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Eagle Scout coordinating rescue efforts following floods in Central Texas

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U.S. Coast Guard Commander Nathan Shakespeare is the Air Operations Officer out of Corpus Christi, TX spearheading the Coast Guard’s rescue operations down in Central Texas following the devastating flooding from July 4. Commander Shakespeare is an Eagle Scout with Troop 698 from Burke, VA.

On July 8, NPR’s Morning Edition interviewed Commander Shakespeare regarding the rescue operations in Central Texas.

Listen to the full interview: U.S. Coast Guard aids in rescue operation following floods in central Texas : NPR One

Read the full interview: U.S. Coast Guard aids in rescue operation following floods in central Texas : NPR

Commander Nathan Shakespeare, USCG

Eagle Scout Project enhances George C. Marshall High School’s culinary program

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Maria with the spiral garden she created as part of her Eagle Scout project.Congratulations to Maria S. for completing her Eagle Scout project.

Maria’s Eagle Scout Project was completed at George C. Marshall High School and was centered on the construction of a spiral herb garden to support the school’s culinary program. In addition, the school’s courtyard received a much-needed enhancement through the weeding of existing garden beds and the restoration of surrounding open space.

Sincere thanks to Fairfax County Public Schools, the dedicated volunteers of George C. Marshall High School (project sponsor), and Troop 1533 – Fairfax, VA (host troop) for their invaluable support in making this project a success.

   

A Scout’s Tribute to Pearl Harbor

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On the quiet shores of Pearl Harbor, where history echoes across the waters, Ethan M., learned about history as a young Scout. Now, clad in full uniform and completing his Eagle project, he embodies the spirit of remembrance, civic duty, and patriotism central to Scouting America which was covered by WUSA9 this past week.

Scouting America has long emphasized the value of historical awareness. Through programs that encourage visits to memorials, participation in flag ceremonies, and interactions with veterans, Scouts learn that honoring the past is essential to shaping responsible citizens of the future.

This young Scout’s story is a reminder that remembrance is not confined to textbooks or history class. For many Scouts, especially those with family ties to military service, these moments become deeply personal. The quiet act of saluting a fallen generation forms a bridge between youth and legacy, linking the ideals of Scouting with the enduring values of sacrifice and service.

In a time when civic engagement can feel distant to many young Americans, Scouting continues to nurture a sense of duty grounded in empathy and national heritage. At Pearl Harbor, that mission lives on: not just in grand speeches or ceremonies, but in the steady, respectful stance of a boy honoring heroes long gone.

Troop Completes Conservation Clean-up at IWLA

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Boys and Girls Troop 1137 helped their chartering organization, Izaak Walton League of America (IWLA) Arlington – Fairfax Chapter, with a conservation clean-up service project on Sunday March 23, 2025.

The Scouts cleaned up the natural areas on the grounds and around the fishing pond for the benefit of the wildlife, community, and to protect the environment.

These Scouts are helping to get things ready for NCAC Twilight Camp that runs there from June 16-20, 2025!

NCAC Scout urges youth to join Scouting, no matter what age

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Youth have joined Scouting at various ages and rose to success, demonstrating the possibilities you can experience as a Scout no matter when you start. 

Roberto R., a freshman in the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets, is a prime example of success in only four years. He started Scouting in December of 2020 for Troop 98 and in 2022, he was inducted in the Order of the Arrow. After only three years of Scouting, Roberto received his Eagle in 2023 and worked at Philmont Scout Ranch for the 2024 summer session.

Roberto encouraged youth, even if they’re in 8th grade, to join Scouting America because it teaches skills and forms connections like nothing else. 

“Scouting is not only going to help you learn those [skills]. It’ll also help you learn so much more,” Roberto said. “And if you get Eagle, that’s not only your brotherhood right there, but it shows how well you can work.” 

He was persuaded to join Scouting when his uncle passed away, who often encouraged him to join the program and had two sons who earned their Eagle.  

Because of Scouting, Roberto was able to enjoy and strengthen his love for fishing because his Troop would often have projects related to his interests. He now majors in fish conservation. 

“I came to really understand the whole issue we have with conservation and invasive species, and it’s become my passion to deal with,” Roberto said. 

Back in 8th grade, Roberto witnessed a women get her heel stuck in between two bricks at St. Johns Church. The bricks were falling apart and from that moment, Roberto knew what was going to be his Eagle Scout Project. 

“It was sort of a project from the start of my Scouting journey,” Roberto said. “I was just like, ‘That’s what I’m going to do. I’m going to end up helping them some way, shape or form.’” 

The full project consisted of laying down 210 by 6 feet of a brick pathway with no mortar and instead patting down sand. Roberto received help from the OA, his family, Troop and friends. 

As a Senior Patrol Leader, Roberto expressed challenges he faced of motivating Scouts to complete a task. His technique of overcoming this hardship was to pair them with another Scout. 

“Find a new Scout that’s incredibly motivated or an older Scout that knows the experience, you pair them with the unmotivated Scout to try and accomplish a goal,” Roberto said. 

Along with this exceptional leadership training, Scouting allowed Roberto to develop values in community service, helping others and patriotism. He also feels impacted by the Scout Law and Oath and has joined several community service organizations. 

“Scout Law makes up being a good person and I’ve shaped my life around that,” Roberto said. 

Roberto is considering a career as a game warden for the Department of Wildlife Resources in Virginia or a special agent in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, but he is not set on anything yet. 

Reflecting on his experience in Scouting, Roberto acknowledged how much the program has helped him and has often pushed Scouts towards earning their Eagle. 

“Every Scout that I’ve told, ‘Hey you’re going to make it to Eagle Scout. I know it.’ It gives them confidence and pushes them all the way,” Roberto said. “They always make it.” 

Watch Living a Legacy: Troop 1657

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Was the First Baptist Church of Glenarden Troop 1657 what Lord Robert Baden-Powell envisioned when he first created the Boy Scouts in 1907? Probably not! The Boy Scouts, originally a predominantly white organization, wasn’t specifically designed with young black boys in mind. However, this black troop, founded in the suburbs of Maryland, has proven itself to be a transformative space where black boys are unapologetically allowed to thrive and grow!

Created in conjunction with Cub Scout Pack 1657, this film chronicles the inspiring journey of Troop 1657, shining a light on how they’ve rewritten the narrative, creating a lasting impact in the community and beyond.

“Living a Legacy: Troop 1657” is a WHUTV documentary that celebrates a powerful legacy of resilience, leadership, and community.

AVAILABLE ON: https://youtu.be/eibpDVvUdwM?si=Mk6MCgq0fW4yg4Xi