Autumn Advancement is back!

Fri Sep 25 – Sun noon, Sep 27 at Hopewell Methodist Church

This is our yearly skills-and-competition weekend, and we’re turning up the fun this fall.

The Headliners

Trebuchet Competition

Build it. Load it. Launch grapefruit as far as you can.

We’ll provide schematics and the lashings you need. Your Trailmen get to put real ropework skills to the test in front of other troops. Bragging rights (and distance) are on the line.

Brand-New This Year: Blacksmithing

We’re bringing blacksmithing equipment and working to lock in a blacksmith. One of our dads will help run the station, and we’re looking for one more volunteer. Trailmen will have the chance to fully complete the Blacksmithing elective on-site.

Fire-Making Competition

Fastest fire. Highest fire. Timed.

A great chance for Trailmen to show what they’ve learned for their Fire badge under real pressure.

Other highlights

• Campsite judging – cleanest and best-presented sites (troops camp as individual units; event leadership will judge)
• Flag planting ceremony in the cemetery next door — one of the harder Flag badge requirements becomes doable this weekend
• First aid station
• Skits night (TBD)
• BBQ meal on Saturday

Advancement Opportunities

• Blacksmithing elective – full sign-off possible
• Ropework – certain lashings can be signed off through the trebuchet work
• Flag badge – ceremony helps complete a key requirement
• Strong practice for fire skills

Cost: $10 per person

Capacity: 75 Trailmen and adults

Registration: Online registration coming soon

What to bring: Weekend camping gear, tents, cooking gear, and personal tools.

Youth protection follows standard Trail Life requirements. Rain or shine (we’ll adjust only if the weather gets truly severe).

This event is open to Trail Life troops in the Richmond / Midlothian area.

More details will follow shortly. In the meantime, start talking it up with your Trailmen — especially the trebuchet.

Walk Worthy!