Scoutmaster Minute: There are several signup in this weeks news…please read thoroughly. Otherwise I defer to the Man in Black.
You build on failure.
You use it as a stepping stone.
Close the door on the past.
You do not try to forget the mistakes,
but you do not dwell on it.
You do not let it have any of your energy,
or any of your time,
or any of your space.
— Johnny Cash.
- This Week Sept 17 – Backpacking Gearcheck/Shakedown (Pandas/w Philmont Alumni Support)
Uniform – Class B
Bring $15 for grubmaster …dont forget.
This outing has been setup top provide a introductory level backpacking experience and proper gear is essential, starting with footwear and rain gear which was discussed last week.
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.
We will confirm tentmates and travel logistics/drivers.
Meal planning…here are some very simple suggestions that can be organized between 2 tentmates or as a group/patrol. It is critical to get plenty of protein…ramen will not satify.
https://backpackers.com/how-to-prepare-homemade-backpacking-meals/
https://www.greenbelly.co/pages/backpacking-food-ideas
Breakfast Example – Oatmeal breakfast is a great fast start, just requires some warm/hot water. Make sure you also include some morning fortification for the trail (granola bar, gummy fruit snack, yougut rain sack)
- Store bought packets are nice and make great handwarmers while eating, but can be expensive.
- Alternative – Add the following to a sandwich ziplock bag: 1/2 cup oatmeal, rasins, brown sugar and 1 tbsp powered milk (change ingredients to suite taste)
Lunch Example (2 people/no cook) – Sleeve/single box of saltine crackers, foil pack of flavored tuna or salmon, oreos, jolly rancher, peanut butter crackers, pack 2 person meal into 1 gal ziplock (then use this for trash)
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Diner Example – It would be great to see something other than a Mountain house meals, they are easy but expensive. See attached for additional ideas and links above
#### At minimum a few pots need to make the trip for boiling/purifying water, cleanup etc.
Here is a look as what I may have for my 3 meals…happy to share. Note: Chicken in foil pack is sometimes tough to find but Giant & Walmart seem to carry it.
Key Point – minimize packaging waste and weight before leaving the house.
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- 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.
Permission slip for this event is attached…no exceptions…hard copy only and we don’t have a printer in parking lot so be prepared!
Saturday
8:00 am Scouts will arrive at CUMC VDOT
8:30 am Scouts depart for Appalachian Trail in Paris, VA
10:00 am Hike to Sky Meadows begins (~5-6miles)
Lunch on trail
4:00 pm Arrive at Sky Meadows campsite
Sunday
8:30 am Hike ~1mi to Sky Meadow parking area
10:00 am Scouts will arrive at CUMC VDOT (possibly earlier depending on how motivated after breakfast)
- 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.
- ATTENTION 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.
Final position roster is forth coming.
NOTE: We are short a Scribe, Historian, Outdoor Ethics Guide, and Instructors.
We will also need adult assistance for breakfast, snacks, and lunch.
- 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
- Fundraiser Show & Sell Dates
Uniform Class A
We need all Scouts to participate in at least 2 show & sell events which should cover basic programming needs. The more we sell the more interesting opportunities we can provide the Scouts. This includes a possible lock-in at a climbing center, some winter snow tubing or possibly a little charter fishing on the Chesapeake Bay. Each of the remaining dates will be held at the Walmart in Chantilly.
10/5 – https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0c45aeac2fa75-105
10/19 – https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0c45aeac2fa75-1019
- Plan Ahead Troop Outing Oct 11-13 – Mountain Man Rendezvous
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.
Please indicate if you plan to attend https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040C4EA9A9292-fall1
| 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
Sept 29: Junior Leadership Training @ Activity Field
Oct 1: Fall Court of Honor
Oct 11-13: Mountain Man Rendezvous
Nov 2: Scouting for Food – Bag Drop
Nov 9: Scouting for Food – Bag Pickup
Nov 15-17: Mission Impossible