Members of Troop 140 assemble at Freedom Park with camping and outdoor gear purchased with funds from a Clipper Petroleum Foundation grant. Pictured (L to R): Tyler Long, Michael Long (Scoutmaster), Elijah Nix, Trenton Ravan, Brayden Smith, Jacob Ravan, Daniel Ratigan, Jay DeFoor, Blake Welch, Jacob Thomas, William Thomas, Griffin DeFoor, Evan Johnson, and Byron Johnson. Scouts not pictured: Gage Allen, Jacob (J.T.) Thomas, and James Hart.

(CLEVELAND) – Cleveland’s Troop 140 is preparing for an action-packed summer camp this year, thanks in part to a generous grant from the Clipper Petroleum Foundation that funded the purchase of much-needed camping gear.

Clipper Petroleum is known for its support of schools, youth, and charitable organizations in the communities it serves. Recently, Troop 140 Scouts applied for a grant from the Foundation and was awarded funds to help supplement and replace their worn equipment.

“The past year has been challenging for all of us, and our Scout Troop was no exception to that”, said Scoutmaster Michael Long. “Social distancing restrictions prevented many of our normal activities, including our fundraising events. Our Troop continues to grow and welcome new Scouts, but our inventory of gear hasn’t quite kept pace with our growth!”

Cleveland’s Troop 140 will be attending a week-long summer camp this year at Camp Tolochee in Brunswick, Georgia. They plan several outings in the area including a guided kayak tour with Tidelands Nature Center, classes at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, an astronomy program on the beach, and a guided tour of Fort Frederica. They will have the opportunity to earn Merit Badges in Reptile and Amphibian Study, Cooking, Camping, Astronomy, and more. 

“Ours is a very active Scout Troop,” said Troop Committee Chair, Tricia Ratigan. “We have had two of our Scouts achieve the rank of Eagle Scout in the past two years, and currently have five more boys expecting to earn their Eagle within 6-12 months. We have earned national recognition as a Journey to Excellence Troop for the past three years due to the outstanding level of participation we have from our Scouts. We are so proud of our Scouts, their families, and our adult volunteers.”

“Now that COVID-19 restrictions are easing, we are excited to finally resume the in-person and outdoor learning and community service activities that enrich the Scouting experience. Thanks to this grant, we will have safe, functional gear for our Scouts,” Long said.

Cleveland’s Troop 140 is part of the Currahee District within the Northeast Georgia Council of Scouts BSA, and is chartered through the Cleveland United Methodist Church.

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