Troop 131,
We had a great camping and fishing trip. Thank you to all the scouts and adults who came out this weekend. Thank you to Mr. Mulvaney (Outdoor Coordinator) for organizing the trip/travel and keeping the paperwork in order as usual!
A very special thank you to Mr. Wells (ASM), who was our head Angler and who organized the weekend and kept us on track, especially since his own boys could not make it due to a crew regatta. There were many memorable aspects of this weekend, but certainly the portion where some of the scouts had to scale, clean and gut the fish they caught, will stay with them forever!
Also thank you to Mr. Nguyen (ASM) who brought extra gear and was integral in helping teach the scouts the fundamentals of fishing. It was great seeing so many new scouts and getting to hang out with many new adults. We hope to see you again on future trips!
We had 19 scouts and 9 adults this weekend, so it was a full crew. I am not sure how many fish were caught in the end, but it was certainly in double digit territory. Weather wise, we had a little bit of everything, warm weather on Friday, overcast but pleasant weather Saturday Morning, torrential downpour Saturday afternoon and temperatures in the low 40’s Saturday night. We were certainly a little wet, a bit muddy, and chilled at times, but … we are Scouts, we don’t let inclement weather spoil the trip and it was all around.
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 lashings, knots, whipping, and Fusing are on the agenda for tomorrow.
NEW SCOUT PATROLS
I am pleased to announce that at the last meeting, the New Scouts formed into two patrols; elected Patrols Leaders (PL) and the patrol leaders appointed Assistant Patrol Leaders (APL).
New Scout Patrol A – will now be known as the Penguin Raiders:
Henry Campbell is the PL
Thomas Grocki is the APL
New Scout Patrol B – will now be known as the GOATS:
Logan Bond is the PL
Talis Saulski is the APL
I understand the patches were ordered and have arrived. So, you will get your patrol patches on Monday! Mrs. Haymes (Advancement Chair) always does an amazing job finding the best patrol patches and these new ones are certainly very cool!
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
EAGLE PROJECTS- ISAAC
We are extremely fortunate to have so many scouts in the troop working toward their Eagle. Thank you scouts for helping and please sign up to support.
ISAAC WORKMAN- April 29th, 30th and May 6th
Hello scouts,
My Eagle Scout Project will be on the 29th and 30th of April, and the 6th of May. We will be repairing the Bush Hill Presbyterian Church garden and adding labels so the preschoolers can learn about native plants in our area. We will be tearing down the old retaining wall and putting in a new one, as well as pulling out invasive species and planting native ones.
We will have pizza and water for anyone who is able to come help.
There are 2-3 shifts to choose from each day.
I would really appreciate the help from anyone who can make it.
Thank you,
Isaac Workman
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0944ACA82AAAF5C34-isaac
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, April 24th – Troop Meeting – 7:30 PM – Immanuel Church on the Hill
April 29th and 30th – Isaac Workman Eagle Project
Monday, May 1st – Troop Meeting – 7:30 PM – Immanuel Church on the Hill
May 6th – Isaac Workman Eagle Project
Monday, May 8th – Troop Meeting (PLC) – 7:30 PM – Immanuel Church on the Hill
Monday, May 15th – Troop Meeting (BoR) – 7:30 PM – Immanuel Church on the Hill
Friday, May 19th -21st – Hiking and Caving – Stokesville, VA
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.