Bows were flying, rods were reeling, sticks were toppling, and knots were being tied. It was time for the 2003 National Capital Area Council Cub Scout Day Camp.
The theme this year is Sea Adventure. Opening ceremonies were held at Fort Belvoir's parade grounds and captured live by newscaster Holly Morris and cameraman Mike Rickard from Fox 5 Morning News.
Morris interviewed Colonel Joel Bradshaw, camp coordinator and Chief of Military Construction Programs for Office of Secretary of Defense (OSD). He explained to Morris what the campers would be doing during the week; a full schedule of archery, crafts, Scout skills and fishing is planned. More than 200 volunteers give their time to keep this camp going every year.
Patrick Golden, district director, Colonial District, working for National Capital Area Council, said that Alexandria City Council Member Ludwig P. Gaines visited the camp during the week. Gaines is planning to introduce an initiative to City Council this fall regarding Boy Scouts. His plan would be an ongoing attempt to introduce scouting to children in lower income areas.
Gaines said, "I look forward to engaging the local Boy Scouts on the issue of diversity and to exploring the possibility of partnering with them on initiatives aimed at providing character and leadership training to underprivileged segments of our city."