings are welcome to join us at Blue Springs. Lunch is free. The private facility has a $10/person admission - scouts & adults camping will have already paid. It is approx. 1 hr. 45 min. drive from Jacksonville - very easy on I-10 and I-75. Follow directions on the link above.
Return to Wendy's parking lot between 4:00pm and 5:00pm Sunday. Will call parents on the drive home.

Competition Orienteering & Camp Dec. 10 to 12, 2010

Ken Grula — 2010-08-07T17:52:31-05:00

Competition Orienteering & Camp Dec. 10 to 12, 2010

Mr. Grula is the Adult organizer. Contact him to confirm attendence, make payment, driving plans, menus, permission slips, etc.
Meet at Wendy's parking lot Baymeadows and 9A 5:30pm Friday. Scouts should already have eaten - so we should be on the road by 5:45.
Camp at Ft. Clinch State Park - in Fernandina Beach area - Friday and Sat night
Lots of hiking, beach exploring, Ocean swimming if you dare
Explore the old brick Fort - which is AWSOME fun

Pathfinding Merit badge Saturday August 21, 2010 9:00 am - created

Ken Grula — 2010-08-07T17:04:50-05:00

Pathfinding Merit badge Saturday August 21, 2010 9:00 am

Not an Eagle-required Badge
Meet at Holy Family Catholic Church Parrish Hall on Baymeadows Rd. 9:00am. Pull into the church parking lot, the parrish hall entrance is durectly across from the Dress shorts and t-shirt - well sunscreened. WIll be walking around the nearby shops and malls.

Pathfinding Requirements

In the country, know every lane, bypath, and short cut for a distance of at least two miles in every direction around the local scout headquarters; or in a city, have a general knowledge of the district within a three-mile radius of the local scout headquarters, so as to be able to guide people at any time, by day or by night.
Know the population of the five principal neighboring towns, their general direction from his scout headquarters, and be able to give strangers correct directions how to reach them.
If in the country, know in a two mile radius, the approximate number of horses, cattle, sheep, and pigs owned on the five neighboring farms; or, in a town, know, in a half-mile radius, the location of livery stables, garages and blacksmith shops.
Know the location of the nearest meat markets, bakeries, groceries, and drug stores.
Know the location of the the nearest police station, hospital, doctor, fire alarm, fire hydrant, telegraph and telephone offices, and railroad stations.
Know something of the history of his place; and know the location of its principal public buildings, such as the town or city hall, post-office, schools and churches.
Submit a map not necessarily drawn by himself upon which he personally has indicated as much as possible of the above information