Goshen Leader Update #2 – 02/20/2024

Hello Goshen Leaders,

It’s time for another Goshen Leader Update! Please read the very important information below regarding registration reminders, the 2024 NCAC Summer Camping Webinar Series, upcoming events, exciting updates at the Goshen Scout Reservation, and more.

Registration Reminders

General Registration Reminders

If you are no longer the registration contact for your unit, this post goes over how to update your registration: 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:  www.gotogoshen.org/registration/registration-tips-re-accessing-your-registration/

How to Add More Campers to Your Registration

If you are ready to add campers to your registration, check out this post: www.gotogoshen.org/registration/registration-tips-how-to-add-more-campers/. Remember, only add participants to your registration when you are ready to pay for them.

Reminder: All Adult Attendees Must Be Registered in the BSA

This is a reminder that all adults, ages 18+, who are staying overnight at the Goshen Scout Reservation (and any scouting event) must be a registered adult volunteer in the BSA. Registration as a merit badge counselor position does not meet this requirement, per BSA National Policy. Please refer to the Guide to Safe Scouting for more information.

Splitting Adults During the Week: How – To

Did you know that two adult leaders can split a week at camp on the same registration? Learn how at www.gotogoshen.org/registration/registration-tips-splitting-adults/.

Early Bird – April 12 at 11:59 pm

Early Bird registration will close on Friday, April 12 at 11:59 pm. Campers who are registered before this time will receive a discounted rate and exclusive Goshen Sumer 2024 Early Bird Hat!

Camperships

If your unit has any scouts that are in need of financial assistance to attend summer camp at the Goshen Scout Reservation this summer, please have them complete a campership application, available here: https://www.gotogoshen.org/registration/#camperships. The Greg Augustine Campership Fund allows applicants to be granted up to 50% of the cost of summer camp.

Merit Badge Class Registration: April 17 at 7:00 pm

Merit Badge & Activity Sign Ups for Camps Olmsted, Marriott, and Bowman will open on April 17th at 7:00 pm. Merit Badge and Program Schedules are available under “forms and downloads” on each Camp’s prospective webpage. Please note that some of our camps are working on final adjustments to the 2024 program schedules. The updated Program and Prerequisites guide will be released shortly – stay tuned!

Lenhok’sin High Adventure Crews – Pre-Camp Surveys for Backpacking Outpost assignments will be published on the Lenhok’sin webpage by March 1st and will be due May 4th.

For Packs at Camp Ross, activity sign-up will occur at camp after your arrival.

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

NCAC Summer Camp 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. Topics will include:

  • March 13: Cub Scout Summer Camp Opportunities
    • District Day Camps and Twilight Camps – for rising Tigers through rising Arrow of Light Scouts
    • Camp Snyder (Day Camp, Resident Weekends) – for rising Tigers through rising Arrow of Light Scouts
    • Camp Ross (Goshen Scout Reservation) – for Webelos and Arrow of Light Scouts
  • March 20: Scouts BSA Summer Camp Opportunities
    • Merit Badge Specialty Weeks at Camp Snyder
    • Goshen Scout Reservation (Camps Bowman, Marriott, and Olmsted)
    • Camp Catoctin, BSA
    • Provisional (Individual Scout) Opportunities
  • March 27: High Adventure Opportunities
    • Lenhok’sin High Adventure (Goshen Scout Reservation)
      • Backpacking Treks
      • Canoeing Treks
    • National High Adventure Bases
      • Philmont Scout Ranch
      • Northern Tier High Adventure
      • Florida Sea Base
      • Summit Bechtel Reserve
    • High Adventure Provisional (Individual Scout) Opportunities

Fiberoptic Internet is coming to Goshen Scout Reservation!

We’re entering a new era of internet options for staff and leaders in a two-phase process with the first phase coming this summer. We’ve had cell network hotpots. We’ve had satellite internet. We’ve had nothing. (Yes, typewriters are cool. We get it.) Select camps will be part of the Phase One rollout with plans, with the rest fitting into the future Phase Two.

Read the whole article on https://weownadventure.com/2024-goshen-updates-internet/

Expanded ATV Program Arriving Summer 2024!

The Goshen Scout Reservation will be expanding its ATV Fleet for the 2024 season! We are very excited to have been selected for the National BSA x Polaris Program, bringing us to a total of 16 machines for Instructors and Campers.

The GSR ATV Program is available to scouts 14 and up who are attending Camps Olmsted, Bowman, and Marriott.

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!

University of Scouting: February 24, 2024

The Goshen Scout Reservation will be at NCAC’s University of Scouting! Join us in the College of General Studies for a “Goshen Scout Reservation” course to learn about what’s new in 2024 and about an up and coming “Outdoor Programs 2025” initiative. Lenhok’sin High Adventure will also be hosting a course in the College of Adventure Scouting. Please feel free to stop by our table on the Midway and say hello!

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.