Scoutmaster Minute: This weekends outing coincided with the start of our regions seventh heat wave of the summer and “feel-like” temps forecasted to reach triple digits through Wednesday…glad we are back in AC. A big thankyou to Mr. John Organek from the Quantico Orienteering Club for setting up with a great course and a live training exercise. John offered his experience in land navigation competitions to help Scouts understand how to “read” the terrain and select the best route to achieve their destination. Given this new experience, we had 2 teams go out later to various points to test their skills and just in case our radio wizards (Shawn Morrow and David Schuetz) were able to track their movements.  Later that evening 2 Scouts set a course that fellow Scouts ran with success finding all points…and justly rewarded with Klondike Bars.
Not all those who wander are lost.
– J.R.R. Tolkien

Rank Advancement
  • Sai Nallani – Second Class (8/17)

1. This Week Aug 20 – Geo What? (Eagles) @ Activity Field
Uniform – Class B
 The Eagles will continue the navigation theme for the month by sharing some skills associated with the Geochaching Merit Badge. 
Some of the knowledge a skills needed for Orienteering are applicable to geocaching which can be a fun hobby. 
2. Next Week Aug 27 – Troop 893 Back 2 School Picnic  @ Activity Field
Uniform – Class A/B
### We still need volunteers to help setup the activity field, run the bbq pit and grills plus a few other items like plates, cups ice. 
The back to school picnic is coming up on August 27th. This is a time for fellowship with all Troop families! All Troop members are welcome. Please plan to arrive by 6:45 pm at the CUMC activity field pavilion.
Possibility to also demonstrated your gaga ball skills if time permits. That means Class A with Class B underneath if you play to play…again time permitting.
The Troop will provide the hamburgers and hot dogs. Each family should bring soda/chips, side dish, or dessert as assigned by last name below:
A-L     Dessert  
M-R    Soda or other drink & bag of chips
S-Z     Side Dish

3.  Next Next Week Sept 3 – Leadership Elections (ALL)
Uniform – Class A
Father Time keeps on ticking and its time to prepare the next Leadership team for the Fall 19-20 term. The majority of Scouts are now at a rank level where they must also hold a position of responsibility to demonstrate leadership as a requirement to advance. Scouts in interested in running for SPL should see me this week or next.
In order to get credit for a holding a position the Scout must directly engage and participate consistently.
Please review the attached Position Leadership Guide as you think about how you may serve your fellow Scouts in the next term, October 2019-March 2020.
4. After That Sept 10 – Get the Out in Scout (Phoenix/w Philmont Crew Support))
Uniform – Class B
Review and demonstration of techniques to properly pack personnel items and equipment for a backpacking outing. This include a serious review of backpack meal planning, water preparation, bear bags and Leave No Trace principles. It is a pre-shakedown event for the Sept 21-22 outing. The Troop and members have spare backpacks that can be used, so this does not necessarily require the purchase of new equipment. This is excellent chance to get a taste of high adventure and the possibilities that come with the skills and techniques used on this type of outing. We will need confirmation of intent so travel arrangements can be made for all going.
Critical personnel gear:
  • Hiking boots (no sneakers)
  • Two 32oz Nalgene water bottles (minimum)
  • Backpack
  • Sleeping bag
  • Rain gear (ponchos dont work well)
5.  Further Out Sept 17 – Backpacking Gearcheck/Shakedown (ALL)
Uniform – Class A
This meeting will serve as a confirmatory gearcheck and final shakedown for the backpacking out on Sept 21-22 from Paris, VA to Sky Meadows, VA. That means all Scouts attending must arrive to meeting as if they were leaving that evening for the trip. This outing has been setup top provide a introductory level backpacking experience and proper gear is essential, starting with footwear and rain gear which will be reviewed the week prior.
Confirm tentmates and travel logistics/drivers.
6.  Plan Ahead Sept 21-22 – Backpacking Paris to Sky Meadow
Uniform – Class A/B
The following is a rough agenda for this outing. There will be no Troop trailer and all gear/food/water will be in you backpack, including tents.
Perfect opportunity to work on Camping, Cooking, Backpacking or Hiking Merit Badges. Additional details to follow.
Saturday
8:00am Scouts will arrive at CUMC VDOT
8:30am Scouts depart for Appalachian Trail in Paris, VA
10:00am Hike to Sky Meadows begins (~5-6miles)
Lunch on trail
4:00 pm Arrive at Sky Meadows campsite
Sunday
8:00am Hike ~1mi to Sky Meadow parking area
9:45 am Scouts will arrive at CUMC VDOT
7.  Key Dates
Aug 27: Back 2 School Troop Picnic @ CUMC Activity Field
Sept 3: Leadership Elections
Sept 21-22:  Backpacking Paris, VA to Sky Meadows (planning in progress)
Sept 28-29: Junior Leadership Training
Oct 1: Fall Court of Honor