Crew 497 spend a great weekend at Cayo Costa State Park on Octover 23-25th, 2009 for sailing, beachcombing, tubing, kayaking, powerboating and fellowship. Pictures by Mrs. Cindy.

A very hot day. Photos By R. Vilan

On October 31, 2009, members of Troop 397 and Crew 497 hiked 9.4 miles of the Florida Trail in the Big Cypress National Preserve of the Everglades. Hikers saw snakes, spiders and did not have to do any wading in water as they did last year. These pictures were taken by Dr. David Chen

On October 23-35, Crew 497 attended Gulf Ridge Council's Venturing Adventure at Cayo Costa State Park located just north of Captiva Island. Crew members sailed Hobie Cats, kayaked, went tubing behind a powerboat, fished, looked for seashells, went on a ghost hike and enjoyed island life on the sandy shores of the island. These are pictures taken by Dr. David.

Best Patrol Spirit (Pine Tree and Y-Knot patrols) trophies and Best Overall Patrol (Slingshot) trophies for Troop 397's 2009 Fall Trooporee were handed out to Pine Tree Patrol Leader Chad Word, Y-Knot Patrol Leader Michael Raynor and Slingshot Patrol Leader Tommy Vilan during the October 6th Troop Meeting.

Pack 179 held their Join Scouting night at Westchester Elementary School on September 17, 2009. Scouts from Troop 397 assisted the Pack.

These are pictures taken by Dr. David Chen at Carlos Rivera's Eagle Court of Honor on September 19, 2009. Carlos is Troop 397's 65th Eagle Scout and the 3rd of 2009.

These are pictures taken by Dr. Chen at Pack 397's Join Scouting Night held at Riverside Elementary school on September 16, 2009. Scouts from Troop 397 assisted the Pack.

Fall Troop-O-Ree Master Chef Scout Edition Chef Michael Getter and Adult Chef Steven Getter Vice Chef Xavier Garcia and Adult Vice Chef Clay Word Held at FAU Youth Camp in The Corbett Wildlife Management Area

These are pictures taken by Mr. Mike Wengrenovich during Carlos Rivera's Eagle Court of Honor held on September 19, 2009 at Faith United Church of Tamarac. Carlos is Troop 397's 65th Eagle Scout and the 4th of 2009.

Crew 497 travelled to Camp Tanah Keeta on September 23-25th to participate in Venturing's 11th Birthday Bash. Crew members participated in Kayaking, Rock Climbing, Rappelling, SCUBA, shotgun, archery, greased watermelon, low COPE and other great activities.

Congratulations to All and Thank You Dr. Chen. All pictures were taken by Mr. Robert Vilan.

On August 14-16, 2009, Troop 397 camped out at the Elks Youth Camp located inside Hugh Birch State Park where they enjoyed the air conditioned cabins and dining hall which became a blessing when the weather turned rainy. Participants enjoyed communal meals, canoeing, hiking, swimming (at the beach), movies and also were able to participate in a service project pulling down air potato vines. Advancement work was offered.

On the last day of SFC's 2009 Philmont Adventure, July 11, 2009, Crew 629-J4 members cleaned out their tents, ate a quick breakfast and loaded their gear onto a charter bus for a 3 hour drive to Alburqueque Airport. Arriving at Miami airport at 1am, they brought home memories to last a lifetime.

On the 14th day of SFC's 2009 Philmont Adventure and their 10th day on the trail, Members of Crew 629-J4 took a leisurely hike from Upper Clarks Fork trail camp to Tooth Ridge trail camp. Although the distance was 4.4 miles, the crew took a leisurely break at Schaeffer's Pass camp before continuing on to Tooth Ridge. Along the way, they climbed to the top of Schaeffer's Peak before settling down in the footprint of the Tooth of Time.

On the 13th day of SFC's 2009 Philmont Adventure and 9th day on the trail, Crew 629-J4 members ventured out for a mine tour and learned how to forge a peg hook at Cypher's mine before hitting the trail. Then it was a 4.7 mountain hike to Clark's Fork staff camp where they prepared dinner and showered. Afterwards, they hiked to Upper Clark's Fork trail camp to make camp for the night.

On the 12th day of their SFC 2009 Philmont Adventure and 8th day on the trail, Crew 629-J4 members departed Upper Sawmill trail camp for Cypher's Mine staff camp. This was a tough 7.3 mountain hike with almost 3 miles of continuous incline before leveling off. Arriving at Cypher's Mine, crew members took in a lively Stomp show before retiring to bed in their communal Muckshack.

On the 11th day of their 2009 Philmont adventure and 7th day on the trail, Crew 629-J4 members packed up their packs (now heavier with 5 days worth of food) and hiked to Upper Sawmille trail camp. Then they hiked 6.5 tough mountain miles to Sawmill staff camp to shoot 30.06 rifles. Afterwards, they returned to Upper Sawmill for dinner and campfire.

On the 10th day of their 2009 Philmont Adventure and 6th day on the trail, Crew 629-J4 members packed up and went shotgun shooting at Harlan before hiking 3.5 scenic miles to Ute Springs trail camp. Along the way, they endured heavy rain and hail which covered the ground like snow. The scenery was fantastic and the fire ban was lifted allowing the crew's first and very welcome campfire to ward off the wet and cold.

On the 9th day of their SFC 2009 Philmont adventure and 5th day on the trail, Crew 629-J4 members went rock climbing and rappelling at Dean Cow before venturing out on a 8 mountain mile hike to Harlan staff camp. Along the way, they stumbled across a rattlesnake and crossed the highway that bisects Philmont. At Harlan, they were subjected to the indignity of having to smell the staff's cheeseburger dinner.

On the 8th day of SFC's 2009 Philmont Expedition, Crew 629-J4 members began their 4th day on the trail with showers and branding at Ponil then they hiked 8.3 (longest distance of the whole trek) mountain miles along the Dean Skyline trail. They hiked over Hart's Peak, saw thousands of ladybugs, and reached Dean Cow staff camp where they reunited with Mr. Bert Laaker and son, Will.

On the 15th day of their SFC 2009 Philmont Adventure and their 11th and last day on the trail, Crew 629-J4 woke up at 4:30am and climbed to the summit of the Tooth of Time to catch the sunrise. Afterwards, they returned to their campsite to pack up and hiked the last 6.3 miles back to base camp. Running low or out of water, crew members were thankful for the plentiful water and goodies at base camp including pizza that was ordered for lunch.

On the 7th day of SFC's 2009 Philmont Contingent (July 2, 1009), Crew 629-J4 packed up and hiked 4.6 mountain miles from Indian Writings to Ponil staff camp. Ponil is the original site of the Philturn Camp. Crew members went horseback riding and enjoyed a chuckwagon dinner followed by a show in the Cantina. A lot of root beer was enjoyed by all.

On the 6th day of SFC's 2009 Philmont Expedition (July 1, 2009), Crew members packed up their Anasazi camp and hiked 2 miles to the Indian Writings Staff Camp. While there, they performed a 3 hour conservation project, threw Atlats, set up camp, played anasazi ball, and returned to camp to cook their second trail dinner.