One of our recently developed STEM Scouts modules takes elementary schoolers on the journey of innovation. During their first meeting, scouts were handed individual kits and given basic instructions to assemble a simple yet entertaining wiggle bot. Wiggle bots are simple bots, that use a nonconcentric weight to generate some movement. As soon as the bots power on, typically they move in abysmal patterns, causing much amusement and giggles. The came the challenge: scouts were tasked to control their bots and make them “move in a straight line.”
This seemingly lighthearted challenge became a serious exercise in stamina and iteration for the scouts, immersing them in the hands-on intricacies of the engineering design process—a skill closely intertwined with the art of inventing.
Subsequent sessions delved into crucial aspects of inventing, including marketing, selling, and establishing a business. Scouts engaged in a brand awareness game, testing their knowledge of various logos. They also explored the significance of patents, examining patented products from our Council box of Inventions—among them, the crowd favorite LifeStraw. In an engaging twist, scouts were prompted to brainstorm improvements for the LifeStraw, sparking creativity and critical thinking.
A hallmark of STEM Scouts is providing career exploration; we are fortunate that this module lent well to two local field trips that enhance our STEM Scouts’ appreciation of inventing.
The National Inventors Hall of Fame museum resides in the USPTO HQ in Alexandria, VA. There scouts are able to explore exhibits such as “What is a counterfeit” and see the crowd favorite “50 years of innovation mustang”.
The Draper Spark! Lab at the National Museum of American History offers scouts interactive exhibits to try their hand at inventing – creating circuits, constructing pinball machines, designing costumes, etc. In fact, the Spark! Lab has an excellent bite size “inventing process” that helped guide scouts through the ideating process. All scouts walked out of our third meeting with sketches and an early model of their inventions made with supplies we had in lab (clay, pipe cleaners, recyclables). A few came back to their subsequent meetings with elaborate working models! We can’t wait to see these STEM Scouts’ future as inventors!
Four Cub Scouts and two adult leaders from Pack 197, sponsored by Ferry Farms Baptist Church, honored our Nation’s Veterans by performing a flag ceremony during an annual Veterans Day breakfast celebration at Ferry Farm Elementary School on November 9, 2023. This was a great example of what Scouts mean when the say in the BSA Scout’s Promise: “On my Honor, I will Do My Best, to do my Duty to God & my Country…”
Veteran who served in Afghanistan.
containers with toys, school supplies, hygiene supplies, and clothing as a part of Operation Christmas Child. What they did made a difference for children they’ll never meet – this is the Scout Spirit of selfless service in action!
2024 will be Elisabeth’s 8th summer at Goshen and second year as Reservation Director. Previously, Elisabeth worked at Lenhok’sin High Adventure for six summers in a variety of positions, including Camp Director and Program Director. As a Venture Scout, she was a camper at Camp Bowman for many summers. Elisabeth is a graduate of Dickinson College where she studied Environmental Science. She is very excited to share her love and passion for Goshen with you!
Henry has been active in Scouting since 2008, when he joined his local Cub Scout pack. After attending Camps Ross and PMI, he crossed over into Scouts BSA in 2013 and made many amazing memories at Camp Bowman over seven consecutive seasons. Henry joined Bowman staff in 2019 as an instructor in the Culturecraft area, helping Scouts learn to be good citizens of their communities and the world. He served Bowman most recently as Camp Commissioner and fulfilled his lifelong dream of driving the UTV to every corner of camp. He is honored to be part of a long tradition of serving Scouts and Scouting, and he can’t wait to see Scouts at camp having just as much fun as he did!
Joe is excited to return to Goshen for his 10th summer and 2nd as camp director. Prior to working at camp Joe camped at Olmsted, Marriott, and Snyder and also attended Philmont, Seabase, and the centennial Jamboree. Well versed in what scouting has to offer and passionate about camp, he is always looking for ways to improve program as well as the overall camp experience to ensure that Marriott stays the place to be.
This summer will be Bailey’s seventh year on the Goshen staff and her first as the Olmsted Camp Director! During her time at camp, Bailey has served as Business Manager, Scoutcraft and Trailshead Area Director, as well as working in shooting sports. Bailey lives and attends college in Virginia. Her fondest Goshen memories involve watching scouts and her staff learn new skills and overcome challenges. Bailey is looking forward to continuing this tradition in her new position of responsibility along with having the opportunity to work one-one-one with the leaders bringing the troops to camp.
Drew first attended Ross as a Webelos Scout in 2011 and returned in 2014 as a den chief with his younger brother. The following year he returned as a CIT and has been working at camp ever since. Drew spent his first 5 years working at Ross’s Nature Center becoming the Area Director in 2019. He was a part of our Webelos Homecamping staff during Covid before becoming Program Director in 2021. This will be Drew’s 10th Summer on staff and 2nd summer as Camp Director. When Drew is not at camp, he is finishing his History Degree from Southern New Hampshire University and works as a Substitute Teacher in Richmond, Virginia. Drew is excited to return and continue creating an amazing program for your scouts, and hopes to give them a great summer and introduction to scouting.
This is Daniel’s 19th summer at Goshen and 5th at Lenhok’sin. He started as a junior staffer at Camp PMI in 2006 and earned his Eagle Scout in 2008. Earning an Associate Degree at Montgomery College and then a BA in History at University of Maryland, College Park, he has spent the last few years working as a substitute teacher when not trekking and teaching Scouts at Goshen. He is most looking forward to assembling and preparing an amazing staff that can provide Troops and Crews with an outstanding experience on the trail.