Eagle Scout Bernard J. Venverloh

I became a Tenderfoot Scout on November 11. 1971, had my Eagle progress review on November 14, 1978, and my Eagle Court of Honor on March 16, 1979. The Troop met at Hannon Hall, and we usually had at least one outing of some sort (usually a campout) to a place within several hours drive from Arlington each month.

My personal favorite was a trip to the Shenandoah backcountry camping area. The trip was a winter, survival-type campout to a remote area where there were no facilities and a long hike into and out of the area. While tough, winter camping had its advantages: no refrigeration required, water available through melted snow on-site, no bears or mosquitos to worry about, and no fear of a rained-out weekend. The Troop also usually participated in the yearly local First Aid contest.

The high point of each year was our summer week at the Goshen scout camps (Lexington, VA). Survival camp was offered as a two days' part of Goshen one year. Participants were allowed to bring only a poncho, 1lb. of hamburger and two matches. We hiked most all day to an out-of-the way area of Goshen and used the ponchos to form tents (using branches for tent frames) and cooked our hamburger on broad green leaves (moisture content kept them from reaching the kindling point) over a fire. We then returned to the main area of Goshen.

Goshen also offered one the opportunity to earn several camp-related merit badges and awards. I personally earned (amongst others) my lifesaving and swimming merit badges there, as well as my mile swim award. I also made extensive use of the archery and rifle ranges. Remote areas such as Goshen also afforded one the opportunity to observe many more stars at night due the lack of city light interference. The Troop also usually participated in Goshen's water carnival.

Membership during my years was at its highest when I came in (roughly 35-40 boys) and at its lowest when I left (roughly 15 boys).

- Bernie Venverloh

Return to 111 Eagles.
1 October 2000