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The Scouter Digest Staff

Distinguished Conservation Service Award Projects – Jason W.

August 12, 2024 by Jason Woodman

My name is Jason W, and I am an Eagle Scout in Troop 1094 in Darnestown, Maryland. I really enjoy being outside and I really enjoy watching and learning about wildlife. I look forward to becoming a wildlife biologist one day. Back in 2022, I learned about the BSA Distinguished Conservation Service Award (DCSA). The DCSA award is the former Hornaday Award and it encourages Scouts to design, lead, and carry out a conservation project. The project must be designed to address a conservation issue or need in the local area, and it must benefit the environment and the creatures that live there. There are nine conservation project categories to choose from, and you must complete two projects in two different categories. One project may count as your Eagle project. I decided I wanted to earn this award, and my first project, which was also my Eagle project, would be in the category of pollinator habitat conservation. I created a ½ acre pollinator habitat in Poolesville, Maryland, and wrote an article about it last April. After I wrote that article, I was honored to earn the Daughters of the American Revolution National Conservation Service Award and the 2023 Glenn A. and Melinda W. Adams Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year Award for the National Capital Area Council. If you are interested in seeing photos, here is my video link.

For my 2nd Distinguished Conservation Service Award Project, I began a three-stage project to improve the fish and wildlife in my hometown of Poolesville, Maryland. The first stage was to hopefully attract a new breed of ducks to Poolesville. More specifically, wood ducks. I installed four nesting boxes at a quiet pond in Poolesville last fall. While I haven’t seen any wood ducks yet, this spring, I was able to witness hooded mergansers (cavity nesters) at this pond and watch tree swallows build nests in the boxes.

My second stage was to build 10 monofilament fishing line recycle bins. I built these bins with three members of my Troop back in December 2023. My purpose was to place nine of them around the ponds of Poolesville. The last one we built was for me to share with the Poolesville Sustainability Committee so they could have one on display at community festivals to promote the recycling of fishing lines. Fishing line takes 600 years to decompose and it is very dangerous to wildlife who get caught up in the discarded fishing line in the water. Just last year, we had a Canadian goose have a bunch of fishing lines tied around its foot that required four people to help him get loose. This fishing line will be collected and sent to a recycling facility in Iowa. Then, it will be melted down into little pellets, which will, in turn, be made into fishing tackle boxes. In February, I installed the nine recycle bins. I waited until May to go around and collect the fishing line. I am happy to report that eight recycling bins were filled with fishing lines. It was a huge collection that is currently on its way to Iowa to be recycled.

My third stage of the project was a lot of fun. I asked my community to promise to let me collect their Christmas trees after the holiday season. A fellow troop Scout and I drove around town and picked up 30 Christmas trees in January. We learned as we drove around that local farmers also collect Christmas trees to feed their goats. After we collected the trees, I recruited three of my ice hockey teammates to help me wire cinderblocks to these trees. We had to drill holes through the trees, insert the wire through the tree, and then to the cinderblock. Otherwise, the tree will float and not sink. At the end of January, a few scouts, along with my distinguished service conservation advisor, Ms. Sara Holtz, my project conservation advisor, Mr. King, and a few members of his work crew, helped me drop 30 Christmas trees into the deepest pond in Poolesville (Here is my video link of that day if you are interested). This pond is mainly silt at the bottom and lacks a structure for the fish to hide in after spawning. The trees will give cover to the small fish and help them grow larger and survive, hence improving the ecosystem. It has been a lot of fun observing the wildlife at this pond. One day, while holding catch-and-release fishing day with my Troop at the pond, we observed a female bufflehead swimming up and down the line where I dropped the Christmas trees in the water. She was diving under and would then pop up several yards later. This type of duck likes to feed on small minnows. She was finding those minnows in the trees. On another day, I saw this beautiful blue heron that had just caught a small minnow in its beak.

I can proudly say that I’ve fully completed the DCSA! Working on it has been a very hard but very rewarding process. It takes a lot of time and a lot of volunteers to help you succeed. My first project took me about 187 hours to complete, with 69 volunteers for a total of 349 project hours. My second project has taken me about 188 hours to complete with 22 volunteers for a total of 341 project hours. Combined that is a total of 690 volunteer hours of making my local ecosystem a better place for everyone to enjoy. I’m very proud of what my volunteers and I have accomplished. I’m only 16 years old and finishing up my sophomore year of high school. What I have learned the most so far in Scouting is how incredible it is to be a part of something bigger than yourself.

 

 

Filed Under: Eagle of the Week, Scouting Programs

Scouts in Action – Saving A Life on a Plane

July 16, 2024 by Evan Gilder

On Thursday, July 11, 2024, Southwest Airlines flight 2847 started out like any other flight. We were a group of 10 Jewish scouts returning home from Philmont Scout Ranch, after completing a 100+ mile high adventure backpacking trek over the previous two weeks. It had already been a long day for us, having traveled for just over 5 hours from Cimarron, NM back to Denver for our flight home to LaGuardia Airport.

Midway through the flight, the flight attendants asked if there were any medical professionals on board the plane and to identify themselves by ringing their call button. Fortunately, there were two doctors and two nurse practitioners, one of them being part of our group of 10, sitting right next to me. They all immediately proceeded to the front of the plane. Thinking there were enough medical professionals to tend to what was going on, I simply looked down the aisle to see if I could figure out what was going on. Within a matter of two minutes, a call comes over the loudspeaker saying “Evan, get to the front of the plane!” Without really thinking about this, I ran to the front and saw a passenger on the floor in the first row.

As an adult leader, leading 14 youths on a high adventure trek, we adults are all required to have specific medical training including CPR and Wilderness First Aid, for any injuries that can occur when in the backcountry. Our nurse knew this and needed more assistance with the passenger in cardiac arrest. I was told to immediately begin CPR, something I had trained for over many years, but never had to actually do. The training immediately kicked in and I began compressions, while the doctors were going through the onboard medical kit that all airlines are required to carry. It was fairly evident that the passenger was blue and cyanotic.

There were no fewer than 4 of us working on this passenger in a very tight space between the aisle and the exit door. The two nurses were working on bagging him (forcing air into his lungs), while the doctors were continuing with assessment and administering medication and starting an intravenous line to quickly get medication into him. We all knew what had to be done and worked well together.

For those of you unaware, a person can only perform CPR for perhaps 3-4 minutes before tiring out since it is a very difficult thing to do. Thankfully, there was another passenger directly behind me who had offered to take over for me when I began to tire. Sensing that this was going to take a while, as soon as I ended CPR, I ran to the back of the plane and started directing my Scouts to get to the front of the plane to form a CPR line since I knew who was already certified to do this. We implemented a rotating four person line to rotate each person every few minutes. Having no authority, but just taking initiative, I told everyone in the second row to move to the back of the plane so the passengers in the CPR line could remain close by at the ready.

CPR continued for well over 40 minutes and by this time, the airplane medical kit had nothing left that could be used. Still in danger, I once again ran up and down the plane and asked if anyone had any EpiPen’s. While Epinephrine is a medication often used to revive the heart, an EpiPen is a much smaller dosage for an allergic reaction, something very different than a heart attack. It was thought that there was no harm at this point, since we were out of any other options. I was able to get 3 Epipen’s and immediately got them to the front of the plane. On final approach, all 3 EpiPen’s were administered in the passenger’s leg muscle.

As we were making an emergency landing in Pittsburgh, the flight attendant wanted us all seated and strapped in. One of the doctors, in a very gentle tone, said that if we did that, the patient would surely die. Compromising, we moved the patient to the floor in the first row where everyone could continue to work on him, while seated and leaning over, but not strapped in. That left two standing people and the flight attendant who could not sit because the passenger was in the way of her seat. I had the passengers create a crisscross with their arms across the aisle, holding the opposite side chair arms so that anyone in the aisle, as long as they were low, would be safe as the plane rapidly decelerated. It was a team effort by everyone involved.

Just before touchdown, a pulse was detected, no less than 45 minutes after CPR started. As soon as we arrived at the gate and the doors opened, emergency responders rushed in and took over from there. While I wouldn’t say he was stable, I can certainly say we did everything we could to give this passenger a chance; his heart was beating when he left the plane.

I failed to mention that immediately next to where we were working were five members of his family occupying the remaining seats in the first row and they saw everything. They were most helpful in providing additional medical information on the passenger as we worked together.

With the passenger and family now departed, we first got a chance to relax from the adrenaline rush that we were working under. I proceeded to go up and down the plane and thank the passengers who gave us their EpiPens as well as provide an update. My simple statement was as follows: “We did what we needed to do and now he has a chance”, without really knowing what the outcome was.
On Friday, one of the doctors got an update from the family members aboard the plane. The text message read “Thank you and everyone on the plane for what you did today. Words can’t describe how lucky we are that there were so many responders on the flight. He is currently stabilized and sedated. “

People often ask me what scouting is all about and my answer is always the same: To Be Prepared for what life throws our way. I am proud to say, our group faced a challenge and showed what they can do, even when faced with a tough situation.

If you want to find Scouting near you, visit BeAScout.org.

Reach out to The National Jewish Committe on Scouting  https://www.jewishscouting.org/

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Backpacking Adventure in Wyoming

July 16, 2024 by Joe McMullin

During the last week of June 2024, when the National Capital Region was at or above 100 degrees, a contingency trek of 13 Scouts and 6 Scouters sponsored by the NCAC High Adventure Committee flew to Wyoming. On Sunday, they first visited Yellowstone National Park and Old Faithful, seeing lots of wildlife including bison, mule deer and other small mammals. They then drove south to Grand Teton National Park and did a first day hike to Taggert Lake to acclimate to the high elevations, hiking from 6,000 feet to 7,500 feet for 7 miles. They then visited the town of Jackson, Wyoming to see the sites.

On Monday, they hiked from the Granite Creek Campground for 9 miles hiking from 6,500 feet to 8,500 feet for more acclimation, followed by a unique experience of swimming in a pool constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1933. The pool is fed by hot springs and snowmelt.

On Tuesday they began their backpacking trek at the Big Sandy Trailhead of 9,120 feet hiking to Big Sandy Lake at 10,250 feet, hiking 8.4 miles. The fish were plentiful and everyone casting caught 6 or more fish each.

On Wednesday, they hiked 10.7 miles to the top of Jackass Pass at 10,805 feet through knee high snowbanks. Due to the high snow conditions they had the thrill of sliding down snowbanks to get to the trail and camped at Lizard Head Meadow at 10,031 feet.

On Thursday they hiked 13.5 miles to Valentine Lake at 10,433 but had to climb along the Lizard Head Trail at 11,857 feet. Heavy breathing due to thin air slowed the trek, but the beauty of the tall peaks and mountains inspired them.

On Friday, they hiked the most strenuous leg of their trek climbing to the top of Washakie Pass at 11,624 feet. The pass was covered by several feet of snow, but with good boots and hiking poles to steady their progress, everyone made it. They finished the hike after hiking 12.7 miles camping beside Shadow Lake at 10,140 feet.

On Saturday they hiked 13.3 miles back to the Big Sandy Trailhead with a stream crossing of icy cold snow melt water to cool everyone off.

Total distance backpacked 58.6 miles with stunning beauty of the Wind River Range to inspire them to visit again in the future.

 

Filed Under: Adventure

Leave No Trace Level 1 (Trainers) for the Philmont Rangers

July 11, 2024 by Carol Brown

Hey, Hyattsville, MD! Grab everyone, and I mean everyone, and let’s hit the trails of Philmont Scout Ranch. Or maybe the town of Culpepper, VA, or Georgetown University’s undergrads. Let’s go, staggered over the summer. Those two towns and Georgetown each have around 20,000 residents/students. (US Census for 2023) Twenty thousand is the predicted number of Scouts and Scouters who will hit the 315 miles of trails, 220 square miles, at Philmont this summer. Many people are making a (potentially) significant impact on the environment.

How do we reduce the “considerable impact”? Have the Philmont Rangers, your guides for the start of your trek, trained as Leave No Trace Trainers (Level 1). They can assist the hiking crews in limiting their negative impact on the area and its wild inhabitants—the best way to keep the area wild for the next year and generations to come.

Philmont hosted sixteen Level 2 and Level 3 Instructors the weekend of June 7-9. We delivered a Level 1(Trainer) course to a group of Philmont Rangers. I was fortunate to be one of those instructors.

Our participants were primarily first-year Rangers, and my group came from all over the United States—from Florida to Washington State and one from our own NCAC. All had a variety of hiking backgrounds and insights. All were former Philmont crew participants and had beautiful memories of the area and their trek. Each was vested in keeping Philmont wild and available for future generations.

We were based at the Camping Headquarters area, where crews begin their Philmont adventure. This is quite a change from the June weather/humidity and lack of elevation here in the DMV.

During the two-plus days of the course, the Rangers learned how to use the Leave No Trace Principles and related activities to help perpetuate the wild adventure that is Philmont for years to come. One of the best aspects of the course was learning from one another and getting insight into the different ways of teaching and influencing the Principles of Leave No Trace.

This was a pilot program, and we plan to return next year to continue integrating Leave No Trace into the Ranger training. Maybe we’ll see you at base camp as you start your trek.

— Carol Brown

Filed Under: Events and Trainings

A Great and Fun Week at Scout Camp!

July 8, 2024 by Eva Cook

   

Hi, I’m Eva, and I had a lot of fun at Cub Scout camp. I had so much fun that I decided to share my adventures!

   

I liked everything we did, from archery to BB’s and everything in between. The Beekeeper was a surprise but was a delight. Also, I loved tasting honey and making Bee hives with the other scouts (my dad won’t let me put the Bee hive in our backyard because it attracts carpenter bees!🤣).

I had a blast!😁 I can’t wait till next summer so I can come again!

Filed Under: Adventure, At Camp

Scouts and Scouters Introduced to Outdoor Ethics

July 5, 2024 by EvelynAnn Bruno

Have you ever wondered about the purpose of Outdoor Ethics in Scouting? Have you ever wondered what the role of a Troop’s Outdoor Ethics Guide is? Never fear, as the NCAC Outdoor Ethics Committee can help you out!

On Saturday, June 29, 15 Scouts and Scouters attended the Outdoor Ethics Orientation, and eight Scouts attended the Outdoor Ethics Guide Course in Brandywine, MD, hosted by EvelynAnn Bruno. Taking advantage of the air conditioning on that balmy summer day, Scouts and Scouters learned the basics of Outdoor Ethics and how to integrate them into Scouting and everyday life.

The Outdoors Ethic Orientation, a BSA National recognized course, is available to all ages and units. This orientation introduces the concept of Land Ethic, the seven principles of Leave No Trace, and the five principles of Tread Lightly! This course is a great way to introduce those new to the Scouting program and provide an excellent review for those who have been around for a while. By attending this course hosted by EvelynAnn, Scouts completed two of the requirements for the Outdoor Ethics Awareness Award (for both Scouts BSA and NCAC Cub Scouts). The course is one requirement, plus EvelynAnn shows the National Park Service’s Leave No Trace video at the end.

The Outdoor Ethics Guide (OEG) Course, which is an NCAC exclusive, was created to provide Scouts in Scouts BSA and their leaders with an explanation of the role of this leadership position in the troop and expectations. A quick refresher on Outdoor Ethics is followed by a myriad of Outdoor Ethics-themed games demonstrated to the Scouts, plus post-game brainstorming of how to bring these games to their individual units. This course is not mandatory to fill the OEG role but may prove helpful in understanding its function plus getting access to all the resources available.

Want to know more about Outdoor Ethics? Scan the QR Code and subscribe to the NCAC’s Outdoor Ethics Newsletter! The Outdoor Ethics in BSA Outdoor Programs webpage serves as another great resource!

Want to know more about the available Outdoor Ethics Awareness Awards? Scouts BSA has five requirements to complete, while NCAC Cub Scouts has four. Both can be earned by both Scouts and Scouters.

You can learn more about the missions of Leave No Trace and Tread Lightly! at their individual websites.

EvelynAnn Bruno is a Leave No Trace Level 2 Instructor and Tread Lightly! Trainer, in addition to being the Committee Chair of Troop 1778 in Waldorf and Treasurer of Pack 1014 of Brandywine. Located in Upper Marlboro, MD, she supports Patuxent and Western Shores Districts.

#weownadventure #LeaveNoTrace #treadlightly #doyourpart #ProtectTheAdventure

Filed Under: Events and Trainings

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