This past weekend, Boy Scout Troop 1777, based in Spotsylvania, Virginia, embarked on an exciting adventure to the NAS Oceana Air Show, an event that brought our Scouts face-to-face with the cutting-edge world of aviation and technology. It wasn’t just about watching fighter jets soar through the skies (though that was pretty incredible), it was also about engaging with hands-on STEM learning opportunities, connecting with military Veterans, and soaking up the rich heritage of naval aviation.
As a troop that prides itself on adventure, education, and community, this outing was the perfect mix of all three. In this blog, we’ll dive into the highlights of the air show, how these types of events help set our Scouts up for future success, and why this particular experience held extra significance for the adult leaders in our troop, many of whom are military Veterans themselves.
A Day Filled with Engaging Activities and Unforgettable Experiences
The 2024 NAS Oceana Air Show promised high-octane entertainment, and it didn’t disappoint. The event showcased the U.S. Navy’s top demonstration teams, including the world-famous Blue Angels, F/A-18 Super Hornet, and F-22 Raptor. Our Scouts were on the edge of their seats as these impressive machines zipped through the skies, performing breathtaking aerobatic maneuvers that demonstrated both the power and precision of naval aviation.
For many of our young Scouts, seeing these jets up close was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The awe in their eyes as they watched a full throttle afterburner flyover or a parachute jump from thousands of feet in the air was a sight to behold. But the air show was about more than just watching — it was about participating and engaging in ways that made the day more meaningful than any typical outing.
Hands-on Opportunities: Throughout the event, there were numerous interactive displays and opportunities for Scouts to climb inside aircraft, meet pilots, and get a feel for what it’s like to be a part of these elite teams. For instance, a few of our Scouts had the chance to talk to members of the U.S. Navy Leap Frogs and learn what it’s like to be part of a parachute demonstration team. These experiences not only sparked their interest in aviation and the military but also showed them what it means to pursue excellence in any field.
Building Lifelong Memories: Events like the NAS Oceana Air Show are not just fun — they’re memorable. These outings allow our Scouts to bond with each other, creating friendships and memories that will last a lifetime. This trip offered them a chance to see the world from a different perspective, one that goes beyond their usual routines. Whether it was the loud roar of jet engines or the camaraderie shared over lunch in the shadow of a fighter jet, these moments are the ones that will stick with them as they grow into young men.
STEM Education: Inspiring the Next Generation of Innovators
While the thrill of the Blue Angels might have been the headliner, one of the most valuable aspects of the NAS Oceana Air Show was its emphasis on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education. The theme of the event, Inspire. Educate. Soar!, was all about encouraging young minds to explore the world of aviation, engineering, and technology through hands-on exhibits and interactive demonstrations.
STEM Learning in Action: Our Scouts were able to participate in a variety of STEM-focused activities, from learning about the physics of flight to exploring cutting-edge aircraft technology. They attended educational sessions where experts in aviation and engineering explained how the mechanics behind flight work, the importance of aerodynamics, and the critical role that math and engineering play in designing the aircraft they saw in action. These kinds of experiences show our Scouts that learning doesn’t just happen in the classroom — it happens in real-world situations, too.
Preparing for the Future: Scouting is all about preparing young people for life, and these STEM opportunities are a big part of that. Many of our Scouts showed a real interest in aviation and engineering careers after this trip, asking thoughtful questions about what it takes to become a pilot, an engineer, or even an air traffic controller. We’ve seen firsthand how these experiences help shape the future career paths of our Scouts, sparking passions and providing them with the knowledge that the sky’s the limit — literally.
Additionally, by providing interactive STEM learning, the air show gave Scouts the chance to see how science and math play an important role in the military and in aviation. These are the types of opportunities that Troop 1777 strives to provide regularly — giving our Scouts real-world experiences that broaden their horizons and ignite their passions.
A Strong Connection to Our Community and Military
One of the unique aspects of this outing was the deep connection it provided to our military roots. Troop 1777 is fortunate to have a number of military Veterans among its adult leaders, with service across multiple branches. This particular event, celebrating naval aviation and the U.S. military, resonated deeply with them. As Veterans, our leaders were able to share personal stories with the Scouts about their time in service, how they navigated their own careers, and the ways that military life shaped them.
A Meaningful Experience for Our Veterans: For the adult leaders, this event wasn’t just about airplanes and air shows — it was about reconnecting with their pasts and sharing their love of service with the next generation. Many of them served in the Navy, Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps, so this air show held extra significance. It was a reminder of the brotherhood and camaraderie they experienced during their years of service. Their stories about life in the military helped our Scouts understand that there’s more to military service than uniforms and planes — it’s about honor, sacrifice, and dedication.
This outing also gave our Veterans a chance to reinforce the importance of community service and commitment, values that are central to both scouting and military life. For our Scouts, hearing these stories from people they know and respect made the event that much more powerful. It’s these kinds of experiences that make scouting so valuable for young people — the opportunity to learn from those who have walked the walk and are eager to pass their wisdom down to the next generation.
Setting Scouts Up for Success with Every Outing
The NAS Oceana Air Show is just one of many outings that Troop 1777 takes throughout the year, and every trip is designed to provide positive, educational, and memorable experiences for our Scouts. Whether it’s camping trips, community service projects, or adventures like this one, our goal is to offer activities that keep our Scouts engaged, learning, and growing.
Adventure and Fun: The fun factor is always a big part of what we do. Our Scouts get to experience things most young people only dream about — from climbing mountains to camping under the stars, and now, watching F-22 Raptors fly overhead. These adventures are exciting, but they’re also important in shaping well-rounded individuals. Through scouting, our young men learn responsibility, teamwork, and leadership skills that will help them succeed in life.
Educational Value: Every outing is also a learning opportunity. We believe that learning happens in all kinds of environments — not just in the classroom. Through scouting activities, our Scouts learn skills that will benefit them far beyond their time in Troop 1777. Whether it’s understanding the principles of flight, gaining practical survival skills, or learning about history, every outing adds something valuable to their toolkit.
Building Character: At the core of scouting is the goal of building character. Every event we attend, including the NAS Oceana Air Show, is another opportunity for our Scouts to practice the values of the Scout Law: trustworthiness, loyalty, helpfulness, friendliness, and more. These experiences help them grow into strong, capable young men who are prepared to take on the challenges of adulthood.
Join Troop 1777 for More Amazing Experiences
If you’re a parent or young man between the ages of 11 and 17 looking for an opportunity to gain new skills, make lifelong friends, and experience incredible adventures like this one, Troop 1777 is the place for you. We are constantly offering our Scouts opportunities to participate in positive, useful, and informative activities that set them up for success in the future.
Our trip to the NAS Oceana Air Show was just one example of the kind of excitement and education that we provide on a regular basis. From learning about aviation to connecting with military leaders, our Scouts walked away from this event inspired and motivated for what’s next.
A Troop with a Proud Military Tradition: For the adults in our troop who are military Veterans, this event was a reminder of the honor and dedication that comes with service. We’re proud to have leaders who have served across all branches of the military, and their commitment to our Scouts and community is a big part of what makes Troop 1777 special.
Interested in learning more about joining us? Visit our website or attend one of our meetings to see how you can be a part of our next adventure!
