Troop 2535 typically sends a patrol to one of three camps at Goshen Scout Reservation in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia: Camp Bowman, Camp Marriott or Camp Olmsted. All three offer a week of camping in platform tents with cots provided by Goshen, access to Lake Merriweather, and a great selection of Merit Badge classes. Cook your own food with kits provided by Camp Bowman, warm up trays of prepared food provided by Camp Marriott, or eat family style in the dining hall at Camp Olmsted. Don't miss the opening and closing night staff campfires! They're so much fun!

In 2025, we went to Camp Olmsted, the largest of the Goshen camps. It has an indoor dining hall and a climate-controlled technology center offering many STEM Merit Badges, along with the traditional outdoor badges like Swimming, Rifle Shooting, and Wilderness Survival. 

In 2026, we plan to visit Camp Marriott, with "heater stack" meals prepared for our Scouts to eat at our own campsite.

Here's what you need to go with us:

• Your Scout must have a current paid registration in a troop.

• Give Mr. David Carlson a $580 check made out to Friends of Troop 2535 by March 31 to get your first choices when Merit Badge signups open. The rate goes up to $610 per Scout after April 15. The final deadline is June 1. You can also mail a check to 2513 N Quebec St. Arlington VA 22201.

• Pick from these Merit Badges and activities, first and second choices for each slot. Rising sixth graders should do New Scout Quest in the mornings.

• Complete parts A and B of the Scouting America Annual Health and Medical Record and have your doctor's office complete Part C. If you've had a checkup within the last year, the office should be able to complete the form for you. There might be a fee for this service.