We Own Adventure

Scouting News for the DC Metro Area

The Scouter Digest Staff

Troop 1775 Participates in America250 History Fair

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On April 26, 2026, Scouting America Troop 1775 for girls participated in the America250 History Fair at Carroll Creek Linear Park in Frederick, MD. Hundreds attended the event, which brought together historical organizations, community groups, and families from across the region to celebrate the nation’s history ahead of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

Troop 1775 helped support several activities throughout the day. Scouts participated in the event’s flag ceremony and welcomed visitors to learn more about Scouting programs and opportunities for youth to get involved. Scouts also assisted children with a hands-on activity making rolled beeswax candles, giving families a chance to experience a traditional craft connected to early American life.

“It was a wonderful opportunity to give back to the community and show youth how early Americans lived,” said Scoutmaster Talisha Kellogg.

The fair featured exhibits and educational activities focused on American history and the role local communities have played in shaping the country. Organizers described America250 as an opportunity to reflect on the nation’s past while inspiring future generations to stay engaged in their communities.

Troop 1775 was honored to be part of the celebration and to support an event that encouraged learning, citizenship, service, and community involvement.

 

       

America250 in Action: Building Informed Citizens with Troop 1107 at the U.S. Capitol

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Scouts from Troops 1107B and 1107G had the opportunity to see the government in action during a tour of the U.S. Capitol Building, facilitated by the staff of Rep. James Walkinshaw (VA-11) as part of the Citizenship in the Nation Merit Badge. The tour was held on April 21, as many scouts had the day off for the state’s special election.

Led by Scoutmaster and Merit Badge Counselor James Dreier, the scouts visited the Old Supreme Court Chamber, the Old Senate Chamber, the crypt and several other locations inside the Capitol Building.

Walkinshaw’s office presented the scouts with passes to the House of Representatives gallery to have the experience of watching a debate on bills as they unfolded on the floor of the lower chamber.

In all, more than two dozen scouts, scouters, and parents were able to take part in the tour.

Troop 1107 B and Troop 1107G are chartered by St. John’s Lutheran Church, 5952 Franconia Road, Alexandria, VA. In addition to the troops, the church also charters Pack 867, Crew 80 and is the meeting place for the Order of the Arrow – Accotink Bay Chapter.

For more information on the units, email troop1107ncac@gmail.com.

   

Pack 55 Scouts Celebrate America250 with History, Service, and Honor

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In celebration of America’s 250th birthday, Cub Scouts from Pack 55 in Great Falls, Virginia took part in a meaningful outing focused on history, citizenship, and service at the Balls Bluff Battlefield. Through hiking, learning flag etiquette, and honoring fallen soldiers, the Scouts experienced an important piece of American history while living out the values of Scouting.

Cub Scouts from Pack 55 explored the Balls Bluff Battlefield, a historic Civil War site with wooded trails and views of the Potomac River in Leesburg, Virginia. As they hiked together, Scouts enjoyed being outdoors, moving along the winding paths, and experiencing the natural setting of the battlefield. The hike gave Scouts a chance to stay active, work together, and appreciate being outside while visiting a place that has been part of American history for generations.

Scouts also learned about the Civil War from representatives of the Friends of the Balls Bluff Battlefield, who shared information about the site and its importance. Hearing from local experts helped Scouts better understand why the battlefield is preserved today and how communities work to protect historic places.

A meaningful part of the visit included learning proper flag etiquette and placing American flags at the Balls Bluff National Cemetery. This respectful activity allowed Scouts to honor the soldiers buried there and recognize the service and sacrifice of those who fought for the country. Taking time to place flags gave Scouts a hands-on way to show respect and gratitude.

The activities reflect key elements of the Scout Oath and Scout Law. By learning about history and honoring those who served, the Scouts demonstrated being respectful, reverent, and helpful. Working together throughout the outing showed cooperation and kindness, while caring for a historic site reflected responsibility and citizenship.

This experience also connects to the spirit of America250, which encourages reflection on the nation’s history and the people who shaped it. By visiting a historic battlefield and honoring soldiers from the past, Pack 55 Scouts participated in remembering America’s story while building their own understanding of service and community.

Way to go, Pack 55 Scouts!

Cub Scout Day Camp: The Life of a Den Walker

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Learn About the Vital Role of the Den Walker at Cub Scout Day Camp

In the March installment of our 2026 Cub Scout Day Camp Webinar Series, our Day Camp leadership team highlights the essential role of the Den Walker—a key position that helps ensure every Scout has a safe, fun, and successful camp experience.

This session is perfect for parents attending camp with their Cub Scout, adults interested in serving as Staff Den Walkers, and anyone who wants to better understand how parents and volunteers support daily operations and program delivery at camp. The webinar provides practical insights and a behind-the-scenes look at how Den Walkers contribute to a positive and memorable Day Camp experience for our Scouts.

If you couldn’t join us live, we’ve got you covered.

Missed the webinar?
👉 Watch the recording here:

We encourage all families and volunteers to take advantage of this valuable resource as we prepare for another outstanding summer at Cub Scout Day Camp.

Download the slides from the webinar here: Cub Scout Day Camp: The Life of a Den Walker [PDF]

Need more resources? Sign up and prepare for your week of Day Camp at www.gotodaycamp.org

Cub Scout Earns Medal of Merit for Helping Rescue Child from Drowning

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In 2025 Nate, a Cub Scout in Pack 107, used what he learned from Scouting to recognize and help a young child from drowning. Because of his heroic efforts, Nate was just recently honored with the prestigious Medal of Merit. Read his full story given to us by his dad, an Eagle Scout, who recollected what happened while they were on vacation in Texas.

“During spring break last year, our family was vacationing in Galveston, Texas. While at the hotel pool, Nate was swimming in the deep end when a younger child—approximately four to five years old—jumped into the pool while his family was not nearby. Almost immediately, it became clear that the child was unable to swim and could not touch the bottom. He began struggling to stay afloat and was having difficulty keeping his head above water.

Nate immediately recognized what was happening and swam over to help without hesitation. Although Nate himself could not touch the bottom and the water was above his head, he positioned himself next to the child and began treading water while lifting the child up repeatedly to keep his head above the surface. Nate’s own head went under the water several times as he continued supporting the child until the child’s older brother arrived. Together, they were able to help the child to safely reach the side of the pool and get out of danger.

As you can imagine, the child’s family was extremely grateful and relieved. Nate was proud that he knew what to do and had the confidence to act in a difficult and unexpected situation. As an Eagle Scout, what stood out most to me afterward was how quickly he connected the experience to the values he is learning through scouting. Nate talked about stories he had read in Scout’s Life that describe scouts helping others during emergencies, and he shared how this experience reminded him of the Scout Oath and Law—particularly the importance of helping others at all times. He was able to reflect on the moment not just as an event, but as a real-life example of putting those values into action.

We were incredibly proud of Nate, and the experience further strengthened both his—and our—enthusiasm for scouting and its values. We are excited to share this story with more families and to highlight for our community the positive impact scouting has on those involved, as well as the meaningful difference scouts can make through service to others.”

 

Camp Catoctin 2026

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Attend Camp Catoctin for 2026 Summer

Camp Catoctin is one of only a few all-volunteer, nationally accredited Scouting America camps in the United States. With over 60 years of history, Camp Catoctin has evolved from a small weekend camp-out to a week-long resident camp serving over 200 youth. Camp Catoctin staff are local volunteers, trained professionals, and represent generations of Scouts.

When:
Camp Catoctin will be held August 10 – 16, 2026. Campers will arrive Monday, August 10th at a pre-scheduled time in the afternoon and depart the morning of Sunday, August 16th. Merit badge programming will run from Tuesday morning through Saturday evening.

Where:
Camp Catoctin will be returning to Catoctin Mountain Park, NPS. Set in rich history and lush forest, this area boasts impressive scenery and fresh mountain air perfect to backdrop a Scouting adventure.

Cost:
$475 per camper and $155 per adult leader.

Camperships are financial aid available to Scouts with demonstrated need and are available by application. No Scout should be denied the experience of summer camp. To request an application, please email Diane Henson, Business Manager at dhenson@gotocampcatoctin.org.

Registration:
A $25 deposit per Scout is due May 1st with full payments due May 31st. Scouts must be paid in full before selecting merit badges.

Registration is now open!
https://gotocampcatoctin.org/