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.
STEM Scouts Lab 239 in Fredericksburg, VA, is a beacon of innovation and scientific exploration for young minds. With a mission to inspire and nurture the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators, this lab actively cultivates a passion for STEM among elementary and middle school students.
Last year, the elementary school lab at Rocky Run Elementary mentored 18 aspiring scientists. The curriculum included Chemistry, Archaeology, Robotics/Coding, and Inventing modules that aligned with students’ interests, challenged their understanding of the world around them, and fostered critical thinking skills. Students engaged in a hands-on learning environment, conducting experiments and projects that brought abstract concepts to life. Dedicated adult mentors enriched the experience by providing personalized support and encouragement to each student.
My name is Jason W, and I am an Eagle Scout in Troop 1094 in Darnestown, Maryland. I really enjoy being outside and I really enjoy watching and learning about wildlife. I look forward to becoming a wildlife biologist one day. Back in 2022, I learned about the 
For my 2nd Distinguished Conservation Service Award Project, I began a three-stage project to improve the fish and wildlife in my hometown of Poolesville, Maryland. The first stage was to hopefully attract a new breed of ducks to Poolesville. More specifically, wood ducks. I installed four nesting boxes at a quiet pond in Poolesville last fall. While I haven’t seen any wood ducks yet, this spring, I was able to witness hooded mergansers (cavity nesters) at this pond and watch tree swallows build nests in the boxes.
My third stage of the project was a lot of fun. I asked my community to promise to let me collect their Christmas trees after the holiday season. A fellow troop Scout and I drove around town and picked up 30 Christmas trees in January. We learned as we drove around that local farmers also collect Christmas trees to feed their goats. After we collected the trees, I recruited three of my ice hockey teammates to help me wire cinderblocks to these trees. We had to drill holes through the trees, insert the wire through the tree, and then to the cinderblock. Otherwise, the tree will float and not sink. At the end of January, a few scouts, along with my distinguished service conservation advisor, Ms. Sara Holtz, my project conservation advisor, Mr. King, and a few members of his work crew, helped me drop 30 Christmas trees into the deepest pond in Poolesville (Here is my 