Scouting Events in the Archdiocese of Washington, DC
OYM/CYO Boy Scout, Girl Scout and Camp Fire Information Night
Held the third Thursday in September to acquaint all involved adults with the Boy Scout, Girl Scout and Camp Fire programs as well as with the programs and goals of OYM/CYO. For more information, contact Dick Stevick
Mattaponi Service Project
Held the last Saturday in September, help clean up the grounds of this 130-acre youth retreat center, preparing it for service to the youth of the Archdiocese of Washington. Boys Scout, Girls Scout and Camp Fire members invited. Scouts should wear work clothes and gloves with something small to identify them as Scouts. Bring a rake or shovel. Adults may bring a pick-up truck, if available. A free lunch will be served. Use this project for Scout advancement/religious emblem service requirements. Overnight camping before and/or after is authorized by arrangement in advance. For more information contact Dick Stevick
Scout Day at the Mount
In the fall, join us for the annual 5 mile mountain hike, visit to the National Shrine Grotto of our Lady of Lourdes and a visit and tour of Mount St. Mary’s Seminary, Emmitsburg, Maryland. This day trip is open to all Boy Scouts, male Venture Scouts and Boy Scout leaders. It is an excellent opportunity for Scouts working on religious emblems to complete some of their requirements (including the Holy Orders chapter). Your only cost is your transportation and the cost of your meals. For more information contact Santa Bigony
Scout Day at Sea
In the fall, join the female Venture Scouts and Girl Scouts age 14 and older for a day of sailing on the Bay and a visit to St. Clement’s Island, site of the first Mass in the Americas. Limit of 24 people. Your only cost is your transportation and the cost of your meals. For more information contact Santa Bigony
World Youth Day
Held the last Saturday in October, a parish celebration emphasizing the importance of youth today in our Universal Church. All youth in the Boy Scout, Girl Scout and Camp Fire programs are encouraged to join with youth in other programs to celebrate the event at the parish level. Troop or unit leaders should come together with leaders of other parish youth programs to plan for this parish celebration. For more information, contact your parish youth ministry director or Dick Stevick
St. George/St. Anne/St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Reunion Dinner
On the first Sunday in November, all past recipients of the St. George, St. Anne, St. Elizabetha Ann Seton and Bronze Pelican Awards are invited to a reunion to celebrate their commitment to Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and Camp Fire Boys and Girls, remember and reminisce and get together with old friends for a small informal program. The Father Fuller, S.J. Awards will be presented to long-time adult leaders. For more information, contact Dick Stevick
Catholic Girl Scout Teen Weekend
On the second weekend in November, all teen Girl Scouts are invited to participate in a retreat that focuses on your Catholic heritage, introduction to the emblem program, Mass, Rosary and preparing/planning for the March junior Girl Scout Retreat. For more information contact Brenda Murtha
Cub Scout’s Day with Jesus
On the first Saturday in December, a Cub Scout day retreat focuses on one of five themes: Miracles of Water, the Nativity, Lambs of God, Friends and Family or Darkness into Light. Attendance is limited to 100 Cubs. The event is also repeated in the spring if there is sufficient need. For more information contact Ben Shelak
Scout Sunday
Held in February (Boy Scouts) and/or March (Girl Scouts), or on a date established by the pastor, your local parish holds a Scout Sunday celebration to recognize Scouting as a visible part of the parish youth ministry program. Light of Christ, Parvuli Dei, and Family of God Emblems are typically presented during these Scout Sunday celebrations in the Scout/Camp Fire youth’s home parish (sample presentation ceremonies). The Archdiocese of Washington has custom designed patches to recognize those Scouts who attend their Scout Sunday Mass/Service. To obtain a Scout Sunday patch order form or to receive information on planning a Scout Sunday Mass in your parish, contact Linda Nosalik
A Day of Reflection for Busy Scouters
Held in March, all adult scouting leaders are invited to a day of reflection to renew their faith and focus on how Scouting is Youth Ministry. “If salt itself loses its taste, with what can its flavor be restored?” (Lk 15: 34) In order to nourish our youth, we must nourish ourselves. For a registration form, contact Mary Ellen Barringer
Girl Scout Annual Retreat (for Daisies, Brownies and Juniors: Grades: K-6)
On the first Saturday in March, a retreat is held for younger Girl Scouts. The sessions are all presented by Cadette/Senior/Ambassador Girl Scouts. The registration fee covers lunch and a participation patch. Theretreat closes out with the celebration of the Mass. For a registration packet, contact Trish Walker
Annual Scout Religious Retreat
Usually held the third weekend in April, The retreat is held at Our Lady of Mattaponi Youth Retreat Center, Croom, Maryland on the grounds of the original Bowie Estate. The Retreat is an annual weekend of camping and religious reflections sponsored by the Archdiocesan Catholic Committee on Boy Scouting and the Protestant Committee on Scouting of the National Capital Area Council. The retreat is open to all Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and Camp Fire youth in at least the 6th grade. Scouts will rotate through activity stations designed by Scouts. Where possible, activities will include Scout skills which may be used toward merit badges and/or rank advancement. Other activities may include aPenance Service; the living Stations of the Cross; and Eucharistic Adoration and Procession. On Saturday evening, all gather together for the procession to the ceremonial camp fire for an evening of singing and skits. Catholic Mass and Protestant Services are offered on Saturday and Sunday. Scout Chaplain Aide training is also conducted during the weekend. The retreat concludes Sunday morning after the closing ceremony which follows morning services (participants attend Catholic Mass or Protestant Services). Commemorative patches are presented to all participants.
For more information or a retreat registration package, contact Trish Walker
Scouts who have attended the retreat in the past and are interested in planning the next retreat and adults interested in helping with the retreat should contact Santa Bigony.