On July 6th-12th 2008 Troop 1792/Junior Groovers/ True Gentlemen of Distinction ltd(TGD) set out for their second year of adventure and fun. This was the Troops second tour of Camp Grimes in Nebo, NC and the weeklong trip was a true event had by all. Troop 1792 is Chartered by the Charlotte Graduate Chapter of Groove Phi Groove Social Fellowship, Inc. est.
1962 Morgan State University and is a college/alumni based fraternal Organization built upon the essence and the foundations laid during the civil rights era. They are an International Organization Headquarted in Silver Springs Maryland and Charlotte Graduate Chapter has been in existence since 1979. The trip was attended by Scoutmaster and Fellowman Michael P. Gleaves, Fellowmen/Unit Commissioners Brandon Bradford (UNCC 49er Chapter Pres.) and Fred Staton (UNCC 49er Chapter VP).
Before they departed the Charlotte Graduate Chapter was able to grant Star ranked Scout and Senior Patrol Leader Darren Flowe, the first ever presented Fellowman Clyde B. Grant Scholarship which enabled this young man to go camp fully funded along with a brand new Backpack. he earned this award through hard work dedication and being steadfast to the traditions of Scouting. The cost of the trip to camp was approxiamately $250 and because of the previous years popcorn sales and fund raisers the cost per child came out to $125. The kids during the year sold popcorn at malls, churches, Car parts stores, and was able to raise enough funds to attend camp at a defrayed cost. An added surprise was that 3 of the scouts attending were "tapped out" to become members of the Order of the Arrow, an Honor society created in 1915 through the BSA that selects distinguished boys and men and women whom have given through cheerful service and have shown "true brotherhood" within the Troop and the Council.
The Young men selected were Darren and Darius Flowe and Manyari C. Gleaves all Star ranked Scouts. Also tapped out was Unit Commissioner Fred Staton a Charlotte native and all he will be attending their Ordeal ceremony Aug. 15-18 at Belk Scout Camp. Scoutmaster Michael P. Gleaves has been a member of the OA since 1987 and is currently working on his Vigil Honor. This is a major accomplishment for the Pueblo (Scoutreach) District as this will be the first time in history that boys and leaders from this District will be joining the Order. The Pueblo District is a district that serves underpriveledged African American, Hispanic, and Asian areas by providing support and resources that many traditional Packs, Troops, and Crews take for granted.
The campout taught the boys how to deal with each other minus parents involvement, learn to trust themselves as individuals and as a Unit. For many of the newer scouts this was their 1st time being away from their parents for an entire week and the older boys were able to "step up" and provide leadership and guidance and "show them the ropes" when it came to adjusting to camp life. The boys earned a trophy for winning the Basketball Tournament and earned a series of individual awards and merit badges.
Troop 1792 is meets on Tuckasegee at the Bette Rae Center on Saturdays at 10:30am and the Cub Scout Pack 792, newly formed this year, meets on Saturday mornings at 9:00am. Uniforms which are generally costly($125+) are provided on a "as need" basis. The troop has plans to go Washington, D.C. this fall, participate in the JCSU Homecoming parade, numerous campouts, the MLK parade, Little Big Rock, an lastly a trip to several NC HBCU's as to expose them to the collegiate environment as early as possible to get them excited about learing post HS. Any questions can be relayed to Scoutmaster and District Commisioner Michael P. Gleaves @ 704-299-6497 or District Director Monroe Rhodes @ 704-333-5474.