Scoutmaster Minute

GRIT = passion and perseverance for long-term and meaningful goals. This is a trait that the Scouting journey seeking to instill in our young people. It is easy to be distracted by electronics and social media that offer instant gratification misdirect us from seeing the big picture. The quick, small and meaningless “rewards” from a game or SnapChat preys on our basic social desire for acceptance and ‘the win”. Spending hours leveling up on an Xbox game will not help you finish that English paper or be more prepared for a sporting competition. There is plenty of time for fun, but to succeed one must take a few moments to map out where you want to go..or you will never get there. Time to show some GRIT.

 

Don’t neglect the future in times of plenty, for tomorrow you may need what you wasted today. 
– Aesop, “The Ants and the Grasshopper”

 

1. This Week Jan 28: Scout Skills/ First aid carry relays (Phoenix)
Uniform Class A 

This meeting will integrate some healthy competition and life safety skills. The Troop will likely also be hosting AOL Scouts so will need all of you to make them feel welcome.

Please take a moment to register for Merit Badge University before Tuesday on the SignUp Genius website. 
If class is full, please make note and advise ASM Matt Conner 

2. Next Week Feb 4: First Aid Baseball (Titans)

Uniform Class A 

Meeting development is is progress, but would be wise to review Scout Handbooks First Aid so your patrol can “hit” a home run.

3. Do a Good Deed Feb 6: Pack 893 Pinewood Derby
Uniform Class A 

Pack 893 is holding its annual Pinewood Derby on Thursday, February 6th, at the Centre Ridge Elementary School at  14400 New Braddock Road, Centreville VA 20121. 

Volunteers are needed from 6:00 PM until 8:30 to assist in setting up the track, organizing the races, and judging the “Best Car” categories. Refreshments will also be served.   

Volunteers should email Mr. Staton to sign up.  

4. Next Next Week Feb 11: TBD (Eagles)
Uniform Class A 

Meeting development is is progress.

5. After That  Week Feb 18: PLC Mtg (All in Leadership Positions)
Uniform Class A 

Patrol Leaders and others in position of responsibility should arrive with one or more meeting plan/activity using the attached template. 
Since we will likely have New Scouts joining us over the next several weeks, a few of the meetings 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.

PRIORITY: The attached meeting plan template will be used by ASM Programs and SPL for all meetings. If you can bring a draft to the PLC meeting, it will improve the flow and allow us to look ahead a little further to some other events.
http://www.programresources.org/activities/

 

6.  Key Dates

  • Feb 2: Merit Badge University (MBU)
  • Feb 9: MBU
  • Feb 18: PLC Mtg
  • Feb 23: MBU           
  • Mar 3: Leadership Elections
  • Mar 20-22 Outing TBD
  • Mar 29: Leadership Training (JLT)
  • Mar 31: Spring Court of Honor
  • May 1-3: New Scout Campout (New Date)
  • May 22-24: Annual Family Canoe Trip
  • July 5-11: Summer Camp @Summit Bechtel