At Camp

Meet your 2023 Goshen Camp Directors!

January 23, 2023 by Goshen Scout Reservation

We are pleased to announce the team of Camp Directors for Goshen Scout Reservation for Summer 2023.

If you ever have any questions about camp or the programs we provide, please visit www.gotogoshen.org to get in touch with your camp director.

Elisabeth Warren, Goshen Scout Reservation Director

This will be Elisabeth’s 7th summer at Goshen and first year as Reservation Director. Previously, Elisabeth worked at Lenhok’sin High Adventure for six years 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!

Avery Tarwater, Camp Bowman Director

Avery first came to Goshen in 2009 as a cub, and Bowman as a Scout in 2011. Avery joined staff as a CIT in 2014, and has lived and worked 10 summers at Camp Bowman. They’ve filled positions in almost every area around Camp, including Shooting sports, Bowman Vets, Aquatics, and Scoutcraft before becoming an Area Director in 2017 where they’d go on to run Bowman’s Handicraft, Scoutcraft, and Aquatics areas, as well as founding and Directing Bowman’s Culture Craft area in 2018. Avery’s humbled by the opportunity to represent the best staff in Bowman’s history, eager to welcome scouts and venturers new and old.

Joe Costner, Camp Marriott Director

Joe first camped at Goshen at Camp Olmsted in 2009 and 2010 before camping at Beautiful Camp Marriott in 2011. He loved Goshen so much he decided to work there, working at Camp PMI for seven years in a variety of roles including Scoutcraft Instructor, Scoutcraft Director, BB Gun Director, Facilities Director, and Program Director. When the opportunity arose to return to Goshen last summer, he jumped at the chance to be the Facilities Director at Beautiful Camp Marriott. Heading into his 9th summer on Goshen staff and first as Camp Director, Joe is looking forward to improving Marriott’s program and making the camp experience as great as possible.

Liam Glass, Camp Olmsted Director

This summer will be Liam’s Twelfth year on the Goshen staff and his first as the Olmsted Camp Director! During his time at camp Liam has worked in Ecology, Culture Craft, and served on admin staff for three years at Camp Olmsted. Liam lives in Virginia and is an avid birder. Liam’s favorite Goshen memory is the Wilderness Survival merit badge that he took as a camper; the group went on an Overnighter where they slept in primitive structures underneath the stars. Working with Scouts is a deeply gratifying experience for Liam and he looks forward to using the methods of Scouting to positively impact the lives of young people this summer.

Drew Goshorn, Camp Ross Director

Drew 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 many years working at Ross’s Nature Center becoming the Nature Director in 2019. He also worked on our Webelos Homecamping staff during Covid, and has been the Program Director at Ross the last 2 years. This will be Drew’s 9th Summer on staff and 1st summer as Camp Director. When Drew is not at camp, he is studying to earn his History Degree from Southern New Hampshire University and works as a Substitute Teacher in Richmond, Virginia. Drew is excited to create and bring a fantastic program for your scouts, and hopes to give them a great summer and introduction to scouting.

Dan Leichtling, Lenhok’sin High Adventure Director

This is Daniel’s 18th summer at Goshen and 3rd at Lenhok’sin. He started as a staffer at Camp PMI in 2006 and earned his Eagle Scout in 2008. Earning an Associate Degree at Montgomery College and the 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.

2023 NCAC Summer Camp Guide

January 18, 2023 by NCAC Camping Department

Planning your summer? Check out our summer camps! The 2023 NCAC Summer Camp Guide is now available online.

www.ncacbsa.org/summer-adventure

Cub Scouts

Is your scout going to be a rising Tiger, rising Wolf, rising Bear, or rising Webelos or Arrow of Light? Cub Scout camps all have an overarching theme. It’s Off to the Races at the District Day and Twilight camps. Find one near you! Or get ready for a mysterious week at Day Camp at Camp Snyder. The theme this year is ???. Ready for the next step up? Sign up for a short overnight camp at Camp Snyder’s Resident Weekends.

Are your rising Webelos and AOL dens looking for a weeklong adventure? Camp Ross is Goshen Scout Reservation’s dedicated overnight Webelos camp. The theme this summer is Sherlock Ross: The Case of the Disappearing Camps. Help the camp staff solve the case!

Scouts BSA

Is your scout bridging into a Scouts BSA Troop? There are plenty of options. Camps Bowman, Marriott, and Olmsted at Goshen Scout Reservation offer a variety of dining options, unique and favorite Merit Badges and activities, and exciting programs for new scouts, older scouts, and all the scouts in between. Finish out your summer with Camp Catoctin BSA’s expert Merit Badge counselors in mid-August.

Is your Scout not able to attend camp with their Troop? Are they looking for a second week? Check out our options for individual scouts: Goshen runs Provisional Camp each week and Camp Snyder has Scout Specialty Week with both overnight and day camp options.

Older Scouts, Venturers, & Sea Scouts

Need more adventure for older scouts, Venturers, and Sea Scouts? Sign your unit up for a backpacking trek or a river trek at Goshen’s Lenhok’sin High Adventure. Individuals can find adventure with a High Adventure Base Trip to a National or local High Adventure with a council contingent run by the NCAC High Adventure Committee. Order of the Arrow members should also make note of GOAT, the Goshen OA Trail Crew.

And of course, for those ages 14 and up who just cannot get enough summer camp, there is always the option to join summer camp staff!

There are so many options that all this is only a brief summary! View the 2023 NCAC Summer Camp Guide for details and pictures on all the possibilities for your summer. Get outdoors, have fun, and #adventureon!

www.ncacbsa.org/summer-adventure

Backpacking Trek: Looking for Campers!

December 15, 2022 by Goshen Scout Reservation

The NCAC High Adventure Committee is sponsoring a Provisional backpacking trek at Lenhok’sin High Adventure (Goshen Scout Reservation), July 2 – 8, 2023 (Week 2 Session)!

Lenhok’sin High Adventure is NCAC’s very own high adventure base, located at the Goshen Scout Reservation. Offering week-long backpacking and canoeing treks, Lenhok’sin is a platform to “plan your own adventure” and train for future high adventure opportunities, including Philmont and Northern Tier.

On a Lenhok’sin backpacking trek, each crew is able to personally tailor their itinerary to fit their level of experience and unit’s goals. Backpack through 4,000+ acres of the Goshen Scout Reservation and the 35,000 acres of the surrounding state wildlife game lands. Participate in outpost programs, including caving, blacksmithing, COPE, black powder rifle shooting, and more! Challenge your Crew to summit the five mountain peaks and earn awards along the way. Lenhok’sin is an opportunity for challenge, excitement, and growth for all scouts and scouters.

This crew is for individual Venturers and Scouts, ages 14+. Interested individuals who are 12 (13 by September 1, 2023) or 13 years old should contact the trek leaders first for information on attending.

Registration costs for 2023 is $485/youth and $265/adult. Enjoy a $30 discount if you register before the Early Bird Deadline on April 14, 2023. Camperships are available on the Goshen website: www.gotogoshen.org/camperships

Learn more about Lenhok’sin High Adventure and the Backpacking Trek at www.gotogoshen.org/lenhoksin

Register and get contact information for the NCAC High Adventure Committee Provisional Backpacking Trek Crew at https://scoutingevent.com/082-65212

Learn more about the NCAC High Adventure Committee and other high adventure trips for Summer 2022 at www.ncacbsa.org/high-adventure

Join 2023 Camp Staff

December 6, 2022 by NCAC Camping Department

Is a week of summer camp not enough? Spend the whole summer! Get out of the house and into the outdoors. Each summer, our summer camps employ close to 300 youth and adults as camp staff – one of the coolest summer jobs you could ever have! Work a fun summer job and get valuable experience and trainings to put on your resume and valuable skills to bring to future summers at camp and other future jobs.

Camp Snyder and the six camps of Goshen Scout Reservation are seeking motivated and enthusiastic individuals who enjoy the outdoors to be part of the Summer 2023 Camp Staff. Which camp is the best fit for you?

Engage your imagination and have a chance to lead your favorite Cub Scout activity at Camp Snyder. Create fun for Cub Scouts and their leaders in boating, crafts, nature, swimming, archery, and theme activities in both day camp settings and weekend overnight settings. Finish out the summer with a week of Merit Badge program for Scouts BSA with a core of expert Scouting volunteers.

Head into the Blue Ridge Mountains for the summer at one of the six camps of Goshen Scout Reservation. Join our energetic and goofy staff at our Webelos Camp – Camp Ross. Want to teach your favorite Merit Badge? Choose one of our three Scouts BSA camps – Camp Bowman, Camp Marriott, or Camp Olmsted. Looking for adventure? Become part of the elite staff at Lenhok’sin High Adventure Base. Are you a behind the scenes person? Our administration camp – Camp Post – might be the place for you.

Staff must be 15 years of age or older to be an instructor and 16 or older to work at Goshen’s Lenhok’sin High Adventure. Not yet 15? If you’re 14, apply to be a Counselor-in-Training at any of our Cub Scout, Webelos, or Scouts BSA Resident Camps. We’re also on the lookout for those 18 years of age or older to take on leadership positions and those 21 years of age or older to fill specialized positions.

Have friends or family that love the outdoors, but aren’t in Scouting? Tell them about it! Prior experience with the Boy Scouts of America is not required.

Employment dates are from June 17 to August 1, 2023 for most camps at Goshen Scout Reservation and June 17 to July 28, 2023 for Camp Snyder.

Hiring season starts in January with interviews via phone or video call. Submit your application by January 20 for a January interview date.

Apply online and get more information on our websites. Visit www.gotogoshen.org/staff for camps at Goshen Scout Reservation and www.gotosnyder.org/work for Camp Snyder.

Looking to be part of the volunteer staff for your District’s Cub Scout Day Camp? Contact the Camp Director for your local Day Camp or the District Executive for your District. The contact information for your local Day Camp Director will be on the event page for the Day Camp, accessible via www.gotodaycamp.org.

Want to volunteer for Camp Catoctin BSA? Finish out your summer with the dedicated volunteers of this one week Thurmont, MD camp for Scouts BSA in August by visiting www.campcatoctinbsa.org.

STEM Scouts have a Blast in the Woodshop!

December 4, 2022 by NCAC STEM

Have you ever heard of BlastCars?

They have been around for years as Scouts BSA programs, and sometimes dubbed the “older kid Pinewood Derby Cars”. The real difference? Their dimensions are a bit larger and above all they are powered by a C02 cartridge! Today, middle STEM Scouts have a 4 meeting module, where they experiment with building and racing Blastcars! Youth discover what friction is and how it affects the performance of a car, and learn about propulsion, acceleration and deceleration, and rocket-powered vehicles.

Lab Manager Ms. Pekarik (of paired Elementary Lab 9941) assists a scout.

To do all this, the scouts need to build cars – many, and each with variables tweaked. Sure, they could build cars with hand-tools, but NCAC’s STEM Lab 991 was lucky enough to build their cars under the expertise of Michael’s Woodshop volunteers!

Visit to Michael’s Woodshop

Michael’s Woodshop is a volunteer run woodshop for scouts at Camp Snyder in Haymarket, VA. Over the last 5 years, Michael’s Woodshop has assisted 250+ Bears in completing Baloo the Builder, 50+ Woodwork Merit Badges, and 1000+ Pinewood Derby Cars!

On October 30, seven STEM Scouts from Lab 991 visited Michael’s Woodshop at Camp Snyder for a Blastcar Build Day! Mr. Dave Schneeman, Woodshop Steward, led the group through a safety briefing, followed by stations to cut the cars according to the scouts’ designs, and sand the cars for finer finish.

After 1000+ Pinewood Derby cars, Michael’s Woodshop has perfected a build process. The Blastcar build was only slightly different. Scouts had to ensure that designs do not intersect with the drilled holes for the Co2 cartridges. Additionally, while PWD cars’ starting gates release at the front of each car, Blastcars are lined up against the rear (where the cartridges are!)

The Woodshop machinery as well as Mr. Dave’s expertise made for an incredible experience. Sure, scouts could design blast cars with hand tools. In fact, 2 weeks before the scouts’ woodshop visit, they practiced using hand tools. This juxtaposition led to a greater appreciation of the Woodshop opportunity, and the professional cars they got to design!

Lab Manager Mr. Scheina hands out blastcar kits.

Lab Manager of STEM Lab 991, Jon Scheina shared, “Building the cars at the woodshop was awesome. Every Scout I asked said that this activity was the highlight of the module. In the future, any labs that are fortunate enough to have access to a professional woodshop should absolutely use it to build their cars–both for the experience and for the opportunity to build more precise, well-functioning cars.”

Join the Woodshop Team

All of the activities in Michael’s Woodshop are designed and supervised by a dedicated group of volunteers. There are volunteer roles available for experienced woodworkers, and both adult and youth assistants. For more information about becoming a volunteer, please see Join the Woodshop Team or email us for additional information.

For more information about the merit badge classes, shop capabilities, upcoming events or reserving the shop, please visit the Michael’s Woodshop webpage. If you have questions or would like additional information, please email us at MichaelsWoodshop.CWBS@gmail.com

Important Thank Yous

Special thanks to:

Justin Youtz (T501) and Bruce Donlin (T1853) for sharing Blastcar kits (and tricks) with NCAC’s STEM Labs!
Dave Schneeman (Michael’s Woodshop Steward) for volunteering to lead the shop session
Jon Scheina, Mark Gray, Burt Wagner, Stacy Pekarik (Lab 991 Lab Manager and Associate Lab Leaders) for leading the inaugural Blastcars module!

250th Bear Completes Baloo the Builder Adventure

November 18, 2022 by David Schneeman

On November 5th, Bears from Pack 1160 completed their Baloo the Builder Adventure in Michael’s Woodshop. They learned about useful tools to have in their boxes and practiced using a number of tools including clamps, sanding blocks, hammers and nail punches. They made a golf tee game board as their “fun project” and after sanding, they applied a clear polyurethane finish. Finally, as their “useful project”, each Bear made their very own tool box. It was a couple of hours very well spent and not only did these Bears learn a few things and have some fun, they also earned the distinction of having among their Den the 250th Bear to complete the Baloo the Builder Adventure in Michael’s Woodshop!

Since introducing the Baloo the Builder and Webelos Build It Workshops, they have quickly become two of the most popular activities in the shop. These workshops are both great, hands-on activities that are fun, learning experiences for the Cub Scouts.

To learn more about these workshops and the many other shop activities available, please visit the Michael’s Woodshop webpage. Start planning now to schedule an activity for your unit in the spring.

All of the activities in Michael’s Woodshop are designed and supervised by a dedicated group of volunteers. With the high demand for woodshop activities, we are seeking additional volunteers to join the Woodshop Team. There are roles available for experienced woodworkers, Woodwork Merit Badge Counselors and both adult and youth assistants. For more information about becoming a volunteer, please see Join the Woodshop Team or email us for additional information.