Articles

Troop 1345 Continues Tradition of “Flags Along the Parkway”

June 14, 2020 by The Scouter Digest Staff

Scout BSA Troop 1345, sponsored by the Burke Centre Conservancy of Burke, VA, continues a twenty-year tradition of raising American flags along the Burke Centre Parkway in honor of Flag Day.

For nearly 40 years, Burke Centre Conservancy, a community of 5,800 homes in Fairfax County, has sponsored Scouts BSA Troop 1345 for boys; starting in 2019 they added Scouts BSA Troop 1345G for female members. For more than 20 years the Troop has helped the community show its pride by setting up 30 American flags in the median along Burke Centre Parkway between Burke Lake Road and Oak Leather Drive on every Flag Day and other federal holidays.

Without any fanfare or attention, the Scouts quietly set up the flags early in the morning for the community to enjoy through the day. As the day winds down, the Scouts return to quietly pack the flags away for future display. Through rain, snow, and even social distancing, the Scouts have added a little bit of patriotism to this part of Fairfax County throughout the years.

Troop 1345 will continue the tradition this Flag Day because it is a way for them to demonstrate good citizenship in their community. As Troop 1345G Scoutmaster Kate Mattice says, “It just brightens the community – and perhaps provides some normalcy – during these times.”

With social distance guidelines still intact, outdoor events such as “Flags Along the Parkway” create opportunities for Scouts to stay active in the community while abiding by local safety rules.

Scoutmasters and Scouts from Troop 1345 on Sunday, June 14, 2020, in the median along Burke Centre Parkway between Burke Lake Road and Oak Leather Drive Burke Centre Parkway between 8:30am and 9:00am participated in raising the flags. Scouts and Scoutmasters will return around 5:00pm to remove the flags for future display. Please join Troop 1345 and the city of Burke in their efforts to honor Flag Day by raising your American Flag today.

Family – Fun – Flag – FOURTH!

June 14, 2020 by Steve Scherr

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!

Adventures of Pack-Man and Newbie – Flag

June 14, 2020 by Roger Claff

Today is Flag Day.

What’s it all about? Inspired by decades of state and local celebrations, Flag Day was officially established by the Proclamation of President Woodrow Wilson on May 30th, 1916. While Flag Day was celebrated in various communities for years after President Wilson’s proclamation, it was not until August 3rd, 1949, that President Harry Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14 of each year as National Flag Day.

Did you know a Boy Scout designed the current U.S. flag? In 1958, 17-year-old Boy Scout Bob Heft designed the current U.S. flag as part of a school project. Heft received a B- from his teacher, but President Eisenhower liked the design so much he chose it as the official flag two years later.

Orginial Article: https://headsup.boyslife.org/flag-day-celebrated/

Cub-A-Day Program Week 2 (June 15-20)

June 14, 2020 by The Scouter Digest Staff

MONDAY

Hey, Cub Scouts, it’s Make It Monday

Having a home First Aid kit is super important. Today, you should build a first aid kit for home. Already got one? Then check on the supplies. With your parent, make sure you know how to use the materials in your kit.

Here are some ideas if you want to make your own. https://www.mysouthernhealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/02_08-First-Aid-Infographic.jpg

TUESDAY

Are you hungry? It’s Taste It Tuesday…

With just a little science and a little shaking – You can make ice cream in a plastic bag! Let us know your favorite flavors and toppings in the comments.

Here’s an easy recipe to try. https://www.scoutshop.org/blog/5-cub-scout-activities-for-your-weekend.html

WEDNESDAY

All who wander are not lost… especially on Wander Around Wednesday

For today, take a walk around your home or neighborhood and see if you can identify six signs of animals. If you see a live animal, be sure to keep a respectful distance. You might find shed antlers, skins, tracks, or droppings – they all count!

Remember the Outdoor Code. Cub Scouts of every rank can complete at least one adventure requirement with this activity – Check your book for what you can do!

Lion: Mountain Lion #1
Tiger: My Tiger Jungle #1 & 2
Wolf: Paws on the Path – #5 & 6
Bears: Fur Feathers and Ferns #1
Webelos/AOL: Webelos Walkabout #1, 4, & 5

THURSDAY

It’s time to put your family first on Thoughtful Thursday

There are so many things to do to keep your family safe and healthy. For the next week, work with another family member to take over one of their chores. If you are a Webelos Scout, make sure you get credit for Project Family!

Meets the Webelos Project Family #4 requirement.

FRIDAY

Let’s explore your personal history on Family Fun Friday

Have Family Storytime. Ask a family adult or another relative to tell a story about your family history. Where did they come from and when did they move are great questions to ask.

Check the requirements for Webelos Project Family #1 or 2, and Tiger Family Stories #1

SATURDAY

It’s Safety Saturday…

The new Protect Yourself Adventure is a great way to learn how to keep yourself safe around strangers, on the internet, and whom you can talk with if something happens that makes you feel unsafe.

Pick a requirement from the Adventure for your rank and work on it as a family: https://www.scouting.org/programs/cub-scouts/preview-adventures/protect-yourself-rules/

Guidance on Resuming In-Person Scouting Activities

June 12, 2020 by Aaron Chusid

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 Forms Council Equality Committee

June 11, 2020 by Aaron Chusid

The National Capital Area Council, BSA stands firmly with our friends, neighbors and Scouting families in denouncing racism and prejudice in our organization, our communities, and our world.

As Scouts we are guided by the Scout Oath and Law. We firmly believe that by instilling these values through Scouting in young people we are aiding in the goal of ending all systemic racism in our country. Our youth protection and anti-bullying programs and policies are designed to protect Scouts. The Boy Scouts of America stands against racism, violence, bullying and harassment of any kind. It is unacceptable, and it contradicts every single one of our values.

We stand by the statement released recently by the Boy Scouts of America. We also believe we must pair our words with actions. During the past week, leadership of National Capital Area Council has taken steps to create a Council Equality Committee. This committee will be charged with identifying meaningful steps, which will be taken to educate our members and ensure all families know they are welcome in Scouting and will treated fairly and equitably.

National Capital Area Council is pleased to announce that Clarence Crayton will be serving as Chairman of this new initiative. Mr. Crayton is a veteran Scouter and former NCAC Council Commissioner. He is an active member of Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church and serves as chartered organization representative for their Scouting units. His knowledge of Scouting and strong community and faith-based background make him ideal for this important leadership role.

This is an important time in our nation’s history. We believe Scouting can play a role in preparing young people to become productive adult citizens, and to eliminate racism and other unacceptable behaviors from our society.