Goose Creek District News | SEP 2024
NCAC, Scouting America in Loudoun County, Virginia
Committee Brief.
Updates and insights from the District Chair and the District Committee.
District Newsletter, New Format
We’re excited to introduce our new District Newsletter format on Substack! Designed for the modern Scouting community, this new format is easy to skim, packed with district-specific information, and automatically archived for effortless access to past issues. Whether you’re a Scout, leader, or parent, you’ll find all the updates you need, right at your fingertips. This is a new format for a new time in Scouting—stay connected and informed like never before!
Chat with the Chair
A new Scout season is here, bringing fresh opportunities and excitement. Most units have completed their annual planning, and now it’s time to put those plans into action. The Goose Creek District Committee is also ready to deliver our annual programs and support as many units and Scouts as possible. Keep an eye on this newsletter for updates on the Webelo-ree, Freeze-o-ree, Camp-o-ree, Pinewood Derby, and more. Be sure to add these events to your unit calendars and join us for the chance to get outdoors, build friendships, and enjoy all the benefits of Scouting.
District Committee — We invite you to our monthly District Committee Meetings, held on the 4th Wednesday at 7:30 pm at the Claude Moore Nonprofit Training Center (714 East Market Street, Leesburg, VA). It's an excellent opportunity to connect with the District Key-3, gather valuable information for your unit, and discuss any concerns. Consider enlisting a parent (non-scouter) to attend and bring back insights from the District and Council.
On behalf of the District Key-3, we wish you a fantastic scouting season and look forward to seeing you at our events!
Yours in Scouting,
Steve Wolfson, Goose Creek District Chair
Save Goose Creek — You may notice that NCAC Council sometimes refers to our district as “Loudoun District.” This is a proposed new name for Goose Creek District. We are committed to preserving the heritage of our district name, honoring the many generations of Scouts and Scouters who have been part of Goose Creek District!
Ignite Your Scouting Unit: Recruit New Scouts Today!
Is your unit ready to grow? Now’s the time to ramp up your recruitment efforts! The National Capital Area Council’s Unit Resources page, ncacbsa.org/unit-resources, is packed with tools to help you succeed. Whether it’s a school night or community event, these resources will guide you.
Visit the page now and start growing your unit. Our Membership Chair, John Hunnicutt, is also ready to help—reach out at membership@goosecreekdistrict.org for support.
Picture your unit buzzing with new Scouts, eager to explore, learn, and lead. Make that vision a reality.
Fundraise: Sell Popcorn Online Even If Your Unit Doesn’t Participate
Scouts, did you know you can sell popcorn online to support your Scouting adventures—even if your unit isn’t formally participating? With online sales, there’s no inventory to manage, and customers order directly through Trails End, making it a convenient and risk-free way to raise funds. The money you raise goes directly to your unit, and your unit leaders decide how it’s used, whether for the whole unit or specific activities. Before you start, be sure to discuss with your unit leader to align your efforts with the unit’s goals. Interested? Click here to review the Online Fundraising Guide for Individual Scouts. For questions, contact Ben Shewbridge, District Popcorn Kernel, at mrshew2012@gmail.com.
New Camping Rules for Webelos & Arrow of Light: What You Need to Know!
Confused about the recent changes? Get the scoop in this official Scouting Magazine article, read more here.
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)
Important Updates Starting September 1, 2024:
Venturing and Sea Scouts: Centerfire and Unit Pistol programs are being eliminated.
New Program: NRA First Steps for “Older Scouts” will replace the BSA pistol marksmanship program.
Restricted Activities: Firearms Scout programs, including pellet rifles, will be limited to Council camps and approved commercial ranges.
Mandatory Training: A new BSA Safety training module for unit R&TA events will be available online by September 1. All adult leaders must complete this training before participating in unit-level events. This training is not required for District, Council, Regional, or National events; NRA/USAA Instructor/Safety Officer training is sufficient.
Prohibited Items: Personal firearms or ammunition will not be allowed in Scout Programs on Council camp property as of September 1.
Scout Achievement Highlight
Discover how Northern Virginia’s own Elie Arkin, a 16-year-old Life Scout, became a champion in shooting sports, winning top honors at the CMP National Matches. Read more here.
Training Opportunity
An NRA Basic Shotgun class will be held at the Loudoun IWLA facility in Leesburg on Saturday, September 7. Limited spots are available. Cost: $85.
Remember, safety is paramount. All Scouts and Scouters are urged to follow safety rules at all times while on the range.
OA Updates
The Goose Creek Chapter has several events scheduled in the coming months. In September, a Webeloree will introduce Cub Scouts to Scouting with activities such as BB shooting, first aid, and a monkey bridge, along with a campfire and an AOL-Scout Transition seminar. The chapter will also participate in the OA Fall Fellowship (Oct 25-27), featuring ropes courses and sports tournaments. On Oct 11, a Trail Cleanup on the WOD trail is planned, followed by Scouting for Food in November to support local food pantries. The annual Freezoree at Camp Snyder is set for January 31 to February 2, with a Star Wars-themed weekend of competitions. Monthly chapter meetings are held every second Wednesday at Belmont Ridge Middle School.
Amangamek-Wipit Lodge OA Website
Event Spotlight.
Highlighting key district events to keep you informed and engaged.
SEP 27-29 Webelos-O-Ree @ Camp Snyder
Join us for the Goose Creek District Webelos-O-Ree 2024 from September 27-29 at Camp Snyder, Haymarket, VA! This overnight camping event is designed to introduce Webelos Scouts and their parents to the Scouts BSA program through a weekend filled with outdoor adventures and interactions with local Troops. Highlights include a Saturday evening campfire featuring a special Order of the Arrow ceremony and skits by the Webelos.
Registration is open to all Webelos Scouts, including those working on Arrow of Light. Enjoy early-bird pricing if you register by September 17. The event offers flexible participation options, from day visits to full weekend camping. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to experience the Scouts BSA program up close!
Register now and secure your spot for a weekend of fun and discovery at the Webelos-O-Ree!
OCT 12-13 IOLS & BALOO @ Camp Highroad
Scout leaders, mark your calendars for a weekend of essential outdoor training at Camp Highroad, Middleburg, VA, on October 12-13, 2024. Whether you're a Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster, or a Cub Scout leader, this weekend offers vital skills for leading successful camping experiences.
Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS): Gain the confidence and competence needed to guide Scouts in the outdoors. Perfect for Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters.
BALOO Training: Tailored for Cub Scout leaders and parents, this course covers everything you need to plan and lead safe and fun pack overnighters.
Both courses 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 and here for BALOO. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your outdoor leadership skills!
Eagle’s Quest.
Your essential guide for Life Scouts on the path to Eagle.
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. This project offers a great way to make a meaningful impact on the community while fulfilling your Eagle Scout service project requirements.
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.
Sep 11: 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.
Sep 13-15: Wood Badge @ Camp Snyder - Details
Sep 13-15: OA Fall Fellowship Weekend @ Goshen - Details
Sep 21-22: Scoutober Fest @ Camp Snyder - Details
Sep 21 & Oct 19-20: Back Country Outdoor Leader Skills (BCOLS) - contact Course Coordinator, Dominick Caridi
Sept 25: District Committee Meeting @ 714 East Market Street, Leesburg, VA
Sep 27-29: Webelos-O-Ree @ Camp Snyder - Details
Oct 5-6: Wood Badge @ Camp Snyder - 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: IOLS Training @ Camp Highroad - Details
Oct 12-13: BALOO Training @ Camp Highroad - 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
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
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 opens in October—don’t miss this epic event! 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
Get Your Unit Connected!
Use our registration link to request to join.
Goose Creek District Unit Leader Basecamp