Scoutmaster Minute

The idea of resetting clocks back an hour in the fall and forward an hour in the spring was first suggested by Benjamin Franklin in his essay “An Economical Project for Diminishing the Cost of Light,” which was published in the Journal de Paris in April 1784. During World War I, there was widespread adoption in many counties in an effort to preserve coal. Following the war many countries abandoned the practice. Several U.S. cities retained daylight savings including New York so that its financial exchanges could maintain an hour of trading with London, and Chicago and Cleveland to keep pace with New York.  It was not until the passage of the Uniform Time Act of 1966 that the United States standardized the dates for beginning and ending daylight savings. However, I must concur 100% with the following observation as is relates to this foolish practice. 
(These factoids were excerpted from several sources.)

 

Only the government would believe that if you could cut a foot off the top of a blanket, sew it to the bottom, and have a longer blanket.
– Old American Indian Wiseman   

 

1. This Week Nov 5 – No Meeting

Scouts are encourage to go the to polling station with a parent to observe democracy in action. Also take a little time to check your gear in preparation for Mission Impossible.

ACTION ITEM: We need adult support during Mission Impossible to make this a successful event…no camping required. 
Please indicate your willingness to help by signing up online.

2. Also This Week: Scouting for Food – Pickup, Saturday, Nov 9 

Uniform Class A

We need much greater participation than we had for the bag drop yesterday. We will also require 2 or more vehicles for food collection for each Patrol. Scouts are encouraged to knock on doors since folks often forget to put items out but are typically very willing to contribution when reminded. This has made a huge difference in the past. Following collection, patrols will return to our sorting site at Centre Ridge Elementary to organize the goods before delivery to the Sully District.

Patrol Leader or Designee are reminded to take attendance and estimate of time spent. Be safe, dont run, look both ways when crossing streets, and use buddy system.

  • Eagles – 8:45am at Wegmans (Fairfax)
  • Pandas & Nova Corp – 8:45am at Eagle View Elementary
  • Phoenix – 8:45am in the CUMC parking lot
  • Titans – 8:45am in the CUMC parking lot 
  • Land Sharks – 8:45am in lower part of Cinemark parking lot

 

3. 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.

Scouts should bring $15 for grubmaster and each Patrol will prepare duty roster and meal plan.

Patrols wills also provide final plans for their Mission Impossible stations to the SPL and ASPL New Scouts.

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

 

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.

All Scouts must print and bring signed copy of the attached permission slip and turn into the SPL on Friday, Nov 15 or upon arrival at the event. No exceptions.

 

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.  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