Well, It wasn't what we planned but the October outing seemed to come off well. We camped at the Elmont Ruritan Clubhouse, had almost perfect weather and worked on bunches of merit badges. Everyone that attended earned Scouting Heritage, two completed Wilderness Survival (they started working on it at summer camp) and six started working on Cooking. Many advancement requirements were signed off and we had a movie night on Saturday, once we found a DVD that would play on the antiquated DVR player that was in the building. I hope everyone gave their family some good feedback. If anything negative comes up, please let Tony know. We want to address things ASAP when they happen.

Many thanks to Mr.s Call, Rapp, Beasley, Claiborne and Hatoum for making this event happen. And a special thanks to the Elmont Ruritan Club for the use of their facility.

Next month we will be heading for the mountains with camping at Big Meadows planned. We will run two groups. A hiking group will hike to Camp Hoover, on a day hike and a backpacking group will hike out of Big Meadows to Hawks Bill and camp along the trail. Scouts can pick what group they wish to join. More details of this outing will come later. Mark your calendars for November 7 thru 9.

Please see the information attached to follow the curent Membership Registration Process!

Scoutbook Plus will begin warning parents/guardians who are not connected to their children in Akela, the membership database, that their connections must be validated by December 31, 2025, or their access will become limited. These relationships are the ones that control membership renewals and reminders will start going out 45 days before the membership expires. Taking action if and when you receive messaging from Scoutbook Plus or Scouting America about membership issues will ensure a smooth and painless Unit Renewal process each year.

Our outing for the month will be attending the Dogwood District Fall Camporee, October 17 through 19. This event will be at the Hanover Courthouse Ruritan Park, which is only a few minutes north of Hanover Courthouse. The format will be a merit badge weekend where scouts can work on one or two merit badges while in attendance. Adult leaders will be on hand to help with completions.

We have not yet received the leaders guide or the merit badge offerings. We will get them out to the Troop as soon as we have them.

Our website provider has launched a calendar sync feature for those that want to blend the Troop calendar with their home or personal calendars. This works with both ios and android based systems.

On the top left of the homepage under User, you will find the calendar sync link. Just follow the step by step directions. Let me know if you have problems with getting it to work.

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.