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Scouting News for the DC Metro Area

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Canoeing Trip Turns Into Heroic Mission as Scouts Rescue Hope

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 What began as a summer wilderness adventure for Troop 648 became an unforgettable rescue mission. In July, during a self-organized canoe trek (planned and led by young Scout, Paul M.) through the Adirondacks, the Scouts encountered an unexpected visitor—a lost dog named Hope. Her owner had nearly given up hope of finding her, but thanks to quick thinking and teamwork, the troop made a difference.
Hope in the canoe with Liam and Ben on their way to reuniting her with her family.

When Hope wandered into the Scouts’ campsite and stayed overnight, the troop sprang into action. Using a satellite phone, they contacted her relieved owner. Two Scouts, Liam and Ben, volunteered to paddle several miles with Hope to meet a park ranger and ensure her safe return home.

United by their commitment to help others and do a good turn daily, the entire crew rallied behind the effort, demonstrating that even in the wilderness, kindness and determination can make all the difference

And if the rescue wasn’t heartwarming enough, just wait until you read the thank-you letter that followed. Way to go Troop 648!

 

From the thank you letter from Hope’s owners, Fred & Danielle:

“On Sunday, July 20th, 2025 while hiking in Robin Wood Park in Sabattis, NY our pets for vet rescue hound Hope decided to chase wildlife through the forest.
After seven fruitless days we had all but given up hope for finding Hope in the Adirondack wilderness.
Luckily for Hope the Scouts of Troop 648 were camped on the shores of Lowes Lake and Hope was hungry. Your troop didn’t hesitate to care for her. One eagle eyed scout found the contact tag on her collar and hope was saved.
On the Northern shores of Lowes Lake is the Sabattis Scout reservation. The Sabattis Scout camp raised me from a cub to an eagle. In October, Sabattis Scout camp closed for the final time, its mountain and lakes returned to the wilderness. It’s comforting to know that nothing lasts forever with the exception of the values and ideals that embody the scouting tradition.
The members of Troop 648 embody the scouting ideals to always be prepared to do a good turn. We wish to thank the rescue rangers of troop 648 for their selfless service in this rescue and recovery of our lost blue tick hound.”

 

Troop 648 and Hope, the lost blue tick hound.

Community Rallies to Support Scouting for Food 2025 – Updated

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Our sincere gratitude to everyone who supported Scouting for Food this past weekend! Across the Washington, D.C. metro area, people recognized this time of tremendous food insecurity and answered the call for food donations with overwhelming support.

 

Troop 150 and Pack 150 chartered by the Annandale Rotary Club collected an incredible 9,049 pounds of food that was distributed to ACCA Pantry in Annandale and the AUMC Mission Center. This was their largest collection in at least the last five years, beating last year by over 3,000 pounds. This year’s drive involved 114 Scout participants, 52 adult volunteers, and a remarkable 547 combined hours of community service, including planning, setting up, distributing stickers, collecting food, and stocking pantries.

“A huge thank you goes out to everyone who participated in the two weeks of our Scouting for Food drive on November 1 and 8. From our Cubs and Webelos to our Scouts, leaders, and parents, your hard work made this year’s effort truly exceptional.”

Parents and adult volunteers who drove Scouts safely to and from neighborhoods. Many parents and leaders supported the effort across both weekends donating their time with great dedication.

Scouting America National Capital Area Council extends our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated in this year’s Scouting for Food drive. Your kindness and generosity are making a real difference for families in need and helped our Scouts live up to their commitment to “help other people at all times,” as stated in the Scout Oath and “Do a Good Turn Daily.” You made it possible for our Scouts to live out the principles of service, kindness, and civic responsibility.

9,049 lbs. of food collected

Approx. 7,000 Annandale area homes canvassed

547.75 total hours worked by all

4.8 hours worked per Scout on average

82 Scouts participated

32 Cub and Webelos Scouts participated

52 Adults participated

77 bags collected in area 22 – the most of our 27 areas!

676 total bags collected

First Female Eagle Scout in Piedmont District Honored

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Fauquier Now reported on the public acclaim for Anna S. who is the first female Eagle Scout in the Piedmont District of Scouting America National Capital Area Council when, during the Fauquier County School Board’s monthly meeting, Superintendent Major Warner recognized her for her Eagle Project at Liberty High School. Read the full article here: NEIGHBORS: Liberty High School student honored as first female Eagle Scout in Piedmont District | Neighbors | fauquiernow.com

Girls and boys can work to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. Anna’s project exemplifies the adaptability and resilience that Scouting America instills in our Scouts. All youth are welcome to join and be prepared for life!

WTOP Reports McLean Troop Saves Life on Bike Trip

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Our Scouts and leaders were prepared for life and saved a life! With the skills learned for the First Aid Merit Badge on what to do for a heart attack and the leader Basic CPR/AED training for an upcoming high adventure trip, members of Troop 1916 acted fast and knew what to do resulting in a life saved. Their message is for everyone to be trained in CPR.
These Scouts didn’t just learn CPR—they learned to stay calm under pressure, to care for others, and to act with courage and compassion. Scouting America develops future leaders. It equips youth with real-world skills and the confidence to use them when it matters most.
To the Scouts of Troop 1916: thank you for showing us what preparedness and character look like in action.

Eagle Project Renovates Cancer Center’s Wig Fitting Room

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Arlington Patch featured a story about an Eagle Scout project at the Sid and Reba Dewberry Cancer Center at VHC Health in Arlington.

Abbud renovated the wig fitting room to elevate the space and take it beyond a storage closet space.

Read the story on Patch at this link: Wig Fitting Room Gets Makeover Thanks To Eagle Scout Project | Arlington, VA Patch

 

 

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.