Adventure

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!

A group of Scouts in Troop 160 traveled to Nairobi to attend the Camp Kenya 2024 program from Dec. 29 to Jan. 4, participating in many adventure activities and learning new Scouting skills.

Camp Kenya was open to all youth and adults registered in a Scouts BSA Troop. A Scout parent from Troop 160 is from Kenya and found out about the opportunity, prompting them to share it back to the troop. Namith Gangireddyvari, 19, and Nishanth Gangireddyvari, 15, were two Scouts who participated in the camp.

“This is such an organized activity that everyone gets to have some levels of fun with it,” Namith said.

The troop participated in the Kilele camp program, which featured hiking, abseiling, rafting, a safari and many other teambuilding activities. Namith said the best part of the trip was the safari, while Nishanth said his favorite was the rafting.

There were two safari trips, morning and night. The two Scouts said they were able to see animals such as lions, hippos, rhinos, hyenas and buffalos. The morning safari featured a tour at Ol Pejeta Conservancy where Scouts saw a chimpanzee conservatory and a blind Rhino.

“It was pretty fun, I would love to do it again,” Nishanth said.

The camp also featured a backpacking hike with abseiling. They hiked up Mt. Kiambicho and stayed there overnight in tents. Both Scouts said they experienced challenges such as running out of water, not enough space in backpacks, and the hot weather.

“It was pretty challenging for people who aren’t used to backpacking and then people who had minimal water,” Namith said. “So, we also learned how to ration water pretty well.”

The Scouts also participated in a conservation project by going to Lord Robert Baden-Powell’s memorial, who was the founder of the Boy Scouts and its first Chief Scout. The project consisted of cleaning his grave and doing yard work. Troop 160 also interacted with the Kenyan Scouts who participated in the project as well.

Namith said there were a few differences in the Kenya Scouting program. Scouts in Kenya are not done at 18, but can continue to be a Scout at their university’s troop. He also said their flag ceremony was very different, specifically the way they held the flag.

“I’d say it’s more ceremonial the way they carry themselves,” Namith said.

Overall, Scouts from Troop 160 were able to learn new skills such as leadership, friendship and teamwork, as well as interacting with new cultures during their time in Kenya.

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.