Turtle Express: January 2026

The first Troop 150 event of the new year was annual inventory day.

Troop 150 had Annual Inventory Day to inventory and organize all of the equipment that our troop has. Scouts came together to go through all of our equipment, including tents, cooking equipment, patrol boxes, and more to ensure that everything was accounted for and in good working order.

Each patrol helped to go through the equipment to check for missing or damaged items, clean equipment, and make note of what needs to be fixed or replaced. It was a good reminder of just how much equipment our troop uses on a yearly basis and how important it is to take care of it.

While it wasn’t as exciting as a campout, our Inventory Day helped to keep our troop ready for what the future holds. Thank you to all who helped to ensure that Troop 150 is ready for the year to come.

On the 5th, there was a scout meeting. On the 12th, there was an AOL night where younger Scouts came to the church and played games, ate fried oreos, and played a scout skill game.

On the 26th, Scouts had a meeting.

Finally, the big trip is here!

Over the weekend, Troop 150 went to West Virginia for a three-day winter adventure at Canaan Valley Resort and White Grass Ski Touring Center. We filled the weekend with downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, tubing, and ice skating – so there was never a dull moment.

Downhill skiing was definitely one of the highlights. Some Scouts were learning to ski for the first time, while others challenged themselves on more difficult trails. It was great to see everyone getting better by the minute. By the end of the day, even the new skiers were feeling much more confident.

Cross-country skiing at White Grass was a whole different story. It required a lot more stamina than we were prepared for, but it was definitely worth it. The scenery was gorgeous, and completing the long trail was a real accomplishment.

Tubing was probably the most fun (and noisy) activity of the trip. Scouts raced each other down the hill and tried to spin as much as possible. Ice skating also required everyone to have good balance – and some of us became experts at falling and getting back up quickly.

After two full days of snow activities, Troop 150 headed home tired, sore, and with a lot of wonderful memories. On the way back, we stopped by Blackwater Falls state park. Overall, it was a fantastic trip that allowed us to develop new skills, confidence, and even stronger bonds of friendship.
Whether we’re on the slopes, organizing gear, or planning our next outing, Troop 150 keeps moving forward. We’re excited for what’s next!

Turtle Express: November 2025

On the 1st of November, with candy still in their stomach, Scouts distributed stickers on 7,000 doors to notify them of the upcoming food collection. 

 

Then, there were Patrol leader elections. Jayden won the election for the Vipers and Puneeth as APL. Austin was elected as the Dragon’s Patrol leader and Euston was elected APL. For the Panthers, Nitish was elected PL and Peter APL. Lastly, the Shark election saw Ainsley as PL and APL, Kiet (also the web master). 

 

On November 8th, Scouts went out again this time to collect the food that they previously notified people about. And, over the course of five hours, they collected 8,604 lbs of food! This food was then delivered and sorted into two food pantries – the Heritage House (AUMC) and Annandale Christian Community for Action (ACCA). 

 

The next meeting, the troop did meal planning for the upcoming Thanksgiving campout. For this campout, patrols had to come up with a side and desert for the Thanksgiving feast. 

 

Finally, the Thanksgiving campout weekend is here! Scouts got to the campsite and had to set up camp in the dark. After a cup of hot cocoa, it was time for all to go off to bed. 

 

The next morning, Scouts woke up and made breakfast. After breakfast the troop formed into groups. Each group had to lead cub scouts in various fun activities. After a lunch of pizza and soda, the Scouts had a lot of free time and energy. Many played football on the open field and some hung out at the campsite chatting and playing games like mafia.

A fun game of Mafia!

 

Playing football out on the open field!

At around 4pm a scout from each patrol was selected to prep and cook a turkey.

Turkey cooking time in the Dutch oven!

After each scout put a turkey into a dutch oven, it was now time to start cooking for the big Thanksgiving feast. Each patrol had to prepare a dessert and put it into a dutch oven to cook, and they also had to cook a side. Once everyone had cooked their side and put their dessert in the dutch ovens, it was time for a feast. Each patrol was called up one at a time to pick whatever food they wanted to eat. There were lots of varieties including green bean casserole, yams, mac and cheese, pumpkin pie, monkey bread, and so much more.

YUM YUM! Dinner’s ready! We got French Fries!
And turkey piping hot out of the dutch oven, cooked golden-brown to perfection!
As well as our desert, some delicious monkey bread!

After eating some delicious food, it was time for the Grand K.P. (kitchen patrol). All Scouts had to clean all the cookware and personal K.P. items like mess kits. After this great ordeal, Scouts hit the sack. 

 

The next morning, Scouts cooked a quick breakfast then split into two groups for a service project. The service project was providing wood to all campsites. One group split the logs and one group moved the logs into campsites. After doing this, it was time to pack up camp. After packing up camp we did a quick round of roses then headed back to the church.

 

On November 17th, there was a PLC where we talked about upcoming events and past events. After the PLC there was leadership training for the new youth staff.

 

On November 24th, Maxton and Kiet demonstrated how to present ideas for the annual planning meeting and Instructor Kaden and Guide Samuel led a tent setup demo. 

 

November proved to be an exciting month packed with accomplishments, teamwork, and plenty of scouting fun!

Turtle Express: December 2025

On December 1st, Scouts started the month off with an AOL night where cub scouts visited the troop and played games and ate fried oreos with the Scouts. Then, that Saturday, Scouts held the annual planning meeting where they planned a calendar for the whole year. On 12/8, the troop had a meeting and the committee had a committee meeting. On 12/13, Scouts went to Capitol Hill for a day trip and learned about our nation’s capitol.