Wednesday

A scoucraft activity is Fire Building - manly stuff:


The crew is pumped up for the hike to Swinging Bridge - about 1.5 miles each way:


The hike to Swinging Bridge is picturesque. We hike along the edge of the lake:


The natural beauty of Goshen presents itself constantly through the wildlife we encounter. Here is a Red-spotted Newt discovered while on the hike:


Since we hike through a neighboring Boy Scout camp to get to Swinging Bridge, we do a quick tour. Since it is a rival camp, the boys show their PMI spirit! PMI is the name of our camp:


We cross the swinging bridge:


A man crosses the Swinging Bridge:


Norman Rockwell would have a field day:


Smiles abound on the river:


The boys prepare for the hike back:


Nothing like a good meal after a long hike:

First Batch of Pictures from Camp: Tuesday

More pics from the trip:

This is the PMI Staff:


Making catapults:


More making catapults:


What's more fun, making or using catapults?


Lunch is good:


Making our own dinner - tin foil dinners cooked in the fire:

Friday AM Update

This morning the boys climbed up viewing rock. They climbed up over 800 ft to about an elevation of 2400 ft. They did very well and showed great spirit on the hike. We all took pictures at the top.

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Thursday Update

The boys have been doing great here at Goshen. They have settled into camp life very well. I have been very proud of their scout spirit. Each of them is working hard to keep their tents and campsite clean. Our site inspection scores have been outstanding.

So far the boys have participated in BB shooting, archery, swimming, boating, handicraft, scoutcraft, first aid, nature center, and, yes, even showers with real soap!

The days have been packed with activities. We wake at 6:30am an end around 8 or 9 pm. For example on Tuesday, we had a full day of program activities, latrine cleaning after breakfast, a service project after lunch, and campwide games in the evening.

Yesterday, we had a full morning of program and then took the afternoon to hike off reservation to Swinging Bridge. The scouts did fantastically hiking in 1.5 miles, swimming in the Calfpastutre River, and hiking back out 1.5 miles. It was a very pictureque day with cool water, blue skies, warm sun and dozens of scouts swimming in the river. I'll post the picture when I can get Internet service. The trip home was a bit of an adventure when we were hit by a thunderstorm. The boys reacted well and maintained their spirit.

We also toured a boy scout camp. The shooting range instructor explained the rifle range, shotgun, and black powder 50 caliber black powder ranges. The boys we ready to sign up.

We sqeezed in a fishing trip.

After dinner, we attended religious services.

This morning, the boys led the camp flag ceremony. They did a great job. We had practiced this several times over the past few days, and the practice paid off.

Today, the boys had sessions in archery, BB, lifesaving, nature, boating and swimming. Tonight, they have a campwide game and then a campfire at our campsite.

I'll try to post more pictures when I get some time...and the Internet connection is back on-line.

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Re: Directions

Sorry I have not provided updates in the past few days. We've been busy.

All is going well and the boys are having fun. I'll try to post more details tomorrow.
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-----Original Message-----
From: vbieniek@gmail.com

Date: Sun, 20 Jul 2008 03:52:50
To: <victorbieniek.goshen2008@blogger.com>
Subject: Directions


I will provide directions when we meet at 8:30am tomorrow.
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Tonight

Tonight the boys participate in the camp-wide staff hunt. They will scour the ends of the camp to find counselors to earn points. Right now, the boys are in a "Readyman" session.

Monday Afternoon

Webelos at lunch. The food has been great and the boys have had a good appetite.


Webelos at the BB range - some good shootin


The infamous smim test

Monday at PMI !!

Yes - we're finally here!


At the Scoutcraft station where the boys climbed on a long monkey bridge.


Whacky counselors add to the fun. This is at Scoutcraft.

Arrived

We arrived at camp yesterday and everyone is adapting to camp life nicely. Time is tight, but I'll try to post pictures and notes when I can.

Directions

I will provide directions when we meet at 8:30am tomorrow.
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Important Update for Sunday

Thanks to all for your help in preparing for our scouts’ week at Goshen. Here are some important reminders for Sunday:

1. We will meet at the Scout House at 8:30am. Note – this is a new time.
2. Scouts wear Class A uniforms to and from camp (cub scout shirt and neckerchief)
3. Please don’t forget to bring:
a. The items you volunteered to bring
b. Medications in ziplock bag with your name on it – give to Victor
c. $12 for the t-shirts – pay to Suellen
d. $7 or $9 for the group pictures – pay to Victor ($7 for 5x7; $9 for 8x10)
e. $$ in scout hands for lunch on the road
f. Any missing forms
g. Full tank of gas if you are driving and gas money if you are riding
4. The boys should bring fishing poles (this was listed as optional, but we will most likely go fishing. I’ll try to bring an extra pole and they also sell the bamboo ones at the camp store.)
5. The boys must be able to carry every bag they bring. The hike into our campsite is somewhat rugged. They may bring a separate bag for their sleeping bag and pillow.

Packing

All items should be packed so that scouts can carry them to our campsite from the parking lot. The trails from the parking lot to the campsites are rugged - not paved, so rolling duffles, etc. will not work. Your scout must literally carry his items. You may need to pack their sleeping bag and pillow separately. In this case, a heavy duty trash bag works - they can sling it over their shoulder.

Again, have your scouts pack their own things so they know where to find them. All must have close-toed shoes. No open toe sandles allowed in camp.

Weather

Looking at the weather forcast for our Goshen week - it looks like some rain. Please pack accordingly, including a waterproof rain jacket. Please pack all clothes in plastic bags. It's funny how young scouts have an ability to drop their bags in puddles, or leave them in the rain.

Also, evenings will be down in the 60's with one night forcasted at a low of 59! We will definitely be climbing into our sleeping bags on those nights!

Goshen Emergency Contact Information & Address

Emergency Numbers:
Camp Post: (540) 997-5773 (call this number in an emergency)
Camp PMI Pay Phone: (540) 997-1279


Mail (Send before Wednesday):
Webelos Scout’s Name & PACK 681
Goshen Scout Reservation
Camp PMI
340 Millard Burke Mem. Hwy.
Goshen, Virginia 24439-2421

Goshen Update

We will leave for camp on Sunday, July 20.

Meet at the Scout House at 8am.

I just sent out a reminder note to all - please read it, there's lots of good information, including driving assignments.

Getting the Boys Together Prior to Goshen

All,

I'll send out a date in the next few days for this event. It will be pretty laid back with hot dogs, safety discussion, and deciding tent-mates. We finalize who's driving with whom.

A few of us had discussed the date of 6/15; however, this doesn't work for a number of the families, including Bob and I. I apologize if this throws off your schedule.

Happy Father's Day and we'll talk soon.

Goshen Planning Meeting - Update

Today I emailed a follow up message to our Goshen Planning Meeting. Thanks to all those who attended, participated, and listened so patiently. I attached the following items:

Goshen Prep Meeting Agenda / Outline
Attendee List (including payment and form information - if it's not checked off, you need to get it to me)
Summer Camp Essentials (packing list)
Supply Volunteer Sign-up (with volunteer names)
Waiver form (please sign and return if you have not already; only fill out insurance information if you are driving)
Quick checklist


Immediate updates: Please get all forms and payments to me by Saturday, June 7. You can mail the forms to:


Victor Bieniek
3430 Reedy Dr
Annandale, VA 22003-1136

Payment is now:
Youth: 270
Adult: 175

Forms are:
Heath forms for adults AND youth
State forms for adults and youth
Permission / waiver form

If you cannot get forms and payments to me by June 7, please let me know when you will get them to me. After June 7 I will begin the painful process of pestering you until I receive your information. Please spare us both!

The following folks who could not attend should call me so that we can review key points from the meeting:
Tom Conroy
Martin Johnson
Frank Vasquez
Chuck Stolze

We have 15 scouts and 11 adults attending - great turnout! We have a great bunch of boys attending.

For all those attending remember to get in shape! Walking and swimming are the best. If you work in a building that has stairs, walk 'em. Remember that both you and your scout must pass the swim test to take part in waterfront activities. That includes a stretch of elementary back stroke. The swim test is explained here:
http://www.scouting.org/HealthandSafety/GSS/gss02.aspx

Again, you don't need to buy much gear. The boys do need water shoes. I recommend mosquito netting. Some boys drink more with the novelty of a Camelback or something similar.

As always, please feel free to call me anytime with any questions or concerns.

Goshen Parent Meeting - May 20, 7:30pm

Goshen is July 20 - 26

 

We will have a Goshen Parent Meeting next Tuesday, May 20, 7:30pm at the Scout House.  This meeting is for parents only and is mandatory for all parents attending Goshen and at least one parent for each scout when the parent is not attending.  We will have a separate meeting in the future for the boys to get aquainted. 

 

Topics to be covered include:

 

Current status of registration and fees

Health forms

Driving plans

Youth protection

Scout safety

Individual scout concerns (allergies, phobias, health, etc.)

Goshen program

Drivers / driving plans

Packing list

To do's

 

All parents attending should read the Goshen Summer Camp Leader's Guide for 2008 in its entirety.  See the below link:

http://www.boyscouts-ncac.org/openrosters/DocDownload.asp?orgkey=1933&id=33229

 

 

Please bring to this meeting:

- Payments if you have not already paid

- Health forms if you have not already provided them (you have more time if necessary)

- If you are driving or considering driving, please bring your automobile and  insurance information (liability each person, each accident, and property damage)

 

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Victor Bieniek at vbieniek@gmail.com or 703-855-8428 (cell)

 

"To spend a week, one-on-one, with your son and his fellow scouts in the outdoors is invaluable" - Jeff Donahoe

 

"Your scout will remember this week at Goshen for the rest of his life." - Robert Cobert

-------------------------------
Visit the pack blog at:
http://pack681-stjames.blogspot.com/
Contact the pack at:
sjpack681@gmail.com

New Form and Registration Information Needed

All,

1. There is a new health form requirement that I just learned of. It's a state requirement. I've added the link below. This is needed for each youth and adult. Sorry to hit you with another form. It's important since it lists over the counter medications that can be provided by the health lodge.
Medication Form

2. Please send health forms to me. Keep a copy - trust me, keep a copy. This form is good for three years.

3. If you need to schedule an annual check-up prior to Goshen for your health form, schedule it now! You will not be allowed to stay at camp without a completed health form.

4. If you have not already, please get the following information to me for each youth and adult:

Name, age on June 1, 2008, days staying at camp (if not all)

5. We will soon be scheduling an information session for all those attending.

Goshen Week

Goshen Week is July 20 - 26

Reminder - Early Fee Discount Cutoff

As we discussed at our informational meeting, the fees for Goshen are as follows:

By 4/25/08 - After 4/28/08 - At Camp

Youth $245.00 - $270.00 - $295.00
Adult $165.00 - $175.00 - $200.00

If you are interested in recieving the 4/25 discounted rate, please send me your check. Please make payable to BSA Pack 681. My address is as follows:

Victor Bieniek
3430 Reedy Dr
Annandale, VA 22003-1136

Also, please let me know by email at vbieniek@gmail.com. I'll get a check to council on 4/25 for anyone who sends me a check and also emails me. Call me if you have any questions.

Only about 3 months away from Goshen adventure!

Goshen Hat Offer

Goshen is offering a free hat with every pre-paid deposit of $50 for this summer camp. The deposit is non-refundable. In order to take part in this offer, please get a check or cash to Bob Harding by this Friday, March 14. Sorry for the late notice. Make the check payable to Robert Harding.

First Update - Goshen Planning 2008

1. There are upcoming leader orientation meetings for Goshen. We believe the first one is scheduled for March 4 at Interstate Van Lines, Rolling Road. Until we confirm this, please call NCAC to confirm. There are more on March 12, 18, etc., but the March 4 session is the closest. We'll post the schedule once confirmed.

2. Please remember to get your health forms done. Scouts and adults under 40 require the class 1&2 health forms. Adults over age 40 require the class 3 form.

Forms will be maintained in complete confidence. Please keep a copy for your records. You may mail your forms to me through St. James School mail if your child attends St. James or at:

Victor Bieniek
3430 Reedy Dr
Annandale, VA 22003-1136

3. Fee Structure
CAMP PMI and CAMP ROSS PAYMENTS

By 4/25/08 - After 4/28/08 - At Camp

Youth $245.00 - $270.00 - $295.00
Adult $165.00 - $175.00 - $200.00

BUS FEES $35.00 - $35.00 - $50.00
(One Way or Round Trip)


Let's target having all our fees submitted prior to the 4/25 cut-off. They will be due to us on 4/18. More information on where to mail those payments will be coming.

Here are some useful links:

The NCAC website

The NCAC page on PMI

The PMI Site

Health forms

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Visit the pack blog at:
http://pack681-stjames.blogspot.com/

Summer 2008

Come to this blog for our planning on Goshen 2008.