About the Campout

Our April campout is a kayaking adventure on the winding and scenic Etowah River! This 10-mile stretch is beautiful, popular, and full of places to stop, making it a fun and engaging trip. We’ll encounter gentle Class I rapids and small shoals as we paddle, pass by the historic Etowah Indian Mounds, and glide over ancient fish weirs. The Etowah is known for its incredible biodiversity, with more than 76 native fish species. We’ll stop for lunch on an island and navigate through the fun, unique rock garden along the way.

Adult participation is critical. With the potential for several paddling groups, we need enough adults to ensure proper supervision and transportation for all Scouts. All adults must be registered with the BSA and the troop, have current medical forms on file, and complete all required training, including the swim test.

Swim Test

Check out the Swim Test page for details on the swim test. Adults and Scouts passing this test is required for the April campout and for participating in activities on and in the water at Summer Camp and other campouts. 

Details and the signup are on the Swim Test page! 

Weekend Weather

Here is the area forecast.The trip will happen rain or shine.

Packing list

• See the Gear webpage for the printable, standard packing list. For this campout, add . .  . 

  • • PFD (Personal Flotation Device, Lifejacket) - you do not need to bring a PFD (Eurharlee Creek Outfitters supplies them for us all), but you are welcome to bring an appropriate one for kayaking if you wish. If you have a whistle, it is good to bring (only for use in emergencies).

    • Pack in soft-sided bags. Duffle bags or backpacks work. 

    • Have a dry bag for your boat that includes snacks, water and sunscreen.

    • Required: A warm (non-cotton) full-sleeve top and a hat carried in a waterproof bag (ex. large ziplock) inside your day bag. This is a safety item to carry at all times while on the water.

    • Water shoes - must have a heel strap and closed toe. Old tennis shoes work very well. If you have flip-flops, open-toed, or shoes with no heel strap you will not be participating. No Birkenstocks or Crocs or sandals with open slots in them. 

    • No cotton when on the water. Wear quick-drying clothing. Remember cold and rain when choosing your clothing to bring. 

    • Bring a pair of dry shoes for in-camp

    • A hat is very helpful for sun or rain

    • Optional:  Pair of paddling gloves (ex. NRS Hydroskin at REI or similar on Amazon - helpful if the weather is cold/rainy)

    • Remember cold and rain could be part of our paddling and camping! 

    • Bring at least two liters of water per Scout in refillable water bottles.

    • Optional: Fishing gear

Medication 

If your scout will take medications during the weekend, please have your Scout turn it over to the medical officer when arriving for departure at OGUMC. 

• • • Complete this Medication Administration Form

    • NO prescription, over-the-counter medicine, vitamins, or herbal supplements are permitted in a scout’s gear.

    • The Scout’s medication, along with the completed form should be placed in a Ziplock bag.

    • Medications MUST BE in their ORIGINAL containers.  We will be unable to accept anything without the original container. 

    • Please label the Ziplock bag with your Scout’s name.

    • Emergency medications such as Epi-pen and albuterol inhalers should be kept with the Scout at all times!!!!!

MEALS

• Bring money for Sunday lunch

• Patrols will meet two weeks before the campout to determine their meal plans and equipment needs. 

• All patrols are expected to put together enjoyable, healthy menus that use their cooking skills.

Tenting

T77 Scouts are to coordinate tenting with other Scout(s) on their own which includes who they are tenting with and who is bringing the tent. They do not need to communicate their arrangements to the Scoutmaster. Check out the Tenting Guidelines here. 

When to wear class A uniform

Scouts and adult leaders will wear Class A shirts at the following times:

• We always travel in uniform to and from the campout

• For Scouts Own Service

KEY CONTACTS

• Senior Patrol Leader, 

• Trip Planner and Leader, Andrew Kraft, ‭678-778-5824, akrafty@me.com

  • Trip Leader, Mike Henry, 678-823-3700, mhenry57@gmail.com

• Scoutmaster

  • • T77, Paul Mooring

    • Venture Crew, Mitch Leff, ‭(404) 861-4769‬, mitch@leffassociates.com 

Paddling Homework

Older Scouts and Adults: Please take a few moments to review the following useful techniques in the event they are needed on our trip:

• • T-Rescue steps for kayaks if one 'swamps' while on the swamp. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8CYbL_mmC0 

  • Cold-water Immersion: Water temps may likely still be cold during our trip. If someone accidentally goes in the water, remember these basic steps for recovery: 1. Stay calm and coach to control breathing 2. Pull the person into the rescue boat (can be lifted by PFD) 3. Get to a safe area 4. Remove wet clothing and put on dry clothing (focus on rewarming core and extremities) 5. Encourage gradual movement and snacks to regain energy and warm up. All paddlers should carry a warm, dry layer and a warm hat in a watertight bag while paddling.

Full route (below), starting in Euharlee and ending at Neel's Landing

Hospitals

Piedmont Cartersville Medical Center

960 Joe Frank Harris Pkwy SE,

Cartersville, GA 30120

470-490-1000

Open 24 hours

14 miles / 22 minute drive from campground

Annual troop and Scouting America registrations

Click the link below to complete your Troop 77 membership renewal.

https://forms.gle/eqToyr9JnKGo6GPg8 

Scouts and Adult volunteers also need to complete their 2025 Scouting America renewal, which is separate from the Troop 77 renewal. You can complete this by logging into https://my.scouting.org and choosing “My Application” and “My Renewals.”

Contact membership.st77@oakgrovescouting.org with questions.