Scoutmaster Moment
Each week at our meetings we recite the Scout Oath and Law. There are times when  we say the words as the first step past to the “real fun” of the meeting.  But sometimes it can be good to think about the words in the context of the moment we’re in. That moment may be fleeting; holding the door open a bit longer for another person – as Scout is Helpful.  Or require more effort when faced with peer pressure to act other than you know is right – A Scout is Brave.  Lately, there are times where many points of the Law may be called upon as each day brings new announcements and we are home rather than going about our usual routine. A Scout is Cheerful, Helpful, Obedient and Clean.  All these are good points to consider as we help around the house, use time well to work on projects that may otherwise have been delayed or missed by our busy lives running about, practice social distancing and wash our hands.
Meeting Link
Due to recent incidents of “Zoombombing”, the meeting link for this week’s virtual meeting will be sent out the day of the meeting. We are also abiding by updated BSA and NCAC guidance on meeting configuration settings to ensure meeting security.  
 
Summer Camp
We will be submitting final registrations and payments for our July 5-11 Summer Camp at Bechtel Summit Reserve later this month.  If you want to go and have not yet signed up please reach out to me or Mr. Barnett soon.  
CyberChip – Signed Pledge
If you have not sent in a photo or scan of the grade-level appropriate Internet Pledge with your signature and a parent signature please do so ASAP.  This is needed for attending virtual meetings.  I still have scouts missing!
TROOP MEETING OUTLOOK
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and compliance with the need for social distancing, in-person troop meetings are on hold. Please see the 3/14 joint email from Mr. Morley for more details and 893 plans for this Spring. Leadership continues to discuss the situation and work towards continuing Scouting now, and and when we can meet again in person. For now, we are looking at options for some leadership training to be online and cancelling our Court of Honor and the New Scout Campout until we can meet – more to come.
 
This Week – 4/7 – **VIRTUAL** Patrol Leader Council
Uniform: Class A – tan button-down
Location: Zoom App (meeting link info to be sent day of meeting)
 
Each scout should  come prepared with an idea for troop meeting activity suitable for virtual meetings.
Ideas can be found within the Program Resources book (linked here, and will be physically present during discussion). Some upcoming meetings should include welcoming new scouts to the troop and helping them ramp up skills while polishing/advancing those of current scouts.

http://www.programresources.org/activities/

Meetings can include pre-recorded videos as demo that are then incorporated into discussion/activity (these short be short, and not the full meeting).  Activities towards merit badge requirements can be used, but meetings devoted to single meeting badge is not encouraged.  Similar is true of NOVA Awards.  There are also 30-day challenges for rank advancement that could be leveraged.

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.
All scouts should be in Class A uniform, with their handbook, as well as paper & pen/pencil.  Leadership positions are asked to act on their area (any needed supplies from QM, Scribe taking notes on discussion).
Scouts in leadership positions should be prepared to provide an update of their activities in that position supporting the troop (what is completed, what may be needed).  This will help new leadership coming in,
 
Our meeting begins at 7pm, the online joining will be enabled at 6:45.  It can be run from your browser or the app (app is generally recommended) from your phone or a laptop (laptop makes some activities easier).
THINGS TO DO FROM HOME
Merit Badges: 
  • See my 3/21 email for info on how merit badges work, and the troop process for opening a badge 
  • Finish open badges from MBU (or others)
  • Start a new badge (talk to me to formally open it).
    • Good candidates are those that include tracking activities over many weeks, such as Family Life  Personnel Fitness  and Personal Management
    • Public Health is a highly relevant topic one now (and perhaps appropriate to earn during a pandemic)
    • Our troop has many counselors available to work with you using technology, and across NCAC and further others are offering to assist scouts with badges to help keep everyone busy (not bored)
    • Online MB sessions
 
Rank Advancement
Review your Scout Handbook, work on your skills so you can get items signed off.  You can discuss with other scouts too. See 30-day challenges for rank advancement ideas.
 
Read a book, so many to choose from!  Here are some suggestions:
 
OTHER NEWS & INFO
2021 National Jamboree – 21-30 July 2021, Bechtel Summit Reserve, WV
The BSA National Jamboree occurs every four years for 10 days and is held at the same location as our 2020 summer camp. As a national event there are scouts from all over the country, and some international scouts may participate.
  • Registration is now open, anyone interested must register as an individual and Jamboree Troops are formed by each Council.
  • A participating Scout must be at least 12 by the first day, and cannot be older than 18 by the last day.
  • Adults can register as leaders for a Council-formed troop, or to volunteer to help work camp.  Young adults (18-25) can register to volunteer as well.
  • There are past Jamboree participants in the 893 Boy Troop (including Mr. Treat and DJ Treat), I’m sure they would be happy to talk about their adventures
  • Jamboree is 10 days of friends, fun and adventure, 7/21-30/2021.  Cost for participant is $1,175
  • Official website: https://jamboree.scouting.org 
Key Dates (mark your calendar)

also available from Troopmaster subscription calendar

Dates in gray are dependent upon COVID-19 response

Apr 14 – Spring CoH
May 1-3 – New Scout Campout (New Date)
May 22-24 – 893 Annual Family Canoe Trip
Jul 5-11 – Summer Camp (Summit Bechtel)