Short email today, I am unfortunately under-the-weather and will not be able to make the meeting tomorrow. As a result, the PLC is postponed to the following week.
TROOP MEETING
We will have an in-person Troop meeting at 7:30PM at Immanuel Church on the Hill this Monday.
Your SPL and ASPL’s have Cooking on the agenda again for tomorrow!
Board of Review’s are scheduled for the following week (May 15th). If you are close to completing the next rank, then please let Mrs. Haymes know and ask one of the Assistant Scoutmasters for a conference and if you need one.
New Scout Patrols
If you have not already done so, please see Mr. Jahns for your troop T-shirt and Mrs. Haymes for your Troop 131 Shoulder Patch and Patrol Patch.
In addition, and in preparation for the upcoming trip, I attached to this email the Troop 131 Scout and Camping Gear Recommendations. This list was in your welcome packet, but I thought I would send you an electronic version as well. Keep in mind that this is not the definitive list but just a guide to help you assemble your backpacking gear.
I understand from the Scouts that Facebook is for “old people” so I suppose that this part of the email is for parents. However, the troop has a Facebook page where the “old people” who go on camping trips and outdoor events post images from time to time.
This is a private group only for current or previous members of the troop. See link below- just request to join!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/315489231900796/
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
The next two camping trips are on the horizon, please sign up if you intend to go. See information below from Mr. Mulvaney, our Outdoor Coordinator!
Caving and Hiking
Who: All the Adventuresome Scouts
What: Troop 131 Caving and Hiking trip
When: Fri 19 May- Sun 21 May, 2023
Where: Mt Solon area (about 2.5 hours from Alexandria)
Why: First Troop Caving Trip
$30
This is a BACKPACKING Trip. We drive out Friday afternoon/ evening to the Harrisonburg area. Camp Friday night at a roadside camp. Get up Sat and hike up to Little Bald Knob. Set up camp in the meadow area just past that. Camp Sat night there. Sun- break camp and hike back to the road, pack cars, and drive into Stokesville area (about 20 min) and do Caving Adventure from 13:00-16:00, then RTB to Alexandria. Makes for a little longer/ later than our normal trips, but the caving part is worth it.
Sign up https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScupNy4CR6YPPyA10Lhl4YHQzrWVHK0Toge16qaN7Bj_CvpoQ/viewform
End of School Summer Rafting Trip
Who: Everyone with a sense of adventure who loves the outdoors (i.e. SCOUTS!!!!)
What: Whitewater and water fun, and a tour of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater
When: Fri 09 June- Sun 11 June
Where: Ohiopyle, PA
Why: Adventure for Older Scouts and New Scouts alike
Cost varies depending on which options you choose
OPTION 1: The scenic Middle Yough’s Class I and II rapids are a great introduction to whitewater rafting. By paddling the gentle waters of this nine-mile section of river, you and your Scouts will enjoy the unending beauty and wildlife of the Laurel Highlands. Rafts will seat from three to six rafters comfortably. All tours include transportation from the check-in area, all the equipment necessary for the day, and a riverside boxed lunch. This is a 5 hour trip, this will be T-131 led, Scouts and Adults (no guide), cost per person (Scout and parent) is $25.
OPTION 2: LOWER YOUGH RAFTING Excitement For Everyone!
Enjoy the beauty and sheer excitement of the Lower Yough River. The seven and a half miles of Class III and IV rapids will challenge and excite, but not intimidate even the novice rafter. Our highly trained and professional staff will guide you through an exciting experience that you will not soon forget. This is a 4 hour trip, the cost per person (Scout and parent) is $50 (this trip includes a paid guide).
Fallingwater tour on Sunday is $35
Sign up:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfd7QVnRODJmGzND1tv-U1vR5y7CLlmhMQYouFVXLbDWibuVg/viewform
Brendan Mulvaney
Outings Coordinator
Boy Scout Troop 131
SUMMER CAMP
If you are planning on attending summer camp, it is not too late to sign up!
SCHEDULE: One Month(ish) Look Ahead
Monday, May 8th – Troop Meeting) – 7:30 PM – Immanuel Church on the Hill
Monday, May 15th – Troop Meeting (PLC)(BoR) – 7:30 PM – Immanuel Church on the Hill
Friday, May 19th -21st – Hiking and Caving – Stokesville, VA
Monday, May 22nd – Swim Test – 7:30 PM – Chinquapin Park Req. Center
Monday, May 29th – No Troop Meeting – Federal Holiday – Memorial Day
Saturday, June 3rd – Scout Skills Saturday- Immanuel Church on the Hill (Tentative)
Monday, June 5th – Troop Meeting (Elections) – 7:30 PM – Immanuel Church on the Hill
Friday, June 9th – 11th – Camping- Rafting- Ohiopyle, PA
GENERAL TROOP MEETING INFO:
Wear your full Class A Uniform and Scarf! Bring your Book, Bring a headlamp! Leave your phone in your pocket! and have a good time!
Blue Cards! Did you know that your Scoutmaster can email you a blue card? Just send me, Mr. Ramirez, an email (scoutmaster@t131.org)! Note that the SCOUT must request the blue card, not the parent!
See you all at the troop meeting.