Goose Creek District News | OCT 2024
NCAC, Scouting America in Loudoun County, Virginia
Committee Brief.
Updates and insights from the District Chair and the District Committee.
Leadership Corner: from the District Executive
Dear Goose Creek Scouting Family,
There’s something truly special about Goose Creek District. The dedicated leaders, the hardworking Scouts, and the families who make everything we do possible. When I look back at all we've accomplished and ahead to what’s still in store, I can’t help but feel proud of the community we’ve built together.
Take the 2025 Webelos-O-Ree as an example. This event, planned by Charles Thornton, Joseph Kotch, and Samuel Freeman, gave our WEBELOS Scouts the chance to learn from our Scouts BSA Troops at Camp Snyder. The weekend was filled with hands-on activities like fire building, knots, lashings and cooking, giving the younger Scouts a true taste of what lies ahead in Scouts BSA. Watching our older Scouts mentor with such energy and passion was a true reflection of what makes Goose Creek special—Scouts helping Scouts.
Everywhere you look, Goose Creek is buzzing with activity. Our annual Scouting for Food is just around the corner (Nov 2 & 9), and we’re gearing up to make an even bigger impact this year. It’s amazing how our Scouts come together to serve their neighbors and make sure no one goes hungry. There’s something deeply meaningful about watching our Scouts learn the value of giving back, and I can’t wait to see what we can achieve this time.
And let’s not forget about our popcorn sales, a cornerstone of fundraising for all the adventures our Scouts embark on. Popcorn Sales are going strong, with Goose Creek District already at 79% of our 2024 goal of $206,000—we’ve raised $162,747 so far! With a $43,253 gap remaining, let’s push to finish strong. Whether you’re a Scout out there selling or a neighbor buying, know that every bit helps fuel the next big adventure.
Speaking of adventures, 2025 is shaping up to be an amazing year for Day Camp. Mark your calendars for June 22-26, because we’re diving headfirst into the world of invention with our "Invention Convention" theme. There’s just something magical about watching a group of Scouts work together to solve problems, build gadgets, and bring their ideas to life. It’s not just about fun (though there will be plenty of that!); it’s about growth, learning, and becoming leaders in their own right.
And it doesn’t stop there—our district is blessed with incredible leaders and volunteers. From Den Leaders planning next summer’s adventure to committee members working behind the scenes to keep everything running smoothly, Goose Creek wouldn’t be what it is without you. I encourage all of you to take a moment and consider nominating someone for the District Award of Merit. These honors are one way we can recognize those who go above and beyond for Scouting, and goodness knows we have plenty of those folks right here in Goose Creek.
Thank you for all you do. Let’s keep building, learning, and adventuring together. Here’s to an incredible year ahead in Goose Creek!
Always, Yours in Scouting,
Melainie Leitert
Loudoun District Executive: Covering all of Goose Creek
Scouting in the Community - Where’s Melainie?
Community events are an excellent platform for us to share the benefits of Scouting! Do you know of a community event you would like Melainie to be at? Please email her at melainie.leitert@scouting.org.
Sunday, October 20th, from 2-4 PM for a fun-filled Trunk or Treat at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church! This is a perfect opportunity for your Scout unit to engage with the community, hand out treats, and share the excitement of Scouting. Bring your creativity and join local families and organizations in hosting a decorated trunk—let’s show everyone what Scouting is all about! For more details or to get involved, contact Melainie Leitert at melainie.leitert@scouting.org.
2024 Cub Scout Program Updates: What You Need to Know
The 2024 Cub Scout Program has brought some exciting changes! To help you get started, we’ve gathered helpful resources that will guide you through the updates. For instance, did you know that AOL Patrols can now join the Scouts BSA Freeze-o-Ree, and Webelos are still welcome at Webelos Camps and Webelos-o-Rees? Learn more about the updated camping opportunities for Webelos and Arrow of Light Scouts by checking out the What You Need to Know blog post.
For more on all the new Cub Scouting changes, explore these resources:
Camping Guideline Updates for Webelos and Arrow of Light Cub Scouts: Watch the video
Cub Scout Program Updates FAQ: Visit the FAQ
Program Update Resources: New Website
Additional Unit Resources
Annual Charter Agreement - Download - Due now, please submit to Melainie.Leitert@scouting.org
Here’s One of the Easiest Things You Can Do to Help People Join Scouting - Read the blog post.
National Capital Area Council’s Unit Resources page, ncacbsa.org/unit-resources,
Our Membership Chair, John Hunnicutt, is also ready to help—reach out at membership@goosecreekdistrict.org for support.
2024 Scouting for Food: Get Involved!
We’re excited to announce that Scouting for Food 2024 is just around the corner! Last year, our amazing Goose Creek District units collected nearly 60,000 pounds of food for those in need, and this year, we’re aiming even higher! We need your help to make this happen. We can use units to help expand the map and cover some of our pre-pandemic areas.
District Scouting for Food, Frequently Asked Questions
Scouting for Food District Flyer (PDF)
Important Dates:
Post-it Pickup (from the district): Mid October
Post-it Distribution: November 2, 2024
Food Pick-Up: November 9, 2024
If your unit wants to join this impactful service project, now’s the time! We’re looking for Scouting for Food Coordinators from each unit to help organize and lead. Sign up today and be part of something bigger! Click here to register your unit or email Scout4Food@goosecreekdistrict.org, Seth Fowler, District Scouting for Food Coordinator, for more details.
Let’s make 2024 the biggest year yet for Scouting for Food!
Goose Creek District Popcorn October Update
🥨 CHOCOLATE PRETZELS 🥨 are now available to order, and this year there are NO LIMITS on how much your Unit can order! It’s a perfect time to stock up and raise funds for your Scouting adventures.
Popcorn Sales are well underway, and Goose Creek District is making great progress toward its 2024 goal of $206,000. As of September 25, 2024, we’ve raised $162,747, which is 79% to goal. That leaves a gap of $43,253 to hit our target, so keep up the great work!
REMEMBER: All Scouts can sell popcorn to support their annual adventures. Even if your unit isn’t formally participating, Scouts can still sell popcorn online. It’s a simple and risk-free way to fundraise—no inventory to manage, and orders are placed directly through Trails End. The money raised goes to your unit, and leaders will decide how it’s used for the unit or specific activities.
If you’re interested in getting started with online sales, be sure to check with your unit leader to align your efforts with the unit’s goals. You can also review the Online Fundraising Guide for Individual Scouts here to get all the details.
For questions or assistance, contact our District Popcorn Kernel, Ben Shewbridge, at mrshew2012@gmail.com.
Pop-Up Scout Shop in Loudoun County Through October 27
Take advantage of the Dulles Town Center Scout Shop Express for all your Scouting gear needs, now through October 27. Located on the lower level near the JCPenney entrance, the shop is open Monday through Thursday from 11:00am-8:00pm, Friday and Saturday from 10:00am-9:00pm, and Sunday from 11:00am-7:00pm. This is a great opportunity for new families to conveniently get uniforms, supplies, and more. For the latest on locations, visit the NCAC Scout Store page.
Range & Target Activities (R&TA)
New Mandatory Training for Unit-Level Events
Effective immediately, Scouting America now requires that at least one unit leader present at a unit range activity (firearms, archery, and throwing sports) must successfully complete the new 30-minute Range Activities Safety online course before the activity begins. This mandatory course is designed to ensure a safer environment during shooting sports and is a critical part of Scouting’s commitment to safety.
Like other online SAFEty courses (e.g., Safe Swim Defense, Safety Afloat, etc.), this new training is recommended for all leaders at the Scouts BSA level and above, especially those involved in planning any upcoming unit range activities.
IMPORTANT: Goose Creek District is asking all adult Scouters whose Scout is participating in a shooting event to complete this training before being allowed on the firing line.
Range Activities Safety Course on Scouting.org
For additional details regarding Scouting’s Range and Target Activities, please refer to the Guide to Safe Scouting and the National Range and Target Activities Manual.
OA Updates
The Goose Creek Chapter of the Order of the Arrow has some exciting events coming up! Join us for our Chapter Meeting on October 9th at 7:30 PM at Belmont Ridge Middle School, and don't miss the W&OD Trail Cleanup and Picnic Lunch on October 12th from 10 AM - 1 PM at Tuscarora Creek Park (sign up here). Oct 25-27: OA Gold Area Fall Ordeal @ Hallowood Retreat, MD - Details
Looking ahead, mark your calendars for Scouting for Food on November 9th, and get ready for our signature event, the Freeze-o-Ree, from January 31 - February 2, 2025. With the theme, "May the Frost Be With You," this is one you won't want to miss—AOL Patrols are welcome for the first time! Register now.
Amangamek-Wipit Lodge OA Website
Event Spotlight.
Highlighting key district events to keep you informed and engaged.
OCT 12-13 IOLS @ Camp Highroad
Scout leaders, mark your calendars for a weekend of essential outdoor training at Camp Highroad, Middleburg, VA, on October 12-13, 2024. Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS): Gain the confidence and competence needed to guide Scouts in the outdoors. Perfect for Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters. This course emphasize hands-on learning and practical skills, with overnight camping as a key component.
Location: Camp Highroad, Middleburg, VA
Date: October 12-13, 2024
For more details and to register, visit here for IOLS. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your outdoor leadership skills!
OCT 20 Jamboree-on-the-Internet!
AVFD Annex (24300 Stone Springs Blvd, Dulles, VA)
Sunday, October 20, 2024 | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Bring a device and join us as we chat with Scouts from all across the world!
Come learn about other cultures, watch international videos, and make new friends.
Participating Scouts will fulfill a requirement for the International Spirit Award and complete Requirement 7e of the Eagle-required Citizenship in the World Merit Badge.
For more information, contact crew1430@gmail.com!
Eagle’s Quest.
Your essential guide for Life Scouts on the path to Eagle.
November Eagle Edition
We're preparing a November Eagle Edition to celebrate all Eagle Scout advancements from this year thru October. If your unit has had any Eagle Scouts in the past year, please send their details to newsletter@goosecreekdistrict.org to check their status and ensure they’re included. Eagle advancements will be reported as of the latest official National update—but don’t miss this opportunity to recognize your Scouts! After November, we plan to feature Eagle Scout updates on a more regular basis, so stay tuned!
Life to Eagle Seminar
Join us for the Life to Eagle Seminar, where Life Scouts and their parents can learn everything they need to know about the path to earning the Eagle Scout rank. The seminar is held quarterly, typically on the third Saturday of the first month of each quarter. Upcoming tentative dates include November 16, 2024, and confirmed dates of January 18, April 19, and August 16, 2025. For questions about the seminar, please contact Brad Scales at msva_tenor@yahoo.com.
Eagle Scout Service Opportunity: Project Support for ECHO
Are you a Scout looking for an Eagle Scout project? ECHO, a nonprofit organization in Leesburg, VA, dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities, is seeking support from local Scouts to help with essential painting projects throughout their facility. For more details or to get involved, contact Paul Donohue, Jr., at paul.donohue@echoworks.org or visit echoworks.org.
Upcoming Events.
Your schedule for district happenings and important dates.
Upcoming Events
Your schedule for district happenings and important dates.
Oct 5-6: Wood Badge @ Camp Snyder - Details
Oct 6: Messenger of Peace Conservation Project @ Camp Snyder (2 PM - 5 PM) - Details
Oct 6: NCAC NYLT Winter Registration Opens
Oct 9: Pickup Post-its for Scouting for Food - Details
Oct 9: Goose Creek Roundtable, 7:30 PM @ Belmont Ridge MS, Leesburg, VA
This event is for all Scouts, parents, and leaders. We’ll discuss High Adventure, Summer Camp, Pack Meetings, Merit Badges, and more. For questions, contact michael.capelli@goosecreekdistrict.org.
Oct 11: OA W&OD Trail Cleanup & Picnic, 10 AM @ Tuscarora Creek Park - Contact Sierra: nvygal51@gmail.com
Oct 11-14: Climb-O-Ree @ Camp Mountaineer, WV - Details
Oct 12-13: BALOO/IOLS Training @ Camp Highroad - Details
Oct 14: Bear & Webelos Den Leaders Summer 2025 Adventure Planning, 7:00 PM - Details
Oct 20: Jamboree-On-The-Internet, 10 AM @ AVFD Annex, Leesburg - BRING A DEVICE!
Oct 23: District Committee Meeting @ 714 East Market Street, Leesburg, VA
Oct 25-27: OA Gold Area Fall Ordeal @ Hallowood Retreat, MD - Details
Oct 26: Leave No Trace Level 1 Instructor Course - Details
Oct 26-27: V3 Hike-O-Ree @ Northern VA 4-H Center, Front Royal, VA - Details
Nov 2: Neighborhood Post-it Distribution for Scouting for Food - Details
Nov 9: Neighborhood Food Pick-Up for Scouting for Food - Details
Nov 15-17: OA Lodge Ceremonies Weekend/Brotherhood Ceremony @ Camp Snyder
Nov 30: Silver Beaver Award Nominations Due - Details
Nov 30: District Award of Merit Nominations Due - Details
Subscribe to the District Calendar
District ScoutingEvent.com Calendar | Download or Sync the Scouting Calendar with Google, Outlook or other Calendar services (http://scoutcal.com/4371)
Mark Your Calendars (2025 Main Events)
Jan 31 - Feb 2: Freeze-O-Ree @ Camp Snyder
Join us for an out-of-this-world adventure at Camp Snyder, where Scouts will take on Star Wars-themed challenges and thrilling activities. Registration is Now OPEN! Learn more here.
Mar 8: District Pinewood Derby @ Sanders Corner Elementary School, Ashburn
Apr 4-6: OA Spring Ordeal @ Izaak Walton League, Leesburg
Apr 18-21: Spring Camporee-O-Ree @ Camp Highroad
District Court of Honor @ TBD
May 14: Program Launch @ Belmont Ridge Middle School
June 23-27: District Day Camp @ Murray Hill, Leesburg - Theme, “Invention Convention!”
Get Your Unit Connected!
Use our registration link to request to join.
Goose Creek District Unit Leader Basecamp