We Own Adventure

Scouting News for the DC Metro Area

Exploring

Scouting C.A.R.E.S. Pack 5600 Explores Great Falls National Park

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Scouting C.A.R.E.S. Pack 5600 from E.W. Stokes Elementary School recently visited Great Falls National Park for a day of hands-on learning and outdoor exploration. The experience gave students the opportunity to connect classroom concepts with the natural world through guided activities and outdoor engagement.

During the visit, students participated in the park’s Flower Adventure Program, where they learned about native and invasive flowers found in the local environment. In addition to the educational programming, students enjoyed fishing and took part in field games, making the day both informative and fun. The trip provided a meaningful setting for students to build teamwork and confidence while developing a deeper appreciation for nature. By experiencing learning outside the classroom, students were able to see real-world applications of what they study and strengthen connections with their peers.

What Is Scouting C.A.R.E.S.?

Scouting C.A.R.E.S.—which stands for Character, Achievement, Respect, Education, and STEM—is an initiative of the National Capital Area Council designed to expand access to Scouting for all youth. The program partners with schools and community organizations across the DMV to bring hands-on, character-based Scouting experiences to communities that would benefit from a vibrant Scouting program. Through Scouting C.A.R.E.S., youth participate in programs that emphasize character development, leadership, ethics, and moral values, while fostering curiosity, resilience, and a sense of belonging. The initiative reflects the diversity of the communities it serves and works to ensure Scouting is inclusive and available to all young people, regardless of background or circumstance. Scouting C.A.R.E.S. provides in-school, afterschool, and community-based outreach programming led by positive adult role models. Youth enrolled in the program enjoy the same Scouting experiences as Scouts throughout the Council, including outdoor opportunities such as Day Camp and Resident Camp.

To learn more about our National Capital Area Council’s Scouting C.A.R.E.S. program, visit NCAC’s website: https://ncacscouting.org/scouting-cares/

               

Troop 1094 Conducts Cold Weather Training in Minnesota

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By Holden Pierce, Historian, Troop 1094

An image of the sunset at Northern Tier
[An image of the sunset taken by Ryan D., Life Scout of Troop 1094]
This past winter, Troop 1094 of Darnestown sent two full crews to Scouting America’s Northern Tier High Adventure Base in Ely, Minnesota to participate in a rugged cold weather high adventure experience. Scouting America has four national level high adventure bases in the United States where Scouts can excel in their outdoor skills while having a bunch of fun. In summer, the Northern Tier High Adventure Base allows Scouts the opportunity to conduct amazing canoeing treks in the boundary waters of Canada and upper Minnesota. In winter, the Northern Tier High Adventure Base allows Scouts the opportunity to participate in amazing cold weather activities during their “Okpik” (means Snowy Owl in the Inuit language) program in which Scouts learn how to thrive in subzero temperatures, travel across frozen wilderness lakes, and construct their own sleeping structures out of snow.

After flying into Minneapolis / St. Paul International Airport, the Troop 1094’s two crews then had a 5-hour bus ride north to Ely, which is right next to the Canadian border. Once we arrived at the Northern Tier High Adventure Base, we were busy from the very start. First, we were broken into two separate crews of 8 Scouts and three adults each and then introduced to our “Interpreters” (crew guides). We then conducted detailed planning for our cold-weather activities for the week and then got issued all of our cold weather gear before staying in cabins for the night. The next morning, our cold weather adventures began.

An image of our crew hiking across Flash Lake.
[An image of our crew hiking across Flash Lake taken by Matthew M., Life Scout of Troop 1094]
During our time in the wilderness, our two crews had an amazing time. Some of our awesome activities included snow shoeing, cross-country skiing, dog sledding, ice skating, ice fishing, playing broom ball, and curling. Everywhere we went, each crew member had to pull their own sled with all their own gear along with some crew gear. Each night, our crews usually slept in established campsites right next to the edge of the lake, but one night, our crews actually slept out on the ice in the middle of the lake. That was really cool. None of us had ever done that before. During the trek, we never used tents. Instead, we built windbreak structures while sleeping under the stars. A windbreak structure is made out of snow and has four walls about three feet tall on all sides where the scouts sleep in the middle to keep the wind from hitting them.

While we were there, we all earned several cool awards. One of the awards was the Duty to God Patch. To earn that patch, we had to say the Northern Tier grace before every meal and hold a brief daily devotion. Another award that we earned was the Okpik Winter Trek Patch. To earn that patch, we had to camp out in the wilderness for at least two nights and hike at least seven miles.

I interviewed one of our Star Scouts, Ryan H., about his experience at Northern Tier, and he said: “The experience was a 10 out of 10 and many memories were made!” Overall, the Scouts and adults that went to the Northern Tier High Adventure Base this past winter had a great time and made many memories along the way.

During 2025, Troop 1094 will be participating in two more awesome high adventure trips. In June, our Troop is sending one crew back to Northern Tier in Minnesota to participate in a 10-day canoeing trek in the Canadian boundary waters. And in December, our Troop is sending a crew to Sea Base in Florida to participate in a 7-day Coral Reef sailing adventure. We love high adventure trips!

Innovation Academy: welding, 3d printing, coding, robotics

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We are excited to offer this workshop series for girls and boys ages 14+ to learn about welding, 3d printing, coding and robotics! This program is called Exploring with Innovation Academy, and takes place in Alexandria, VA at Building Momentum, a problem-solving organization with expertise in training people of all ages in fabrication and building technologies.  Learn more and register at: https://scoutingevent.com/082-innovation

 

Whom is this program for?

This is for individuals ages 14 – 21, with an interest in learning! You do not have to have experience in any of the fabrication technologies – Building Momentum’s educators are experts at teaching individuals at all skill levels. Do you like tactile activities? This is for you!

When?

  • This program will run every other Monday, 5pm – 8pm, beginning 10/23
  • The educational workshops are: 10/23, 11/6, 11/20, 12/4, optional 12/18
  • Additonally should plan to attend any 5 community days to serve as volunteers and get the required experience with hands-on shop times. There are many weekend and no-school days to attend community days:
    2023: 11/3, 11/7, 11/11, 11/22, 11/24, 12/18, 12/19, 12/20
    2024: 1/15, 1/22, 2/11, 2/19, 3/18, 3/22, 3/25, 3/26, 3/27, 3/28, 3/29, 4/1, 4/2, 4/10, 5/3, 5/27, 6/7

Where?

Building Momentum | 5380 Eisenhower Ave Suite C, Alexandria, VA 22304

What will you learn?

Each of the 5 sessions will be focused on a specific area. Roughly speaking, the focus of October is welding, November is 3D printing and CAD, December is robotics/coding.

Exploring with Innovation Academy is a fun and hands-on program to learn many skills and explore future careers! This is our second semester of offering the program – please check out the experiences of our first cohort from this spring: Innovation Academy: building 3D printers in 3 hours – We Own Adventure

We hope to see you in the fall series!

Please reach out to stem@ncacbsa.org with questions or sign up for the program here.

Exploring Advisor graduates from Citizens Police Academy!

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Luz Diaz Villalobos has long been written about as an admirable youth in NCAC’s Exploring programs, and today, she continues to inspire with her accomplishments as a young adult.

Most recently, Diaz Villalobos graduated from the Prince George’s County Citizen’s Police Academy. This multi-month course educates civilians about the criminal justice system through interactive classes and facilitated discussion. Outside of this, Diaz Villalobos works as an Assistant Teacher at Estrellitas Montessori School DC, where the owner Marilyn Medrano says she is a special teacher. Diaz Villalobos also volunteers relentlessly as an Exploring Advisor for PGPD’s youth programs, and is always there for her younger siblings and community members. Amongst her many responsibilities, Diaz Villalobos kept the commitment to attend the regular CPA sessions, with determination to successfully complete the Academy.

On the final day, at a church in the county, Prince George’s County Chief of Police, Aziz Malik presented Diaz Villalobos with her award. Other dignitaries included Councilmember Jolene Ivey, whom Diaz Villalobos also thanks for her support. As soon as Diaz Villalobos’ name was announced, a crowd of over two dozen people erupted in cheers! Luz is accomplished, admirable and a truly beloved member of her community. In attendance were several officers from PGPD who have supported her to this day including Cpl. Black, Cpl. Lobin, Cpl. Ross, Sgt Jeffries, Captain Eboug, Captain Serpes and Lieutenant Dazzie. From Seat Pleasant, Officer Miller and Officer Bowers attended and from all across Prince George’s County came several younger Explorers to whom Diaz Villalobos now serves as a mentor. Though not pictured, a special mention also goes to Cpl. Hibbert who has always supported Diaz Villalobos too. Last but not least, a special shout out to Diaz Villalobos’ family for being present in this accomplishment!

Diaz Villalobos set precedent as the only Hispanic to graduate from the Prince George’s County Citizen Police Academy for Class 48! This is not the first time that Luz Diaz Villalobos set a record.

In her own words, we share her story of making history in Exploring.

“Upon my arrival to the United States, I set goals for myself and my future. I was determined to learn and flourish in school… While at William Wirt Middle School, I joined the soccer team starting one of my goals of being a scholar-athlete.
In 10th Grade, I learned about the Prince George’s County Police Explorers program, which focused on preparing student leaders for careers in Law Enforcement. While in 11th Grade, I joined the Explorers program in order to begin my goals of becoming a Police Cadet. Within one year of my time in the Explorers program, I have lead efforts to increase the program from 8 students to over 60 students! In addition, I have attended several conferences that have helped me develop my leadership skills as I set my focus on becoming a Police Officer.

Throughout my tenure in the Prince George’s County Explorers program, I have moved up in rank from a basic explorer to Lieutenant. In 2019, through a strenuous process of assessments and interviews, I was promoted to Explorer Captain. I am now the first female and first Hispanic to lead the post!

As I continue to achieve one of my goals of becoming an American citizen, I know that is the first step in achieving my ultimate goal of becoming a Police Officer!”

To learn more about PGPD’s Law Enforcement Exploring Program, please visit: www.pgpdexplorers.com

Proud of our graduating Explorers!

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Throughout the year, Prince George’s County Police Department operates a law enforcement Exploring program at six of their stations. Youth meet weekly for hands-on skills trainings on physical fitness, radios, traffic safety, and forensics; and they participate in regular community service activities.

The Explorer Posts support community events like National Night Out, Toys for Tots, Shop with a Cop, sporting events, and local fairs.

This month, we celebrate all the Explorers who are graduating – both from the program and their high schools!

Explorer Advisors Sgt Jeffries & Cpl Muse were on hand to support and congratulate Explorer A. Perry from Explorer Post 301 as he graduated from Fairmont Heights High School. Chief Aziz & all of the PGPD are proud of your achievement Explorer Perry!

 

 

Explorer Post 1111 celebrated their final post meeting for the 2022-2023 school year. Several Explorers were promoted in rank and a special dedication was given to Explorer Captain Villalobos. We are so proud of all the Explorers.

Last but not least, we are overjoyed to share that one former Explorer from PGPD Post 222 is going on to begin her police career with the Forest Heights Police Department.

 

Fingerprinting & Traffic Safety Merit Badges

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Montgomery County Police Department has been hosting a youth career development program, Exploring, for decades! Their Explorer Post 1986 is eager to lend a hand to the scouting community and will host 2 workshops teaching the Fingerprinting and Traffic Safety Merit Badges.

This event will take place on Saturday, April 29 at the Montgomery County Police Training Academy.

Schedule:

9:45AM Checkin

10AM Fingerprinting (15 youth)
11:15AM Traffic Safety (15 youth)
12:30PM Dismissal

Scouts BSA and same-age friends are welcome!

 

The Explorer Post Advisors are registered Merit Badge Counselors with NCAC, and will be able to sign blue cards for scouts who complete all requirements at the event.

The registration fee for the event is $22; this covers class materials for both merit badges and will go to support Explorer Post 1986. We hope to see you there!

Register here: Fingerprinting & Traffic Safety Merit Badges