We Own Adventure

Scouting News for the DC Metro Area

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2024 MoP Distinguished Project Award goes to NCAC Scout

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News Release: Messengers of Peace Distinguished Project Award recognizes outstanding Scouting service to Local Communities

[January 27, 2025] – Scouting America’s International Commissioner, Lou Paulson, announced that Jason W. (Troop 1094, National Capital Area Council) was chosen to receive the 2024 Messengers of Peace Distinguished Project Award as follows:

The award recognizes outstanding service by individuals who have made contributions within their respective communities towards the promotion of peace. Through their work in Scouting, which aligned with one (or more) of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), they have acted locally to effect global change.

Jason was selected for the award for his work on constructing new and improving current ecosystems in Poolesville, Maryland. The project exemplifies the spirit of the Messengers of Peace initiative, bringing together 100 volunteers to achieve remarkable outcomes. Jason converted a ½-acre non-native grass area into a flourishing pollinator habitat to support monarch butterflies, birds, and other wildlife, while improving soil water filtration essential to Poolesville’s well system. The project also innovated community programs to enhance the local ecosystems through implementation of a fishing line recycling program, installation of pond structures with Christmas trees, and creation of cavity nesting environments for birds.

The success of the project is reflected not only in its tangible outcomes – such as thriving pollinator gardens, cleaner ponds, and sightings of diverse wildlife – but also in its ability to bring the Poolesville community together to support environmental conservation. Jason hosted a booth at Poolesville Springfest and shared videos and resources on social media, raising awareness about environmental sustainability.

Jason is a dedicated and passionate Scout who has demonstrated a commitment to making a difference in his community, exemplifies what it means to be a Messenger of Peace, and embodies the Scout Oath and Law in his work. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor and thank you for inspiring others through your creativity and dedication!

Messengers of Peace Distinguished Projects are chosen annually by the International Commissioner of Scouting America and the Scouting America Messengers of Peace (MoP) committee. The award is open to registered Scouts who have made significant contributions to the promotion of peace and have met the requirements laid out in the MoP Program Guide. Scouts may be nominated for this award by any registered Scout Leader and must be approved by their Council International Representative and Scout Executive. The deadline for 2025 award nominations is October 31, 2025.

 

Rebranding of Scouting America impacts many Scouts

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On Feb. 8, Boy Scouts of America officially rebranded to Scouting America to promote its inclusivity, which many Scouts from the National Capital Area Council (NCAC) have reflected positively upon.

Scouting America announced the rebranding of the organization on May 7, 2024, and the official day to change was marked for Feb. 8, 2025, which was the 115th birthday of the organization’s founding.

The organization opened single-gender dens in Cub Scouts for boys and girls during 2018. A year after this transformative development, Scouts BSA was introduced so older boys and girls could join single-gender troops and earn their Eagle Scout rank. Since this change, Scouting America has seen over 8,000 females become Eagle Scouts.

NCAC has a membership of over 4,330 female Scouts, according to the 2024 annual report. Sophia R., a 17-year-old Scout from Troop 1526, joined Cub Scout Pack 873 in 2018 when the program opened up to girls.

“Because of Scouting, I would say my biggest accomplishments are the things I’ve been able to do with the skills that I’ve received,” Sophia said. “Definitely my public speaking [and] confidence greatly improved.”

Sophia watched her brother’s journey through Scouting and knew she wanted to join when she could. She joined as a Webelos in her Cub Scout Pack and then bridged into being a troop founder for Troop 1526.

Sophia received her Eagle in 2022 and has worked on Wood Badge staff for adults the last two years. She shared that because of her experiences, she has been the friend that many rely on.

“When cars breakdown, I’m the friend who gets called,” Sophia said. “It’s little things like that have really impacted my life and definitely made me who I am.”

Because of the rebranding, Sophia said it is easier to explain her participation in Scouting America. Sophia’s father, Keith R., was a Scoutmaster for Troop 1525 and created Troop 1526 so “each troop had its own culture.” Keith said that Scouting is necessary to build skills that youth are struggling with today.

“It’s life skills that are being missed by today’s youth that Scouting can fill that gap,” Keith said.

Nirali S. is another Scout from Troop 1920 and she joined over a year ago. She participates in FLL, or First Lego League, and encouraged girls to join Scouting as part of her project in the 2024 competition.

Nirali said that the rebranding will allow for more representation of Scout experiences and is surprised that many people aren’t aware of Scouting America’s inclusivity to girls. Nirali said that the rebranding “reinforces the organization’s commitment to serving all youth.”

Nirali shared the many skills she has been able to learn because of Scouting. She emphasized skills such as confidence, leadership and teamwork, as well as life skills such as first aid, camping and knot-tying.

“Girls are empowered within Scouts,” Nirali said. “They can participate in all the same activities, earn the same merit badges, and achieve the same ranks.”

Boys and girls in Scouting believe the rebranding will bring beneficial changes to the organization. Keenan Pallone, who works as a field Director in the NCAC, is also an Eagle Scout from the Council. He started as a Cub Scout, joined Troop 996, and then helped form Troop 301 in Alexandria, Virginia.

Pallone believes that rebranding to Scouting America is a necessity. He went to many recruitment events where parents didn’t know girls could be in Scouting, so the rebranding will create awareness of the opportunity.

“We welcome everyone who wants to be a Scout that wants to follow the Scout Oath and Law and motto and slogan,” Pallone said.

Pallone noticed the benefits Scouting had on him, as well as someone he mentored during his youth and adult years. His mentee had learning and physical disabilities and struggled to find a healthy environment, until he entered the Scouting program.

“You would have never guessed the hardships that this kid had gone through,” Pallone said. “Scouting saved this kid’s life.”

With the rebranding of Scouting America, youth and adults should be able to see the benefits of Scouting. Pallone enjoyed his experience as a Scout and noticed the impact it had on him through character development, trying new things and learning new values.

“I would not be who I am today if it wasn’t for Scouting,” Pallone said. “When I look back as an adult, those were some of the most formative years of my life.”

 

 

CVOA’s 3rd Annual Climbing Lock-In was a Success!

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Starting at 9:00 PM on Saturday, February 14, 2025, Venturers and Venturing age Scouts BSA and Sea Scouts participated in NCAC Venturing Officers’ Association (CVOA) 3rd Annual Climbing Lock-In and 27th Anniversary Venturing Celebration at Vertical Rock in Manassas, VA! Lasting for 10 hours, this year’s Climbing Lock-In featured fun activities for everyone, like board games, sharing stories, puzzles, pizza, chips, cupcakes, bouldering, and, of course, lots of rock climbing.

The Lock-In started with a “Learn the Ropes” intro course, which taught Scouts and Adults all of the necessary safety to climb in the facility and manage the ropes without the need for an instructor. Even after the intro course was over, a Vertical Rock Staff member stayed the entire evening to assist with anything they may have needed.

All participants had to wear closed-toe shoes and Class B uniforms, although several Scouts and Adults wore their Class A’s. There were even spots set aside for anyone who wanted to sleep.

There were so many Troops and Crews who attended, including Troop 1237, Troop 28, Troop 1188, Troop 840, Crew 850, Crew 858, Crew 1022, Crew 599, Crew 1018, Crew 1785, Crew 19, who proudly displayed their flag atop one of the climbing walls, Crew 850, Crew 617, Crew 599, all wearing their class A’s. There were even more Troops and Crews, including some Sea Scouts!

The CVOA’s 3rd Annual Climbing Lock-In was an absolute success. It gave all the Scouts and adults who attended a fantastic experience and created lasting memories!

Spring 2025 Family Camp Weekends

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Spring Family Camp

Join us for fun for all ages at one of our camps. With archery, climbing, and more fun activities, it’s a weekend experience you won’t want to miss!

GOSHEN SCOUT RESERVATION

Registration is open now for Goshen Scout Reservation’s Memorial Day Family Camp:

Dip your toes in the lake, spend your time at the ranges, make crafts, or fly through the air on the Giant Swing at Goshen Family Camp: www.gotogoshen.org/family-camp

CAMP WILLIAM B. SNYDER

Registration will open for Camp William B. Snyder’s Spring Family Camps in April and May on February 25, 2025.

Enjoy outdoor activities like BB’s and Archery, build family projects at Michael’s Woodshop, climb the Scouterhorn tower, and more Snyder Family Camp: www.gotosnyder.org/year-round-events/bulls-eye-family-camping/

Scouting America National Capital Area Council Celebrates 115 Years of Youth Leadership, Character Development and Adventure

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Scouting America has been inspiring generations of leaders since 1910. Join the movement at BeAScout.org.

WASHINGTON, DC (February 7, 2025) – On February 8, Boy Scouts of America will celebrate its 115th birthday, marking a pivotal moment in the organization’s journey as it officially adopts its new name, Scouting America. Scouting America is the nation’s foremost youth program providing young people with unique opportunities focused on character development, leadership, fun and outdoor exploration. The organization continues to adapt to meet the evolving needs of young people, ensuring that future generations will have the opportunity to benefit from this transformative program.

For more than a century, Scouting America’s mission has remained the same: to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. Whether it’s a camping trip, a pinewood derby car race, or a trail hike, every adventure encourages personal growth by teaching youth how to set goals and achieve them with determination. As we look to the future, Scouting America is dedicated to providing young people with the values, skills and experiences they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

“Scouting America has helped instill timeless values for multiple generations of Americans,” Roger Krone, Scouting America president and CEO said. “In an increasingly complex and interconnected world, the values and skills instilled by Scouting are more critical than ever, and the need for strong character, ethical decision-making and effective leadership remains paramount. As we celebrate 115 years of service to our nation, we are reaffirming our commitment to providing a safe and supportive environment where young people can develop these essential qualities, empowering to reach their full potential, and preparing them to become responsible and engaged citizens.”

Scouting America has remained committed to providing youth with a safe environment where they can learn meaningful life skills, create lifelong memories and grow into tomorrow’s leaders. In fact, more than 130 million Americans have been through Scouting America programs since our founding in 1910. Currently, more than 1 million youth are served by 477,000 dedicated adult volunteers in local councils throughout the country.

The annual report of 2024 for NCAC showed membership at 31,107 with 957 total units. Out of all the youth in Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Explorers, Venturers, Sea Scouts and those in the U.S. Virgin island or abroad, 4,330 of them are female Scouts. The entire organization of Scouting America has also seen over 8,000 females earn the rank of Eagle Scout.

“The rebranding marks an important moment for the organization to celebrate its growing inclusivity,” NCAC Scout Executive Mario A. Pérez said. “Our Council has been dedicated to welcoming all youth, no matter what gender, race, ethnicity, or background the child may have.”

The opportunities for all youth are limitless in Scouting America. In 2018, Scouting America started single-gender dens for boys and girls in the Cub Scout programs. A year later, Scouts BSA was introduced so older boys and girls could join single-gender troops and earn their Eagle Scout. Co-ed programs are also available in Venturing, Sea Scouting, STEM Scouts, Exploring and Learning for Life.

NCAC has seen approval and positivity about the rebranding from parents, Scouts and leaders. This change will improve the impact of the organization and NCAC will reach out to more youth to showcase its inclusivity and opportunities. Scouts across the board recognize skills they have learned from their program, which includes confidence, leadership, teamwork and friendship.

“We welcome families who want to have fun, and learn about important life skills, personal safety, and environmental stewardship. In Scouting we participate in outdoor activities, get involved in the local community, and learn teamwork,” NCAC Field Director and Eagle Scout Keenan Pallone said.

The weeklong birthday celebration will kick off with historic sites from coast-to-coast illuminated in red, white and blue lights in honor of Scouting America — including Niagara Falls, Milwaukee’s Hoan Bridge, St. Louis’ The Wheel at Union Station, Cleveland’s Terminal Tower, Pennsylvania State Capitol, Louisiana State Capitol, Baltimore City Hall and Capella Tower, and I-35W Mississippi River Bridge in Minneapolis. Scouts and non-Scouts alike can join in the celebration by sharing their favorite Scouting moments on Instagram (@boyscoutsofamerica) and TikTok (@scouting.america). Lastly, Scouting America will raise the redesigned organization flag over its headquarters in Irving, Texas on Wednesday, February 12.

Scouting America invites families, individuals and communities nationwide to join its mission. Whether you come from a family with a Scouting tradition or are considering Scouting for the first time, we welcome you to be a part of our next 115 years. To learn more, visit www.BeAScout.org.

 

About Scouting America National Capital Area Council (NCAC)

NCAC started in 1911 and stands as one of the largest and oldest councils in Scouting America. The Council represents a variety of territories from the Washington Metropolitan Area, which includes the District of Columbia, such as Frederick, Montgomery, Prince George’s, Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties from Maryland, Arlington, Fairfax, Prince William, Loudon, Fauquier, Spotsylvania, Caroline, King George, Stafford and Culpeper counties from Virginia and the independent cities of Alexandria, Falls Church, Fairfax, Manassas, Manassas Park and Fredericksburg in Virginia. NCAC also serves the U.S. Virgin Islands and Scouting families abroad in North, Central and South America. During 2024, NCAC Scouts performed over 200,000 hours of community service and over 1,000 Eagle Scouts were attained.

 

About Scouting America

Scouting America provides the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training, which helps young people be “Prepared. For Life.®” Scouting America welcomes all of America’s youth into its programs. Our goal is to give them fantastic experiences in the outdoors, and elsewhere, where they can grow with us in a safe environment. More than 130 million Americans have been through our programs since our founding, and currently more than 1 million youth are served by 477,000 dedicated adult volunteers in local councils throughout the country. To learn more about Scouting America’s mission, or to sign your child up for Scouting, visit www.BeAScout.org.

 

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Summer Camp Planning: Funding Your Summer Adventure

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Summer Camp Planning: In the third webinar for Bear and Webelos Den Leaders, the Goshen Scout Reservation team, along with NCAC Director of Field Services Stuart Goins, explores financing your summer adventure at Camp Ross, a week-long camp just for rising Webelos and Arrow of Light Scouts.

Why it matters: Understanding how to fund camp experiences ensures more Scouts can participate and benefit from the programs offered at Camp Ross.

  • This session provides valuable insights into making the camp experience affordable and accessible.

Fundraising opportunities:

  • Upcoming Camp Cards fundraiser and fall Popcorn sale are key ways to generate funds.

  • These initiatives offer practical ways for Scouts to actively participate in raising money for their camp.

Financial aid & tips:

  • Learn about the Camperships process for financial aid.

  • Get registration tips, like applying Free Camp Vouchers from the 2024 fall popcorn sale for the 2025 camping season.

This webinar equips leaders with the tools to plan and fund a memorable summer camp experience for their Scouts.

Miss the webinar? Watch the recording:

You can also download the slides from the webinar here: How to Fund Your Summer Adventure Webinar slides [PDF]

Want to catch up? Check out our previous posts with the first and second installments and the Summer Camp Planning Tool Kit:

You can also find more resources and learn about all the summer fun on the Camp Ross webpage at www.gotogoshen.org/ross

Save the dates for upcoming webinars! All are at 7pm Eastern Time.

For current Lions and Tigers (rising Tigers and Wolves)

For current Bears and Webelos (rising Webelos and AOLs)