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.