We Own Adventure

Scouting News for the DC Metro Area

Archives for April 2025

Scouting America National Capital Area Council Announces 2025 NOESA Award Honorees

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Arlington, VA – April 7, 2025 – Scouting America National Capital Area Council is proud to announce the 2025 National Eagle Scout Association Outstanding Eagle Scout Award (NOESA) recipients. This prestigious award was established in 2010, the Centennial of the Boy Scouts of America, to recognize Eagle Scouts who had achieved prominence in their professional careers and civic life and to highlight to our Nation the tremendous contributions of those who had achieved the Eagle rank.

The awards will be presented at a dinner held on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at the Army Navy Country Club in Arlington, VA. The evening will begin with a reception from 6:00-6:30 p.m., followed by dinner and the awards program from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

John Montgomery, NOESA Committee Chair and past honoree shared the following about the selection of Award recipients, “NOESA recipients inspire others through their positive actions, accomplishments, and contributions to their communities. They are indeed Scouting’s and America’s best.”

This year’s honorees include:

· Stephen Carey – Chairman & Founder, Potomac Strategic Development Co. LLC

· Dr. Thomas Cochran – Senior Scientist & Director of the Nuclear Program, Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc.

· Chris Marston – Principal, Election CFO, LLC

· James Mendelsohn – Founder & Managing Director, Proximo Capital

· Richard Meyers – Former Forensic Chemist, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms

· David Ralston Jr. – Retired Partner, Foley & Lardner LLP

· Buddy Rizer – Executive Director, Loudoun County Department of Economic Development

· Christian Tabash – Olympic Rower, Team U.S.A

· Bryan Tramont – Managing Partner, Wilkinson Barker Knauer LLP

· Jason Wright – Managing Partner, Ariel Investments, Former NFL Player

· Andrew York – Vice President of Global Government Affairs, Tyson Foods, Inc.

When asked about the impact of Scouting on his life, Honoree Brian Tramont said, “The Scouting experience gave me the skills as a leader and as a servant and a community minded person that has shaped all of my achievements since.”

Past recipients of NOESA include industry CEOs, university deans, federal officials, leaders from local and state government (mayors, city managers, state delegates, state supreme court justices), association presidents, and senior leaders from the military, science, technology, medicine, and law. Tickets for the event can be purchased online at www.ncacscouting.org/NOESA. Early registration is encouraged as space is limited.

CONTACT: Cynthia Griffiths 301-214-9104

 

Troop Completes Conservation Clean-up at IWLA

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Boys and Girls Troop 1137 helped their chartering organization, Izaak Walton League of America (IWLA) Arlington – Fairfax Chapter, with a conservation clean-up service project on Sunday March 23, 2025.

The Scouts cleaned up the natural areas on the grounds and around the fishing pond for the benefit of the wildlife, community, and to protect the environment.

These Scouts are helping to get things ready for NCAC Twilight Camp that runs there from June 16-20, 2025!

NCAC Scout urges youth to join Scouting, no matter what age

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Youth have joined Scouting at various ages and rose to success, demonstrating the possibilities you can experience as a Scout no matter when you start. 

Roberto R., a freshman in the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets, is a prime example of success in only four years. He started Scouting in December of 2020 for Troop 98 and in 2022, he was inducted in the Order of the Arrow. After only three years of Scouting, Roberto received his Eagle in 2023 and worked at Philmont Scout Ranch for the 2024 summer session.

Roberto encouraged youth, even if they’re in 8th grade, to join Scouting America because it teaches skills and forms connections like nothing else. 

“Scouting is not only going to help you learn those [skills]. It’ll also help you learn so much more,” Roberto said. “And if you get Eagle, that’s not only your brotherhood right there, but it shows how well you can work.” 

He was persuaded to join Scouting when his uncle passed away, who often encouraged him to join the program and had two sons who earned their Eagle.  

Because of Scouting, Roberto was able to enjoy and strengthen his love for fishing because his Troop would often have projects related to his interests. He now majors in fish conservation. 

“I came to really understand the whole issue we have with conservation and invasive species, and it’s become my passion to deal with,” Roberto said. 

Back in 8th grade, Roberto witnessed a women get her heel stuck in between two bricks at St. Johns Church. The bricks were falling apart and from that moment, Roberto knew what was going to be his Eagle Scout Project. 

“It was sort of a project from the start of my Scouting journey,” Roberto said. “I was just like, ‘That’s what I’m going to do. I’m going to end up helping them some way, shape or form.’” 

The full project consisted of laying down 210 by 6 feet of a brick pathway with no mortar and instead patting down sand. Roberto received help from the OA, his family, Troop and friends. 

As a Senior Patrol Leader, Roberto expressed challenges he faced of motivating Scouts to complete a task. His technique of overcoming this hardship was to pair them with another Scout. 

“Find a new Scout that’s incredibly motivated or an older Scout that knows the experience, you pair them with the unmotivated Scout to try and accomplish a goal,” Roberto said. 

Along with this exceptional leadership training, Scouting allowed Roberto to develop values in community service, helping others and patriotism. He also feels impacted by the Scout Law and Oath and has joined several community service organizations. 

“Scout Law makes up being a good person and I’ve shaped my life around that,” Roberto said. 

Roberto is considering a career as a game warden for the Department of Wildlife Resources in Virginia or a special agent in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, but he is not set on anything yet. 

Reflecting on his experience in Scouting, Roberto acknowledged how much the program has helped him and has often pushed Scouts towards earning their Eagle. 

“Every Scout that I’ve told, ‘Hey you’re going to make it to Eagle Scout. I know it.’ It gives them confidence and pushes them all the way,” Roberto said. “They always make it.”