Aquia District - National Capital Area Council, Scouting America

10/31/2026

🎃👻 Happy Halloween, Aquia District!

Wishing all our Scouts, Scouters, and Scouting families a fun, safe, and spooktacular Halloween! Stay safe out there and enjoy the treats, tricks, and memories!

10/20/2026

🇺🇸 250+ Scouts. 17 Units. One weekend of adventure!

This past weekend, more than 250 Scouts from 17 units came together for Aquia District’s Fall-o-ree, celebrating the America250 theme with a weekend full of Scouting fun!

From Cub Scout adventures and hands-on Scout skills to merit badge work, rank advancement, Liberty in Action, and Jamboree-on-the-Air (JOTA); Scouts had opportunities to learn new skills, take on challenges, and make memories with fellow Scouts from across the district.

Whether they were exploring new adventures at Webelos-ree or choosing their own activities at Camp-o-ree, Scouts put the Scout spirit into action all weekend long!

A huge THANK YOU to the volunteers, leaders, and everyone who helped make this event possible. Your time and dedication created an incredible weekend for our Scouts!

⚜️ That’s what Scouting is all about: learning, growing, serving, and having adventures together!

10/12/2026

Monday Membership Moment - The Secret Sauce of Membership Growth

Many unit leaders are asking two questions right now: How do we keep the Scouts who recently joined, and how do we recruit even more this fall?

One answer is simple. Focus on FUN!

When Scouts have a great time, they come back, bring friends, and their families get excited to join the unit.

A few ideas to try this week:

✅ Plan a hands-on, active meeting that gets everyone moving
✅ Welcome new families personally and connect them with a buddy family
✅ Put an outing, campfire, or service day on the calendar that families can look forward to
✅ Invite friends to your next meeting and make sure every guest feels included

Want to share your ideas and hear what's working for other Scouters? Join us for the National Membership Mixer on October 18 at 8 pm Eastern. Register using the link in the comments section.

-- Mike

What's the most fun your unit has had this fall? Tell us in the comments! 👇

10/09/2026

Aquia District was proud to have a strong and diverse contingent attend Wood Badge Course 12‑82‑26‑2 at Camp William B. Snyder this fall. Over the span of two weekends and five full days of training, six Scouters represented our district as participants: Jeffrey Deptola of Pack 242, Troop 142G, and Troop 121; Julia Ganoe of Troop 1717F; Michael Combs of Troop 1717F; Robert Uchiyama of Pack 907; Zaida Marrero of Pack 242 and Troop 121; and Zach Whalen of Troop 218. Their commitment to leadership development and service reflects the very best of Aquia’s volunteer spirit.

Each of these leaders brought their own backgrounds, strengths, and perspectives to the course, contributing to a rich learning environment and strengthening the skills they carry back to their units. Wood Badge is intentionally experiential and best appreciated firsthand, but what can be shared is the dedication, teamwork, and enthusiasm our district’s participants demonstrated throughout their time on course. Their engagement helps ensure stronger units, better‑supported youth, and a thriving Scouting community across Stafford and the surrounding areas.

Aquia District was also honored to have one of its own serving on staff: Peter Haberkost of Troop 121, who supported the course as an Assistant Quartermaster. In addition to his role during the two course weekends, Pete devoted extra days before each session, stayed late to support logistics, and met regularly throughout the past year with the staff team to help shape a top‑tier Wood Badge experience for the council’s participants. His sustained commitment exemplifies the servant leadership Wood Badge strives to instill. With six newly Wood Badge‑trained leaders and one dedicated staff member, Aquia District continues to build a strong foundation of skilled, motivated volunteers ready to lead with purpose and strengthen Scouting for years to come.

10/06/2026

What a night!

A huge thank you to all of our amazing volunteers who came out tonight to represent our Aquia District and Scouting America at Stafford’s National Night Out! And thank you to everyone who stopped by our area, visited the rock wall, and took a few minutes to learn more about Scouting. 🧗‍♀️🏕️

We loved meeting so many families and seeing Scouts and future Scouts take on the rock wall with big smiles and plenty of determination!

We’re grateful to be part of such a wonderful community. Thank you, Stafford, for spending the evening with us!

10/05/2026

🦁🐯 Lions & Tigers—don’t miss out!

Aquia District’s 2026 Lions and Tigers Roar is coming up on Saturday, October 10, and we only have 15 spots left!

Lions, Tigers, and youth interested in joining Cub Scouts will spend the day tackling an obstacle course, trying archery and slingshots, and completing a fun craft project all alongside their adult partner.

📅 October 10 | 10 AM–2 PM
📍 Izaak Walton League, 2729 Garrisonville Road, Stafford

⏰ Registration closes TOMORROW, October 5th! If you haven’t signed up yet, now is the time!

👉 Register at the link below before those last 15 spots are gone!
https://scoutingevent.com/082-AquiaRoar2026

The 2026 Aquia District Lions and Tigers Roar will be held Saturday, October 10, 2026 from 10 AM - 2 PM at Izaak Walton League of America Alexandria C

10/03/2026

🏕️ Troop leaders—this one is for you!

Troop-level leaders and adult volunteers are encouraged to attend our upcoming Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS) training! IOLS provides hands-on skills and practical knowledge to help leaders confidently support safe, fun, and successful outdoor adventures for Scouts.

⏰ Registration closes TOMORROW! Don’t miss your chance to join us and build your outdoor leadership skills.

See the link below for details and registration!
https://scoutingevent.com/082-AquiaIOLSFall2026

Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS) IOLS is the required outdoor training for Scoutmasters / Asst Scoutmasters and Venturing Crew Adviso

10/02/2026

Celebrate your Scout’s hard work with a patch they can keep as a memento of their Scouting journey! These special council popcorn patches are now available for pre-order.

Whether they sold their first bag or spent the season hitting new goals, it’s a fun way to recognize their effort and add another memory to their collection.

Check out the council’s post below for ordering details!

📣2026 NCAC POPCORN PARTICIPATION PATCH IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER!!!🍿

Order Here: https://councilstuff.com/082/Item/6565558

10/02/2026

🚨 Registration CLOSING Friday, Oct 2nd at 11:59pm 🚨

There is still time for your unit to join us at Fall-o-ree!

Fall-o-ree is back with an exciting America250 theme, offering Scouts BSA, Webelos, & AOL Scouts opportunities to work on merit badges, rank requirements, Scout skills, and Liberty in Action awards. Units can also take on the optional Unit Streamer Challenge and enjoy a weekend packed with hands-on activities and adventure. Check the link below for registration and full details!

https://scoutingevent.com/082-Falloree2026

09/30/2026

Skills that can make a difference when it matters most.

During our recent Merit Badge Day, Scouts had the opportunity to participate in CPR training and practice valuable first-aid skills.

Scouting is about more than earning badges—it’s about building confidence, learning practical skills, and being prepared to help others when they need it most.

Way to go, Scouts, for taking on this important skill! 👏