Scoutmaster Minute: The key to gaining knowledge is learning from your experience’s. I suspect that many Scouts have a new appreciation for what it means to “Be Prepared”. More specifically they were reminded of the reason why a tent comes with stakes and rainflies have tie-downs…they are not for show…rather in combination they provide a critical function that is very valuable when the sky bursts forth with rain and gale force winds. The resilience of our equipment was certainly tested on Saturday evening, but not until after the Scouts enjoyed a gorgeous day of competition with activities that challenged their skills. This also included 1 or more hours of service rebuilding the amphitheater at Camp Snyder. Special thanks to ASM Morrow for setting up shop so Scouts at the Camporee could participate on Jamboree On The Air. Overall they made 17 contacts, including stations in the following states IA, VA, MN, OH, CT, TN, and one international – Canada., which facilitated getting 16 scouts on the air talking to other scouts and completion of the Radio Merit Badge by ASPL Matthew Sezen. Is should be noted that the Big Dogz were again well provisioned very some very fine dutch oven ribs and seasoned chicken…boy that was good eating. Something for all grubmasters to consider…skys the limit.
We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.
– Romans 5:3-4
1. This Week Oct 23 – Mystery Theater Workshop (Phoenix)
Uniform – Class A
The spirits of the season will become the source of mystery for Scout/Patrols to apply their collective knowledge and team work to find answers. These skills will become very useful during the upcoming Mission Impossible.
Scouts should be sure to have a flashlight or headlamp. There will also be a bonus opportunity for any that come in costume (your scout or team uniform does not count).
In addition, the Troop will receive a Scouting for Food briefing from Mr. Jobe detailing what areas each patrol will be assigned. This should provide plenty of time for each patrol to decide how they will distribute bags on Nov. 3
2. Next Week Oct 30 – Mission Impossible Pre-Shakedown (Pandas)
Uniform – Class A
A. Popcorn Orders Due – ALL orders must be submitted and accompanied by 100% of sales generated.
B. Mission Impossible Prep – ASM Wilson will brief the Scouts on the activities/stations planned for Arrow of Light Scouts. There have been a few adjustments since the leadership planning meeting, but each Patrol will run a station. This provide scouts with important opportunity to support AOL Scouts with their requirements, while also fulfilling key requirements associated with using the EDGS method to share scout skills with others.
C. MI Pre-hakedown – Given recent experience, we will set aside to ensure that each Patrol has time to select a grubmaster, generate duty roster and plan some decent meals. This is also opportunity for Patrol quartermasters to inspect action packs and determine what if anything need to be replenished.
3. Scouting For Food Nov 3 & 10
Uniform – Class A
Patrols from Troop 893 will be placing bags in area neighborhoods on Saturday morning, November 3. Scouts will need adults to helps transport and distribute bags. The following Saturday, Nov 10 we will return to the same neighborhoods and collect the food people have placed outside AND knock on doors if nothing is present. Our participation provides an tremendous community service to the families supported by Western Fairfax Christian Ministries (WFCM). A Scout is helpful.
4. Eagle Project – Artur Dowd
Uniform – Class B
Only One More Week to Make a Needy Ukrainian Child’s Christmas! These donations will go to orphans, children of families displaced by war and low-income families.I am working with the non-profit United Help Ukraine, collecting new toys and new/gently used clothing for Ukrainian children ages 2-14.
Donations will be collected from until November 1st and shipped to Ukraine in time for Christmas. Suggested clothing items are warm winter jackets, hats, mittens/gloves, scarves, and boots. Suggested toys are Barbie dolls, Lego sets, toy cars, soccer balls, Beyblades, Mega Blocks, Play-Doh, and Super Heroes. Due to high shipping costs, please consider the weight of the items donated.
Sorting and packing will be done at Artur Dowd’s house (7108 Bull Run Post Office Rd Centreville VA, 20121) on Sunday, November 4th from 10:30 am to 2:00 pm. Thank you for your support and I hope to see you there!
5. Key Dates
Nov 3: Scouting for Food – Bag DropNov 10: Scouting for Food – PickupNov 16-18: Mission Impossible Campout @ IWLNov 20: Patrol Leaders Council (PLC)