<b>Trails Day Event At Scotts Run</b>
On June 7, celebrating the National Trails Day, Washington D.C. area residents will be joining together to lend local trails a helping hand at Scotts Run Nature Preserve, a 325-acre treasure in McLean. More than 150 volunteers, several different trail projects, kick-off remarks from government officials and a full day of camaraderie will mark National Trails Day 2008 at Scotts Run.
In the spirit of this year's theme, "Join us on the Trail," American Hiking Society, Fairfax County Park Authority and Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) have joined together to co-host the event.
Arrive between 7:30 and 8 a.m. for a convenient shuttle to the kick-off and welcome ceremony. Find details at AmericanHiking.org/NTD.aspx (click on Virginia on the map). All volunteers must register with REI by calling 703-379-9400 or emailing Mark Nelson at mnelson@rei.com. Questions can be directed to REI or American Hiking Society.
<b>Boy Scouts Go to Malawi</b>
Boy Scouts from BSA Troop 869 in McLean will travel to Malawi June 21 through July 5 to conduct two service projects in this Southeast African nation. For several months, eight Scouts and two adults have been preparing for this international trek, learning about Malawi and learning to work together to plan and organize this 15-day trek.
While in Malawi, the Scouts will work at Makwawa, the national Scout campsite where they will install a solar hot water heater and construct a brick shop building. In addition, the crew’s tents and cook stoves will be donated to the Malawi Scouts at the conclusion of the trip. The McLean Scouts will also visit the Missionaries of Charity Orphanage in Kawale, a suburb of the capital, Lilongwe. There they will distribute supplies and spend time with the children of the orphanage. While in Malawi, the Scouts will serve as the Color Guard for the U.S. Embassy’s July 4th Independence Day celebration and will be hosted by the ambassador and his family, former members of Troop 869.
Troop 869 is seeking donations from the McLean community for both these service projects. Cash donations may be made to "BSA Troop 869" and mailed to Troop 869 C/O Trinity United Methodist Church, 1205 Dolley Madison Boulevard, McLean, VA 22012. To contribute supplies or receive more information, contact Scott Jenkins, assistant scout master at 703-506-4576.