We Own Adventure

Scouting News for the DC Metro Area

The Scouter Digest Staff

Michael’s Woodshop Hosts Its First Eagle Scout Project

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Michael’s Woodshop at Camp William B. Snyder hosted its first Eagle Scout Project on May 25. Henry Olson of Troop 106, Arlington, VA completed the construction of four benches for an outdoor classroom at his former elementary school. Henry arrived at 8:00am with a pile of lumber and a solid plan and departed at 3:30pm with four very nice benches. He was supported by his parents, Scouts from his Troop and two volunteer Shop Stewards. Henry was very pleased with the facility and the support he received. He said, “It was really fun and the project went very well. I will be sure to spread the word about the shop”.

Michael’s Woodshop is one of the newest additions to Camp Snyder. It is a well outfitted shop with equipment, tools and space to complete almost any wood working project. Since opening in November, 2018, Michael’s Woodshop hosted over 250 Cub Scouts during its Pinewood Derby Days, supported District events and held several Woodwork Merit Badge sessions. Summer events are now open for registration. Michael’s Woodshop may also be reserved for Unit activities (all ages), District events, Eagle Scout projects and other Scouting activities.
Michael’s Woodshop was constructed and is operated by volunteers. In addition, a significant amount of the tools, equipment and building materials were acquired through donations from the local Scouting community. For information about shop capabilities, event registration, reserving the shop or to learn more about volunteering or supporting the shop, please visit the Michael’s Woodshop page on the Camp Snyder website or email Camp Snyder at Camp.Snyder@Scouting.Org

2019 Spring Endowment Celebration

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National Capital Area Council, Boy Scouts of America welcomed nearly 50 recipients of the James E. West Fellowship Award on June 1, 2019, for their 2018 contribution at the annual re-dedication of The Alice S. Marriott Patio and The Robert and Dee Leggett Endowment Garden. The audience listened intently as Scouts exhibited their public speaking abilities earned through public speaking merit badges with finesse some adults would be envious of!

Craig Poland, Lieutenant General Rice, Forrest Horton

The keynote speaker was Eagle Scout, Lieutenant General L. Scott Rice, Lieutenant General Rice is a long time Scouter having served in his sons’ troop together with his wife Nancy. He spoke of the importance of Scouting and the continuity Scouting allowed his family as they traveled throughout his military career.

NCAC is proud to recognize those who contribute at the James E West level over three consecutive years, NCAC Fellows are setting an example of giving that goes above and beyond. NCAC Fellows receive a special council shoulder patch and a council necktie/scarf. The newest honorees are:

Kenneth Feng (left), Julia O’Brien, Aasgeir Gangsaas (not pictured)
Hugh & Cindy Redd

It was an exciting honor and privilege to welcome past Council president Hugh and his lovely wife Cindy to the Second Century Society. The Second Century Society recognizes outright gifts of $25,000 or more payable over five years, or deferred gifts of $100,000 or more, to a local council, BSA foundation, BSA high adventure base, or any BSA entity for operating, capital, or endowment needs.

John Mosby Russell

This year we added an additional award to specifically recognize planned giving efforts in the National Capital Area Council. The first recipient of this award is our most senior and active Eagle Scout in National Capital Area Council John Mosby Russell, thank you John Mosby Russell from over 57,000 Scouts in the National Capital Area Council for choosing to leaving a legacy. You too can make a big impact with a future gift, watch for our next article, How to Make a Big Impact with a Future Gift.

Goshen Celebrates Independence Day

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All the camps of Goshen Scout Reservation gathered atop Camp Post hill to celebrate Independence Day two days early – on Tuesday, July 2nd. From Webelos to Scouts BSA to Venturers, everyone met to take part in the festivities. Even the Lenhok’sin High Adventure crews came off the trail for the event.

The evening started with a little rain, but it cleared up as the camps arrived, greeting them with a faint rainbow. Scouts and leaders played field games, enjoyed concessions, and just hung out and enjoyed the view of the lake. As the sun went down, fireworks went off over the lake to end the evening. Happy Independence Day from Goshen Scout Reservation!

Scouts for Conservation

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Scouts displayed their conservation projects as part of the Sustainable Garden Tour hosted the weekend of June 9 by the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District. The annual garden tour features homes, churches, schools, and libraries with native plant landscaping, rain barrels, wildlife habitat, composting, rain gardens, and grass-free front yards.

One Eagle Scout presented his Hornaday Badge project and Eagle project to remove invasive plants at South Run Rec Center in Springfield, Virginia. He led an effort to mobilize volunteers to remove invasive vines and plants. Invasive plants are plants that are non-native and spread so quickly and aggressively that they prevent native plants from growing. The Fairfax County Park Authority’s Invasive Management Area (IMA) program coordinates site leaders at over 60 sites throughout Fairfax County.

Another other Eagle Scout discussed his project to remove highly-invasive Japanese stiltgrass at Frying Pan Farm Park in Herndon, Virginia. He orchestrated several work days for Scouts and the public. During the second phase of his project, he led volunteers to plant common milkweed and other native plants in the area where the stiltgrass had been removed. This project also collaborated with the IMA program and helped the Scout earn the a Hornaday Award in addition to his Eagle Scout Award.

This garden tour provided an excellent opportunity for Scouts to educate the public, advocate for environmental action, and showcase some of the amazing conservation service projects led by Scouts.