We Own Adventure

Scouting News for the DC Metro Area

The Scouter Digest Staff

Troop 447 Scores a “Triple Triple”

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On Jan. 5, 2019, Troop 447, Rockville, MD, held a rare quadruple Eagle Court of Honor for its four newest Eagle Scouts: Andrew T. Green, David E. Hinds, Jeremiah K. Whitney and Matthew S. King. These young men became Troop 447’s 136th, 137th, 138th and 139th Eagle Scouts since the troop was formed in 1950. Remarkably, each of them began their Eagle trail in the same den in Cub Scout Pack 928.

The event was truly remarkable in yet another way. It marked a “triple triple” for Troop 447. Andrew Green is the youngest of the three sons of Assistant Scoutmaster John and Sonya Green. Both of Andrew’s older brothers, Robert and William, became Eagle Scouts through Troop 447. Matthew King is the youngest of the three sons of Assistant Scoutmaster David and Helena King. Both of his older brothers, Joe and Noah, became Eagle Scouts through Troop 447. In attendance at the Court of Honor were Assistant Scoutmaster and Eagle Mentor Chuck and Sue Aubertin, parents of three sons, Michael, Gregory and Douglas, all of whom became Eagle Scouts through Troop 447. Three sets of three brothers from three 447 families, all Eagle Scouts — a “triple triple” for the troop.

The event was even more historic because it was multi-generational. “Mattie” King’s proud father, David King, Troop 447’s 36th Eagle Scout, administered the Eagle Charge during the ceremony. “I never thought, as a 16-year-old Eagle Scout in 1978, that I would have three sons and they would all become Eagles,” said Mr. King. Also in attendance was Mattie’s grandfather, David J. King, Sr., who was a member of Troop 447 in the 1950’s and an adult leader in the troop in the 1970’s. Mattie’s great grandfather, Albert T. King, was also a Troop 447 adult leader. Scoutmaster Steve Pirozzi and Master of Ceremonies and former Scoutmaster Charlie Griffiths presided over the Court held at the Rockville United Methodist Church, the chartered organization for both Troop 447 and Pack 928.

Photos courtesy of Chuck Aubertin, Cindy Griffiths, and John Green. 

University of Scouting Is February 23rd: Registration Closes February 17th

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The “University of Scouting”, a supplemental training opportunity for all adult Scout leaders, returns to Hayfield High School on February 23. 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 Family Scouting. 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 160 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.

Hayfield High School is close to the Beltway, just south of Alexandria, VA. Doors open at 7:15 AM. The opening ceremony starts at 8:15 AM with the closing ceremony ending by 4:30. In 2018 over 900 scouters were in attendance. Help us pass 1000 for 2019. Register now. Click here.

Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat

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BSA’s Guide to Safe Scouting requires any BSA aquatic activity to be supervised by an adult who has completed Safe Swim Defense (for swimming activities) and Safety Afloat (for boating activities). Each of these training courses takes about 45 minutes to complete and are available online at my.scouting.org. These courses are also available in-person at the 2019 NCAC University of Scouting on February 23. The in-person version of the training allows you to ask questions of the experienced trainer. Sign up for these sessions today so you can be prepared to support safe and fun aquatics activities this year.

CPR/AED/First Aid Training

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Are you planning on earning the prestigious BSA Lifeguard certification at summer camp this year? If so, please be aware that professional level CPR/AED and First Aid training is a course requirement but not usually done as part of the BSA Lifeguard course at camp. You can complete that requirement ahead of time by enrolling in our American Red Cross CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer and First Aid courses to be held on April 13 at Fairfax Presbyterian Church. The courses use the blended learning method where you complete knowledge development at your own pace online before the classroom session where you practice the hands-on skills. Minimum age is 15 years old. Register for the course at ncacbsa.org/aquatics.

Know Before You Go: National Park Use and the Partial Government Shutdown

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While national park entrances remain open during the partial government shutdown, be reminded that these sites are not fully staffed. That means less rangers and staff to respond to emergencies. It also means critical service outages in areas such as trash collection and sanitation. These things can mean greater risks to you and your unit if you choose to visit a national park during this period, no matter how prepared you are. As well, the lack of regular maintenance, patrols, and custodial and sewage services continues to damage the parks in numerous ways, some of which may take years to recover from.
 
If you can avoid further stressing these invaluable public resources during this shutdown, we’d encourage you to do so. Be aware that other options exist. Numerous parks and forests, notably those managed by States in our region, are still open and running under current, standard operating conditions. We encourage you to explore them, as well as other non-federal sites, now or at any time of the year. Our region also has a wealth of privately owned recreational opportunities, some that may even offer discounts or special events for Scouters.
 
If you must still go to one of these national parks for any reason, please be mindful of the present circumstances and prepare accordingly. Only essential personnel are on hand, meaning that you could experience longer than normal wait times for emergencies. Reevaluate your safety and emergency plan accordingly. You’ll also want to be extra mindful of your outdoor ethics training, especially LNT principles. Pack everything out that you packed in. EVERYTHING. Remember. there’re no trash or toilet services, so what you leave will only add to what’s already there and lengthen recovery time. Avoid closed areas or campgrounds. Some have been shuttered specifically due to safety issues, particularly when it comes to sanitation.
 
Volunteers who are helping to supplement some services should be extra aware in their service and take any and all proper safety precautions. Unattended trash can attract and condition wildlife to its availability, creating dangers for both you and them. Sewage overflows can spread a variety of diseases and parasites. Snow removal, road hazards, and weather or natural events can also add to this list of hazards. Exercise caution and know when to exit a situation to preserve your health and safety.
 
Scouting treasures US national parks. Many of us recall them as the setting for our greatest adventures and memories of fun with friends. While we don’t relish the thought of staying away from them for any length of time, the safety of our Scouters and our respect for all that these natural gems have provided to multiple generations comes before all else. Be informed. Be prepared.

NCAC PADI Scuba Course

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In August, 16 Scouts and Leaders enrolled in the annual Camp William B. Snyder Open Water Diver scuba certification course. They spent two days at Camp Snyder learning safety information in the classroom and basic scuba skills in the pool. The following weekend they completed their certification at a local quarry where they demonstrated the skills they learned in the pool. Many of these Scouts are headed to the Florida Sea Base this summer for a Scuba Adventure program. Online registration for the NCAC 2019 August scuba course is available at ncacbsa.org/aquatics. Leaders can find out how to incorporate scuba into their annual program at the University of Scouting on February 23.