Scoutmaster Minute
What do you suppose is the most valuable two word sentence you can say?
Some of you might say, it’s “We won!” Others would vote for, “Here’s money!” But I think the best two-word sentence is “Thank you. “
It isn’t used as often as it should be. How often do you use it? And how often do you say thank you to the persons who are closest to you, your mother and father? How often do you say it to your friends or even strangers when they do something for you?
It’s so easy to forget, especially if the Good Turn is done by somebody in your family. Too often we take for granted the many things our parents and other family members do for us.
It’s so easy to forget, especially if the Good Turn is done by somebody in your family. Too often we take for granted the many things our parents and other family members do for us.
Here’s a challenge for you. Between now and next troop meeting, see if you can find some reason to say thank you every day to some member of your family. You may be surprised how they will react.
A simple thank you costs nothing, but it means so much to those who matter most to you. Good manners can be the difference between you being just another Scout and one who earns respect from those around you.
A simple thank you costs nothing, but it means so much to those who matter most to you. Good manners can be the difference between you being just another Scout and one who earns respect from those around you.
Rank Advancement
Life – Bryan Hong (11/17)
Life – Charlie Schmidt (11/17)
Life – Darius Patterson (11/17)
Life – Brian Staton (11/17)
1st Class – John Stephen Powers (11/17)
1. This Week Nov 27 – Iron Chef Thanksgiving (LandSharks) @ Activity Field
Uniform: Class B
LandSharks have a meeting plan that extends the Thanksgiving festivities with an Iron Chef activity. Ingredients for the main course will be provided, the Troop will provide the backpack stoves and fuel. Patrols should come prepared with the following cooking utensils, pots, serving dish/utensil, water, and ignition source. Each Scout should also bring $1 to defray cost of ingredients.
Meals will be judged in the following ways:
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- Presentation
- Taste
- Creativity
- Efficiency
- Clean work area
- Preparedness
- Bonus points will be awarded for the following:
a) Preparing a side dish (ingredients not provided)
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- b) Preparing a dessert (ingredients not provided)
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- c) Cooking the side dish
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- d) Using seasoning
- e) Making 3 separate dishes
2. Next Next Week Dec 4 – Skit Contest (Eagles)
Uniform: Class A
Each Patrol should start coming up with a list of skits for a little competitive theatrics at this meeting. This will likely serve as an excellent showcase for options the Troop may like to share during the next Klondike Derby, New Scout Campout or perhaps Summer Camp. This could also be great planning opportunity for Scouts working towards the Communication MB. Scouts are reminded again to use their resources and be prepared!
3. Next Weekend Dec 8-9 – Lock-In & Troop Gear Inventory (All)
Uniform: Class B (unless seeking Scoutmaster Conference or Board of Review)
Part 1: Troop Gear Inventory (4pm @ Troop Trailer)
Troop Quartermaster will lead an inspection and inventory of Troop gear including with special attention being given to tents and chuckboxes. The Troop closet was recently cleaned and organized but will benefit from additional attention.
Quartermasters should arrive by 4pm to being this activity and take advantage of the daylight.
Part 2: Troop Lock-In @ CUMC ROC (6pm @ ROC))
Scouts will have the opportunity to play all types of games and can take some time to work on a few rank advancement or merit badge requirements. This overnighter will be held Saturday, December 8 at in the CUMC ROC (gymnasium). Scouts can plan to arrive at 6pm and parents should be prepared to pick Scouts up Sunday morning by 8am. SPL, ASPLs and Patrol Leaders will organize final activity plan during the coming weeks.
Part 3: Philmont Prep Outing (8am @ VDOT lot)
The Philmont Crew will be headed to Shenandoah National Park to tackle the Double Bear Rocks hike to test their backpacking skills and gear. This is a moderate 8.5 mile hike with a nice campsite at the top. They will split the days, with about 5 miles on Saturday and 3 miles on Sunday on the way back down. All crew members should be attending this activity. Scouts (non-crew members) with interest in attending should see Mr. Morley and Mr. Conner at the meeting this week.
4. Next Next Week Dec 11 – Fire & Boil (Titans) @ Activity Field
Uniform: Class B
The Titans are planning an event at the activity field to test Scouts fire building skills with some interesting challenges to see who can harness to power of fire to their benefit.
5. Next Next Next Week Dec 18 – Klondike Prep Night (ALL)
Uniform: Class B
This is a Patrol night that will be used to inspect Klondike sleds and make necessary adjustments. PLs should plan accordingly and communicate often and early with details.
Here is the last known location of each sled:
Eagles – Barnett’s
Pandas – Conner’s
Phoenix – Lee’s
Titans – Troop Shed @ Acivity Field
LandSharks – Taylor’s
6. Key Dates
Dec 8-9: Lock-In @ CUMC
Dec 8-9: High Adventure Outing (Double Bear Rocks)
Jan 18-20: Klondike Derby