Welcome back Troop 875! The troop will return from Rodney this Saturday June 28th, expecting to arrive at Sleepy Hollow UMC parking lot early afternoon. An ETA will be sent by email as the Troop approaches Falls Church. Everyone is expected to help unpack the trailer before leaving for home. Special thanks to the adults who made summer camp possible: ASM Nate Greiner, ASM Ken Price, Mr. Jamie Thurmond, and Mr. Darren Montgomery.

Welcome back to soft beds and warm meals... James, Michael, Porter, Timothy, Cave, and Stephen, along with Scoutmaster Matt Hardy, Assistant Scoutmaster Nick Wakeman, and Mr. John Blackadar Jr. They spent 10 days hiking a "super strenuous" 10-day, 84-mile backpacking trek across the Sangre de Cristo range of the Rocky Mountains at Philmont Scout Ranch, the premier high adventure camp of Scouting America. It's an unforgettable experience that will challenge them like no other.
We can’t wait to hear all about your amazing adventure!
Learn more about Philmont at this link: https://www.philmontscoutranch.org/

Jakob's Eagle Scout service project is Saturday, July 5 at 9:00 AM at Peace Lutheran Church, 6362 Lincolnia Road, Alexandria. His project benefits his church, where he will be leading the installation of a brick labyrinth and the construction of a bench on the front yard of the church. The labyrinth will be a place for contemplation and for church members and the community to meditate.
Please bring shovels and work gloves if you have them. Lunch will be provided. Your support is appreciated, and service hours are available. Please make sure to bring a water bottle and hat!

Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops (ILST) will be held on August 23rd-24th, please save the date. This training is essential for any scout aspiring to a position of responsibility within the Troop. The training is mandatory every year, even if you've taken it before.
If you are First Class or higher, holding a position of responsibility is required for rank advancement. If you're interested in becoming a STAFF member, Patrol Leader, Troop Guide, Den Chief, Instructor, or any other leadership role, you must attend this training.
To attend ILST, you must be First Class or higher, or have special permission from SM Hardy. Please note: All positions of responsibility will be offered exclusively to scouts who complete this training – no exceptions.
This year, we're excited to offer a unique overnight format at a campground. This will allow us to refresh our basic scout skills while we dive into leadership training.

A quick reminder to bring your handbooks to troop meetings. There is often time to work on rank requirements, so you need your book to record your achievements. At meetings, scouts are shown and taught an advancement skill. Scouts can practice on their own with the help of their handbook and other scouts. At a later meeting, scouts can demonstrate the skill to a leader, who will sign it off in their handbook.