Troop 131,
For those at ACPS, it is back to school tomorrow, however, this means we get to kick off a very exciting fall activity season, filled with SCUBA, climbing, canoeing on the James River and returning to the Naval Academy! It almost makes me wish I was a scout again.
See information below from Mr. Grocki, we have limited spots for many of these activities, so be sure to sign up early!
TROOP MEETING & BoR
We will have a Troop meeting at 7:30 PM this Monday at Immanuel Church on the Hill. The meeting will focus on rank advancement and preparation for the upcoming Court of Honor.
COURT OF HONOR & PICNIC
See email below from our Committee Chair, Mrs. Devlin. It will soon be the time of year for one of my favorite Troop events, the end of summer troop Court of Honor and Picnic! Families are certainly welcome and encouraged to attend. This is the time of year we get to celebrate all our accomplishments over the last six months and kick off the fall scouting activities!
Please note that we are starting 1 hour earlier than usual- to maximize daylight and to accommodate the bedtime of younger siblings!
TROOP 131 Court of Honor and PICNIC!
Monday, August 31 @ 6:30 PM
Immanuel COTH – 3606 Seminary Rd.
Behind the church
We look forward to recognizing our scouts for all the great things they have done.
(Last CoH for our Mustachios!)
The troop will provide burgers, dogs, buns, condiments, plates and napkins.
Please BRING CHAIRS and drinks, sides or desserts.
Join the potluck, SIGN UP HERE!
Parents, grandparents, and siblings are welcome.
Scouts, remember to wear your MB sash.
SCUBA TRIP and CAMPOUT
The last camping trip of the summer is the upcoming Scuba trip. Even if you are not planning on Scuba Diving, you are welcome to attend the camping trip portion of the trip. See info below and link to sign up!
Who: Scuba Students Required and All Others Welcome
What: Troop 131 Scuba Open Water Dive and Camping
When: Fri 28 Aug – Sun 30 Aug
Where: Lake Phoenix – Rawlins, VA
Why: One last summer camping trip
Cost: $50 for Camping Only (Scuba class participants pay in advance)
This camping trip is required for all participants in the SCUBA class to complete the certification. All others are welcome to just camp and certified divers can dive if they want to. Please use the link below to sign up early so we can organize the logistics outside of the class participants.
https://forms.gle/WmoZBtysxKGFD4nj6
Chris Grocki
Outings Coordinator
Boy Scout Troop 131
CANOEING TRIP – JAMES RIVER
See information below from Mr. Grocki concerning the upcoming Canoeing Trip!
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
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, August 24th – First Day of School (ACPS) ☹
Monday, August 24th – Troop Meeting – 7:30 PM – Immanuel Church on the Hill
Friday, Aug. 28th – 30th – Scuba Diving and Camping Trip – Rawlins VA, Lake Phoenix
Monday, August 31st – Court of Honor- Family Picnic – 6:30 PM – Immanuel Church on the Hill
Monday, September 7th – No Troop Meeting – Labor Day
Monday, September 14th – Troop Meeting (BoR)- 7:30 PM – Immanuel Church on the Hill
Friday, Sept. 18th – 20th – OA Lodge Fellowship – Camp Olmsted
Friday, Sept. 18th – 21st – Camping Trip – Canoeing – James River, Buchanan VA
Monday, September 21st – Troop Meeting- 7:30 PM (no school ACPS) – Immanuel Church on the Hill
Thursday, Sept 24th – Committee, ASM and Parents Meeting- 7:30- Scoutmasters House (& virtual)
Saturday, Sept. 26th – 4MR – Camperall (Cub Scouts only-Troop may volunteer run events) – Camp Snyder
Monday, September 28th – Troop Meeting- 7:30 PM – Immanuel Church on the Hill
Saturday, October 3rd – Pumpkin Drop off 1 – 8:30am to noon – 8:00 am to noon – Immanuel Church on the Hill
Monday, October 5th – Troop Meeting- 7:30 PM (PLC- 6:45) – Immanuel Church on the Hill
Friday, October 9th – 12th – Camping – NCAC Climboree (long weekend) – Camp Mountaineer, WV
Monday October 12th – No Troop Meeting – Federal Holiday – Columbus Day
Friday, Oct. 16th -18th – Four-Mile Run Camporee – Lost Patrol (tentative), Knoxville MD
Saturday, Oct. 17th – 18th – Four-Mile Run IOLS and BALOO – Camp Manidokan, Knoxville MD
Saturday, October 17th – Pumpkin Drop off 2 – 8:00 am to noon – Immanuel Church on the Hill

