We Own Adventure

Scouting News for the DC Metro Area

Scouting Programs

Troop 996: February Ski Trip

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On the weekend of February 15-17th, Scout Troop 996 of Alexandria, VA chartered by Aldersgate United Methodist Church cabin camped at Shrine Mont for a day of fun at Bryce Ski Resort. The scouts had 1 full-day of skiing or snowboarding with a lesson in the morning. Those scouts who were very good skiers helped other scouts learn so that everyone could have a great time. Many of the participating scouts earned the snow sports merit badge after this trip.

After the fun-filled day, troop 996 celebrated a scouter birthday at the cabin. This was the Troop’s first ski trip and everyone had and awesome time.

Explorer Post 9119 Renewal Certificate Presentation

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On March 26, 2019, The National Capital Area Council, Mattaponi District Commissioner Neil Hornung presented Sheriff Roger Harris, Executive Officer for the Law Enforcement Explorer Post 9119 the Post’s renewal certificate for 2019. Explorer Post Advisors Deputy Marcia Curtis and Brian Blackington received the Commissioner’s Certificate of Appreciation for their outstanding volunteer service to the community.

The Explorer Program of the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office provides an excellent opportunity for teenagers to gain knowledge and experience in the field of law enforcement for a future career. Explorers go through training courses, while supporting the community at numerous events. Explorers also get the chance to ride with deputies around Spotsylvania County, after completion of training.

Through the Explorer Program, young men and women gain community service hours, training, and experience. It also looks very good on a college application and job resumes. The Explorer Program is an excellent opportunity for teenagers and the entire County of Spotsylvania. Please visit: spotsylvaniasheriff.org

Photo: Mattaponi District Commissioner presents certificates to the Law Enforcement Explorer Post 9119 sponsored by the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office. From left to right, District Commissioner Neil Hornung, Major Troy Skebo, Sheriff Roger Harris, Deputy Brian Blackington, and Deputy Marcia Curtis.

Join the National Scouts BSA Committee for Live Office Hours

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Join the National Scouts BSA committee and Scouters from around the country to learn more about the Scouts BSA program on Thursday, April 18, 2019 at 8:30 pm ET during their live office hours.

This Q&A session is great for new Scouts BSA leaders to get answers to any question they have about the program. For example:

  • How to help new Scouts advance in rank
  • How to reinforce the Patrol Method
  • How to prepare for weekend overnight outdoor experiences
  • How to grow your new Scouts BSA troop

Please submit any questions you’d like to have addressed via email to Please submit any questions you’d like to have addressed via email to family.scouting@scouting.org family.scouting@scouting.org by April 15th. All questions will be answered, either during the live presentation or at a later time.

Troop 1526’s Last Gasp of Winter Campout

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The Scouts of St. Matthews UMC Girls’ Troop 1526 in Annandale completed their first three-day, two-night camp out this past weekend at Camp Snyder in Haymarket, Virginia. The strong winds of Friday night couldn’t blow their properly staked tents over. The freezing overnight temperatures didn’t stop them as they were prepared for the weather.

The 16 girls participated in day and night navigation, first-aid training, and earned their Totin’ Chip. Two memorable moments: after splitting a log using an axe, the Scout exclaimed it was the first time she had ever done that, and three other Scouts successfully baked a chocolate and cherry cake in their first attempt using a Dutch oven.

Any girls interested in joining our Troop should contact Keith Robertory at keith@robertory.com

Annual Scouts to the Rescue! Training in Patuxent District

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    Last Saturday 85+ Scouts and Scouters from Packs and Troops in Patuxent District came together to learn and practice Search and Rescue, First Aid, and Emergency Management skills at the annual “Scouts to the Rescue!” training.

Prince Georges County Community Emergency Response Team members, Charles County and Prince Georges County EMS providers and firefighters, a Prince Georges County Police Department K9, and a Helicopter from the Maryland State Police joined the Scouts at the American Legion Youth Camp in Cheltenham, MD to contribute a wide variety of skills and equipment for the training.

Scouts completed round robin classes in the morning covering topics that included the Incident Command System, Hurry Cases, Major and Minor Injury Treatment, Rescue Techniques, Radio Use, Backboarding, and First Responder Careers and Skills. The afternoon was a practical exercise with the Scouts using their new knowledge to find and treat simulated victims of a campsite flooding scenario. Community EMS partners completed intake of “victims” delivered to them from Scouts and helped evaluated Scouts’ First Aid efforts.

Keep your eyes open for next years event.