News for everyone

Goshen Scout Reservation 2025 Fee Adjustment

/in /by

In keeping with our commitment to deliver a high-quality camp experience for Scouts and Leaders attending summer camp at the Goshen Scout Reservation, and in response to feedback from the Scouting Community, National Capital Area Council is moving Goshen Scout Reservation to an “all-inclusive” fee structure.

An “All-Inclusive” fee structure means that there are no hidden or additional costs for your Scouts or leaders to attend a GSR Summer Camp beyond the camp registration fee! Previous additional costs for items and programs such as Basketry kits, leather crafts, shotgun ammunition, and the ATV program are now included!

Goshen Scout Reservation will now be a tiered structure, based on the needs and requirements of the program level they support; Cub Scout: Camp Ross, Scouts BSA: Olmsted, Marriott, Bowman, High Adventure: Lenhok’sin High Adventure.

For the upcoming 2025 season, this shift in fees will allow us to increase camp staff salaries and invest in program supplies and camp facilities.

The Cost of Camp for Summer 2025 at the Goshen Scout Reservation will be:

  Cub Scout (Ross) Scouts BSA (Olmsted, Bowman, Marriott) Lenhok’sin High Adventure
Youth Early Bird $525 $565 $625
Youth Regular $555 $595 $655
Adult Early Bird $270 $300 $330
Adult Regular $310 $340 $370

Scouts who are crossing over from Arrow of Light to Scouts BSA will receive the Early Bird Discount, no matter when they register! We want to ensure that the time of their crossover ceremony does not deter an incoming Scouts BSA member from attending camp with their new Troop.

Unit and Camper Deposits

The initial Unit reservation for a GSR Summer Camp is now made through a one time non-refundable $200 “Unit Deposit.” Units who are sending multiple groups to GSR Camps will only need to make one Unit Deposit (e.g., a Unit sends one group to a Scouts BSA Camp and one group to Lenhok’sin High Adventure). Please contact us for more information if you are considering sending multiple groups to GSR.

Knowing that this price structure represents a change, we are also moving forward with a deposit structure for youth campers. This method has been used to help support Unit Camping Coordinators in making camp accessible and approachable to all families. A deposit represents a commitment, and one we value greatly. In return, our team is best able to be prepared for your arrival and to focus on service. This $100 camper deposit will lock in your spot at camp until full payment can be made and allow Scouts BSA youth to register for merit badges and activities earlier.

Free Adults

Units attending Goshen Scout Reservation are permitted free adult leaders based on the number of youth attending. The more youth who attend with your Unit, the more free adults you receive!

1 – 10 Youth: 1 Free Adult 11 – 20 Youth: 2 Free Adults 21 – 30 Youth: 3 Free Adults
And so on…

Transportation Fare

Transportation to the Goshen Scout Reservation via bus will continue to be provided to Units. Tickets will be available for an additional cost beginning May 1, 2025.

Important Dates

Date Event
July 1, 2024 Unit Deposit Phase opens.
November 15, 2024 Camper Deposit Phase opens.
February 15, 2025 Camper Deposits due.
March 1, 2025 Campership applications due. Accepted afterward as funds are available.
March 31, 2025 Merit Badge Sign Ups open at 7:00 pm.
April 15, 2025 Early Bird period ends.
May 1, 2025 Bus Transportation registration opens.
June 1, 2025 Final payments requested by June 1st to best plan and prepare for your attendance at camp. Accepted a minimum of two weeks before arriving on site.

 

Thank you for your continued support and your commitment to the Scouting program. We look forward to serving you this summer!

Yours in Scouting,

Dave Seitz

Chair, Camping and Outdoor Program Committee

 

 Elisabeth Warren

Reservation Director

Goshen Scout Reservation

 Matt Keck

Director of Support Services

National Capital Area Council

The fully announcement and Frequently Asked Questions is available here for your review.

Bear & Webelos Den Leader Summer Camp Planning

/in , /by

Hello Bear and Webelos Den Leaders!

Now that you are in your role of Den Leader to incredible Bear and Webelos Scouts, you and your Den are invited to attend Summer Camp at Camp Ross (Goshen Scout Reservation) this coming summer! Camp Ross is home to a week-long summer camp experience just for rising (incoming) Webelos and rising Arrow of Light Scouts. Here, they’ll take part in some amazing outdoor adventures, including swimming, boating, fishing, archery, BB shooting, hiking, and outdoor skills development (to name a few)!

As you are learning, the Cub Scout Program provides Scouts with the opportunity to learn about being a member of their family, how to take an active role in serving their neighborhood, and living by the ideals of the Scouting Program. At Camp Ross, our Scouts become members of a Camp Community with Scouts from across the Council. They meet new friends, make lasting memories, and take critical steps in learning about the next part of their Scouting journey: Scouts BSA.

On Monday, October 14, 2024 at 7:00 pm, I’d like you to join me and other Bear and Webelos Den Leaders from NCAC in learning about Camp Ross and starting to plan your Summer 2025 Adventure. Here, we’ll review “A Day in the Life” at Camp Ross, walk through the registration process, and answer any questions you may have.

To attend this Zoom Meeting, please register at:
Camp Ross: A Summer Camp Adventure for Rising Webelos and Arrow of Light Scouts
https://ncacbsa-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_gj5BxZxkSHSthMnV3QXQrw#/registration

Register for the Meeting

Before joining me on October 14th, I encourage you to hear from other NCAC Cub Scout Parents and Leaders about their own Camp Ross experience on our YouTube Channel:

Enhance Your Pack Summer! What Leaders are Saying About Camp Ross

I look forward to seeing your Den at Camp Ross this summer!

Yours in Scouting,
Elisabeth Warren
Goshen Scout Reservation Director
National Capital Area Council, BSA

Goshen Leader Update #6 – Items Needed for Camp, Bus Reminders, Adult Training Opportunities, and more!

/in /by

June 14, 2024

Good afternoon Goshen Leaders!

Can you believe it’s almost time for summer camp? The Goshen Staff have hit the ground running here at the Goshen Scout Reservation and are hard at work preparing for your arrival!

This email serves as a final Goshen Leader Update before your arrival. Please read it carefully!

List of Items Needed for Check In

  • Unit Registration Rosters (New!): To ensure that the Goshen Scout Reservation and the units who stay with us are in compliance with BSA membership policies regarding camping eligibility, we are requiring that each unit who stays with us provide a Scoutbook unit roster at the time of check in to ensure that all attendees are registered members of the BSA, including all camping adults, and that all adults have current YPT. The roster should indicate all youth and adults who are attending with your unit.

To create the necessary roster, please follow the instructions at www.gotogoshen.org/registration/how-to-unit-registration-rosters/.

Bus Reminder
If your unit plans to take the Bus Service provided by the Goshen Scout Reservation, please sign up no later than 9:00 am on the Wednesday prior to your arrival at camp. Please note that the Largo location has been cancelled due to low demand, however Fairfax is still accepting tickets.
To sign up for the Goshen Scout Reservation Bus Service, please visit: www.gotogoshen.org/general/how-to-purchasing-bus-tickets/.

Dietary Restrictions
All dietary restrictions must be reported prior to your arrival at camp via your Unit’s Blackpug registration. Please indicate all allergies and dietary restrictions for each individual participant so that we can ensure all dietary needs are met! Questions? Contact our Food Service Director at whitney.spearman@gotogoshen.org.

Adult Leader Training Opportunities
The Goshen Scout Reservation and NCAC Training Committee have partnered together to provide a series of trainings throughout the summer. This includes:

  • Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills (IOLS)
  • Scoutmaster Specific Training
  • Life to Eagle Conference
  • Citizenship in Society Merit Badge Counselor Training
  • Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO)

To learn what is available during your time at the Goshen Scout Reservation, please see the flyer here: Adult Leader Training . To sign up for a training opportunity, please log-in to your unit’s registration and select “manage participants classes” (just like merit badge sign up!). More instructions can be found here: hwww.gotogoshen.org/general/how-to-merit-badge-activity-sign-ups/

2024 Summer Camp Office Phone Numbers
Need to contact us during the summer? Our summer time camp office numbers are now online! We encourage you to please contact the camp you or your scout is attending to directly. Learn more at www.gotogoshen.org/information/contact-us/.

C-PAP Machines
This is a reminder that any person who requires a C-PAP machine must bring their own equipment, including a rechargeable battery to camp. The Goshen Scout Reservation does not have powered campsites and is unable to provide batteries and extension cords to participants. Daily charging areas are available in the camp Leader’s Lounge, Admin Building, and select program areas. Please speak with your camp administrative staff with any questions.

Yours in Scouting,

Elisabeth Warren | Goshen Scout Reservation Director

Goshen Leader Update #5 – Early Bird Extension, Summer Camp Shirts, New Awards, and more!

/in , /by

Good afternoon Goshen Leaders!

We are less than 45 days away from the first day of summer camp! Please carefully read the email below for important updates on you GSR Summer Adventure.

Early Bird Pricing Extension Ending: May 17

To help units get crossover Arrow of Light Scouts and other new Scouts signed up for camp, the Early Bird Pricing was extended to May 17 at 11:59pm. If you have youth or adult campers that you still need to sign up, we strongly encourage you to get them signed up before the price increases!

First Refund Tier Cutoff: May 15

The final deadline for refund requests is July 31, 2024.

We hope to see everyone at camp, but if you have scouts or leaders that are not going to be able to make it this summer, please keep the May 15 date in mind. This is the first of our refund cutoffs. All refund requests received by May 15 will be granted a refund of 90%. After this date and until the final deadline of July 31, the refund rate will decrease as we ramp up our camp preparations.

You can read the full refund policy and request cancellations online here: www.gotogoshen.org/refund.

Get Your Camp Shirt: Spring Trading Post closes May 19!!

This year, Camp specific Goshen Scout Reservation shirts will be available for purchase online before you arrive at summer camp! Camp T-Shirts will be available as T-Shirts and Wicking Performance Shirts (UPF Protected), and in youth and adult sizes.

Want to add your Unit Number to your shirt? Sleeve customizations are available for an additional $4.00 per shirt. Shirt orders can be completed individually or as a group/unit order.

The GSR Spring Trading Post can be accessed at https://gsrmerch-spring2024.itemorder.com, and will be open until May 19, 2024. Orders will be shipped following the closing of the online store.

Goshen Bus Service

Did you know that you can take the bus to camp? Goshen Scout Reservation supports shuttle buses from Fairfax Government Center and Largo, MD each week to transport units to and from camp. If you have more than 45 scouts attending, we’ll even send a bus to you! Interested? – Learn more at https://www.gotogoshen.org/information/transportation/.

Click here for instructions on how to purchase bus tickets: https://www.gotogoshen.org/general/how-to-purchasing-bus-tickets/

BSA Medical Forms

As we get close to camp, make sure you and your campers are preparing the forms you will need. Everyone in camp must have Parts A & B of the BSA Medical Form. Any youth or adult camper staying for more than 72 hours and/or participating in camp activities must also have Part C and the NCAC Health Advisory. Part C is valid through the end of the 12th month from the date it was administered by your medical provider. BSA Medical Forms and other helpful forms and information can be found in the Forms & Downloads section on your camps page as well as atwww.gotogoshen.org/forms.

Dietary Restrictions
As you are registering your scouts for camp, please indicate their dietary restrictions in their registration! This will help our food service staff anticipate ordering needs for each week at Goshen.

New – GSR Adult Leader Challenge

The Goshen Scout Reservation “Adult Leader Challenge” is designed for leaders to experience the programs that the Goshen Scout Reservation has to offer by taking part in activities and trainings during their week at Camp, as well as Badge recognizes the tremendous contribution adult leaders make in the Scouting Program. Learn more about the Adult Leader Challenge at https://www.gotogoshen.org/information/forms-downloads/.

Updated – GSR Camp Adventure Award

Each Unit at the Goshen Scout Reservation has the opportunity to bring home the “Camp Adventure Award.” The Camp Adventure Award reflects a Unit’s commitment to participating in Camp programs and opportunities and involvement as a member of the Camp community. A unique ribbon will be presented to these units who have gone the extra mile to participate in the overall camp program. Learn more about how to earn the Camp Adventure Award at https://www.gotogoshen.org/information/forms-downloads/.

Adult Leader Training Opportunities

Goshen Scout Reservation is proud to partner with the NCAC Training Committee to offer training opportunities to Adult Leadership during the summer while in attendance at a GSR Camp. Adult Leader trainings are available to all registered adults, no matter which camp at the Goshen Scout Reservation you are attending. Registration will occur via Blackpug beginning next week – stay tuned for more info!. As of this time, the Adult Leader Training Schedule is as follows:

Week 1:         Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills (AM)

Scoutmaster Specific Training (PM)

Week 2:         Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills (AM)

Scoutmaster Specific Training (PM)

Week 3:         Scoutmaster Specific Training (AM)

Citizenship in Society MB Counselor Training (PM)

Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO)

Week 4:         Scoutmaster Specific Training (Tues and Wed)

Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills (Wed and Thurs)

Week 5:         None scheduled at this time.

Week 6:         None scheduled at this time.

Interested in helping GSR and the Training Committee to provide a training opportunity? Please contact NCAC Training Committee Chair Tom Dimisa at tdimisa@yahoo.com.

Lenhok’sin High Adventure – Pre-Camp Survey Due May 10th

For crews attending Lenhok’sin High Adventure Backpacking Trek, be sure to complete your Pre-Camp Survey by May 6th. The online survey can be found in the Lenhok’sin Downloads section: www.gotogoshen.org/lenhoksin/#downloads

Yours in Scouting,

Elisabeth Warren | Goshen Scout Reservation Director

2024 Camp Ross Leader Guide, Program Guide, and Schedule Posted – 04/23/2024

/in , /by
Hello Camp Ross Adult Leaders!
I am very excited to share with you that the 2024 Camp Ross Leaders Guide, Program Guide, and Schedule have been posted on the Camp Ross webpage, www.gotogoshen.org/ross, under the “Forms and Downloads” section.
I encourage you to share and review these documents with your Pack Leadership and attending adult leaders to help prepare you for your upcoming summer adventure.
For the past several years, Camp Ross has strived to provide Scouts with “a great week and introduction to Scouting,” putting us ahead of the game with the updated Cub Scout advancement requirements (effective June 1, 2024), which focus on preparing Webelos and Arrow of Light Scouts for the upcoming Scouts BSA program.
Please note that some elective adventures, such as Aquanaut (Webelos) and Swimming (Arrow of Light), will be able to be taught to Scouts at the same time/program block at Camp Ross due to similar requirements. Please review the 2024 Leader and Program Guides (linked above) for more information.
For additional information on the updated Cub Scout Program, please visit: https://www.scouting.org/programs/cub-scouts/what-cub-scouts-earn/.
The Camp Ross Team and I are looking forward to seeing your Pack this summer. Ross is Boss!

Yours in Scouting,

Elisabeth Warren | Goshen Scout Reservation Director

Goshen Leader Update #4 – 04/09/2024 – Early Bird Registration and Merit Badge Sign Up Reminders

/in /by
Good evening Goshen Leaders!
Can you believe we’re almost halfway through April? Just 75 more days till the first day of campers at the Goshen Scout Reservation!
Below are important reminders regarding registration for your summer adventure and the approaching Early Bird Deadline. Please read this email carefully!
 
Early Bird – Closes April 12 (11:59pm)
Early Bird registration will close on Friday, April 12 at 11:59pm. Campers who are registered before this time will receive a discounted rate and the exclusive Goshen Summer 2024 Early Bird Hat!

Splitting Adults on Your Registration

If you have adults that are planning to split the week and are wondering how to register them, check out this post: www.gotogoshen.org/registration/registration-tips-splitting-adults/

How to Add More Campers to Your Registration

If you are ready to add campers to your registration, check out this post: www.gotogoshen.org/registration/registration-tips-how-to-add-more-campers/

Unallocated Registration Credit

If you have unallocated credit attached to your registration account, please contact Sarah Moses with any questions.

Sarah Moses, Goshen Camping Specialist: sarah.moses@scouting.org

Merit Badge Registration: April 17 at 7:00 pm

Merit Badge Registration for Camps Bowman, Marriott, and Olmsted will open on April 17 at 7:00 pm. Please be sure check out the Program & Prerequisites Guide for the latest prerequisites, class descriptions, age recommendations, and specialty class fees.

Scouts BSA Program and Prerequisites Guide (also available under “Forms and Downloads”): www.gotogoshen.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/2024-Scouts-BSA-Program-Guide.pdf

Questions about Merit Badge Sign Ups? Check out the “How To: MB Sign Ups” Guide (also available under “Forms and Downloads”). www.gotogoshen.org/general/how-to-merit-badge-activity-sign-ups/

Scouts interested in participating in “Open Program” blocks do not need to register for these sections.

If your unit is opting to use the new “parent portal” feature for merit badge sign ups, please be sure to select the “allow parent portal class selection” check box under the “use parent portal” section of the registration contact section.

Refund Policy Update Reminder

As a reminder, the National Capital Area Council has updated the Summer Camp Refund policy for all NCAC Summer Camps. Please see our registration page for details on the updated Refund Policy at www.gotogoshen.org/registration.

Yours in Scouting,

Elisabeth Warren | Goshen Scout Reservation Director