Scoutmaster Minute: On this Mother’s Day, I would like to thank all the mom’s that have nurtured and encouraged there young men to explore the world around them thru Scouting. From Bobcat onward that gentle nudge from Mom to go explore and be yourself has led to many Eagles taking flight. Today I am thankful for my mom, my first Den leader in Pack 91, for helping to create so many Scouting adventures and hopes for more to come. The latter thanks to my wife, who signed me up to a Tiger Den leader, and more importantly granted us the gift of two boys and now supports us in this wonderful journey called Scouting.
 
1. This Week – Iron Chef: May 15 (Pandas) @ Activity Field
     Uniform – Class B
Patrols will be putting their fire building skills to work for cooking at this meeting. Each Patrol will be provided with mystery ingredient that must be included in the meal preparation. This is going to be a strictly aluminum foil cooking competition, so Patrols should plan ahead and bring the food items they need. It is highly recommended that Scouts come prepared…which might include resources to assemble and start a fire. Please monitor the weather, be prepared (raingear) this is a rain or shine event…we never cancel a meal when camping!
While meals are cooking Patrols will be asked to demonstrate various knot tying skills. Each will be graded where a square may earn 1pt and a trucker’s hitch 4pts (example only).
Pandas are seeking 2-3 additional fire pits, please confirm with Brady Connor <brady.conner@gmail.com>, if your Patrol can supply
Service – At the meeting each Patrol will also assemble 10-15 utensil kits that were requested on behalf of the individuals displaced by the fire this week. 
2. Eagle Service Projects – May 19
We have some busy Eagle candidates seeking support from fellow Scouts for two different project on May 19, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Details are included on the attached flyers. Great opportunity for service hours.
    1. Ryan Mendez is constructing a pollinator garden at Bull Run Park.
    2. Stephen Ruckert is restoring some of the baseball facilities at Cub Run.
3. Next Week – Scouting Simon Says: May 22 (Titans)
     Uniform – Class A
Patrols will be led by the Titans in a competitive version of the infamous Simon Says game with a Scouting twist. Suggest everyone come prepared with their 10 Essentials among other skills and knowledge.
4. 45th Annual Memorial Day Family Canoe Trip, May 25-27, 2018
     Uniform – Class B
This is an awesome tradition and everyone on the Troop 893 and Venturing Crew is encouraged to attend. The details for this event were sent via email on April 12 to provide folks with details for planning purposes. Please register at https://troop893.com/summer-camp/45th-annual-family-canoe-trip/.
5. Summer Camp Reminder
  • Everyone, adults and youth attending summer camp must have a full BSA medical form (ABC). The difference between the one we use for normal campouts and summer camp is Part C: Pre-Participation Physical, which must be completed by certified and licensed physician (MD, DO), nurse practitioner or physician assistant.
  • Mandatory swim test, May 29, adults and youth attending summer camp, will be held at the Manorgate Pool, 14300 Green Trails Blvd, Centreville, VA 20121. Rain date will be June 5.
6.  Key Dates

May 25-27 – Annual Canoe Trip

May 29 – Troop Summer Camp Swim Test

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

July 27-29 – Horsemanship Campout

Aug 17-19 – Outing (TBD)

Sept 21-23 – Outing (TBD)

IT’S ALL FOR THE SCOUTS!