Scoutmaster Minute

Fall is moving quickly and as the leaves turn, the clocks will soon follow. The latter is certainly one of the most useless acts imposed on all citizens. That being said, next week I would remind everyone to get to the polls and exercise your right to vote. We are all free to express our own political views and interests, but it is all for nothing if not exercised. Scouts are encouraged to go along with a parent an observe the simplicity of the process and collective power its represents. Perhaps something to be gained for one of the three Citizenship merit badges Scouts are required to earn for Eagle.

I am an American; free born and free bred, where I acknowledge no man as my superior, except for his own worth, or as my inferior, except for his own demerit.
― Theodore Roosevelt

1. This Week Oct 29 – Spooky Scout Mystery (Phoenix)
Uniform Class A

A. Scouting Spirits will be afloat for this meeting. There will be a costume competition, so show off your ghoulish and ghastly creativity…Scout Uniform excluded.

B. Each patrol will also review plans for distributing Scouting for Food info/bags on Saturday, Nov 2. 

C. Patrols should be making/reviewing plans for Mission Impossible, including review of the stations they will be running for the AOL Scouts.

  • Eagles – Shelter Building
  • Pandas – Axe Yard
  • Phoenix – Bear Bag Relay & Knots
  • Titans – Fire building/Cooking
  • Land Sharks – Obstacle Course

 

2. Next Week Nov 5 – No Meeting

 

3. Next Next Week Nov 12 – Bear Bag Challenge & Mission Impossible Shakedown (Titans)
Uniform Class A

Titans will be testing scout ability to raise a bear bag to secure “smellables”…a key skill when camping in bear country. This includes multiple knots skills as well.

 

4. Mission Impossible – Nov 15-17 @ Izaak Walton League
Uniform Class A/B 

As many of you already know this is often one of the best events of the year. During the day we have the opportunity to visit with AOL Scouts and demonstrate various scouting skills and show why Troop 893 is SIMPLY THE BEST. 

Then in the evening each Patrol will compete in a variety of events in the evening

 

5. After That Nov 19 – Patrol Leader Council (PLC)
Uniform Class A

Patrol Leaders should arrive with one or more meeting plan/activity using the attached template. Since we will likely have Webelos attending some of the meetings over the next several weeks, activities should be oriented with their participation in mind. The link below can help with meeting ideas that can make for combination of scout skills and fun. The attached meeting plan template will be used by ASM Programs and SPL for all meetings. If you can bring these completed to the PLC meeting, it will improve the flow and perhaps allow us to look ahead a little further to some other events.http://www.programresources.org/activities/

  • Purposes of Troop Meetings
  • Prepare for outings. 
  • Learn and practice Scouting skills. 
  • Exercise leadership. 
  • Strengthen patrols. 
  • Promote advancement and personal growth. 
  • Inspire Scouts. 
  • Have fun. 

 

6. Service Hours

A. Robert Taylor Eagle Project, Sunday, November 3, 9:00am

This project will building and repairing wood palettes for the WFCM Community Food Bank and in preparation for Scouting for Food deliveries on Nov 9. See attached flyer and talk with Robert at the next meeting.

 

B. Scouting For Food – Nov 2 & Nov 9

Please mark your calendars to support the bag drop on Saturday Nov. 2 and food collection on Saturday, Nov. 9.
Each patrol will be assigned a neighborhood in which they will distribute bags and then the following week pickup donations. This effort requires adult coverage and support for safety and transportation, including pickup.

C. CUMC Holiday Bazaar – Saturday, November 2. 

They are seeking support in the morning from 7:00-9:00 a.m. and/or the afternoon from 2:30-4:00 p.m. to help vendors transport their items to and from church. Pat Wolfe, President Centreville United Methodist Women is the point of contact, please let her know if you plan to support.

D. Grace Ministries 

CUMC has a monthly program held on the 2nd Saturday of each month, with prep the Friday night before hand, help is needed at both the Friday set up and on Saturday morning to bring goods to cars

More info can be found under Grace Ministries on the CUMC Food Ministries page: http://centreville-umc.org/serve-outreach/food-ministries/

 

7.  Key Dates

  • Nov 2: Scouting for Food – Bag Drop
  • Nov 3: Robert Taylor Eagle Project
  • Nov 9: Scouting for Food – Bag Pickup
  • Nov 15-17: Mission Impossible