Scoutmaster Minute: Since the school year is well underway…a few thoughts for consideration and perspective.
Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail.
— Ralph Waldo EmersonPatience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish.
— John Quincy AdamsLet hope inspire you, but let not idealism blind you.
— Don Henley
1. This Week Sept 10 – Get the Out in Scout (Phoenix/w Philmont Alumni Support)
Uniform – Class A
Review and demonstration of techniques to properly pack personnel items and equipment for a backpacking outing. This includes a serious review of backpack meal planning, water preparation, bear bags and Leave No Trace principles. This is a pre-shakedown event for the Sept 21-22 outing, but even if not attending this is excellent training. We will be using the Troops high adventure tents on this outing since regular tents are not designed for backpacking
The Troop and members have spare backpacks that can be used, so this does not necessarily require the purchase of new equipment.
This outing 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 ASAP so travel arrangements can be made for all going.
Adults please advise if you are able to shuttle Saturday and/or Sunday for pickup.
Critical personnel gear (required):
- Hiking boots (no sneakers, no exceptions)
- Two 32oz Nalgene water bottles (minimum – 4 is better)
- Backpack & raincover
- Sleeping bag
- Rain gear, top and bottom (ponchos dont work well)
2. Next Sept 17 – Backpacking Gearcheck/Shakedown (Pandas/w Philmont Alumni Support)
Uniform – Class B
This meeting will serve as a confirmatory gear check 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.
3. Troop Outing 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
4. Next Next Week Sept 24 – Recruiting/Mini-Troop Showcase (ALL Patrols) @ CUMC Activity Field
Uniform – Class A/B
This meeting be opportunity to showcase Troop resources and Scouting skills to Arrow of Light Scouts that may be interested in joining Troop 893 in the Spring. Scouts will led several stations to share skills, such as those needed at the fall camporee such a signs & signals in the form of semaphore. Other stations will provide a little lite cooking, tent assemble and lashing a camp gadget.
5. After That Sept 29 – Junior Leadership Training (New Term Leadership) @ CUMC Activity Field
Uniform – Class A
Important: All scouts in leadership positions are expected to attend troop leadership training on Sunday, 29 September from 8:30AM to approximately 4:00PM.
We will do team building exercises (games!) and conduct refreshers on troop organization, position responsibilities, basic leadership skills, and begin planning troop activities for the next 6 months.
We will also need adult assistance for breakfast, snacks, and lunch.
6. And Then Oct 1 – Fall Court of Honor (All Families)
Uniform – Class A (MB or OA Sash)
- The Troop 893 Fall 2019 Court of Honor will be held at Centreville United Methodist Church in the Sanctuary, starting at 7 pm. All Troop 893 scouts, families, and friends are invited and encouraged to attend. Scouts will be receiving Merit Badges, Rank Cards, and other recognition’s that they have earned over the past 6 months. We will also recognize new members of Troop 893 and induct the new youth leadership for the next six month term.
- The reception will be followed with snacks and fellowship. For the reception, each family is asked to bring something to share as designated by last name, per below. When you leave, please plan to take leftovers of what you brought.
A – L: Beverage (one 2-liter bottle)
M – Z: Small dessert/snack
7. Plan Ahead Troop Outing Oct 11-13 – Mountain Man Rendezvous
Uniform – Class A/B
Uniform – Class A/B
For the fall camporee will we will travel to the Harpers Ferry area for a Mountain Man Rendezvous. Here are some of the activities and skills that will challenge Scouts and will likely be the focus for several meetings between now and then.
| Foosball | Agility Trail | Knife throwing | Giant slingshot |
| Signals and codes | Fire building | Knots and lashing | Map and compass |
| Tomahawk throwing | Archery | Lumberjack (caber) toss | Climbing wall |
| Blacksmithing | Trading post | Shelter building | Cooking |
| Branding | First Aid | 2-man sawing | Trapping |
8. Key Dates
Sept 21-22: Backpacking Paris, VA to Sky Meadows (planning in progress)Sept 29: Junior Leadership Training @ Activity FieldOct 1: Fall Court of HonorOct 11-13: Mountain Man RendezvousNov 2: Scouting for Food – Bag DropNov 9: Scouting for Food – Bag PickupNov 15-17: Mission Impossible