We Own Adventure

Scouting News for the DC Metro Area

Scouting Programs

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

2024 MoP Distinguished Project Award goes to NCAC Scout

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News Release: Messengers of Peace Distinguished Project Award recognizes outstanding Scouting service to Local Communities

[January 27, 2025] – Scouting America’s International Commissioner, Lou Paulson, announced that Jason W. (Troop 1094, National Capital Area Council) was chosen to receive the 2024 Messengers of Peace Distinguished Project Award as follows:

The award recognizes outstanding service by individuals who have made contributions within their respective communities towards the promotion of peace. Through their work in Scouting, which aligned with one (or more) of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), they have acted locally to effect global change.

Jason was selected for the award for his work on constructing new and improving current ecosystems in Poolesville, Maryland. The project exemplifies the spirit of the Messengers of Peace initiative, bringing together 100 volunteers to achieve remarkable outcomes. Jason converted a ½-acre non-native grass area into a flourishing pollinator habitat to support monarch butterflies, birds, and other wildlife, while improving soil water filtration essential to Poolesville’s well system. The project also innovated community programs to enhance the local ecosystems through implementation of a fishing line recycling program, installation of pond structures with Christmas trees, and creation of cavity nesting environments for birds.

The success of the project is reflected not only in its tangible outcomes – such as thriving pollinator gardens, cleaner ponds, and sightings of diverse wildlife – but also in its ability to bring the Poolesville community together to support environmental conservation. Jason hosted a booth at Poolesville Springfest and shared videos and resources on social media, raising awareness about environmental sustainability.

Jason is a dedicated and passionate Scout who has demonstrated a commitment to making a difference in his community, exemplifies what it means to be a Messenger of Peace, and embodies the Scout Oath and Law in his work. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor and thank you for inspiring others through your creativity and dedication!

Messengers of Peace Distinguished Projects are chosen annually by the International Commissioner of Scouting America and the Scouting America Messengers of Peace (MoP) committee. The award is open to registered Scouts who have made significant contributions to the promotion of peace and have met the requirements laid out in the MoP Program Guide. Scouts may be nominated for this award by any registered Scout Leader and must be approved by their Council International Representative and Scout Executive. The deadline for 2025 award nominations is October 31, 2025.

 

CVOA’s 3rd Annual Climbing Lock-In was a Success!

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Starting at 9:00 PM on Saturday, February 14, 2025, Venturers and Venturing age Scouts BSA and Sea Scouts participated in NCAC Venturing Officers’ Association (CVOA) 3rd Annual Climbing Lock-In and 27th Anniversary Venturing Celebration at Vertical Rock in Manassas, VA! Lasting for 10 hours, this year’s Climbing Lock-In featured fun activities for everyone, like board games, sharing stories, puzzles, pizza, chips, cupcakes, bouldering, and, of course, lots of rock climbing.

The Lock-In started with a “Learn the Ropes” intro course, which taught Scouts and Adults all of the necessary safety to climb in the facility and manage the ropes without the need for an instructor. Even after the intro course was over, a Vertical Rock Staff member stayed the entire evening to assist with anything they may have needed.

All participants had to wear closed-toe shoes and Class B uniforms, although several Scouts and Adults wore their Class A’s. There were even spots set aside for anyone who wanted to sleep.

There were so many Troops and Crews who attended, including Troop 1237, Troop 28, Troop 1188, Troop 840, Crew 850, Crew 858, Crew 1022, Crew 599, Crew 1018, Crew 1785, Crew 19, who proudly displayed their flag atop one of the climbing walls, Crew 850, Crew 617, Crew 599, all wearing their class A’s. There were even more Troops and Crews, including some Sea Scouts!

The CVOA’s 3rd Annual Climbing Lock-In was an absolute success. It gave all the Scouts and adults who attended a fantastic experience and created lasting memories!

Scouts Seek Yeti as part of Burke Lake, Prince William Districts’ Annual Klondike Derby Campout

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The Scouts and Scouters from Troops 1107 B and G in Springfield, Virginia, Accotink Bay District, braved the cold along with 20 other troops from across NCAC for the annual Burke Lake and Prince William Districts’ Klondike Derby, held at Camp William B. Snyder from January 24 – 26, 2025.

The Scouts from Troop 1107 B and G were the only Scouts who camped Friday into Saturday, braving the frigid 8°F, and were recognized for their feat.

In all, 203 Scouts and 85 volunteers participated in competitions for Scout skills and teamwork in a blanket of snow in near-freezing temperatures.

Troop 1107 Mammoths Patrol won third place in the sled race with a time of 22.58 seconds. This is the fourth Klondike Derby in a row in which the Scouts from Troop 1107 B participated. It is the first for Troop 1107G.

Additional accomplishments and activities Troop 1107 B and G did at the Klondike Derby:

Troop 1107B Mammoths built a fire to see who could burn the string in the fastest time.
Troop 1107G Jumping Frogs Patrol stands to watch over the hot water, getting ready to warm up with some hot chocolate and apple cider on Friday night.
Troop 1107G Jumping Frogs patrol created snowflakes out of staves and lashings.

Details and photos provided by Natalie Dreier, Troop 1107 B/G, Accotink Bay District – Vice Chair for Social Media 

Captions credited to Jim Dreier, Accotink Bay District Commissioner.

NCAC Scouts Honor Former President Carter

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On January 7, 2025, NCAC Scouts and leaders from Troop 500, Troop 544, and Troop 98 in Washington, D.C., and Troop 1107 in Springfield, VA, paid their respects as former President Jimmy Carter was lying in state in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda.

Lying in state in the United States is the rare honor either authorized by a congressional resolution or approved by the congressional leadership, for a deceased member of government (or former member) whereby his or her remains are placed in the rotunda of the United States.

It is fitting that a contingent from the National Capital Area Council honored Jimmy Carter in this way as he was a long-time and dedicated Scout leader serving as a Cubmaster, Troop Committee Member, Committee Chair, Scoutmaster, and Exploring Advisor who demonstrated the Scout Oath and Law throughout his life.

Bryan Martin Firvida, Scoutmaster of Troop 98 and NCAC Executive Board Member, said, “As a group, we came to a Scout Salute three times for President Carter to represent the three parts of the Scout Oath. President Carter certainly fulfilled his Duty to God and Country, Duty to Others, and Duty to Self, and set an example for all of us to strive for. I must admit that each time we held our Scout Salute, a shiver of emotion went down my spine.”

“Our honor guard at the Rotunda in the US Capitol was absolutely spectacular, and spine chilling for me as we were saluting the President. You can all be very proud of our Scouts. To me, high adventure aside, this is part of what Scouting is all about,” Jay Eidson, NCAC International Representative.

 

Embed from Getty Images

A delegation of scouts from Scouting America’s National Capitol Area Council troops salutes as they pay their respects in front of the flag-draped casket at the Lying in State Ceremony for former President Jimmy Carter at the US Capitol Rotunda in Washington, DC on January 8, 2025. Carter, the 39th President of the United States, died at the age of 100 on December 29, 2024 at his home in Plains, Georgia. (Photo by Samuel Corum / AFP) (Photo by SAMUEL CORUM/AFP via Getty Images) (SAMUEL CORUM/AFP via Getty Images)

[Read more...] about NCAC Scouts Honor Former President Carter

Troop 3017 Helps to Celebrate the 200th Anniversary of Marquis de Lafayette’s Visit to Frederick, MD

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In December 1824, Frederick City, Maryland, had the honor of hosting the Marquis de Lafayette, a French aristocrat and military officer who was a key ally to the American colonists during the Revolutionary War.

Lafayette’s visit to Frederick, from December 29-31, 1824, drew crowds estimated at 6-8,000 people from all over Frederick County and the surrounding region, eager to catch a glimpse of the man who had fought alongside George Washington in the American Revolution.

On December 27, 2024, Frederick City once again celebrated Lafayette’s arrival to commemorate the 200th Anniversary of his visit. Standing before the Marquis de Lafayette, portrayed by renowned living historian Mark Schneider of Colonial Williamsburg and led by a Fife and Drum contingent, Scouts from Troop 3017 were honored to act as color guard for the event.

The Scouts spent several weeks working with the Son’s of the American Revolution to learn proper flag etiquette. Scouts learned the formal commands and how to march in unison while holding the United States, French, Maryland, and Troop flags. Scouts enjoyed working with fellow community members to represent the citizens of Frederick City and honor this important moment in history.