Troop 131,
Just a reminder there is no troop meeting tonight and in observance of Labor Day. I hope you all enjoyed the amazing weather, beginning of football season and a good BBQ. Mrs. Ramirez had me out hiking for three days in a row, so I am feeling great about my outdoor time!
The CoH was an amazing success on Monday, thank you again to Mrs. Devlin and Mrs. Farmer, as well as all the Scouts who participated in making it a great success!
Thank you to the large group of adults who came over to the ASM and Philmont Planning Meeting. We appreciate all your thoughts, suggestions and energy as we move forward this year!
I have not heard how the patrol outings went this weekend, but I hope all went smoothly and it was a lot of fun!
Please read below for information on the upcoming training hikes, the canoe trip (we need more drivers) and a message from Mr. Hunt concerning the scuba class.
CALENDARS
Nothing happens without a good plan, so I attached to this email, the current versions of:
· Troop 131 General Activity Calendar
· Troop 131 Philmont Training Calendar
The troop calendar is constantly changing, and it evolves significantly throughout the year. So please look for updates as we move forward. With that said, we are “locked-in” through the fall and for the upcoming Climboree and Canoe Trip. We are not yet registered (but will be soon) for the October District Camporee (Flying Circus Aerodrome – Bealton, VA – https://www.flyingcircusairshow.com ) and snow, rain or shine … There will be a backpacking trip in November!
We are still working through the planning for 2026, but the calendar gives you an idea on the type of activities we want to do.
For long term planning, at the ASM meeting last week, we decided to return to Goshen again this year for Week Three (7/5-7/11). Note this is the third week of camp and not the third week of the month. At the next PLC, the scouts will need to decide if they want to return to Marriott or Olmsted or (goodness forbid) Bowman! It is up to you all but let’s not forget Olmsted Pride!
In addition, as a Philmont training exercise, Mr. Grocki and I will take a crew to the Goshen High Adventure Camp for a multi day Trek at Lenhok’sin on Week Four (7/12-7/18). For intrepid scouts (and I know of at least one), they will be able to spend a week at summer camp earning merit badges with the troop and then turn around and go on a weeklong trek right after!
https://www.gotogoshen.org/camps-programs/lenhoksin-high-adventure/
Needless to say, we have an epic year of activities coming up and I am frankly excited!
TRAINING HIKE- DELRAY LOOP- Sunday September 7th
See email below from Mr. Grocki for the first of the Philmont training hikes. We are going to average at least one a month until we go to Philmont. Please sign up if you intend to go so that we can track it. A few things to note about these upcoming hikes:
· Except for the treks and one or two of the hikes/backpacking trips (due to length, difficulty or duration) any scout in the troop can attend these activities. Please assume that you can go unless we say otherwise in our announcement. This hike is open to anyone and there are plenty of bail out points if you get tired.
· Currently, of the Philmont training activities there are only three that overlap with regular troop activities or camping trips;
o November Backpacking trip
o January Backpacking Trip and the
o February Cabin Camping (with day hike)
· We typically like to do at least two backpacking trips every year, so the current schedule is in keeping with this. In other words, the Philmont activities are largely supplemental.
· The hikes and to a lesser degree the backing packing trips are designed to meet the requirements of Hiking and Backing Merit badges. If you want to earn this badge, then keep a log and write a short report after each trip. The Hiking Merit Badge requires four trips of 10 miles or more and one trip that is at least 20 miles. Most of the upcoming training hikes are 10 miles long and we have one planned in the spring that is 20 miles long.
· These hikes are a great way to test your clothes and gear; backpack, 10 essentials, shoes, socks, pants etc.
· For those that forgot here is a list of the 10 essentials:
o Navigation: A map and compass, or a GPS unit, to find your way.
o Sun Protection: Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect from the sun’s rays.
o Extra Clothing: A layer of extra clothing, such as socks, a jacket, or a hat, for warmth.
o First-Aid Kit: A kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, and other essential supplies for treating injuries.
o Fire Starter: Matches or a lighter, along with a fire starter, to build a campfire.
o Pocket Knife/Multi-tool: A tool with a knife, and potentially other functions like pliers or a saw, for various tasks.
o Water Bottle/Storage: A container to hold water, whether a disposable bottle or a hydration bladder.
o Extra Food: High-energy snacks like trail mix or granola bars for longer hikes.
o Rain Gear: A raincoat, poncho, or rain pants to protect from the elements.
o Flashlight/Headlamp: A light source and extra batteries for navigating in the dark.
____
All,
We’re starting the year of Philmont training next Sunday with a local 10-mile hike carrying daypacks (about 10lbs). All scouts signed up for Philmont should attend unless they have a conflict, but anyone can join. We’ll hike around our neighborhood on trails and sidewalks. Please sign up so we can track participation and progress toward the hiking merit badge.
https://forms.gle/haSMVmibBLCPymbg6
What: 10 Mile Hike
When: Sunday 7 Sep @ 0900
Where: Four Mile Run at end of Commonwealth Ave
– Bring your day pack with your 10 essentials -scoutmaster will review at the start of the hike!
– Bring a snack and plenty of water.
– Running or trail running shoes are acceptable in lieu of hiking shoes since this is mostly a pavement hike.
– Wear your green T-131 Class B shirts.
Thanks,
Chris Grocki
Outings Coordinator
Boy Scout Troop 131
RICKY WARD EAGLE PROJECT
See Email below from Ricky. Please sign up to help him out with his Eagle project. Remember, hours spent on Eagle projects count as Rank Service Hours!
Hello Troop 131,
I am reaching out to inform you about my Eagle Scout project happening on September 6th and September 7th. This is coming up in about three weeks, and if you have any spare time, I would greatly appreciate your help.
If you are able to help, please feel free to bring any rakes and shovels with you, as they would be very helpful with clearing out the project area during the first day. Please also bring water, closed-toed shoes, clothes to work in, and sunscreen if necessary. Donuts, pizza, and water will be provided to volunteers during the morning, and pizza will be available around midday to any volunteers. You can sign up for a morning shift from 9am-12:30pm, and/or an afternoon shift from 1-4pm on either day. Make sure to log any service hours you work in your scout book. Here is some more information about my project:
Dates: Saturday, September 6th, 2025, and Sunday, September 7th, 2025
Location: Winkler Botanical Preserve (5400 Roanoke Ave, Alexandria, VA 22311)
Description: This project will start with us clearing out and leveling a large area for our project using rakes and shovels, and then we will begin assembling a sand pit for children to play in. Assembly materials will need to be transported from the lodge/parking to the project site. Donuts and water will be provided to all volunteers, and pizza will be provided around midday. Separate morning and afternoon sessions will be offered (around 3-3.5 hours each), you are free to sign up for as many sessions as you can.
Thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
Richard Ward
CANOEING TRIP – 9/13-9/14 – FULL (waitlist only)
PARENTS, see email below from Mr. Grocki, this will be a great trip, however, we are short on drivers. If you can drive or attend the camping trip, please let Mr. Grocki know!
___
All,
Thanks for signing up for our next trip. It should be a fun outing and a good opportunity to test out a new location and outfitter. Unfortunately, as I was putting together the draft driving plan this weekend the numbers aren’t adding up – too many scouts and not enough seats in cars. I currently have 6 scouts without a ride.
If you signed up as a driver – please reply to confirm how many seats you have including your scout(s) that are coming. I created the form and still messed up the response, so I want to make sure I have an accurate count of currently available seats.
If you are not signed up to participate or drive – please consider volunteering for at least one leg. I want to make this work for all the scouts who signed up, but I’ll have to give preference to scouts whose parents are driving and then the first to sign up if we can’t sort out the transportation.
Please respond as soon as possible because I have to lock in our numbers with the outfitter this week.
Thanks,
Chris Grocki
Outings Coordinator
Boy Scout Troop 131
SCUBA MERIT BADGE CLASS- Sept 6th from 1:30-4:00 (note the new time)
See updated information below concerning the Scuba Merit badge. Please let him know if you are interested in attending this session with Greyson. (huntdcp3@gmail.com)
You will need a blue card for this, so please let me know if you need one.
___
Happy Labor Day Weekend! Sorry for the long email. (I attempted to send this earlier but got a delivery message, so here I go again)
So far, I’ve had one additional scout show contact me to attend the Scuba Merit Badge class this coming Saturday, September 6th. It is open to any that would like to begin the merit badge.
With proof of having earned the Swimming Merit Badge, all requirements except the scuba certification will be completed. The scuba certification will need to be done on your own.
The class will be held Saturday, September 6th from 1:30-4:00 PM. Please be there promptly and in your scout uniform.
I will be out of town, so anyone attending will need to meet there.
The web address is: https://www.woodbridgescuba.com/
The current street address is:
4365 Dale Blvd
Woodbridge, VA 22193
The shop is in a strip mall with a Giant Supermarket. The landlord and the shop owner are working to move the shop to another storefront (4333) a few doors down in the same mall. We expect to be moved before Labor Day, but the official move date is not set yet.
During the class you will work on:
#1 (First Aid), #3 (Diver’s Code),#5 (Discuss Ecosystems), and #6 SCUBA Careers.
In preparation please review:
#1a – Review the material from your open water course on SCUBA injuries and illnesses and pp 15-21 in the Merit badge book.
#1b – Be prepared to demonstrate CPR on our CPR dummy.
#3 – Review the Diver code (Page 14 of Merit Badge book) so we can discuss.
#5 – Ecosystems. Review pp 67-75 in the book. I would like to hear about the ecosystems that you have dove in,
#6 – Careers – Review pp 81-85 in the merit badge book. Happy to talk about any of the careers, but I expect to focus on becoming an instructor.
You will need to bring proof of having earned the Swimming Merit Badge (blue card/white card from summer camp signed/completed) in addition to a blue card for the Scuba Merit Badge (see Scoutmaster Ramirez). If you are already certified, bring your certification card and dive log book.
Thanks for reading this in its entirety and enjoy Labor Day tomorrow!
David Hunt (Greyson’s dad)
PHILMONT – Payment due 9/22/2025
Philmont participants, the advance payment of $622.50 per person is due on October 1st, however, and so that we have time to process the check, we ask that you make payment to the troop by September 22nd!
The final payment of $622.50 is due to the troop on 2/22/2026
We have reserved spots for two crews, with each crew allowed a maximum of 12 people including a maximum of 4 adults. If you are interested in going, we have spots available for 3 additional scouts and 1 additional adult.
The trip is scheduled for August 1st-8th 2026. While this is a 7-day trek, we will likely spend a few days beforehand in Colorado doing training hikes and acclimating to the higher altitude and then a day or two on the back end for rest and travel. From a planning standpoint we are talking about a nearly two-week trip, roughly from 7/29-8/9.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdN4gfaMCcMhY5pKC53yJj7iaj_xf1rbGmptw73twFLusIKgw/viewform
Easiest way to make payment for this or other Scout events is Zelle:
Name: TreasurerT131
Email: Treasurer@T131.Org
When making payment via Zelle, please be sure to add a note telling the Treasurer what the payment is for; alternatively, you can send a separate email.
SCHEDULE: One Month(ish) Look Ahead
Saturday & Sunday, September 6th & 7th – Ricky Ward Eagle Project – Winkler Botanical Preserve, 5400 Roanoke Ave
Sunday, September 7th – Philmont Training Hike- Local Loop
Monday, September 8th – Troop Meeting – 7:30 PM (PLC) – Immanuel Church on the Hill
Friday, Sept. 13th – 14th – Camping Trip – Canoeing, – James River, Buchanan VA
Monday, September 15th – Troop Meeting – 7:30 PM (BoR) – Immanuel Church on the Hill
Thursday, Sept 18th – Committee, ASM and Parents Meeting- 7:30 – Scoutmasters House (& Virtual)
Friday, Sept. 19th – 21st – OA Lodge Fellowship – Camp Olmsted – Goshen, VA
Saturday, Sept.20th – Fall BCOLS- Weekend 1 (7:30 AM – 4:00 PM) Classroom Session
Monday, September 22nd – Troop Meeting – 7:30 PM – Immanuel Church on the Hill
Monday, September 29th – Troop Meeting – 7:30 PM – Immanuel Church on the Hill
Saturday, October 4th – Pumpkin Drop off 1 – 8:30am to noon – Immanuel Church on the Hill
Sunday, October 5th – Philmont Training Hike (changed to avoid Art on the Avenue)
Monday, October 6th – Troop Meeting – 7:30 PM (PLC) – Immanuel Church on the Hill
Friday, October 10th – 13th – Camping – NCAC Climboree (long weekend) – Camp Mountaineer, WV
GENERAL TROOP MEETING INFO:
For our typical meetings, please wear your full Class A Uniform! 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 next troop meeting.
