We Own Adventure

Scouting News for the DC Metro Area

Adventure

Pack 905 Takes Flight with NOVAAR

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This summer, Pack 905 of Sterling, Virginia, blasted off for an exciting day with the Northern Virginia Association of Rocketry (NOVAAR) in The Plains, Virginia.

Before launch day, Scouts worked with their families to build their own rockets at home. They then brought their creations to the launch field, where they had the opportunity to watch them soar into the sky. The cloudy weather provided an ideal backdrop for tracking the rockets as they climbed high above the field.

In addition to launching their own rockets, Scouts also watched NOVAAR members fly larger and more advanced rockets. Throughout the day, participants learned about rocket safety, how rockets work, and the mechanics behind a successful launch.

The event combined hands-on STEM learning with teamwork and family involvement, giving Scouts the chance to apply science concepts in a fun and memorable way. It was a high-flying day filled with discovery, excitement, and plenty of countdowns.

About the Northern Virginia Association of Rocketry

The Northern Virginia Association of Rocketry (NOVAAR) is Northern Virginia’s public rocket club and a chartered section of the National Association of Rocketry. NOVAAR hosts rocket launches at Great Meadow in The Plains, Virginia, on a monthly basis, and its launches are open to both members and the public. Scouts, families, hobbyists, and anyone interested in model rocketry are welcome to attend and learn more about the hobby.

Scouts Head to the Adventure of a Lifetime at the 2026 National Jamboree in West Virginia

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On Wednesday, July 22, 2026, Scouting America National Capital Area Council Scouts and adult Leaders traveled together to join thousands of young people from across the nation at the 2026 National Jamboree, taking place July 22–31, 2026, at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in Glen Jean, West Virginia.

Our Scouts are among the participants experiencing one of the largest and most exciting youth events in America. Held every four years by Scouting America, the National Jamboree brings together Scouts from across the country for an unforgettable experience filled with adventure, leadership development, service, friendship, and outdoor challenges.

The Summit Bechtel Reserve provides a world-class setting for the event, offering opportunities for rock climbing, zip lining, mountain biking, shooting sports, whitewater activities, STEM programs, fireworks and drone shows, and countless other experiences designed to inspire and challenge young people while building fellowship with Scouts from across the country.

For the Scouts attending, the Jamboree represents much more than a camping trip. It is an opportunity to meet peers from every corner of the United States, exchange ideas, develop leadership abilities, and experience the values of Scouting on a national stage.

As our local contingent posts from Summit, families, friends, and community members are encouraged to follow their journey through social media channels and websites, and share the adventure with connections on your favorite platforms.

Photos on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ESXi6hi6r/  and https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1MEJtZmuSQ/.

Scouting America serves young people through programs that build character, citizenship, leadership, and personal fitness. The National Jamboree showcases the very best of those values while celebrating the adventures and opportunities available through Scouting.

Pack 578 Completes Another Exceptional Year of Adventure, Service, and STEM

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Pack 578, proudly chartered by Richland Baptist Church and serving families throughout Stafford County, concluded the 2025–2026 Scouting year with an extraordinary record of adventure, service, leadership development, and STEM achievement. More than just a program, Pack 578 continues to offer families a dynamic, year-round experience that shapes confident, capable, and community-minded youth.

A Growing and Thriving Pack

The Pack maintained a strong and active membership of 64 Cub Scouts and welcomed 18 new Scouts into the Scouting family this year. Thirteen Arrow of Light Scouts, having completed the highest rank in Cub Scouting, successfully crossed over into Scouts BSA troops and were well-prepared to take on new leadership challenges and outdoor adventures.

A Year Full of Adventure

Pack 578 offers a full calendar of meaningful, hands-on experiences that bring families together. Over the past year, Scouts:

  • Hiked an incredible 239 miles across Virginia, including at Chancellorsville, Lake Anna, and conservation areas throughout the region
  • Camped for more than 120 nights
  • Explored historic battlefields, state parks, and conservation areas
  • Participated in canoeing, kayaking, climbing, cycling, and ropes courses
  • Camped at premier locations such as Camp William B. Snyder
  • Enjoyed unforgettable overnight experiences including a Fredericksburg Nationals game and a stay aboard a historic naval vessel in Norfolk

From canoeing and kayaking excursions, rocket launches, ropes courses and climbing activities, cycling events, and numerous outdoor family adventures, every activity was carefully designed to build confidence, resilience, and a love for the outdoors.

Service That Makes a Difference

At its core, Scouting is about giving back and Pack 578 lives that mission. This year, Scouts and families contributed an outstanding 898 hours of community service.

Key accomplishments include:

  • Collecting over 1,500 pounds of food through Scouting for Food
  • Supporting Wreaths Across America
  • Participating in conservation and environmental projects
  • Serving local churches, schools, and community organizations

These experiences instill values of compassion and responsibility, helping Scouts understand the true impact they can make.

Building Character and Faith

Pack 578 is committed to developing the whole child. Ten Scouts earned religious emblems representing multiple faith traditions, an achievement that reflects the Pack’s dedication to fostering strong moral character alongside leadership skills and outdoor knowledge.

A Leader in STEM Education

One of Pack 578’s defining strengths is its hands-on STEM programming. Scouts engaged in:

  • Coding workshops and engineering challenges
  • Bridge-building and design projects
  • Science museum experiences
  • Model rocketry and NOVA programs

This year alone, Scouts earned dozens of NOVA awards and four prestigious Supernova awards, demonstrating exceptional curiosity, discipline, and academic achievement.

Memorable Events for the Whole Family

Pack 578 creates lasting memories through signature events and community traditions, including:

  • Cub-o-Ree and Webelos-Ree
  • Pinewood Derby and Raingutter Regatta
  • Jamboree on the Air (JOTA)
  • Range and Target Day
  • Veterans Day Parade participation
  • Blue and Gold Banquet celebrations

Family favorites like the Bike Rodeo, Pack the Pool, Urban Air outing, and visits to historic and educational sites ensure that Scouting is not just for the Scouts—it’s an experience shared by the entire family.

Powered by Dedicated Volunteers

Behind every mile hiked and every badge earned is a team of committed adult volunteers, den chiefs, and youth leaders. Their passion and dedication make Pack 578 one of the most active and respected Cub Scout packs in the region.

Looking Ahead: Your Family’s Next Adventure

As Pack 578 looks toward the 2026–2027 program year, the mission remains clear: to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices by living the values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law.

With a strong membership, an exceptional outdoor program, and a commitment to service, leadership, and STEM, Pack 578 offers something truly special:

A place where families connect, children grow, and lifelong memories are made.

Join the Adventure

For Pack 578 families, this past year was a journey of growth, friendship, discovery, and achievement.

If you are looking for a program where your child can explore the outdoors, build confidence, learn new skills, serve the community, and have fun along the way, Pack 578 is ready to welcome you.

Scouting C.A.R.E.S. Pack 5600 Explores Great Falls National Park

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Scouting C.A.R.E.S. Pack 5600 from E.W. Stokes Elementary School recently visited Great Falls National Park for a day of hands-on learning and outdoor exploration. The experience gave students the opportunity to connect classroom concepts with the natural world through guided activities and outdoor engagement.

During the visit, students participated in the park’s Flower Adventure Program, where they learned about native and invasive flowers found in the local environment. In addition to the educational programming, students enjoyed fishing and took part in field games, making the day both informative and fun. The trip provided a meaningful setting for students to build teamwork and confidence while developing a deeper appreciation for nature. By experiencing learning outside the classroom, students were able to see real-world applications of what they study and strengthen connections with their peers.

What Is Scouting C.A.R.E.S.?

Scouting C.A.R.E.S.—which stands for Character, Achievement, Respect, Education, and STEM—is an initiative of the National Capital Area Council designed to expand access to Scouting for all youth. The program partners with schools and community organizations across the DMV to bring hands-on, character-based Scouting experiences to communities that would benefit from a vibrant Scouting program. Through Scouting C.A.R.E.S., youth participate in programs that emphasize character development, leadership, ethics, and moral values, while fostering curiosity, resilience, and a sense of belonging. The initiative reflects the diversity of the communities it serves and works to ensure Scouting is inclusive and available to all young people, regardless of background or circumstance. Scouting C.A.R.E.S. provides in-school, afterschool, and community-based outreach programming led by positive adult role models. Youth enrolled in the program enjoy the same Scouting experiences as Scouts throughout the Council, including outdoor opportunities such as Day Camp and Resident Camp.

To learn more about our National Capital Area Council’s Scouting C.A.R.E.S. program, visit NCAC’s website: https://ncacscouting.org/scouting-cares/

               

Pack 55 Scouts Celebrate America250 with History, Service, and Honor

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In celebration of America’s 250th birthday, Cub Scouts from Pack 55 in Great Falls, Virginia took part in a meaningful outing focused on history, citizenship, and service at the Balls Bluff Battlefield. Through hiking, learning flag etiquette, and honoring fallen soldiers, the Scouts experienced an important piece of American history while living out the values of Scouting.

Cub Scouts from Pack 55 explored the Balls Bluff Battlefield, a historic Civil War site with wooded trails and views of the Potomac River in Leesburg, Virginia. As they hiked together, Scouts enjoyed being outdoors, moving along the winding paths, and experiencing the natural setting of the battlefield. The hike gave Scouts a chance to stay active, work together, and appreciate being outside while visiting a place that has been part of American history for generations.

Scouts also learned about the Civil War from representatives of the Friends of the Balls Bluff Battlefield, who shared information about the site and its importance. Hearing from local experts helped Scouts better understand why the battlefield is preserved today and how communities work to protect historic places.

A meaningful part of the visit included learning proper flag etiquette and placing American flags at the Balls Bluff National Cemetery. This respectful activity allowed Scouts to honor the soldiers buried there and recognize the service and sacrifice of those who fought for the country. Taking time to place flags gave Scouts a hands-on way to show respect and gratitude.

The activities reflect key elements of the Scout Oath and Scout Law. By learning about history and honoring those who served, the Scouts demonstrated being respectful, reverent, and helpful. Working together throughout the outing showed cooperation and kindness, while caring for a historic site reflected responsibility and citizenship.

This experience also connects to the spirit of America250, which encourages reflection on the nation’s history and the people who shaped it. By visiting a historic battlefield and honoring soldiers from the past, Pack 55 Scouts participated in remembering America’s story while building their own understanding of service and community.

Way to go, Pack 55 Scouts!

Cub Scouts In Action: Community Cleanup and Nature Exploration

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group of Cub Scouts standing in front of a pond during their trash pick up nature hike.

Earlier this month, a group of Cub Scouts from Pack 160 in Herndon, VA came together for a 2.5‑mile spring hike along the ponds and trails in their community of Franklin Farm. The goal was simple: enjoy the nice weather, help clean up the neighborhood, and learn more about the wildlife around us.

Working Together and Helping the Community

All of our Scouts put on gloves, grabbed trash bags, and teamed up in small groups to scour the trails for litter. By the end of the hike, we filled two trash bags with wrappers, bottles, and other trash found along the trails and ponds. Several neighbors stopped to thank the Scouts for helping keep the area clean, which gave everyone a great chance to practice being polite and representing Scouting well.

The most memorable find of the day was the bottom half of an early‑2000s Sony PSYC CD Walkman. None of the Scouts knew what it was, so we paused for a fun “old‑school music” lesson. The parents got a good laugh from the guesses!

Fun Wildlife Discoveries

Spring wildlife was everywhere along the trails. The Scouts spotted turtles sunbathing on logs, deer and dog tracks in the mud, a fallen bird egg, and even a crawfish shell left behind on a bridge. During a quick snack break, a large flock of Sandhill Cranes flew overhead, calling loudly — a rare and exciting sight.

Practicing Leave No Trace

Throughout the hike, we talked about the Outdoor Code and Leave No Trace principles. And our Scouts practiced staying on the right side of the path, giving space to dogs and other walkers, and respecting both nature and the people around them.

A Great Day Outdoors

It was a perfect spring afternoon to serve the community, learn about nature, and enjoy being outside together. Scouts from all age groups worked as a team, explored the outdoors, and showed what it means to “leave the world better than you found it.”