We Own Adventure

Scouting News for the DC Metro Area

Articles

Director David Henrie Invites NCAC to Digital Movie Premiere

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Hey NCAC Scouts! Director David Henrie has teamed up with us for the live premiere of my new movie “This is the Year.” The movie will premiere this Friday, August 28 at 7:30pm!

We know this summer has been a little different than expected so  wanted to give you a chance to see a great summer movie with your family. Plus, for that extra Scout Spirit, you’ll get discounted tickets to join a live pre-show Q&A with the movie’s stars, an after party hosted by TikTok stars Charli & Dixie D’Amelio, a special performance from lovelytheband, and you might even get the chance to meet my onscreen little sister, Selena Gomez.

Every ticket purchased helps raise money for the PLUS1 COVID-19 relief fund, so you get to do a good turn too.

I hope you’ll all join me and invite your friends to be a Scout with us at the “This is the Year” movie premiere.

Purchase your tickets today at a discounted price! Just use the promo code: SCOUTS!

Missing Summer Day Camp or Resident Camp?

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 Get ready to have some FUN! This summer, Cub Scout aged youth and everyone in the family can have fun and participate in outdoor adventures. Some can be done virtually if that is safer, but try to get outdoors as much as possible!

The best news? You don’t have to be in Cub Scouts to participate. Simply visit https://www.ncacbsa.org/cubspa/ for full program details and download a passport to get started. Parents and siblings are invited to participate. And if you’ve completed any of these activities already since Memorial Day, those count too! The program runs through Labor Day. There is no cost to participate.

Simply choose two or more adventures from each category on the passport. As they are completed, parents and guardians will sign and date each box. When two boxes in each category completed, upload the completed passport and you’ve earned the patch.

Don’t wait until you’ve started your passport to reserve your patch. Order patches for the entire family now by clicking here. Patches are $5 each.

Bonus Advancement
In addition to the patch, most of these activities satisfy requirements in your Cub Scout’s handbook.
• Parents and guardians, go over your Cub Scouts requirements with them in their Cub Scout Handbook for specific requirements that you can work on while completing the passport.
• Email your Cub Scout’s Cubmaster or Den Leader with what your Scout completed and the date so your unit can track their advancement.
• Since we don’t have traditional camps this year, completing the passport meets the requirements for Day Camp, Homecamping and Webelos Resident Camp.

Not a Scout yet? Both girls and boys entering Kindergarten through 5th grade this fall can sign up now to start their Scouting journey. For more information, send a note to ncac.cub.summer.camp@gmail.com.
Connect on Facebook with other Cub Scout Parents in the National Capital Area: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ncac.cubscouts/

Share on social media: @NCACBSA #cubscoutsncac @ncacbsa #cubscoutsncac

Microscope + Camping = FUN !!!

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Hey Scouts! Have you ever wondered what nature looks like under a microscope? What tiny creatures are in a drop of water? What a blade of grass or a leaf looks like when you get REALLY close to it? What the wings of a fly look like up close?

This summer you can explore nature with a folding microscope. When you Family Camp at either Goshen Scout Reservation or Camp Snyder, you will receive a free, 140 power magnification microscope so you can see nature in miniature.

Cubs, Webelos, Scouts BSA, Venturers and even Sea Scouts can sign up for Family Camping at Goshen Scout Reservation or Camp Snyder!

We look forward to seeing you at camp with your microscope!

Photo by: Magical Child Hood

Family – Fun – Flag – FOURTH!

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ARE YOU READY FOR SUMMER? What are your plans for the 4th of July? We have some fun family activities planned all day for you and your Scouting family! A little exercise, cooking, crafts, advancement and fun all day!

FLAGS! Flags are FUN! Do you love flags? Most every rank has an activity or adventure involving a flag ceremony or learning about flags. (Cub Scouts, check out Wolf – Council Fire, Bear – Paws for Action, and Arrow of Light – Building a Better World. Scouts BSA check Scout, Tenderfoot, and Second Class.) Make a short video showing your own Fun Flag activity—special kudos if you do it while dressed as your favorite superhero or historical figure. Your videos will be featured on Facebook. So, get busy and show us your Scouting patriotism!!

FOOD! We are having a BAKE-OFF! At noon we will kick off our Scout Bake-off hosted by the NCAC Council Venturing Officers Association with a competition making Patriotic Pancakes.

FITNESS! Do you have what it takes to climb the Washington Monument? Try our exercise challenge!

FRIENDS! Let’s do a Good Turn for people who serve!

More FLAGS! Take our semaphore signaling challenge! Can you read messages sent with semaphore flags?

More FOOD! Homemade ice cream is a sweet treat on a summer day.

FIREWORKS! Have a blast on the 4th, and tell us about your day on Facebook and at weownadventure.com

Start working on your Fun Flag video. Send a link to your video to summer2020@ncacbsa.org by June 26 and start looking for pancake recipes.

Keep checking www.ncacbsa.org/summer/ for more information!

Guidance on Resuming In-Person Scouting Activities

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In March of this year, the National Capital Area Council Executive Board made the difficult decision to cancel or postpone all in-person Scouting meetings, events, and activities due to COVID-19.  Since that time, Scouting has successfully continued through our Scouting at Home program.  We appreciate the great effort of our volunteers and staff in making this happen.

Recently, the states and counties comprising NCAC have started to relax COVID-19 restrictions related to in person gatherings.  This is good news and has many people excited to resume face-to-face Scout activities.

As there is a significant variance in the state and county phased reopening programs being implemented across our Council’s territory, it is difficult to provide an “all inclusive” statement for all of our NCAC units. As such, we would like to provide the following general guidance regarding resumption of in person Scouting activities.

  • The Unit Key Three should determine what activities and in person gatherings are permitted for the county in which the unit is chartered. 
  • The Key Three should then work with the adult committee to determine if the unit is prepared to begin in person meetings or activities. 
  • If consensus exists among the adult committee members, the Key Three should consult with the Chartered Partner to secure their support for the resumption of in person meetings or activities.
  • It is the responsibility of the unit’s Key Three and adult committee to understand and ensure all state/county restrictions and required Covid-19 safety precautions are taken.  Units traveling to other states/destinations for camp/activities are responsible for knowing and adhering to the restrictions and precautions of those areas.
  • Units following the restrictions and administering the precautions are covered by the BSA insurance program.
  • In addition to precautions required by states and counties we ask you to incorporate the processes included in BSA’s Restart Scouting Checklist as you resume unit activities.

We know everyone is excited to begin outdoor, in person Scouting activities.  We ask that you “do your best” to follow the guidance provided here and work with your adult committee and chartered organization to ensure a safe Scouting experience.

NCAC Scouting at Home 2020 Award for Unit Scouters!

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In response to the Coronavirus Pandemic, the National Capital Area Council (NCAC)’s Scouting at Home Award was introduced to encourage Scouts of all ages to stay home and be safe, while continuing to be a Scout. Scouts seeking to earn the award are supported and mentored by Unit Scouters, who during the pandemic are going the extra mile to make a difference in their units, in Scouting families, and in their communities. The NCAC Scouting at Home 2020 Award for Unit Scouters recognizes these Unit Scouters for meeting the challenge of instilling the Scout Oath and Law in others while the pandemic requires social distancing to be in place.

Unit Scouters who lead their units in providing community service, promote Scout advancement during the pandemic, seek to improve as a leader by taking training, broaden Scouts’ capabilities by providing instruction in Scouting skills, provide Scouts opportunities through virtual meetings, and encourage Scouts to practice the Scout Oath and Law through individual acts of kindness, earn the Scouting at Home 2020 Award for Unit Scouters.

For specific details or to obtain the requirement sheet, see https://www.scoutingevent.com/082-scoutingathomeaward.

Introducing the NCAC Scouting at Home 2020 Award!

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In response to the Coronavirus Pandemic, the National Capital Area Council (NCAC) is encouraging Scouts of all ages to stay home and be safe, while continuing to be a Scout! Scouts are always prepared to explore, discover, learn, and grow, and serve our families and communities, no matter the situation, time, or place. The NCAC Scouting at Home 2020 Award recognizes Scouts for meeting the challenge of living by the Scout Oath and Law while the pandemic requires social distancing to be in place.

Cub Scouts who meet specific requirements for home conservation and preparedness, learn about STEM, pursue a Cub adventure, learn Scouting skills, participate in a den virtual meeting, and participate in community service earn the Scouting at Home 2020 Award patch.

Youth in Scouts BSA, Venturing, or Sea Scouts who meet specific requirements for home conservation and preparedness, assist with a family virus prevention plan, make progress toward advancement, learn Scouting skills, take part in a Patrol virtual meeting, and participate in community service earn the Scouting at Home 2020 Award patch.

For specific details, to obtain the requirement sheets, or to pre-order patches, see https://www.scoutingevent.com/082-scoutingathomeaward.

NCAC Response to COVID-19

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UPDATE 5/14/2020: NCAC summer camp programs have been cancelled for 2020. Alternative summer programs will be announced soon.

UPDATE 4/30/2020: “Scouting at Home” has been extended until further notice. Please see this post for details.

UPDATE 4/2/2020: The Marriott Scout Service Center will be closed until further notice. Please contact your District Executive or staff adviser for assistance.

As always, your safety and the safety of all our members, volunteers, and employees is our top priority. We know there are questions and concerns about how COVID-19, commonly known as the coronavirus, could affect local Scouting programs in National Capital Area Council. Please know that we are monitoring developments regarding COVID-19 both locally and through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The following information regarding local events and prevention measures is based on the latest available guidance. As this is an evolving situation, this information is subject to change. We will continue to update you on relevant developments, and we appreciate your understanding of any necessary adjustments in the interest of health and safety.

Status of Council Events

After much discussion by NCAC’s Executive Board, it has been decided that all in-person Council and District events, activities, and meetings will be postponed or cancelled. This decision has been made out of an abundance of caution and concern for the health of our Scouts, Scouters, and their families.  [Note: this paragraph has been edited. Please see this post for details.]

Further, NCAC strongly suggests that individual Scout units follow this policy. The final decision on continued unit activities will be the responsibility of the unit committee in consultation with their chartered organization and, in some cases, their meeting facilities until such time as new guidance is issued by the CDC. 

We strongly encourage that districts, units, and council committees consider using technology to continue with as many of their normally scheduled meetings and events as possible. Free or low-cost options include Free Conference Call, Skype, and Google Hangouts.

Summer Programs

Currently, all summer programming – day camps, summer camps, etc. – will continue as planned. We will be extending the Goshen early bird registration deadline to April 30 in order to give units more flexibility in planning. The Reduced Price Early Bird Deadline for all NCAC Day Camps and Twilight Camps has been extended through Thursday, April 30.  The Priority Deadline for all NCAC Day Camp and Twilight Camp camperships has also been extended through Wednesday, April 15. 

Council Facilities

The National Capital Scout Shop, and North Virginia Scout Shop will closed indefinitely. Please feel free to find all your Scouting needs on scoutstuff.org!

Our council camping facilities will be closed through April 30. If you have an existing reservation, we will give your unit credit for a future date.

Event Refunds

When possible, we are encouraging events to reschedule for a later date. If you are registered for an event that gets postponed, your registration will be transferred to the new date. If you are unable to attend the rescheduled event, you may request a refund according to our standard policy.

For events that are cancelled outright, we are in the process of reviewing our council refund policy. Given the number of events, and that many events have already incurred substantial costs for supplies and reservation fees, it may be difficult to issue full refunds. Our team is working to determine what is possible.

If you are able to do so, please consider not requesting a refund and allowing your registration fee to support Scouting. This will help us offset the costs and lost income from cancelled events.

BSA Polices to Prevent the Spread of Illness

The Boy Scouts of America continues to have policies and procedures in place that help protect participants from contracting an illness at large Scouting events. These include the Annual Health and Medical Record and the Pre-Event Medical Screening Checklist.

Everyday Preventive Measures

Even with those important policies in place, it is critical that we all take these everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases:

  • Stay home when you feel sick.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, and wash your hands before and after doing so. 
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve/elbow, not your hands.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe. 
  • Do not share personal items such as cups, water bottles, eating utensils, etc.
  • Avoid shaking hands. A Scout salute or wave will suffice.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

If you have a fever, cough, or other symptoms associated with COVID-19, or if you believe you may have been exposed to COVID-19, you should isolate and not attend any Scouting events. People who think they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should contact their healthcare provider immediately.

Should you have any questions or concerns about a specific upcoming event or activity, please reach out to your district executive. We will do everything we can to answer your question using the information available to us. 

Scouting At Home Challenge!

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Are you ready for the 30 day Scouting At Home challenge? Scout families take on the challenge of keeping your skills sharp by Scouting at Home and including the entire family. Participate in activities and adventures that are fun, exciting and informative!

If your family is up for the challenge for the next 30 days at 5pm share a picture or video of your family’s Scouting At Home activity on Facebook and hashtag #ScoutingAtHome! We can’t wait to see all the NCAC challengers and share them with other Scouts. Challenge begins Thursday, 3/19/2020 at 5pm!

Follow us @ncacbsa on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for updates and be sure to hashtag #ScoutingAtHome!

Scout Service Center Closing

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The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recently recommended canceling all gatherings of 10 or more people. As that maximum will apply to most Scouting units, we are strongly recommending that in-person unit activities be suspended. We are investigating resources to facilitate distance learning and collaboration. The ultimate decision lies with your unit committee, but we encourage you to model good citizenship and public health in your decisions. 

National Capital Area Council is committed to keeping our Scouting families safe and modeling Citizenship in our Community. To that end, the Marriott Scout Service Center will be closed to the public until further notice.

Our office may be shut, but we are not closed for business! All staff will be working remotely. If you need assistance from your District Executive or other team member, please contact them via email or cell phone. Staff contact information is located at https://www.ncacbsa.org/staff.  
To support units in their fundraising efforts, the Camp Card sale will be extended through June 15. Please contact Barb Perez for more information. If you have not yet received your camp cards, your District Executive will contact you to arrange delivery. It is very important to the continuation of our units and Council program to ensure the success of this fundraising event. Life Scouts and others working on awards with an age or time deadline should contact their District Executive with questions. Many requirements for these awards can be completed virtually. We are currently working with BSA to secure guidance on extensions and other challenges caused by this unprecedented public health event.

Watch the NCAC Facebook page or https://www.ncacbsa.org/covid for updates.
If you have an emergency or a youth protection issue, please contact Deputy Scout Executive Mario Perez immediately. He can be reached at 915-491-4473.

For all other issues, you are encouraged to call MSSC at 301-530-9360 and leave a message. We will have limited staff coverage but will do our best to return your call within 48 hours.As we work together to get through this challenge, it is important to remember the values of the Scout Oath and Law. Let’s do all we can to support each other and help those who need our assistance most.

As we work together to get through this challenge, it is important to remember the values of the Scout Oath and Law. Let’s do all we can to support each other and help those who need our assistance most.

Help Celebrate NCAC Camping Centennial at Camp Snyder’s Work Days for All

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Celebrate 100 years of NCAC summer camping by helping Camp Snyder get ready for the summer! Earn service hours and a free Camping Centennial patch for working on projects.

Open to all Scouts, Cubs through Venturers, and Families. Projects for all skill levels, which may include building and installing bird houses, splitting and stacking logs, staining and painting, digging and installing sign posts, assembling traffic barriers.

Be sure to bring work gloves, lunch, water, sunscreen and insect repellant. Check for ticks when departing. And, wear old clothing that can get dirty or stained with paint. No scout uniforms and no open toed shoes or sandals. Check In/Out at the Admin Building at the Camp Entrance.

Join us on Saturday, April 4th and/or Sunday, May 17th, from 9am to 4 pm. Come for the day or just part of the day!

Free registration at https://scoutingevent.com/082-35883

See you on April 4th and/or May 17th!

 

General David L. Goldfein Receives the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award

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The D.C. chapter of the National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) was proud to present the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award to Gen. David L. Goldfein, Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force, yesterday evening at the Air Force Association in Arlington, VA.

The Distinguished Eagle Scout Award is the National Eagle Scout Association’s highest recognition. The Award was established to recognize Eagle Scouts who, after 25 years or longer of having received the Eagle Scout Award, have reached the highest national level of success in their field. In addition, these recipients have demonstrated a strong record of volunteer leadership service to their community.

Many gathered in celebration of Gen. Goldfein’s accomplishment including the Honorable Barbara Barrett, Distinguished Eagle Scouts: Brigadier General Charles McGee, Michael Pocalyko, and Bray Barnes as well National Capital Area Council, BSA Cub Scouts Liam Finley of Pack 1101 and Caden Coffee of Pack 1344.

Goldfein left the Scouts with sound advice and continued a military tradition gifting them a Challenge Coin, challenging the young Scouts to pursue Eagle rank.  Brig. Gen. Charles McGee, also graciously awarded Gen. Goldfein with picture of an Eagle, along with a picture of the two.

This award ceremony brought together civic-minded individuals and constituents from throughout the DMV community in an event that recognizes and celebrates the importance of Scouting in guiding and developing youth from generation to generation.

To learn more about the National Eagle Scout Association please visit https://nesa.org/ or https://www.ncacbsa.org/about-ncac/nesa/.

TUSKEGEE AIRMAN RECEIVES NCAC LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

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Troop 96 of the National Capital Area Council (NCAC) today honored retired Air Force Brigadier General Charles McGee with its Lifetime Achievement award. The Lifetime Achievement Award, presented at his home in Bethesda, MD, was established in 2013 and is given in recognition of individuals whose accomplishments embody the ideals of the Scout Oath and Law.

General McGee stated, “If more people lived their lives by the Scout Oath and Law, the world would be a lot better off.”

As an active member of Boy Scouts in his youth, McGee earned the title of Distinguished Eagle Scout and received the Silver Beaver award for his outstanding service. The veteran continued to display his leadership capabilities throughout his 30-year military career, earning numerous decorations from the Bronze Star to the Hellenic Republic WWII Commemorative Medal. Most recently, McGee received the honorary promotion to Brigadier General in December 2019, which was announced last week during President Trump’s State of the Union address. The 100-year old Brigadier General McGee has had a busy couple of weeks – from his appearance presiding over the coin toss at Superbowl LIV to being recognized at the State of the Union address to a book signing ceremony this past Saturday at the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum celebrating Black History month, where he was featured as part of its African American Pioneers in Aviation and Space program.

“We are extremely proud to recognize retired Brigadier General Charles McGee for his tremendous accomplishments on behalf of this nation and in the world of Scouting,” said Scout Executive Craig Poland. “Brigadier General McGee not only meets the criteria for this selective award – he more than surpasses it. The values embodied in Scouting are reflected in his daily life and work.”

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Born in Cleveland in 1919, McGee enlisted in the Army on October 26, 1942. Upon earning his pilot’s wings, McGee joined the Tuskegee Airmen, the first group of African American military pilots in the Armed Forces. During his extensive military career, he accumulated over 6,300 total hours, flew tactical missions attacking enemy airfields, and took part in top-secret rescue missions. In 2011, McGee was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in Dayton, Ohio.

McGee, a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the Military Order of World Wars, and the Tuskegee Airmen Inc., now spends his time sharing his life experiences by speaking in support of the Black Heritage and Youth Career motivation programs.

The Lifetime Achievement Award is given in recognition of a person’s noteworthy personal and/or professional accomplishments, his dedication to America and because he lives the ideals of the Scout Oath and Law. Past recipients of this award include Bill Marriott Jr., former Gov. Haley Barbour, Thomas J. Donohue, Jacob Stein and Michael Daniels.

A Scout’s Tribute to Pearl Harbor

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On the quiet shores of Pearl Harbor, where history echoes across the waters, Ethan M., learned about history as a young Scout. Now, clad in full uniform and completing his Eagle project, he embodies the spirit of remembrance, civic duty, and patriotism central to Scouting America which was covered by WUSA9 this past week.

Scouting America has long emphasized the value of historical awareness. Through programs that encourage visits to memorials, participation in flag ceremonies, and interactions with veterans, Scouts learn that honoring the past is essential to shaping responsible citizens of the future.

This young Scout’s story is a reminder that remembrance is not confined to textbooks or history class. For many Scouts, especially those with family ties to military service, these moments become deeply personal. The quiet act of saluting a fallen generation forms a bridge between youth and legacy, linking the ideals of Scouting with the enduring values of sacrifice and service.

In a time when civic engagement can feel distant to many young Americans, Scouting continues to nurture a sense of duty grounded in empathy and national heritage. At Pearl Harbor, that mission lives on: not just in grand speeches or ceremonies, but in the steady, respectful stance of a boy honoring heroes long gone.

Pack 403 Marches to Remember

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Bowie Cub Scout Pack 403 and family members marched for the 4th straight year in the Bowie Memorial Day Parade. This parade is to remember those that were lost in service to the country. 43 Scouts, most of which had never participated in a parade carried their Den flags in addition to the WEBELOS presenting the US and Pack Flag alongside the Pack banner.

Photo Credits: Vinicio Guzman and Jnell Suchy

Taking Scouting to the Next Level: Exploring Adventure, Leadership, and Community

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On May 3, 2025, youth and families gathered at the Vienna Community Center for an afternoon of discovery at the Next Level Scouting Expo, an event designed to introduce others to Scouting’s older youth programs, including Venturing, Sea Scouts, and advanced leadership opportunities. Whether participating in challenges, connecting with other Scouts, or learning about programs, attendees got a firsthand look at how Scouting pushes limits and builds lifelong skills.

The event was packed with interactive activities and engaging conversations. With representation from over six districts, Crew 1345, Crew 612, Crew 617, Ship 1176, Ship 548, and others shared their experiences, helping youth explore new possibilities in high-adventure Scouting and maritime leadership.

Venturing, a co-ed program for ages 14–20, focuses on leadership, adventure, personal growth, and service. Venturers plan and lead their own activities, taking on challenges like rock climbing, scuba diving, wilderness survival, and special interests, all while developing leadership skills.

Sea Scouts, also open to ages 14–20, provides hands-on training in boating, navigation, and water safety. Members learn seamanship, advance through ranks, and gain valuable maritime experience while exploring careers in the nautical world. At the expo, they got an insight to all this program offers.

The National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) staff hosted a catapult contest, giving prospective participants a fun, interactive way to experience teamwork and problem-solving while learning about this council leadership training course for Scouts.

The National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience (NAYLE) booth connected attendees with a Summit Bechtel Reserve course director, offering leadership insights and exclusive Summit merchandise. Everyone walked away with sporks, hats, and something learned!

Attendees also learned about exciting opportunities for their units to participate in, including Phenomenon – an annual September regional event attended by troops, ships, and crews from over 3 states – and other high-adventure and leadership programs, helping them discover new ways to engage, grow, and explore within Scouting.

The NCAC Venturing Officers’ Association was also on hand, connecting with youth and sharing leadership opportunities youth can pursue at the council and territory level, as well as their responsibilities supporting the Venturing program. The Territory 12 Venturing Officers’ Association President was also in attendance!

Most importantly, the expo wasn’t just for current Scouts—it introduced new families to the adventure, leadership, and community that make Scouting such a transformative experience. By the end of the afternoon, youth left inspired, families left informed, and this event truly took Scouting to the next level!!

Even if you couldn’t make it to the Next Level Scouting Expo, you can still check out everything Venturing, Sea Scouts, and leadership programs have to offer. There are plenty of ways to get involved and take your Scouting journey further!

Summer Camp Planning: Pre-Camp Tools for Success

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In the fifth installment of the Summer Camp Planning for Bear and Webelos Den Leaders webinar series, we review spring steps to a successful summer. The team discusses the pre-camp planning timeline from late April until your week of camp, reviews adult leader requirements, lists documents to bring to camp, and shares some resources available on the camp website at www.gotogoshen.org/ross

Let us walk you through the process so you are completely prepared for the best Cub Scout summer camp adventure possible!

Miss the webinar? Watch the recording:

You can also download the slides from the webinar here: Pre-Camp Planning [PDF]

Want to catch up? Check out our previous posts with earlier webinars in the series and the Summer Camp Planning Tool Kit:

Save the dates for the final webinar in the series! 7pm Eastern Time.

For current Bears and Webelos (rising Webelos and AOLs)

May 20, 2025: Your First Day – Arrival Overview
https://ncacbsa-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_P4iNXGFlSj-FFmMVhDnJgA

Scouting prepares values and skills in business, NOESA recipients say

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The National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) awarded 11 Eagle Scouts with the Outstanding Eagle Scout Award to recognize their professional accomplishments, three of whom currently work in business through financial services or economic development and connect their achievements back to Scouting.

The NOESA was established in 2010 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Scouting America. The award recognizes Eagle Scouts who have demonstrated achievements beyond their Scouting experiences. On April 22, 2025, the NOESA will be presented to the Eagle Scouts at an awards dinner in Arlington, Virginia. 

James Mendelsohn, one of the NOESA recipients involved in financial services, is honored to receive the award and earning his Eagle still holds a special place in his heart. 

“If I were to list out the things I have done that I am the most proud of, Eagle has always been one of them, and it was the first significant thing that I did,” Mendelsohn said. 

Mendelsohn is the founder and managing director of Proximo Capital, which is an investment banking advisory firm dedicated to providing growth capital for middle market companies. He leads his team of six professionals with a focus on client acquisition and investor relationships. 

Up until 2010, Mendelsohn also worked at Capital One as the vice president. In his role, he was part of the team who built Capital One into the largest independent card issuer in the United States. He also launched the “What’s in Your Wallet” marketing campaign, which won many awards such as an AMA Gold Effie and the ARF David Ogilvy Award. 

As a Scout, Mendelsohn was part of the National Capital Area Council in Troop 240 in Bethesda, Maryland. He appreciates the lifelong impact that Scouting has had on him. 

“The guys I was in Scouts with, we’re all still friends 40 years later,” Mendelsohn said. “Those friendship that have been lifelong are just a hugely important part of my life and that came in Scouting.” 

Mendelsohn reflected on the skills and values he learned as a Scout, including helping others and the community. These values have stuck with him throughout his life and are reflected in his company. 

“It sort of really struck that Eagle is about who you are, and that early definition of character just carries through and is how I run my company, how I am with people, and it has really defined me as an adult.” 

Jason Wright will be receiving the NOESA in recognition of his athletic and business career. Wright currently is employed as the managing partner and head of investments at Ariel Investments’ Project Level, a private investment fund dedicated to leveling the playing field in women’s sports. From 2013-2020, he was a partner at McKinsey & Company before becoming president of the Washington Commanders. 

During his time at the Washington Commanders, Wright made history by being the first Black president in NFL and the fourth former NFL player to become president of a team. He played in the NFL for seven years as a running back and was team captain and NFLPA player representative for the Arizona Cardinals in 2011. 

Wright was in Troop 777 in the Greater Los Angeles Area Council. He recalls the determination he had to get his Eagle Scout Project approved and completed, which has now facilitated his ability to accomplish his goals. 

 “The process of earning the Eagle Scout rank, especially the pull from Life to Eagle, was a case study in perseverance,” Wright said. 

When Wright was president of the Commanders, he worked to get a bill passed through Congress so that the land of the RFK stadium was given to D.C. for proper development. He cites parallels between this experience and getting his Eagle Scout Project approved, as both allowed him to develop powerful negotiation skills. 

“I had no idea that at age 14, I would learn how to broker a public private partnership and execute a project that ushered in public good,” Wright said. 

Buddy Rizer is a NOESA honoree with experience in economics, currently working as the executive director for the Loudoun County, Virginia Economic Development. In this role, he leads the agencies responsible for encouraging growth and developing relationship’s with Loudoun’s business community through both commercial and agricultural-based business sectors.

With his expertise, Rizer helped built the Data Center Alley, which is one of the world’s largest concentration of data centers and also has experience with international business development in China, France, Germany, Russia, Ireland, United Kingdom, Finland, Taiwan, Japan, India, Korea, Ghana, Uruguay and the United Arab Emirates. He has been named Tech Titan by the Washingtonian Magazine seven times and has been named one of the most 50 most influential Virginians six times by Virginia Business Magazine.

As a Scout, Rizer was part of Troop T123 from the Mason Dixon Council in Funktown, Maryland. He said he feels prideful to be an Eagle Scout and even continues to include it as an accomplishment on his resume.

“I think it taught me everything that I know today about leadership, working with people, goal setting, being prepared and all the things that Scouting brings you,” Rizer said.

Rizer has found that Scouting allowed him to develop a commitment to service, appreciation for leadership and giving back to the community. He also said it instilled confidence in himself because he learned he could be successful.

“I would say it was foundational for everything that I’ve accomplished in my life and it’s where I learned how to lead a team and overcome challenges,” Rizer said. “The values of Scouting have guided me through every chapter of my journey in life and I think Scouting has been incredibly important to where I’ve ended up today.”

All three men feel honored to be recognized for their achievements and believe that any group of Eagle Scouts would be filled with accomplished individuals.