Loudoun District News | FEB 10, 2025
NCAC, Scouting America in Loudoun County, Virginia
Committee Brief.
Updates and insights from the District Chair and the District Committee.
Exciting News: Twice-Monthly Loudoun District Newsletter!
📢 We’re launching a new communication experiment until summer! To keep you better informed, the Loudoun District Newsletter will now be sent twice a month:
📅 The Sunday before Roundtable
📅 The Sunday before the District Committee Meeting
🔹 Submission Deadline: The Thursday before each Sunday release.
🔹 New District Calendar for Unit Events! — We’re also opening a district calendar for unit events. These must be open to the district and other units, and recruiting events are welcome. Submissions should include a title, one-sentence description, date, time, location, and an optional email or URL for details. 📩 Send your events and announcements to newsletter@scoutingloudoun.org and help us keep Scouting connected! 🚀
Loudoun District Email Address Change – Effective Feb 9
📢 New official emails: @scoutingloudoun.org (starting February 9, 2025)
✉️ Old addresses (@goosecreekdistrict.org) will still receive emails during the transition.
📝 Update your contact lists & email filters to reflect this change!
Loudoun District Roundtable Feb 12 – How to Train Your Volunteers!
🔥 Help new volunteers find their spark and reignite enthusiasm for experienced leaders!
📅 Feb 12, 2025 @ 7:30 PM
📍 Belmont Ridge Middle School, Leesburg
💡 Learn how to equip new leaders, stay up-to-date on training, & build strong teams!
📩 Questions? Contact michael.capell@goosecreekdistrict.org
University of Scouting – Feb 22 🎓— Early Bird Pricing ENDS SOON!
Scouting’s biggest training event of the year is almost here! Join us on Feb 22 at Hayfield High School for a full day of Scouting skills, leadership training, and program updates for Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, and Venturing.
💰 Register by Feb 16 to save—price increases from $50 to $75!
📌 Stay up to date on new Cub Scout & Scouts BSA program changes.
🔗 Sign up today: NCAC University of Scouting
Don't miss this one-stop training event for all Scouters—space is limited!
Help Shape the Future of Scouting in Loudoun!
Loudoun District is growing, and success starts at the unit level! To ensure your unit has the resources it needs, we’re hosting recruiting information and training sessions in March. Your input is essential in making these plans successful!
📅 Upcoming Recruiting Training Sessions: Mar 12 – Rust Library, Leesburg @ 7-8 PM | Mar 18 – Cascades Library, Potomac Falls @ 7-8 PM | Mar 20 – Ashburn Library @ 7:30-8:30 PM | Mar 24 – Brambleton Library @ 7-8 PM | Mar 26 – Purcellville Library @ 7-8 PM
Your participation will help strengthen Scouting in our community. Bring your questions, ideas, and enthusiasm! 📩 Questions? Contact John Hunnicutt, Loudoun District Membership Chair at jhunnicutt421@gmail.com.
Scouting in the Community - Where’s Melainie?
Community events provide a great opportunity to showcase Scouting's benefits. Do you know of a community event you would like Melainie to be at? Please email her at melainie.leitert@scouting.org.
Range & Target Activities (R&TA)
Become a Certified Cub Rangemaster – Help Scouts & Build Skills!
The NCAC R&TA Committee has scheduled Cub Rangemaster Training on Apr 5 and May 10, 2025, at Camp Snyder. This certification is required to run BB-gun and archery ranges at Cub Scout events, ensuring safe and fun shooting sports activities.
Currently, Goose Creek District has only three certified Rangemasters, but to staff 2025 Summer Camp we need more, 4 Rangemasters for BB-guns, 4 Rangemasters for Archery (2 for Day Camp & 2 for Night Camp)
📅 Training Details: Location: Camp Snyder Dates: Apr 5 & May 10, 2025 Registration opens February 9: Sign Up Here
If you're looking for advanced training, NRA and BSA-specific instructor courses are available within 100 miles of DC: 🔗 NRA Training Search
Additionally, shooting sports training will be covered at NCAC’s University of Scouting, with updates on new program rules and restrictions for Scouts BSA/Older Scouts courses.
🚨 Merit Badge Update: As of Jan 1, 2025, all three RATA-related merit badges have new requirements. View them here: 2025 Merit Badge Requirements
Ensuring proper training and safety is key for all shooting sports activities. Sign up today and help us create a safe, fun, and well-staffed camp experience for our Scouts! For questions, contact John M. Witek, NCAC R&TA Committee Loudoun District Representative at john.witek@goosecreekdistrict.org.
Order of the Arrow Updates
The Loudoun Chapter of the Order of the Arrow has some exciting events coming up! Join us for our Chapter Meeting on Feb 12th at 7:30 PM at Belmont Ridge Middle School.
Hello Scoutmasters, I am Ian Golding, the Vice Chief of Communications for the Loudoun Chapter of the OA, and soon we will be holding the Loudoun Chapter Induction Weekend, on April 4th to 6th at the Izaak Walton League in Leesburg. It will be a great weekend of service and fun. Right now, we are doing Unit elections, which will select Candidates for the Order of the Arrow. Selected candidates will be notified via email and invited to take part in the Ordeal. If you are interested in nominating adults to the OA, no election is required but Committee Chairs must sign a nomination form. However, if you have not already, please reach out to the OA to get your troop to participate in the unit election at loudounchapter@wipit.org
Thank you, have a great day. Yours in Scouting, Ian Golding
Loudoun Chapter OA Induction Weekend – Apr 4-6
🔥 Calling all Order of the Arrow candidates & adult nominees!
📅 Apr 4-6, 2025 @ Izaak Walton League, Leesburg
⚜️ Unit Elections happening now! Contact loudounchapter@wipit.org to schedule your troop’s election.
💡 Adult nominations don’t require an election!
Scouting Resources at Your Fingertips!
Prepare for a successful year in Scouting with these essential resources:
2025 Guide to Advancement: Stay informed on all advancement policies and procedures. Learn more here.
Guide to Awards & Insignia (Jul 2024): Explore the proper placement and usage of awards and insignia. View the guide here.
NCAC Cub Scout Campsite List: Find approved campsites for your next Cub Scout adventure. Access the list here.
NCAC Campsites: Plan your next trip to one of our premier camping destinations:
Start exploring these resources today to make the most of your Scouting experience!
Event Spotlight.
Highlighting key district events to keep you informed and engaged.
March 8 District Pinewood Derby Championship
🏎️ Mar 7-8, 2025 | 📍 Hosted by Pack 1154, Ashburn, VA | Location: Trailside Middle School (Ashburn, VA)
🚗 Let’s Get Rolling for 2025! — The Loudoun District Pinewood Derby is back! Experience the thrill of speed, creativity, and Scouting spirit in this much-anticipated annual event. Open to Scouts, friends, and families—this is your chance to shine on the track or showcase your car’s design flair. Everyone is welcome—no prior derby experience required! Bring your fastest or most creatively designed cars and join the fun.
Event Highlights
🏆 Grand Championship Race: Compete for the prestigious District Piston Cups.
🎨 Design Awards: Over 20 awards celebrating creativity and innovation.
🚗 Open & Outlaw Races: For friends, families, and former Scouts.
⚙️ STEM Showcase & Drawing for Prizes: Don’t miss out!
Registration: Open now! Click to register or find out more
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
May 2-4 District Spring Camporee
Mark your calendars for the 2025 Loudoun District Spring Camporee from May 2-4 at Camp Highroad! This year's Survivor-themed event promises adventure-packed activities, including archery, mountain boarding, rock wall climbing, high ropes, and a thrilling zip line. Activities are pay-as-you-register, so get ready for an unforgettable weekend!
Loudoun District Day & Twilight Camp
REGISTRATION IS OPEN
Join us for Invention Convention 2025 Loudoun District Day Camp and Twilight Camp at the historic Murray Hill estate in Leesburg, VA, from Jun 23–27, 2025. This week-long adventure is packed with thrilling activities like BB gun shooting, archery, arts and crafts, nature exploration, fishing, and field sports—all designed to inspire creativity, foster Scouting values, and jumpstart your Scout’s next rank advancement. Nestled on 57 scenic acres overlooking the Potomac River, Murray Hill offers the perfect backdrop for outdoor fun, exploration, and lifelong memories. Don’t miss out—register now or contact Camp Director Dena McGuiggan at goosecreekcubcamp@gmail.com!
Eagle’s Quest.
Your essential guide for Life Scouts on the path to Eagle.
Life to Eagle Seminar
Life Scouts, parents, and unit leaders involved in Life-to-Eagle coaching are invited to the upcoming Life to Eagle (L2E) Seminar. This quarterly event covers essential information on the path to earning the prestigious Eagle Scout rank. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insights and guidance on the journey to Eagle!
NEXT Date: Saturday, Apr 19, 2025
The future dates for the Life-to-Eagle (L2E) Seminars are Apr 19, 2025, and Aug 16, 2025. For questions or more details about the seminar, please contact Brad Scales at msva_tenor@yahoo.com.
District Eagle Representatives
District Eagle Representatives:
Nagaraju Nookala n_nookala@hotmail.com | Bobbie Scales scalesbobbie@yahoo.com | Brad Scales msva_tenor@yahoo.com | Kurt Struder kurt.laing.struder@gmail.com | Ed Thiede thiedee@gmail.com | John Witek john.witek@goosecreekdistrict.org | Steve Wolfson stevewolfson614@gmail.com
Upcoming Events.
Your schedule for district happenings and important dates.
Upcoming Events
Your schedule for district happenings and important dates.
Feb 12: Roundtable @ Belmont Ridge Middle School @ 7:30 PM
Feb 15: Outdoor Ethics Orientation & Guide Courses @ St. Anthony of Padua Church, DC – Register Here
Feb 22: University of Scouting @ Hayfield Secondary School, Alexandria, VA – Register Here
Feb 26: District Committee Meeting: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM @ The Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties 714 E Market St, Leesburg, VA
Mar 8: District Pinewood Derby Hosted by Pack 1154 in Ashburn, VA – Register Here
Mar 8-9: NCAC Commissioners College
Mar 8: In-person @ Aldersgate United Methodist Church, Alexandria, VA – Register Here
Mar 9: Virtual session
Mar 12: Recruiting Training @ Rust Library, Leesburg @ 7-8 PM
Mar 18: Recruiting Training @ Cascades Library, Potomac Falls @ 7-8 PM
Mar 20: Recruiting Training @ Ashburn Library @ 7:30-8:30 PM
Mar 24: Recruiting Training @ Brambleton Library @ 7-8 PM
Mar 24 & 30: Leave No Trace Level 1 Instructor & Skills Course – Register Here
Mar 24: Online Session
Mar 30: In-Person Training
Mar 26: Recruiting Training @ Purcellville Library @ 7-8 PM
Apr 4: Loudoun Chapter Induction Weekend @ Izaak Walton League, Leesburg (April 4-6)
Apr 5: Cub Rangemaster Training @ Camp Snyder – Register Here
Apr 23: Scouting Salutes the Military @ The Army and Navy Club, Arlington – Register Here
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)
District Events – Mark Your Calendars!
Apr 4-6: OA Spring Ordeal @ Izaak Walton League, Leesburg
District Court of Honor – Date TBD
May 2-4: District Spring Camporee @ Camp Highroad – Survivor-themed activities including archery, mountain boarding, rock wall, high ropes, and zip line.
May 14: Program Launch @ Belmont Ridge Middle School
June 23-27: District Day Camp @ Murray Hill, Leesburg - Theme, “Invention Convention!” Director: Dena McGuiggan – goosecreekcubcamp@gmail.com
Oct 10-12: Webelos-O-Ree @ Camp Snyder
Loudoun District Troops will host Webelos/Arrow of Light dens for a day of fun and learning, including completing AOL requirements. Den Leaders and parents can meet local Troops and Crews!
NCAC Events – Mark Your Calendars!
Oct 10-13: Climboree 2025 @ Camp Mountaineer, Morgantown, WV – Register Here
🔥 More training and leadership development opportunities are available year-round. Stay updated on additional NCAC events and program changes!
National Jamboree 2026 – What You Need to Know!
🏕️ The BSA National Jamboree is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for Scouts 12-17!
📍 Held at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia
📅 Dates: July 22-31, 2026
🚀 NCAC will send Troops & Crews for both boys and girls.
📢 Stay tuned for application details in 2025! Learn more: Jamboree Website
📩 Contact the NCAC Jamboree Committee for more info:
🔹 Chair: Robert.Mackichan@hklaw.com
🔹 Vice Chair: ADLKeenan@gmail.com
Get Your Unit Connected!
Use our registration link to request to join.
Loudoun District Unit Leader Basecamp