Troop 131,
I hope everyone enjoyed themselves this weekend and enjoyed the milder weather.
PARENTS: We have an upcoming Committee/ASM/Parents meeting. Due to conflicts with ACPS activities, please note that the date has shifted one to Thursday, March 19th.
COURT OF HONOR: 7:00 and 7:30 (see below)
This Monday is our Bi-annual troop Court of Honor. Unlike the one at the end of the summer, this one will be indoors, and we will NOT serve food. As always, families are strongly encouraged to attend and help celebrate the accomplishments of all the Scouts. We are Scout led, so adult speeches will be held to a minimum. We expect this to be a good time as always and YES; THE CAMPAIGN HAT will make an appearance!
For the scouts who are participating in the Court of Honor (have speaking roles or are responsible for the flags) we ask that you please show up ½ hour early (at 7:00) to help with set-up for the space. Please make sure you practice your parts! See link below:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-0DZlKakxdE1SYi9fQwmnSHoEEJjui_kHYWpi8UTz_I/edit?usp=sharing
For the rest of the scouts and families, you are welcome to arrive at the normal meeting time.
TRAINING HIKE – OLD RAG
This is a tough but fun hike. It is nearly 10 miles with a significant section that requires rock scrambling. We will bring full daypacks, and I ask all scouts who attend to pair up with a buddy or two so that you can cook a HOT meal for lunch. The troop will cover the fees/permit (if you sign up by 3/7). See information below from Mr. Grocki!
We already have 10 scouts who are signed up!
Who: Open to All Scouts
What: Philmont Training Hike
When: Saturday 21 March @ 0700
Where: Old Rag
Why: Best hike in NOVA
Cost: $0
– Bring your pack with your 10 essentials
– Bring snacks and plenty of water.
– Bring a camp stove and supplies for a hot meal
– Hiking boots preferred (strongly suggested)
– Wear your green T-131 Class B shirt.
We’ll be hiking the Old Rag Circuit in Shenandoah National Park. This is a 9.4 mile, very strenuous trail with multiple rock scrambles and will take all day with travel. Participation is highly encouraged for all Philmont Scouts but all are welcome. Old Rag now requires a $2 day permit, so I’ll get permits for everyone signed up by 3/7. Anyone who wants to join after that will be responsible for their own permit if any are still available.
Please sign up at the link below:
https://forms.gle/41P4mZ3W8zszTXby7
Thanks,
Chris Grocki
Outings Coordinator
Boy Scout Troop 131
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
MERIT BADGE UPDATES
Mrs. Farmer (Advancement Chair) sent this link to me from Scouting America (National) concerning updates to the Merit Badges. For the most part (but not exclusively) the changes are routine, and they are always updating and adjusting the program requirements. The interesting thing is that they will have digital resources (as a companion to the pamphlets) available for use. However, if you start a new merit badge, make sure you have the current requirements.
https://www.scouting.org/skills/merit-badges/digital-resource-guides/
NORTHERN VA MERIT BADGE COURSES
See note below from Mr. Reading (ASM). Thank you for putting this together!
As the parent of scouts in two different troops, I’ve pretty actively monitored scoutingevent.org and the local parks and recreation departments for merit badge courses, and I’ve been surprised how hard they are to find all the sources, and how few parents know about them. I decided to organize all the various offerings into a chronological spreadsheet with open viewing access and keep it updated. Feel free to pass this around within the troop and beyond.
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzQfCDRrGDLpmVdCGZswLzNnkzlW
SCHEDULE: One Month(ish) Look Ahead
Monday, March 2nd – Troop Court of Honor- Immanuel Church on the Hill
Monday, March 9th – Troop Meeting – 7:30 PM (PLC) – Immanuel Church on the Hill
Friday, March 13th– 15th – Camping/Shooting Trip- Izaak Walton League, MD
Monday, March 16th – Troop Meeting – 7:30 PM (BoR) – Immanuel Church on the Hill
Thursday, March 19th – Committee, ASM and Parents Meeting – TBD
Saturday, March 21st – Day Trip to Old Rag- Etlan, VA
Monday, March 23rd – Troop Meeting – 7:30 PM (OA Elections) – Immanuel Church on the Hill
Monday, March 30th – NO Troop Meeting – Spring Break
Monday, April 6th – Troop Meeting – 7:30 PM (No School ACPS) – Immanuel Church on the Hill
Friday April 10th -12th – Fishing Trip- TBD
Monday, April 13th – Troop Meeting – 7:30 PM (BoR) (PLC 6:45) – Immanuel Church on the Hill
Friday April 17th -19th – Backpacking Trip- White Oak Falls
Monday, April 20th – Troop Meeting – 7:30 PM – Immanuel Church on the Hill
Friday April 24th – 26th – OA Spring Ordeal/Fellowship – Camp Snyder
Monday, April 27th – Troop Meeting – 7:30 PM – Immanuel Church on the Hill
Saturday May 2nd – Camping Trip – 21st Annual NCAC Scout Orienteering Meet – Prince William Forest
