Pack 1345 in Burke, VA recently conducted a disability awareness and inclusion event for Cub Scouts. Activities focused on common disabilities and exposed Scouts to the challenges those with disabilities face on a daily basis. Scouts came away from the event better prepared to recognize and assist those with disabilities.
My son Jacob (8) looks forward to the Pinewood derby every year. As far as a year in advance he thinks about what kind of car he wants to build. He first draws out his car ideas, then carefully choses the theme and even suggests where to put the weights. He watches videos on how to build a fast car and does his own research.
No other kid in the room exudes as much excitement as he does on Derby day! It’s so much fun to watch him jump up and down and cheer on not just his car but his fellow scouts! This year after the race, he proudly set up his 3 derby cars and the awards he won at home in our cabinet.
I love that the derby not only teaches the kids the science behind the racing 
but gives them the satisfaction of designing and creating a car and watching the cars perform. It’s very rewarding for everyone involved. It teaches the kids they can do anything if they work hard enough at it. This year Jacob won “Most Patriotic” in the whole Pack and 3rd place for “speed” in his Bear den. He can’t wait for show-and-tell at school to show his classmates his car and awards this week!!!
To honor the long history of summer camping in the Council and to highlight the importance of the outdoors to the growth and development of Scouts, throughout 2020 we are encouraging Families, Webelos, Scouts, Venturers, Explorers and Sea Scouts to get involved by attending a camp (or cruise) overnight —- for a weekend or for a week (or two) at one of our summer camps!
Here’s what happening in the coming weeks:
Visit gotogoshen.org/summercamp or gotosnyder.com/summercamp and register today!
Stay tuned to WeOwnAdventure to learn about future special events and commemorative merchandise.
In preparation for their first Klondike Derby competition, Scouts from Troop 893G came out to Michael’s Woodshop to construct their sled. The Scouts received a safety briefing and were provided instruction and guidance from a volunteer Shop Steward as well as from fellow Scouts with prior woodworking experience. The Scouts were able to learn and apply many useful woodworking skills; measuring & marking, drilling, gluing and clamping. They demonstrated that “a Scout is Thrifty” by using reclaimed redwood from an old swing set to build their sled. They also displayed great teamwork and were able to work from their concept drawing and raw materials to a substantially completed sled in just a few hours.
On January 18, the Troop competed in the Sully Distict Klondike Derby held at Camp Snyder. They had an impressive performance, taking second place in their first Klondike Derby competition. What an awesome team! Let their fellow competitors beware – Troop 893G already has their sights set on coming in first at next year’s event.
Looking for a great place to hold your own team building event? Michael’s Woodshop is a well-outfitted shop with the tools, equipment and plenty of work space for Scouts to create and learn. The shop may be reserved for Unit activities (all age groups), District events, Eagle Scout projects and other Scouting activities. Our volunteer Shop Stewards are all experienced woodworkers and are available to assist you in planning and carrying out a successful event.
For information about shop capabilities, upcoming events or reserving the shop, please visit the Michael’s Woodshop page on the Camp Snyder website. You may also email questions and requests to MichaelsWoodshop.CWBS@gmail.com
On January 20, 2020, Troop 544 traveled to downtown Franklin Square Park in Washington D.C. to distribute over 50 blessing bags to the less fortunate. Most of the persons in the park are homeless. The bags were created from donations from the scouts and their families. Items were gathered and assembled at the Troop meeting the Saturday before.
We had a great turn out for both events. The scouts were very eager to provide service to others, which made the leadership very proud. They not only were obeying the scout law and oath, but they also practiced the motto of doing a good turn daily.
The “University of Scouting”, is a supplemental training opportunity for all adult Scout leaders. It is the one time during the year where you can find the widest variety of training opportunities in all program areas all in one place. The University offers interesting courses in Cub Scouting, ScoutsBSA, what we call “Adventuring” (a combination of Venturing and Sea Scout activities), District Operations, and an Electives College where the classes cover a broad range of areas of interest to scouting but not specific to any one scouting program. A key topic across all programs this year will be STEM Scouting and Scoutbook Training. The University has a degree program where, over time, attendees can earn Bachelors, Masters, and PhD degrees in Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Adventuring. Classes are taught by experienced scouters and scouting professionals, many in subject areas not otherwise covered in the usual adult leader training curriculum.
We will offer over 200 different courses from which to choose. In addition to the academic program, there is more… a midway where up to fifty vendors and council committees will have exhibits describing how their products and services can enhance your scouting program and a scout shop trading post where you can pick up needed items without having to drive to a Scoutshop. And finally, there will be a scouting museum where dedicated collectors will be displaying their extensive collections of scouting memorabilia. At the closing ceremony, we will be presenting the D. Andrew Grafton Exceptional Trainer Award. This annual award, presented by the NCAC Leadership Training Committee, recognizes a single NCAC scouter for sustained, dedicated and highly skilled service to scouting over the years by demonstrating a high commitment to quality adult leader training.
The University of Scouting provides all the above, along with great fellowship with dedicated scouters, making this a day to be remembered. Registration is $40 until February 17 after which it goes to $60. It includes morning refreshments, lunch, an event patch, course materials, a certificate, and a special recognition for PhD recipients. Whether you are new to scouting or a veteran of many years, the University is a place where you can learn from experienced Scouters from all over the council; it truly provides something for everyone.
University returns to Hayfield High School, just south of Alexandria, VA on February 29, 2020. Doors open at 7:15 am and the opening ceremony starts at 8:15am, with the closing ceremony ending by 4:30. Last year over 900 scouters were in attendance! Help us get to 1000 for 2020!
