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 Successful Mission for Hands-on History

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Cub Scouts from Pack 8 in Bethesda, Maryland inquired about having a history presentation with the intent of inspiring the Scouts and their parents for the upcoming year. In response, NCAC’s History Committee member, Michael Groover, shared part of his extensive memorabilia on Saturday, August 23, 2025. His display and presentation centered on the history of Scouting America.

The event was part of the Scouts’ three activities during the summertime for the Scouts to earn the Summertime Fun Adventure loop. While at the Marriott Scout Service Center they also added a shopping component at the National Capital Scout Shop to gear up for the next rank’s activities.

Jon Breece, Wolf Den Leader, reported that “The parents–including me–and the Scouts learned a lot. My son, a Presidential history enthusiast, particularly liked seeing the old photographs of FDR at the 1937 National Jamboree in Washington, DC. I saw others liked seeing the footage and photos of Scouts from yesteryear and comparing their uniforms with older versions.”

“For me, the presentation and artifacts made me consider how our present-day Pack 8 families are a part of a larger and longer story of Scouting and think about how we can weave that history and stories of service and adventure into our programming this year.”

More about our Pack: https://www.bethesdapack8.org/

WTOP Reports McLean Troop Saves Life on Bike Trip

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Our Scouts and leaders were prepared for life and saved a life! With the skills learned for the First Aid Merit Badge on what to do for a heart attack and the leader Basic CPR/AED training for an upcoming high adventure trip, members of Troop 1916 acted fast and knew what to do resulting in a life saved. Their message is for everyone to be trained in CPR.
These Scouts didn’t just learn CPR—they learned to stay calm under pressure, to care for others, and to act with courage and compassion. Scouting America develops future leaders. It equips youth with real-world skills and the confidence to use them when it matters most.
To the Scouts of Troop 1916: thank you for showing us what preparedness and character look like in action.

Eagle Project Renovates Cancer Center’s Wig Fitting Room

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Arlington Patch featured a story about an Eagle Scout project at the Sid and Reba Dewberry Cancer Center at VHC Health in Arlington.

Abbud renovated the wig fitting room to elevate the space and take it beyond a storage closet space.

Read the story on Patch at this link: Wig Fitting Room Gets Makeover Thanks To Eagle Scout Project | Arlington, VA Patch

 

 

New Scout’s First Summer Camp

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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.

Paddling, Portaging, and Persevering: Troop 1094’s Northern Tier Adventure

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Troop 1094 recently returned from a challenging and unforgettable adventure at Northern Tier, Scouting America’s high adventure wilderness canoeing base in the Boundary Waters of Minnesota.

The Scouts faced foggy mornings, rainy afternoons, rough waters, and plenty of wildlife, including pesky mosquitoes, leeches, and even what they called “mini bears.” Adult leader Mr. Kuehn summed up the experience: “We weathered foggy mornings, rainy afternoons, rough seas, depleted toilet paper, leeches, skeeters, deadly quicksand, mini bears, huge mouth bass, questionably cleaned cookware, heavily iodized lake water, and completed an epic trek together.”

Senior Patrol Leader Ryan D. shared that the trek wasn’t without real danger. “The biggest challenge was when we entered Ima Lake. We had just finished the longest portage of the trek, 112 rods, and got on a lake with extremely high winds. Ima Lake had swells large enough to break and make whitecaps. We had to look for a campsite right away because it was too dangerous to stay on the lake. Unfortunately, the closest campsite had just been taken. So, we had to keep going. Even worse, we had to go north while the waves were moving east. Some big swells dumped water into the back of the canoes. We made it to a campsite, but each canoe was on its last legs by that point. One more large wave would have capsized the boats.”

Despite the hardships, the Troop ended their adventure on a high note. Draisen said the biggest highlight was building a homemade canoe trimaran on the final day. “We made a trimaran out of the canoes and went 2 miles. The left canoe paddled on the left, the right on the right, and the middle canoe held the boats together. The two sterns steered. They said it was surprisingly maneuverable.”

With memories of teamwork, resilience, and stunning views, these scouts brought home more than just bug bites, they returned with a sense of accomplishment and stories they’ll share for years to come.

I Caught the Biggest Fish!

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“Today at Day Camp I went fishing. After a while, when I didn’t catch one, I was sad and thought everyone else was catching fish. Then, when we were almost out of time, the fishing bobber went under water. I yanked my fishing rod as hard as I could. I was excited because I caught my first and biggest fish!!”

Congratulations to Kanayo for continuing to try and not give up. You truly exhibited the traits of a good Scout!