We Own Adventure

Scouting News for the DC Metro Area

Scouting Programs

2026 Supernova STEM Event Hosted by Piedmont District

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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!

 

        

Cub Scout Earns Medal of Merit for Helping Rescue Child from Drowning

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In 2025 Nate, a Cub Scout in Pack 107, used what he learned from Scouting to recognize and help a young child from drowning. Because of his heroic efforts, Nate was just recently honored with the prestigious Medal of Merit. Read his full story given to us by his dad, an Eagle Scout, who recollected what happened while they were on vacation in Texas.

“During spring break last year, our family was vacationing in Galveston, Texas. While at the hotel pool, Nate was swimming in the deep end when a younger child—approximately four to five years old—jumped into the pool while his family was not nearby. Almost immediately, it became clear that the child was unable to swim and could not touch the bottom. He began struggling to stay afloat and was having difficulty keeping his head above water.

Nate immediately recognized what was happening and swam over to help without hesitation. Although Nate himself could not touch the bottom and the water was above his head, he positioned himself next to the child and began treading water while lifting the child up repeatedly to keep his head above the surface. Nate’s own head went under the water several times as he continued supporting the child until the child’s older brother arrived. Together, they were able to help the child to safely reach the side of the pool and get out of danger.

As you can imagine, the child’s family was extremely grateful and relieved. Nate was proud that he knew what to do and had the confidence to act in a difficult and unexpected situation. As an Eagle Scout, what stood out most to me afterward was how quickly he connected the experience to the values he is learning through scouting. Nate talked about stories he had read in Scout’s Life that describe scouts helping others during emergencies, and he shared how this experience reminded him of the Scout Oath and Law—particularly the importance of helping others at all times. He was able to reflect on the moment not just as an event, but as a real-life example of putting those values into action.

We were incredibly proud of Nate, and the experience further strengthened both his—and our—enthusiasm for scouting and its values. We are excited to share this story with more families and to highlight for our community the positive impact scouting has on those involved, as well as the meaningful difference scouts can make through service to others.”

 

Scouts in the Snow: A Good Turn for Their Community

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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

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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