Troop 131,
I hope you all are well and enjoyed your Spring Break!
A quick Summer Camp update. First let me thank Ms. Hoyer and Mr. Gruss (our summer camp coordinators)! They successfully registered 25 scouts and except for one Merit Badge, all scouts were able to get everything they wanted! As someone who did this job in the past, I know how much work this is! We are still looking for a few more adult volunteers to go to camp with the scouts (even for just ½ a week). With 25 scouts, having 4 adults there during the week helps make things go more smoothly! Also, it is still not too late to register, so if you want to go, please let us know.
TROOP MEETING
We will have a Troop meeting at 7:30PM this Monday at Immanuel Church on the Hill! Your leadership team will have a good plan! My understanding that should be a fun meeting, with lots of games!
OUTDOOR GEAR RENTAL PROGRAM
Mr. Grocki sent this to me. Scouting America Recently Partnered with an organization to provide rental gear. See link below if you are interested.
https://nearzero.co/products/rentals-scout?variant=48431135817951
TRAINING DOUBLE HEADER – ILST & Hiking/Backpacking Merit Badge Class
Please mark your calendars for Saturday April 11th. We will hold a training and teaching doubleheader!
First, Mr. Farmer will once again teach the Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops (ILST). We STRONGLY encourage all scouts in leadership positions (if you have a round patch on your left sleeve- then you are in a leadership position- SPL, ASPL, PL, APL, Quartermaster, Scribe, etc …) to attend. Even if you are not in a leadership position, then you are welcome to attend. ILST is a prerequisite for National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT), also something I encourage scouts to consider taking.
https://www.scouting.org/programs/scouts-bsa/resources/nylt/
Second, Mr. Grocki and I will teach a Backpacking and Hiking Merit Badge Class. The Philmont training schedule was designed to fulfill the physical requirements of both merit badges, however, there is some classroom work required. This class will cover these requirements. I will provide blue cards for the scouts that sign up.
Both sessions will take place at Immanuel Church on the Hill, and each is approximately 2 hours in length. We will send out a link and the exact time schedule later this week, but one will likely be in the late morning and second after lunch and in the early afternoon.
SUMMER CAMP – LENHOK’SIN TRAIL TREK
What is better than summer camp? Two summer camps! For those that just cannot get enough or those scouts going to Philmont and who want a final training session, this is your opportunity to go on a 5-day trek through the mountains of Western Virginia. It is a good way to test yourself and maximize backpacking experiences!
Who: Scouts in the troop over 13 (by 9/1/2026)
What: Lenhok’sin Trail Trek
When: Goshen Week 4 (7/12-7/18)
Where: Goshen Scout Reservation – Camp Baird
Why: Philmont Training and we LOVE Backpacking
Cost: $675 or $645 by 4/15 (early bird)
NOTES:
MAX of 12 SCOUTS- so sign up early
Please use the link below to indicate your interest in attending:
https://forms.gle/eEKjdBT95nm5G8xZ6
Here is a link to Goshen Website if you would like more information:
https://www.gotogoshen.org/camps-programs/lenhoksin-high-adventure/
Thanks,
Chris Grocki
Outings Coordinator
Boy Scout Troop 131
SCHEDULE: One Month(ish) Look Ahead
Monday, April 6th – Troop Meeting – 7:30 PM (No School ACPS) – Immanuel Church on the Hill
Friday, April 10th -12th – OA Ordeal 4 Mile Run Chapter, Outdoor Lab Arlington
Saturday, April 11th – Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops (ILST) – Immanuel Church on the Hill
Saturday, April 11th – Backpacking and Hiking Merit Badge Class – Immanuel Church on the Hill
Monday, April 13th – Troop Meeting – 7:30 PM (BoR) (PLC 6:45) – Immanuel Church on the Hill
Friday April 17th -19th – Backpacking Trip- TBD
Monday, April 20th – Troop Meeting – 7:30 PM – Immanuel Church on the Hill (Public Speaking)
Friday April 24th – 26th – OA Spring Ordeal/Fellowship – Camp Snyder
Saturday April 25th – T131 Fundraiser/Carwash – Immanuel Church on the Hill
Monday, April 27th – Troop Meeting – 7:30 PM – Immanuel Church on the Hill
Saturday May 2nd – Day Trip – 21st Annual NCAC Scout Orienteering Meet – Prince William Forest
Monday, May 4th – Troop Meeting – 7:30 PM – Immanuel Church on the Hill
Saturday May 9th – Day Hike – 20 Miles Jones Point to Mount Vernon (round trip)- Alexandria/Fairfax
Monday, May 11th – Troop Meeting – 7:30 PM (BoR) (PLC 6:45) – Immanuel Church on the Hill
Friday May 15th -17th – OA Conclave – Rodney Scout Reservation
