Scoutmaster Minute:
A Scout is Brave” is the 10th point of the Scout Law. A scout has the courage to stand up for what he thinks is right even if others ridicule him or threaten him.
It has been said that “Courage is doing the right thing when the wrong thing is the easy thing.”
Do the right thing. Be Brave
.
Rank Advancements
Andy Abrams – Eagle (official notice from National received)
Ryan Barrett – 1st Class (2/20)
Andres Skare – 1st Class (2/20)
1.  Next Meeting – 6 March: Troop Elections (and pre-shakedown)

 Uniform – Class A

Senior Patrol Leader CandidatesAll scouts interested in running for election as the next Senior Patrol Leader should contact Mr. Morley no later than the 27 February Troop meeting. Candidates must be the rank of Life or higher and be in 9th to 12th grade. Mr. Morley will schedule a time to meet with you, or call, to discuss your goals and ambitions as SPL. The time period for this leadership position is from 1 April 2018 to 1 October 2018. You must be present to be elected.

Scouts: All patrols should prepare for Patrol Leader elections. Scouts interested in running for Patrol Leader for their patrols should discuss their desire with their patrol members. New scout patrols will elect their first patrol leaders. To be elected patrol leader you must be present at the Troop election meeting!


Troop Positions of Responsibility: Scouts interested in serving in other positions of responsibility should review the attached Position Guide for information on the various positions available and associated responsibilities.

All scouts elected or appointed to a position of responsibility for the Spring term are required to attend the Junior Leadership Training (JLT) on April 8 at the CUMC Activity Field.

Order of the Arrow: Election of Ordeal Candidates will also be conducted. Eligibility requires a Scouts to hold First Class, minimum of 15 days/nights camping. The OA recognizes Scouts and Scouters who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives. This recognition provides encouragement for others to live these ideals as well. Arrowmen are known for maintaining camping traditions and spirit, promoting year-round and long term resident camping, and providing cheerful service to others.

Pre-Shakedown: Each Patrol will review plans for the up coming Elizabeth Furnace campout March 16-18 which will follow a backcountry format. That means Scouts will apply the cooking skills used during last weeks Backcountry Iron Chef meeting for all meals. Patrols should consult the attached idea Backpacking Meal Ideas (e.g., a loaf of bread does not travel well, but tortillas do great). Breakfast and Dinner will be in camp, lunch Saturday will be on the trail. For those working on various Rank requirements & MBs, this outing will including multiple cooking possibilities, a 10-mile hike and opportunities to apply orienteering and pioneering skills amongst others.

Shakedown planning will be completed at the March 13 meeting with support from the Land Sharks.

ADULT SUPPORT –  Troop Trailer needs to get out there, so need volunteer with a hitch.

2.  Summer Camp Registration

     Registration for Summer Camp has begun and it is essential that Scouts and families review the information sent via email. Registration and payment is required to complete Merit Badge selection.

  • Full payment or First half installment, due by Tues, March 6th
  • Second half installment, due Tues, April 17th

3.  NCAC Orienteering Meet: March 24, Prince William Forrest

We would like to send representatives to this event in a few weeks. This will be a day trip only activity, no camping. This event is great opportunity to learn and improve orienteering skills which is key element of 1st Class, multiple merit badges, high adventure (+++Philmont Crew+++) and is core Scouting knowledge.

The cost will be $10 per Scout. We will need Adult support for transportation, but note that no Adults are allowed on the orienteering course. Please register your interest with the Troop ASAP so we can plan accordingly, we will then make reservation with NCAC.

4.  Eagle Service Project: March 10

Brett Watts is requesting support to help him build 3 “buddy benches” for Willow Springs Elementary School. This is great opportunity to help a fellow scout support our community and perhaps even the school you attended. Please email if you can attend brettcwatts@gmail.com.  This event will take place regardless of weather. We will be meeting at 5325 Sandy Point Lane, Clifton VA, at 9AM, March 10, 2018. Additional information is included on the attached flyer.

5.  Key Dates   

     March 6 – Troop Elections
     March 10 – Eagle Service Project
     March 16-18 – Elizabeth Furnace Campout

April 3 – Spring Court of Honor

April 8 – Junior Leadership Training

April 27-29 – New Scout Campout

May 25-27 – Annual Canoe Trip

June 24-30 – Summer Camp @ Camp T Brady Saunders

July 27-29 – Horsemanship Campout

Aug 17-19 – Outing (TBD)

Sept 21-23 – Outing (TBD)