This week we will be putting the finishing touches on the trip to Virginia Beach and the Oceana Air Show. We will also offer Boards of Review for scouts that are ready.

The Troop will be camping at First Landing State Park, along the beach. We will be cooking by Patrols. Please bring 15 cash to scouts Tuesday for your grub-master. 

Saturday morning we will travel to Oceana Naval Air Station to watch the air show. Flying begins at 10am. After the show (the Blue Angels perform to end the show), we will make our way back to camp for the evening. On Sunday, weather permitting, we plan to stay at First Landing until around 1 pm to let the scouts enjoy the beach. We hope to be back at Cool Spring around 4pm.

There will be some differences on this trip verses our normal trips. The air show is on an active military base, and we are therefore subject to their rules and regulations as well as Scouting's.

Anyone over the age of 18 must have a picture ID on them at all times. Prohibited items: (most are common sense!)

• Pop-up/shade tents.
• Ice chests or coolers.
• Remote control aircraft, drones, balloons (flight safety issue).
• All weapons (regardless of permit) including: firearms, knives (including pocket knives and multi-tools), and all other items that their security forces deem dangerous.  This rule applies to off-duty law enforcement. Any confiscated items will not be returned.
• Alcoholic beverages.
• Drugs, including marijuana.
• CBD / THC vape pens
• Pets, other than service animals.
• Glass containers.
• Bicycles, roller skates, roller blades, or skateboards.
• Food and beverages brought in (empty bottles for water are permitted, as well as infant necessities like milk and formula).

Folding camp chairs are permitted but you have to keep them in your hands at all times. (Even when you use the port-o-potty) Anything left unattended will be confiscated by the authorities. It may be best to make do without. The last 2 times we went we had a 2 mile hike both in and out, be prepared! Water bottles must be empty upon reaching security, and can be filled once in the gate.

Scouts are expected to purchase lunch on their own while at the show. Think amusement park prices. Lunch will be in the $20 (?) range. Also, there is lots of items available to purchase from vendors, should you feel so inclined.

More info can be found at https://www.oceanaairshow.com/information/general-info .

At Tuesday's meeting we will look at numbers and transportation and see where we stand. we will also answer any questions you may have.

This Tuesday we will hold our Fall Court of Honor. Scouts will be recognized for all of their achievements and accomplishments since the June Court of Honor. This event will be held at Slash Christian Church, 11353 Mt Hermon Rd, Ashland, VA. 23005. The ceremony will be in the sanctuary with refreshments following in the outdoor pavilion.  We have a lot of accomplishments to recognize and award. All of our summer camp badges plus our newer scouts have been busy with badges and rank advancement.

Scouts should come in full dress (class A) uniforms including merit badge sash and neckerchief. Plan to arrive about 6:45pm so we can get started on time. We do know it's a school night.

For those scouts advancing in rank, there will be a parents pin (usually for Mom) awarded along with the scouts rank.

Our annual Troop grass seed and fertilizer sale is happening this Saturday!

This is the one fundraiser we do each year that benefits the Troop. We are hoping to raise around $4000. This money goes to awards, trailer upkeep, camping gear for the scouts and fees we incur with camping, etc.

We need many volunteers to put out flyers (should be done), post to social media, etc all leading into the sale (like, now). Flyers were passed out last Tuesday along with neighborhood assignments for distribution.

On Saturday the 6th we will need lots of scout and adult help to deliver and load product for customers. A sign up sheet will be available at Tuesday's meeting.

Direct any questions to Chuck Hurd.

This Tuesday Troop 521 will hold its annual OA elections as part of our meeting. The Order of the Arrow is Scouting's "Honor Camping Program". To be considered for election, a scout needs to be first class, have camped 15 nights and have camped one long term camp in the past 24 months. He must also have his scoutmasters approval. He then must in a Troop wide election (youth only, 21 years and younger)) receive 50% affirmative votes from the Troop. Adults have a similar pathway to election. We need to have 50% of our Troop members present to conduct the election. That means 22 youth will be need to be present. There is no proxy voting. 

All OA members should wear class A uniforms and their OA sash for this meeting.

Please make an effort to help continue the Troop 521 tradition by being present and casting your vote for those you think are worthy.

We are trying to gauge the interest families may have in things like popcorn sales. We know several of our newer families had great success with popcorn in the past and we are trying to see if this is something you would like to continue. Please go to the following link and fill out the form:

This Tuesday, August 5th, we will hold a Troop Committee meeting during the normal Troop time of 7 to 8:30pm. While the scouts are doing their scout stuff, the committee will be helping to plan the rest of the calendar year. The committee supports the Troop.

You do not have to be an official committee member to attend. ANY parent interested is invited to attend.