Lots of hands on learning took place recently when Boy Scouts of Troop 30 in Centreville held its 12th annual “Webelos-in-the-Woods” event on Saturday, Nov. 14, on the wooded property of Centreville Presbyterian Church. This event provides local Webelos Cub Scouts who are looking for Boy Scout troops to join in February and March of next year an opportunity to learn more about Boy Scouting and Troop 30.
Twenty-four Webelos Scouts from local Packs 127 (Centreville Elementary), 448 (Deer Park Elementary), 1459 (Poplar Tree Elementary), 1858 (Willow Springs Elementary), 1862 (Cub Run Elementary), and 2011 (Virginia Run Elementary) came out to learn and enjoy a day outdoors.
These Webelos Scouts participated in six skill stations that included: cooking on a camp stove (pancakes), fire building and starting, survival bracelet construction, rope making, knot tying, and crossing a 50-foot rope bridge built by the Boy Scouts.
The afternoon event showcased for the Webelos Scouts and their parents the Troop 30 Boy Scouts' ability to plan and execute a five-hour program of hands-on skill stations that highlight what Boy Scouts learn and how they pass those skills on to younger Scouts.
Everyone at the event enjoyed a meal prepared by the Troop 30 Scouts consisting of beef stew made from scratch, salad, and three types of cobbler. It was also a learning experience for the Troop 30 Scouts who met the challenge of cooking for more than 60 people.
In addition to the homemade supper, many of the Webelos Scouts stayed until after dark and participated in an old fashioned campfire that included skits, songs, and Scout camaraderie.
Troop 30 is open to all Webelos Scouts who are transitioning to Boy Scouts next year, as well as any boys between the ages of 11 and 17 who may have no prior Scouting experience.
Troop 30 Scouts attend the schools of the Westfield High School, Centreville High School, and Chantilly High School pyramids, or are home-schooled. Troop 30 has been helping shape boys into Eagle Scouts and provide lessons in character and self-sufficiency since 1999.
Those interested in joining the troop or finding out more could contact bsatroop30ncac.org.