Scoutmaster Minute: Today, Labor Day, marks the unofficial end of summer and the start of the new school year (okay it used to). If Troop 893 was assigned the traditional “What I Did this Summer” essay, it would practically write itself. We had some great adventures and experiences at Camp T. Brady Saunders with success in the archery and aquatics competitions, refurbishing the orienteering course, visits from Phify, and I’ll even toss in the neurotic dinning hall overlord. I typically think of the Memorial Day canoe trip as a mental start to summer, but this year we had to postpone that until July. Wow did we get lucky!. One could not ask for a more beautiful weekend and optimal river levels for a float down the scenic Shenandoah River. This event never ceases to impress the value and meaning of Scouting to me and my family. Several scouts also joined the Venturing crew for some super cool rock climbing at Great Falls…just trust yourself and let the rope do the work. Awesome fun, that will be part of the September campout. Finally, we got some “giddy up” action in August by testing our Scouts Horsemanship skills. The looks on the boys faces when they saddled up, some for the first time, was simply priceless and I suspect several have a little cowboy in them that’s ready to ride again. These fellas are itching to get out on some trails, so stay tuned. Bottom line – Troop 893 had an exceptional summer filled with memories that will surely inspire a few stories and ideally revalidated a love for Scouting.
Rank Advancement
  • Colby Lane – Star (8/28/18)
Note: All Scouts seeking recognition of advancement at the October 2nd Court of Honor for rank or merit badges should complete all paperwork, conferences, boards of review by Tuesday, Sept 11.
1.  This Week Sept 4 – Back to School Picnic (ALL) @ Activity Field
     Uniform – Class A
The back to school picnic is coming up quick on September 4th. This is a time for fellowship with all Troop families! All Troop members are welcome. Please plan to arrive by 6:45 pm at the CUMC activity field pavilion.
The Troop will provide the hamburgers and hot dogs. Each family should to bring soda/chips, side dish, or dessert as assigned by last name below:
      1. A-L Soda or other drink & bag of chips
      2. M-R Side Dish (please include serving spoon)
      3. S-Z Dessert
We are still in need of the following items:
  • 1-2 coolers with ice for drinks
  • grilling utensils, tough to make burgers/dogs with no flipper or tongs
  • 2-4 foil pans to serve burger and dogs
If you have not already RSVPed please do so at.
2.  Next Week Sept 11 – Knot Safety/Shakedown (Panda)
     Uniform – Class A

 

The Panda patrol is planning to review and teach critical knot safety, especially those associated with climbing. Scout will have the opportunity to work towards various requirements of the climbing merit badge. Even if not climbing, these knots and skills are important for all types of outing and related activities. This meeting will also serve as the final shakedown for the Sept 14-16 campout. That means grubmasters, duty rosters and tentmates will be finalized. This will be a backpack style campout meaning all meals will be cooked on backpacking stoves/JetBoils. Bring $15 for the grubmaster.
The Marsden Tract campsite is approximately 3/4 miles from the parking area just off the C&O Canal near Carderock and I do not anticipate that we will bring the Troop trailer on this outing. That means think hard about what and how you will carry your gear to/from the site. If it cannot be carried then you probably don’t need it. Patrols/Grubmasters should also plan accordingly…think really really hard about anything that requires ice. Scouts should review the attached and links below for meal planning ideas. Yes we will be using one or more bear bags, to store food when not in use…food should NEVER be in tents…no exceptions.
ATTN: Please review the following items and Be Prepared.
  1. Tuesday, Sept 11 – All Scouts attending this event must complete the attached climbing waiver AND bring $10 equipment fee. Give to me or ASM Adam Weisz.
  2. Tuesday, Sept 11 – Bring $15 for your grubmaster.
  3. Friday, Sept 14 – Troop Permission Slip is given by the Scout to the SPL or Acting SPL for purposes of attendance confirmation.
3.  Troop Fundraiser

 

Each Scout family will be receiving a packet of information providing guidance for our Troop Fundraising activity.
Our Scouts will be selling popcorn to support various Troop activities and resources, such as maintenance of the troop trailer, awards, camping fees, and troop equipment – tents, stoves, climbing gear etc.
4. Service Hours with Grace Ministries
           We had several Scout’s support Grace Ministries this past month. The general observation is that with a few more Scouts, we can have a meaningful impact supporting their mission.
Fridays (4:00 to 6:30 PM) includes setting up tables and chairs, preparing the hospitality area for serving on Saturday, sorting and hanging clothing donations, bagging food.
Saturdays (7:45 to 10:30 AM) include, registration (Spanish speakers needed), hospitality – setting out refreshments, helping guests take their goods to the vehicles, and clean up.
Here is schedule for remainder of 2018:
  • September 7-8
  • October 12-13
  • November 9-10
  • December 3-8
5.  Key Dates
Sept 4: Troop Back to School Picnic @ Activity Field
Sept 14-16: Climbing/Hiking Campout @ Marsden Tract (New Date)
Sept TBD: 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!