10/12/2026
Scouts BSA Troops 5259 and 259 combined outdoor adventure with an opportunity to learn about the culture and traditions of the Nansemond Indian Nation with a camping weekend on August 14-16.
The Scouts camped at Sleepy Hole Park and cooked meals over an open fire, with a menu of grains, vegetables, and poultry rooted in local culture and history. They played traditional American Indian games and worked on the requirements for the American Indian Culture merit badge.
On Saturday, more than 20 Scouts boarded canoes and paddled across the Nansemond River to attend the 38th Annual Nansemond Indian Pow Wow, and to participate when invited. A former U.S. Marine, who is a Vietnam Veteran, a retired teacher, and an Indian Chief, gave the Scouts a sacred blessing. The troops then paddled back to Sleepy Hole Park for another night of camping.
The engaging experience supported the Scouts' advancement, with many completing requirements for the American Indian Culture merit badge, Canoeing merit badge, Camping merit badge, Cooking merit badge, Conservation Good Turn Award, World Conservation Award, Soil and Water Conservation merit badge, and several rank requirements. The weekend also provided an opportunity for Scouts to support the Scouting For Clean Waterways initiative by cleaning up litter in the Nansemond watershed.
By combining hands-on outdoor skills with opportunities to learn from and engage respectfully with the Nansemond Indian Nation, the Scouts experienced a memorable weekend of adventure, learning, and personal growth.