Archive for category: General

Hello Goshen Leaders!

It’s time for another leader update! Please review the important information below regarding your upcoming summer adventure at the Goshen Scout Reservation.

Registration Update – Parent Portal

Good news! Goshen Scout Reservation has created a “Parent Portal Option” to pay for scouts once added to a Unit’s Camp Registration.

The Parent Portal feature will be activated both for class sign ups and payment. This is mainly for larger units, but other units may use the feature as well. It is recommended for units new to the registration system to have one person manage the registration for the first year before branching out into the Parent Portal for future summers.

For video tutorials on how to use Parent Portal, please view the registration system’s How To Videos.

Parent Portal: Unit Leader’s Guide – www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBJmmnQuSo4

Parent Portal: Parents Guide – www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xflql-R-VZE

Program and Pre-Requisite Guide Posted

The Goshen Scout Reservation Scouts BSA Program & Prerequisite Guide for Merit Badges at Camps Bowman, Marriott, and Olmsted has been posted! This Guide shares Merit Badge descriptions and specifics on requirements that must be completed prior to arriving at camp in order for your scouts to complete the merit badge.

You can download a copy of the 2024 Program & Prerequisite Guide in the Scouts BSA Specific downloads section of your camp webpage or on the GSR Forms & Downloads page. For the most up to date requirements for all merit badges, please refer to https://www.scouting.org/skills/merit-badges/.

Camp Bowman and Camp Marriott Program Schedules – Updated!

The Camp Bowman and Camp Marriott program schedules have been updated and posted online! Please refer to the forms and downloads section of your camp webpage to view and download.

Camp Bowman: www.gotogoshen.org/bowman

Camp Marriott: www.gotogoshen.org/marriott

Merit Badge Registration: April 17^th at 7:00 pm

Merit Badge Registration for Camps Bowman, Marriott, and Olmsted will open on April 17^th 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”): https://www.gotogoshen.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/2023-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”). https://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.

Updated Refund Policy

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.

2024 Menus Posted

2024 Menus are now posted and available online at www.gotogoshen.org/food.

As your unit registers scouts, please indicate all dietary restrictions and allergies so we can prepare for your arrival this summer! This includes vegetarian, gluten-free, food specific allergies, etc.

Bus Transportation to Goshen

Did you know that you can take a shuttle bus to the Goshen Scout Reservation? The Goshen Scout Reservation supports shuttle bus transportation from the Fairfax County Government Center (Fairfax, VA) and Largo Plaza (Largo, MD). Have between 45 and 55 scouts and adults that want to take the bus? – We’ll send the bus to you!

Learn more at https://www.gotogoshen.org/information/transportation/.

Summer Camp T-Shirt Orders – Spring Trading Posts

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.

NCAC Summer Camp Webinar Series

Join us for our final two installations of the 2024 NCAC Summer Camp Webinar Series!

• March 20: Scouts BSA Summer Camp Opportunities
  • Register in advance: https://ncacbsa-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_TukBbZKIRDutbMKudN8HTA
• March 27: High Adventure Opportunities
  • Register in advance: https://ncacbsa-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_EUrauVjqS7yC9z-D1HXkAg

Missed last week’s webinar on NCAC Cub Scout Summer Camp Programs? Watch the session at https://www.gotogoshen.org/general/ncac-2024-summer-camp-webinar-cub-scouts/.

Medical Forms and NCAC Health Advisory

Don’t forget! – Everyone in camp must have completed Parts A & B of the BSA Medical Form with them upon arrival at Goshen. 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.

BSA Medical Form and NCAC Health Advisory: https://www.gotogoshen.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/BSA-Medical-Form-with-NCAC-Health-Advisory.pdf

Summer Camp Staff Positions

There are several summer camp staff positions still available at each of the camps at the Goshen Scout Reservation! Open positions include administrative posts, area directors, and instructors. For a list of full staffing needs, job descriptions, and how to apply, please visit the “Goshen Staff” page at www.gotogoshen.org/staff

Upcoming Events!

Volunteer Work Weekend: May 3 – 5, 2024

Looking for a service opportunity for your unit or family? Join members of the Goshen Scout Reservation Staff for a weekend of service to assist in camp beautification and prepare for Summer 2023! Past projects have included painting, brush clearing, fence repair, picnic table building, tent platform repair, and more! Learn more and register here: www.gotogoshen.org/vww

Family Camp: May 24 – 27, 2024

Join the Goshen Scout Reservation this coming Memorial Day Weekend for a fun-filled Family Camping Experience! Soar through the sky on the giant swing, cool off on beautiful Lake Merriweather, test your aim at Shooting Sports, challenge your inner artist at Handicraft, and spend time with your family and friends in the great outdoors. All are welcome, not just registered scouts. Find more information at www.gotogoshen.org/familycamp.

Yours in Scouting,

Elisabeth Warren | Goshen Scout Reservation Director

Hello Goshen Leaders!

Get your 2024 Summer Camp T-shirt at the Goshen Scout Reservation’s Spring Trading Post!

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.

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.

Here’s a sneak peak at some of the designs!

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. Here’s how to order:

1. Scan the QR code (see attached flyer) or go online to https://gsrmerch-spring2024.itemorder.com/
2. Choose your items and add them to your cart.
3. Securely checkout with your credit card.

Please forward this information to your units and summer camp participants. I hope to see you wearing your Goshen Scout Reservation shirts this summer!

Yours in Scouting,

Elisabeth Warren | Goshen Scout Reservation Director

Join the Goshen staff, along with the staff of the many NCAC Summer Camps and Programs, for information webinars as you prepare for Summer Camp 2024. These webinars are a great orientation for new leaders, for units going to a camp that is new to them, or for returning leaders that want the latest update. There will be representation from Goshen Scout Reservation, Camp Snyder, District Day and Twilight Camps, Camp Catoctin BSA, and the NCAC High Adventure Committee’s contingents. Choose your summer adventure in 2024!

Webinars will begin at 7pm EDT.

March 13: Cub Scout Camps

If your rising Webelos or AOLs are attending Camp Ross at Goshen this summer, this is the webinar for you! Get the details on day camp and overnight camps for rising Tigers through rising Arrow of Light Scouts at Camp Snyder, Camp Ross, and District Day and Twilight Camps.

Register in advance: https://ncacbsa-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Bzn-KlBWSZyvQ9laIPXFcw

March 20: Scouts BSA Camps

Get information about programs for both Troops and individuals at Goshen’s Camps Bowman, Marriott, and Olmsted; Goshen’s Provisional Camp program; Camp Snyder’s Specialty Weeks; and Camp Catoctin BSA.

Register in advance: https://ncacbsa-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_TukBbZKIRDutbMKudN8HTA

March 27: High Adventure

Looking for adventure? Get the information for Summer 2024 on trail and river treks at Goshen’s Lenhok’sin High Adventure and the trips to National High Adventure bases and more run by the High Adventure Committee.

Register in advance: https://ncacbsa-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_EUrauVjqS7yC9z-D1HXkAg

Happy New Year Goshen Leaders!

My name is Elisabeth Warren, and it is my privilege to return this year as your Goshen Scout Reservation Director. The 2024 Camp Director team is hard at work preparing for your arrival this summer, and are looking forward to preparing memorable experiences and scouting programs for your scouts.

Below to important reminders to keep in mind as you begin to prepare for this summer!

Registration Reminders

If you are no longer the Registration Contact for your unit, this post goes over how to update your registration:

• Registration Tips: Changing Your Registration Contact: www.gotogoshen.org/registration/registration-tips-changing-your-registration-contact/

If you need to access your registration, this post goes over how to do so:

• Registration Tips: Re-Accessing Your Registration: www.gotogoshen.org/registration/registration-tips-re-accessing-your-registration/

Remember, as you begin to add participants to your registrations, you should only add participants as you are ready to pay for them. When you are ready to add participants, this post has a quick walkthrough:

• Registration Tips: How to Add More Campers: www.gotogoshen.org/registration/registration-tips-how-to-add-more-campers/

Leader Guides

As you prepare to bring your unit to Goshen, I heavily encourage you to read and utilize the 2024 Goshen Leader Guide (yes, we do update and change it every year!). New and updated sections include:

• What is Goshen Scout Reservation?
• Quick References
• Planning for Summer 2024
• Transportation
• Goshen Scout Reservation Map
• Off Season Camping Opportunities
• and more!

The 2024 Goshen Leader Guide is available under “Forms and Downloads” at www.gotogoshen.org/information/forms-downloads/.

Camp Specific Leader Guides will be updated and available on your Camp’s Webpage shortly.

Leader Orientation Webinar Series

The NCAC Camping Department will be hosting a series of Leader Orientation Webinars on Wednesday Evenings in March, beginning at 7:00 pm. Each of these sessions will be recorded and posted on the NCAC Blog, WeOwnAdventure.com, for future viewing. More details, including registration, will be available soon. Topics will include:

• March 12: Cub Scouts
  • Summer Camp at GSR Camp Ross
  • Summer Camp at Camp Snyder
  • District Day Camps
• March 19: Scouts BSA
  • GSR Camp Olmsted, Camp Marriott, and Camp Bowman
  • Merit Badge Specialty Week at Camp Snyder
  • Camp Catoctin, BSA
• March 26: High Adventure
  • GSR Lenhok’sin High Adventure
  • National High Adventure Bases
  • High Adventure Provisional Trek Opportunities

Camperships – Rolling Applications

*Please note that the Campership request process has changed from the 2023 season.

If you know of any scouts in your unit who may benefit from financial assistance to attend summer camp st the Goshen Scout Reservation, please encourage them to complete the NCAC “Financial Support Request Form.” Recipients can receive assistance for up to 50% of the cost of camp. Please visit www.gotogoshen.org/camperships for more information.

Early Bird Registration Closes April 12 at 11:59 pm

Early Bird Registration will close Friday, April 12 at 11:59 pm. Participants who have registered before this time will receive the posted discounted price and an exclusive Goshen Summer 2024 Early Bird Hat!

Merit Badge and Activity Signups – Opens April 17 at 7:00 pm

Merit Badge & Activity Signups for Camps Olmsted, Marriott, and Bowman will open on April 17 at 7:00 pm. Merit Badge Program Schedules will be available under “forms and downloads” on each Camp’s webpage. The updated Program and Pre-Requisites Guide will be released shortly – stay tuned!

Provisional Camping Opportunities

There are several opportunities for individual / provisional scouts at Goshen this summer! Scouts interested in a provisional merit badge experience can find more information here: www.gotogoshen.org/provisional.

Scouts interested in attending a provisional River Trek at Lenhok’sin High Adventure, sponsored by the NCAC High Adventure Committee can find more information here: www.gotogoshen.org/lenhoksin

Looking for a two-week experience? Members of the Order of the Arrow are invited to join the Goshen Order of the Arrow Trail (GOAT) Crew for two weeks at Lenhok’sin High Adventure. Learn more at wipit470.org/goat.html

Join Goshen Scout Reservation Summer Camp Staff!

Goshen Scout Reservation is hiring Camp Staff for the Summer 2024 Season! Working on Camp Staff is a memorable experience that promotes growth, independence, and creates memories that last a lifetime. Staff help to teach essential scout skills, such as tying knots and building fires, and have the opportunity to make lasting impressions on campers while showing them the wonders of the outdoors! Learn more about Goshen Staff at www.gotogoshen.org/staff

Volunteer Work Weekend – May 3 – 5

Looking for a service opportunity for your unit or family? Join members of the Goshen Scout Reservation Staff for a weekend of service to assist in camp beautification and prepare for Summer 2024! This past year, we painted buildings, rebuilt chuckboxes, resided Aquatics Towers, and made site signs (to name a few)! Learn more and join us at www.gotogoshen.org/vww

Family Camp – May 24 – 27

Join the Goshen Scout Reservation this coming Memorial Day Weekend for a fun-filled Family Camping Experience! Soar through the sky on the giant swing, cool off on beautiful Lake Merriweather, test your aim at Shooting Sports, challenge your inner artist at Handicraft, and spend time with your family and friends in the great outdoors. All are welcome, not just registered scouts. Find more information at www.gotogoshen.org/familycamp

Yours in Scouting,

Elisabeth Warren | Goshen Scout Reservation Director