Scoutmaster Minute
Yesterday, I had the honor and privilege of participating in the Eagle Court of Honor for Scott Morrow. As I listened to him reflect on his time in Scouting, it reminded me yet again of the perhaps too easily overlooked value of Scouting in exposing these young men to opportunities they otherwise would likely never experience. The trail to Eagle is not simple, there will be challenges and fears to overcome, and that is precisely what makes it a worthy pursuit. So as our Scouts think about the upcoming campout and the fall leadership term, I would leave them the following for further consideration:

“Never throughout history has a man who lived a life of ease left a name worth remembering.”
― Theodore Roosevelt

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.”
― Helen Keller

 

“Always do your best. What you plant now, you will harvest later.”
― Og Mandino
Rank Advancement
First Class: Dominic Schuetz (7/31/18)
1. This Week Aug 7 – Lock-Out Challenge/Pre-Shakedown (LandSharks)
     Uniform – Class A
The Land Sharks Patrol has prepared a series of challenges that will require critical thinking, communication and teamwork. This meeting will be inside.  In addition, Scouts will begin planning for the Horsemanship Campout.
 
2. Next Week Aug 14 – Shakedown & Quartermaster Support (Panda)
     Uniform – Class A
The Panda Patrol will be leading a Quartermaster supported activity to inventory and clean the Troop closet (check action packs, reorganize etc) and the Troop Trailer. While the trailer was organized last October, it could use a little help staying that way along with the items that have accumulated in the Troop Closet. ASPL Artur Dowd and the Patrol Quartermaster’s will guide this activity, keeping in mind that a Scout is Clean and Helpful.
In addition, Scouts will finalize grubmaster and duty roster assignments, plus meal plans for the Horsemanship Campout.

 

3. Next Next Week Aug 21 – Positions of Responsibility (ALL)
     Uniform – Class A
A. Senior Patrol Leader Candidates: All scouts interested in running for election as the next Senior Patrol Leader should contact Mr. Morley no later than the 14 August 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 October 2018 to 31 March 2019. You must be present to be elected.

B. Patrol Leader: 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!

C. 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. Actively supporting the Troop through a leadership position is required to complete the ranks of Star, Life and Eagle.

All scouts elected or appointed to a position of responsibility for the Fall term are required to attend the Junior Leadership Training (JLT) on September 30 at the CUMC Activity Field.

 

4.  Horsemanship Campout Aug 17-19 @ Silver Eagle Stable, 11506 Parkgate Drive, Nokesville, VA
This is a unique opportunity to experience something a little different in our Scouting program while earning one of the original BSA merit badges.
LOGISTICS:
$42 Trip Fee, Includes camping Fri-Sat, Merit Badge/Trail Riding Sat (payable online)
$15 Grub Master Fee (payable to patrol grub master at 8/14 Troop Shakedown)
MERIT BADGE REQUIREMENTS:
Be sure to have your scout review the attached BSA Merit Badge Requirements before the trip.

IMPORTANT:
A registration for this event is only considered complete when you have:
  1. Submitted an online registration form along with online payment
  2. Turned in Troop Permission Slip (see attached)
  3. Turned in signed Silver Eagle Stable Liability Waiver (see attached)
  4. Payed your $15 Grub Master Fee
Forms may be dropped off at the following troop meetings: August 7 or 14.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE:  TUESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2018, but sooner would be helpful. As usual, we will not be able to take late registrations.

POINT OF CONTACT:  Tracey Barrett will be the point of contact for gathering necessary paperwork for registration, her email is tbarrett@focusonnova.com.

REGISTRATION:  As we did with the Troop Canoe Trip, we will be using an online form to register and take payments for this trip.  Please visit the Troop Website to register:  https://troop893.com/activities/horsemanship-camp-out-2018/.  Once you fill out the form you will be taken to PayPal to complete the payment.  You should receive confirmation for filling out the form from Wufoo Forms and another from PayPal Payments.

NOTE:  This is not a family style event.  We will be following the normal camping process; that is that attendees must be registered as a scout or leader in the Troop/Venture Crew or be a parent/guardian with BSA YPT certificate and medical forms on file with the Troop/Crew.

QUESTIONS:

Please feel free to contact our Trip Coordinator, Tracey Barrett (tbarrett@focusonnova.com) and myself, Paul Taylor (paul@paul-taylor.com) if you have any questions.  Be sure to complete your registration as soon as possible so we can give an accurate head count to the stable.
5.  Key Dates
Aug 17-19: Horsemanship Campout
Aug 21: Scout Leadership Elections
Sept 4: Troop Back to School Picnic @ Activity Field
Sept 14-16: Climbing/Hiking Campout @ Marsden Tract (New Date)
Sept 30: Junior Leadership Training (JLT)
Oct 2: Fall Court of Honor
Oct 19-21: Sully District Camporee
Nov 16-18: Mission Impossible Campout @ IWL
IT’S ALL FOR THE SCOUTS!