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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)

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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.

Maryland Scouts Recognized for Scouting for Food 2024

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Scouting for Food is one of the biggest community projects that youths participate in as Scouts. It is an amazing opportunity for them to gain leadership skills and, more importantly, give back to their community. Sometimes, Scouts are even recognized for their hard work and dedication to helping the community.

Troop 1321 from La Plata, Maryland, went above and beyond for Scouting for Food 2024, and The Baynet | Southern Maryland News acknowledged their efforts!

Along with the normal Scouting for Food Campaign at the beginning of November, Troop 1321 held its annual Thanksgiving Food Drive at Safeway on November 24th, 2024, and collected 1,337 pounds of food!

Learn more about this amazing event at Scout Troop 1321’s Thanksgiving Food Drive Collects Over 1,300 Pounds Of Food For Local Food Bank

Troop 1321 wasn’t the only unit to get recognition, as a Troop from the Potomac District also received an appreciation letter attached to a bag collected on November 9th, 2024. As mentioned in the letter, Scouting for Food is not only a way for Scouts to give back to their community but also allows others “the opportunity to contribute and be a part of this valuable endeavor.”

Cub Pack Embodies the Scouting Spirit of Giving Back to Their Community

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Cub Scout Pack 888 from Fort Hunt was featured in the Community Corner section of Patch: a news website focused on stories in Greater Alexandria, VA!

Partnering with organizations like Rising Hope, Be the Good Project, and Little Free Food Pantries, Pack 888 has undertaken many service projects to assist their community. These projects include environmental conservation over the summer, creating seasonal care packages that support local families, and preparing and delivering breakfast bags.

Read the Full article: Local Scout Pack 888 Brings Hope Through Service Projects

Scouts Demonstrate Fire Safety to the Community

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During the Fair Oaks Volunteer Fire Department Open House on Saturday October 12, 2024, Scouts from Troop 7 for girls and Troop 51 for boys spent the day informing the public about fire safety. In Scouting, our young people learn valuable and life-saving skills that remain with them for the rest of their lives. Along the way, they share their knowledge and skills and contribute to making our communities better places.

While serving as staff for the Open House, the Scouts BSA, which consists of middle and high school aged-youth, met the local community and provided information about smoke alarms, stop-drop-roll, creating a family meeting place, and general fire safety.

The Fair Oaks’ volunteers won Best Open House in Battalion 7 for their efforts!

One of the distinct benefits of Scouting to the community has always been the close connection between our Scouting units (called Packs, Troops, Crews, Ships, and Posts depending on the program) and the organizations and community groups that sponsor or “charter” them. Annual charter agreements with religious, community, and education organizations allow them to operate the Scouting program. These partners are provided with training, supportive materials, and direct professional service. We are grateful for the Fair Oaks Volunteer Fire Department and each of our charter partners whose objectives, mission, and methodologies match those of Scouting America. Together we are dedicated to a youth movement fostering character development, citizenship, and personal fitness for our young people.

 

 

 

Aspiring Scientists Excel as STEM Scouts

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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.

A truly standout achievement was the completion of “Supernova Awards” by six Cub Scouts – the most awards earned in Aquia District since the inception of the NOVA program! The Supernova is a prestigious award requiring Cub Scouts to demonstrate exceptional proficiency in STEM subjects. It is a testament to the quality of education and mentorship that these young students successfully met the rigorous standards to earn this award.

Last year, Lab 239 also launched a middle school program, successfully mentoring eight students in the fields of Microbiology and Astronomy. These subjects ignited Scouts’ curiosity and provided a deeper understanding of the biological sciences and the universe. Activities ranged from studying microorganisms under a microscope to exploring the stars and planets. The focus on hands-on learning and real-world applications is helping prepare students for future academic and career pursuits in STEM fields.

STEM Scouts Lab 239 continues its mission of inspiring young minds by introducing all new modules at Rocky Run Elementary in September. The elementary school lab meets two Tuesdays a month; the middle school lab meets two Thursdays a month. Regular meetings offer students opportunities to explore new concepts, engage in collaborative projects, and build skills.

STEM Scouts Lab 239 remains dedicated to empowering the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators, ensuring they will Be Prepared to tackle future 21st-century challenges and opportunities.

You can follow the lab on Facebook: STEM Scouts Lab 239, Fredericksburg, VA