Hi Everyone,

I'm David, one of the assistant Lab Managers in Lab 314 out of Herndon/Reston VA. 

I've been planning with multiple BSA units (Packs and Troops) and STEM Labs in NCAC as well to do a large STEM TREK event in DC on Sunday March 12th. 

For those of you who don't already know, there is a hike that has been created in DC that focuses on STEM. It's a 10ish mile trek through DC with dozens of points of interest like a scavenger hunt. Each Point of interest has questions you have to answer. There is a nice half way point for younger scouts at around 5 miles but also we're in DC so if your scout(s) is/are done you can always just find the nearest metro station etc. Find more info on the DC STEM Trek at this link: https://www.ncacbsa.org/s-t-e-m/

There is a special DC STEM TREK Council Shoulder Patch that can purchased for completing the STEM Trek. I know a number of our scouts in Lab 314 are also in more traditional Cub Scout Packs or Scout Troops and can wear the patch on their BSA uniform or feel free to wear it on the STEM lab coats. I'm coordinating with NCAC's Director of STEM and Exploring, to see how many additional patches NCAC may need to order. The patch may be purchased for $5. Please indicate in the form below how many you or your unit would be interested in.

This is a fun way to learn about all the STEM organizations in our Nation's Capital while exploring multiple STEM careers AND practice staying physically fit. Not to mention a good opportunity to let the scouts have fun and hang out and meet new scouts outside of their individual units in a fun outdoor setting. There are a number of Cub Scout and Scout BSA requirements for hiking so this is a great opportunity for any of those scouts to accomplish multiple goals with a single outing.

Please remember to bring along your scouting essentials! Water and snacks are at the top of my list. 

Plan is to meet at Smithsonian Metro Station on the National Mall at 9AM to begin the hike. I will email out a map/itinerary of the hike as we get closer to all those who provide their emails in this form below. If we have a large number of participants we will stagger groups to avoid pedestrian traffic problems. 

THIS IS NOT A DROP YOUR SCOUT OFF EVENT! All scouts should be accompanied by a adult and/or unit leader who is responsible for the scouts.

Recommendation is to wear your Class A uniforms. At the very least please wear your units class B. STEM Scouts can wear their STEM scout t-shirts or lab coats.  

Whether you plan to attend as an individual family or with your scouting unit, please fill out this form so we have an approximate headcount. I will reach out to all POCs for coordination.

If you have any questions please contact 082stem@gmail.com