We Own Adventure

Scouting News for the DC Metro Area

The Scouter Digest Staff

Troop 496 Holds Virtual New Scout Campout

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Traditionally, Troop 496’s campout for April is the New Scout campout. At this campout, we welcome the Webelos scouts that have crossed over to the troop. We also introduce the new scouts to several Scout and Tenderfoot rank requirements. Requirements include:

  • What the Scout Oath, Law, Motto, and Slogan are and what they mean
  • What is the Scout leadership hierarchy
  • A explanation of the Patrol method
  • Demonstration of how to tie the square knot, two half-hitches, and the taut-line hitch
  • What should be in a personal first aid kit
  • A list of equipment and clothes needed for a campout
  •  How to pitch a tent

Because of the COVID pandemic and state and BSA rules that do not allow large gatherings, a campout was not an option this year. In order to support the new Scouts as they begin their BSA Scouting careers, Troop 496 held a virtual campout using Zoom. Ten new boys, representing the Trolls patrol, participated in this campout. Troop 496 was honored to have four girls, representing the Artemis patrol, join the campout this year. These girls will be the core of the new BSA Girls Troop forming here in Poolesville.

The campout was led by the Troop SPL, Zach Ransom. The SPL was assisted by several older Scouts covering 10 different requirements. After the on-line portion of the campout, several of the Scouts took on the challenge to pitch a tent in their back yard and then spend the night in the tent that they pitched. The next day, the participants again met on Zoom to participate in a “Roses, Buds, and Thorns” exercise.

STEM@Home Speaker Series: Join the Conversation!

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Every Thursday at 7PM, you can join our virtual STEM@Home Speaker Series!

We will host conversations with STEM professionals, activities and virtual games (including one with virtual reality!). The first two presenters’ bios are below and we hope you join the conversations!

Read more about the upcoming speakers, see how these conversations tie into your awards, leap into STEM career exploration, and secure your spot here: https://scoutingevent.com/082-STEMSpeakers.

April 30: Science Night: A Conversation with Dr. Stanley Fricke

Dr. Fricke loves to take things apart and put them back together. He also loves measuring stuff: lengths, speed, time, volumes. You name it he will measure it. He is also likes optics and photography. His passion for these things is currently being used to create new x-ray and MRI machines.

May 7: Technology Night: A Conversation with Dave DuHadway

Dave is a pilot for United Airlines, is a former Scoutmaster of Troop 1345 in Burke, Virginia and currently NCAC’s Vice President for Leadership and Governance. “I loved math and science when I was in school but I also enjoyed sports, hiking, camping, and working with my hands (like playing the guitar). I learned to fly after joining the Air Force in college, and they are always on the lookout for people with an interest in STEM. Learning to fly was a lot of studying the technical aspects of flight, combined with a lot of “hands on” work in the airplane, learning to takeoff and land, and learning how airplanes handle in the air. I’ve been flying since 1989, and I’m trained in eight different airplanes, including Remotely Piloted aircraft, like the Predator drones that the Air Force used to fly (they now have bigger and better versions).”

Image Credit for Dr. Stanley Fricke: Children’s National Hospital
Image Credit for Dave DuHadaway: NCAC

Cub Scouts Keep Advancing Despite Lockdown

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The boys from Dens 6 and 7 from Troop 1344 in Burke, Va. were able to complete one of their Arrow of Light Adventures last week, despite being in lockdown to address COVID-19.

The boys had already completed most of their requirements for the Build a Better World Adventure and had scheduled a meeting with Supervisor Pat Herrity of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors to meet the final requirement. But when the shutdown of in-person events in the National Capital Area Council cancelled that meeting, Den Leaders Kim Painter and Craig Carroll decided to see what else they could do to keep the boys engaged and moving forward.

The boys met with Supervisor Herrity on a Zoom video conference, with everyone’s parents’ permission of course. The boys were able to learn about why local government is so important (especially now), some of the challenges of being a local leader, and ask questions about many issues facing our community. Many parents joined on the conference as well, and Supervisor Herrity told all the boys how important it was to keep on the path to Eagle Scout.

Not only are the Dens continuing advancement (with an online science experiment also scheduled for later this month and many boys targeting the Townes Supernova science award), but Pack 1344 Cubmaster Chris Yurasko is leading video Scoutmaster minutes and other dens are organizing virtual Den meetings and completing requirements.

Doing their best to deal with a challenging situation, Pack 1344 is charging ahead to ensure that the boys have fun activities, and keep advancing and learning.

NYLT Preparing for Summer Courses!!

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National Youth Leadership Training is an exciting 6-day program designed for youth to learn leadership skills that will help them succeed in Scouting and in life!

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

Scouts who have completed their unit’s introduction to leadership course, have been practicing these skills, and are ready for the next level of training should attend NYLT once they meet all Eligibility Requirements.

NYLT ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Scouts must:

  • Complete their home Unit’s Introduction to Leadership Skills course*
  • Receive approval from your Scoutmaster or Unit leader
  • Be at least 14 years of age by course start date. We reserve limited space for 13-year-old participants on each course. All 13-year-old participants must contact the Course Director listed on the registration page before registering to see if slots still exist.
  • Earn First Class rank, if registered in a Troop
  • Have current BSA Health Form (Parts A, B, and C)
  • Be comfortable camping and cooking outdoors
  • Commit to attending the entire six-day course

* Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops (ILST), Crews (ILSC), and Ships (ILSS) should be offered through a Scout’s home unit. Ask your Unit Leader how you can participate in this course.

WHAT NYLT IS (AND IS NOT)

NYLT is not like summer camp and is not designed for rank advancement or earning merit badges.  NYLT is an intense and challenging hands-on leadership training program.  It is essential that NYLT participants be physically, emotionally, and mentally prepared to handle the demands of this advanced training. In order to get the most benefit from this unique experience, participants must exhibit emotional maturity, a positive attitude, proficiency in basic camping and outdoor cooking, and have an ambition to serve in leadership roles.

SIGN UP TODAY

Behavior at NYLT: Participants agree to conduct themselves in accordance with the Scout Oath and Law.

QUESTIONS?

For information about specific courses, contact the Course Director listed on the registration page. General inquiries about the NYLT program may be directed to contact@myNYLT.org.

You can follow NCAC NYLT Youth Training online on Facebook facebook.com/myNYLT

Scouts Attend Virtual Court of Honor Ceremony

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On Saturday, April 25th, 38 from MD,VA, PA, MI and even 1 from the UK attended the BSA 2020 North East Region Area 6 Venturing Leadership Awards Zoom Ceremony plus the Introduction and Swearing in of the new 2020~2021 NER Area 6 Venturing Officers Association President and Vice Presidents! Congratulations are in order for all our awesome Scouts! 

Troop 1444 Scouts Make & Donate Cloth Masks for the DMV

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During a pandemic, social distancing can be difficult, especially as a Scout. Our values include being helpful, but how can we help if we have to stay home? Quoc-Huy Nicholas Nguyen and DangKhoa Noah Nguyen of Scouts BSA Troop 1444, together with their mother (Thai Le) and the Vietnamese charities (Nha VietNam MD, The Marriage Family Enrichment Program of Our Lady of Vietnam Parish and many Vietnamese in DMV area) found a way despite the pandemic. They volunteered to help make cloth face masks to donate to local hospitals, nursing homes, police stations and places in need.

Volunteers donated money, fabric, and their time to sew masks. The Scouts spent time packaging the masks, which included washing, drying, ironing, putting them in zip lock bags, and labeling them. Together they were able to donate thousands of handmade masks to the community. They are so proud to be able to give back to the community during this difficult time and living the Scout values.