Troop 131,
I hope everyone enjoyed Labor Day weekend last week and the two opening weekends of football! Since I did not send a roundup last Sunday, this email covers two weeks of troop news—and there is a lot to celebrate- so I apologize in advance for the very long email!
First, thank you again to Mrs. Devlin, Mrs. Farmer, our adult volunteers, and all the Scouts who helped make the Court of Honor and family picnic a success. It was a great way to recognize the troop’s accomplishments and kick off a very busy fall season.
A big congratulations to Owen Farmer and Theo Ramirez, Troop 131’s newest Eagle Scouts! Reaching Eagle is the culmination of years of advancement, leadership, service, perseverance, and support from family, fellow Scouts, and adult leaders. Owen and Theo should both be tremendously proud of this achievement—we certainly are! Please congratulate them when you see them at the meeting.
As mentioned at last week’s Court of Honor, Mr. Eric Reading has agreed to serve as Troop 131’s next Scoutmaster. The transition will be gradual, with Mr. Reading taking on additional responsibilities throughout the fall and winter and should be fully integrated well before my final day with the troop in June 2027. Please be sure to thank him for volunteering and give him your full support!
Activities Summary: Monday, September 14: the 7:30 PM troop meeting will focus on canoe-trip logistics, patrol meal planning, and patrol time; five additional adult volunteers are needed for Boards of Review; and the James River canoeing trip needs one additional adult by the end of the meeting or it will be canceled Tuesday morning. September 18–20: OA Lodge Fellowship at Camp Olmsted. September 19–21: James River canoeing trip, pending the additional adult volunteer. September 24: Parent, Committee, and ASM meeting. September 26: Four Mile Run Camporall cooking demonstration. October 9–12: NCAC Climboree, including a request for adult volunteers. October 16–18: Four Mile Run District Camporee interest sign-up. November 20–22: Naval Academy Scout Day.
TROOP MEETING
We will have a Troop meeting at 7:30 PM this Monday, September 14, at Immanuel Church on the Hill.
ur Senior Patrol Leader, Teddy, has planned a meeting focused on preparing for the upcoming James River canoeing trip. Scouts will review how the trip will work, develop patrol meal plans, and spend most of the meeting working in their patrols. Come ready to participate and help your patrol get organized!
BOARD OF REVIEWS
During the meeting we will also conduct Boards of Review. Scouts who have completed the requirements for their next rank should make sure Mrs. Farmer – advancement chair – knows you are ready.
See note below from Mrs. Farmer—concerning the need for adult volunteers.
Adults: I only have 1 volunteer for Monday’s BoR. I need 5 more as we have too many scouts for one board to handle them all and I will have to run two simultaneously. If I don’t get the volunteers then we will not have boards on Monday night. Hit me up if you can help out!
I have 5 scouts signed up for a Board of Review on Monday, September 14:
Rhys Devlin
Fernando Campos
Jameson Westfall
Beau Painter Ullom
Holden Garcia
Thank you,
Kathryn Farmer
Advancement Chair, Troop 131
TROOP 131’S NEWEST EAGLE SCOUTS – THEO RAMIREZ & OWEN FARMER
Hello Troop 131!
We are very pleased to announce Troop 131’s newest Eagle Scouts: Theo Ramirez and Owen Farmer! They crossed the bridge together from Pack 135 to Troop 131 in late winter of 2020… just before COVID shut down in-person scouting for a while. Rather than fall away from scouting, they both persisted and deepened their commitment. Both executed Eagle projects this summer: Theo spearheaded a trail conservation project in Forest Park and Owen led a design, build, install garden bed project at Mount Vernon Community School. And now they both have successfully completed their Eagle Boards last night!
Many Congratulations Theo and Owen!
Kathryn Farmer
Advancement Chair, Troop 131
OA LODGE FELLOWSHIP
The OA Lodge Fellowship is also scheduled for September 18–20 at Camp Olmsted. OA members who are attending should confirm their plans with their OA brothers.
CANOEING TRIP – JAMES RIVER
Unfortunately, the James River canoeing trip is in danger of being canceled. We currently have only four adults, which is not enough coverage for the driving plan or for a trip of this type. We need at least one additional adult who is willing to canoe and camp with the troop. Please let Mr. Grocki know by the end of Monday’s meeting. If no additional adult volunteers, the trip will be canceled Tuesday morning. See Mr. Grocki’s email below.
All,
Unfortunately we had a late change and now only have 4 adults for this trip. Aside from this making the driving plan tough, I’m not comfortable with this being enough adult coverage from a risk mitigation perspective for this type of event.
I need at least one more adult willing to canoe and camp with us or we’ll need to cancel and potentially try again in the spring. Please let me know by the end of the meeting tomorrow. If we don’t have someone by then I’ll be cancelling the trip Tuesday morning.
Thanks,
Chris Grocki
Outings Coordinator
Boy Scout Troop 131
All,
This was a great trip last year, so we found a 3-day weekend in September and extended the trip by a day. PLEASE SIGN UP EARLY so we can get a firm headcount and pay as soon as you’ve signed up so we have the money to pay the outfitter. Details are below and the signup form link is at the bottom of this email. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Who: Powerful Paddlers
What: Troop 131 Canoeing on the James
When: Sat 19 Sep – Mon 21 Sep
Where: Twin River Outfitters
Why: It’s the perfect time to be on the water
Cost: $175 for everyone
3 Day / 2 Night Glen Wilton to Buchanan
A popular 3-day self-guided river canoe trip on the James River with shuttles and private campsites (https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/canoevirginia/items/37933/?full-items=yes&back=https://canoevirginia.net/multi-day-trips/&flow=1613063&g4=yes)
This three-day paddling trip follows a scenic stretch of the James River, starting below the Glen Wilton Bridge and floating downstream back to the TRO shop. Enjoy camping at private sites along the route. The trip highlights Blue Ridge mountain views, fishing opportunities and flexible timing on the final day since you finish where your car is parked.
Day 1:
Your group will launch from the Glen Wilton public boat launch and paddle roughly 8 miles to the Gala campground where you will spend your first night.
Day 2:
At 17.2 miles this will be your longest day of paddling. Your group will paddle through multiple Class I and II rapids before ending the day at Horseshoe Bend campground.
Day 3:
You will push off from camp at Horseshoe Bend and paddle the 8 miles back to Twin River Outfitters. This stretch includes three Class II rapids making for a fun final stretch.
https://forms.gle/aAX592BFrTzZ2k7v9
Thanks,
Chris Grocki
Outings Coordinator
Boy Scout Troop 131
PARENT, COMMITTEE & ASM MEETING – SEPTEMBER 24
See the note below from our Committee Chair, Mrs. Anastasia Devlin, concerning the upcoming parent, committee, and ASM meeting. All troop adults are welcome and encouraged to attend, learn more about troop operations and plans, and meet our future Scoutmaster!
Good morning, parents, ASMs, and committee members,
Is it that time again??? YES IT IS.
Please save the date for the parent and committee meeting:
Thursday, Sept 24 @ 7:30 pm
It’ll be graciously held at the home of ASM Eric Reading, 432 Monticello Blvd OR via Zoom (link sent 23SEP). TY, AM Reading!
This semi-annual mtg is for the ADULTS. Come learn about our operations/expenses and upcoming plans. Your interest supports the boys’ experience.
All are welcome–please bring your questions/ideas, meet our future Scoutmaster for 2027 (+ beyond!), and see where you fit into the stewardship of your son’s troop!
Anastasia Devlin
Chair, Troop 131
786.457.3043
FOUR-MILE RUN DISTRICT CAMPORALL – COOKING DEMONSTRATION
See the email below from our Membership Chair, Mr. Patrick Byrnett, concerning an upcoming cooking demonstration and a great opportunity for recruitment and advancement!
Our troop has been invited to hold a campsite cooking demonstration at the Four Mile Run District Camporall on the evening of Saturday, September 26. Our goal is to have at least four scouts (hopefully more) and at least two parents who can attend.
This is a great recruitment and advancement opportunity. Arrow of Light dens from several packs (including Pack 135, our biggest feeder) will be in attendance. For scouts working on their Cooking merit badge (with sign off from your MBC) or cooking requirements for Second Class and First Class ranks, this is a good opportunity as well.
Participating scouts should arrive at Camp Snyder around 4pm to set up their cooking equipment. The demonstration and lesson will run from 5pm to 6:30pm, including eating and cleanup, in which the AOLs will participate. Participants are welcome to remain for campfire activities or can head out for the rest of their weekend.
To sign up, please complete this Google Form: https://forms.gle/gZHNhQPoCyvRAuvw6
Please contact Patrick Byrnett with any questions at membership@t131.org, and thank you for participating!
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Patrick Byrnett
Membership Chair
Troop 131
NCAC CLIMBOREE – OCTOBER 9–12
See the note below from our former Scoutmaster, Mr. Seth Bolte, who is helping run the upcoming NCAC Climboree. The event needs additional adult volunteers to assist with Bouldering, Orientation, and Morgan Rocks. You do not need to be a climbing instructor to help, so please consider volunteering if you are attending!
Hello T131 Power team!
Wanted to ask a favor to those who will be attending the Climboree. We are short of help this year and if any adults have some capacity we would love to have some help at Bouldering, Orientation, or if they have Belay experience at Morgan Rocks. They do not need to be climbing instructors to fulfill this role. Could you ask your group if this is a possibility? Below is the Sign Up Genius link:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0A4CAFAF2EA4F49-65414335-2026
Thanks,
Seth Bolte
NCAC Lsor2 Instructor
AMGA Certified SPI
FOUR MILE RUN DISTRICT CAMPOREE – OCTOBER 16–18
See the note below from our Outings Coordinator, Mr. Chris Grocki, concerning a possible trip to the Four Mile Run District Camporee at Camp Manidokan. The program is built around Search and Rescue skills and merit badge activities. Because this follows the Climboree, we need to gauge Scout interest and adult availability before committing. Scouts may camp for the weekend or participate only on Saturday, so please complete the sign-up form if you are interested!
All,
We’re looking to gauge interest in attending the district camporee this year. The program looks interesting, but this would be back to back weekend trips for some scouts and adult leaders. We’ve done it the past few years so we can do it again if there’s enough scout interest and adult volunteers. There’s also an option to make it a day event on Saturday and not camp. I’ve included more information on the activities below and the signup link is at the bottom of the email. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Camp Manidokan is a spacious campground with a large open field and many wooded areas. Camping is available Friday and Saturday nights, or come in for just the day on Saturday.
The camporee program is built around learning the skills and doing fun activities needed for Search and Rescue Merit Badge. Level Up your outdoor skills that actually matter! Master survival & search skills. Earn Search & Rescue Merit Badge. Take on formidable fun challenges and prove you & your patrol can handle anything nature puts in your way. Enjoy a fun campfire put on by the Order of the Arrow chapter. Skills include:
staying & getting found (signaling, emergency beacons, “foxhunts”)
land nav (maps, compass, GPS, grid coordinates, orienteering)
hazards/first aid
search & rescue (tracking, searching)
primitive fire building
wilderness water management
potential NIGHT games
Sign up Here –
https://forms.gle/KuATJ5RSBB14V9rK9
Thanks,
Chris Grocki
Outings Coordinator
Boy Scout Troop 131
SCOUT DAY – NAVAL ACADEMY
See information below from Mr. Grocki concerning a return trip to the Naval Academy!
All,
This year we’re heading back to the Naval Academy for camping and football. This was a great event two years ago and we have a large contingent of scouts who weren’t part of the troop then. Camping is at an Elk’s Lodge facility near Annapolis, and the event includes tickets to the game and a tour of the USNA campus from midshipmen who were scouts. Last time we even got to talk with the Superintendent (3-star) outside her house.
The game will be against Memphis and there are some details about the camping below. Sign-up link is at the bottom of this email.
Friday Nov 20, Scheduled Activities include:
* 3:00 pm – Unit Arrivals & Set Up Camp
* 12:00 am – Lights out
Scout Day Saturday Nov 21, Scheduled Activities include: (Tailgate Lunch Time is tentative & depends upon Kickoff time)
* 6:00 am – Continental Breakfast
* TBD – Tours of USNA by Midshipman (NESA) & USNA Scout Patch – (Reservations through USNA-check Navy website for further information)
* TBD – Lunch /Tailgate Lunch @ NAVYFEST – Southside of Stadium – along Taylor Ave
* TBD – USNA College Football Game: Midshipmen vs. Memphis Tigers.
* 6:00 pm – After Football Game – Return to Camp for Dinner
* 11:30 pm − Lights Out
Sunday Nov 22, Activities:
* 6:30 am – Hot Breakfast
* 8:30 am – Independent Interfaith Service
* 9:30 am – Clean Campsite/Depart from Camp
https://forms.gle/wcuvoLhpkUHFcF8h8
Thanks,
Chris Grocki
Outings Coordinator
Boy Scout Troop 131
SCHEDULE: One Month(ish) Look Ahead
Monday, September 14 – Troop Meeting and Boards of Review – 7:30 PM – Immanuel Church on the Hill
Friday, September 18–Sunday, September 20 – OA Lodge Fellowship – Camp Olmsted
Saturday, September 19–Monday, September 21 – Camping Trip: Canoeing the James River – Buchanan, VA
Monday, September 21 – Troop Meeting – 7:30 PM – Immanuel Church on the Hill (No School ACPS)
Thursday, September 24 – Committee, ASM, and Parents Meeting – 7:30 PM – Scoutmaster’s House and Virtual
Saturday, September 26 – Four Mile Run Camperall – Camp Snyder (Cub Scouts; troop may volunteer)
Monday, September 28 – Troop Meeting – 7:30 PM – Immanuel Church on the Hill
Saturday, October 3 – Pumpkin Drop-Off #1 – 8:00 AM to Noon – Immanuel Church on the Hill
Monday, October 5 – Troop Meeting – 7:30 PM; PLC at 6:45 PM – Immanuel Church on the Hill
Friday, October 9–Monday, October 12 – NCAC Climboree – Camp Mountaineer, WV
Monday, October 12 – No Troop Meeting – Federal Holiday
Friday, October 16–Sunday, October 18 – Four Mile Run District Camporee – Camp Manidokan, Knoxville, MD
Saturday, October 17–Sunday, October 18 – Four Mile Run IOLS and BALOO – Camp Manidokan, Knoxville, MD
Saturday, October 17 – Pumpkin Drop-Off #2 – 8:00 AM to Noon – Immanuel Church on the Hill
Monday, October 19 – Troop Meeting and Boards of Review – 7:30 PM – Immanuel Church on the Hill
Monday, October 26 – Troop Meeting – 7:30 PM – Immanuel Church on the Hill
Saturday, October 31 – Pumpkin Cleanup – 8:30 AM to Noon (TBD) – Immanuel Church on the Hill
Monday, November 2 – Troop Meeting – 7:30 PM – Immanuel Church on the Hill (No School ACPS)
Saturday, November 7 – Scouting for Food Sticker Distribution – Alexandria Neighborhoods
Monday, November 9 – No Troop Meeting
Saturday, November 14 – Scouting for Food Pickup – Alexandria Neighborhoods
Monday, November 16 – Troop Meeting, Boards of Review, and PLC at 6:45 PM – 7:30 PM – Immanuel Church on the Hill
Friday, November 20–Sunday, November 22 – Camping Trip: Naval Academy Scout Day – Annapolis, MD
