Poolesville Scout Awarded a National Conservation Medal
The National Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) awarded Jason Woodman of Poolesville their Conservation Medal for his outstanding efforts to create a half-acre native plant pollinator habitat in Poolesville, MD. In March 2023, Jason organized 63 volunteers who planted 391 native straight species pollinator plants at the entrance to Stevens Park. Jason’s local newspaper published an article about him receiving this award (https://www.monocacymonocle.com/images/issues_2023/MM_2023-11.pdf page 28)
The beautiful habitat provides a source of native plants, nectar from spring to fall, and a new home for wildlife including a variety of pollinators such as butterflies, birds, and bees. Moreover, the town’s response to his project has been incredible. T own residents enjoy spending time in Jason’s stunning pollinator garden, photographing native flowers and local wildlife in it, and posting comments and photos about it on local Facebook groups. A local artist painted a watercolor of the garden, and a young Poolesville resident released her butterfly in it. Inspired by Jason’s project, some residents now want to create their own native pollinator gardens.
Jason said, “It’s really an amazing honor to be 16 and recognized by a national organization for the pollinator habitat I built. I put in over 187 hours planning and implementing this habitat.” Jason aims to complete a second project to earn the BSA Distinguished Conservation Service Award (https://www.scouting.org/outdoor-programs/conservation-and-environment/conservation-awards-and-recognitions/bsa-distinguished-conservation-service-award/)(DCSA). “It’s a very rare scouting award and my 2nd project proposal was just approved by the Town of Poolesville and by the National Capital Area Council Conservation Committee,” he said. “I’m ready to start work on it very soon.”
Congratulations to Jason for this remarkable achievement!
With the weather getting chilly, we can think fondly of summer camp and get excited for Summer 2024! Check out the 2024 NCAC Summer Camp Guide, available online.
Scouts BSA
Older Scouts, Venturers, & Sea Scouts
to have in their toolboxes and practiced using clamps, sanding blocks, hammers and nail punches. They made a golf tee game board as their “fun project” and after sanding, they applied a clear polyurethane finish. Finally, as their “useful project”, each Bear made their own toolbox. It was a couple of hours very well spent and not only did these Bears learn a few things and have some fun but, they also earned the distinction of having among their Den the 500th Bear to complete the Baloo the Builder Adventure in Michael’s Woodshop!
The Baloo the Builder and Webelos Build It Workshops are two of the most popular activities in Michael’s Woodshop. These workshops are great, hands-on activities that are fun, learning experiences for the Cub Scouts. To learn more about these workshops and the many other shop activities available, or to reserve the shop for an activity, please visit the 
Troop 1577 had a fantastic campout on October 28-29 at Lake Fairfax! It started with dropping off the Scouts at a location about 25 minutes away from camp, and they found their way back for Camping merit badge requirement 3.
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!”
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.”
The October 2023 NCAC Potomac District Monthly Eagle Board of Review for 11 Scouts was held last night.
