In 2008 our troop adult leaders felt it was time to consider purchasing a new troop trailer or take on the task of rebuilding the existing one in efforts to save money and create something special.  Thanks to our insightful leaders they choose the latter and as you read through the story from start to finish you'll see why Troop 944 draws such a crowd at most any council wide event when we come with trailer in tow.

Troop 944 has been fortunate to have such gifted and talented support.  But none more gifted than Jim Boitnott owner of Boitnott's Body and Paint of Fairfield, Ohio. Jim started his love of paint and body repair at an early age and that talent produced this visually stunning troop trailer that Troop 944 pulls in tow for all of our outings and campouts.

Beyond what Boitnott's volunteered in time, resources and creativity we had a multitude of volunteer help and support to make this transformation happen.  Evenings and weekends were sacrificed over the course of weeks taking a trailer that was nearing end of life and gave it new life and purpose.  The transformation started with transfer of the trailer to Jim's place where every stove, utensil, bowl, lantern, pots, pans and everything in between was removed and transferred to a staging area to be inspected, repaired and cleaned to good working order or replacements purchased.  

Next the entire trailer was stripped down, outer skins removed, frame inspected with repairs and reinforcement of weak or failing structual framework. Flooring was removed and replace new skin applied inside and out and a full rewire of the electrical wires and lighting.  Some additional electical work performed illustrated in the finished product that produces a nice light show at night.  The volunteers teamed together to make the new interior one that had order and purpose.  The result was highly organized shelving for all troop geared that was color coded for each patrol to easily identify lost or missing gear and to keep disputes over who owns which piece of gear.  

Finally with the trailer rebuilt with a fresh new interior and organizational space Jim did his magic on the exterior.  The top was painted candy apple red with a flurry of flames tapering towards the rear of the vehicle illustrating we believe the urgency at which Troop 944 is off to another adventure. The sides were embellished with our Troop numbers, sponsors and the American Eagle with flag.

The rear of the trailer was a tribute to past Eagles of Troop 944 so that those who follow (literally) would know who our past leaders were. Later Jim would add a telescoping flag pole complete with solar powered night ligh ts.  The power-plant for this awesome trailer is Jim's personal pickup that fittingly matches the color scheme of the trailer making quite an awesome pair when rolling down the road.

So the next time you meet one of the volunteer's who put in personal sweat equity to this project be sure to thank them for their generous time and effort.  For without them and others all that Troop 944 has to offer wouldn't be possible.  

Go to our photo gallery and see all pictures of the Troop 944 Trailer rebuild.

Special thanks to Boitnotts Body and Paint of Fairfield, Ohio. Check out all of their creations online