Last summer, Troop 997 Scouts came together to collect food in their neighborhoods to help restock the depleted shelves at the Dulles South Food Pantry. Forty Scouts, parents and siblings worked to collect nearly 1400 pounds of donated food and accrued 100 service hours across the Troop.
Seeking to help restock again after the Thanksgiving holiday, newly elected SPL Martin M. and his ASPLs Andy J. and Joe W. led Troop 997 in their own Scouting for Food effort, gathering over 2600 pounds of food last Sunday for the Dulles South Food Pantry, with Scouts and adults hanging door tags, collecting food, sorting and delivering. “It was great seeing both old faces again and new faces for the first time all working for a good cause, regardless of our unique circumstances”, said SPL Martin M.
Troop 997 has most recently 
been conducting Troop meetings via Zoom, but remains committed to a monthly, safe outdoor program. Recent activities include a hike to Sky Meadow, a day trip to the Sandy Spring Adventure Park, a day hike at Gettysburg, a better-late-than-never New Scout campout in rural Vermont and an Arrow of Light Invitational field day. Upcoming events include a December ten-miler along the Potomac River, and a ski/sled/tubing day trip in January. Troop 997 meets on Thursday nights, at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Ashburn when safety permits, and over Zoom when weather or health conditions require. Arrow of Light Scouts interested in more information or a Troop visit should contact Scoutmaster Terry Kolb at 703-624-0794 or tkolb118@gmail.com.
