We Own Adventure

Scouting News for the DC Metro Area

Scouting Programs

Aquia Scouting Program Continues to Flourish: Fostering Citizenship and Self-Reliance

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In the heart of Aquia District, the Scouting program continues to thrive, fostering the development of young minds into responsible citizens and self-reliant individuals. Through a series of engaging events and initiatives, Scouts of all ages have embraced adventure, learning, and camaraderie while embodying the values of good citizenship and self-sufficiency.

The district kicked off its fall season with a bang, hosting a Joint Fall Camporee for Scouts BSA and Webelos, themed around a thrilling zombie outbreak scenario. Despite the challenges of inclement weather, the Scouts embraced the adventure, learning valuable survival skills and teamwork in the process. From shelter building to emergency preparedness, each activity reinforced the importance of being resourceful and resilient in the face of adversity.

Spring brought another exciting adventure with the Spring Camporee, where Scouts BSA embarked on a swashbuckling journey as Pirates of the Aquia District. Through a series of themed activities and challenges, Scouts honed their leadership abilities and navigated the seas of teamwork and collaboration. From treasure hunts to knot tying, each activity underscored the importance of communication and cooperation in achieving common goals.

But the adventure didn’t stop there. Spring also saw the district’s Cub Scouts sharpening their skills at the Spring Target and Range Day held at IWLA Stafford. Under the guidance of skilled instructors, young scouts tested their marksmanship with archery, BB shooting, and slingshots. Beyond the thrill of hitting their targets, scouts learned the importance of discipline, focus, and responsibility in handling equipment safely.

In a bold move to expand its horizons, the district launched the STEM Scouts Lab 239 initiative, aiming to ignite a passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in young minds. The Junior Lab at Rocky Run Elementary welcomed budding scientists in grades 3-5, immersing them in modules covering Chemistry, Archeology, Robotics, and Inventing. Meanwhile, the Tech Lab at Conway Elementary catered to older students in grades 6-8, delving into the realms of Microbiology and Astronomy. Through hands-on experiments and interactive lessons, Scouts explored the wonders of the universe while honing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Looking ahead, the district eagerly anticipates Scout Day at Fun Land – Fredericksburg on May 4th, offering Scouts in uniform reduced entry to enjoy a day of thrilling rides and attractions. Additionally, with summer just around the corner, units in the area are gearing up for a host of exciting programs and adventures. Interested individuals can find more information by visiting Be A Scout or contacting Kristy Freeman at Kristy.Freeman@scouting.org.

As the Aquia Scouting Program continues to grow and evolve, it remains committed to empowering young people with the skills, knowledge, and values they need to succeed in life. Through adventure, education, and community involvement, Scouts are not just preparing for the future—they’re shaping it.

 

 

Earning the Triple Crown of Scouting Achievements

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After first obtaining the Eagle Scout rank and then reaching the rank of Sea Scout Quartermaster, on March 8th, 2024, William Kennedy completed his trifecta of highest rank in three different Scouting programs, earning his Venturing Summit. From attending National and World Jamborees, to becoming a man overboard with a broken arm at SEAL Training, William had an exceptional journey completing this ultimate (daunting) challenge. To top it all off, he completed everything a month before turning 19 years old.

Attaining Eagle Scout has been a goal since he looked through Boys Life magazine while in Cub Scouts. He joined Scouts BSA in 2016 and the catalyst that would start his journey for the other two achievements was the 2019 World Jamboree, which would cause the motivation to be more active in Scouting, leading him to join Sea Scouts in late 2020 and Venture Scouts in 2021.

His original Skipper, Tom Ballew, helped motivate him to get Sea Scout Quartermaster, especially since William was one of the last Scouts for Skipper Ballew, who sailed under him when he joined Ship 942. After Skipper Ballew left, William wanted to be one of the many Sea Scouts who earned Quartermaster under his guidance.

By the time he really invested in Venturers, William had nearly completed his Eagle Scout and was on his way to Quartermaster, so he decided he wanted the Trifecta by earning his Venturing Summit. However, the main reason that he decided to earn the Venturing Summit was because of how much personal growth, expanded opportunities, and unique advancement he had. While advancing in Scouts BSA and Sea Scouts are similar, advancing in Venturers was another motivator for William to go all the way.

William was primarily a lone Scout, or a Scout without a troop or unit, so attending the 2019 World Scout Jamboree (WSJ) was William’s highlight for Scouts BSA. As previously mentioned, this experience was not only the catalyst to this fantastic journey but also the authentic experience of being in a Patrol for the first time, being a part of a unit comprised of over 40 scouts from all around the world. William stated, “People take for granted the impact patrols have. No matter the size, having a patrol is probably the best way to experience scouting.” On a more fun note, when 14-year-old William accidentally cut his finger, requiring three stitches, he mainly remembered how “the medical tents looked just like the M*A*S*H hospitals, and it was awesome.”

He obtained a good portion of his leadership training in Sea Scouts, which required him to learn the complex skills necessary to sail a ship and know them well enough to teach newer Sea Scouts. His most memorable Sea Scout moment was Sea Scout Advanced Leadership (SEAL) Training in Seattle. It was nine days, but he stayed for three more days to volunteer at the Sea Fair. He thoroughly enjoyed learning unique leadership styles you wouldn’t learn in Youth Training. SEAL did this through Drills, which taught necessary responses for emergencies and responsibility and accountability for yourself and others. With two drills a day, one would always be a man overboard drill, the other being any drill the Bosun-of-the-day chose. For one day, William got to be the man overboard with a broken arm, but for his drill as Bosun, he chose hydraulics failure, which involved tasks like manually turning the ship’s rudder.

His most memorable Venturing moment was when he was a part of the Venturing Explorers Sea Scouts International (VESSI) Scouts staff for the 2023 National Jamboree. While there as a Venturer, he worked as the Sea Scout Bosun, teaching NSJ Scouts how to tie the complex Bosun Knot. He was only there for the first half, a little over a week, due to being a staff member at the 2023 WSJ. He learned valuable lessons about management and keeping things under control, made some great friends, and met some great people. In particular, the Mercy Flight Explorer Scouts were impressive, working at the medical tent. William stated, “If you mention any sort of injury to them, you will get a complete checkup every time.”

However, his all-time favorite memory from his entire Scouting life was going to Philmont in the summer of 2023 with Troop 581, the Troop he’d become an Assistant Scoutmaster. With two crews, William, one of the crew leaders, had an unforgettable experience and memories that will last a lifetime.

In the last four years, William K worked 1300 community volunteer hours, received his Eagle Rank on May 22nd, 2022, Sea Scout Quartermaster on October 15th, 2023, and finally, his Venturing Summit on March 8th, 2024. William stated, “I felt relieved because I wanted to get this before going to college this fall, taking a gap year to focus on Scouting,” and “can finally relax and not worry about managing my time.” When asked what advice to give to other scouts having experienced so much of Scouting, he first said, “You are never too old to make the most out of Scouting.” followed with, “I was mainly, a provisional Scout, so all Scouts should always look for provisional opportunities, regardless if your troops participates. If you want to do it, go for it.”

NCAC Outdoor Ethics Guide Summit

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Nearly 70 scouts and scouters from 14 NCAC districts plus Cradle of Liberty, Hawk Mountain & Shenandoah Councils attended our inaugural NCAC Outdoor Ethics Guide Summit. The event featured a course for (Outdoor Ethics Guides)(), a presentation about BSA outdoor ethics courses and awards by Paul Schimke, and a keynote presentation about outdoor ethics in urban parks by National Park Service Park Ranger Josh Lamothe.

The Outdoor Ethics Guide course focused on teaching current and aspiring Outdoor Ethics Guides how to operationalize this position of responsibility to have the greatest positive impact in their unit. Outdoor Ethics Guides learned best practices, how to incorporate outdoor ethics lessons into their unit’s activities, outdoor ethics awards, and where to find resources. In addition, participants met other Outdoor Ethics Guides and adult advisors, shared experiences, discussed ways to overcome challenges, and created a network of Outdoor Ethics Guides across NCAC.

During the Summit, scouts taught outdoor ethics games and activities that participants can bring back to their units:
• Outdoor Code hand motions
• 7 Principles hand motions
• Trash Timeline
• Camp Oh No
• Ethics Game

Paul Schimke gave an overview of outdoor ethics awards and courses:
• Outdoor Ethics Awareness Award
• Outdoor Ethics Action Award
• NCAC Outdoor Ethics Awareness Award for Cubs
• Outdoor Ethics Orientation course
• Leave No Trace Skills course
• Leave No Trace Level 1 course
• Leave No Trace Level 2 course

Josh Lamothe presented about outdoor ethics in urban parks with a focus on the National Mall and Memorial Parks. Josh reviewed ways that each of the 7 principles of Leave No Trace, which were originally developed for use in wilderness situations, are very relevant to our outings and activities in urban settings.

Thanks to all the scouts and scouters who made this Outdoor Ethics Guide Summit a huge success by teaching lessons and giving presentations! Thanks also to the participants who are bringing these lessons back to their units in their roles as Outdoor Ethics Guides!

All This Before Most of Them Turned 10!

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At Pack 1100’s Arrow of Light Crossover Ceremony on March 2, 2024 at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Springfield, Virginia, the positive impact of this one den made over the last six years was documented. These 11 Scouts positively influnced the community in so many ways through the Scouting program. Just look at this list!

They have:

  • cleaned up parks and waterways,
  • supported our local schools when there was no one to maintain the grounds,
  • cleaned our local trails,
  • made cards for wounded warriors,
  • collected toys for newly admitted families at Walter Reed,
  • provided Christmas greetings to a Virgina Veterans home, and
  • celebrated the “Month of the Military Child” in the White House with First Lady, Dr. Jill Biden.

They earned:

  • top scores for teamwork at Camp Ross,
  • recognition for their commitment to their religious organizations, and
  • the National Park Award by participating in volunteer and educational activities.

They have overcome challenges with diversity, learned how to work as a team and how to accept the loses with the wins.

They supported Wreaths Across America, recruited new friends who have become Scouts, earned the top NOVA awards in Cub Scouting, collected and delivered over 200 pounds of supplies for the Fairfax County Animal Shelter, and presented the BSA Report to the Nation.

Through the years they have collected over 5,000 pounds of food to support our local food bank and
community and conducted over 150 hours of community service.

They have spent 112 nights camping, hiked over 332 miles (that’s like hiking from Springfield to Cleveland), and Scouted for 12,816 day or 35 years.

One of them even participated in a push up challenge with Congressman Dan Crenshaw on the steps of the US Capitol.

“As we celebrate these 11 Scouts today,” explained their Den Leader, Marjorie McDonald, at the ceremony,“we know these Scouts are our future and knowing what we know about them, I can tell you our future is bright! It has been an honor for Christina and I to lead these Scouts, but perhaps they were leading us and we didn’t
even know it….. Watch out world here they come!”

Sons of the American Revolution Eagle Scout Contest

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Sons of the American Revolution Eagle Scout Contest

Eagle Scout Hanna C. of Troop 1978G in Vienna, Virginia won the Fairfax Resolves chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution’s King Eagle Scout contest. She is one of three Eagle Scouts from NCAC in Virginia who went on to the state-level contest.

This is an annual contest open to any Eagle Scout that is a registered youth. It consists of an application that documents the scouts’ achievements, such as number of merit badges earned, a four generation family tree, and most importantly a 500 word patriotic themed essay. Winners at the local chapter level are given a certificate, full size medal, and a cash prize. One can then go on to the state level competition and then to the national competition.

For more information see https://www.sar.org/arthur-m-berdena-king-eagle-scout-contest/