Scouts BSA Troop 1191G of Francis Scott Key District, NCAC worked to clear invasive species from their local Windy Ridge Park trail with the Town of Mount Airy Naturalist. By working with the town Naturalist, Scouts started to identify invasives and how they were suffocating the native plant life. With this new knowledge, they worked to clear areas of invasives to allow native plants to thrive in their natural habitat. Scouts worked to clear invasive plants such as multiflora rose, oriental bittersweet, and Japanese stiltgrass. This allowed Scouts to appreciate a number of small native snapdragons that would normally be wiped out by invasives. The most triumphant save of the day was a mature mulberry that was being suffocated by a large oriental bittersweet. Several large piles of invasive plants are destined to be picked up this week by the town for disposal. #ScoutsBSATroop1191 #ScoutingContinues #givingbacktothecommunity
Scouts BSA
Scouting with Dad – Jonathan Cartner!
Happy Father’s Day to David Cartner! Scouting has always been important to the Cartners and one of the main activities that we consistently did together for almost 30 years now.
When my father retired from the Army we settled back in his home state of Missouri from Belize where I was quickly able to get involved in normal 8 year old stuff like little league and Scouting. Dad was always a visible presence with me when I started in Cub Scouts from Den/Pack meetings and helping me with my pinewood derby cars. This led to me crossing over into Troop 41 in Sikeston, MO where I became an Eagle Scout in 1997 most due to his consistence pushing to finish merit badges, serve in leadership roles, and attending camping events. Receiving my Eagle Scout rank at a young age allowed me to really get involved with the Order of Arrow where my father followed right behind me. Dad was able to watch me be elected by my peers to Lodge Chief of Anpetu-We Lodge #100 where I received my Vigil Honor. The very next year my father was also called out to receive the Vigil. This was one of my most proudest moment with him as I was able to give back to him as his guide for all that he had done for during my time with the Lodge. In 2003 I was elected Section Chief with the Order of the Arrow which kickstarted my time on NOAC staffs. In typical David Cartner status he was able to join me a couple NOACs later and the two of us have served on 5 NOAC staffs together over the years.
All this support and dedication from my father absolutely lead me to a career with the Boy Scouts of America. This career has brought me through 4 councils across three states helping support programs that give any kid willing and wanting the same experiences that I have had.
Thank you David Cartner for all you have done for me over the last 36 years! Love you.
Microscope + Camping = FUN !!!
Hey Scouts! Have you ever wondered what nature looks like under a microscope? What tiny creatures are in a drop of water? What a blade of grass or a leaf looks like when you get REALLY close to it? What the wings of a fly look like up close?
This summer you can explore nature with a folding microscope. When you Family Camp at either Goshen Scout Reservation or Camp Snyder, you will receive a free, 140 power magnification microscope so you can see nature in miniature.
Cubs, Webelos, Scouts BSA, Venturers and even Sea Scouts can sign up for Family Camping at Goshen Scout Reservation or Camp Snyder!
We look forward to seeing you at camp with your microscope!
Photo by: Magical Child Hood
Troop 1345 Continues Tradition of “Flags Along the Parkway”
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.
Countdown to The Memorial Day Weekend Capital Camp-In!
It’s only a few days until we roll-out our sleeping bags, set up our tents, turn on our computers and kick-off a weekend of ACTIVITIES FOR SCOUTS OF ALL AGES – Cubs, Scouts BSA, Venturers, Sea Scouts, Adult Scouters and Parents!
The Capital Camp-In will have many of the same events as a regular campout – an opening and closing ceremony, a campfire lead by the Order of the Arrow, a Scouts Own religious service and FUN activities!
It will also have lotsa stuff you don’t get at a traditional campout, to include guest speakers and youth and adult instruction. And, you can share your at-home activities with others on Facebook!
Best of all its FREE and you don’t have to leave home! Some activities are self-guided and others are live on line. Participate all day Saturday and half of Sunday or for just in those events that interest you. All you need to do is sign up at the link provided for the particular event. It’s SIMPLE!
Find out more details and the full schedule on the Capital Camp-In website!
For updates please visit the Council’s Facebook page.
Don’t miss out! Join us at home and on line on May 23 and 24.
Brought to you by the NCAC Camping Centennial Committee.
Introducing the NCAC Scouting at Home 2020 Award!
In response to the Coronavirus Pandemic, the National Capital Area Council (NCAC) is encouraging Scouts of all ages to stay home and be safe, while continuing to be a Scout! Scouts are always prepared to explore, discover, learn, and grow, and serve our families and communities, no matter the situation, time, or place. The NCAC Scouting at Home 2020 Award recognizes Scouts for meeting the challenge of living by the Scout Oath and Law while the pandemic requires social distancing to be in place.
Cub Scouts who meet specific requirements for home conservation and preparedness, learn about STEM, pursue a Cub adventure, learn Scouting skills, participate in a den virtual meeting, and participate in community service earn the Scouting at Home 2020 Award patch.
Youth in Scouts BSA, Venturing, or Sea Scouts who meet specific requirements for home conservation and preparedness, assist with a family virus prevention plan, make progress toward advancement, learn Scouting skills, take part in a Patrol virtual meeting, and participate in community service earn the Scouting at Home 2020 Award patch.
For specific details, to obtain the requirement sheets, or to pre-order patches, see https://www.scoutingevent.com/082-scoutingathomeaward.