We Own Adventure

Scouting News for the DC Metro Area

Archives for July 2019

Summer Camp Fun in Michael’s Woodshop

by

Webelos attending summer camp at Camp William B. Snyder in July had the opportunity to create their own marble tic tac toe board in Michael’s Woodshop. Scouts received a safety briefing, donned their safety glasses and were given a “blank” to begin their work. The Webelos rotated through three primary work stations “Sanding”, “Drilling” and “Cutting” and had the opportunity to use a variety of hand tools. They were supervised/assisted by camp staff in using the drill press. All Webelos in attendance followed the safety guidelines, completed their project and best of all – they all had fun!

Would your group enjoy this activity? Have another project in mind? Michael’s Woodshop may be reserved for Unit activities (all ages), District events, Eagle Scout projects and other Scouting activities. Our group of volunteer Shop Stewards can help you organize an event, can provide training and can attend your event to provide guidance and assistance to carry out a safe and enjoyable activity. In addition, Michael’s Woodshop offers monthly Woodwork Merit Badge and Woodworking 101 classes. We are also looking forward to our second season of Pinewood Derby Days beginning later in the year.

Michael’s Woodshop was designed, constructed and is operated by volunteers. In addition, a significant amount of the tools, equipment and building materials were acquired through donations from the local Scouting community. For information about shop capabilities, event registration, reserving the shop or to learn more about volunteering or supporting the shop, please visit the Michael’s Woodshop page on the Camp Snyder website or email Camp Snyder at Camp.Snyder@Scouting.Org

Assistant Council Commissioner (Exploring/Web), NCAC

by

July 20, 2019 marked the 50th Anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission’s landing on the Moon – the landing of the lunar module Eagle in the southwestern corner of the Mare Tranquillitatis (Sea of Tranquility) on the Moon and the establishment of Tranquility Base.

The first two men to set foot on the Moon, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin were Scouts – the first, Neil Armstrong was an Eagle Scout. If you were alive then, do you remember where you were at that moment in history? I was attending the 1969 National Jamboree in Farragut State Park, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. I and 34,000 of my closest friends (all wearing red jackets!) watched as the telecast of the landing was projected on to giant screens. As I recall, there was a lot of cheering (as one might expect). Earlier in the Apollo 11 mission, on July 18, 1969, while flying toward the moon inside the command module Columbia, Eagle Scout Armstrong sent the following greeting to the Jamboree: “I’d like to say hello to all my fellow Scouts and Scouters at Farragut State Park in Idaho having a National Jamboree there this week.” Armstrong carried with him on the voyage, a World Scout Badge. All told, of the 12 Apollo astronauts to have walked on the moon, 11 were Scouts and two of them (Armstrong and Charles Duke of Apollo 16) were Eagle Scouts.

I’m sure the event we commemorate on its 50th anniversary caused me to get ‘stars in my eyes’ and want to be an astronaut. While that dream was never fulfilled, it did set me on a path to get a degree in astronautics and aeronautics and to pursue a career in Naval Aviation. Scouting and the Moon Landing molded my life. It’s exciting to think about what events will inspire the youth we serve today for the future.

Yours in Commissioner Service,

Jeff Schweiger

Unit and Assistant District Commissioner, Colonial District, NCAC
Assistant Council Commissioner (Exploring/Web), National Capital Area Council

Visitors From Down Under!

by

Meet Ella and Bec! They visited us at the Marriott Scout Service Center today all the way from Brisbane Australia. They’re wearing the uniforms of their troop back home, GAP. They’re also holding their plush “mascots” of a kangaroo and an emu. How cute!

Ella and Bec are on their way to the World Scouting Jamboree and afterwards they will be touring all over America! Will we see you at this year’s Jamboree?

Attorney of the Year 2019

by

Vince Napoleon, Craig Poland, Tom Curcio, Rob Sterne

Since 2006, National Capital Area Council BSA has honored men and women of great character, leadership, and accomplishment with its annual Attorney of the Year Award. The award is given in recognition of noteworthy personal and professional accomplishments, dedication to the law profession, and because the individual embodies the ideals of the Scout Oath and Law.

On Thursday, June 27th NCAC hosted the 13th Annual Attorney of the Year Good Scout Award Luncheon at the Renaissance DC Downtown hotel. The event was co-chaired by Tom Curcio and NCAC board member Vince Napoleon.

Nicole Smith

Michael Tucker

This year, we had the distinct privilege of honoring our fellow Board Member, Nicole A. Smith, NCAC General Counsel and Shareholder at Vedder Price. Ms. Smith was honored alongside of Michael K. Tucker, EVP, General Counsel & Chief Compliance Officer at Avis Budget Group.

Proceeds from this event help to fund and grow DC area Scout programs and provide youth with opportunities such as earning their Law Merit Badge and participating in the Law & Government Career Exploring program. We are grateful to this year’s sponsors! For more information on this event or to learn about sponsorship opportunities for 2020, please contact Tiffany Tomeo at 301-214-9151 or Tiffany.Tomeo@scouting.org

Michael’s Woodshop Hosts Its First Eagle Scout Project

by

Michael’s Woodshop at Camp William B. Snyder hosted its first Eagle Scout Project on May 25. Henry Olson of Troop 106, Arlington, VA completed the construction of four benches for an outdoor classroom at his former elementary school. Henry arrived at 8:00am with a pile of lumber and a solid plan and departed at 3:30pm with four very nice benches. He was supported by his parents, Scouts from his Troop and two volunteer Shop Stewards. Henry was very pleased with the facility and the support he received. He said, “It was really fun and the project went very well. I will be sure to spread the word about the shop”.

Michael’s Woodshop is one of the newest additions to Camp Snyder. It is a well outfitted shop with equipment, tools and space to complete almost any wood working project. Since opening in November, 2018, Michael’s Woodshop hosted over 250 Cub Scouts during its Pinewood Derby Days, supported District events and held several Woodwork Merit Badge sessions. Summer events are now open for registration. Michael’s Woodshop may also be reserved for Unit activities (all ages), District events, Eagle Scout projects and other Scouting activities.
Michael’s Woodshop was constructed and is operated by volunteers. In addition, a significant amount of the tools, equipment and building materials were acquired through donations from the local Scouting community. For information about shop capabilities, event registration, reserving the shop or to learn more about volunteering or supporting the shop, please visit the Michael’s Woodshop page on the Camp Snyder website or email Camp Snyder at Camp.Snyder@Scouting.Org

Visitors on their way to Jamboree

by

Today, The Marriott Scout Service Center had some awesome scouts from out of the country visit us on their way to the Boy Scout Jamboree!

Say hello to these visitors all the way from the State of Saopaulo in Brazil! These scouts are a part of Troop Bra20 and came to visit us on their way to the Scout Jamboree! 

Check out these scout visitors from Bogota, Colombia! Their whole Troop is also on their way to the Scout Jamboree. Our Scout CEO, Mr. Craig Poland came down to say hello!