About Us
Troop 1018 is based in Western Fairfax County, Virginia. As part of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), we emphasize outdoor skills, citizenship, personal growth and leadership. We schedule monthly outdoor activities, such as camping, hiking, bicycling, caving, outdoor cook-offs, team-building, nature activities, geocaching and more.
Our scouts participate in service projects that are both community-based and national in focus. We have cleaned national monuments, helped catalogued the history of Dranesville by documenting the plots in its historic churchyard cemetery, maintained and beautified local parks, and collected food for those in need. Some projects were part of a larger efforts. Others were planned and carried out by our Scouts.
Our troop's adult leaders emphasize youth leadership, and offer opportunities for Scouts to lead at every level. Scouts plan weekly meeting activities, education sessions, and outdoor programs with the mentoring and support of dedicated adult volunteers. In the process, they learn skills for life -- planning, anticipating challenges, working with others, and checking their progress along the way. Whether 11 years old, or 17, they learn and practice outdoor skills to build confidence, independence and respect for nature.
In Troop 1018, younger scouts are mentored by older and more experienced ones. When they join, our Troop Guides help them develop skills toward their first rank advancements, and prepare for their first weekend camping activities as Boy Scouts. As they take their first steps along the Scouting trail, they learn about the ideals of Scouting -- its oath, law and motto. They become familiar with the methods of Scouting and get to know other boys in the Troop. Troop 1018 prides itself on promoting positive relationships among Scouts of all ages.
Older scouts in our troop have an opportunity to participate in high-adventure activities, where they put their scouting skills to the test in a challenging and fun environment. Not only do we plan summer trips to BSA's official high-adventure bases -- such as Philmont Scout Ranch (Backpacking), Northern Tier (Canoeing), Sea Base (Sailing and Scuba Diving) and Summit (Climbing, Biking, White Water) -- but also to international destinations. Our trips to the Kandersteg International Scout Centre in Switzerland offer adventure, fun and challenge for our more experienced Troop 1018 scouts. While there, we have hiked the Alps, Rafted in the white water of Interlaken, experienced the thrill of canyoning (a sport unknown in the US), visited Castles and historic sites of old Europe, and played soccer with Scouts from around the world.
Apart from personal growth, citizenship, independence and leadership, scouting in Troop 1018 is fun! If you know a boy who likes the outdoors, nature, sports and possesses a sense of adventure, we encourage you to explore our website. Read our Chronicles Blog featuring accounts of our weekend actvities. View our photo gallery to learn more about our adventures. If you would like information about joining Troop 1018, please contact us with your questions or to arrange a visit to an upcoming Troop meeting.
BSA Troop 1018 is sponsored by the Dranesville United Methodist Church and is part of the Powhatan District of the National Capital Area Council. We meet every Monday evening in the Fellowship Hall at the church from 7:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.