There were many things Troop 150 did in July. Troop 150 camped for a week at Camp Bowman, located in Goshen Scout Reservation. In addition, Troop 150 visited the 2019 World Scout Jamboree and camped for three days near the New River in West Virginia, where they went Whitewater Rafting. There was also a group of Scouts/adult leaders that went on a two-week long trek at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico.
Goshen Scout Reservation is a week-long summer camp for Scouts. It is set up around Lake Merriweather and offers many activities and Merit Badges. Goshen Scout Reservation is made up of six camps. This year, Boy Scout Troop 150 camped at campsite #6 in Camp Bowman, the best camp there.
In order to get to Goshen, Troop 150 met at Fairfax Government Center and took buses (Goshen provided) for the three and a half hour long trip. When they arrived at Goshen, Troop 150 hiked to their campsite with all their gear and then set-up camp. Shortly after, they took a tour of Camp Bowman. Later that day the got med-checked, preformed swim tests, and at night, ate food that was prepared by Goshen Staff. There was also an opening campfire held that night!
The next morning, patrols got up early to prepare breakfast. Each patrol cooks their food over an open fire, but that was not a problem! That day, Scouts began their Merit Badge classes.
The following day, Scouts did more Merit Badge classes, however during Siesta and Lunch, they did Troop Shoot. For Troop Shoot, Scouts are allowed to shoot rifles and bow and arrows. This is exactly what Troop 150 did.
That night, everyone at Goshen, including Troop 150, saw fireworks. The fireworks were to celebrate the fourth of July.
On Wednesday, Troop 150 led a flag ceremony for the entire camp. The had practiced a lot for this, and the result was magnificent.
Late that night, Troop 150 went on an astronomy hike. There were so many stars, and the Troop’s Chaplain Aide led a religious ceremony.
The next morning, Troop 150 woke up early and headed down to Lake Merriweather. There, they went out onto the misty lake. After eating breakfast, they saw Scouts from Camp Olmstead ransacking Bowman’s beach. So, Troop 150 tipped their boats as they tried to head back across the water.
That night, Troop 150 won the Honor Oar. The Honor Oar is an oar that six of the best Troops at Bowman win for that week. It was awarded to us for being a wonderful Troop and getting the highest score on site inspections.
The next day, Troop 150 had a service project of clearing invasive species (Russian Olives) and then went to Jolly Hole; a fun opening in a river with a rapid slide.
On Friday night there was a closing campfire, where Scouts from Troop 150 performed a skit. The campfire was a fun way to end the week, as Troop 150 would head back home early the next morning.
As Scouts were heading back home from Goshen, others were heading to Philmont. There, they would complete a 90 – 100 mile long trek filled with numerous fun activities. These activities consisted of spar pole climbing, mountain biking, black-smithing, and much more.
While the crew was away, a day trip for the new Scouts/Phoenixes was held. This event was held on the fourteenth, and it helped them earn many fitness-related requirements. They all worked very hard.
On July 25, Troop 150 headed off to yet another place. This place was the World Scout Jamboree. A World Scout Jamboree occurs every four years, and it almost never occurs in the USA. One last occurred in America in 1968.
After visiting the Jamboree, the Troop headed off to set up camp and eat dinner.
The next morning, Troop 150 went whitewater rafting on the New River! The rapids ranged from Class I to IV, and it was an amazing time. The Troop went down a segment of the river twice. After going once, they ate lunch and then, when finished, headed back in for another go! This time, Scouts jumped off a high rock into the river. It was scary, but exceptionally fun.
That night, they enjoyed a campfire and a vista. The next morning, Troop 150 began the five hour drive that would take them back home. Along the way, the Troop stopped at Wendy’s and a milkshake shop.
