We Own Adventure

Scouting News for the DC Metro Area

The Scouter Digest Staff

Watch Living a Legacy: Troop 1657

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Was the First Baptist Church of Glenarden Troop 1657 what Lord Robert Baden-Powell envisioned when he first created the Boy Scouts in 1907? Probably not! The Boy Scouts, originally a predominantly white organization, wasn’t specifically designed with young black boys in mind. However, this black troop, founded in the suburbs of Maryland, has proven itself to be a transformative space where black boys are unapologetically allowed to thrive and grow!

Created in conjunction with Cub Scout Pack 1657, this film chronicles the inspiring journey of Troop 1657, shining a light on how they’ve rewritten the narrative, creating a lasting impact in the community and beyond.

“Living a Legacy: Troop 1657” is a WHUTV documentary that celebrates a powerful legacy of resilience, leadership, and community.

AVAILABLE ON: https://youtu.be/eibpDVvUdwM?si=Mk6MCgq0fW4yg4Xi

Summer Camp Planning: Funding Your Summer Adventure

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Summer Camp Planning: In the third webinar for Bear and Webelos Den Leaders, the Goshen Scout Reservation team, along with NCAC Director of Field Services Stuart Goins, explores financing your summer adventure at Camp Ross, a week-long camp just for rising Webelos and Arrow of Light Scouts.

Why it matters: Understanding how to fund camp experiences ensures more Scouts can participate and benefit from the programs offered at Camp Ross.

  • This session provides valuable insights into making the camp experience affordable and accessible.

Fundraising opportunities:

  • Upcoming Camp Cards fundraiser and fall Popcorn sale are key ways to generate funds.

  • These initiatives offer practical ways for Scouts to actively participate in raising money for their camp.

Financial aid & tips:

  • Learn about the Camperships process for financial aid.

  • Get registration tips, like applying Free Camp Vouchers from the 2024 fall popcorn sale for the 2025 camping season.

This webinar equips leaders with the tools to plan and fund a memorable summer camp experience for their Scouts.

Miss the webinar? Watch the recording:

You can also download the slides from the webinar here: How to Fund Your Summer Adventure Webinar slides [PDF]

Want to catch up? Check out our previous posts with the first and second installments and the Summer Camp Planning Tool Kit:

You can also find more resources and learn about all the summer fun on the Camp Ross webpage at www.gotogoshen.org/ross

Save the dates for upcoming webinars! All are at 7pm Eastern Time.

For current Lions and Tigers (rising Tigers and Wolves)

For current Bears and Webelos (rising Webelos and AOLs)

Webinar Series: Cub Scout Summer Camp

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Den Leaders and Cubmasters! Prepare for fun and get ready for 2025 Summer Camp – help your Pack and your Den Leaders find the summer camp experience that is right for them:

For current Lions and Tigers (rising Tigers and Wolves)

Day Camp is the introduction to summer camp. Cub Scouts from rising Tigers to rising Arrow of Light Scouts (AOLs) can attend Day Camp, but it is especially good for rising Tigers and rising Wolves – the first and second year campers. Cub Scouts attend with their Den Walkers during the day and return home for the evening after participating in a host of fun activities and Cub Scout Adventures. Day Camp is offered all over the National Capital Area Council with a variety of weeks to choose from.

Find upcoming webinars and view past webinars below!

Learn more about Day Camp and find a Day Camp near you at www.gotodaycamp.org

For current Wolves (rising Bears) & Everyone In Between

Bear Camp at Camp William B. Snyder is a 4 day, 3 night overnight experience especially for rising Bears focused on fun and Adventures for the Bear rank. Camp William B. Snyder in Haymarket, VA also offers Day Camp and Resident Weekends for rising Tigers and rising AOLs. Day Camp is a one week day experience as described above – but with the facilities and staff at Camp William B. Snyder – including the ship and the fort! Resident Weekends is the next step for those who are ready for an overnight experience. Day Camp and Resident Weekends have multiple sessions of camp, but Bear Camp is only offered once, so be sure to check it out!

There are no currently scheduled webinars for Bear Camp, but stay tuned for future information and learn more about Bear Camp, Day Camp, and Resident Weekends at Camp Snyder at www.gotosnyder.org

For current Bears and Webelos (rising Webelos and AOLs)

Camp Ross at Goshen Scout Reservation is a week-long camp just for rising Webelos and Arrow of Light Scouts (AOLs). With lots of fun activities – including swimming, boating, fishing, archery, BB shooting, hiking, crafting, and outdoor skills – it is the an amazing opportunity for your den to learn, grow, and get ready for an awesome upcoming year of adventure in their new rank as well as prepare them for the next step of the program – Scouts BSA.

Find upcoming webinars, view past webinars, and get the toolkit below!

Learn more about Camp Ross at www.gotogoshen.org/ross

Upcoming Webinars

All webinars are at 7pm Eastern Time.

For Current Lions and Tigers (rising Tigers and Wolves)

For current Bears and Webelos (rising Webelos and AOLs)

Past Webinars and Resources

For Current Lions and Tigers (rising Tigers and Wolves)

Missed the November webinar on Cub Scout Day Camp – A Summer Adventure for Rising Tigers and Wolves? View it below.

For current Bears and Webelos (rising Webelos and AOLs)

Troop 3017 Helps to Celebrate the 200th Anniversary of Marquis de Lafayette’s Visit to Frederick, MD

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In December 1824, Frederick City, Maryland, had the honor of hosting the Marquis de Lafayette, a French aristocrat and military officer who was a key ally to the American colonists during the Revolutionary War.

Lafayette’s visit to Frederick, from December 29-31, 1824, drew crowds estimated at 6-8,000 people from all over Frederick County and the surrounding region, eager to catch a glimpse of the man who had fought alongside George Washington in the American Revolution.

On December 27, 2024, Frederick City once again celebrated Lafayette’s arrival to commemorate the 200th Anniversary of his visit. Standing before the Marquis de Lafayette, portrayed by renowned living historian Mark Schneider of Colonial Williamsburg and led by a Fife and Drum contingent, Scouts from Troop 3017 were honored to act as color guard for the event.

The Scouts spent several weeks working with the Son’s of the American Revolution to learn proper flag etiquette. Scouts learned the formal commands and how to march in unison while holding the United States, French, Maryland, and Troop flags. Scouts enjoyed working with fellow community members to represent the citizens of Frederick City and honor this important moment in history.

439, 111, 1321 win at Orienteering Day

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Nov. 16 was another big day for NCAC at the annual MD Orienteering Day, taking the top 3 Troop awards. Troops 439 from Kensington and Troop 111 from Arlington were the first co-champions in the event’s 48 years, with La Plata’s Troop 1321 in third out of 49 Troops.

Alan M. of Troop 111 was the top orienteering champion out of 442 Scouts, edging out Kendall K. (College Park; her third year in the top 10). Ryan B. from Rockville’s Troop 1450 was third, Ben P. from 439 fourth, and Lucas A. from 1321 fifth, just ahead of two PA Scouts.

James T. and Isaac G. edged out 439 Troop mates Alex C. and Finn M. for top Older Category honors. Ian E. and Leo H. were the Younger Category winners. Sixth place Troop was Troop 1946 from DC, led by Charlie C’s top afternoon run in the fun, “free-for-all” Score Orienteering (requiring SPL leadership and Troop teamwork).

In 2025, the event will be on Oct. 25 (Oct. 24-26 if camping) at the Jug Bay area of Patuxent River Park near Upper Marlboro. To learn more, email DaveLinthicum@earthlink.net.

Jim Chaplin’s big 20th Annual NCAC Scout Orienteering Day will be on May 3 at Kings Ldg. Park in Calvert County. To learn more, email JHChaplin@comcast.net. Go to QOCweb.org for lists of good DC-area orienteering events suitable for Scouts.

Summer Camp Planning: How to Build Excitement and Engagement for Camp Ross

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In the second installment of the Summer Camp Planning for Bear and Webelos Den Leaders webinar series, we hear from two experienced Cubmasters, Clare and Spencer. They cover their favorite parts of Camp Ross and the benefits they have found for their Packs, advice for parent/guardians preparing their Scouts to attend for the first time, and tips and tricks for Den Leaders and Cubmasters to recruit both adults and Scouts for a fun week of camp.

Miss the webinar? Watch the recording:

Want to catch up? Check out our previous post with the first installment in the Summer Camp Planning for Bear and Webelos Den Leaders webinar series complete with the Tool Kit: weownadventure.com/summer-camp-planning-tool-kit/

You can also find more resources on the Camp Ross webpage at www.gotogoshen.org/ross and on the Goshen Scout Reservation About page at www.gotogoshen.org/about . The video resources mentioned in the webinar can be found both on the About page as well as on the Goshen Scout Reservation YouTube channel www.youtube.com/@gotogoshen

Save the dates for upcoming webinars! All are at 7pm Eastern Time.

For current Lions and Tigers (rising Tigers and Wolves)

For current Bears and Webelos (rising Webelos and AOLs)

  • January 21, 2025: Funding Your Summer Adventure
  • February 24, 2025: Meet Your Camp Ross Team!
  • March 24, 2025: Program and Elective Adventure Offerings
  • April 22, 2025: Pre-Camp Planning
  • May 20, 2025: Your First Day – Arrival Overview