We Own Adventure

Scouting News for the DC Metro Area

Archives for May 2022

Volcano Snow Supernova

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(From left to right) Supernova Award Recipient Robert El-Hage, Sully District Unit Commissioner Randy Young.

On May 29, 2021, Robert El-Hage was awarded the Dr. Luis Alvarez Supernova Award by Mr. Randy Young, Sully District Unit Commissioner, at Pack 717’s Blue & Gold event. Robert is a Bear in Cub Scout Pack 717, chartered by St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church in Clifton Virginia, where he is a 3rd Grader at the church’s school. Robert started off as a Cub Scout in the Lion pilot program as a kindergartener. He was quickly inspired by Mr. Young to work on Cub Scout Awards that are not earned very often. Robert first earned the International Spirit Award after expressing his interest in ham radio during the Jamboree-on-the-Air at Camp Snyder. This accomplishment led Robert to discover the Nova program.

(From left to right) Cub Master Elias El-Hage, Supernova Award Recipient Robert El-Hage, Sully District Unit Commissioner Randy Young.

To receive the Supernova Award, a Scout first must earn a certain number of Nova awards. He earned four Nova awards: Down and Dirty, Fearful Symmetry, Out of this World, and Up and Away. His favorite Nova was Down and Dirty because he got to make a Papier Mache volcano. He also enjoyed earning the Out of this World award which is all about astronomy. To earn this, Robert watched astronomy videos, participated in a two hour Zoom meeting hosted by the NCAC STEM Committee, and did some cool crafts. After completing this Nova award, Robert was inspired to become an astronomer.

Even after completing these Nova awards, Robert was determined to achieve the Supernova award. He wanted to earn a medal that meant something to him. Robert was mentored by Dr. Hatcher Tynes, who is the Sully District STEM Coordinator. For his scientific method demonstration he created “volcano snow”, experimenting so he could create the right consistency of “snow”. It took him six months to earn his Supernova. If Robert could describe his overall experience in three words it would be “hard, interesting,” and (most importantly) “fun.”

 

Article authored by Supernova recipient’s big sister, Kiernan El-Hage, SPL Troop 1137G. 

June Council Wide Virtual Roundtable, Wednesday, June 15, 2022

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The next NCAC Council Wide Virtual Roundtable will be held Wednesday evening, June 15, 2022 from 7:30PM to 8:30PM via Zoom. The Zoom room will open at 7:15PM.

Plenary Session Topic: Adult & Youth Training Trends

Guest Speakers:
Danielle Ballantine – BSA National Territory 12 Training Coordinator
Tom DiMisa, NCAC Training Committee Chair
Chris Cooper – NCAC Training Committee
Vice-Chair

Zoom Meeting Details:
https://ncacbsa-org.zoom.us/j/81365752820? pwd=bEQrOFdBMmJ1ZkVOQWxTVER6L3lnZz09

Meeting ID: 813 6575 2820
Passcode: 467148

Sign Up Today For The 2023 National Jamboree!

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The 2023 National Jamboree Registration is OPEN!

crowd; audience,

Sign up today for the 2023 Jamboree scheduled for July 19-28, 2023.

Scouting as we know it has taken a bit of a turn over the last couple years. We are excited to announce that the National Jamboree will return to the Summit Bechtel Scout Reserve in 2023!

Registration is now open on the National website at jamboree.scouting.org. The National Capital Area Council is sending 14 contingent units to Jamboree. You can sign up today; adults are also encouraged to register but must be approved by the Council.

The NCAC cost for Jamboree is $1725 per person and includes the Jamboree, transportation to and from Summit, a backpack, patches, and more! Camperships are available for youth participants. The campership application is available on NCAC’s website.

Youth must be at least 12 years of age to attend; adults are 21 years and older. Participants age 18-21 will attend as youth participants. Participants will be assigned to a contingent unit the end of 2022. There will be a mandatory overnight event scheduled at Camp Snyder in June 2023. Contingent units will also meet prior to departing for Jamboree; details will be distributed by selected Scoutmasters.

Check out this video below to see what Jamboree has in store for you.

More information, including payment schedule, campership application, and Adult Leader applications are available on the Council’s website at ncacbsa.org/jamboree. If you have any questions, please reach out to Alex Keenan at ADLKeenan@gmail.com or Bob MacKichan at robert.mackichan@hklaw.com.

We look forward to seeing you at Jamboree next year!

Register Today For Powder Horn 2022

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The Powder Horn course is designed to help the unit by introducing youth and adult Scouting Leaders to safely conducted outdoor/high-adventure activities of a fun and challenging nature. The course provides an introduction to the resources needed to lead youth through successfully a program of outdoor adventure and is based upon giving participants an exposure to some outdoor/high-adventure activities. It is not a certification event. It is for any youth or adult interested in experiencing a unit-level, high-adventure program.

The purpose of a Powder Horn course includes:

■ Safe participation in fun and challenging outdoor activities

■ An introduction to resources that can improve a unit’s program

■ Exposure to new and exciting high-adventure activities

■ Help in delivering the BSA promise at the unit level

■ Promoting youths’ and adults’ creativity when delivering high-adventure programs

Powder Horn at Camp St Charles
Friday 8-26-2022 8:00 AM  to Sunday 8-28-2022 5:00 PM

Register using the link below.

https://scoutingevent.com/082-49585?fbclid=IwAR0S_dXCdislDLZ3XV072lbf1wAwM-rXyH83iqzQMltwI4CN0IthUFnfr0c

Meet 2022 Silver Beaver Recipient Craig Dubishar

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Craig Dubishar is a proud father of three Girl Scout Gold Award recipients and one BSA Eagle Scout. He started in Scouting in 1968 and backpacked Philmont in 1973,1974, 1978, and1983. He has also canoed the wilderness of Ontario’s Wabakimi Provincial Park.

Craig has been a NCAC registered Scouter since 1998 and spent 22 years with the NCAC’s High Adventure Committee. As an adult Advisor, he completed Philmont treks in 2005, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2021 and returning in 2022. He also trekked the Adirondacks (2012), North Country Trail (2018), Monongahela National Forest (2021), and dozens of shakedowns on the Appalachian Trail.

In 2010, he was received Powhatan District’s District Award of Merit. Outside of Scouting, he served 22 years on the Board of Directors for the regional non-profit Volunteer Fairfax and has served as Secretary, Vice President and President.

Some of his other professional accomplishments include:

  • Attorney
  • Board of Trustees, Member, Washington National Cathedral Association, 2003 – 2011
  • Episcopal Diocese of Virginia’s Creation Care Task Force, Member since 1994.  Chair from 2011 – 2014.
  • Official photographer, St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church (1995 – 2021).  Formed the “Photography Ministry.”
  • Haiti Mission Team since 2011.  Leads the annual mission trip in support of a school only accessible by boat and a hike up the mountain.
  • Official photographer, WWII 8th Army Air Force Historical Society since 2011 traveling the United States and twice to the UK in support of WWII research projects
  • Parent Photographer for the Herndon High School Marching Band since 2006 and was one of two official photographers for their 2019 trip to Normandie, France to participate in various ceremonies for the 75th anniversary of D-Day

Congratulations to Craig and the 2022 Silver Beaver Class!

Meet 2022 Silver Beaver Recipient David Rockwell

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David Rockwell is currently the Assistant Council Commissioner for Cub Leader Roundtables and a Scoutmaster for Troop 1570. Since 2013 he has been a Den Leader, Assistant Cubmaster, Cubmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster, District Cub Leader. Roundtable Commissioner and Council level trainer with Wood Badge, University of Scouting and Commissioner College. He strives to set the best example he can for his son Harrison and every scout he meets.

David owes all of his passion for Scouting to his insightful wife Kim, who without hesitation yelled out “Dave will do it” at a Join Scouts Night for Pack 913 in Herndon, VA, when they asked for volunteers to be den leaders. If their son Harrison was going to do Scouts, Dave was too. Harrison is now a Life Scout and is preparing to staff NYLT.

During David’s youth he was a Life Scout, lifeguard at a United Methodist Camp, and captain of the swim team. He received a bachelor’s degree from Nazareth College of Rochester and a master’s degree from West Virginia University. In addition to a 27 year career in social research contracting, he also enjoyed a 23 year run as an improvisational comedy performer/instructor with ComedySportz, DC. David still wants to figure out what he is going to do when he grows up. It will probably have something to do with Scouting and his family.

Congratulations to David and the 2022 Silver Beaver Class!