We Own Adventure

Scouting News for the DC Metro Area

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Meet 2022 Silver Beaver Recipient Susan Lichtman

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Susan is a dedicated wife and proud mom of two adult Eagle Scouts. She has been an active scouter for over 20 years working with the Seneca District and NCAC. Susan has worked on the Pack Committee while her two sons were in Cubs and helped with event logistics, outings, and award ceremonies. She finally crossed over into Scouts when her youngest moved up from Arrow of Light to Scout. At the troop level, Susan served the unit in a myriad of ways. She was an Assistant Scout Master, Troop Committee member, Summer Camp chaperone, and Merit Badge counselor just to name a few.

Susan has worn many hats at the district level including, Cub Scout Day Camp Nature Station Master, Member-at-Large on Seneca District Committee, District Membership committee, Climb Master, and Family Scouting Champion. Having served on the District Camporee Committee since its inception, 8 years ago, she assists with planning and running stations. Susan personally designed some popular stations like the A-Frame, Branding, and Blacksmith. Additionally, she even brought onboard several scouters from another district, who now volunteer every year.

At the Council level, Susan participates in the NCAC Jewish Committee on Scouting and has worked to organize events for various holidays and festivals, the annual merit badge fair, and serves as a counselor for the Jewish religious scout awards. Outside of Scouting, Susan has been very active in her local and religious communities. She served as a volunteer coordinator, school field trip chaperone, Chief Election Judge, mentor for the Future Voters program, and facilitator for AARP tax program.

At the Button Farm Living History Center, Susan was the Volunteer Coordinator for their Germantown Flea Market partnership and was a docent for visitors and school tours. Susan served over 12 years as Chief Election Judge and Mentor for Montgomery County’s Future Voters program. During COVID, Susan became a Facilitator with the AARP Tax-Aide program. One of Susan’s favorite activities was acting as a field trip chaperone for her kids’ school.

Susan served over 12 years as a religious schoolteacher at Congregation Or Hadash, grades K through 7. With her husband, Susan served as Havurot, or Fellowship, Coordinator for monthly family Sabbath dinners and Coordinator for after-service refreshments. On a lighter note, Susan loves to sing alto in the congregation’s choir.

Congratulations to Susan and the 2022 Silver Beaver Class!

Meet 2022 Silver Beaver Recipient Phil Jackson

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As the second born of two children to John, Sr. and Louise Jackson, Phillip Robert-Charles Jackson was born and raised in southeast, Washington, D.C. He graduated from Ballou Sr. High School, and went on to major in Engineering Mathematics at the North Carolina A.&T. State University in Greensboro, N.C. from 1966 to 1969. Afterwards, he returned to DC to be a part-time student at GW Univ. while working full-time as an Accounting clerk with Travelers Insurance Co.

However, Phil’s ultimate desire was to follow in the footsteps of his hero….his older brother, John, Jr. ( aka “Buster”)[now deceased] who was a pilot in the U.S. Air Force. Therefore, in 1970 he joined the 113th Fighter Wing of the DC Air National Guard as a ‘dual-status’ employee (civilian & military), and was trained as an Aircraft Maintenance Team supervisor, called a 11Crew Chief’. This position was exciting, and fulfilling to Phil because it challenged him to remain proficient in technical, and mechanical skills as well as top physical condition.

In addition, he had to supervise 12 specialist personnel who assisted him in maintenance. Phil was assigned his own fighter jet, and was charged with keeping it in tip-top flying condition 24/7. He often found himself in the cockpit of his jet to perform operational checks on aircraft systems. Phil traveled with his military unit all over the world on training, and peace-keeping missions. Some of Phil’s additional duties in the USAF include “Training Manager”; “Career Counselor”; and,  “Commander of the Drill Team & Ceremonial Unit” at Andrews AFB. His Air Force career lasted 34 years including 4 tours in the Persian Gulf War zones. He retired in 2004.

Phil is a life-long member of Campbell A.M.E. Church, and he loves the Lord. These days, he serves God at Campbell through several Ministries including; The Board of Trustees; Church Sunday School Teacher; “Reach Group” Leader (“The Philippians”); “Sons of Allen” Men’s Ministry; and, Church Facilities Manager. Phil is the author of the_ church’s “Resolution° which is read at “Homegoing11 Services at Campbell. He’s a student in the Wednesday afternoon Bible Study class. Phil is also the founder, and leader (“Chartered Organization Representative”) of the scouting Ministry at Campbell, and has done so for the last 20 years. In addition, several years ago, he also served as “District Commissioner” for 3 years. And recently, has served in the capacity of “Unit Commissioner”, as well as on the District’s “Nominating Committee”.

As of this August 31st, Phil will have been happily married to the lovely Joan Jackson for 20 years. They parent 4 adult children, and are grandparents of 5 who affectionately call Phil, “Big Daddy-0”. For fun, Phil enjoys hand-dancing to “oldies”. music, and listening to smooth jazz. He also enjoys biking, camping, and swimming. Congratulations to Phil and the 2022 Silver Beaver Class! Please join us on May 22, 2022 at Camp Snyder for this special Court of Honor. To purchase your ticket, visit https://scoutingevent.com/082-58006

Meet 2022 Silver Beaver Recipient Brian Summers

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Brian Summers, SR is a scouter who professionally has spent over 30 years as an IT professional and is a Cyber Security Manager, PMP, and CISSP at ManTech international. Brian started his scouting career at age 11 in Troop 154 in Falls Church, VA.  He earned the Youth Religious award, became a member of the Order of the Arrow, and became an Eagle Scout and lifelong membership in the National Eagle Scout Association.

He later enlisted in the US Army as a Combat Engineer Amy, Brian’s lovely wife of 27 years, is an Academic Language Therapist who works with children and adults with learning disabilities.  Their daughter, Ashley Summers, is a chemistry honors senior at Mary Washington University and a chemist for Aerojet.  Brian’s son, Brian Jr, will begin his college career at George Mason University, studying engineering.  Brian Jr is also an Eagle Scout, Order of the Arrow Vigil, and the George Mason OA Chapter Chief.

Brian returned to Scouting after starting his family, first as a Cub Master and then later an assistant scoutmaster with troop 1978 in Vienna, VA.  He is a graduate of Wood Badge N5-82-18-1, Camp School and Powder Horn.  During Brian’s Scouting career, he has earned the Scout Trainer Award, Commissioner Arrowhead Honor, District Award of Merit, the James West Fellowship Award, and received the Order of the Arrow Vigil Honor.  Brian continues as an assistant scoutmaster, George Mason District Shooting Sports Director, and Roundtable Commissioner.  He is also an NCAC Shooting Sports Director and supports most unit, district, and council shooting sports events.

Brian teaches STEM through FIRST and shooting sports and safety outside of Scouting.  He is a US Archery Association Level 2 Instructor and an NRA CRSO, Rifle, Pistol, and Shotgun instructor.  Since 2017, Brian has been a FIRST Robotics coach, teaching STEM to youth.

Congratulations to Brian and the 2022 Silver Beaver Class! Please join us on May 22, 2022 at Camp Snyder for this special Court of Honor. To purchase your ticket, visit https://scoutingevent.com/082-58006

Meet 2022 Silver Beaver Recipient Maria Raffucci-Cooper

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Maria Raffucci-Cooper is no stranger to the busy lifestyle that comes with volunteering for the BSA and being a full-time registered nurse. As a dedicated leader in the National Capital Area Council, she has served in positions at the unit, district, and council levels. She currently serves as a Crew Adviser for Crew 1853 and a council trainer in the NYLT and Woodbadge programs. She also volunteers in the community by making regular food deliveries from a local food shelter to community members in need.

Maria believes everyone should take basic first aid skills. As a result, she has made herself available to teach First Aid/CPR/AED and Wilderness First Aid to numerous groups, including Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of America, and other volunteer organizations in the community. Maria is a Brotherhood Member of the Order of the Arrow and has received several Scouting recognitions, including the District Award of Merit.

Maria and her husband are the proud parents of three boys. Two are Eagle Scouts and one other working on his Eagle Award. She is extremely proud of all their accomplishments and credits the Scouting program with their success in life.

Congratulations to Maria and the 2022 Silver Beaver Class! Please join us on May 22, 2022 at Camp Snyder for this special Court of Honor. To purchase your ticket, visit https://scoutingevent.com/082-58006

Cubs have STEM portfolios, thanks to a remarkable mentor

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Mr. Robert Stallings Jr. has been a Supernova Mentor in Goose Creek District for a few years now. As a Supernova Mentor, he guides cub scouts thru their pursuit of STEM activities, learning, science projects, research and field trips to broaden their horizons of STEM disciplines. While mentoring 5 Webelos/AOLs for the Dr. Charles H. Townes Supernova and 2 Wolves/Bears for the Dr. Luis W. Alvarez Supernova Award, Mr. Stallings had his hands full with 70 individual requirements to keep track of.

Yet, Mr. Stallings didn’t stop there. He went on to help each of these Cub Scouts develop digital portfolios of their STEM explorations! The NCAC STEM Committee is beyond impressed. Take a look at a snapshot of the portfolios below…

Starting with the Dr. Charles H Townes Supernova recipients: Olivia, David, Whit, Neil and Abhyunday

For Requirement 1: Olivia visited a geological site, created a simple circuit, and did several mathematics activities!

For Requirement 2: Neil earned the Build It adventure at Michael’s Woodshop at Camp Snyder.

 

For Requirement 4: Abhyuday learned about five famous scientists, technology innovators, engineers or mathematicians.


For Requirement 7: Whit visited scientists at the Washington University in St. Louis and interviewed researchers looking for a cure for tuberculosis!

 

For Requirement 8: David investigated a question about what materials are soundproof, and made a box!

 

So did Olivia!

And Whit!

And Abhyuday! They measured the decibel level to test their soundproof boxes.

 

The Dr. Luis Alvarez Supernova recipients: Seaton and Noah also explored some fantastic experiments in pursuit of their awards. 

For requirement 7: Seaton visited with a scientist, and got to try his hand at labwork!

 

For requirement 8: Seaton learned about the scientific method with his mentor.

For requirement 9: Noah participated in a pack STEM event – airplanes and lego races.

 

Congratulations to all 7 Supernova recipients, and thank you to Mr. Stallings for being an incredible Supernova Mentor!

Last year, Mr. Stallings created the first set of digital folios for his Cubs out of necessity – as the Cubs were on the brink of finishing their Supernovas when Covid hit, so they had to complete and submit their work digitally.

If you want to see the full story of when Mr. Stallings first started creating digital folios, please check out this link! https://weownadventure.com/four-pack-1500-cub-scouts-earn-the-dr-luis-w-alvarez-supernova-award-electronically/

This year, Mr. Stallings took it to a new level. Thank you for your service, Mr. Stallings!

Meet 2022 Silver Beaver Recipient Shawn Carroll

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Shawn Carroll began Scouting as a youth member of Troop 22 in Albany, New York. He later joined Explorer Post 405 at the Colonie Volunteer Fire Department. Shawn also attended the 1989 National Jamboree with Council Contingent Troop 1311, serving on the Northeast Region’s Honor Guard for President George H.W. Bush. Shawn reconnected as an adult serving as Committee Chair, Den Leader, and Webelos Den Leader for Cub Scout Pack 1157 in Goose Creek District.

He has served as Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster, and Crew Advisor for Troop 29701’s high adventure program, preparing scouts for epic adventures at Lenhok’sin, Philmont, Northern Tier, Florida Sea Base, and on unsupported treks in West Virginia, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana! and Alaska. After his sons aged out of the Scouts BSA program, Shawn focused on delivering adult leader training for the Council, serving as an instructor for Scoutmaster Specific Training at Goshen, Akela’s Trail, University of Scouting, Back Country Outdoor Leadership Skills, Powder Horn, and Wood Badge. Last year, Shawn led a BALOO and IOLS course at Camp Snyder for adult leaders unable to attend district offered courses due to pandemic restrictions.

Shawn continues to support Council initiatives serving on the Training Committee as the Wood Badge Coordinator to ensure that all courses offered in the National Capital Area Council meet the high standards of the national curriculum.

Shawn currently resides in Sterling, Virginia with his spouse of 24 years, Dr. Amy G. Carroll. They have two sons, Brandon and Ryan, who are both Eagle Scouts. Congratulations to Shawn and the 2022 Silver Beaver Class! Please join us on May 22, 2022 at Camp Snyder for this special Court of Honor. To purchase your ticket, visit https://scoutingevent.com/082-58006