• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
We Own Adventure

We Own Adventure

Scouting News for the DC Metro Area

  • Home
  • Newsletters
  • Sponsorship Opportunities
  • Sport Adventures
  • Submit Your News
  • Be an Influencer!
  • Scouting America National Capital Area Council Main website

Adventure

Troop 26 Kicks ILST into High Gear!

September 15, 2020 by Mike Haas

Lord Baden Powell, the founder of Scouting, said “The sport in Scouting is to find the good in every [Scout] and develop it.” To that end, Aquia District’s Troop 26 (“26 KICKS!”) held its semi-annual Introduction to Leadership for Troops (ILST) training on September 12, 2020. As you can see from the pictures, Scouts observed COVID-19 safety protocols and had fun with a purpose!

ILST introduces Scouts, from ages twelve to seventeen, to leadership skills required to effectively lead other Scouts – leadership skills that can easily be applied to all aspects of their lives including school, sports, their religious communities and other activities outside of Scouting. ILST is the first of several formal leadership courses Scouts may attend throughout their Scouting careers.

The ILST curriculum is a diverse combination of lecture, open-ended dialogue, team-building exercises, video presentations, pizza and fun with a purpose! ILST focuses on Troop organization and the conduct of Scout activities using the Patrol Method – after all, Troops are meant to be Scout-led! As Baden-Powell said: “The best progress is made in those Troops where power and responsibility are really put into the hands of the Patrol Leaders.” And as B-P taught Scoutmasters: “Don’t do too much of what should be done by the [Scouts] themselves; see that they do it. ‘When you want a thing done don’t do it yourself’ is the right motto.”

ILST includes discussion and training on roles and responsibilities, vision, servant leadership, as well as leadership tools such as communication, planning and teaching. ILST also delves into the power of teamwork, including stages of team development, inclusion, and leadership ethics and values. The value that Scouts receive from their own Youth and Adult Leaders’ instruction and the open-ended dialogue is important to understanding that every Scout has value. A powerful lesson that, regardless of age or capabilities, diversity of thought and experiences actually make for a stronger Troop.

Team building exercises such as juggling balloons demonstrates the importance of delegation and role definition – no one can do it all themselves – not even the great Lord Baden Powell! Other team building activities such as flag plucking, adopt-a-rock and the telephone game (I know you all remember that one!) demonstrate stages of team development, embracing diversity and principles of communication. And of course, pizza and fun illustrate that leadership, although hard and serious work, should be fun too!

Developing leadership (and followership) in young and maturing Scouts is a critical element to achieving Scouting’s vision to prepare every eligible youth in America to become a responsible, participating citizen and leader who is guided by the Scout Oath and Law. Eleven Scouts from Troop 26 (“26 KICKS!”) are now poised to be stronger leaders not only in their Troop but also in their respective communities. We are proud to call them our leaders of tomorrow!

Filed Under: Adventure, Scouting At Home Tagged With: ILST, Scouts BSA, Team Buidling, Troop 26

Goshen Family Camp Highlights!

September 10, 2020 by Goshen Scout Reservation

Labor Day Family Camp at Goshen Scout Reservation was a great time! Check out our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/GoshenNCAC, for more highlights from the weekend.

Filed Under: Adventure, At Camp Tagged With: adventure, family camping, Family Scouting, Goshen Scout Reservation

Troop 58 Takes on Northern Tier High Adventure!

September 1, 2020 by Jill McClelland submitting article for Cameron Chua

On July 18th, 2020, a crew of 2 adults and 6 scouts from Troop 58 in Ashburn, VA went to Northern Tier in Ely, Minnesota. Over 5 days and 4 nights, they canoed and portaged over 50 miles. Traveling from lake to lake, river to river, they shared stories and laughter. Every day was a new adventure for these S  couts as they explored the wilderness. From wading through swamps to putting on wet socks, they truly experienced a high adventure out in the Boundary Waters. Their most memorable moments were seeing unique landmarks and cave drawings that represented the history of the native tribes that lived there. Through restless nights and rainy days, the crew persevered and made memories that would last a lifetime.

 

Filed Under: Adventure Tagged With: High Adventure, Troop 58

Planning for the Future: Sea Scout Long Cruise Challenge 2020

August 8, 2020 by James Ye

Participating in a Long Cruise is the goal of every Sea Scout ship; however, the planning process is both challenging and demanding. Especially for growing ships, the immense tasks that loom in front of Long Cruise planners can be daunting. All too familiar with these struggles – having experienced them firsthand – we asked ourselves how we could not only encourage, but also empower ships to pursue Long Cruise planning. A Long Cruise can be incredibly rewarding, not only for the scouts participating in the actual event, but also for the scouts involved in the arduous planning process.

We – the NCAC Sea Scout Quarterdeck – devoted many planning sessions to brainstorming ideas that would closely imitate the lessons and experiences gained from participating in a Long Cruise. Although it was unlikely that any ship would be able to participate in a real Long Cruise this summer, we continued to search for solutions. How could we incentivize Long Cruise planning, even in a time where communication was challenging? How could we make resources available to growing ships who have never had the opportunity to plan a Long Cruise before? How could we involve the entire community of Sea Scouts, not only in the National Capital Area Council, but also in the entire nation? The culmination of our efforts and extensive planning produced the Sea Scout Long Cruise Challenge 2020.

The competition officially launched on July 21st, and it will run until August 31st, giving ships a month’s time to commit to a plan, delegate assignments, and create a boarding manual and video for presentation. Creating meal plans, assigning roles, researching marinas and routes – Long Cruise planners will find that there is plenty that must be done in order to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Whether planning a budget or arranging for transportation, the logistics and planning that is required for a Long Cruise also requires effective teamwork, reliable leadership, and resourceful delegation. Throughout the duration of the event, the NCAC Sea Scout Quarterdeck will continue to offer tips and advice through flyers and social media posts to ensure that all components of the Long Cruise plan are receiving sufficient attention.

Components of a submission include a Boarding Manual and short promotional video presentation that will be graded by a panel of judges. Success can be obtained through careful attention to three factors: depth and detail of information, professionalism of the material, and strength of the speakers. As long as appropriate consideration is exhibited for each component of the criteria, Long Cruise planning submissions also have the potential to showcase a ship’s creativity and resourcefulness.

The winning submission will have the opportunity to participate in a one-week Long Cruise aboard the SSTV der PeLiKan, a 46-foot Morgan ketch situated on the Chesapeake Bay near Baltimore, Maryland. Friends of Sea Scouting of Maryland (FOSSOM) – a 501(c)3 non-profit who operates the boat for the benefit of the Sea Scout program – will provide a BSA-registered captain, and cover fuel, moorings, and docking fees to an amount not to exceed $300. More information regarding the grand prize can be found in our event’s boarding manual. Ships interested in registering or are interested in obtaining more information can have their skipper send an email to NCACSeaScouts@gmail.com.
Long Cruise planning is similar to the large-scale projects one might see at school or at work. They can be incredibly frustrating. They can be challenging. They can be confusing. But the frustration, the obstacles, and the confusion all contribute to creating impactful, purposeful experiences that truly shape youth leaders. Large-scale planning projects create opportunities for growth, both within the team and within individuals. They create environments that require communication and conflict resolution. And the result of such arduous labor can create an experience of a lifetime.

Filed Under: Adventure Tagged With: long cruise, Sea Scouts

One More Opportunity for Camp Snyder Family Camping!

July 31, 2020 by Craig Weston

If your family was not able to participate in Family Camping during July, you have a special opportunity to do so! We’ve just added a 5th week of Family Camping at Camp Snyder for the weekend of August 7-9. Some families have already registered, so don’t wait long to sign up!

Want to shoot a BB gun, climb the Scouterhorn, fly a drone, make a tool box or bird house or create Foam Gnomes with STEM? Then this weekend is for you! Check out the Camp Snyder Program Activities Catalog! Plus, you can hike the nature trail, bike all over Camp Snyder, fish in a well-stocked lake, discover Geocaches, roast marsh mellows over your own campfire or look at nature up close with the foldable microscope every youth receives.

Register by August 5th to reserve your place at Camp Snyder!

Filed Under: Adventure, At Camp Tagged With: family camping

Ashburn Troop 997 Holds Mini-Camp

July 27, 2020 by Rich Pender

Like many, Ashburn Troop 997’s summer camp plans were put on hold due to COVID closures. But that didn’t stop the Troop from providing a high-quality summer experience for their Scouts while following all BSA, CBC and state rules and guidance. The Troop set up a campsite at the Hidden Meadow group campsite maintained by the Willowsford Conservancy.

Led by Scoutmaster Terry Kolb and his adult team of volunteers, ASMs and Merit Badge Counselors, the Troop put together a mini-camp (five days of ‘day camp’ plus one night camping out) allowing the Scouts to earn a number of outdoor-oriented merit badges, including Pioneering, Soil & Water Conservation, Golf, Fishing, Astronomy and Search & Rescue. The Troop’s new Scouts also had the opportunity to work on early rank requirements. Highlights of the week included bridge-building, a search dog rescue demonstration, model-rocket launching, hiking at Manassas and biking around the Willowsford Farm community. Mid-week, the Troop gathered for an evening event, including the infamous Scoutmaster Campfire Extravaganza, an outdoor movie and an astronomy star party.

As the camp closed, the Scouts headed offsite to do trail maintenance for the Conservancy. In their newsletter, the Willowsford Conservancy complemented the Troop and the Leave No Trace principles of Scouting:

Last week, a troop of young scouts chose the Hidden Meadow Event Field as the site for their week-long scout mini-camp. We were excited to offer residents the ability to host camp at Willowsford, and delighted by the feedback from other residents about the care the scouts displayed toward nature and toward our community’s resources; true to the Scouts’ principles of “Leave no Trace.” They can be applied anywhere, at any time.

Filed Under: Adventure, At Camp Tagged With: Camp, scouting, summer

  • « Go to Previous Page
  • Page 1
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Page 12
  • Page 13
  • Page 14
  • Page 15
  • Page 16
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Page 25
  • Go to Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

NCAC Social Media

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Latest Issue

TSD Summer '18 is on Issuu

Archives

  • October 2025
  • September 2025
  • August 2025
  • July 2025
  • June 2025
  • May 2025
  • April 2025
  • March 2025
  • February 2025
  • January 2025
  • December 2024
  • November 2024
  • October 2024
  • September 2024
  • August 2024
  • July 2024
  • June 2024
  • May 2024
  • April 2024
  • March 2024
  • February 2024
  • January 2024
  • December 2023
  • November 2023
  • October 2023
  • September 2023
  • August 2023
  • July 2023
  • June 2023
  • May 2023
  • April 2023
  • March 2023
  • February 2023
  • January 2023
  • December 2022
  • November 2022
  • October 2022
  • September 2022
  • August 2022
  • July 2022
  • June 2022
  • May 2022
  • April 2022
  • March 2022
  • February 2022
  • January 2022
  • December 2021
  • November 2021
  • October 2021
  • September 2021
  • August 2021
  • July 2021
  • June 2021
  • May 2021
  • April 2021
  • March 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • October 2018
  • July 2018
  • May 2018

Follow Us!

  • Facebook
  • Flickr
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube

Copyright © 2025 · Genesis Elk on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in