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Archives for September 2022

Scout Saves Grandmother Having A Stroke

September 29, 2022 by Cynthia Griffiths

Last week, at People Who Move America, NCAC’s annual event honoring outstanding leaders in the trade and transportation industry who exemplify the ideals of the Scout Oath and Law, Trevor Austin spoke about his Scouting experience.  We are pleased to share what he said!

“Hello, Everyone! I can’t believe that I’m standing here tonight. Last year at this time, I was still in Cub Scouts, and I didn’t even know if I wanted to continue on to Boy Scouts. Now, look at me!

My name is Trevor Austin and I’m Tenderfoot rank (almost Second Class) in Troop 1657 at First Baptist Church of Glenarden, Patuxent District in the National Capital Area Council. I’m also the Assistant Patrol Leader of my Patrol. We are the Arrows of Fire and WE BRING THE HEAT!

I’ve only been in Scouting for 3 years. I joined Cub Scouts, Pack 1657, as a Bear when I was 8 years old. I only had a vague idea of what Scouting was about at that time, I just wanted to go camping. Now, I’m 11 years old and I crossed over to Boy Scouts in April of this year. Standing here tonight, I can say that in 3 years I’ve learned so much.

On May 21st, I found my grandmother unconscious on the bathroom floor. I made sure she was breathing. I checked her pulse. I checked if she was bleeding. All the while, I kept talking to her, but she didn’t respond. I wanted to freak out, but I knew that I had to get help fast. I didn’t have my phone, but my mom was in the kitchen cooking breakfast at the time. I ran to her. She dropped everything and we called 911.

Afterwards, when I was telling my family and friends about what happened, people kept asking me how I knew what to do and how I stayed so calm. It all happened so fast. I didn’t stop to think about what to do. I just did it. I realized that it was because of my Scout training.

Cub Scouts was mostly fun. We explored, sang silly songs, and we played a lot. We also learned the 3Cs:
1. CHECK the scene
2. CALL for help
3. CARE for the victim, if you can
And there is a 4th C – CALM. You have to stay calm and think.

We drilled it. We rehearsed it. We role played various scenarios. I heard it and said it so many times. I didn’t realize how much I was learning during those games. Even in my first few weeks as a Boy Scout, we reviewed our emergency responses and learned how to administer First Aid, like for a sprained ankle, snake bite, or heat stroke.

When I found my grandmother that morning, all that training kicked in and I was able to do a pretty amazing thing because my grandmother had a stroke. They took her by helicopter to Baltimore for emergency brain surgery to remove a blood clot. The doctors said my quick thinking and actions got her the help she needed in time. And my grandmother is sitting here tonight!

I realize that I’m just at the beginning of my Scouting journey. My goal is to become an Eagle Scout (so you might see me again!). So far, Scouting has been an awesome experience for me. I’ve been camping, fishing, hiking. I learned how to erect a tent, build a fire, and cook on that fire. I learned how to survive in nature with just the resources I have. I’ve learned how to take care of my environment – plants, animals, and people. And I’m still learning skills that I can use in the real world, like saving someone’s life.

Also, Scouting is a brotherhood. I have made friends that I will probably keep for the rest of my life. But more importantly, wherever I go in the world, I’ll be recognized as a Scout because a Scout is:
• Trustworthy
• Loyal
• Helpful
• Friendly
• Courteous
• Kind
• Obedient
• Cheerful
• Thrifty
• Brave
• Clean
• Reverent

Thank you for allowing me to share my story here tonight. I’m sure that you will be hearing from me again!”

His act of heroism was also reported by UM Capital Region Health. Watch the story here:

 

Filed Under: Scouting At Home

Woodbridge Cub Scouts Visit Water Treatment Facility

September 28, 2022 by Cheryl McBeth

Last month, Prince William District’s Cub Scout Pack 295 had the opportunity to visit their local water treatment facility to learn about the technology used there as part of NOVA STEM’s Tech Talk adventure!

The Virginia American Water staff were extremely generous with their time, information sharing, and PPE during the tour. Youth and adults alike learned a ton about the treatment process on this amazing outing!

 

To learn more about the Tech Talk Nova, read the requirements on BSA’s STEM page.

Filed Under: Scouting Programs Tagged With: Nova, STEM

Local Life Scout Mobilized his Community to Save Ukrainian Lives

September 22, 2022 by Nicholas Flanigan

My name is Nicholas Flanigan and I am a Life Scout from Troop 160, located in Chantilly, VA. Soon after the war started, I mobilized our Troop and community to help meet overwhelming needs in medical supplies, baby items, and food for Ukraine.

When the Russian invasion of Ukraine started in February 0f 2022, one of my close friends shared concerns about his family in Kyiv, Ukraine, and the hardship they had to face to survive from Russian bombing of their homes and neighborhood. I started thinking about how I might be able to help. My research led to a local nonprofit organization, United Help Ukraine (UHU). This charitable organization receives and distributes donations, food, and medical supplies to people of Ukraine affected by Russia’s invasion and families of those wounded or killed for freedom and independence of Ukraine.

I reached out to the Board members of this organization in March of 2022, inquiring how I could help. After a month of conversations and successful presentations to over 20 Board members of UHU, District Eagle Advisor, and Troop 160 Board, my project was approved for planning and execution. My Eagle Advisor recommended I develop a website that allowed me to promote my project within the local community. Website presence helped me to distribute messages about my project via email, in social channels, and local blogs. Because of the valuable advice from my Eagle Advisor I looked into online presence rather than going down the path of distributing many printed flyers, which allowed me to save total costs.

In my research, I discovered that many tech companies like Google, Microsoft/Bing, and Facebook offer opportunities for people supporting nonprofit-related initiatives to receive credits to run free advertising. I took advantage of those free advertising credits to run ads on these digital networks to get my project known throughout the community. I also used local blogs and platforms, Patch.com and NextDoor, to inform my neighbors about this effort.

My project took many months to plan. I spent over 300 hours developing the site, made digital ads, wrote articles, and reached out to many local organizations and nearby Troops for help. I partnered with a local church, Fairfax Church of Christ, to use their building and parking lot for my donation drive. I also led my Troop to distribute printed flyers in adjacent neighborhoods to amplify my online efforts. Just under 100 people helped me to make this project a success.

My project was completed on 2 weekends. On June 4th, many scouts, volunteers from the church, and parents helped to pack supplies previously donated to the church to support this effort. They packed and loaded over 100 boxes to a truck ready to take everything to an airport in Delaware for air shipment to Ukraine. We packed almost 80 boxes of food, baby items and medical supplies, and collected 70 boxes of diapers. On the same day, almost 20 scout volunteers from Troup 160 distributed over 3,000 flyers to neighborhood houses. On June 11th, we collected donated medical supplies, baby items, and food essentials from the same houses. My goal to collect and pack an additional 40 boxes was exceeded with a total of 55 additional boxes, despite poor weather conditions and heavy rain at collection time.

I am very proud of the work my Troop and I did because of its impact and because it helped to save lives. I want people to know about the work that takes place to support Ukraine and other countries in the same circumstances around the world.

I received many compliments and recognition for our efforts from my Troop, local leaders, the media, and UHU. My project was featured in the National Morning in America episode on May 27th as one of the top feel-good stories across the U.S. and covered in the local Fairfax Times newspaper and by Patch.com.

As a result of my efforts, I received a personalized letter from Chairman McKay from Fairfax County Government. In his letter, Chairman McKey congratulated me on the tremendous success of my project and how impressed he was with my commitment to helping others. He recognized my leadership skills for being able to gather dozens of fellow scouts, friends, and neighbors to help accomplish this goal. Of course it was easier with a helpful Troup backing me up!

“It is true that we all do far better when we work together”, stated Chairman McKay in his letter. “I am encouraged about the future of Fairfax County and our nation when I read what young people like you are doing to heal the breaches in our society.”

I hope to receive my Eagle Rank in October after completing the last Eagle-required merit badge, Scoutmaster conference, and the Eagle Scout Board of Review. I will continue my role in scouting as an ASPL, giving back to my Troop by helping and leading others. I am a proud member of the Order of the Arrow BSA Honor society and participated in 3 high adventure camps. Throughout my scouting career, I earned 77 merit badges, and seven distinguished scout awards. I also volunteered as a Counselor in Training this past summer at Camp Snyder, a BSA camp in Haymarket, VA, and will return to the camp as their trained Counselor next summer.

Filed Under: Eagle of the Week Tagged With: Eagle Scout, eagle scout project, Service

New Woodshop Volunteers and A Three-Year Service Award

September 12, 2022 by Dave Schneeman

We are pleased to introduce the newest volunteers in Michael’s Woodshop. Alyssa and Teaghan have completed their training and have joined the team as Youth Assistants. In addition, we would like to recognize Dallas Cecil, a dedicated volunteer who has given three years of service in the woodshop. Michael’s Woodshop is run entirely through the time, effort and talent of volunteers and we welcome these latest additions and appreciate the ongoing commitment of our volunteers

Meet Our New Youth Assistants

L to R: Teaghan and Alyssa

Alyssa is a First Class scout with Troop 893G in Centreville, VA. She enjoys camping, uses Merit Badges to explore new interests, and looks forward to high adventure trips! Her dad has been woodworking for many years, and has roped her into many a project, so it just ‘made sense’ for her to join the team in Michael’s Woodshop. In her non-scouting time she rides horses and is a member of Centreville Dance Theater.

Teaghan is a Life Scout in Troop 1137G in Centreville, VA. Her Scouting passions include shooting sports, camping, and nature. Teaghan has an artistic spirit and enjoys exploring her talents through drawing and crochet. Her newfound interest in woodworking sparked while completing her Woodwork Merit Badge requirements at Camp Snyder in July.

Volunteer Service Award

We are pleased to recognize Dallas Cecil for three years of volunteer service in Michael’s Woodshop. Dallas serves as our CNC Lead and provides training and support for all CNC projects. He is an Eagle Scout and has served for over 12 years as an adult Scout leader serving as the outdoor chair for Pack 1148, Assistant Scoutmaster for Troops 1430B and 1148G and a Committee Member for Crew 1430. Dallas has received the District Award of Merit, the Venturing Leadership Award, and the International Scouter’s Award, with just completing an epic two-week Denmark adventure with Crew 1430.

We are always looking for additional volunteers in Michael’s Woodshop. Roles are available for adults and youth, from novices to experience woodworkers. If you are interested in volunteering, please see “Join the Michael’s Woodshop Team”, or email us at MichaelsWoodshop.CWBS@gmail.com.

Filed Under: Leaders

Camping Palooza is for All Scouts!

September 8, 2022 by Cynthia Griffiths

Registration for Camping Palooza on Saturday, October 15, 2022 is OPEN! Camping Palooza is a day event at Camp William B. Snyder celebrating scouting in NCAC by showcasing favorite scouting activities.

REGISTER: https://scoutingevent.com/082-CampingPalooza

Camping Palooza is open to ALL ages of Scouts and Scouters so don’t miss it! From Cub Scouts to Eagles, Sea Scouts, Venture Crews, and even non-scouts who might be interested in joining, all branches and ages of scouting are welcome at this event. Invite a friend and introduce scouting!

With as many exciting activities as we have planned, there is sure to be something for everyone!
-STEM activies
-Crafts in Mchael’s Woodshop
-Pop-up Scouting History museum
-Meet and greets with representatives of Service Careers
– Rock climbing
– Shooting sports
– Field games and fall fun
– A parade with a marching band
– A closing show sure to wow and excite
Plus much, much more!

Camping Palooza not only provides exciting activities, but also opportunities to network and meet other scouts!

Filed Under: At Camp

Goshen Labor Day Family Camp Highlights

September 7, 2022 by Goshen Scout Reservation

We had a great time with everyone at Goshen Labor Day Family Camp! Check out our Facebook page – www.facebook.com/GoshenNCAC – for more highlights from the weekend.

Filed Under: At Camp Tagged With: family camping, Goshen Scout Reservation

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