I live in that area! If you went the mug rug route, you could always get them even more excited for the project by either taking or directing them somewhere they could pick out their own fat quarter as backing. There are some really lovely quilt shops in the area - I personally visit Cottonseed Glory in Annapolis and Tomorrow's Treasures in Crofton when I want to buy fabric in person, though there may be one closer to you or the troop depending.