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Watch Living a Legacy: Troop 1657

February 28, 2025 by Heather Austin

Was the First Baptist Church of Glenarden Troop 1657 what Lord Robert Baden-Powell envisioned when he first created the Boy Scouts in 1907? Probably not! The Boy Scouts, originally a predominantly white organization, wasn’t specifically designed with young black boys in mind. However, this black troop, founded in the suburbs of Maryland, has proven itself to be a transformative space where black boys are unapologetically allowed to thrive and grow!

Created in conjunction with Cub Scout Pack 1657, this film chronicles the inspiring journey of Troop 1657, shining a light on how they’ve rewritten the narrative, creating a lasting impact in the community and beyond.

“Living a Legacy: Troop 1657” is a WHUTV documentary that celebrates a powerful legacy of resilience, leadership, and community.

AVAILABLE ON: https://youtu.be/eibpDVvUdwM?si=Mk6MCgq0fW4yg4Xi

NCAC Scouts Honor Former President Carter

January 9, 2025 by Cynthia Griffiths

On January 7, 2025, NCAC Scouts and leaders from Troop 500, Troop 544, and Troop 98 in Washington, D.C., and Troop 1107 in Springfield, VA, paid their respects as former President Jimmy Carter was lying in state in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda.

Lying in state in the United States is the rare honor either authorized by a congressional resolution or approved by the congressional leadership, for a deceased member of government (or former member) whereby his or her remains are placed in the rotunda of the United States.

It is fitting that a contingent from the National Capital Area Council honored Jimmy Carter in this way as he was a long-time and dedicated Scout leader serving as a Cubmaster, Troop Committee Member, Committee Chair, Scoutmaster, and Exploring Advisor who demonstrated the Scout Oath and Law throughout his life.

Bryan Martin Firvida, Scoutmaster of Troop 98 and NCAC Executive Board Member, said, “As a group, we came to a Scout Salute three times for President Carter to represent the three parts of the Scout Oath. President Carter certainly fulfilled his Duty to God and Country, Duty to Others, and Duty to Self, and set an example for all of us to strive for. I must admit that each time we held our Scout Salute, a shiver of emotion went down my spine.”

“Our honor guard at the Rotunda in the US Capitol was absolutely spectacular, and spine chilling for me as we were saluting the President. You can all be very proud of our Scouts. To me, high adventure aside, this is part of what Scouting is all about,” Jay Eidson, NCAC International Representative.

Embed from Getty Images

A delegation of scouts from Scouting America’s National Capitol Area Council troops salutes as they pay their respects in front of the flag-draped casket at the Lying in State Ceremony for former President Jimmy Carter at the US Capitol Rotunda in Washington, DC on January 8, 2025. Carter, the 39th President of the United States, died at the age of 100 on December 29, 2024 at his home in Plains, Georgia. (Photo by Samuel Corum / AFP) (Photo by SAMUEL CORUM/AFP via Getty Images) (SAMUEL CORUM/AFP via Getty Images)

NCAC Eagle Scout Walter Rouse is in the NFL

October 2, 2024 by Mickey Nemier

Did you know that we have an Eagle Scout who plays in the NFL? Walter Rouse from Silver Spring, MD, is a rookie offensive lineman for the Minnesota Vikings and earned his Eagle Scout rank in our National Capital Area Council. He was Troop 1444’s 120th Eagle Scout in 2017. Walter was the sixth-round draft pick for the Minnesota Vikings.

We see each day that Scouting helps prepare our young people for life’s challenges with tremendous resilience – even all the way to the NFL! We look forward to seeing him play as an offensive lineman in the 2024 NFL Season!

Learn more about all the Eagle Scouts who play professional football at Here are the Eagle Scouts in the NFL in 2024

Learn more about Walter and his impressive accomplishments by visiting the Minnesota Vikings website:

5 Things to Know About Vikings 6th-Round Draft Pick Walter Rouse