The Scouter Digest Staff

Troop 544 Creates and Distributes Blessing Bags to The Less Fortunate for MLK Day Service Project

January 20, 2020 by Susan Hall, Committee Chair

On January 20, 2020, Troop 544 traveled to downtown Franklin Square Park in Washington D.C. to distribute over 50 blessing bags to the less fortunate. Most of the persons in the park are homeless. The bags were created from donations from the scouts and their families. Items were gathered and assembled at the Troop meeting the Saturday before.

We had a great turn out for both events. The scouts were very eager to provide service to others, which made the leadership very proud. They not only were obeying the scout law and oath, but they also practiced the motto of doing a good turn daily.

MLK Service Project for the Homeless

January 20, 2020 by jai a evans

Troop 544 of Washington D.C. District, organized and executed a service project to help the homeless. The Scouts collected hand warmers, hats, gloves, soap, wipes and hand sanitizer into 50 individual Blessing Bags, and distributed these today at Franklin Square.

Why Attend University of Scouting?

January 17, 2020 by The Scouter Digest Staff

The “University of Scouting”, is a supplemental training opportunity for all adult Scout leaders. It is the one time during the year where you can find the widest variety of training opportunities in all program areas all in one place. The University offers interesting courses in Cub Scouting, ScoutsBSA, what we call “Adventuring” (a combination of Venturing and Sea Scout activities), District Operations, and an Electives College where the classes cover a broad range of areas of interest to scouting but not specific to any one scouting program. A key topic across all programs this year will be STEM Scouting and Scoutbook Training. The University has a degree program where, over time, attendees can earn Bachelors, Masters, and PhD degrees in Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Adventuring. Classes are taught by experienced scouters and scouting professionals, many in subject areas not otherwise covered in the usual adult leader training curriculum.

We will offer over 200 different courses from which to choose. In addition to the academic program, there is more… a midway where up to fifty vendors and council committees will have exhibits describing how their products and services can enhance your scouting program and a scout shop trading post where you can pick up needed items without having to drive to a Scoutshop. And finally, there will be a scouting museum where dedicated collectors will be displaying their extensive collections of scouting memorabilia. At the closing ceremony, we will be presenting the D. Andrew Grafton Exceptional Trainer Award. This annual award, presented by the NCAC Leadership Training Committee, recognizes a single NCAC scouter for sustained, dedicated and highly skilled service to scouting over the years by demonstrating a high commitment to quality adult leader training.

The University of Scouting provides all the above, along with great fellowship with dedicated scouters, making this a day to be remembered. Registration is $40 until February 17 after which it goes to $60. It includes morning refreshments, lunch, an event patch, course materials, a certificate, and a special recognition for PhD recipients. Whether you are new to scouting or a veteran of many years, the University is a place where you can learn from experienced Scouters from all over the council; it truly provides something for everyone.

University returns to Hayfield High School, just south of Alexandria, VA on February 29, 2020. Doors open at 7:15 am and the opening ceremony starts at 8:15am, with the closing ceremony ending by 4:30. Last year over 900 scouters were in attendance! Help us get to 1000 for 2020!

NCAC Seeks New Program Director!

January 15, 2020 by The Scouter Digest Staff

Do you love Scouting programs? Are you literally a happy camper? Then come work with our dedicated volunteers to support training, advancement, and camping in one of the country’s largest Scout councils!

National Capital Area Council is seeking an experienced Director of Council Program to join our team. We are looking for someone who works well with others, delegates and coordinates program duties, is detail-oriented, has a good knowledge of camp programs, and possesses a strong Scouting program background. Preference will be given to those with experience in Scouting units, the Order of the Arrow, or Wood Badge. The Program Director should also possess originality, creativity, and an open mind, and should be an enthusiastic camper.

How To Apply: All applications are treated confidentially. Interested applicants should send their resume and cover letter with salary requirements, via email, to Mario Perez, C.O.O., National Capital Area Council BSA – mario.perez@scouting.org.

For more information please view the position summary located here https://www.ncacbsa.org/about-ncac/job-opportunities/.

NCAC Council President John H. Graham IV Passes Away

January 13, 2020 by The Scouter Digest Staff

Head shots of BSA Board members for the National Capitol Division of Boy Scouts of America

It is with great sadness that I inform you of the passing of NCAC Executive Board President John H. Graham IV. Mr. Graham has been an incredible leader of our Council and continued to serve Scouting despite his battle with cancer during the past 6 months. For those of us who were in a meeting with Mr. Graham last Thursday, it was clear how much impact this disease had on him physically…but he was still present, still committed, doing the work of Scouting and NCAC.

In his professional career Mr. Graham became the President and Chief Executive Officer of the American Society of Assoication (ASAE) in 2003. Before ASAE, he served the American Diabetes Association (ADA) in Alexandria, Virginia, for 24 years, the last thirteen as Chief Executive Officer. Prior to becoming CEO, Mr. Graham served the ADA in numerous capacities including Executive Director of the Greater Philadelphia Affiliate, National Director of Affiliate Development, Associate Executive Vice President for Operations and Deputy Executive Vice President. In his tenure as CEO, ADA quadrupled in size, from $50 million to $200 million in annual revenues and successfully moved from 53 independent, separately incorporated affiliate organizations to one nationwide organization with one staff, one budget and one plan.

Before joining the American Diabetes Association, Mr. Graham served as a professional in the Boy Scouts of America for nine years. In May of 2015, he was honored as the recipient of the Distinguished Eagle Scout award. Mr. Graham received a bachelor’s degree from Franklin & Marshall College and served on the Association Committee of 100, US Chamber of Commerce; Chairman of the Mobile Giving Foundation Board of Directors; and on the Board of Directors of the Lambda Chi Alpha Foundation.

The Graham family will hold a private service for John in Pennsylvania and a memorial service in Washington, DC, will follow. We will share information as we have it related to services for Mr.Graham. In the meantime, please keep his family in your prayers.

Scouts Donate to Quantico & US Coast Guard!

January 3, 2020 by The Scouter Digest Staff

Image may contain: 8 people, people smiling, people standing

Boy Scouts have always had a strong tradition of giving back to the community especially in regards to our military. Every year Scouts sell popcorn in person or online with the hopes of receiving donations in lieu of popcorn sales.

On December 31, 2019 the Military Donation took place. This year Scouts raised $126,000 worth of popcorn. The tasty snacks were delivered by Moyer and Sons to Quantico and the US Coast Guard-TISCOM.

A specials thanks to Moyer and Sons for assisting with that large delivery. And big thanks to all Scouts for your efforts this fall. You made a bunch of service members very happy!