Scoutmaster Minute:  I strongly encouraged all Scouts to consider how best they can take on a leadership position and push their potential…no leader is perfect and learning never happens without trying. The following Scouts stepped forward to “take the risk” and help lead their peers for the next 6 months. We will induct them into their new positions of service to the Troop at the Court of Honor on April 2.
 
Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth. 
– Muhammad Ali
 
 
Rank Advancement & Acknowledgements
  • Christopher Davids – 2nd Class (2/26/19)
  • Owen Hesser – Star (2/26/19)
The following Scouts were elected by their peers into the Order of the Arrow and will participate in their Ordeal later this spring.
  • Joseph B.
  • Brady C.
  • Ben F-B.
  • Kylen J.
  • Jonathan L.
  • Darius P.
  • John Stephen P.
  • Anders S.
  • Austin W.
 
1. This Week Mar 5 – Fire 101 (Titans)
 
Uniform: Class A
 
This meeting is being organized to ensure that all Scouts are well grounded on a specific element of the 10 essentials – Matches and/or a firestarter. The starter part is the essential item necessary to get the fire part to work correctly.
Scouts should come prepared, this includes the following:
  • Positive Attitude
  • Pocketknife with Totin Chit,
  • 3-4 sicks ~1 inch is diameter and 6-12 inches long
  • dyer lint in sandwich/snack ziplock
  • 2-3 pages of newspaper
This will also provide some prep work for the Elizabeth Furnace campout on March 22-24.
 
2. Next Week Mar 12 – Scout Engineers (Pandas) 
 
Uniform: Class A
 
This meeting is being designed by the Pandas to provide some innovative thinking to Pioneering MB and a little competition among Patrols. Scout will also have time to begin planning for the March campout.
We will also welcome our new members of the Nova Corp.
 

Pre-Shakedown: Each Patrol will review plans for the up coming Elizabeth Furnace campout March 22-24 which will follow a backcountry format. That means Scouts will apply the cooking skills used during last weeks Backcountry Iron Chef meeting for all meals. Patrols should begin consulting the attached idea Backpacking Meal Ideas (e.g., a loaf of bread does not travel well, but tortillas do great). Breakfast and Dinner will be in camp, lunch Saturday will be on the trail. 

For those working on various Rank requirements & MBs, this outing will including multiple cooking possibilities, hiking opportunities and options to exercise orienteering and pioneering skills amongst others.

Shakedown planning will be completed at the March 19 meeting with support from the Landsharks.

4. Meeting Outlook by Patrol
 
3/19 – Landsharks (Orienteering)
3/26 – Eagles (Scout Games)
4/9 – Phoenix (Scout Scavenger Hunt)
4/23 – Titans (Operation Rescue)
 
5. Eagle Projects & Service Hours
  • Benjamin P. will be installing a flag pole at the CUMC activity field on March 16 from 9am-Noon and March 24 from 1-4pm (see attached flyer)
  • CUMC Spring Cleanup, April 6…details forthcoming.
6. Elizabeth Furnace Campout  Mar 22-24
 
Uniform: Class A/B
 
Couple of items to for Scouts to take into consideration as it pertains to a variety of rank and merit badge requirements while planning for this campout.
  1. 1st Class
    • We will attempt to support the orienteering req in 4a and 4b as needed.
  2. Hiking MB
    • 4. Three 10-mile hikes (this location could be one of three, if 5mi is already complete)
  3. Cooking MB
    • 6d. While on a trail hike or backpacking trip, prepare and serve two meals and a snack from the menu planned for this requirement. At least one of those meals must be cooked over a fire, or an approved trail stove (with proper supervision).
  4. Camping MB 
    • 9b. On any of these camping experiences, you must do TWO of the following, only with proper preparation and under qualified supervision:
      1. Hike up a mountain where, at some point, you are at least 1,000 feet higher in elevation from where you started.
      2. Backpack, snowshoe, or cross-country ski for at least 4 miles.
      3. Take a bike trip of at least 15 miles or at least four hours.
      4. Take a nonmotorized trip on the water of at least four hours or 5 miles.
      5. Plan and carry out an overnight snow camping experience.
      6. Rappel down a rappel route of 30 feet or more.
 
There are a number of other requirements that could also be satisfied with a little planning, so Scouts should be aware that this outing provides a unique opportunity. That also assuming proper equipment.
 
7.  Key Dates
Mar 16 & 24: Benjamin P. Eagle Project
Mar 22-24: Elizabeth Furnace Campout
Mar 31: Junior Leadership Training @ Activity Field
Apr 2: Court of Honor
Apr 6: Spring Cleanup @CUMC (Service Hrs)
Apr 26-28: New Scout Campout
May 24-26: Annual Canoe Trip
Jun 23-29: Summer Camp @ Goshen’s Camp Olmstead