Scoutmaster Minute: Fortitude comes in many forms. For some it simply may be associated with sleeping on a “firm” gymnasium floor with no sleeping bag or pad. For Troop 893’s Philmont Crew, it was about braving low temperatures and steep slopes on the Double Bear Rocks trail in the Shenandoah National Park. Crew members were also joined by one future Philmont trekker. Temps dipped into the teens over night, but the Crew was prepared to meet the challenge. I am certain that this outing will be part the scouting lore each of these young men share with friends, family and fellow scouters for the rest of their lives. Life is about experiences…don’t miss them.
Troop 893 has just received a 12-Day Philmont slot for July 4-16, 2020 (must be 14 when trek begins). Additional information will be forthcoming, but never to soon plan for the future.
Rank Advancement
  • Christopher Lee, 2nd Class (12/6/18)
1. This 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 that will include a challenges to see who can harness to power of fire to their benefit.
Each patrol should plan to provide/bring tinder and kindling, flint & steel and matches.
The Titans are also requesting 2 fire pits to be used as part of the competition. Please advise if you are able to provide.
Please be mindful of the weather, its cold so dress properly.
2. Volunteers needed for Christmas Food Basket Packing and Delivery, Dec 15 @ CUMC

Uniform: Class A
Scouts this is excellent opportunity for service hours. Volunteers will be needed for packing and delivery of Christmas Baskets on Saturday, December 15, beginning at 8:00 AM.
Contact Chris Granberg at chris.granberg@gmail.com.
 
3.Life to Eagle Seminar, Dec 15, 9am @  Sully Government Center
WHO: Life Scouts, Sully District Unit Eagle Coaches, and Parents of Life Scouts,
WHAT:  Life to Eagle (L2E) Seminar
WHEN: 9:00 am, Saturday, 15 Dec 2018
WHERE: Sully Government Center (Police Station), 4900 Stonecroft Blvd., Chantilly, VA 20151.
WHY:  The NEXT Seminar will be Sat 20 Apr 2019, so it is strongly encouraged for all Life Scouts to participate in an L2E Seminar while going through the path to Eagle Scout.  It will make the process much easier to understand.
HOW: Hondo Davids, Sully District Vice Chairman for Advancement

4.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 for patrol members. 
Meeting plan must be reported to SPL and Scoutmaster, by 12/11.
Here is the last known location of each sled:
    • Eagles – Barnett’s
    • Pandas – Conner’s
    • Phoenix – Lee’s
    • Titans – Troop Shed @ Activity Field
    • LandSharks – Taylor’s
5 CUMC Advent and Christmas Planning Guide

Troop 893’s Chartering organization has a number of Advent and Christmas activities planned for the next several weeks. 
 
6  Key Dates
Jan 18-20: Klondike Derby @ Camp Snyder
Feb 10, 17, 24: Merit Badge University
Mar 5: Leadership Elections
Mar 22-24: Outing TBD
Mar 31: Junior Leadership Trainin
Apr 2: Court of Honor
Apr 26-28: New Scout Campout
Jun 23-29: Summer Camp @ Goshen’s Camp Olmstead