March 16, 2024 - Troop 638 conquered the Alonzo Stagg Hike (ASH) with flying colors! The day brought perfect weather and enthusiastic participation. Our dedicated sandwich crew fueled over 170 participants, while a solid team of 10 scouts tackled the 10-mile route with determination. Not to be outdone, four brave souls took on the 20-mile challenge, all finishing impressively in under 5.5 hours. Troop 638 continues to shine with teamwork, resilience, and a hunger for adventure. 

Despite the rainy start, our troop refused to let the weather rain on our parade! But oh, did the sun come out to play the next day! Although it was as windy as a whirlwind, we embraced the breeze with open arms (and maybe a few extra layers). With spirits high and boots laced tight, we embarked on a windswept adventure, laughing in the face of the blustery weather. It just goes to show, a little wind can't stop the fun when you're with the best troop around!

Our caving campout from February 23rd to 25th was an incredible journey into the underground realm. Navigating winding passageways and marveling at ancient formations, we embraced the challenges with teamwork and courage. Emerging into daylight, we carried unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for nature's wonders.

In January 2024, our troop hit the slopes of Timberline, West Virginia, for a thrilling weekend of skiing and snowboarding. Blessed with fresh powder from a few days of snowfall prior to the trip, our Scouts enjoyed perfect conditions for carving through the winter wonderland. The trip was filled with cold-weather fun, camaraderie, and the excitement of tackling the snowy slopes. It was a memorable weekend, with our Scouts making the most of the excellent snow and fostering lasting memories in the frosty outdoors.

On January 7, 2024, Little Falls Presbyterian Church was filled with pride and inspiration as we celebrated the Eagle Scout ceremony of our dedicated young scouts. The event, marked by heartfelt speeches and the proud presentation of the Eagle Scout rank, symbolized the scouts' commitment to hard work, leadership, and community service. Our newest Eagle Scouts' achievements were a testament to the enduring values and traditions of scouting. 

• James José Owen - a Senior at Bishop O’Connell; Eagle Project: created a shaded seating area at Randolph Elementary, building large, sturdy benches, planting native trees, and repainting picnic tables.

• Oliver Uz - a Senior at Arlington Tech High School; Eagle Project: planned and built a boardwalk over a muddy section of trail in Potomac Overlook Park, and removed invasive plants.

• Chase Davis - a Senior at the Lab School of Washington; Eagle Project: planned and built a Gaga Ball pit, a game which supports Lab’s mission of fostering community and individual growth.

• David Josué Owen - a Senior at Fork Union Military Academy; Eagle Project: updated and expanded an outdoor classroom space at Claremont Elementary, building additional benches that doubled seating in one space and created a second outdoor classroom.

• Max Broksas - a Senior at W-L High School; Eagle Project: Planned and constructed a dam at Gulf Branch Nature Center to prevent sediment and leaf litter from running into the Potomac River. The dam was built out of logs and large rocks, and a shallow pool was dug ahead of the dam for water to collect. It held up during the large rain events and storms which happened over the summer.

• Everett Broadbent - a Senior at Yorktown High School; Eagle Project: redesigned the Mary Garden at Our Lady Queen of Peace Roman Catholic Church, including building a pergola, refurbishing benches, and planting native flowers and plants, which provides a more serene atmosphere for prayer and reflection.

• David Myers - a Senior at H-B Woodlawn; Eagle Project: cleaning up the Kenmore Middle School Theatre Department shop and building two shelving units and a drying rack for more organized storage.

On the weekend of December 9th to December 10th, 2023, we had an action-packed campout at Camp Highroads! Our Scouts put their navigation skills to the test with orienteering activities, exploring the great outdoors while learning how to find their way. But that wasn't all - we also had an exciting Iron Chef competition where Scouts showcased their culinary talents and creativity. It was a weekend of adventure, teamwork, and delicious food. Thank you to all who joined us for this unforgettable outing!

Big thanks to everyone who participated in the leaf raking event at Little Falls Presbyterian Church on Saturday, Dec 2nd! Your hard work and dedication in beautifying the church grounds were truly appreciated. It was great to see so many community members come together, armed with rakes and gloves, for this worthwhile cause. It was especially heartening to see friends and family members joining in, making the event a real community gathering. Your support helps strengthen our ties with the church, our valued chartering organization.

Our Boy Scout troop recently embarked on an exciting bike ride through the Antietam National Battlefield in Maryland. Covering approximately 12 miles, our journey took us across rolling hills and through significant historical sites. The trip was not only a physical challenge but also an educational adventure, as we stopped at various points of interest to learn about the battlefield's rich history. This outing provided a unique blend of exercise, camaraderie, and historical education, making it a truly memorable experience for everyone involved.

Our Scouts' dedication shone brightly during the successful Scouting for Food drive, collecting numerous donations for local families in need. A heartfelt thank you to our community for the generous support! 

Our Scouts recently embarked on an exciting backpacking journey to Bear's Den, nestled along the legendary Appalachian Trail. This experience was more than just a trek; it was a chance to connect with nature, build resilience, and create lasting memories.

Our Scouts embarked on an unforgettable adventure with the Jackson River Bike and Kayak Trip. They pedaled through Virginia's scenic countryside, mastering challenging terrains. Afterward, they paddled upstream along the Jackson River, testing their strength and teamwork. As the sun set, Scouts gathered by the riverbank, creating lasting memories. This journey epitomized the spirit of Scouting, combining physical challenges, natural beauty, and camaraderie. Kudos to our Scouts for their remarkable achievements on this thrilling adventure!

This summer, our Scouts embarked on an unforgettable High-Adventure journey at Sea Base. Exploring the picturesque Florida Keys, they immersed themselves in the beauty of the ocean, mastering water-related Merit Badges, and honing their navigation skills. From snorkeling through vibrant coral reefs to creating lasting memories on the water, this trip was a remarkable adventure that will be talked about for years to come. Stay tuned for more exciting adventures as we continue to explore, learn, and grow together!

In June this year, our Scouts embarked on a week of adventure at Camp Henson. Set in the great outdoors, this summer camp offered a Scouting dream come true. Scouts earned badges, explored the wilderness, and formed lasting friendships. Camp Henson's natural beauty and vibrant atmosphere made it the perfect backdrop for a memorable summer. It was a week filled with growth, laughter, and unforgettable memories.

In February, our troop embarked on an extraordinary caving campout in Franklin, West Virginia. Deep beneath the earth's surface, Scouts explored a fascinating underground world, navigating through intricate cave systems. The caving campout was an exceptional adventure, where Scouts tested their skills, teamwork, and curiosity. It was a journey into the depths of the Earth, an experience that will be remembered for years to come.