On July 6, Boy Scouts from BSA Troop 869 in McLean returned from a 15 day trip to Malawi. Traveling through this small African country known as "The Warm Heart of Africa" from June 21 through July 5, eight Scouts, ages 12 to 18, and two adults were joined by U.S. Ambassador Alan Eastham, his wife Carolyn, and two sons, Mark and Michael — both Eagle Scouts and former Senior Patrol Leaders of Troop 869. The purpose of this international trek was to learn about Malawi and to work together with Malawi Scouts to perform community service.

The Malawi and American Scouts spent three days together at Makwawa, the national Scout campsite near Zomba. There, they assisted in the construction of a brick building and cleared a hillside of rocks and trees to make room for a "tuck" shop and service area. The McLean Scouts left their mark on the camp, having raised funds to install solar hot water heaters as well as the "tuck shop." With these infrastructure improvements, the camp is now ready to welcome outside groups with accommodations.

Following this, the Scouts of Troop 869 spent several days climbing Mount Mulanje, touring Mvuu Camp along the Shire River in Liwonde National Park, and visiting the Maleri Islands on Lake Malawi before returning to the capital, Lilongwe, for additional service projects and a joint troop meeting with local Scouts.

In Lilongwe, the Scouts renovated and repainted two classrooms at Holy Trinity School, Kwale Area, and spent time with the children at Mother Theresa Missionaries of Charity Orphanage. Additionally, the Scouts distributed donated supplies, clothing, and equipment to the Scout Association of Malawi, Holy Trinity School, and the orphanage.

On July 3, the McLean Scouts were granted an audience with Malawi President Bingu wa Mutharika. Accompanied by U.S. Ambassador Eastham and Scout Association of Malawi National Executive Steve Kanene, the Scouts met with President Mutharika in the Cabinet Room of the Malawi State House. In meeting with the Scouts, President Mutharika recalled his experience as a Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader and expressed interest in joining with the American Scouts the next time he comes to Washington, D.C.

The Scouts’ final good turn prior to departing Malawi was to serve as the Color Guard for the U.S. Embassy’s Independence Day Celebration. Accompanied by Scout Nate Webber on trumpet and led by Scout Tracy Jenkins, the Scouts presented the flags of the United States and Malawi to open the ceremony attended by 300 American and Malawian guests.

Troop 869 thanked supporters and donors from the McLean community for helping make this trip possible. While the Scouts paid their own way for the trip, many McLean residents made cash donations to finance the service projects and building construction. Additionally, 19 boxes of clothing, sports equipment, school supplies and camping gear were transported and distributed.