Information for Scouts
Outside the NCAC
| For more information, click here to see the text of a pamphlet distributed by Mount Vernon to Scouts throughout the nation . |  |
Because of space limitations, no Scouts from outside the National Capital Area Council will be able to participate as campers in the NCAC's "Salute to George Washington Encampment at Mount Vernon." Despite this restriction, if you're a Scout or adult leader from another council, you can still involve yourself in related activities and honor our First President in many other ways.
For example, you can:
Participate in midday "Scout Salute to George Washington" activities at Mount Vernon on Saturday, November 6, 1999. All Scouts will be able to participate in public program activities at Mount Vernon from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM that Saturday, including
| u | Tour the Mount Vernon mansion |
| u | Explore some farming and conservation techniques that George Washington pioneered |
| u | Learn about life in George Washington's Revolutionary Army |
| u | Meet an actor portraying President George Washington, who will tell you about his two terms in office |
| u | Pay homage to the Father of Our Country during the Scout Salute to George Washington commemoration |
| u | Leave a small personal memento at George and Martha Washington's Tomb |
(Scouts from other councils as well as other NCAC Scouts should be aware that they will not be able to participate in all activities planned those participating with district contingents in the Mount Vernon encampment. Encampment leaders will work with Mount Vernon staff and volunteers, however, to enable all Scouts and other visitors attending Mount Vernon on Saturday, November 6, 1999, to have an informative experience.)
Conduct a Spirit of George Washington Camporee in Your Own Troop, District, or Council. You may not be able to sleep where George Washington slept for many of his nights, but you can still honor him by conducting a camporee that commemorates his life and accomplishments. Ask reenactors who assume the roles of Revolutionary soldiers to join you, allowing Scouts to try on clothing and test out equipment like that used by the Continental Army. Stage short plays honoring different facets of Washington's life and sing "Yankee Doodle" and other late-19th century songs at a campfire. For additional information about how to layout campsites according to instructions developed by Baron von Stueben and cook meals like those eaten at Valley Forge, contact Mount Vernon.
Conduct a commemorative event honoring George Washington. Celebrate the bicentennial of George Washington's death by conducting a celebration in your community. Following are suggestions from Mount Vernon, altough countless other events are possible:
| u | Proclaim a "George Washington Day." Work with your elected officials or school principal, to have one day designated to honor the legacy of George Washington. |
| u | Fly a Flag. Using a replica historic flag, like Washington's commander-in-chief's flag, conduct a flag-raising ceremony at a school, at a camporee, or at a public event to recall the patriotic values that Washington embodied (contact Mount Vernon for replica flags.) |
| u | Plant a Tree. Create a living memorial to Washington in a public park or on a school's grounds. Mount Vernon saplings are available from the American Forests Famous & Historic Trees nursery. |
| u | Create a George Washington Bookshelf. Working with your school or public librarian, select and purchase books to create a special shelf featuring a wide range of books on Washington. |
| u | Write a Letter. Send a letter to the editor of your local newspaper on George Washington's legacy to the nation. |
| u | Reach a Congregation. Ask the minister of your congregation to conduct a memorial service on George Washington, and help him or her research important facts for the sermon. |
| u | Toll the Bells. At a church, school, or library, arrange to have the bells rung for one minute starting at 12:00 noon, CST, on December 14, 1999 to honor George Washington. |