CONTACT:
Clyde Carter
Scoutmaster of Troop 701
w- (828) 883-8014, h- (828) 883-8536
cartercw@brevard.edu

Troop 701 Builds Ferris Wheel Out of Logs!

BREVARD, NC - March 25, 2001 –

Some times the truth sounds stranger than fiction. On a recent campout, Troop 701 built a working ferris wheel out of nothing but logs, rope, and determination. The project was part of an "advancement campout" where many basic scouting skills were practiced. The ferris wheel was built to fulfill a requirement for Pioneering merit badge. After the construction of the ferris wheel, each of the Scouts (and their leaders) had a chance to ride the two-seater. The completed ferris wheel was completely lashed together with ropes- not a single nail, bolt, or screw was used, although a chain saw did come in handy for gathering the needed logs.

Many of the elated riders were amazed as they crested the highest point on their first spin. When parents arrived to pick up the scouts on Sunday, several were talked into taking a spin by their sons. Dr. Angus Graham was smiling from ear-to-ear after his ride as he commented, "That was higher than it looks!"

During the busy weekend the Troop 701 scouts climbed a 53' climbing tower, learned to make rope, practiced orienteering skills and lashed several pioneering projects. Many scouts also worked on basic scouting skills like firebuilding and knot-tying. A complete set of photographs showing the construction of the ferris wheel can be found on the Troop 701 website- www.troop701.org, as well as more information about Troop 701.

Chartered as Troop 1 in 1916, the Troop has the distinction of being the oldest Boy Scout Troop in Western North Carolina and is one of the oldest Scout Troops in the nation.  Troop 1 was later re-designated Troop 701 by the Daniel Boone Council, which was established in 1920.  The Brevard Kiwanis Club sponsors the Troop and meetings are held every Monday during the school year at St. Timothy United Methodist Church.

**end of article**

Pictures:

The ferris wheel construction begins

The final stages of the ferris wheel project

Two Scouts take a ride as Assistant Scoutmaster Don Climer looks on

The completed ferris wheel was completely lashed together with ropes- not a single nail, bolt, or screw was used.

Even the adults took a few spins

Climbing a 53' climbing tower was another highlight of the campout

--
Troop 701
Visit our web site at www.troop701.org