Goshen Leader Update #3 – 03/18/2024

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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 17th at 7:00 pm

Merit Badge Registration for Camps Bowman, Marriott, and Olmsted will open on April 17th 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!

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