February 22-24, 2008

Mineola: Rifle Shooting, Forestry, and a Movie

Click here to register

 Our annual trek to Pine Hill Ranch in Mineola (the ranch is made available to us thanks to the Savelli's and Cynthia's parents) is this coming weekend. We will have many campers going back for another year of fun in the Mineola woods, as well as our newest scouts going on their first troop campout.

ACTIVITIES: RIFLE SHOOTING, FORESTRY, MOVIE
Mr. Nemic and helpers will setup a rifle range for the weekend. This should be a lot of fun, but remember that SAFETY IS RULE #1. Here's a great chance to work on the Shooting Sports merit badge.

Also, Mr. Savelli always leads a very interesting and informative Forestry hike. Don't miss it.

Once again, the outdoor theater will be setup after dinner.

Rumor has it that Barth Tillotson is leading a special, extra fun agenda for older scouts, and Mr. Amy is bringing along one of his really cool star gazing tools. (He has great toys!)

ONLINE CAMPOUT REGISTRATION
Click here to register each scout and each adult who is planning to attend the campout. Remember to print out the confirmation and permission slip that is emailed after you register, sign it, and bring it to the campout. For safety reasons, every camper must have a signed form in order to attend the campout. (Also, please fill out the form carefully. It just adds work for the trip planners when we have to count and recount drivers to not include the 13 year old who was filled out as an adult.)

SCHEDULE
We will meet Friday, February 22nd, at the Scout Hut on Killion at 5:00 and leave at 5:30.
We plan to return to the Scout Hut on Sunday around noon.

COST
The fee to cover food and expenses for this campout will be $15 for each scout and adult. Please turn in cash or checks (made out to Troop 412) at the meeting Monday or at the Scout Hut on Friday.

FOOD
Bring a sack dinner for the trip to the campout. We will not stop for dinner on the road. We will eat in the car as we drive there.

The troop will provide breakfast and lunch on Saturday.

As a real treat, the Badger and Salamander patrols will cook Saturday night dinner and Sunday breakfast.

EQUIPMENT
The long term forecast shows that we should have nice weather for the campout. The highs look to be around 70 degrees, with lows around 50, and only a slight chance of precipitation. However, remember the scout motto, "BE PREPARED".

The most important piece of equipment you need to bring on this campout is a warm sleeping bag and a sleeping pad.

Bring warm clothes and rain suit or poncho, along with work gloves.

We will bring the trailer on this campout, so a back-pack is not needed.. The trailer has all the necessary tents and cooking equipment. For more information on what to take on a campout, check your Scout handbook or the troop packing list on the website under Links/Forms.

CONTACT INFORMATION
If you get lost or need assistance,
Vic Savelli's cell phone number is 214-728-6963 and
and Scoutmaster Burns' cell is 214-755-3800.

LOCATION
Pine Hill Ranch is located in Mineola, about 90 minutes away from Dallas. Here is a map showing the location of the turn-off to CR-2325. The farm entrance is 2 miles down the road.

Directions to Pine Hill Ranch, Mineola, Texas
  1. Take Midway north to 635 and proceed East
  2. Continue on 635 and exit Hwy 80 going East towards Terrell (or use your favorite route to get to 80)
  3. Hwy 80 exits at Terrell. Take the 80 Terrell exit (East of Forney)
  4. You will continue on 80 through Terrell, Wills Point, Edgewood, Fruitvale, Grand Saline and then Mineola. You will see signs for Mineola as you work your way East.
  5. Just before you get to Mineola, go north on the 564 loop. It has a sign that says "to 37"
  6. Follow this loop, it will go by the golf course on the left, the school on the right and then cross 69 where there is a traffic light. Keep going on the loop, do not turn on 69.
  7. You will pass Sears on the left and the next light you come to is 37. Take a left (go north) on 37. This is the intersection where the Walmart is located on the North east side of the road. After you go left, Walmart should be on your right.
  8. Proceed North about 3 miles on 37 - you will pass Lake Brenda Estates on the right, go down a hill and back up again.
  9. Take a left (go west) on county road 2325. These small county roads are indicated by small, rectangular green signs - there will be several of them before you come to 2325. If you see a sign for Wood county airport or the city dump you have gone too far!
  10. The entrance is the 2nd gate you will come to once turning off of 37. It will be on the left side of 2325 about 2 miles down the road. There is a blue "Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association" sign on the gate. If the gate is closed, close it after you enter - if open, leave it open.
  11. Once inside the property follow the road straight into the camp area.