Earlier this year NCAC launched an exciting new pilot program: a multiweek Cub Scout day camp! For five weeks this summer they offered the same great program as our traditional day camps, with the multiweek format helping for parents looking for more summertime activities. The camp received full accreditation from BSA’s National Camp Accreditation Program and campers had tons of fun!
The camp averaged 18 campers each week – pretty good for a pilot program – with all Cub Scout ranks represented. Cub Scouts split into groups by age level so they could focus on activities tailored to each rank.
There were, of course, lots of opportunities to work on advancement. By week 4 the Tigers completed the Curiosity, Intrigue, and Magical Mysteries elective Adventure Loops. Wolves worked on the Finding Your Way, Digging in the Past, and Paws of the Skill Adventure Loops. Bears worked on the Baloo the Builder Adventure Loop, and completed the Roaring Laughter and Super-Science Adventure Loops. Webelos worked on the Into the Woods and Build-It Adventure Pins, and completed the Sportsman Adventure Pin.
Scouts each week also earned their rank-specific Shooting Sports Archery Patch and Pin, built stretchers and chariots for relay races, made paracord bracelets, completed service projects, built bird houses, tied a variety of knots, performed educational songs and skits, and learned about all turkeys and other local plants and animals with the head biologist from Fort Belvoir.
One of the most popular events was the Bike Rodeo. This event gave Scouts a chance to have fun and challenge themselves to improve. Many Scout learned to ride a bike for the first time, and more experienced riders assisted their fellow Scouts and grew their own skills.
This camp would not have been possible without the hard work of our staff. In particular, a huge shout-out goes to our Admin Director Dominick Caridi, Nature Director Abbie Allred, and Scout Skills Director Sam Markle, and Staff Advisor Joel Jackson for their outstanding service to our camp. They went above and beyond to put together something special that our Scouts and staff want to keep building in the future. Already parents are making plans to come back next year – and bring their friends!
