Congratulations to the NCAC 9 new Cub Scout Leaders for completing their Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO) & 20 Scout leaders who completed their Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS) training last weekend with Seneca, White Oak, and Potomac District at the National Izaak Walton League, 707 Conservation Lane, Gaithersburg, MD.
It was fun teaching ropes and Knots, cooking, and working with the cook crew to feed 40+ people dinner, cracker barrel and breakfast!
In the fifth installment of the Summer Camp Planning for Bear and Webelos Den Leaders webinar series, we review spring steps to a successful summer. The team discusses the pre-camp planning timeline from late April until your week of camp, reviews adult leader requirements, lists documents to bring to camp, and shares some resources available on the camp website at www.gotogoshen.org/ross
Let us walk you through the process so you are completely prepared for the best Cub Scout summer camp adventure possible!
Miss the webinar? Watch the recording:
You can also download the slides from the webinar here: Pre-Camp Planning [PDF]
Want to catch up? Check out our previous posts with earlier webinars in the series and the Summer Camp Planning Tool Kit:
Save the dates for the final webinar in the series! 7pm Eastern Time.
For current Bears and Webelos (rising Webelos and AOLs)
May 20, 2025: Your First Day – Arrival Overview
https://ncacbsa-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_P4iNXGFlSj-FFmMVhDnJgA
Congratulations to the new Potomac District Eagle Scouts and their proud families!
Thank you to everyone who assisted these Life Scouts along their journey to reach the Eagle rank.
Special thanks to Larry McNiece, Advisor for the Eagle Scout Board, and Robert Owen for sharing the photo.
Thomas L., a member of Troop 162 in Arlington, Virginia, received recognition for his Eagle Scout Project on Arlington Now.
His project was designed to help his school’s outdoor track-and-field program by upgrading the W-L shot-put sector.
Read the full article here: Arlington Now
Boys and Girls Troop 1137 helped their chartering organization, Izaak Walton League of America (IWLA) Arlington – Fairfax Chapter, with a conservation clean-up service project on Sunday March 23, 2025.
The Scouts cleaned up the natural areas on the grounds and around the fishing pond for the benefit of the wildlife, community, and to protect the environment.
These Scouts are helping to get things ready for NCAC Twilight Camp that runs there from June 16-20, 2025!
Cub Scout Pack 578 in Fredericksburg had a fantastic 2024-2025 Scouting year, filled with a wide array of events that allowed Scouts to explore new experiences, build new skills, and give back to their community. From outdoor adventures to service projects, the pack fostered an environment where fun and learning went hand in hand.
The year began with the annual Rocket Launch and Join Scouting Night (JSN), which provided a perfect introduction for new families. Scouts launched their rockets, learning about science and aerodynamics while welcoming new faces into the pack. The Fred Nats Scout Night was another early highlight, where families attended a baseball game, bonding over America’s pastime and celebrating their Scout spirit.
One of the most exciting events of the year was the Bike Rodeo Pack Meeting. Scouts honed their cycling skills, participated in fun bike-themed activities, and took part in a 10-mile bike hike that promoted physical fitness and an appreciation for outdoor exploration. Additionally, Pack 578 stood out at the 2nd Annual District Cub-O-Ree, where they proudly earned first place for Scout Spirit, a testament to the enthusiasm and camaraderie within the pack.
The year also included a unique experience at the Jamboree Over the Air event, where Scouts connected with other Scouts from across the world to learn about Scouting traditions and activities. At the Stafford County Fire Department Pack Meeting, Scouts received valuable lessons in fire safety and interacted with local firefighters. These hands-on experiences helped Scouts develop an understanding of the world around them and their role in keeping their communities safe.
Pack 578’s fall season was filled with outdoor adventures, including an unforgettable overnight campout at Prince William State Forest. Scouts spent the weekend hiking, learning scoutcraft, and enjoying campfire activities, strengthening their ties to nature and each other. The pack also participated in the Fredericksburg Christmas Parade, showing off their Scouting pride to the local community. Additionally, they volunteered for Wreaths Across America, assisting with layout and cleanup at a local cemetery to honor fallen veterans.
As the holidays approached, the Polar Express Pack Meeting became a cherished tradition, where Scouts gathered for hot cocoa, crafts, and the presentation of awards in a festive, cozy atmosphere. Throughout January, Scouts earned virtual NOVA awards for Cubs Can Code and Tech Talk, exploring the world of technology and developing valuable STEM skills.
Pack 578 also engaged in a variety of educational and physical activities, including the Mount Vernon Hike and a Pioneering and First Aid Pack Meeting, where they worked with Troops 1717 B&G and 1889 B&G to learn important outdoor and emergency skills. The Rapp Rocks Climb Day allowed Scouts to challenge themselves with rock climbing, while the 10 Commandments Hike provided an opportunity to reflect on the principles that guide them as Scouts. On Scout Sunday, five Scouts were awarded their respective religious emblems in a heartfelt ceremony that highlighted the connection between faith and Scouting.
Other significant events included the Pinewood Derby, which sparked creativity and friendly competition, and the Stargazing Pack Meeting, where Scouts learned about the planets and aligned their telescopes to observe a planetary event. The Blue and Gold Banquet, with a fun Harry Potter theme, was another highlight, celebrating the anniversary of Cub Scouting and recognizing the accomplishments of Scouts who advanced in rank.
Looking ahead, Pack 578 still has several events to come, including the District Range and Target Day, a DC STEM Trek, the Fredericksburg Luminaria, and their spring campout. The spring campout promises exciting activities like a fishing derby, flag retirement ceremony, and the Bobcat BBQ, where Scouts celebrate those moving up in rank. Our 2025 summer program includes day camp and resident camps, in addition to two Pack the Pool events with Rain Gutter Regatta, two National Park hikes, and a canoeing trip.
In addition to these fun events, Pack 578 committed themselves to service. They participated in Scouting for Food, collecting an impressive 1,552 pounds of food and $273 in donations to support local families in need. The pack also participated in a conservation hike to collect trash in the local community, reinforcing the importance of environmental stewardship.
Through these events, Cub Scout Pack 578 created a year full of memories, growth, and community spirit. The pack’s commitment to adventure, learning, and service has made this Scouting year truly special, and they look forward to even more exciting opportunities in the year ahead. See you on the trail!
