We Own Adventure

Scouting News for the DC Metro Area

Adventure

Paddling, Portaging, and Persevering: Troop 1094’s Northern Tier Adventure

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Troop 1094 recently returned from a challenging and unforgettable adventure at Northern Tier, Scouting America’s high adventure wilderness canoeing base in the Boundary Waters of Minnesota.

The Scouts faced foggy mornings, rainy afternoons, rough waters, and plenty of wildlife, including pesky mosquitoes, leeches, and even what they called “mini bears.” Adult leader Mr. Kuehn summed up the experience: “We weathered foggy mornings, rainy afternoons, rough seas, depleted toilet paper, leeches, skeeters, deadly quicksand, mini bears, huge mouth bass, questionably cleaned cookware, heavily iodized lake water, and completed an epic trek together.”

Senior Patrol Leader Ryan D. shared that the trek wasn’t without real danger. “The biggest challenge was when we entered Ima Lake. We had just finished the longest portage of the trek, 112 rods, and got on a lake with extremely high winds. Ima Lake had swells large enough to break and make whitecaps. We had to look for a campsite right away because it was too dangerous to stay on the lake. Unfortunately, the closest campsite had just been taken. So, we had to keep going. Even worse, we had to go north while the waves were moving east. Some big swells dumped water into the back of the canoes. We made it to a campsite, but each canoe was on its last legs by that point. One more large wave would have capsized the boats.”

Despite the hardships, the Troop ended their adventure on a high note. Draisen said the biggest highlight was building a homemade canoe trimaran on the final day. “We made a trimaran out of the canoes and went 2 miles. The left canoe paddled on the left, the right on the right, and the middle canoe held the boats together. The two sterns steered. They said it was surprisingly maneuverable.”

With memories of teamwork, resilience, and stunning views, these scouts brought home more than just bug bites, they returned with a sense of accomplishment and stories they’ll share for years to come.

Pack 403 Marches to Remember

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Bowie Cub Scout Pack 403 and family members marched for the 4th straight year in the Bowie Memorial Day Parade. This parade is to remember those that were lost in service to the country. 43 Scouts, most of which had never participated in a parade carried their Den flags in addition to the WEBELOS presenting the US and Pack Flag alongside the Pack banner.

Photo Credits: Vinicio Guzman and Jnell Suchy

Troop 1094 Conducts Cold Weather Training in Minnesota

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By Holden Pierce, Historian, Troop 1094

An image of the sunset at Northern Tier
[An image of the sunset taken by Ryan D., Life Scout of Troop 1094]
This past winter, Troop 1094 of Darnestown sent two full crews to Scouting America’s Northern Tier High Adventure Base in Ely, Minnesota to participate in a rugged cold weather high adventure experience. Scouting America has four national level high adventure bases in the United States where Scouts can excel in their outdoor skills while having a bunch of fun. In summer, the Northern Tier High Adventure Base allows Scouts the opportunity to conduct amazing canoeing treks in the boundary waters of Canada and upper Minnesota. In winter, the Northern Tier High Adventure Base allows Scouts the opportunity to participate in amazing cold weather activities during their “Okpik” (means Snowy Owl in the Inuit language) program in which Scouts learn how to thrive in subzero temperatures, travel across frozen wilderness lakes, and construct their own sleeping structures out of snow.

After flying into Minneapolis / St. Paul International Airport, the Troop 1094’s two crews then had a 5-hour bus ride north to Ely, which is right next to the Canadian border. Once we arrived at the Northern Tier High Adventure Base, we were busy from the very start. First, we were broken into two separate crews of 8 Scouts and three adults each and then introduced to our “Interpreters” (crew guides). We then conducted detailed planning for our cold-weather activities for the week and then got issued all of our cold weather gear before staying in cabins for the night. The next morning, our cold weather adventures began.

An image of our crew hiking across Flash Lake.
[An image of our crew hiking across Flash Lake taken by Matthew M., Life Scout of Troop 1094]
During our time in the wilderness, our two crews had an amazing time. Some of our awesome activities included snow shoeing, cross-country skiing, dog sledding, ice skating, ice fishing, playing broom ball, and curling. Everywhere we went, each crew member had to pull their own sled with all their own gear along with some crew gear. Each night, our crews usually slept in established campsites right next to the edge of the lake, but one night, our crews actually slept out on the ice in the middle of the lake. That was really cool. None of us had ever done that before. During the trek, we never used tents. Instead, we built windbreak structures while sleeping under the stars. A windbreak structure is made out of snow and has four walls about three feet tall on all sides where the scouts sleep in the middle to keep the wind from hitting them.

While we were there, we all earned several cool awards. One of the awards was the Duty to God Patch. To earn that patch, we had to say the Northern Tier grace before every meal and hold a brief daily devotion. Another award that we earned was the Okpik Winter Trek Patch. To earn that patch, we had to camp out in the wilderness for at least two nights and hike at least seven miles.

I interviewed one of our Star Scouts, Ryan H., about his experience at Northern Tier, and he said: “The experience was a 10 out of 10 and many memories were made!” Overall, the Scouts and adults that went to the Northern Tier High Adventure Base this past winter had a great time and made many memories along the way.

During 2025, Troop 1094 will be participating in two more awesome high adventure trips. In June, our Troop is sending one crew back to Northern Tier in Minnesota to participate in a 10-day canoeing trek in the Canadian boundary waters. And in December, our Troop is sending a crew to Sea Base in Florida to participate in a 7-day Coral Reef sailing adventure. We love high adventure trips!

Pack 578’s Year in Review 2024-25

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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!

CVOA’s 3rd Annual Climbing Lock-In was a Success!

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Starting at 9:00 PM on Saturday, February 14, 2025, Venturers and Venturing age Scouts BSA and Sea Scouts participated in NCAC Venturing Officers’ Association (CVOA) 3rd Annual Climbing Lock-In and 27th Anniversary Venturing Celebration at Vertical Rock in Manassas, VA! Lasting for 10 hours, this year’s Climbing Lock-In featured fun activities for everyone, like board games, sharing stories, puzzles, pizza, chips, cupcakes, bouldering, and, of course, lots of rock climbing.

The Lock-In started with a “Learn the Ropes” intro course, which taught Scouts and Adults all of the necessary safety to climb in the facility and manage the ropes without the need for an instructor. Even after the intro course was over, a Vertical Rock Staff member stayed the entire evening to assist with anything they may have needed.

All participants had to wear closed-toe shoes and Class B uniforms, although several Scouts and Adults wore their Class A’s. There were even spots set aside for anyone who wanted to sleep.

There were so many Troops and Crews who attended, including Troop 1237, Troop 28, Troop 1188, Troop 840, Crew 850, Crew 858, Crew 1022, Crew 599, Crew 1018, Crew 1785, Crew 19, who proudly displayed their flag atop one of the climbing walls, Crew 850, Crew 617, Crew 599, all wearing their class A’s. There were even more Troops and Crews, including some Sea Scouts!

The CVOA’s 3rd Annual Climbing Lock-In was an absolute success. It gave all the Scouts and adults who attended a fantastic experience and created lasting memories!

Camp Kenya features hiking and safari

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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.

Courtesy of Namith Gangireddyvari

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.”

Courtesy of Namith Gangireddyvari

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.

Courtesy of Namith Gangireddyvari

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.