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Adventure

Aquia District BSA Scouting Year off to a GREAT Start!

November 14, 2023 by Mike Haas

The Aquia District of the National Capital Area Council (NCAC) kicked off the 2023-24 Scouting year with resounding success. This Northern Virginia (NOVA) Boy Scouts of America (BSA) District orchestrated a series of remarkable events in September and October, showcasing their Scout leaders’ commitment to creating a robust, engaging Scouting program that fosters the growth and development of young Scouts & Scouting Families.

First on the list was an Americanism Merit Badge Workshop hosted at the Howell Branch Library in Fredericksburg, VA on 9 September. The workshop was made possible with sponsorship from the Colonel Fielding Lewis (CFL) Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution and Merit Badge Counselors Dee Callender, Trip Wiggins, and Steve Sabo. This 8-hour workshop attracted 50 Scouts from Aquia District and three other BSA Districts in NOVA, as well as Scouts from the Heart of VA Council, all of whom eagerly pursued Merit Badges in Citizenship in the Nation, American Heritage, Law, and Genealogy. Remarkably, over 20 Scouts successfully completed all four badges, earning themselves the prestigious CFL Americanism Award and deepening their understanding of American history and values.

Following the American Merit Badge Workshop, the District organized the Lion’s ROAR event, a thrilling experience for new kindergarten-aged Scouts, held at the Izaak Walton League of America (IWLA) in Stafford, VA on 16 September. This 5-hour event, made possible (and safe) with key help from Marty Brown and Howard Myatt on the ranges, welcomed 20 young Cubs from Aquia District and a Scouting Family from the Shenandoah Area Council! This introduction to the KISMIF (“Keep It Safe, Make It Fun!”) Scouting world included such activities as archery, slingshots, creative crafts, and an exhilarating floor-is-lava themed obstacle course. These engaging activities not only introduced young Scouts to the fundamentals of Scouting but also filled their day with fun and adventure!

The next event was an overnight Cuboree, from 30 September – 1 October, attracting participation from over 160 Cubs hailing from various corners of NOVA, including Aquia and Old Dominion Districts! This was a true Scouting extravaganza made possible with help from Scout Leaders Kristy Freeman, Dan Pare, David Star, Nik Gilenast, and Ben Allegretti.

This 1-day whirlwind event featured a rock wall obstacle course, a variety of games, a bee feeder craft, a STEM class focused on simple machines, invigorating hikes, a mouthwatering cooking competition, a captivating campfire program, an interfaith worship service, and a memorable overnight camping experience. It was a whirlwind of activities that allowed these young Scouts to bond, learn, and create lasting memories.

And finally, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Scouts Lab 239 (grades 3-5) officially opened its doors at Rocky Run Elementary in October, sponsored by a new Chartering Organization, The Rotary Club of Stafford. With support from Scouters Dan Pare, Candie Shegogue and Trisha Dalal, seven Scouts embarked on a fascinating afternoon’s journey into the world of science, particularly polymers. They explored the science behind slime and bouncing balls, gaining hands-on experience that ignited their curiosity and passion for STEM. A middle school lab may be opening in the future!

The Aquia District’s impressive start to the Scouting year in 2023-24 reflects their unwavering commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders, adventurers, and community-conscious individuals. With these enriching experiences, young Scouts have embarked on a path of learning, camaraderie, and personal growth that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on their lives.

Time for your family to explore such challenges and have fun adventures too? To join BSA, please go to www.beascout.org to find a BSA Scout unit near you – Cub Scouting serves families with children in Kindergarten through 5th Grade; Scouts BSA serves families with children ages 11-18. There are BSA programs for families with older Youths, ages 14 – 20, including Venturing, Exploring or Sea Scouting.

The mission of the BSA is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling the values of the Scout Oath and Law. Aquia District includes Stafford County and Marine Corps Base Quantico. For more information on Scouting in Stafford/Fredericksburg area, including how to donate, join or volunteer, contact Kristy Freeman, Aquia District Executive.

 

Filed Under: Adventure, Scouting Programs

NCAC’s Colonial District Receives Proclamation from Alexandria City Council in Support of Scouting for Food

October 11, 2023 by Ashante Corey-Bey

Last night, Colonial District represented NCAC at the Alexandria City Council meeting. The City of Alexandria’s Mayor and council members presented a proclamation supporting Scouting for Food and our partnership with ALIVE!, a local resource bank that provides free food, personal items, etc. to the community.

Scouting for Food (SFF) is NCAC’s largest annual community service project to help feed families in need by collecting non-perishable food and distributing it to local food pantries and food banks.

The proclamation detailed ” the alliance between ALIVE! and Scouting for Food has transformed countless lives by providing sustenance and support to individuals and families facing challenging circumstances.”

Thank you to the Coloniol District for representing NCAC and bringing awareness to one of the most important annual service projects! Visit the link to see the presentation of the proclamation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KsKLBLWufmc

Last year our NCAC Scouts collected over 641,512 pounds of food through door-to-door and virtual donations. We are gearing up for this year’s collection efforts and aim to collect 1 million pounds of food. Please be on the lookout for instructions from Scouts collecting door-to-door in your area between October 28 and November 5. Also if you wish to donate virtually the giving link will be live October 1- December 16.

Virtual Giving Link:https://yougivegoods.com/ncac-scoutingforfood2023

Filed Under: Adventure

STEM took off with Troops 1778, 403, and 214 on Friday Night!!

September 19, 2023 by Mark Bruno

12 Scouts from three local Troops took flight with some help from 1400 horsepower fans and some nifty aerodynamic engineering. iFly Baltimore hosted an Up and Away NOVA field trip for these Scouts. They started with Randy, a retired missile flight engineer, explaining the history, design, and build process that produced the 5th generation vertical wind tunnel. After that talk, the group was split in two – Half went to their Preflight, and the others worked on building parachute delivery systems to deliver paperclips back to earth safely.

The flights are just one minute at a time, but it is the “longest minute ever,” according to several Scouts. Flying in winds nearing hurricane force and assisted by a certified coach, Scouts (and some parents) learned how to stabilize in the air, turned left and right, and went on a “high-flight” approximately 30 feet above the floor.

Did you know that rain falls at approximately 21 miles per hour? Our Scouts tested it! They gave the instructor a pitcher full of water, and he could suspend it in the air column with help from the tunnel operator. They also tested how much wind it would take to pick up several objects off the net floor of the tunnel. A giant stuffed Pikachu was the first to float away, and a Nerf Football stayed grounded until 94 miles per hour.

These daredevils will spend time on their own watching or reading material about fluid dynamics and earning a STEM-focused merit badge. Once those activities are completed – They’ll be some of NCAC’s newest NOVA Award recipients.

Please feel free to contact STEM@ncacbsa.org if you have questions about the NOVA Award program. You can also reach out to iFly directly to schedule a similar event for your unit.

Filed Under: Adventure

Troop 128 Enjoys a Summer at Sail to the Florida Keys and U.S. Virgin Islands

August 31, 2023 by Ashante Corey-Bey

Over the Summer Troop 128 participated in a journey to the Florida Keys and U.S. Virgin Islands
Florida Keys Sea Base Adventure:
The Sea Base Coral Reef adventure involves a week of living aboard a sailboat with time spent sailing, snorkeling, and fishing the beautiful waters of the middle Florida Keys.  After breakfast each morning we pulled anchor and sailed for the first snorkeling site of the day always dragging a line in anticipation of pulling in a big fish.  After a snorkel, we would enjoy lunch and plot the course to the overnight anchorage.  Upon arrival, there would be another opportunity to snorkel, followed by dinner and after cleaning up we would enjoy a swim.  After the swimmers were out of the water, there would be time to fish, play games, read, or enjoy free time as the Scouts preferred.  Most slept on the deck, under the stars and one night had a sighting of the Star Link satellite.
Midweek we were fortunate to dock for the night at a local resort.  This provided an opportunity to swim in a pool, play beach games, have power for AC on the boat, and most importantly a shower. That night we had steaks to grill on the barbecue as well.  We can attest to the fact that the meals were a step up from the usual Scout fare and there was a lot of food for meals and snacks.
The Sea Base adventure was a great way for the Scouts to try activities with which they were unfamiliar.  There were plenty of opportunities for leadership as there were many duties to complete.  Our least favorite duty was the 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. night watch taken in 2-hour shifts with Scouts and leaders all taking turns each night.
We were fortunate to have a great captain who shared his knowledge of sailing, navigation, fishing, and more.  He took us to great spots that enabled us to snorkel with a nurse shark and many amazing fish, spot turtles, dolphins, and even a ray.  We will never forget the sunsets and the incredible star gazing far from the city lights.
 U.S. Virgin Islands Adventure
The Scouts snorkeled and saw turtles, rays, squid, and a barracuda. Captain Wes guided the Scouts and taught the crew about the use of a sextant for celestial navigation. They enjoyed amazing views, and time catching waves on the beach and hiked around the Island. Scouts even explored the history of the island, visiting an old sugar mill in St. John.
 
Here are some of the thoughts, reflections, and highlights shared by the Scouts:

“We were able to get the Captain’s Award, Snorkeling BSA, and the sailing req for the 50 Miler without much difficulty.”

“The biggest thing we learned was being able to navigate from point A to point B without any obvious solutions (ie. just motor straight upwind to the destination)”

“We got to polish a lot of skills we already had, like tying off and coiling rope, cooking, and swimming.”

“Our captain was very willing to improvise and have fun (like when we saw a regatta and joined in).”

 

Thank you to Troop 128 for sharing!

Filed Under: Adventure

Aquia Scouts BSA Troops 199’s Philmont Trek Adventure 2023

August 28, 2023 by Paul “Trip” Wiggins

Troop 199B & 199G formed a crew that participated in a Philmont 7-day backpacking trek at the Philmont Scout Ranch. We had 5 adults (Glenna B, Lisa L, Skip S & Chris T), Trip Wiggins being the Lead Advisor, and the following 6 Scouts: Cameron B, Natalie G, Dots L, Alex S, Kaitlyn T and John W. John was the Crew Leader, Kaitlyn the Chaplain’s Aide and Dots the Wilderness Pledge Guia.

The crew headed to Philmont on ‘planes, trains, and automobiles’ arriving on July 13. We completed Check-In and immediately started with training and logistical support for our trek (tents, fly, bear bags, cooking pots, food, water purification tablets, etc.) guided by our Philmont Ranger, Yahir Olvera who accompanied us on our first two nights on the trail.

We hit the trail on July 14th and the training continued with map & compass/navigation, crew dynamics/positions, weather, backcountry cooking and cleanup, and bear bag use. Our daily camps, in order, were Heck Meadow (dry camp), Clark’s Ford (staff camp), Schaefer’s Pass (dry camp), Miner’s Park (staff camp), and Abreu (staff camp). We ended the trek at Rayado trailhead with a bus ride back to base camp. At Clark’s Fork and Abreu the crew enjoyed a staff Chuckwagon & Mexican dinner, respectively.

Notable aspects of the trek: Climbing the iconic Tooth of Time peak (9,000 feet MSL) and doing three hours of trail building work to assist future trekkers. More fun activities included horseback riding, climbing wall, getting hats branded with the Philmont brands, visiting a New Mexico homestead, the Kit Carson Museum, tomahawk throwing and at the end, visiting the National BSA Museum. Oh, and members of the crew spotted one black bear and 2 rattlesnakes to make the trek even more memorable!

The printed guidebook noted that our trek would cover some 37 miles – but, with side trips, actual miles logged was closer to 70! (Just ask our feet [NO blisters] and shoulders as we acclimated to the mountain desert climate.) The Base Camp elevation was 6,500 ft and we topped out at nearly 9,500 ft, with a 3,400 ft elevation gain on our 3rd day on the trail.

We noted lightning and thunder in the distance throughout the week, but our trek was rain free and the humidity in the 20-40% range – enviable to any Virginian.
At the end, we were all hot, dirty and tired – but a quick poll indicated that the Crew wanted to COME BACK TO Philmont! Yes, we all had FUN!

For any questions about Philmont – please contact Trip at tripwig@cox.net. He’s been there twice as Lead Advisor and has a dozen 50-Mile backpacking trips under his belt.

 

 

Filed Under: Adventure

Troop 3228 Conducts Flag Ceremony at the 2023 National Jamboree

August 17, 2023 by Ashante Corey-Bey

The Scouts of Troop 3228 under the guidance of Scoutmaster Troy O’Donnell conducted a reverent and solemn flag ceremony on day four of the National Jamboree. The Scouts first lowered the flags of the visiting foreign Scout Associations, and then retired the flags of the Summit Reservation, the State of West Virginia, and the Flag of the United States. The Jamboree coordinator commended the Scouts on their service, saying that they conducted the best ceremony by far.

#myNCAC #nationaljamboree #NatJamboree23

 

Filed Under: Adventure

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