Excitement filled the air as five eager Scouting CARES (Character, Achievement, Respect, Education, and STEM) students from St. Francis Xavier embarked on a thrilling day at Patuxent Day Camp in Bowie, MD. Their excitement grew even further on the car ride there, ready to dive into a day of outdoor fun and learning.
When they arrived, the Scouts were given the honor of leading the flag-raising ceremony and watched as the flag unfurled against the blue sky.
But the excitement didn’t stop there. The Scouts took center stage for the daily weather report, channeling their inner TV presenters as they shared the forecast with fellow campers.
However, the real showstopper of the day was the fishing expedition as five enthusiastic kids learning the art of casting. The looks of concentration on their faces as they attempted to perfect their technique were priceless. While the fish seemed to be on vacation that day, the sheer joy of being lakeside was infectious. The students’ laughter echoed across the water as they celebrated each other’s fish, or no fish, attempts. 
As their day of adventure comes to an end, the tired but happy campers start their journey back to school. The ride home was peaceful, with drooping eyelids and content smiles telling the tale of a day well spent in the outdoors.
This amazing day at Patuxent Day Camp wasn’t just about fun and games – it was about building confidence, fostering teamwork, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
I liked everything we did, from archery to BB’s and everything in between. The Beekeeper was a surprise but was a delight. Also, I loved tasting honey and making Bee hives with the other scouts (my dad won’t let me put the Bee hive in our backyard because it attracts carpenter bees!🤣).
This week, our favorite wedding venue in Loudoun County has been taken over by nearly 130 Cub Scouts from dens all around the area!
We started camp on Monday, but on Sunday, our amazing adult and youth leaders transformed the venue into a scout paradise, just hours after a wedding that even had an Eagle Scout groom!
Throughout the week, we’re having a blast making harmonicas and slingshots, learning first aid, improving our wilderness and sports skills, practicing with bow and arrows and BB rifles, and trying to catch fish in the pond. Nurses from the GW School of Nursing are running our First Aid station, ensuring we’re safe while having fun.
Our staff is a mix of volunteers of all ages, from seasoned scouters whose kids have aged out but who still love to be involved to young adults who have just crossed over and brand-new Scouts who have just joined a Troop. We have Cub Scouts of all ages here, from new Tigers to Arrow of Light scouts. It’s been an unforgettable adventure!