On October 22nd, Bears from Pack 1139 completed their Baloo the Builder Adventure in Michael’s Woodshop. They learned about useful tools
to have in their toolboxes and practiced using clamps, sanding blocks, hammers and nail punches. They made a golf tee game board as their “fun project” and after sanding, they applied a clear polyurethane finish. Finally, as their “useful project”, each Bear made their own toolbox. It was a couple of hours very well spent and not only did these Bears learn a few things and have some fun but, they also earned the distinction of having among their Den the 500th Bear to complete the Baloo the Builder Adventure in Michael’s Woodshop!
The Baloo the Builder and Webelos Build It Workshops are two of the most popular activities in Michael’s Woodshop. These workshops are great, hands-on activities that are fun, learning experiences for the Cub Scouts. To learn more about these workshops and the many other shop activities available, or to reserve the shop for an activity, please visit the Michael’s Woodshop webpage. Start planning now to schedule an activity for your unit in the spring.
With continuing high demand for woodshop activities, we recently announced the expansion of the woodshop. To support the additional work space we need additional tooling and are seeking additional volunteers to join the Woodshop Team. There are roles available for experienced woodworkers, Woodwork Merit Badge Counselors, and both adult and youth assistants. For more information about becoming a volunteer or donating tools, please see our recent article Michael’s Woodshop is Expanding! or email us at MichaelsWoodshop.CWBS@gmail.com for additional information.
Troop 1577 had a fantastic campout on October 28-29 at Lake Fairfax! It started with dropping off the Scouts at a location about 25 minutes away from camp, and they found their way back for Camping merit badge requirement 3.
Beyond the pursuit of merit badges, Scouting fulfilled a need that their Mother, Renee, knew had to be met for her sons, “Scouting was life changing. For me as a single mom when my husband died, it was a struggle to find the right place where I could have the boys be active and find nice people who could teach the boys something because I couldn’t teach them any more as a mom and their father was gone. I was so worried, so concerned.” When they finally found a Troop close to their home in Virginia and started to learn more about Scouting, Renee reflected, “I found that there were older kids doing great things so that was the goal. We looked at each other and thought that maybe we could try doing that.”
When the three Scouts awarded grandparent pins to Gretchen and Kief Tackaberry for helping them along their Scout journey, it was evident that Scouting had in fact extended their family beyond their dedicated mother. Mrs. Tackaberry wound up sewing on their merit badges to very large sashes. Anthony noted Mr. Tackaberry was a mentor who was caring and smart. Renee added “a very special thank you to Gretchen and Kief Tackaberry for their unconditional support and dedication to Scouting.”
Please join us for a fun evening of basketball as the Washington Wizards take on the Toronto Raptors.
Callum is a Star Scout from Troop 697 in the Patriot District. He has earned 65 out of the 138 Merit Badges. He first began his Scouting career as a Cub in the first grade. After reading his Scout Handbook cover to cover he became inspired to earn merit badges and advance in rank. When asked what he learned in pursuit of his badges Callum shared “I have learned countless things, like how to mount a stamp, how to use a tourniquet, how to operate a tractor, and how to write my own musical composition! I do find that some badges are more useful, like First Aid. If I’m hiking and I fall and there’s a bleeding wound, I know how to treat it. I learned in Sustainability how I can save money and protect the environment. In plumbing, I learned how to unclog pipes. During all the recent strikes, I learned about American Labor and Unions. I’m curious about everything!”
completed his necessary service hours, became a patrol leader, and completed 6 of the 13 badges from the list required for Eagle Scouts. Earning merit badges for First Aid, Swimming, Environmental Science, Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship in the Nation, Citizenship in the World, Citizenship in Society, and Lifesaving. He is currently working on Cooking, Personal Management, and Family Life. Callum thought the Sustainability badge was the hardest to earn, he recalled “I had to implement ways to save on my family’s energy, water, heating, and transportation bills. Even though this one was super hard, It is still one of my favorite badges because I’m really interested in making the world a 
better place.” When asked what his favorite merit badge Callum explained” Space Exploration was my favorite because I got to build a model rocket and launch it into the sky. I got to design a lunar base and learn about Aerospace Engineers. I really want to become an Aerospace Engineer, especially after earning that badge.”
The October 2023 NCAC Potomac District Monthly Eagle Board of Review for 11 Scouts was held last night.
