Troop 131,
We will have a troop meeting on Monday and there is plenty happening this week as we prepare for Climboree, kick off wreath sales, and keep the fall calendar moving.
Thank you to everyone who helped unload pumpkins and supported Art on the Avenue on a very wet Saturday. I was happy to see so many Scouts and adults show up and refuse to let a little rain stop them. Our Chartering Organization Representative, Francine Wargo, shared that several parishioners noticed the Scouts were helpful, cheerful, and knew how to get the job done. That is exactly the reputation we want.
We have another pumpkin delivery on Saturday, October 17, and we want Troop 131 to come out in force again, so please mark your calendar! Please also review the wreath-sale information and complete the Goshen survey if your Scout plans to attend summer camp next year.
ACTIVITIES SUMMARY
Monday, October 5: PLC at 6:45 PM; troop meeting at 7:30 PM; Climboree preparation; wreath sale kickoff. October 9–12: NCAC Climboree. Monday, October 12: No troop meeting. Saturday, October 17: Second pumpkin unloading and setup; Four Mile Run IOLS and BALOO. Monday, October 19: Troop meeting and Boards of Review. Monday, October 26: Troop meeting. Sunday, November 1: Early-morning pumpkin loading for Rikki’s Animal Refuge, tentatively at 8:00 AM. Monday, November 2: Troop meeting. Saturday, November 7: Tent breakdown and grounds cleanup, pending confirmation; Scouting for Food sticker distribution. Monday, November 9: Troop meeting. Saturday, November 14: Scouting for Food pickup. Monday, November 16: PLC, troop meeting, and Boards of Review. November 20–22: Naval Academy Scout Day.
TROOP MEETING & PLC – MONDAY, OCTOBER 5
We will have a troop meeting at 7:30 PM this Monday, October 5, at Immanuel Church on the Hill. Scouts serving in leadership positions should arrive for the PLC at 6:45 PM.
The PLC will focus on long-term planning, including monthly outings for 2027, summer camp, and high adventure for 2028. Our SPL will have a good plan for the troop meeting, and part of the evening will focus on preparing for the upcoming Climboree. Leaders, please arrive ready to think beyond next weekend—2028 sounds far away, but it will arrive faster than a Scout asking what is for dinner.
PUMPKIN SERVICE – THANK YOU & UPCOMING DATES
Thank you again to everyone who helped with the first pumpkin unloading and Art on the Avenue. Please plan to join us for the second pumpkin delivery on Saturday, October 17. See the note below from our Chartering Organization Representative, Francine Wargo.
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Please pass along many thanks to the troop for helping unload pumpkins. I heard from several parishioners that the Scouts were helpful, cheerful, and knew how to get the job done!
Pumpkin cleanup will be in two stages. The first on Sunday, November 1 – Rikki’s Animal Refuge is sending up a truck to take pumpkins back for their animals. They will need help early that morning to load up pumpkins. Probably 8:00 AM.
Saturday, November 7 will likely be a breakdown of the tents and grooming of the grounds. I’ll confirm that and let you know for sure.
Again, thank you!!
Francine
WREATH SALES – KICKOFF MONDAY, OCTOBER 5
Wreath season is here. See the key details below from our Fundraising Chair, Mr. Green. Please refer to the email he sent out for more information. The sale runs through the end of October, and every wreath sold helps fund troop adventures.
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Kickoff: Monday, October 5. The sale runs through the end of October. Scouts should use the Order Form, Item Sales Aid, and QR Sticker Sheet.
Sales incentives: First place, $50; second place, $25; third place, $20.
How to order and pay: Paper order forms include a customer receipt and a troop copy. Payment is due when the order is placed by cash, check payable to Troop 131, Square, or Zelle. Circle the payment method and reconcile orders before submitting them.
Online store: https://my.evergreenindustries.com/#shop. Use customer code BSA131 and enter the Scout’s first and last name in the beneficiary field so the Scout receives credit.
QR stickers: Handwrite BSA131 beneath each code and test a sticker before distributing it. Please take a printed sheet only if you will use it; additional sheets may be printed at home.
Be prepared: Mr. Mills will hold the wreaths again this year. Complete forms, correct payments, and clear notes will make distribution much easier.
Be prepared, be persistent, and be the reason someone’s front door looks fabulous this December!
Mr. Green
Troop 131
GOSHEN SUMMER CAMP SURVEY
If your Scout plans to attend Goshen next summer and your family has a preference on timing, please complete the survey. See the note below from our Outings Coordinator, Mr. Chris Grocki.
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All,
As mentioned at the committee meeting last week, I’ve put together a quick survey to help decide which is the best week for the Troop to attend Goshen next summer. Please complete the survey by the end of the week if your scout is planning to go to Goshen and you have a preference on the timing.
https://forms.gle/uAWRAA1zMDkozTjm6
Thanks,
Chris Grocki
Outings Coordinator
Boy Scout Troop 131
SCOUT DAY – NAVAL ACADEMY
See information below from Mr. Chris Grocki concerning a return trip to the Naval Academy!
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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
SAFEGUARDING YOUTH TRAINING & ADULT MEMBERSHIP
Some parents and adult leaders have received notices concerning Safeguarding Youth Training or troop membership renewal. If you received a notification, please complete the required training and renew your membership promptly so your registration remains current and you can continue supporting troop activities without interruption. Please do not let an expired training date be the reason we are short an adult volunteer.
SCOUTING FOR FOOD – NOVEMBER 7 & 14
See the future service dates below from our Service Coordinator, Mrs. Vivian Ramirez. Scouts, remember to log your service hours and get a sign-off.
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Saturdays 11/7 and 11/14 Scouting for Food
Reminder (Scoutmaster Mark’s email has our calendar of upcoming events) this annual national Scouting BSA event supports our community partners focused on food-insecurity issues. Our efforts will benefit Alive! in support of our Alexandria community experiencing food insecurity – especially with oncoming holiday/colder seasons. Sign ups for both days here
Please feel free to ping me if you have questions. Thank you for your service to our community!
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Vivian Ramirez
Service Coordinator, BSA NCAC Troop 131
service@t131.org | 2026697727
SCHEDULE: ONE MONTH(ISH) LOOK AHEAD
Monday, October 5 – PLC – 6:45 PM; Troop Meeting – 7:30 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
Saturday, October 17–Sunday, October 18 – Four Mile Run IOLS and BALOO – Camp Manidokan, Knoxville, MD
Saturday, October 17 – Pumpkin Unloading and Setup – 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
Sunday, November 1 – Pumpkin Loading for Rikki’s Animal Refuge – Approximately 8:00 AM – Immanuel Church on the Hill
Monday, November 2 – Troop Meeting – 7:30 PM – Immanuel Church on the Hill
UPCOMING SERVICE & TROOP DATES
Saturday, November 7 – Pumpkin Tent Breakdown and Grounds Cleanup – Time TBD – Immanuel Church on the Hill
Saturday, November 7 – Scouting for Food Sticker Distribution – Alexandria Neighborhoods
Monday, November 9 – Troop Meeting – 7:30 PM – Immanuel Church on the Hill
Saturday, November 14 – Scouting for Food Pickup – Alexandria Neighborhoods
Monday, November 16 – PLC – 6:45 PM; Troop Meeting and Boards of Review – 7:30 PM – Immanuel Church on the Hill
Friday, November 20–Sunday, November 22 – Naval Academy Scout Day – Annapolis, MD
