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Articles

The Importance of Summer Resident Camp in the Scouting Experience

July 22, 2025 by Dan Paré

The Importance of Summer Resident Camp in the Scouting Experience, as told by an Assistant Scoutmaster.

Summer resident camp is more than just a fun escape into the outdoors—it’s a vital part of the Scouting experience that tests the skills, values, and character traits developed over a year of meetings and weekend adventures. It pushes Scouts beyond their comfort zones and gives them opportunities to lead, serve, and grow in ways that aren’t always possible in shorter or more structured settings.

This summer, I had the privilege of attending three different camps: Camp Snyder with my Wolf Cub, Pipsico with my Scouts BSA son, and Camp Ross at Goshen with my Webelos. Each offered its own unique challenges and rewards, and together they reminded me why resident camp is such a powerful part of the Scouting journey.

At Camp Snyder, my youngest learned the importance of being part of a den outside the familiar structure of our regular Thursday meetings. He got his first taste of independence—making choices, following schedules, and participating in his favorite activities like BB shooting, archery, and building. Most importantly, he learned to encourage his fellow Cub Scouts and show Scout spirit, even when he was tired or frustrated.

Camp Ross was a major step up for my Webelos. There, the Scouts were encouraged to take more ownership of their experience—navigating to activities on their own, helping lead flag ceremonies, and completing service projects. Severe weather rolled through camp one night, and I watched as Scouts calmly executed the emergency protocols they had learned. They stayed calm under pressure, made smart decisions, and looked out for one another. It was a clear example of how camp puts Scouting values into action. Even more personally, I saw growth when my picky eater decided to try unfamiliar camp meals. Outside of his comfort zone, he learned that adventure sometimes starts at the dinner table.

At Pipsico, my older Scout dove into the high adventure atmosphere. He earned merit badges, worked with Scouts from other troops, and took on leadership roles within his patrol. The week challenged him physically and mentally, and he came home with a renewed sense of purpose—and a whole lot of stories.

Across all three camps, the same core values shone through: service, resilience, leadership, and Scout spirit. Resident camp gives Scouts a full immersion into the Scout Oath and Law—not just reciting them, but living them every day. Whether cleaning a campsite, helping a nervous camper, or adapting to sudden weather changes, Scouts grow through experience.

In the end, summer camp is not just a tradition or a reward—it’s an essential, transformative experience that helps shape our Scouts into capable, confident, and compassionate leaders. It’s where the lessons of Scouting come to life.

Filed Under: At Camp

Young Eagle Builds a Gaga Ball Pit for His School

July 21, 2025 by Caleb Schweitzer

 

Congratulations to Caleb S. for completing his Eagle Scout Project!

Caleb earned his eagle scout rank at age 11, and for his Eagle Project he decided to build a Gaga ball pit for his school, The Academy of Christian Education (ACE). When asking Caleb why he chose this as his project, his response was “I made a Gaga ball pit for my school because it didn’t have one and one of my troops’ favorite activities is playing Gaga ball on campouts.”

As an active scout, Caleb was both Senior Patrol Leader and chaplain’s aid for Troop 157. He also participated in pancake breakfast for Shrove Thursday and attended an Honor Flight at Dulles with his troop. Caleb is also involved in acting, soccer, basketball and swimming.

 

Filed Under: Eagle of the Week

New Eagle Scout with Troop 1533G

July 20, 2025 by MICHAEL SHEN

On Sunday June 22, 2025, Maria S. appeared before and successfully passed her Eagle Scout Board of Review. Her journey first started with the now defunct Troop/Pack 1789 at Knox Presbyterian Church when Cubs scouts initially allowed girls. There she unofficially enjoyed the activities of boy’s troop and helped out her sister’s pack. After a year, because the troop had issues chartering issues, and no longer wanting to miss out on the fun, she found and joined Troop 1533G at Mantua (now Fairfax) – and thus officially beginning her scout journey. At the encouragement of Pack 1789’s Cubmaster, she kept her ties by being the Den Chief – first with Pack 1789 then with Pack 1537 at Shrevewood, by seeing her sister cross over to her troop. The rest is 1533 history…

In the 7 years at Troop 1533 – Fairfax, VA her scouting highlights include:

  • 1533G Founding Member
  • 68 Merit Badges (and counting – she plans on finishing up a few more before aging out)
  • Order of the Arrow Membership
  • NYLT (National Youth Leadership Training)
  • Eagle Project with George Marshall High School at Fairfax County Public Schools where she is a rising senior
But beyond the achievements, what’s most important, is the lifetime of memories throughout her scouting career. Thank you to everyone who has been her support system – the journey would not have been the same without you!
 

Filed Under: Eagle of the Week

Eagle Scout coordinating rescue efforts following floods in Central Texas

July 11, 2025 by Marijke Hart

U.S. Coast Guard Commander Nathan Shakespeare is the Air Operations Officer out of Corpus Christi, TX spearheading the Coast Guard’s rescue operations down in Central Texas following the devastating flooding from July 4. Commander Shakespeare is an Eagle Scout with Troop 698 from Burke, VA.

On July 8, NPR’s Morning Edition interviewed Commander Shakespeare regarding the rescue operations in Central Texas.

Listen to the full interview: U.S. Coast Guard aids in rescue operation following floods in central Texas : NPR One

Read the full interview: U.S. Coast Guard aids in rescue operation following floods in central Texas : NPR

Commander Nathan Shakespeare, USCG

Filed Under: Featured, Leaders Tagged With: community, Eagle Scout, Leadership

Loudoun Cub Scouts Experience the Outdoors

July 7, 2025 by Marijke Hart

 

National Capital Area Council's Loudoun District Day Camp recognized by LoudounNow news outlet.

Loudoun District Day Camp was recognized by LoudounNow news.

The Cub Scouts from Loudoun District in our National Capital Area Council (NCAC) enjoyed a week of both day camp and twilight (evening) camp the last week in June at Murray Hill.

Some of the activities throughout the week included fishing, hiking, slingshot, BB guns, archery, first aid demonstrations, arts & crafts, and STEM activities.

Read the full article here: LoudounNow

 

Filed Under: At Camp, Scouting Programs

Eagle Project Improves Playground’s Permanence

July 3, 2025 by Marijke Hart

Samuel G., a member of Troop 773 in Potomac, Maryland, received recognition for his Eagle Scout Project on The MoCoShow.

His project was designed to help protect and preserve the King Farm Park playground by preventing sediment runoff and maintaining the integrity of the playground surface.

Read the full article here: The MoCoShow

Filed Under: Eagle of the Week

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