Young Men's first scout camp in nearly 20 years

This might be a historic moment in the branch's history. For the first time, maybe in a very long time or ever, we have five young men going to scout camping. Since the combine youth class back in 2014, one of the benefits having more youth is they have more activities that are available. For this instance, since our branch is too small to have an actual scouting program, our young men were able to join the Kentland's YM camping this year. It was a great day!

Steven, William, Isaiah, Brennan, and Richard.

 

Parents sending off their scouts to the week long camping.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Newly called Young Men leader: Brother Cary Ning

Troop lead by Scout Leader Eric Martiniz (in the middle)

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Seminary Graduation

In an almost packed chapel, President Nathan Sheets welcomed and conducted the Seminary graduation fireside tonight.  He also accepted the graduates.  Our very own Amanda Huang sat on the stand and delivered a most touching talk on her experience with online Seminary and Home Study Seminary.  Although she was the only Seminary graduate from our branch this year, it was an honor, along with President Huang, to shake her hands as she received her Seminary diploma.  What a great achievement to complete four years of Seminary!  Congratulations, Amanda, and good luck to you.

Earlier in the day, at Sacrament Meeting, Amanda, along with her classmates, Ling and Megan, and their teacher, spoke about what they had learned in Seminary this year.  Ling and Megan also completed a full year of Seminary course work this year.

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Linger Longer for Pugmires

At the end of Sacrament Meeting, President Huang requested that Brother and Sister Pugmire share their testimony on their last day at the branch.  Ashley directed her testimony mainly to the Young Women, who just gave talks today.  She reminisced on her cherished memories with the Young Women and then bore her testimony.  Matt also shared an emotional testimony and encouraged the Young Men to be faithful.  After church, a Linger Longer activity was held in their honor.  Thank you, Pugmires, for all you have done for our branch!

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2016-05 Dragon Boat training and race

Congratulations on our successful 15th annual Washington DC Dragon Boat Festival which was completed great achievements.  Thank you for your dedication and leadership to make this event go through so smoothly even in such a nasty weather.

Once again, the PIE Team won the Bronze medal. But unfortunately, the CWL adult team did not win any trophy or medals this year.

Below are a few pictures of the race. You can see the smiling faces from both of our adults and youth paddlers.

Many thanks for your generous supports to make the PIE team and CWL team once again possible.

Sincerely 

Charlotte

"My most favorable time was the last race when we really had our best pace!  It was so much fun!!" -Nancy Lee

 

Videos from practice to race day

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Father and Son camping and next day Branch Barbecue

During a very rainy May, the weather cooperative just in time for these two great activities. The stake leadership organized a Father and Son camp out at the Foulger-Pratt Farm near the base of Sugarloaf Mountain. Da took his two sons, Richard and the twins: William and Steven to the farm starting around 6pm. The boys enjoyed setting up the tent, frisbee, games in the barn, catching lots of tadpoles, and especially the camp fire. Brother Nyborg of the Kentlands Ward, who is a chemist, even put on a show using different flammable liquids to memorize the nearly 100 people that showed up. The next morning at 5am about two dozen campers woke up on a very chilly morning to hike to up Sugarloaf to watch the Sun rise. This is the first time Richard, William, and Steven ever hiked the mountain and they loved it. After a warm oatmeal breakfast, the boys learned how to properly fold back a tent while most families were leaving. There was only four families left and the boys were treated to learn how to shoot guns. Of course Brother Pratt taught them all about gun safety before they were allowed to touch the several types of rifles and hand guns.

At the Branch BBQ, sun peaked out today just to shine on our barbecue. The weather was perfect: a little windy, warm, and sunny! With over 50 people attending, the barbecue took place at Fallsgrove Stream Valley Park beginning at 11am. Two grills were busy working to provide hamburgers and hot dogs. Brother Jimmy Chen's wife made some aboriginal bamboo stuffed with rice, and this was barbecued over the grill. Besides a lot of food, there were plenty of softball, frisbee, kite flying, and even tennis. After 2pm, we disbursed just in time to welcome the storm clouds for more rain. Thanks to the grillers (Matt Ward, Steven, Guillermo, and others) and to our branch leaders for organizing this activity.

You can view all the photos here.

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