We Own Adventure

Scouting News for the DC Metro Area

Cynthia Griffiths

Local Hero Credits Scouting for Split-Second Life-Saving Action

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Last Wednesday at a D.C. neighborhood movie night, teens threw a Roman candle firework into the crowd of parents and children. Josh grabbed it and threw it away from everyone else. When asked why he acted to help, he credited Scouting.
When we invest in youth through Scouting, we build communities where people step up for one another. Scouting prepares youth to lead and serve when it matters most. Get involved in Scouting today.

Vienna250 Uncovering History One Brick at a Time

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What started as a simple service project turned into a powerful discovery for Troop 1539 from Vienna, Virginia.

While recovering bricks from a long-lost 18th-century Vienna, Virginia home of Jeremiah Moore (1746–1815) a Baptist minister who advocated for the separation of church and state, Scouts uncovered something unexpected – handmade bricks bearing fingerprints and even children’s footprints from more than 250 years ago. These hidden marks tell a deeply human story tied to our nation’s early history and the lives of those who were often forgotten.

It’s a moving reminder of how service can connect us to the past in meaningful ways as Scouts across our Council are involved in special acts of service for America250.

👉 Read the full story from Connection Newspapers to learn about the discovery and the incredible impact it had on everyone involved: https://www.connectionnewspapers.com/news/2026/jun/16/vienna-scouts-unearth-enslaved-legacy-at-moorefield/

 

Scouting America Statement Concerning Department of War Announcement. 

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IRVING, TX (February 27, 2026)  – Scouting America issued the following statement today following the Department of War’s announcement.    

Scouting America is proud to uphold our longstanding commitment to military families across the globe through a renewed, strengthened partnership with the Department of War. Over several months, we engaged in dialogue with Department leadership to align on how we could deepen our service to military families, while making programmatic updates to comply with Executive Order 14173. 

Today we are moving forward with implementing new programmatic elements that deliver on that mission: waiving registration fees for military families, launching a new merit badge focused on military service and veterans, and reinforcing our commitment to Scouting’s foundational ideas: leadership, character, duty to God, duty to country and service.  

Throughout this engagement, Scouting America held firm on the core commitments that define us. We maintained our name as ‘Scouting America’ and preserved our service to the more than 200,000 girls who participate in our programs. Girls have been an integral part of Scouting since the 1960s and have served as leaders and program developers for decades. That commitment is unwavering.  

Our primary objective throughout this engagement was to maintain support for families who depend on us. Since 1910, more than 130 million Americans have passed through Scouting’s ranks. Millions of those alumni have gone on to serve as officers and enlisted leaders in our military, teachers, entrepreneurs and first responders.   

Scouting America is one of the most reliable pipelines to the United States Armed Forces our country has ever known. Scouts are significantly more likely to serve in uniform than the general population. Eagle Scouts are heavily represented in ROTC programs, service academies and military leadership tracks. Scouts contribute millions of hours of service to their communities each year. The leadership, discipline and responsibility developed through Scouting translate into adulthood as public service, civic engagement and a readiness to lead.  

Tens of thousands of Scouts participate in units that meet on or near military installations in the U.S. and abroad. For children who move frequently, whose parents deploy, and whose lives are shaped by uncertainty, Scouting is often the one constant: a uniform, a community, a set of values that travel with them wherever they go. 

Today’s affirmation deepens a 116-year partnership that greatly benefits our Armed Forces and our communities. Together, we strengthen military families, support readiness and help raise generations of Americans committed to service. Scouting America looks forward to strengthening a partnership that maximizes impact for America’s youth. Scouts will continue to put duty to country above duty to self.

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 invites every youth to a safe, fun place to learn, explore, and grow. More than 130 million Americans have been through our programs since our founding. Currently, nearly 1 million youth are served by almost 500,000 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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Media Contact   

PR@Scouting.org   

Scouting America Statement link: https://www.scoutingnewsroom.org/press-releases/scouting-america-statement-concerning-department-of-war-announcement/

 

Pack 1140 Scouts Make a Big Impact at Lake Accotink

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Cub Scouts from Pack 1140 demonstrated what it truly means to live the Scout Law and give back to the community. As part of their efforts to earn the Conservation Good Turn Award, two of our Scouts joined forces with Fairfax County volunteers for a Lake Accotink cleanup—and their hard work paid off in a big way!

Armed with determination and a commitment to protecting the environment, these Scouts collected an impressive 50 pounds of trash from the park. They were so enthusiastic about the mission that they didn’t want to stop! Their efforts helped restore the beauty of this local park and made a real difference for wildlife and visitors alike.

But they didn’t stop there. After the cleanup, these Scouts went above and beyond by assisting with preparations for the Lake Accotink Santa’s Arrival event, spreading cheer and lending a hand to ensure the festivities ran smoothly.

Community leaders took notice. Ms. Mary, President of Friends of Lake Accotink Park (FLAP), personally thanked the Scouts for their dedication and shared her appreciation for their positive impact. Ms. Pat, who organized the day’s logistics, echoed those sentiments, recognizing the Scouts’ hard work and can-do spirit.

This project is a shining example of how Scouting builds character, fosters environmental stewardship, and strengthens community ties. Congratulations to these Scouts for their outstanding service!

Scouts and Community Team Up to Fight Hunger This Holiday Season

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For 39 years, Scouts across the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area have united to fight hunger through the annual Scouting for Food campaign. This year was no exception. Thanks to YOU, it was an overwhelming success!

On Saturday, November 8, 2025, thousands of Scouts, their families, and dedicated leaders fanned out across neighborhoods to collect non-perishable food donations left on doorsteps by generous community members. This incredible effort reflects the heart of Scouting: living out the values of service, kindness, and civic responsibility.

Together, we collected 734,201 pounds of food to help stock 121 local food banks and pantries during the critical holiday season. Every can, box, and bag made a real difference for families facing food insecurity in our region.

Thank You to Everyone Who Made This Possible:

  • Our Community for your overwhelming generosity and partnership in fighting hunger.
  • Our Scouts for their hard work and commitment to “Do a Good Turn Daily.”
  • Scout Families for supporting and encouraging these young leaders.
  • Adult Leaders for guiding and organizing this massive effort.

Your support ensures that shelves are filled and hope is restored for thousands of neighbors in need. Together, we are proving that when a community comes together, incredible things happen.

Why It Matters
According to the Capital Area Food Bank’s Hunger Report 2025, 36% of residents in the Greater Washington Region face food insecurity, and the number of people experiencing very low food security has grown by 75,000 in the past year alone. Scouting for Food is one of the largest annual food drives in the region, and your contributions help meet this urgent need.

Looking Ahead
As we celebrate this success, we also look forward to continuing the tradition of service. Thank you for helping us make a meaningful impact, one doorstep and one donation at a time.

Community Rallies to Support Scouting for Food 2025 – Updated

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Our sincere gratitude to everyone who supported Scouting for Food this past weekend! Across the Washington, D.C. metro area, people recognized this time of tremendous food insecurity and answered the call for food donations with overwhelming support.

 

Troop 150 and Pack 150 chartered by the Annandale Rotary Club collected an incredible 9,049 pounds of food that was distributed to ACCA Pantry in Annandale and the AUMC Mission Center. This was their largest collection in at least the last five years, beating last year by over 3,000 pounds. This year’s drive involved 114 Scout participants, 52 adult volunteers, and a remarkable 547 combined hours of community service, including planning, setting up, distributing stickers, collecting food, and stocking pantries.

“A huge thank you goes out to everyone who participated in the two weeks of our Scouting for Food drive on November 1 and 8. From our Cubs and Webelos to our Scouts, leaders, and parents, your hard work made this year’s effort truly exceptional.”

Parents and adult volunteers who drove Scouts safely to and from neighborhoods. Many parents and leaders supported the effort across both weekends donating their time with great dedication.

Scouting America National Capital Area Council extends our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated in this year’s Scouting for Food drive. Your kindness and generosity are making a real difference for families in need and helped our Scouts live up to their commitment to “help other people at all times,” as stated in the Scout Oath and “Do a Good Turn Daily.” You made it possible for our Scouts to live out the principles of service, kindness, and civic responsibility.

9,049 lbs. of food collected

Approx. 7,000 Annandale area homes canvassed

547.75 total hours worked by all

4.8 hours worked per Scout on average

82 Scouts participated

32 Cub and Webelos Scouts participated

52 Adults participated

77 bags collected in area 22 – the most of our 27 areas!

676 total bags collected