Callum is a Star Scout from Troop 697 in the Patriot District. He has earned 65 out of the 138 Merit Badges. He first began his Scouting career as a Cub in the first grade. After reading his Scout Handbook cover to cover he became inspired to earn merit badges and advance in rank. When asked what he learned in pursuit of his badges Callum shared “I have learned countless things, like how to mount a stamp, how to use a tourniquet, how to operate a tractor, and how to write my own musical composition! I do find that some badges are more useful, like First Aid. If I’m hiking and I fall and there’s a bleeding wound, I know how to treat it. I learned in Sustainability how I can save money and protect the environment. In plumbing, I learned how to unclog pipes. During all the recent strikes, I learned about American Labor and Unions. I’m curious about everything!”
Not only did he work hard to earn these badges, but Callum decided to earn the rank of Star Scout. He
completed his necessary service hours, became a patrol leader, and completed 6 of the 13 badges from the list required for Eagle Scouts. Earning merit badges for First Aid, Swimming, Environmental Science, Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship in the Nation, Citizenship in the World, Citizenship in Society, and Lifesaving. He is currently working on Cooking, Personal Management, and Family Life. Callum thought the Sustainability badge was the hardest to earn, he recalled “I had to implement ways to save on my family’s energy, water, heating, and transportation bills. Even though this one was super hard, It is still one of my favorite badges because I’m really interested in making the world a 
better place.” When asked what his favorite merit badge Callum explained” Space Exploration was my favorite because I got to build a model rocket and launch it into the sky. I got to design a lunar base and learn about Aerospace Engineers. I really want to become an Aerospace Engineer, especially after earning that badge.”
Callum is currently a Patrol leader and Webmaster for his Troop. He plans on earning many more badges and awards. Currently, Callum is working on the Ad Atari Dei Medal, Messengers of Peace( making 35 no-sew fleece blankets for a local homeless shelter), the Distinguished Conservation Service Award, and the NOVA awards. He plans on using what he learned earning these awards/badges and has his eye set on becoming an Eagle Scout.
The October 2023 NCAC Potomac District Monthly Eagle Board of Review for 11 Scouts was held last night.
My name is Carter Kunz, and I am a Life Scout in Troop 111 in Arlington, VA. For my Eagle and Distinguished Conservation Service Award projects, I decided to do a ravine restoration project in Potomac Overlook Park in Arlington, Virginia. The purpose of the project was to slow the erosion in the ravine in order to reduce runoff into the nearby creek and to protect the large hardwood trees bordering the ravine as well as the hiking trail at the bottom of the ravine.
park visitors do not try to hike in the ravine and to help slow the flow of water and catch leaves and debris which will help fill in the ravine over time.
On the evening of September 26, 2023, Cub Scout Pack 197 welcomed a special guest speaker, Mr. Tom Coen, an elected leader from the Stafford County Board of Supervisors. 10 Cub Scouts from Pack 197 sat down with Mr. Coen to discuss his leadership journey, as part of their development as future leaders in our community and nation – one of the core goals for all youth in the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) program. This event was held at the Ferry Farm Baptist Church and was coordinated, by the adult Scout leaders of the Pack, to help fulfill the Scouts’ advancement requirements for their Wolf Adventure Council Fire “Duty to Country” and Arrow of Light Adventure “Building a Better World.” Also attending this event were 5 Adult Scouter leaders and 4 Scout Parents.
The Scouts were given an opportunity to ask Mr. Coen questions – Tommy, a member of the Wolf Den, asked if there was a plan to fix the levels of lead and bacteria in the water of Hartwood Elementary School (where he is a 2nd grade student). Mr. Coen let Tommy and the other Scouts know that the Board is exploring different ideas and diligently working on finding a solution to fix the problems with the water at Hartwood Elementary School.
On September 19-20, Michael’s Woodshop supported its first Quartermaster Leadership Service Project. Similar to earning the rank of Eagle Scout, Sea Scouts must carry out a service project to earn the rank of Quartermaster. Able Sea Scout William Kennedy, in pursuing the rank of Quartermaster, organized volunteers in constructing a picnic table for Gateway Baptist Church. William planned his project and organized volunteers for two evening work sessions in Michael’s Woodshop. The first evening was focused on cutting and sanding and the second was dedicated to assembly. It was a successful and productive couple of days and the end result was outstanding!
In addition to many other Scouting activities, William has volunteered in Michael’s Woodshop, starting as a Youth Assistant and recently becoming an adult volunteer. During this time, he has always eyed the Eagle and Summit Award plaques hanging on the wall to commemorate projects carried out in the shop. In addition to earning the rank of Eagle Scout and now being a Sea Scout Quartermaster Candidate, he will also enjoy the privilege of having his own plaque on the Michael’s Woodshop “Wall of Fame”.
