Scouting Programs

Scouting C.A.R.E.S. Pack 5600 Explores Great Falls National Park

April 30, 2026 by Marijke Hart

Scouting C.A.R.E.S. Pack 5600 from E.W. Stokes Elementary School recently visited Great Falls National Park for a day of hands-on learning and outdoor exploration. The experience gave students the opportunity to connect classroom concepts with the natural world through guided activities and outdoor engagement.

During the visit, students participated in the park’s Flower Adventure Program, where they learned about native and invasive flowers found in the local environment. In addition to the educational programming, students enjoyed fishing and took part in field games, making the day both informative and fun. The trip provided a meaningful setting for students to build teamwork and confidence while developing a deeper appreciation for nature. By experiencing learning outside the classroom, students were able to see real-world applications of what they study and strengthen connections with their peers.

What Is Scouting C.A.R.E.S.?

Scouting C.A.R.E.S.—which stands for Character, Achievement, Respect, Education, and STEM—is an initiative of the National Capital Area Council designed to expand access to Scouting for all youth. The program partners with schools and community organizations across the DMV to bring hands-on, character-based Scouting experiences to communities that would benefit from a vibrant Scouting program. Through Scouting C.A.R.E.S., youth participate in programs that emphasize character development, leadership, ethics, and moral values, while fostering curiosity, resilience, and a sense of belonging. The initiative reflects the diversity of the communities it serves and works to ensure Scouting is inclusive and available to all young people, regardless of background or circumstance. Scouting C.A.R.E.S. provides in-school, afterschool, and community-based outreach programming led by positive adult role models. Youth enrolled in the program enjoy the same Scouting experiences as Scouts throughout the Council, including outdoor opportunities such as Day Camp and Resident Camp.

To learn more about our National Capital Area Council’s Scouting C.A.R.E.S. program, visit NCAC’s website: https://ncacscouting.org/scouting-cares/

America250 in Action: Building Informed Citizens with Troop 1107 at the U.S. Capitol

April 27, 2026 by Natalie Dreier

Scouts from Troops 1107B and 1107G had the opportunity to see the government in action during a tour of the U.S. Capitol Building, facilitated by the staff of Rep. James Walkinshaw (VA-11) as part of the Citizenship in the Nation Merit Badge. The tour was held on April 21, as many scouts had the day off for the state’s special election.

Led by Scoutmaster and Merit Badge Counselor James Dreier, the scouts visited the Old Supreme Court Chamber, the Old Senate Chamber, the crypt and several other locations inside the Capitol Building.

Walkinshaw’s office presented the scouts with passes to the House of Representatives gallery to have the experience of watching a debate on bills as they unfolded on the floor of the lower chamber.

In all, more than two dozen scouts, scouters, and parents were able to take part in the tour.

Troop 1107 B and Troop 1107G are chartered by St. John’s Lutheran Church, 5952 Franconia Road, Alexandria, VA. In addition to the troops, the church also charters Pack 867, Crew 80 and is the meeting place for the Order of the Arrow – Accotink Bay Chapter.

For more information on the units, email troop1107ncac@gmail.com.

Cub Scouts In Action: Community Cleanup and Nature Exploration

March 30, 2026 by Marijke Hart

Earlier this month, a group of Cub Scouts from Pack 160 in Herndon, VA came together for a 2.5‑mile spring hike along the ponds and trails in their community of Franklin Farm. The goal was simple: enjoy the nice weather, help clean up the neighborhood, and learn more about the wildlife around us.

Working Together and Helping the Community

All of our Scouts put on gloves, grabbed trash bags, and teamed up in small groups to scour the trails for litter. By the end of the hike, we filled two trash bags with wrappers, bottles, and other trash found along the trails and ponds. Several neighbors stopped to thank the Scouts for helping keep the area clean, which gave everyone a great chance to practice being polite and representing Scouting well.

The most memorable find of the day was the bottom half of an early‑2000s Sony PSYC CD Walkman. None of the Scouts knew what it was, so we paused for a fun “old‑school music” lesson. The parents got a good laugh from the guesses!

Fun Wildlife Discoveries

Spring wildlife was everywhere along the trails. The Scouts spotted turtles sunbathing on logs, deer and dog tracks in the mud, a fallen bird egg, and even a crawfish shell left behind on a bridge. During a quick snack break, a large flock of Sandhill Cranes flew overhead, calling loudly — a rare and exciting sight.

Practicing Leave No Trace

Throughout the hike, we talked about the Outdoor Code and Leave No Trace principles. And our Scouts practiced staying on the right side of the path, giving space to dogs and other walkers, and respecting both nature and the people around them.

A Great Day Outdoors

It was a perfect spring afternoon to serve the community, learn about nature, and enjoy being outside together. Scouts from all age groups worked as a team, explored the outdoors, and showed what it means to “leave the world better than you found it.”

2026 Supernova STEM Event Hosted by Piedmont District

March 20, 2026 by Marijke Hart

Warrenton, VA — Cub Scout Pack 1161 and Pack 1166 enjoyed a Saturday afternoon at Rady Park learning all about our Solar System, Circuitry, Geocaching, preforming Rocket Nozzle Experiments and so much more! Thank you to Phil McBride for hosting such a wonderful event – the Scouts had a BLAST!

STEM learning is an essential part of Scouting because it encourages curiosity, creativity, and hands‑on problem‑solving — skills that help young people understand the world around them. Activities like exploring our solar system, experimenting with circuitry, and practicing navigation through geocaching give Scouts the chance to see science, technology, engineering, and math come alive in memorable ways. These experiences don’t just teach concepts; they help Scouts build confidence as they test ideas, try new methods, and learn through discovery.

Each Cub Scout rank now includes at least one STEM Elective Adventure, ensuring that every young Scout has opportunities to dive into science, technology, engineering, and math at an age‑appropriate level. Whether they’re wiring simple circuits, learning how GPS technology works, studying the planets, or experimenting like real engineers, these adventures lay the foundation for future interest in STEM fields. More importantly, they spark excitement — showing Scouts that learning can be active, imaginative, and fun. Opportunities like our Piedmont District event at Rady Park reinforce that spirit of exploration and inspire our Scouts to keep asking questions, building things, and looking toward the stars!

Scouts in the Snow: A Good Turn for Their Community

February 5, 2026 by Marijke Hart

Troop 128 from McLean, VA was recognized by the Fairfax County Times for their service to their charter organization and the community during the recent snowstorm.

Scouts from McLean’s Troop 128 strengthened their long‑standing relationship with their charter organization, St. John’s Episcopal Church, by clearing snow and ice from the church grounds after the recent winter storm. Their work ensured that parishioners, staff, and community members could safely access the church, reflecting the troop’s deep commitment to supporting the place that has supported them for generations. After helping St. John’s, the Scouts extended that same spirit of service to nearby residents in need — demonstrating how their partnership with the church naturally extends into meaningful service throughout the McLean community.

Read their feature here: the Fairfax County Times

Pack 1140 Scouts Make a Big Impact at Lake Accotink

January 9, 2026 by Cynthia Griffiths

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!