We Own Adventure

Scouting News for the DC Metro Area

Archives for November 2022

2022 International Peace Light Ceremony – December 10 at 2pm

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The NCAC International Committee invites all Scouts, Scouters, and their families and friends to receive the 2022 International Peace Light at the Marriot Scout Service Center on Saturday December 10 at 2 pm.

Candles will be available on site for your family to participate in the ceremony. If your family would like to take the flame home with you, a candle in a glass jar or a non-propane lantern can be brought. Scout uniforms and casual church attire are appropriate to wear.

Available for sale at the ceremony are patches commemorating the 2022 transfer of the flame. A limited number of $5 patches will be available on site, but more are available for sale online (https://www.peacelightnorthamerica.org/resources/merchandise, plus other Peace Light merchandise).

ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL PEACE LIGHT

The Peace Light, symbolic of the Light of Christ especially evident at Christmas, is meant to promote peace, harmony and unity among all people of the world regardless of race, ethnicity or creed. Many churches, Scouting, and associated community organizations use the Peace Light in Advent worship services, parish tree lighting events, and other special ceremonies. Some groups even maintain the Peace Light year-round using the flame to ignite their Sanctuary Lights, Baptismal Candles, and Votive Lamps.

The Peace Light from Bethlehem campaign was originally organized in 1986 by the Austrian Broadcasting Company as part of a large charitable relief mission Light into Darkness, for children in need in Austria and abroad. Since 1986, and especially after the fall of Communism in Eastern Europe in 1989, there has been a growing cooperation between Scouts in many countries allowing the light to travel throughout 30 European nations.

Each year in late November, a child from Austria lights a lantern from the continuously burning candle in the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, the site of Jesus birth. The light, known as the Peace Light, stored in special explosion-proof lanterns, is then flown with a safety adviser back to Vienna, Austria, where it is shared with delegations from across Europe who distribute it with a message of Peace to their own countries for use at ecumenical services. Scouting organizations then take the light to houses of worship, hospitals, homeless shelters, nursing homes, and places of public, cultural and political importance – to anyone who appreciates the significance of the “gift”.

In early December, Austrian Airlines representatives transport the Peace Light from Austria to New York City’s John F. Kennedy International Airport. A distribution ceremony of about 150 adults and children gather at the airport’s Our Lady of the Skies Chapel to welcome the light of peace and kindle their own flames.

The light’s pilgrimage across the U.S. begins from New York City via volunteers, many of whom are Scouts and Scouters associated with the Boy Scouts of America and Girl Scouts of the USA, transferring and sharing it in their communities. Many other dedicated volunteers meet, share, and move the Light across North America, person-to-person, coast-to-coast. The Peace Light is a sign of hope. It has expanded from a small flame to a sea of lights in a few years and shines with its message to millions of people worldwide.

For several decades, the Scouts around the world have actively promoted global peace and harmony through sharing the Peace Light.

The Peace Light is often used as a Messengers of Peace project. Administered by the World Scout Bureau, Messengers of Peace is a worldwide program aiming to inspire millions of Scouts to work toward peace. In order to earn the Messengers of Peace uniform ring to be worn around the world crest, Scouts must be actively involved in planning Peace Light activities and in sharing the flame in ways that are appropriate to the Scouts age and abilities. Cubs might welcome guests to a candlelight ceremony, hand out programs and candles, and/or be part of a procession bringing the Peace Light into the gathering. Older Scouts could help in planning and implementing the program, speak or lead a song during the ceremony, or perhaps create a display about the history of the Peace Light.

Learn more about the history of the Peace Light in the US here: https://www.peacelightnorthamerica.org/about/history.

If you have additional questions, would like to be added to the email list or other related interests, please contact Anthony Malone at travitaly4@gmail.com. If you would like to join the NCAC International Committee, please contact Jay Eidson at ir.ncac.je@gmail.com.

NCAC Asks the Community to Give to #RaiseResilience on Giving Tuesday

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The future wellbeing of our country depends on how we support and invest in the next generation.

NOVEMBER 28, 2022, WASHINGTON, DC — An alarming number of young people struggle with feelings of helplessness or depression, intensified by the pandemic as their experiences at home, school and in the community were altered by the past few years. Research shows that when youth are involved in activities with their peers, it has a positive effect on them and others while building emotional resilience at the same time. Resilience thrives in Scouts.

Because the National Capital Area Council, BSA (NCAC)’s Scouting programs help develop resilience by providing young people opportunities to face challenges through adventures, leadership roles, skill building, and earning advancements, this year’s theme for Giving Tuesday is “Raise Resilience.” Scouting experiences help our youth build confidence in their ability to persevere. We structure adventure such that it gives young people the know-how to tackle experiences they’ll encounter for the rest of their lives. Whether it’s overcoming obstacles in the great outdoors, getting outside of their comfort zone to lead a team for a service project, or exploring career options through hands-on professional or scientific experiences, the content of our programs is designed to develop leadership, character and confidence. These experiences help them to adapt well in the face of adversity, to bounce back from difficult experiences, and to be Prepared. For Life.

This #GivingTuesday, the NCAC is asking the community to support our programs by making a contribution to Scouting. Due to the generosity of several NCAC major supporters, the NCAC is challenged to raise $100,000 by the end of Giving Tuesday. That means, every gift given is matched dollar for dollar, doubling support.

In the National Capital Area we are preparing our Scouts to lead effectively, manage conflict, become role models and set goals for their future. This Giving Tuesday provides the community with the chance to make sure our programs continue to raise resilience throughout our local area.

Link for more information and to make a gift: https://www.ncacbsa.org/giving-tuesday/

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About Scouts, BSA and the National Capital Area Council

Scouts, BSA provides the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training, which helps young people be “Prepared. For Life. ™ The Scouting organization is composed of 2.6 million youth members between the ages of 6 and 21 and more than a million volunteers in local councils throughout the United States and its territories. For more, please visit www.Scouting.org.

National Capital Area Council was organized in 1911 and today stands as one of the oldest and largest councils in America. Scouts from the NCAC do over 400,000 hours of community service each year. The Council territory includes the District of Columbia; Frederick, Montgomery, Prince George’s, Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties in Maryland; and in Virginia the counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Prince William, Loudoun, Fauquier, Spotsylvania, Caroline, King George, Stafford and Culpeper as well as the independent cities of Alexandria, Falls Church, Fairfax, Manassas, Manassas Park and Fredericksburg in Virginia; and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For more information, please visit www.NCACBSA.org.

 

NYLT Summer Registration Opens December 10th @ 10AM!

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Scouts ready to attend National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) are encouraged to sign up early. Recent courses have filled quickly. Registering as soon as the site opens could ensure a slot on the course of your choice.

2023 Course Schedule:
23-2: June 18 – 23
23-3: June 25 – 30
23-4: July 23 – 28 *
23-5: July 23 – 28 *
* courses running concurrently

Download the 2023 Flyer at:
https://public.3.basecamp.com/p/wyHWcTYJ3C7h1DVWRtxA42Gn

WHAT IS NYLT?
National Youth Leadership Training is an exciting 6-day program designed for youth to learn leadership skills that will help them succeed in Scouting and in life! NYLT brings together Scouts from all over the council to learn and practice leadership techniques in a risk free, Scout-friendly environment.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Scouts who have completed their unit’s introduction to leadership course, have been practicing these skills, and are ready for the next level of training should attend NYLT once they meet all Eligibility Requirements.

FAQ
Q. How quickly will slots fill?
A. While we are never sure, last summer’s courses filled very quickly and Winter course filled in a matter of hours. We have increased the number of participant slots to try and give as many Scouts the opportunity to attend NYLT as possible. We strongly recommend registering early to lock in your slot.

Q. What will your masking, distancing and other covid policies be this summer?
A. We will follow the covid protocols NCAC has in place for Council programs.

Troop 130 Host’s Senior Judge Barbara Milano Keenan

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Scouts BSA Troop 130G, the first all-girl unit in the city of Alexandria, was honored this week to host Senior Judge Barbara Milano Keenan, US Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, to discuss the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.

During a Q&A, Keenan brought the Constitution directly to the Scouts with a case where the court ruled in June that gender-based school dress codes, and a requirement that girls wear skirts, can violate the Constitution and Title IX. “No, kids can’t vote, but you have the responsibility to learn, to be an informed citizen in adulthood.”

250th Bear Completes Baloo the Builder Adventure

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On November 5th, Bears from Pack 1160 completed their Baloo the Builder Adventure in Michael’s Woodshop. They learned about useful tools to have in their boxes and practiced using a number of tools including clamps, sanding blocks, hammers and nail punches. They made a golf tee game board as their “fun project” and after sanding, they applied a clear polyurethane finish. Finally, as their “useful project”, each Bear made their very own tool box. It was a couple of hours very well spent and not only did these Bears learn a few things and have some fun, they also earned the distinction of having among their Den the 250th Bear to complete the Baloo the Builder Adventure in Michael’s Woodshop!

Since introducing the Baloo the Builder and Webelos Build It Workshops, they have quickly become two of the most popular activities in the shop. These workshops are both great, hands-on activities that are fun, learning experiences for the Cub Scouts.

To learn more about these workshops and the many other shop activities available, please visit the Michael’s Woodshop webpage. Start planning now to schedule an activity for your unit in the spring.

All of the activities in Michael’s Woodshop are designed and supervised by a dedicated group of volunteers. With the high demand for woodshop activities, we are seeking additional volunteers to join the Woodshop Team. There are roles available for experienced woodworkers, Woodwork Merit Badge Counselors and both adult and youth assistants. For more information about becoming a volunteer, please see Join the Woodshop Team or email us for additional information.

For more information about the merit badge classes, shop capabilities, upcoming events or reserving the shop, please visit the Michael’s Woodshop webpage. If you have questions or would like additional information, please email us at MichaelsWoodshop.CWBS@gmail.com

Troop 1577 Explores Mallows Bay

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In October, Troop 1577 went canoeing at Mallows Bay. This bay has a fascinating history as a “shipwreck graveyard.” Hundreds of ships were purposefully sunk here after World War I when they were no longer needed as transportation. Many of the wrecks broke up and bits floated away, but there are still some wrecks which you can tour by canoe or kayak at low tide. They are now covered with vegetation and provide wildlife habitat. But you can still see giant metal bolts and ship components embedded in the wood. There are also a few other wrecks including a car ferry called the Accomac which houses osprey nests, and an old Sea Scout wreck. It takes about 2 hours to view the site. It became the most recently created National Marine Fisheries Sanctuary in the nation in July 2019.

The troop camped at Cedarville State Forest about an hour away. There is a closer state park with youth group campsites called Smallwood (only 15 minutes away) but it is closed for renovations until 2023. In the evening, we had Dutch oven meals including monkey bread and played board games.