My name is William C., and I am a member of Scouting America Troop 1717B in Hartwood, Virginia. I joined Troop 1717B on May 2, 2025, when I completed my Cub Scout journey and achieved my Arrow of Light. Since joining the Troop, the older Scouts, Scoutmaster and other Scout leaders have welcomed me and taught me a lot about Scouting, the outdoors and being a valuable member of my community. Their kindness and enthusiasm for Scouting led me to decide to join the Troop’s weeklong Summer Camping trip.
From June 29th to July 5th, 2025, Troop 1717B attended summer camp at the Pipisco Scout Reservation Camp Lions in Spring Grove, Virginia near Williamsburg. As a first-year Scout, I was a bit nervous about going camping without my parents. However, this camping experience was epic! The older Scouts immediately were kind, took care of me and reassured me of all the fun ahead. After my initial reservations, I quickly realized how much fun we were having.
On the first night there was a camp-wide celebration with great music. During the week, I participated in the Huskanaw, “Rite of Passage”, Program for new Scouts. I learned many camping skills and skills that are basics for Scouting America. I learned the Scout Oath, Law and Motto, which are the guiding tenants of what it means to be a Scout. We were able to go to a climbing wall, swim in the pool, go canoeing, play gaga ball and even learn about game design. The camp staff was very nice and cheerful and made sure they kept the Scouts happy, even when it was hot. The food was also really good!
The week went by very quickly, and I learned a lot. I was able to complete my first Scout Rank, completed three merit badges and even was certified to carry a pocketknife and taught how to properly build fires. It made me feel very proud to have done all this with the help of my fellow Scouts and my adult leaders.
My first Scouting experience was awesome, and I highly recommend that anyone who is interested in Scouting go and check out your local Troop to see if you can have as much fun as I am having! “Be Prepared!”
Are you ready to begin your family’s Scouting adventures too? To join Scouting America, please go to www.beascout.org to find a Scout unit near you – Cub Scouting serves families with children in Kindergarten through 5th Grade; Scouts BSA serves families with children ages 10-18. There are also Scouting America programs for families with older Youths, ages 14 – 20, including becoming Venturers, Explorers or Sea Scouts.
The mission of Scouting America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling the values of the Scout Oath and Law. Aquia District is part of Scouting America, National Capital Area Council. Aquia District includes Stafford County, Virginia, and Marine Corps Base Quantico. For more information on Scouting in the Stafford/Fredericksburg area, including how to donate, join or volunteer, contact Kristy Freeman, Aquia District Executive, at Kristy.Freeman@Scouting.org or call (540)287-3866.
