On Saturday, January 28, 11 scouts and 5 adults trekked a little more than 5 miles along the C&O Canal on the famous Billy Goat Trail.  It was a challenging hike.  The weather was perfect, and the sky was clear.  One scout used the hike to complete the last requirement for advancement.  We enjoyed the magnificent views and had lunch on the Purple Horse Beach.  We all had a good time.

From Jan 13-15, 2023, 16 scouts and 4 adults participated in a winter survival outdoor camp at Camp Big Mac in Markham, VA.  The temperatures overnight dropped to 23F and felt like 11F with the wind chill and cool breeze across the camp.  Most of the 16 scouts slept in scout-made shelters and sleeping bags.  It was amazing to see their ingenuity.  We also played games and walked around the campgrounds.  Scouts were able to complete requirements and make progress toward advancement.  It was the largest camping group so far in 2023.  We had a great time and some of the best meals were served from our amazing grubmasters.

Friday, December 2 Through Sunday, December 4th. Scouts went camping at Camp Snyder for the annual Klondike Derby! It was wet and chilly, but scouts did activities like Map and Compass and First Aid. Two Scouts ranked up this trip and the rest got a lot of requirements signed off.

October 15-16, 6 Scouts and 2 adults enjoyed a night of camping at a local favorite - Pohick Bay.  The weather was perfect.  The scouts had a marvelous time learning about fire, the forest, and how to cook a great meal in tinfoil.  We wrapped up the night with hot chocolate and a banana boat surprise.

On September 24, 5 scouts and several adults took part in Troop 50's 15-mile bike ride through the Lake Accotink trails.  It was the first organized bike ride since 2018.  The scouts had a great time navigating some rough terrain and came out with a smile.  There was water, mud, hills, crashes, ravines, and more - everything that scouting should be.  It was a great time.