We Own Adventure

Scouting News for the DC Metro Area

The Scouter Digest Staff

Eagle of the Week – Elliott Frank!

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Window glass is a major factor of death for migratory birds. Between 100,000,000 to 1,000,000,000 birds die annually from collisions with windows.

I’m Elliott Frank, from Troop 152 in Vienna, Virginia, and for my Eagle project, I wrote, directed, and produced a video public service announcement for the Audubon Society of Northern Virginia, linked here: https://youtu.be/0hPFdRHvEMM.

This video provides an overview on bird collisions with glass, and covers several alternative techniques to bird-safe glass local homeowners can implement on their own windows to help minimize this problem.

I’m an aspiring videographer and video editor, hoping to study film and video in college. The majority of the Eagle projects that I help my troop mates with consist of intensive outdoor manual labor building structures for local organizations. This may seem to you like an unconventional Eagle project, and you’re right. I wanted to combine my passion for filmmaking with my love for birds to create a long-lasting impact on Northern Virginia’s bird population. I’d like to thank the Audubon Society of Northern Virginia for allowing me to make this video on their behalf, and for providing access to my video on their website: audubonva.org

Silver Beaver Nominations Due November 30!

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The Boy Scouts of America, acting through the National Court of Honor, may award the Silver Beaver Award for distinguished service to youth. The Silver Beaver Award is the council-level distinguished service award of the Boy Scouts of America. Recipients of this award are registered adult leaders who have made an impact on the lives of youth through service given to the council. The Silver Beaver is an award given to those who implement the Scouting program and perform community service through hard work, self sacrifice, dedication, and many years of service.

The Silver Beaver Nomination Form and the Silver Beaver Award FAQ are now available.  The nomination form and supporting information packet for the Silver Beaver award should be emailed to silverbeaver@ncacbsa.org. All nominations MUST be received no later than Monday, November 30th of this year.

NEW Camping Continues Web-Series!

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The National Capital Area Council presents to you Camping Continues—an all-new web-series promoting the outdoors, Scouting spirit, and some plain old fun. There is enough for everyone… from Lion Cub Scouts to the most experienced Eagle Scout! Join the crazy cast of Camping Continues for a fun-filled evening of games, skills, and thrills!

Tune in on Thursday, October 22, at 7:00 PM EST for the season premiere on the Council’s Facebook page… and grab an extra pair of Scout Socks because yours will be knocked off!

Eagle of the Week – Katie Hunter!

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When I learned that Bailey’s Elementary School in Vienna, VA, needed some garden boxes, I was inspired to help. I’ve always liked the school as my mother works there, and I particularly enjoy the idea of garden boxes that would help kids learn more about nature. So I decided to reach out to the school and present my plan for my Eagle Scout Service Project.

Once I shared my plan, the school was delighted to work with me through the challenges that COVID-19 presented. I first met with the Science teacher at the school to discuss the scope of the project. After receiving approval, we designed the garden boxes and prepared a list of what we would need. I, then, began to plan how we would construct and transport the boxes while following social distancing rules.

Once the wood arrived, my family helped me to cut the wood so that I could organize it. We then constructed the garden boxes at my house. A week later, we rented a truck to transport all of the boxes. We spent the day digging holes and installing the garden boxes at Bailey’s. Then the boxes were filled with cardboard and mulch. I found that the most difficult part of the project was deciding where to place the garden boxes because the clay was very hard to dig through. My favorite part of the project was seeing how many Scouts from both boy’s and girl’s Troops 987 came out to help. From this project, I learned that being prepared is very important and that you always need to have a backup plan.

Leesburg’s Scouts BSA Girl Troop 998 Grows in 2020 and Works to Cement Bonds Across Area Scouting

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Leesburg’s Scouts BSA Girl Troop 998 welcomed their new Scouts to the Troop recently with a weekend camp out at Burke Lake in Fairfax County. Cooking, fire-building, knife safety and first aid were all on the agenda, plus some down time fishing on the lake.

But then, in the next campsite, Pack 1865 arrived for a Saturday night camp out and ceremony to advance their Lion Den up to Tigers. After T998G’s youth leaders reached out to the Pack 1865 leaders, they were invited to join the ceremony and welcome the new Cubs (both boys and girls) to their new status as Tigers. The Scouts then invited the Pack to join their evening campfire, participate in a solemn flag retirement ceremony, and complete the evening with traditional Scout Vespers.

Scouts BSA Girl Troop 998 is chartered by Leesburg United Methodist Church, but during COVID is currently meeting on Monday nights, outside at adult leaders’ homes in Leesburg and Ashburn. If you’d like to visit and learn more, please contact Scoutmaster Denise Pender at 703-727-1806 or smpender998g@gmail.com.

NEW Adult Live Training Guidelines!

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Updated: 9/28/2020

Live Adult Leader Training is approved in NCAC in accordance with the following guidelines:

The health and safety of our Scouters, Scouts and their families is our first priority. If the county or state in which the training is presented has more restrictive guidelines, those guidelines shall supersede.

1.     Keep number of participants below 50 persons (including all participants and staff).

2.     Submit a Safety Plan to augment the BSA SAFE Restart Scouting Checklist to NCAC Enterprise Risk Management, NCAC Program Director, NCAC Training Chair, and NCAC VP Program Impact. (Use the Order of the Arrow Amangamek-Wipit Lodge #470 COVID-19 Protocol as guide) at least 1-2 weeks prior to the event and before it is advertised.

3.     Perform the event as planned and strictly follow safety guidelines

4.     Submit an After-Action Report (on safety lessons) to NCAC Enterprise Risk Management, NCAC Program Director, NCAC Training Chair, and NCAC VP Program Impact one week after each event. (after each week if multiple weekends)
For in-person training activities by a District or Council training committee, if a virtual option is available, like the Beta-Virtual IOLS, it is preferred that the virtual course is presented. If a virtual training option is not available or does not meet our needs, the guidelines listed above must be followed.