We Own Adventure

Scouting News for the DC Metro Area

Archives for September 2019

Troop 1422 Scouts Earn SCUBA Certification and Merit Badge

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Star Scout Peydon Wilmoth (left), Life Scout Joey Sheldrick (center), and Scoutmaster Jon Culberson (right) of Troop 1422 Mattaponi District, National Capital Area Council attended Scuba Camp at Pipsico Scout Reservation where they earned “Open Water Diver” SCUBA Certification and Scouts earned SCUBA Merit badge. Upon arrival participants had to pass a SCUBA swim test, which includes a 200-yard swim and a 10-minute surface float without aid. The course consists of three parts: classroom, confined water, and open water.

SCUBA students begin their week at Pipsico Scout Reservation to learn, practice, and demonstrate material for the entry level “Open Water Diver” certification. This consists of classroom study and testing with intervals of confined water diving in the onsite pool. On Wednesday of SCUBA Camp, participants loaded up personal gear, camping supplies, and dive equipment to complete their practical training at Lake Phoenix (formerly Lake Rawlings). On Thursday evening, participants returned to Pipsico after completing 5 Open Water Dives to depths of 50 feet.

Troop 1422 normally meets Tuesday evening at 7:00 pm, and is Chartered and supported by American Legion Post 320, located in Spotsylvania County.

Exploring Post on the Bay

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Clean the Chesapeake and the BSA are pleased to announce a new Exploring Post program to help restore the Chesapeake Bay!

This is an opportunity to participate in a brand new, conservation themed Exploring Post for high school age youth that will be dedicated to Chesapeake oyster restoration. This is a chance to be a part of something new and to make a difference in our environment. The organization, One Montgomery Green, is sponsoring the Post. Participants will learn about oyster management, water quality, boating, local partnerships, and more. Who loves oysters?

This program engages teens through a unique year-long project. Youth will gain hands-on experience related to careers in in science, conservation, resource management and advocacy.

Interested? Contact Post Advisor: Reuven Walder (301) 802-7038 or info@cleanthechesapeake.org
or District Executive: Stephen Donnelly, Stephen.Donnelly@Scouting.org

Labor Day Family Camp at Goshen

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Goshen’s Labor Day Weekend Family Camp was a great experience once again! Families and friends came from near and far to camp out and enjoy all the activities at beautiful Goshen Scout Reservation. In addition to the standard Family Camp activities of swimming, shooting, boating, archery, and crafting, families were able to fly through the sky on the giant swing at COPE. Volunteers Tony and Chuck from the COPE and Climbing Committee, along with camp staff and staff alumni, opened up rappelling on Goshen’s climbing tower – a new Family Camp activity!

There were also opportunities to take in the sights and beauty. On the water, the pontoon boat took riders on tours of the lake. On land, hikes to the Swimming Hole and Viewing Rock took hikers to some of the highlights of Goshen.

And once again, Lauren returned for Labor Day Family Camp to call the Saturday Night Square Dance with her boundless enthusiasm. Everyone had a fantastic time showing off the dance moves she taught them – as well as some of their own! The night was about to end with the Last One Standing challenge line dance to the tune of Footloose, but with so much energy, kids requested a two song encore!

They brought that tremendous energy to the campfire the following night, where families, Troops, Packs, Staff, and Staff Alumni shared their favorite songs, skits, and stories before heading back to their campsites for bed.

Labor Day Weekend Family Camp was a great time for all ages! We hope to see you next year, either at our Memorial Day Weekend Family Camp or on Labor Day Weekend Family Camp!