The Troop Committee met this afternoon to discuss the cancellation of operations at the Goshen Scout Reservation and the offer we received for the Troop to instead attend camp at the BSA’s Summit National Base near Beckley, WV for the same fee.  Camp co-chairs Becki Marchand and Kristina Penhoet reported on the situation and I shared Scoutmaster views.  Three parent-physicians next discussed the matter under the leadership of Troop physician Simona Murnick.  The overall conclusion was to have the parent-physicians: (1) review the COVID health procedures being developed by the Summit staff and (2) develop a set of protocols for the Troop to follow, including matters such as testing and actions to take if one of our people was to become sick.

Troop Committee members and parents present were polled on whether they would have an interest in sending their Scout to the Summit if our parent-physicians react favorably to the Summit procedures.  There was a unanimous interest in considering participation under these circumstances.  The WV government has released the following standards for summer camp operations, and the Summit will shortly release its procedures in compliance.  See this document (PDF link) for more details. 

Based on the Troop Committee meeting and in anticipation that the Summit Base staff will develop a robust health plan, we are furthering planning for a trip to the Summit.  

Here is a summary of basics you might think through at this point:

• Dates.  The preferred week is Sunday, August 2 through Saturday, August 8.  However, if the Mayor announces the opening of DC schools that week, we would go one week earlier on July 26-25.  We will have a pre-Summit meeting from 10-Noon on June 27 at All Souls (or Zoom).
• Fees.  We were told by Summit staff that they would allow us to attend without paying additional fees beyond the Goshen fee.  For families that decide their Scout can participate, we can transfer your fee to the Summit Base.
• Participation.  If we decide to go, any Troop Scout can go to the Summit Base.  Any Scout who registered for Goshen but who does not want to attend the Summit Base can get their Goshen camp fee refunded.
• Transportation.  The Summit Base is two additional hours of travel beyond Goshen Reservation.  If the Troop attends, we will arrange safe alternative transportation.  This will probably cost a bit more than the busses to Goshen.
• Program.  The Summit Base operates the flagship national scout summer camp for the United States.  It was built at the cost of $25 million, which was donated by Jim Justice, owner of the Greenbrier Resort, and the current Governor of West Virginia.  You can see the website here. Its program staff and facilities are outstanding.  For those of you who want to see the details, here is the 40-page leader’s guide (PDF link).   
• Merit Badges.  There at 40 merit badges offered and a large number of additional experiences offered at Summit.  Here is the list of programs. Here is the schedule (PDF link).
• Aquatics.  At Summit, a Scout will want to quality as a Swimmer before arriving if she wants to get a lot out of the aquatic program here.  We will talk about this at the pre-camp meeting on June 27.  If your Scout is not yet able to swim, call Scoutmaster Burkhardt immediately so we can arrange to get her instruction before she leaves.
• Parent Participation.  As with Goshen, we will need some parent chaperones to supplement the Scoutmasters who will attend.  The number of chaperones will depend on the number of participating Scouts.  Chaperones will stay three nights (arriving with the Troop on Sunday and departing on Wednesday, or arriving on Wednesday and departing with the Troop on Saturday).
• Equipment.  Summit Base will provide everything except for individual Scout clothing and Sleeping bags, etc.  Summit tents are outfitted with mosquito netting, so there is no need for “pop up” mosquito netting devices.
• Food.  We do not know the precise arrangement yet.  Normally the Summit uses a very nice dining hall, but the COVID virus precautions might change things.  However, we expect all food will be cooked for us.   

I will update you on our decision-making progress on Saturday, May 23.

Sincerely,

Craig Burkhardt, Scoutmaster

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Our first calendar year is ending and it makes sense to look at what our Scouts have achieved.  36 girls have experienced being a Scout in our Troop and 19 adult volunteer leaders have assisted them.  Since beginning as a Troop on February 2, 2019 our Scouts have camped-out a total of twenty nights, including a week of summer camp and seven 2-night weekend campouts.  They engaged in service projects, took hiking and biking day-trips, earned 36 rank advancements, 108 merit badges, and elected their first Troop youth officers.  They have become good friends with girls from different schools and neighborhoods.  They have come to know the wonderfully supportive people at All Souls Episcopal Church and have gained a greater appreciation of the goodness of this world and beyond.  For all of this we are grateful to our nation, city, fellow Scouts and families.

I am especially grateful to the parents, community leaders, Episcopal Church leaders, Troop Committee members, Scoutmasters and BSA Council leaders who have been unfailingly cheerful in supporting our Scouts.  May all of you enjoy celebrating holidays of importance during this season and store-up your energy for a very active 2020 with Scouts BSA Troop 248 for Girls.

Merry Christmas,

Craig Burkhardt, Scoutmaster   

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Women and men have been hiking to the top of tall mountains through all of human history.  When a person reaches a summit there is a sudden realization that one can see things very far away and very clearly. 

There is a realization of calmness and beauty in the quiet wonder of the moment.  The cares and concerns about our school tests, temporary disputes with friends or yearnings for material things seem to vanish while we are there.  There is a presence of protection and confidence as we stand on what seems like the top of the world.  There is almost a feeling of regret during the easy hike back down.

I think that we should try our best to capture and replay those calm moments of beauty and confidence when we reach the bottom of the mountain and return to the obligations of our daily lives.  There is no reason why we should not approach our time with family, friends and even those who do not treat us nicely with the confidence and clarity we experienced at the top of Hawksbill Mountain. 

We lead wonderful lives and are surrounded by people who love and care for us at every moment.  We need to clearly see that.  We also need to draw close to people who treat ourselves and others appropriately — and not obsess about trying to force our way into relationships with those who do not appreciate us the way they should. 

The presence and power of the mountaintop is something you can recall and use in your daily life.  Next time you are challenged by something difficult, just remember how you felt up on top.  Then take a deep breath and you will be able to figure out the right thing to do.

I am really looking forward to Scout Sunday on October 13, when at 9:30 AM our Scouts will have breakfast and demonstrate their skills and activities to members of All Souls Episcopal Church.  Afterward, many Scouts with families and friends will participate in a special church service at 11 AM, during which they will act as ushers, readers, and singers.  You are invited to do any of these things with your Scout friends. 

All Souls is the organization that supports the Troop all year long by providing volunteers, funding and a place to meet.  On Scout Sunday many of its members will help us pay for our camping equipment.  So, participating in Scout Sunday is a very effective way to say thank-you to these people who love and support us.  Please consider signing up to participate!

Sincerely,

Scoutmaster Burkhardt

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Yes, we are going to hike up the highest peaks at Shenandoah National Park on September 27 – 29 and you are going to love it! This will include going up 4,051 foot-high Hawksbill Peak and a shorter peak known as Mary’s Rock, both of which provide fine mountain vistas. Make sure to have your hiking boots broken-in and have a lightweight rain suit with you in case of some showers.

We now have our new Troop tents. They are two-person tents with two doors and are lightweight enough to carry when we go backpacking. We have 20 of these rust-colored shelters and will use them for the first time at Shenandoah.

Maddy Murnick was elected our first Senior Patrol Leader and is appointing her Troop officers this next week. Her team will help determine where the Troop will camp in October and November (we always camp somewhere on the last weekend).

A number of new girls will be joining the Troop in September. The entire Scoutmaster Staff joins me in welcoming them.

Sincerely,

Craig Burkhardt
Scoutmaster

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Summer is just around the corner, with all of the fun that awaits the Troop as we head to Summer Camp at Goshen Scout Reservation in the Shenandoah Mountains in June and then to the World Scout Jamboree in West Virginia during July!  But first we need to celebrate the achievements our Scouts have attained since we started as a troop in February.

Court of Honor at Camp Snyder

We will have our Troop’s very first Court of Honor on Saturday night during our weekend at Camp Snyder on May 31-June 2.  A Court of Honor is when we will present the embroidered patches to girls who have earned the Scout Rank or Tenderfoot Rank during the spring.  When you get your patch, you will then be able to present the metal Rank pin you earlier received to a special person you love.  Because we are a new Troop, most girls will begin earning merit badges when we go to summer camp – but some girls earned merit badges during the spring.  So, we will present those patches as well.  Finally, the Scoutmasters will present some additional awards like hike medals and will also have some special recognitions to present girls and adult leaders who have given special service to the Troop.

Make sure your parent or supporter registers you for the Camp Snyder weekend.  And, we hope your family will visit us on Saturday night for dinner and the Court of Honor.  Best of all, your entire family is invited to stay the weekend with the Troop if they want to.  Camp Snyder will have 40 big “wall tents” set up for us, and your family can come and spend the weekend and eat with us.

Summer Camp is Almost Here!

In five short weeks we will together be swimming, canoeing, hiking, shooting, eating, learning, fireworks-watching and being all-around happy at summer camp at Goshen Scout Reservation.  There is still time for you to join with the 23 of us who will be going from June 31 until July 6.  Just talk to any of the Scoutmasters and you can go with us.  For some of you this might be the first time you are away from home for a whole week.  That might concern or even frighten you.  Just remember that this is a normal part of growing up – and also know the women and men of the Scoutmaster Staff, Troop Committee and your Scout buddies will be right there with you to keep you safe and happy.  We will have a special meeting of everyone going to summer camp at All Souls from 10 to Noon on June 15.

Be Happy.  Be Thankful.

We all have important concerns about things like school projects and tasks to help our parents and other special people who care for us.  When we fulfill our responsibilities to our families, schools and groups we belong to we are more likely to be happy and satisfied.  But how can Scouts feel as happy as we wish?  One thing that makes us feel happy is when we receive a compliment or even a gift from someone because they admire us.  That’s nice, but an even better way for A Scout to feel happiness is to tell other people how much we appreciate what they do for us and how much we love them.  That’s right – the more you share happiness with others, the more happiness you will feel.  The Scout Law says: “A Scout is Cheerful”.  We can always be cheerful because we can always create happiness around us by being thankful.

Being as thankful as possible to everyone and for everything is a great habit every Scout should adopt.  Wise people throughout history like Abraham, Krishna, Zoroaster, Moses, Buddha, Jesus, Muhammad, Bahá’u’lláh, Confucius, Buddha and many others all shared the belief that being grateful to people and the creator of our lives makes us fulfilled.  In Scouts BSA it does not matter who or what you believe in — Scouts can easily show thankfulness by doing and saying little things every day.  I think that’s what our slogan “Do a Good Turn Daily” means.

Sincerely,

Scoutmaster Burkhardt

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Later this week the Troop will take its first spring hike in Rock Creek Park and Scout will see the first beginnings of the blooming of nature into the fullness of beauty.  Rain or shine, it will be enjoyable.

Despite the fact that your week of summer camp with fellow Scouts is about three months away, it is not too soon to start thinking, learning and planning for that week.  Some Scouts in our Troop have been away at camp for a week before, but for many, this will be the first time being away from home at what seems a far-away place.  For some Scouts, it might seem kind of scary.  

So I’m going to talk a bit about what summer camp is and what you can expect to experience.  Sometimes thinking and talking about things with your friends can make it all see a lot less frightening – and after a while, you may come to really look forward to going with the Troop.

What To Expect At Camp

We are going to a Scout camp called Camp Olmstead at the Goshen Scout Reservation.  It is located in Virginia just south of Shenandoah National Park, which many of you have been to.  We will probably ride a bus there together.

When we arrive we will move-into a campsite that will already have nice tents set-up for us.  These a big tents called “wall tents” and are set-up on wooden platforms. Best part is that they also have a nice cot in them for you to put your sleeping bag on.  The members of each patrol will sleep in tents right next to each other, and all the patrols will be fairly close to each other. There will be a bathroom and a shower house close-by – similar to the one we saw at Camp Snyder.

We will eat our meals in a dining hall along with about 500 other Scouts from all across the Washington, DC area.  There will be other all-girl Troop and all-boy Troops, but they will be in other campsites.

During the day we will participate in activities that are both fun and allow Scouts to pass advancement requirements and even earn some merit badges.  The best part is that you will be doing things together with the other girls in the Troop!  The things you can pick from include swimming, archery, hiking, canoeing, sailing, Native American lore, basketry, leatherworking, rowing, wood carving, mammal study, conservation, and just about any other topic you can imagine.

Camp Olmstead is a big, beautiful place and has a big, beautiful like on it.  We will have our own Troop evening campfires and participate in camp-wide campfires with over 500 other Scouts!  And because we will be at camp on Independence Day, we will see a special fireworks display right over the lake.

For those of you who have never been away from home for a week, you can attend summer camp with your fellow Scouts with confidence.  You will never be alone – ever. That’s because we follow the buddy system. The Scoutmasters and the women and men on the Scout Camp Staff will be there to keep you safe and show you how to have fun.  The Scoutmasters will be there to talk to you and make you feel comfortable. After a few days, you will be having so much fun you will not want to go back home at the end of the week.

What Camp Will Be Like (With Videos!)

All you need to do for now is to dream about how wonderful it is all going to be.  You can even go online and see pictures of where we will be going. Here is the view from the air, just as you are an eagle flying over where you will camp, swim and boat:

Here is what the fireworks look like over the lake:

Here is a video that shows a lot of the program areas from across the many camps at Goshen Scout Reservation:

These pictures show only all-boy troops, and even use the old term “boy scout camp” to describe where we will be going. That’s because 2019 is the first year all-girl troops will camp there. Next year we will see pictures of Troop 248 girls in these pictures!

So begin dreaming about how much fun it is going to be.  Think of how much confidence you will gain from mastering these new Scout skills.  Think of the bravery you will gain by venturing with your great friends for a week at camp.  Think of how proud your special people at home will be when you return with your awards and the stories of how you received them.

Sincerely,

Scoutmaster Burkhardt

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The cold weather is beginning to fade away, robins are visiting and buds are appearing on the trees. And with that we will be spending a lot more time outdoors, starting with our camping trip on March 8-10. It is time for you to become prepared for our upcoming camping and hiking trips.

Between now and mid-July we are going to go on three camping trips, two day-hikes and spend an entire week (the Troop together) at summer camp. That is a lot of activity to pack into about four months. So, what do you need to do to be ready for this?

Attend Troop Meetings

Scoutmasters Bastian and Ross will be teaching the Scoutcraft skills you will want to know to make your outdoor experiences as enjoyable as possible. Always bring your Scout Handbook with you so we can sign-off on your advancement progress as you learn.

Sign-Up for Activities

Be sure to have your parent or guardian sign you up for the upcoming activities that Scoutmasters Collier and Neil are planning. An e-mail from the troop will go out about 1.5 weeks in advance of every event providing all details. Your parent or guardian needs to sign and submit a permission slip for you for every activity (including the day hikes). The 2-night weekend campouts cost $50 and summer camp is $400. These fees include everything. There is never a charge for our day hikes.

Begin Gathering Equipment

Begin now to plan what you need to bring. The Troop website includes suggestions of things you should consider packing. You do not need to buy new things if you start now to find things like a sleeping bag, ground pad and a backpack to put your things in. The Troop will provide tents, so you do not need to get one of those. Click here for suggestions about what you should get: http://scoutsbsadcgirls.org/about/camping-and-hiking-in-the-outdoors/.

You Need Boots

One thing you might consider purchasing brand-new is a pair of hiking boots. If you go to expensive camping stores you can spend a huge amount of money. No kidding, some hiking boots can cost $500! I suggest you do not get those, because you will grow out of them and that will waste money. Instead, see if you can get a good pair of well-fitting hiking boots at a place like LL Bean at the Galleria Mall. I went there and looked at boots for girls and found some fantastic ones that cost about $80. If that not in your price range, you can also visit Target or Wal-Mart and see what is available there. The main thing you want to get is a hiking boot that fits snugly and covers your ankles so you have support when we are hiking on rough ground. You also want boots that have thick soles – that way you will not feel every rock you step on like you would if you just wear tennis shoes. The Scoutmasters are going to talk about hiking boots during our next two meetings. You do not need to get your hiking boots before the March 8-10 camping trip, but you will definitely want them before our March 23 day-hike.

Break Them In

When you get your boots, wear them around as much as you can to “break them in”. If you wait to wear them until the day of our hike, they will be stiff and uncomfortable and you will probably get blisters. A good idea is to wear them to school. They are cool looking and you can tell your friends about the adventures you are going to have.

Wear Your Uniform

Your Uniform is designed to be worn when we go camping and hiking. Make sure to have it on when you arrive at the camp – especially the green pants that won’t rip when you snag a thorn and will block the wind from chilling you. Of course you will want to “layer” other clothing under and over your uniform to keep warm.

Our New Patrols

Everyone is now assigned to a Patrol and the Patrol Leaders have been elected. You will get your Patrol patch to sew on you uniform this Saturday and your patrol will soon work on a patrol cheer and flag. Scoutmasters B. Burkhardt (Red Phoenix Patrol), Snare (Blue Phoenix Patrol) and I (Athena Patrol) look forward to advising your Patrol leadership as you plan and conduct your activities.

A Winning Attitude

Attitude is more important that the past, than education, than money, than circumstances. It is more important than intelligence, appearance, skill or ability. Attitude will determine the success of a business, family or Scouts BSA Troop. The amazing thing is, attitude is the one thing that you have the ability to control every day. You cannot change the past. You cannot make others behave in a particular way. You do, however have control over the single most important factor influencing your happiness and success and that factor is your attitude. Keep that in mind as you become better friends with your Scouts BSA Friends and while you are at school. *

Sincerely,

Scoutmaster Burkhardt

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We had a wonderful time during our first meeting at All Souls Episcopal Church.  The entire Scoutmaster Staff, Troop Committee and (especially) Father Jadon and Bishop Mariann were very proud of you for completing your very first Scoutcraft skills classes and for joining-in during our ceremony to begin Scouts BSA Troop 248 for Girls.  Fifty years from now you will be about my age and will come back to participate in a great 50^th anniversary celebration for Troop 248.  You will recall our wonderful first day along with your daughters and other family members.

Your New Scout Handbook for Girls

Everyone received their Scout Handbook for Girls during our first meeting.  Make sure to look it over carefully.  I contains details about what you will be learning in Scouts BSA and also shows how you will be recognized by the advancement system.  The Scoutmaster Staff is going to work with you over the next two months so you can attain your first rank of Scout and begin to work on your second rank, which is Tenderfoot.  We have all of the materials you will need to learn these skills and get signed-off on your work by the Scoutmasters.  But, you always need to bring you Scout Handbook to every Troop meeting.  Look in the back pages and you will see that is where the Scoutmasters and others who will be helping you sign that you have passed each requirement.

We Will Keep You Safe

We do everything together in Troop 248 and use what we call the “buddy system”. Whenever we go hiking, swimming, camping or just about anything else, girls always choose one or two friends to be buddies and look out for each other. We do this whenever we do anything in Scouting. For example, girls buddy-up when they go to see merit badge counselors, receive instruction on a scouting skill from one of the Assistant Scoutmasters, travel or go swimming or boating.

Buddies keep an eye on each other and make sure to tell adults if they ever feel unsafe or uncomfortable in any way. Members of our Troop Committee, Scoutmaster Staff and Parent Support Committee and the leaders of All Souls want you to be safe in Scouting and won’t allow anyone to bully, touch or treat you badly in any manner.

It is never a good idea to keep secret anything that someone may be doing that bothers you. There is nothing secret in Scouting and the Scoutmaster Staff will never tell you to keep something secret from your family or friends. Please tell your parents and any of the adults associated with the Troop or Church if you ever feel uncomfortable or fearful about anything. This include things that others might do or say about you on the internet.  We will protect you and stop anything that is not Scout-like behavior.

Your new Scout Handbook for Girls includes a pamphlet (just behind the front cover) that is about how to respect yourself and require everyone else around you to respect you as well.  It talks about how to avoid bullying and things like making sure people do not treat or touch you inappropriately.  One of the requirements to earn your Scout rank is to talk over the pamphlet with your parents.  So you can begin doing that right now!

Be Happy

Think positive thoughts, and don’t dwell on the negative ones.  Remember the words of Helen Keller, “When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one that has been opened for us.”  She was happy without hearing or sight yet found a way to be both successful and happy.

Remember that happiness doesn’t depend on outward conditions.  It depends on inner conditions.  It isn’t what you have or who you are or where you are or what you are doing that makes you happy or unhappy.  It is what you think about.  So, when you want to feel happy, consider thinking of the door to happiness you family has opened for you by having you become part of Scouts BSA. *

Sincerely,

Scoutmaster Burkhardt

*  Adapted from Scoutmaster’s Minutes, Mercaldo

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