We Own Adventure

Scouting News for the DC Metro Area

The Scouter Digest Staff

Eagle Scout Project enhances George C. Marshall High School’s culinary program

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Maria with the spiral garden she created as part of her Eagle Scout project.Congratulations to Maria S. for completing her Eagle Scout project.

Maria’s Eagle Scout Project was completed at George C. Marshall High School and was centered on the construction of a spiral herb garden to support the school’s culinary program. In addition, the school’s courtyard received a much-needed enhancement through the weeding of existing garden beds and the restoration of surrounding open space.

Sincere thanks to Fairfax County Public Schools, the dedicated volunteers of George C. Marshall High School (project sponsor), and Troop 1533 – Fairfax, VA (host troop) for their invaluable support in making this project a success.

   

Pack 403 Marches to Remember

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Bowie Cub Scout Pack 403 and family members marched for the 4th straight year in the Bowie Memorial Day Parade. This parade is to remember those that were lost in service to the country. 43 Scouts, most of which had never participated in a parade carried their Den flags in addition to the WEBELOS presenting the US and Pack Flag alongside the Pack banner.

Photo Credits: Vinicio Guzman and Jnell Suchy

Taking Scouting to the Next Level: Exploring Adventure, Leadership, and Community

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On May 3, 2025, youth and families gathered at the Vienna Community Center for an afternoon of discovery at the Next Level Scouting Expo, an event designed to introduce others to Scouting’s older youth programs, including Venturing, Sea Scouts, and advanced leadership opportunities. Whether participating in challenges, connecting with other Scouts, or learning about programs, attendees got a firsthand look at how Scouting pushes limits and builds lifelong skills.

The event was packed with interactive activities and engaging conversations. With representation from over six districts, Crew 1345, Crew 612, Crew 617, Ship 1176, Ship 548, and others shared their experiences, helping youth explore new possibilities in high-adventure Scouting and maritime leadership.

Venturing, a co-ed program for ages 14–20, focuses on leadership, adventure, personal growth, and service. Venturers plan and lead their own activities, taking on challenges like rock climbing, scuba diving, wilderness survival, and special interests, all while developing leadership skills.

Sea Scouts, also open to ages 14–20, provides hands-on training in boating, navigation, and water safety. Members learn seamanship, advance through ranks, and gain valuable maritime experience while exploring careers in the nautical world. At the expo, they got an insight to all this program offers.

The National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) staff hosted a catapult contest, giving prospective participants a fun, interactive way to experience teamwork and problem-solving while learning about this council leadership training course for Scouts.

The National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience (NAYLE) booth connected attendees with a Summit Bechtel Reserve course director, offering leadership insights and exclusive Summit merchandise. Everyone walked away with sporks, hats, and something learned!

Attendees also learned about exciting opportunities for their units to participate in, including Phenomenon – an annual September regional event attended by troops, ships, and crews from over 3 states – and other high-adventure and leadership programs, helping them discover new ways to engage, grow, and explore within Scouting.

The NCAC Venturing Officers’ Association was also on hand, connecting with youth and sharing leadership opportunities youth can pursue at the council and territory level, as well as their responsibilities supporting the Venturing program. The Territory 12 Venturing Officers’ Association President was also in attendance!

Most importantly, the expo wasn’t just for current Scouts—it introduced new families to the adventure, leadership, and community that make Scouting such a transformative experience. By the end of the afternoon, youth left inspired, families left informed, and this event truly took Scouting to the next level!!

Even if you couldn’t make it to the Next Level Scouting Expo, you can still check out everything Venturing, Sea Scouts, and leadership programs have to offer. There are plenty of ways to get involved and take your Scouting journey further!

Summer Camp Planning: Pre-Camp Tools for Success

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In the fifth installment of the Summer Camp Planning for Bear and Webelos Den Leaders webinar series, we review spring steps to a successful summer. The team discusses the pre-camp planning timeline from late April until your week of camp, reviews adult leader requirements, lists documents to bring to camp, and shares some resources available on the camp website at www.gotogoshen.org/ross

Let us walk you through the process so you are completely prepared for the best Cub Scout summer camp adventure possible!

Miss the webinar? Watch the recording:

You can also download the slides from the webinar here: Pre-Camp Planning [PDF]

Want to catch up? Check out our previous posts with earlier webinars in the series and the Summer Camp Planning Tool Kit:

Save the dates for the final webinar in the series! 7pm Eastern Time.

For current Bears and Webelos (rising Webelos and AOLs)

May 20, 2025: Your First Day – Arrival Overview
https://ncacbsa-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_P4iNXGFlSj-FFmMVhDnJgA

Troop Completes Conservation Clean-up at IWLA

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Boys and Girls Troop 1137 helped their chartering organization, Izaak Walton League of America (IWLA) Arlington – Fairfax Chapter, with a conservation clean-up service project on Sunday March 23, 2025.

The Scouts cleaned up the natural areas on the grounds and around the fishing pond for the benefit of the wildlife, community, and to protect the environment.

These Scouts are helping to get things ready for NCAC Twilight Camp that runs there from June 16-20, 2025!