2024-05-19 This Week: Swim Test, Adult Volunteers, Elections, ILOS, One Month Look-ahead

Troop 131,

I hope you are well and enjoyed your weekend.

Unfortunately we had to cancel the bike trip due to the significant rainfall, however ,we will try to make this trip happen again in the future.  Thank you to Mr. Grocki and the other Adult Leaders who did all the planning.

Nathan Wells Eagle Service Project:  I heard it went very well, with lots of volunteers and they were done in just 2.5 hours!  Congratulations Nathan!  Thank you to all the scouts and adults that helped out today!

TROOP MEETING- Chinquapin Park Req. Center

Monday, May 20^th – Swim Test – 7:00 to 8:00 PM – Chinquapin Park Req. Center (3210 King St, Alexandria, VA 22302) adjacent to AC Highschool.)

• Please note that the meeting this week is at Chinquapin Park Req. Center from 7:00 – 8:00.
• We are starting ½ earlier than normal and it will run no longer than an hour.
• Mr. Dalton, Mr. Farmer, and some of our Goshen Counselor Veterans will run swim tests for everyone in the Troop.
• This is primarily so that we can evaluate your swimming level prior to the next trip. If you are planning on going, then your attendance at the swimming test is strongly encouraged.
• If you are going to summer camp, you will need to take the swimming test there, however, this is good practice for this!
• Mr. Dalton was able to reserve two lanes for us, so after everyone has completed the test then we can have an open swim until 8:00.  It might be good for some of you to get a few laps in!
• All Scouts are welcome to come, even if you are not planning on going to summer camp or the canoe trip, frankly it is just fun to be in the water!
• Parents, please plan accordingly, as this is a shorter than normal meeting.

ADULT VOLUNTEERS

We cannot do this without you!  We are in need of 2-3 volunteers to help with

• Wreath sales (our annual fundraiser)
• Service Coordinator(s) (to help coordinate all oru service projects)

ELECTIONS

Monday, June 3^rd – Troop Meeting– 7:30 PM (ELECTIONS) – Immanuel Church on the Hill

• It is hard to believe that six months have almost gone by, and troop elections are just around the corner.
• If you intend to run for SPL, then please let me know.
• For those of you that want to run for Patrol Leader, I would start talking to your patrol mates and let them know.
• There are plenty of other leadership positions available as well, see list below of the roles that we commonly fill.  For the older scouts, I would like to see at least three (3) Troop Guides this round as well, so please consider that position. The younger patrols will benefit from your experience and wisdom!

o   The patrols elect the Patrol Leader. The Patrol Leader appoints the Assistant Patrol Leader.

o   The troop elects the Sr. Patrol Leader.  The Sr. Patrol Leader appoints the Assistant Sr. Patrol Leader(s) and the other leadership positions:

• Assistant Sr. Patrol Leader:
• Quartermaster: 
• Historian: 
• Librarian: 
• Bugler:
• Scribe: 
• Troop Guides: 
• Chaplain’s Aide:
• Order of the Arrow Rep:

ILOS TRAINING

We need at least two ILOS trained adults on every camping trip.  I know we had one parent who just completed their ILOS training recently, but I would certainly encourage anyone who wants to camp with the troop to consider taking the training.

There is an upcoming session on June 15^th and 16^th.  See information below:

06/15-16 – Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS)

https://www.scoutingevent.com/082-iolsspring24

This training is for Scoutmasters, Assistant Scoutmasters, Crew Advisors, Associate Crew Advisors who need to complete their program-specific training requirements, as well as those other adult volunteers who want to help with the outdoor program activities and basic advancement skills.

SCHEDULE: One Month(ish) Look Ahead

Monday, May 13^th – Troop Meeting- 7:30 PM (BoR) – Immanuel Church on the Hill

Friday May 17^th – 19^th    – OA Conclave – Camp Snyder

Saturday May 18^th – 19^th    Camping – Biking Trip – C&O Canal

Monday, May 20^th – Swim Test – 7:30 PM – Chinquapin Park Req. Center

Monday, May 27^th – No Troop Meeting – Memorial Day

Monday, June 3^rd – Troop Meeting- 7:30 PM (ELECTIONS) – Immanuel Church on the Hill

Friday June 7^th – 9^th     Camping – Canoe Trip – TBD

Monday, June 10^th – Troop Meeting- 7:30 PM (PLC)(BoR) – Immanuel Church on the Hill

Monday, June 17^th – Troop Meeting- 7:30 PM – Immanuel Church on the Hill

Sunday June 23^rd – Start of Summer Camp

Monday, June 24^th – No Troop Meeting

Saturday June 29^th – End of Summer Camp