Troop 288

Great job yesterday, Troop 288! 🥾⛰️ Birkhead by the Numbers: 🥾 About 10 miles — including a couple of bonus miles courtesy of a few wrong turns 😄 ⛰️ ~2,600 ft of elevation gain ⏱️ Over 5 hours on the trail We headed into Birkhead planning to spend the night, but the trail had other plans for us! Several of the creeks and water sources we expected to use were completely dry. With the heat and no dependable source to replenish everyone's water, we made the decision to adjust our plans and hike out rather than camp overnight. Along the way, we dropped our full packs for about 1.5 miles to hike up to Cooler’s Knob , the highest  point in Uwharrie, which was a welcome break. We also made a couple of wrong turns that pushed the Scouts' total mileage closer to 10 miles — a good reminder of the importance of navigation and checking the map at trail intersections. Then Birkhead gave us one final challenge: the last 1.7 miles were through a thunderstorm and heavy downpour. ⛈️🌧️ By...

  Troop 288 returned to Camp Grimes for another outstanding week of summer camp from June 28 through July 4, 2026 . This year’s experience was especially meaningful because our Scouts camped and participated alongside members of Troops 33 and 7 . The blended group gave Scouts an opportunity to make new friends, strengthen relationships with neighboring troops, and work together as one Scouting community. Throughout the week, Scouts attended merit-badge classes, worked on rank advancement, participated in camp activities, and enjoyed everything Camp Grimes has to offer. They returned home with numerous completed merit badges, partial requirements to continue working on, and meaningful progress toward their next ranks. Summer camp also provided important leadership opportunities. Amir Matar stepped forward to help guide the troop during the latter half of the week, demonstrating initiative and a willingness to serve when leadership was needed. Troop 288 was also proudly represented ...

Troop 288 enjoyed a memorable weekend of service, leadership, and fellowship at the 2026 Catholic Camporee at Camp Grimes. With approximately 400 Scouts and adult leaders attending from across the area, our troop took on the important responsibility of helping operate the dining hall. Troop 288 Scouts and adults assisted with Friday dinner, all three meals on Saturday, and Sunday breakfast—helping ensure that hundreds of campers were fed throughout the weekend. Our Scouts worked together, served others, and represented Troop 288 exceptionally well. Their willingness to step up and help demonstrated the values of the Scout Oath and Law in action. Thank you to our Scouts and adult volunteers for their hard work and positive attitudes throughout the weekend. Troop 288 was proud to play such an important role in making the Catholic Camporee a success! Scouts attending: Omar Campbell, Jackson Kochan, Amir Matar, Wynn Miller, Web Miller, Guillermo Salazar, Mateo Sintes, Lucien Bouchet, Keeg...

  In July 2025, members of Troop 288 traveled to the Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia for an unforgettable week on the New River Trek. Scouts Wynn Miller and Keegan Keane , accompanied by adult leader Chris Miller , joined Scouts and leaders from other troops to form an eight-person high-adventure crew. The group arrived at the Summit on July 11 for check-in, a gear shakedown, and final preparations before heading into the backcountry. Over the following days, the crew paddled approximately 10 miles per day while camping along the river and working together to manage their gear, meals, campsites, and daily challenges. The experience required endurance, teamwork, leadership, and a willingness to remain wet for much of the week! The adventure culminated with an exciting whitewater rafting trip through the rapids of the Lower New River. The crew then returned to the Summit, where they also had the opportunity to experience the Alexander’s Eagle Flight zip line—more than 3,000 f...

Troop 288 spent the week of June 29 through July 5, 2025 , enjoying another memorable summer camp experience at Camp Grimes. Summer camp gave our Scouts a full week to strengthen their outdoor skills, work toward advancement, develop greater independence, and enjoy time together as a troop. Each Scout followed a personalized schedule that included merit-badge classes, camp activities, and special evening programs. Throughout the week, Scouts worked on merit badges covering a wide variety of interests, including aquatics, shooting sports, environmental science, architecture, outdoor skills, and many other subjects. The experience allowed them to complete numerous requirements while learning from Camp Grimes counselors and trying activities they may not encounter at regular troop meetings. Outside of merit-badge classes, the Scouts participated in troop games, indoor climbing, the Order of the Arrow call-out ceremony, karaoke night, and other campwide activities. Just as importantly, the...

On April 6, 2025, Troop 288 gathered with family members, friends, fellow Scouts, and adult leaders to celebrate the Eagle Scout Court of Honor for Matthew MacMahon and James Keane . The Eagle Scout rank is the highest achievement in Scouting and represents years of dedication, leadership, service, personal growth, and perseverance. Reaching this milestone requires earning merit badges, serving in troop leadership positions, completing an extensive community service project, and living according to the values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law. During the ceremony, Matthew and James were formally recognized for their accomplishments and presented with their Eagle Scout awards. The occasion also provided an opportunity to thank the parents, leaders, mentors, and fellow Scouts who supported them throughout their Scouting journeys. Troop 288 is extremely proud of Matthew and James and the example they have set for the Scouts who will follow them. Their Eagle Court of Honor was a meaningful c...