We Own Adventure

Scouting News for the DC Metro Area

Scouting Programs

Pack 1140 Scouts Make a Big Impact at Lake Accotink

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Cub Scouts from Pack 1140 demonstrated what it truly means to live the Scout Law and give back to the community. As part of their efforts to earn the Conservation Good Turn Award, two of our Scouts joined forces with Fairfax County volunteers for a Lake Accotink cleanup—and their hard work paid off in a big way!

Armed with determination and a commitment to protecting the environment, these Scouts collected an impressive 50 pounds of trash from the park. They were so enthusiastic about the mission that they didn’t want to stop! Their efforts helped restore the beauty of this local park and made a real difference for wildlife and visitors alike.

But they didn’t stop there. After the cleanup, these Scouts went above and beyond by assisting with preparations for the Lake Accotink Santa’s Arrival event, spreading cheer and lending a hand to ensure the festivities ran smoothly.

Community leaders took notice. Ms. Mary, President of Friends of Lake Accotink Park (FLAP), personally thanked the Scouts for their dedication and shared her appreciation for their positive impact. Ms. Pat, who organized the day’s logistics, echoed those sentiments, recognizing the Scouts’ hard work and can-do spirit.

This project is a shining example of how Scouting builds character, fosters environmental stewardship, and strengthens community ties. Congratulations to these Scouts for their outstanding service!

Scouts and Community Team Up to Fight Hunger This Holiday Season

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For 39 years, Scouts across the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area have united to fight hunger through the annual Scouting for Food campaign. This year was no exception. Thanks to YOU, it was an overwhelming success!

On Saturday, November 8, 2025, thousands of Scouts, their families, and dedicated leaders fanned out across neighborhoods to collect non-perishable food donations left on doorsteps by generous community members. This incredible effort reflects the heart of Scouting: living out the values of service, kindness, and civic responsibility.

Together, we collected 734,201 pounds of food to help stock 121 local food banks and pantries during the critical holiday season. Every can, box, and bag made a real difference for families facing food insecurity in our region.

Thank You to Everyone Who Made This Possible:

  • Our Community for your overwhelming generosity and partnership in fighting hunger.
  • Our Scouts for their hard work and commitment to “Do a Good Turn Daily.”
  • Scout Families for supporting and encouraging these young leaders.
  • Adult Leaders for guiding and organizing this massive effort.

Your support ensures that shelves are filled and hope is restored for thousands of neighbors in need. Together, we are proving that when a community comes together, incredible things happen.

Why It Matters
According to the Capital Area Food Bank’s Hunger Report 2025, 36% of residents in the Greater Washington Region face food insecurity, and the number of people experiencing very low food security has grown by 75,000 in the past year alone. Scouting for Food is one of the largest annual food drives in the region, and your contributions help meet this urgent need.

Looking Ahead
As we celebrate this success, we also look forward to continuing the tradition of service. Thank you for helping us make a meaningful impact, one doorstep and one donation at a time.

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

A Successful Mission for Hands-on History

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Cub Scouts from Pack 8 in Bethesda, Maryland inquired about having a history presentation with the intent of inspiring the Scouts and their parents for the upcoming year. In response, NCAC’s History Committee member, Michael Groover, shared part of his extensive memorabilia on Saturday, August 23, 2025. His display and presentation centered on the history of Scouting America.

The event was part of the Scouts’ three activities during the summertime for the Scouts to earn the Summertime Fun Adventure loop. While at the Marriott Scout Service Center they also added a shopping component at the National Capital Scout Shop to gear up for the next rank’s activities.

Jon Breece, Wolf Den Leader, reported that “The parents–including me–and the Scouts learned a lot. My son, a Presidential history enthusiast, particularly liked seeing the old photographs of FDR at the 1937 National Jamboree in Washington, DC. I saw others liked seeing the footage and photos of Scouts from yesteryear and comparing their uniforms with older versions.”

“For me, the presentation and artifacts made me consider how our present-day Pack 8 families are a part of a larger and longer story of Scouting and think about how we can weave that history and stories of service and adventure into our programming this year.”

More about our Pack: https://www.bethesdapack8.org/

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.

Loudoun Cub Scouts Experience the Outdoors

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National Capital Area Council's Loudoun District Day Camp recognized by LoudounNow news outlet.

Loudoun District Day Camp was recognized by LoudounNow news.

The Cub Scouts from Loudoun District in our National Capital Area Council (NCAC) enjoyed a week of both day camp and twilight (evening) camp the last week in June at Murray Hill.

Some of the activities throughout the week included fishing, hiking, slingshot, BB guns, archery, first aid demonstrations, arts & crafts, and STEM activities.

Read the full article here: LoudounNow