Scoutmaster Minute: First and foremost I must thank my Dad for setting the example. It is because of his guidance and support in Scouting, an opportunity he was not afford as a young man, that I enjoyed an incredible program that continues to influence my life. It is that experience and related memories from which I draw energy and inspiration to work with the young men of Troop 893 and strive to be Simpy the Best. Thank you Dad and Happy Father’s Day.
 
A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove. But the world may be different, because I was important in the life of a boy.
– Forest Witcraft, excerpt from Within Mt Power, Scouting magazine October 1950 (see attached)
 
 
1. Summer Camp “Stuff”
  1. Paperwork: Several folks are still missing paperwork. It is essential that this be completed and confirmed on Tuesday to ensure we have not issued on arrival at Camp Olmsted 1 week from today.
  2. Medicine: If you have not tuned in medicine let please complete that process on Tuesday and avoid confusion during Sundays departure.
  3. Departure: All Scouts are expected to arrive on time and prepared with camp gear and day pack for the bus ride. Day pack should include a full refillable water bottle that will be used at camp and snack for the ride. This great place to keep 10 essentials, including rain gear (not helpful it its in the bag under the bus). Additional email will follow.
  4. Communications: Here are few key points – 
    • Emergency

If there is an emergency situation at home, parents and/or family members should call Camp Olmsted at (540) 997-1360.

Parents may contact Unit Leaders, but should be advised that it may take an hour or more to return phone calls, as schedules are busy throughout the week.
Scouts will be allowed to call home ONLY in case of emergency.
    • Mail
      Mail is delivered to the Administration Building in our camp each day. In order to ensure mail is received at Goshen before the unit leaves camp at the end of the week, we suggest all mail and packages be sent out no later than Monday of the week in camp. Mail can often be delayed through the postal service, as Goshen Scout Reservation is in a remote area of the state.

      You are encouraged to provide your Scout with at least 1 stamp and envelop as we may do a letter writing exercise

       
      Mail should be addressed as follows:
      Camper Name _________________Troop #893
      Camp Olmsted – Week 1
      Goshen Scout Reservation
      340 Millard Burke Memorial Highway
      Goshen, VA 24439
       

      Cell Phones

      Consistent with the Troops electronic’s policy, Scouts are discouraged from bring cell phone to camp. They are not one of the 10 essentials.
      We recognize that it is a long bus ride and phones do provide some entertainment value, but it is best for all if they stay home that way it can get broke, stolen or lost.
      Finally, coverage at Camp Goshen is nonexistent for most carries anyway.
 
 
2. This Week June 18 – Water Catapult (Pandas) @ Activity Field
           Uniform: Class B
The Pandas are preparing from some fun at the activity field with development a water catapult competition. Be prepared to use you lashing skills and possibility to get wet.
As usual please bring water since since water at the activity is not potable.
3. Next Week June 25  – No Meeting since we will be @ Camp Olmsted

4. Next Next Week July 2 – Raft Building (Eagles) @ Activity Field
Uniform: Class B

The Eagles have developed a fun challenge at activity field that may bring back memories of rain gutter regattas. Scouts should bring materials that they will use to build miniature rafts. Sticks, Bottles, thin rope, etc as long as it’s

not a premade boat. No glue of tape will be permitted. Rafts should be about the size of a scout book and ready to accept buoyancy and other challenges.

 

5. 893 Summer Climbing Program

Uniform – Class B
Since we have trained climbing instructors and gear, ASM Adam Weisz, will be leading several climbing outings on the first Saturday of each month (see attached for dates, location and permissions).
This is great opportunity and I will speak from experience that Great Falls/Mather Gorge is a blast. Buzzard Rock was big hit will the group that climbed during the March campout.
 
      • Saturday July 6 – 0800-1400 Great Falls Park, VA
      • Saturday August 3 – 0800-1600 Buzzard Rock, VA
 

6. Next Next Next Week July 9 – Patrol Leaders Council (PLC)
 Uniform: Class A

All Scouts holding a Position of Responsibility are expected to to attend this meeting.
Scouts not holding a position are not required to attend, but may arrange to work with an ASM or MB Counselor during this time on requirements with prior notificiation and availability.
 
### Prior to the PLC, each Scout is encouraged to provide meeting ideas to their Patrol Leader. One resource to consider is http://www.programresources.org/activities/
The following monthly themes were decided during the Junior Leadership Training.
  • July – Backpacking
  • August – Orienteering
  • Sept – Fire
7.  Key Dates
Jun 23-29: Summer Camp @ Goshen’s Camp Olmstead
July 9: PLC
Jul 26-28: Backpacking Outing (TBD)
Aug 16-18: Prince William Forest Campout
Aug 27: Back 2 School Troop Picnic