Scout BSA Troop 1345, sponsored by the Burke Centre Conservancy of Burke, VA, continues a twenty-year tradition of raising American flags along the Burke Centre Parkway in honor of Flag Day.
For nearly 40 years, Burke Centre Conservancy, a community of 5,800 homes in Fairfax County, has sponsored Scouts BSA Troop 1345 for boys; starting in 2019 they added Scouts BSA Troop 1345G for female members. For more than 20 years the Troop has helped the community show its pride by setting up 30 American flags in the median along Burke Centre Parkway between Burke Lake Road and Oak Leather Drive on every Flag Day and other federal holidays.
Without any fanfare or attention, the Scouts quietly set up the flags early in the morning for the community to enjoy through the day. As the day winds down, the Scouts return to quietly pack the flags away for future display. Through rain, snow, and even social distancing, the Scouts have added a little bit of patriotism to this part of Fairfax County throughout the years.
Troop 1345 will continue the tradition this Flag Day because it is a way for them to demonstrate good citizenship in their community. As Troop 1345G Scoutmaster Kate Mattice says, “It just brightens the community – and perhaps provides some normalcy – during these times.”
With social distance guidelines still intact, outdoor events such as “Flags Along the Parkway” create opportunities for Scouts to stay active in the community while abiding by local safety rules.
Scoutmasters and Scouts from Troop 1345 on Sunday, June 14, 2020, in the median along Burke Centre Parkway between Burke Lake Road and Oak Leather Drive Burke Centre Parkway between 8:30am and 9:00am participated in raising the flags. Scouts and Scoutmasters will return around 5:00pm to remove the flags for future display. Please join Troop 1345 and the city of Burke in their efforts to honor Flag Day by raising your American Flag today.
What’s it all about? Inspired by decades of state and local celebrations, Flag Day was officially established by the Proclamation of President Woodrow Wilson on May 30th, 1916. While Flag Day was celebrated in various communities for years after President Wilson’s proclamation, it was not until August 3rd, 1949, that President Harry Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14 of each year as National Flag Day.
Did you know a Boy Scout designed the current U.S. flag? In 1958, 17-year-old Boy Scout Bob Heft designed the current U.S. flag as part of a school project. Heft received a B- from his teacher, but President Eisenhower liked the design so much he chose it as the official flag two years later.
Having a home First Aid kit is super important. Today, you should build a first aid kit for home. Already got one? Then check on the supplies. With your parent, make sure you know how to use the materials in your kit.
With just a little science and a little shaking – You can make ice cream in a plastic bag! Let us know your favorite flavors and toppings in the comments.
All who wander are not lost… especially on Wander Around Wednesday
For today, take a walk around your home or neighborhood and see if you can identify six signs of animals. If you see a live animal, be sure to keep a respectful distance. You might find shed antlers, skins, tracks, or droppings – they all count!
Remember the Outdoor Code. Cub Scouts of every rank can complete at least one adventure requirement with this activity – Check your book for what you can do!
Lion: Mountain Lion #1
Tiger: My Tiger Jungle #1 & 2
Wolf: Paws on the Path – #5 & 6
Bears: Fur Feathers and Ferns #1
Webelos/AOL: Webelos Walkabout #1, 4, & 5
THURSDAY
It’s time to put your family first on Thoughtful Thursday
There are so many things to do to keep your family safe and healthy. For the next week, work with another family member to take over one of their chores. If you are a Webelos Scout, make sure you get credit for Project Family!
Meets the Webelos Project Family #4 requirement.
FRIDAY
Let’s explore your personal history on Family Fun Friday
Have Family Storytime. Ask a family adult or another relative to tell a story about your family history. Where did they come from and when did they move are great questions to ask.
Check the requirements for Webelos Project Family #1 or 2, and Tiger Family Stories #1
SATURDAY
It’s Safety Saturday…
The new Protect Yourself Adventure is a great way to learn how to keep yourself safe around strangers, on the internet, and whom you can talk with if something happens that makes you feel unsafe.
In March of this year, the National Capital Area Council Executive Board made the difficult decision to cancel or postpone all in-person Scouting meetings, events, and activities due to COVID-19. Since that time, Scouting has successfully continued through our Scouting at Home program. We appreciate the great effort of our volunteers and staff in making this happen.
Recently, the states and counties comprising NCAC have started to relax COVID-19 restrictions related to in person gatherings. This is good news and has many people excited to resume face-to-face Scout activities.
As there is a significant variance in the state and county phased reopening programs being implemented across our Council’s territory, it is difficult to provide an “all inclusive” statement for all of our NCAC units. As such, we would like to provide the following general guidance regarding resumption of in person Scouting activities.
The Unit Key Three should determine what activities and in person gatherings are permitted for the county in which the unit is chartered.
The Key Three should then work with the adult committee to determine if the unit is prepared to begin in person meetings or activities.
If consensus exists among the adult committee members, the Key Three should consult with the Chartered Partner to secure their support for the resumption of in person meetings or activities.
It is the responsibility of the unit’s Key Three and adult committee to understand and ensure all state/county restrictions and required Covid-19 safety precautions are taken. Units traveling to other states/destinations for camp/activities are responsible for knowing and adhering to the restrictions and precautions of those areas.
Units following the restrictions and administering the precautions are covered by the BSA insurance program.
We know everyone is excited to begin outdoor, in person Scouting activities. We ask that you “do your best” to follow the guidance provided here and work with your adult committee and chartered organization to ensure a safe Scouting experience.
On behalf of the National Capital Area Council Jewish Committee on Scouting, Jamie Frame received his Shofar Award Sunday morning, June 7, 2020. While we would have preferred presenting the award and certificates to Jamie at our Northeast Region JCoS Annual Conference, the coronavirus pandemic interfered with that. For the past three years, Jamie Frame has served as the Jewish Chaplain at Goshen Scout Camps conducting services weekly.
Attached is an image of Jamie wearing his Shofar ribbon and medal with his parents, Michael and Beth, holding the certificates from both the National JCoS and the NER JCoS. Jamie who is 20 years old is going into his senior year of college in Pittsburgh. I think he is the youngest person to have been awarded the prestigious Shofar Award. We wish him the best in all his future endeavors.
Please consider congratulating Jamie by sending him a message.
Scout BSA Troop 1345, sponsored by the Burke Centre Conservancy of Burke, VA, continues a twenty-year tradition of raising American flags along the Burke Centre Parkway in honor of Flag Day.
