On November 21, 2023 the Gazette Leader published a story “Church in Arlington View works to make Thanksgiving inclusive,” about Mount Olive Baptist Church in Arlington View. The article explains how the Church charters Troop 505 which did the “heavy lifting” by shuttlig the Thanksgiving dinners to be distributed to different places on the grounds.
Read the article at this link: www.gazetteleader.com/arlington/news/church-in-arlington-view-works-to-make-thanksgiving-inclusive-7857460
The Aquia District of the National Capital Area Council (NCAC) kicked off the 2023-24 Scouting year with resounding success. This Northern Virginia (NOVA) Boy Scouts of America (BSA) District orchestrated a series of remarkable events in September and October, showcasing their Scout leaders’ commitment to creating a robust, engaging Scouting program that fosters the growth and development of young Scouts & Scouting Families.
First on the list was an Americanism Merit Badge Workshop hosted at the Howell Branch Library in Fredericksburg, VA on 9 September. The workshop was made possible with sponsorship from the Colonel Fielding Lewis (CFL) Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution and Merit Badge Counselors Dee Callender, Trip Wiggins, and Steve Sabo. This 8-hour workshop attracted 50 Scouts from Aquia District and three other BSA Districts in NOVA, as well as Scouts from the Heart of VA Council, all of whom eagerly pursued Merit Badges in Citizenship in the Nation, American Heritage, Law, and Genealogy. Remarkably, over 20 Scouts successfully completed all four badges, earning themselves the prestigious CFL Americanism Award and deepening their understanding of American history and values.
Following the American Merit Badge Workshop, the District organized the Lion’s ROAR event, a thrilling experience for new kindergarten-aged Scouts, held at the Izaak Walton League of America (IWLA) in Stafford, VA on 16 September. This 5-hour event, made possible (and safe) with key help from Marty Brown and Howard Myatt on the ranges, welcomed 20 young Cubs from Aquia District and a Scouting Family from the Shenandoah Area Council! This introduction to the KISMIF (“Keep It Safe, Make It Fun!”) Scouting world included such activities as archery, slingshots, creative crafts, and an exhilarating floor-is-lava themed obstacle course. These engaging activities not only introduced young Scouts to the fundamentals of Scouting but also filled their day with fun and adventure!
The next event was an overnight Cuboree, from 30 September – 1 October, attracting participation from over 160 Cubs hailing from various corners of NOVA, including Aquia and Old Dominion Districts! This was a true Scouting extravaganza made possible with help from Scout Leaders Kristy Freeman, Dan Pare, David Star, Nik Gilenast, and Ben Allegretti.
This 1-day whirlwind event featured a rock wall obstacle course, a variety of games, a bee feeder craft, a STEM class focused on simple machines, invigorating hikes, a mouthwatering cooking competition, a captivating campfire program, an interfaith worship service, and a memorable overnight camping experience. It was a whirlwind of activities that allowed these young Scouts to bond, learn, and create lasting memories.
And finally, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Scouts Lab 239 (grades 3-5) officially opened its doors at Rocky Run Elementary in October, sponsored by a new Chartering Organization, The Rotary Club of Stafford. With support from Scouters Dan Pare, Candie Shegogue and Trisha Dalal, seven Scouts embarked on a fascinating afternoon’s journey into the world of science, particularly polymers. They explored the science behind slime and bouncing balls, gaining hands-on experience that ignited their curiosity and passion for STEM. A middle school lab may be opening in the future!
The Aquia District’s impressive start to the Scouting year in 2023-24 reflects their unwavering commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders, adventurers, and community-conscious individuals. With these enriching experiences, young Scouts have embarked on a path of learning, camaraderie, and personal growth that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on their lives.
Time for your family to explore such challenges and have fun adventures too? To join BSA, please go to www.beascout.org to find a BSA Scout unit near you – Cub Scouting serves families with children in Kindergarten through 5th Grade; Scouts BSA serves families with children ages 11-18. There are BSA programs for families with older Youths, ages 14 – 20, including Venturing, Exploring or Sea Scouting.
The mission of the BSA is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling the values of the Scout Oath and Law. Aquia District includes Stafford County and Marine Corps Base Quantico. For more information on Scouting in Stafford/Fredericksburg area, including how to donate, join or volunteer, contact Kristy Freeman, Aquia District Executive.
At some NCAC special fundraising events, a Scout is asked to speak about their Scouting experience. This year at the Technology Good Scout Award Luncheon to honor Bruce Caswell, President & CEO of Maximus, as the 2023 Good Scout on November 8, 2023, Linda, a STEM/Scout BSA, was asked tell everyone how Scouting has influenced her life.
Attendees at the luncheon were very impressed to learn that Linda is a published author of her own children’s book, Linda and the Mysterious Footprints, and founder/CEO of the nonprofit Linda’s Lab. Five years ago, when Cub Scouts first opened their programing to girls, she was one of the first to join and as she commented, “I became part of a historical change for the better, and I am really proud of that.”
Linda explained to the industry leaders that “STEM and Scouting have always gone together. As Scouts we learn orienteering, how to build a fire and a shelter, and how to render medical aid. We become confident scientists and mathematicians without even realizing it. And with the development of STEM Scouts and the NOVA awards program, Scouts can gain an even deeper understanding of the world around us and the science beneath the surface. To earn my Wolf rank, I learned about weather, disaster preparedness, fire safety, and how to identify and respect wildlife. For my Bear rank, I learned to use a thermometer, barometer, and magnifying glass, and the value of community service. I earned the NOVA Swing award by learning how engineering and simple machines affect my life every day. And as a Webelo, I earned the Arrow of Light award by exploring geology and the importance of native plants to our environment.”
“After bridging into Scouts BSA as a founding member of Troop 964G in 2022, I earned my Scout, Tenderfoot, Second class, and First class ranks. I learned first aid, the value of situational awareness and physical strength, and to respect both the beauty and danger present in nature. I learned about the stars and the vastness of the universe. I learned to navigate with a map and compass. I learned to plan ahead, pack and carry my own gear, and to provide myself and others with food and shelter. I gained confidence and strength as a swimmer and learned about water safety and water rescue. As senior patrol leader, I learned to lead others with thoughtfulness and respect. As a Scout I have learned to question, to be brave, to speak with confidence, to work as part of team, to communicate effectively with others, and to value family, community, humanity, and the earth that supports us all.”
“I believe Scouting makes a difference. I believe it teaches us to be bigger than ourselves. I know what it has done for me. When I was five years old, I joined Cub Scouts. I also built a laboratory in my bedroom, and started my nonprofit, Linda’s Lab. The skills I learned as a Scout gave me the confidence to do big things.”
“I skipped three grades in school, started high school and college classes at age seven, and attended UVA a full-time last summer at age 10. I published a children’s book about the scientific method, carbon footprints, and environmental stewardship. I expanded my nonprofit to include science education programs in public schools and libraries. I became a science communicator, sharing my love of science with the world through social media. I was participating in scouting events when I first looked at stars through a telescope, and when i left the earth for the first time, in an open cockpit biplane. These experiences led me to astrophysics.”
She recounted a story, “In May I was on vacation with my family, swimming in a hotel pool. As I played in the pool, I saw something beneath the water. I swam into the deep end and saw a little girl, motionless at the bottom of the pool. Without Scouts, I would not have been in the deep end. I would not have had the situational awareness to spot a person in trouble or found the strength to yell for help and be heard above the noise all around me. My mother heard me first. She pulled the little girl from the pool and began first aid. My father joined her, and I took over care of my little brother, who could not swim yet. Together, we saved a life. Scouting saved a life. So yes, Scouting makes a difference. Today’s scouts are tomorrow’s scientists, mathematicians, engineers, and leaders. And I will be one of them.”
“I could not be more excited to hear from this extrodinarily talented young Scout,” said Scout Executive/CEO Mario A. Pérez who then explained that her nonprofit aims to use mealworm protein to solve world hunger and has a larva library that loans mealworm life cycle experiment kits to public schools so students can learn and be inspired to love science. He noted, “She is currently working on her second children’s book, studying Mandarin Chinese and completing additional coursework to become an astrophysicist. Linda plans to finish high school by age 14, complete an astrophysics degree at the University of Virginia by age 16, and secure her dream job with NASA.”
“The connection between the values instilled through Scouting and the leaders of tomorrow in our industry is absolutely irrefutable,” declaed Mr. Casell during his remarks. “For all the immense good that technology brings and the encouragement we can, should, and will provide Scouts to pursue their passions in this area, I’m simply reminded that now is a critical time to support organizations like Scouting. From overcoming the profound delays in social development exacerbated by the pandemic, to enriching compassion and empathy through activities and interactions with those not like us, Scouting is playing a critical role. We are building stronger and more empathetic citizens and with them – even in a small way – strengthening our communities.”
This annual event that recognizes and honors outstanding leaders in the technology industry from within the Greater Washington, DC area who exemplify the values of the Scout Oath and Law in his or her daily life. This year the event was chaired by Richard Montoni, NVTC Board Chair, Maximus Board Co-Chair, and raised over $200,000 for our Scouting program.
Additional photos from the event can be found on NCAC’s Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/ncacbsa/albums/72177720312531730
Troop 1577 volunteered at Anna Sudha Community Kitchens at the Dulles Town Center Mall. We prepared potatoes, onions and sliced bread. It was a lot of fun! It would be a great place to volunteer again. They welcome all Scouts to volunteer!
The volunteers at Anna Sudha said they appreciated our help especially because this week is Diwali and they are preparing extra food for the celebrations.
Anna Sudha feeds 2,500-3000 people per month by delivering meals to shelters and events. It’s an incredible effort by many volunteers!
If you would like to support the mission of this organization and also have a yummy meal, you can purchase dinners to-go. They sell for $8 per dish and the price goes down as you buy more meals.
They have events on Saturday nights and Sunday brunch where you pay a fee and taste many dishes to see what you like best.
Cub Scout Pack 257 and Boy Scout Troop 257 thank you everyone in Cheverly for their generous donations to the Scouting For Food program this year. We collected 1,580 pounds of food for donation to those in need as the holidays approach – that’s more than double last year’s donations! Cheverly really is an awesome town!
Troop 1577 had a fantastic campout on October 28-29 at Lake Fairfax! It started with dropping off the Scouts at a location about 25 minutes away from camp, and they found their way back for Camping merit badge requirement 3.
Next the Scouts made scrumptious meals using only Dutch oven, foil or skewers for Cooking merit badge requirement 5d. At this Chopped cooking competition, the pre-announced ingredient was chicken and the surprise ingredient was apple. Patrols came prepared with a ingredients and a plan ready to pivot if needed. The meals were scored on taste, presentation, teamwork, cleanliness, use of ingredients and technical complexity.
Next the Scouts had a video game competition on a big screen set up in the forest! Scouts made monkey bread in a Dutch oven as a snack.
Thank you to all the Scouts and adults who helped make this event such a success!
Photos by Carla Brown & Bill Wacek
