Troop 131,
Even though it was a short trip, I hope that those who attended Climboree had a good time. For those that don’t know, the troop packed out early after a full day of rain and thunderstorms canceled the climbing activities. It was not the weekend anyone planned, but making the safe call, adapting, and getting everyone home is also part of being prepared.
Thank you to the Scouts who returned on Saturday for the second pumpkin delivery—especially since this load included much larger pumpkins than the first one. That was some serious seasonal weight training.
We will have a troop meeting Monday, including Boards of Review. Our next camping trip is Naval Academy Scout Day in November, and based on the survey feedback, Troop 131 will attend Week 1 at Camp Marriott for 2027 Summer Camp.
ACTIVITIES SUMMARY
Monday, October 19: Troop meeting and Boards of Review at 7:30 PM. Monday, October 26: Troop meeting at 7:30 PM. Sunday, November 1: Early-morning pumpkin loading for Rikki’s Animal Refuge, tentatively at 8:00 AM. Monday, November 2: Troop meeting at 7:30 PM. Saturday, November 7: Pumpkin tent breakdown and grounds cleanup, pending confirmation; Scouting for Food sticker distribution. Monday, November 9: Troop meeting at 7:30 PM. Saturday, November 14: Scouting for Food pickup. Monday, November 16: PLC at 6:45 PM; troop meeting and Boards of Review at 7:30 PM. November 20–22: Naval Academy Scout Day. Monday, November 23: No troop meeting for Thanksgiving week.
TROOP MEETING – MONDAY, OCTOBER 19
We will have a troop meeting at 7:30 PM this Monday, October 19, at Immanuel Church on the Hill. Our SPL will have a good plan, so Scouts should arrive ready to participate, work with their patrols, and keep the fall program moving.
BOARDS OF REVIEW
We will also conduct Boards of Review during Monday’s meeting. Scouts who have completed the requirements for their next rank should let Mrs. Kathryn Farmer know they are ready.
PUMPKIN SERVICE – THANK YOU & UPCOMING DATES
Thank you to the Scouts who helped with Saturday’s second pumpkin delivery. The pumpkins were much larger than the first delivery, and your extra muscle made a real difference. Please also keep the remaining cleanup dates below on your calendar.
See the note below from our Chartering Organization Representative, Francine Wargo.
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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 – SUPPORT THE TROOP
Wreath sales continue through the end of October. This fundraiser directly supports troop adventures, so every Scout should make a strong effort to sell. As I mentioned at the last meeting, the top seller will earn a special incentive: the opportunity to put a whipped-cream pie in my face. Please support the troop—and apparently take your best shot at the Scoutmaster.
See the key details below from our Fundraising Chair, Mr. Green. Please refer to the email he sent out for more information.
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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
2027 SUMMER CAMP – CAMP MARRIOTT, WEEK 1
Thank you to everyone who responded to the summer camp survey. Based on the feedback, Troop 131 will attend Week 1 at Camp Marriott for 2027 Summer Camp. The calendar currently lists camp from Sunday, June 27 through Saturday, July 3, 2027. Please save the dates; registration and program details will follow.
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
SCOUT DAY – NAVAL ACADEMY
Our next camping trip is Naval Academy Scout Day. 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
SCHEDULE: ONE MONTH(ISH) LOOK AHEAD
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
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
UPCOMING SERVICE & TROOP DATES
Monday, November 23 – No Troop Meeting – Thanksgiving Week
Monday, November 30 – Troop Meeting and Troop Elections – 7:30 PM – Immanuel Church on the Hill
Saturday, December 5 – Scottish Walk – Old Town Alexandria
