We Own Adventure

Scouting News for the DC Metro Area

Articles

Eagle Scout Project enhances George C. Marshall High School’s culinary program

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Maria with the spiral garden she created as part of her Eagle Scout project.Congratulations to Maria S. for completing her Eagle Scout project.

Maria’s Eagle Scout Project was completed at George C. Marshall High School and was centered on the construction of a spiral herb garden to support the school’s culinary program. In addition, the school’s courtyard received a much-needed enhancement through the weeding of existing garden beds and the restoration of surrounding open space.

Sincere thanks to Fairfax County Public Schools, the dedicated volunteers of George C. Marshall High School (project sponsor), and Troop 1533 – Fairfax, VA (host troop) for their invaluable support in making this project a success.

   

Paws-itively Helpful: Loudoun Scouts Come to the Rescue at Local Animal Shelter

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When the mulch piled up, Scouts from Loudoun District were ready to roll up their sleeves and get to work—no bones about it!

Recently, the Loudoun County Animal Services facility found itself in a bind. Three large outdoor dog play areas—used daily for everything from socialization to enrichment—were scheduled for fresh mulch to help keep the pups happy and healthy. The mulch was delivered, but the volunteers originally lined up—high school seniors finishing their Capstone programs—had already wrapped up for the year.

Enter Life Scout Calvin J. of Troop 1907. While dropping off his own Eagle Scout project at the shelter, Calvin heard about the impending mulch mountain and gap in manpower. Without missing a beat, he stepped up, organized a SignUpGenius, and rallied fellow Scouts from Troops 1907, 1158G, and 996 to lend a hand.

On a hot and muggy Virginia morning (85°F with 1000% humidity!), Scouts grabbed shovels, rakes, and wheelbarrows and got to work. With teamwork and determination, they spread over 3,000 pounds of mulch across the three dog play areas—transforming them into safer, more comfortable spaces for the shelter’s canine companions.

Despite the heat, the Scouts kept spirits high, stayed hydrated, and even managed to have some fun along the way. Whether raking mulch or racing wheelbarrows, they proved that the Scouting Spirit is high in Loudoun District!

A big thank-you goes out to Calvin J. for taking initiative and to the Scouts and leaders from Troops 1907, 1158G, and 996 who showed that when animals need help, Loudoun Scouts are always ready to “dig in!”

For more LCAS Volunteering Opportunities please contact Amelia Monroe @ 571.233.1962

#ScoutingAmerica #ScoutingLoudoun #ServiceWithASmile #ScoutOn

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!

Troop 1094 Conducts Cold Weather Training in Minnesota

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By Holden Pierce, Historian, Troop 1094

An image of the sunset at Northern Tier
[An image of the sunset taken by Ryan D., Life Scout of Troop 1094]
This past winter, Troop 1094 of Darnestown sent two full crews to Scouting America’s Northern Tier High Adventure Base in Ely, Minnesota to participate in a rugged cold weather high adventure experience. Scouting America has four national level high adventure bases in the United States where Scouts can excel in their outdoor skills while having a bunch of fun. In summer, the Northern Tier High Adventure Base allows Scouts the opportunity to conduct amazing canoeing treks in the boundary waters of Canada and upper Minnesota. In winter, the Northern Tier High Adventure Base allows Scouts the opportunity to participate in amazing cold weather activities during their “Okpik” (means Snowy Owl in the Inuit language) program in which Scouts learn how to thrive in subzero temperatures, travel across frozen wilderness lakes, and construct their own sleeping structures out of snow.

After flying into Minneapolis / St. Paul International Airport, the Troop 1094’s two crews then had a 5-hour bus ride north to Ely, which is right next to the Canadian border. Once we arrived at the Northern Tier High Adventure Base, we were busy from the very start. First, we were broken into two separate crews of 8 Scouts and three adults each and then introduced to our “Interpreters” (crew guides). We then conducted detailed planning for our cold-weather activities for the week and then got issued all of our cold weather gear before staying in cabins for the night. The next morning, our cold weather adventures began.

An image of our crew hiking across Flash Lake.
[An image of our crew hiking across Flash Lake taken by Matthew M., Life Scout of Troop 1094]
During our time in the wilderness, our two crews had an amazing time. Some of our awesome activities included snow shoeing, cross-country skiing, dog sledding, ice skating, ice fishing, playing broom ball, and curling. Everywhere we went, each crew member had to pull their own sled with all their own gear along with some crew gear. Each night, our crews usually slept in established campsites right next to the edge of the lake, but one night, our crews actually slept out on the ice in the middle of the lake. That was really cool. None of us had ever done that before. During the trek, we never used tents. Instead, we built windbreak structures while sleeping under the stars. A windbreak structure is made out of snow and has four walls about three feet tall on all sides where the scouts sleep in the middle to keep the wind from hitting them.

While we were there, we all earned several cool awards. One of the awards was the Duty to God Patch. To earn that patch, we had to say the Northern Tier grace before every meal and hold a brief daily devotion. Another award that we earned was the Okpik Winter Trek Patch. To earn that patch, we had to camp out in the wilderness for at least two nights and hike at least seven miles.

I interviewed one of our Star Scouts, Ryan H., about his experience at Northern Tier, and he said: “The experience was a 10 out of 10 and many memories were made!” Overall, the Scouts and adults that went to the Northern Tier High Adventure Base this past winter had a great time and made many memories along the way.

During 2025, Troop 1094 will be participating in two more awesome high adventure trips. In June, our Troop is sending one crew back to Northern Tier in Minnesota to participate in a 10-day canoeing trek in the Canadian boundary waters. And in December, our Troop is sending a crew to Sea Base in Florida to participate in a 7-day Coral Reef sailing adventure. We love high adventure trips!