Scoutmaster Moment

Tomorrow, 11 Nov, is Veteran’s Day as celebrated in the US as a day to recognize and thank all those who have served in our Armed Forces.  Other countries also celebrate this day, some call it Remembrance Day, once upon a time all called it Armistice Day in celebration of ending what was then referred to as “the War to End all Wars”. In many countries red poppies are worn to commemorate the day.  Now we know the end of World War I and the peace that followed would be relatively short-lived.  The history of Scouting is tied up in this war too, as Lord Baden-Powell feared his dream of the Scouting Movement creating peace had been destroyed.  Instead, what he started thrived once hostilities ended, and Scouts around the world have been there to help rebuild their communities after conflict and natural disaster.  The 24th World Jamboree this summer with tens of thousands of scouts from around the world getting to know each other well proves his dream is alive and well.

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
  That mark our place; and in the sky
  The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
  Loved and were loved, and now we lie
      In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
  The torch; be yours to hold it high.
  If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
      In Flanders fields.

– John McCrae

 

This Week – 11/12 – Troop Meeting
Uniform: Class A
Location: CUMC Chapel

Shakedown for Mission Impossible campout

  • meal planning, duty rosters…
  • final prep for MI afternoon station for Webelos

This Week – 11/15-17 – Mission Impossible Campout
Uniform: Class A/B
Location: Izaak Walton League

Some of you attended as a visiting participant last year, now you get to help run it!  This is a campout that our linked troop looks forward to each year, this year you’ll get to experience the full campout.  Saturday afternoon area Webelos and other prospective 893 Scouts will come visit our camp to see what makes 893 Simply The Best.  In the evening the adults will prep dinner and run stations for 893 patrols to go through.

All scouts must bring the signed permission slip (attached) and provide to SPL upon arrival to the campout.

Pack for the weather! This is one of the coldest campouts, temps are expected to fall below freezing overnight.  Be sure to pack warm layers, and plan to dress in clean dry layers overnight (see the “sleeping warm” attachment). Layers during the day are important too, long johns and wool socks are great investment!

Adult support is needed for this campout!  Adults do not need to camp overnight if they don’t wish to, help will be needed with dinner and evening stations.  

Next Week – 11/19 – PLC
Uniform: Class A
Location: CUMC Chapel

Each scout should arrive with one or more meeting plan or activity ideas.  The QM can use PLC time to coordinate with QMs from boys troop if needed.  I would also like to tag up with the Den Chiefs.

(Heavily borrowed from Mr. Morley since it is good stuff) 

Since we may have Webelos attending some of the meetings over the next several weeks, activities should be oriented with their participation in mind, and meetings should include a gathering activity as introduction. 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. 

 

Meeting Outlook from September Planning

  • November Theme – Pets
  • December – January Theme – Klondike Skills
  • February – TBD
  • March – TBD

 

Upcoming Service Opportunities 

Providing service is a key part of Scouting, to do our daily good turn. Helping others often in turn helps ourselves with new experiences and opportunities for growth. This is built into requirements for most ranks. This section is to list any upcoming service opportunities that may help the Community, and progress in your trail to Eagle, this list is not inclusive and there are many other activities in the area that are also worthwhile.  Activities listed here are Scoutmaster approved, if you have other activities you would like to do be sure to check with me if you would like them to count towards scout service requirements.

  • CUMC Grace Ministries is a monthly program through our charter organization 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/

 

Key Dates (mark your calendar)
also available from Troopmaster subscription calendarNov 15-17 – Mission Impossible

  • Dec 6 – Lock in (overnight inside)
  • TBD – Astronomy MB stargazing will be rescheduled