Scoutmaster Minute: Scouters from Troop 893 enjoyed a gorgeous day on the rocks at Great Falls on Saturday. So awesome to have a trained climbing guide in the Troop, plus our own gear….thank you Adam & Ashley Weisz for make this possible. Later this week Scouts will exercise their leadership in setting forth plans for the remainder of the spring term. This is a Scout led organization and sometimes its not pretty, but generally speaking we always find a way to have fun. The key is to learn from the past and leverage the resources available to take advantage of the future…what could and can be if desired.
If You Fail to Plan, Then You Plan to Fail.
– Benjamin Franklin

Never look back unless you are planning to go that way.
– Henry David Thoreau

image.pngimage.png

1. This 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
2. Next Week July 16 – Backpacking 101 (Land Sharks) @ Activity Field
Uniform – Class B
The Land Sharks will be demonstrating proper techniques for planning for a backpacking outing and meal planning, including how to safely “make water”.
3. Next Next Week July 23 – Gear Check and Trail Planning (Pandas) @ Activity Field
Uniform – Class B
 
The Pandas will be demonstrating proper techniques for planning a hike using orienteering skills that will be applied and necessary during the August campout. 
In addition, any Scouts planning to camp prior to the climbing event on August 3 will be require to show full gear check and meal plan (ideally prepared with a fellow Scout).
4. Troop Outing July 27 
Uniform – Class B
At the PLC meeting this week, Scout will select from the following for the July outing, which will be a day event.
  1.  Fishing/Boating @ Fountainhead Park
  2.  The Water Mine @ Lake Fairfax
  3.  Visit Harper’s Ferry and Hike Maryland Rock
5. Last Summer Climbing Event – August 3 @ Buzzard Rock
Uniform – Class B
Last chance of the summer for some awesome fun rock climbing at Buzzard Rock, which was big hit for the Scouts that climbed during the March campout. The attached waivers are 100% required, no exception, plus $10 equipment fee.
There may also be a camping opportunity Friday evening for Scouts that have earned 1st Class and satisfy shakedown review…this is a backpacking situation with no water source and requires proper gear. More details to follow.
Please indicate your intent to climb using this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b044eaea62ea4f58-893summer

Saturday August 3 – 0800-1600 Buzzard Rock, VA
 
6.  Key Dates
July 9: PLC
Jul 27:  Outing (TBD)
Aug 3: Climbing @ Buzzard Rock
Aug 16-18: Prince William Forest Campout
Aug 27: Back 2 School Troop Picnic @ CUMC Activity Field
Sept 3: Leadership Elections
Sept 20-22:  Outing (TBD)
Sept 28-29: Junior Leadership Training
Oct 1: Fall Court of Honor