Scoutmaster Minute: We are back from a great week at Goshen Scout Reservation – Camp Olmsted. Over 180 merit badges taken by 36 scouts in seven different program areas. The weather was very kind with cool evenings perfect for sleeping and just a little rain on Monday and Friday. Our scouts represented us well with the flag ceremony Thursday evening, maintained their dominance in the gaga pits and generally conducted themselves well during the week. There is always room for improvement which will be discussed during the up coming PLC meeting. We had several Scouts make rank advancements during the week. And yes we have evidence that a very large “ground squirrel” did a visit our site at least once, perhaps looking for circus peanuts.
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Rank Advancement
  • Andre Dang – 1st Class (6/24/19)
  • Griffin Smith – 1st Class (6/27/19)
  • Tyler Morley – Star (6/27/19)
  • Christopher Davids, Jr. – 1st Class (6/28/19)
  • Dominic Schuetz – Star (6/28/19)
1. This 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.
 

2. 893 Summer Climbing Program (and camping see #3)

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.
Please indicate your intent to climb on these dates use this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b044eaea62ea4f58-893summer 

      • Saturday July 6 – 0800-1400 Great Falls Park, VA
      • Saturday August 3 – 0800-1600 Buzzard Rock, VA
 

3. July 5-6 – Family camping opportunity

Uniform – Class B
Anyone interested in camping the night before the climbing event is welcome to join others at the Marsden tract. This is a family activity and requires at least one parental unit to attend. 
The site has been reserved by Mr. Pschigoda, so please confirm with him your intent/interst at the Tuesday meeting.

This location is on the Maryland side of the Potomac River and is a short morning drive to the climbing site at Great Falls.  The site is located at Mile 11.5 on the C&O Canal Towpath, between the Carderock Recreation Area and Anglers Inn. The group campsite is nestled in the woods between the Canal and the Potomac River and is a short distance from parking and related facilities.
 
3. 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
July 9: PLC
Jul 26-28:  Outing (TBD)
Aug 16-18: Prince William Forest Campout
Aug 27: Back 2 School Troop Picnic