Our adult quartermaster is moving this summer and we are seeking to name his replacement by end of April.  If interested please contact any troop committee member and we can put you in touch with our current quartermaster to get a great turnover.

What:  One of our scout members' Eagle Scout Project.  Please bring a shovel, wheelbarrow, and work gloves if you have them.

Why:  A Scout is helpful!  Come support your fellow scout and earn service hours in the process.

Where: Knollwood Community Church, 1000 Coffer Woods Rd, Burke, VA 22015

When: April 27 8am - 2pm.

An AWESOME and unique opportuinity to experience almost all of the shooting activities that scouting has to offer.  Units will rotate through stations to gain an introduction to various shooting sport activities.

Cost: $60 per Scout, $30 per Leader

Location: 57 Pipsico Rd, Spring Grove, VA 23881

Scoutmaster conference must be requested by May 6th.

Board of Review complete by May 11.

Both must be in person, not via zoom.

We are excited to be going to the Pipsico Scout Reservation for Summer Camp July 7-13.  Many of us have been to Pipsico for Guns ‘n’ Grillin’ so you know that Summer Camp is going to be awesome!  There is a lot of information below.  Please read it all!!  

When: July 7-13 

Where: Pipsico Scout Reservation, 57 Pipsico Rd, Spring Grove, VA 23881 

Who: All Troop 1115 Scouts!  All Scouts will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a positive camping environment, at a beautiful property, with a friendly camp staff.  The camp is located along the James River, has a swimming pool, shooting sports, climbing and rappelling, and lots of other fun activities!  

• First-year Scouts will be registered in Pipsico’s first-year “Huskanaw” program specifically designed to focus on requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks; in a setting that teaches new/younger Boy Scouts about Troop structure, the value of the Patrol Method, the importance of the Buddy System, and the benefits of learning and applying new skills using the E.D.G.E. Method (Explain Demonstrate Guide Enable).  First-year Scouts should select either the morning or afternoon Huskanaw session (on the Merit Badge Selection Form discussed below).  They should select Merit Badge classes for the remainder of the day. 

• Older (non-first-year) Scouts will choose from approximately 50 merit badge classes.  The underlying purpose of these programs is to expose Scouts to new activities/studies that may positively impact character values, connect the practical application of material learned in school, to develop career or hobby interests and to learn new ways of having fun.  These Scouts should select Merit Badge classes on the Merit Badge Selection Form (discussed below). 

• Scouts 14+ (as of July 7) can elect to take part in the PEX (Pipsico Experience for older Scouts).  The PEX program is an adrenaline sampler if we may be so bold.  PEX was designed by teenagers for teenagers.  Campers rotate through a series of programs such as canoeing, tubing, rifle, shotgun, airsoft/paintball, tomahawk, climbing, fishing, cooking, and pool partying!  There will be four off-site experiences to include fishing head-boat trip in the Chesapeake Bay, a casual stroll through colonial Williamsburg, high COPE, while concluding their week at an outdoor adventure park, such as Busch Gardens or Ocean Breeze Waterpark.  PEX Scouts must pass the BSA Swim Test.  Space in the PEX program is very limited, so first-come-first served.  These Scouts should select the PEX program on the Merit Badge Selection Form (no Merit Badge classes). 

Cost: The total cost for camp is $415.  The total cost for the optional PEX program (for Scouts who will be at least 14 by July 7) is $520.  All Scouts will receive a camp t-shirt!  Some Merit Badge classes require payment of an extra fee or require purchase of a kit at camp ($4-25).  Payment must be made on troop1115store.com.  We have broken the cost into 3 payments.  You can make all 3 payments at the same time if you prefer. 

• Regular Program (Open to All Scouts- Merit Badge Classes and First-Year Program) 

Total - $415 

      Payment 1 (Hold-A-Spot, Due 3/10/24) - $25 

      Payment 2 (Due 3/10/24) - $125 

      Payment 3 (Due 4/6/24) - $265 

• PEX Program (Alternative Option for Scouts 14 and Older Only) 

      Total - $520 

      Payment 1 (Hold-A-Spot, Due 3/10/24) - $25 

      Payment 2 (Due 3/10/24) - $125 

      Payment 3 (Due 4/6/24) - $370 

Merit Badge Classes: Scouts (other than PEX Scouts) need to select their Merit Badge classes using the attached Merit Badge Selection Form.  Start by reviewing the Merit Badge Schedule and Information document, which includes the full class schedule (some classes overlap more than one session) and a table with prerequisites, additional fees, and other notes/requirements.   Scouts should, then, complete the Merit Badge Selection Form by entering “1” “2” and “3” in the gray boxes to prioritize their top 3 choices for each session.  For reference, here is a completed Sample Completed Merit Badge Selection Form.  First-year Scouts should select either the morning or afternoon session of the Huskanaw program on page 2, and then, select Merit Badge classes for the remainder of the day.  PEX Scouts should select PEX on page 2 only.  Give the completed form (paper or scan/picture) to ASM Pappas by March 10.

Scouts should consider a good mix of Merit Badges needed for advancement as well ones that they just enjoy!  Questions about Merit Badge classes should be addressed to ASM Klapmust or another leader.  Consider the location of classes so that Scouts aren’t running all over camp!  If there is a class that Scouts is especially interested in, let ASM Pappas know and we will do our best.  

Forms: All Scouts and Leaders attending camp must submit current Health Forms (A,B&C), Consent Form, and a copy of your Health Insurance Card.  Email these to Hayzell Gollopp at shine1992@gmail.com by June 7 if you have not already done so.  The camp will not allow your Scout to enter camp without the required forms. 

• Health Forms A,B&C: – Required for everyone, email to Hayzell Gollopp by June 7 (Note that new Health Forms are required annually!)

• Consent Form: Required for everyone, email to Hayzell Gollopp by June 7 

• Health Insurance Card: Required for everyone, email a copy or pic to Hayzell Gollopp by June 7 

• Merit Badge Selection Form: Required for everyone (see above).  Give to ASM Chris Pappas by March 10. 

• Dietary Needs: If your Scout has special dietary needs, submit this form by June 7 (select “week 3”). 

Required Health Physical: Health Form C (see above) requires a physical and a doctor’s signature.  Schedule a physical now!  This is a BSA requirement to attend camp. 

Swim Test: Campers must complete a BSA swim test to take part in water-based activities and the PEX program.  The Troop will schedule a swim test locally before summer camp.  Scouts who miss that can do the swim test at camp.  

Departure and Return: The Troop will meet at TD Bank (8310 Old Keene Mill Road) at TIME TBD on Sunday, July 7 in full Class A uniform (without neckerchiefs).  The Troop will return to First Baptist on Saturday, July 13.  We will email the ETA that morning.  Please be on time both days!

Drivers: We hope to have enough drivers with only the adult leaders who will be attending camp.  If not, we will ask for volunteers to drive. 

Adult Leaders: We have had an ample number of adult leaders express interest in attending summer camp.  Those adults will be contacted separately.  If you would like to discuss attending summer camp for the week, please contact Chris Pappas before paying. 

Packing: A Summer Camp packing list is located here.  Scouts should bring money for lunch on the drive to camp as well as snacks, etc. at the camp store.  We recommend buying (or borrowing) this footlocker.  Everything should fit inside your Scout’s footlocker.  EDGE (Explain, Demonstrate, Guide, Enable) your Scout - "Trust but verify!"  No cell phones or electronics are allowed at camp! 

Parent Meetings: The Troop will hold parent meetings on February 28 and June 6. 

Scout Oath and Law:  As always, we will live out the Scout Oath and Law and, most importantly, our Troop motto – “Duty to God!”  Review the Scout Oath and Law with your Scout and remind them to demonstrate both! 

**Important Dates: 

      February 28: Parent Meeting 1 

      March 10: Payments 1 and 2 due.  Completed Merit Badge Selection Form due. 

      April 6: Payment 3 due 

      June 6: Parent Meeting 2 

      June 7: Health Forms (A,B&C), Consent Form, Health Insurance Card, and Dietary Needs form (if applicable) due. 

      July 7-13: Summer Camp! 

If you have questions, please contact Chris Pappas at cpappas1@hotmail.com or 202-550-7767 or hunt me down at a Monday meeting.  If you need assistance paying for summer camp, contact Committee Chair Scott Thompson or Scoutmaster Drew White about scholarship opportunities. 

Please Notify Us - If your son is considering joining Troop 1115, please notify Scott Thompson, Committee Chair, at cdrsfthompson@gmail.com

Age Requirements - Your son can join Boy Scouts if they have completed the fifth grade and are at least 10 years old - OR - have earned the Arrow of Light Award (as a Cub Scout) and are at least 10 years old - OR - are age 11 but have not reached age 18.

Troop Meetings - Most meetings are held on Mondays from 7:15pm to 8:45pm at First Baptist Church of Springfield from September to June. Weekend campouts occur approximately once every month. We typically do not meet the Monday following a campout and on holidays. 

Parents Complete Youth Protection Training - All parents must complete online YPT training and keep your completion certificate on file. All adults are subject to YPT requirements whether or not training has been completed. 

Provide Us with Parent Contact Info and AOL’s BSA# - Provide your preferred email addresses which will be added to the Troop 1115 email distribution, as well as home address and parent cell phones. If your son is already a Scout or Cub Scout, please additionally provide their BSA member number.  

Electronic Youth Transfer Application - Your son will be transferred to the Troop electronically by the Pack Committee Chair shortly after the Crossing Ceremony. If your son is not in Pack 1115, we will email you an electronic application to complete - there may be a small online fee to process.  

Health Form - Provide us with the Scout’s and Parent’s (if you ever camp) BSA Health Form A&B. Plan to have Form C completed by a doctor before May 1st if attending Summer Camp (includes adults). Forms are good for up to one year - your current Cub Scout Pack forms may still be valid if you have one.

Consent Form - Complete and turn in your annual Troop Activity Consent Form (Scouts and adults). This form covers all activities for the year, except Summer Camp. Certain campouts may require a separate consent as required by the campsite.

Driver Info - Adults, if you ever plan to drive a Scout other than your own in your vehicle, provide the make/model/year of your vehicle, provide a PDF of your valid driver’s license and current insurance card. Please email these to Hayzell Gollopp at shine1992@gmail.com

Annual Dues - If you are crossing from Pack 1115, there will be no dues collected until Fall. If you are crossing from another Pack or are new to Boy Scouts, please go to www.Troop1115Store.com to pay your annual dues. Monthly campouts are pay-as-you go and include the cost of food for Scouts and attending adults. 

Uniforms - 

Class A uniforms are the formal tan shirt and green pants for the first meeting of each month, Courts of Honor and other special occasions. Class B uniforms consist of the red Troop 1115 t-shirt and green Scout pants. 

Scout Shop Purchases - Here's what you need to buy at the Boy Scout's Scout Shop at 5232 Port Royal Rd, Springfield, VA 22151:

• Tan Scouts BSA shirt

• Green Scouts BSA pants

Troop Purchases - Here's what you need to buy online at www.Troop1115Store.com

• "1115" Patch for your Class A uniform

• Class B t-shirt (red)

• Class B hoodie (grey with red print) (optional) 

As part of your annual dues, the Troop will provide:

• a Troop neckerchief

• a Troop woggle (for your neckerchief) 

• green Boy Scout epaulets (for your Class A uniform shirt)

• Boy Scout Scout Handbook

It's important to have a complete Boy Scout Class A uniform and Class B t-shirt - see attached Class A Uniform Patch Placement for details. 

Crossing from Cub Scout Pack 1115 - if you are crossing from Cub Scout Pack 1115, following the crossing ceremony in Feb/Mar, your Scout will attend the remainder of the Boy Scout Troop 1115 meeting which ends at 8:45pm; parents will attend a new Scout parent orientation. 

Crossing from another Cub Scout Pack - if you are crossing from another Cub Scout Pack, notify your Pack's leadership and the Troop 1115 Committee Chair of your decision. The Troop will coordinate the process for transfer. 

New Parent Orientation - A series of parent meetings will be held at First Baptist Church of Springfield to provide training, collect final paperwork and answer any questions parents may have. All parents should plan to attend.

• Mon, Feb TBD - New Parent Orientation - Troop 1115 - after the AOL Crossover Ceremony, your son will go directly with the Boy Scouts to their Troop meeting. Parents will have a separate orientation on how Troop 1115 works and answer any questions. Final paperwork will be collected. 

• Mon, Mar TBD 7:15pm - New Parent Advancement Training

• Mon, Mar TBD 7:15pm - Committee Training

• Mon, Mar TBD, 7:15pm - Merit Badge Training

Summer Camp - Registration and payments start in Feb/Mar. To get the early-bird discount, sign up and pay for Summer Camp at www.Troop1115Store.com (for adults, only registered BSA leaders may attend). Go to www.Troop1115.com for more details.

Scout Skills (New Scout) Campout - TBD, 2024 - It's very important that your Scout attend this first campout typically in March/April - don't miss the registration deadline. 

Monthly Campouts - Sign up at our Troop store as soon as possible for our monthly campouts. Regular campout attendance is important in order to advance and learn Scout skills. Deadlines are real and payments are non-refundable. 

Parents Camping - Effective August 1, 2023, per BSA policy, only BSA registered adults leaders may camp overnight with Scouts. Non-registered parents may drive Scouts to/from campouts, but may not stay overnight. Parents who would like to camp may register as a Unit Scouter Reserve - contact the Troop Committee Chair for more information. 

Patrol Method Overview - The Troop is boy-lead and uses the Patrol Method, which is VERY different from Cub Scouts. Parents should encourage their Scout, but not do their work for them. We’ll discuss this more at the parent orientation. See attached required reading on the Patrol Method. 

www.Troop1115.com - Our website is the main source of all Troop information such as events, announcements, updates and full calendar of events. Bookmark it on your computer and phone.

www.Troop1115Store.com - Payments and registration for all events are through our Troop store website. Bookmark it on your computer and phone. Troop 1115 does not accept cash or checks for payments of any kind - all payments are made through our online store.

Questions? - Scott Thompson, Committee Chair, e: cdrsfthompson@gmail.com 

____________________________________________________________________________

Required forms links: (submit forms to Hayzell Gollopp, e: shine1992@gmail.com)

• BSA Health Forms - A&B Required Now, C Required for Summer Camp

• Troop 1115 Consent Form 2023

• Troop 1115 Consent Form 2024

Other links:

• Troop 1115 Website

• Troop 1115 Store

• Class A Uniform Patch Placement

• Patrol Method Overview (required reading)

• BSA Youth Protection Training

Location: Camp Snyder, 6100 Antioch Road, Haymarket, VA