Ethan and Camille both of Mechanicsville, MD Cub Scout Pack 1785 are pictured after Camille’s car beat her big brother’s car at the Pinewood Derby Race Day in a sibling race. My husband helped my son, Ethan (Den 6) build his car and I helped my daughter, Camille (Den 17) so it was a mom versus dad challenge as well and us girls won! They had to buy us lunch after the derby!
Another Potomac District Klondike Derby is in the books. For Troop 447 from Rockville, Potomac District, this will be one to remember. Not for the heavy rain on Friday which soaked most of the tents and even some sleeping bags and clothes, not for the muddy field and falling temperatures, not for the close to freezing temperature on Saturday night, but for an entire year of preparing for this event paying off beyond expectation.
The Gravediggers team, led by ASPL Bryson, won 1st place overall, ultimately decided by them earning 1st place in the Dutch oven dessert contest. The Roadkill team, led by SPL Vincent earned 2nd place overall and Patrol Leader Austin of the Gravediggers team won the Klondike Derby Patch design competition. Troop 447 also had no less than 3 skits approved to be featured at the camp fire, with fantastic responses from the estimated 1,000 strong audience.
More important than all these accolades, the Scouts from Troop 447 learned what hard work on Scout skills throughout the year, respect for each other and other Troops, and working as a team can accomplish. At the Klondike Derby, points are awarded per station not only for the skills, but also for teamwork, respect and Scout spirit. All these qualities should be found in our Scouts, and in our Scouters.
As a first year Scoutmaster, I am beyond proud that “my” Scouts, performed so well, encouraging each other, helping each other and working together on that common goal; “to do my best”. The Troop’s PLC, in their annual planning meeting, set a solid foundation for the Klondike Derby, by scheduling Scout skills in the weekly meetings, combined with more Klondike specific meetings leading up to the event, with senior Scouts helping younger Scouts to master various skills. What more could I ask for?
A huge shout out to first time Potomac District Klondike Derby Director Steve Salaj and his team of about 200 volunteers, for a fantastic organization of this event hosting over 1,000 Scouts and Scouters from the National Capital Area Council.
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.
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.
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!
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/.
