Catholic Scouts complete Religious Trail Activity and more
Scouts and Scouters from Troops 3, 37, 1003, and 1028 from the Monticello District in the Virginia Headwaters Council of Scouting America took a day trip during Spring Break to complete the Washington, D.C. Trail Religious Activity as created by the National Catholic Committee on Scouting. Three of the Scouts, Georgia B. of Troop 1003 of Louisa, Adam S. of Troop 37 and Zachary S. of Troop 1028, , both of Charlottesville, selected the activity for the retreat required as part of their work toward the Ad Altare Dei religious emblem and invited others to join. Joining them on the trip were Scout Henry B. of Troop 3; Renee B. of Troops 3 and 1003, Religious Emblems Coordinator; Thomas H., Scout, and Patrick Headley, Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 3; Alexander S., Troop 1028 Scout, and adults David and Audrey Storm of Troop 1028.
The day started early, leaving the Monticello District around 8 am, for the trip to DC. Along the way the Scouts worked on the Pope – Vicar of Christ Activity Requirements. After a relatively smooth drive up, the group got their first taste of DC traffic a mere five minutes away from their first stop: the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Leaving the parking lot as the church bells chimed, they made their 11 am scheduled tour. At the largest Catholic church in North America they learned about basilicas, shrines, and the role of a pilgrimage church.
Next, they took a half-mile walk up the road to the Saint John Paul II National Shrine where they had a quick bagged lunch break before going in. Here, the Scouts and Scouters learned about the life and pontificate of St. John Paul II which included his call for a “New Evangelization.” They learned about religious relics, why they are important to Catholics, and had an opportunity to view two first class relics: one of the late Pope, St. John Paul II and one of St. Carlo Acutis, the first Saint of the millennial generation who died at age 15.
To make up some time, Scouters opted to drive the mile-plus to their third stop: the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America. Here, everyone learned about the role of the Holy Land Franciscan Friars.
They took extra time to experience some of the recreations which included the catacombs, the grotto at Lourdes, and a tomb from the era of Jesus.
Physical exhaustion was setting in, so the Scouts opted for a virtual tour of Catholic University of America, the only Catholic university in America chartered by the Pope, to complete the final visit required on this trek.
On the way home, they dined at Mission BBQ and conducted a roses, buds, and thorns discussion. Everyone agreed it was a successful event, but wanted more time at each stop and between stops. Scouters are already discussing how to implement this next time. In addition to learning, this event provided a surprising number of opportunities to educate other visitors they met who inquired about Catholic Scouting throughout the day.
The last of the Scouts and Scouters arrived home just after 8pm, physically drained but spiritually filled after their experience in Washington, DC.
Once the current Ad Altare Dei group of Scouts complete their emblem requirements in the next few months, they’ll move onto the Pope Pius XII medal. Next fall, we’ll welcome a new group of Scouts to start work on Ad Altare Dei. If your troop has rising 7th or 8th graders who have reached First Class and who might be interested in earning the Ad Altare Dei (AAD) medal, or high schoolers interested in AAD or Pope Pius XII, reach out to our District’s religious emblems coordinator, Renee Brown, at rbrown@bsatroop1003.org. Adults are also welcome to join our leadership team by emailing cvillecatholicscouting@gmail.com to learn more about upcoming events.
