Scoutmaster Minute:  As we hurdle towards an insane amount of screen time and eye strain come Sept 8, I am very pleased that we are finally back to putting the Outing in Scouting. Yes I have been waiting a long time to say that. Really looking forward to this long over due campout to bring our New Scouts into the fold with some new skills and adventures. Everyone seemed pretty excited last week as they started to build meal plans and the prospect of not being surrounded by 4 walls. The key to success is to listen and leverage the resources we have provided to help each Scout BE PREPARED. That means reading this message to know that Scouts must to pay the grub master $15 on Tuesday and New Scouts must make sure their gear is ready (use the permission slip). Given the time of year, there is always the possibility for rain. If your prepared, no problem. Not being prepared is a recipe for misery…most of us have been there, most likely because we refused to listen and thought we knew better. Trust the permission slip, it is very wise and experienced. In the end, if it does rains, don’t fret, its only temporary. Consider also that we are only gone for approximately 40.5 hours/2,430 minutes/145,800 seconds…it’s really not long, especially when factoring in sleep for ~16 hours, meaning it’s really only 24.5 hours/1,470 minutes/88,200 seconds. Attitude is everything. A Positive Attitude + Teamwork = Success and Smiles.
 

Do not be like the cat who wanted a fish, but was afraid to get his paws wet. 
– William Shakespeare

 
MEETINGS/ACTIVITIES
Those attending any Troop related activity must comply with the following (additional details attached):

  • Sick individuals must stay home 
  • Individuals must take their temperature the day of the gathering and may NOT attend if their temperature is greater than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Face coverings are required for all individuals at any gathering and must be worn for the entire duration of the gathering.
  • No one with symptoms of COVID-19 or known exposure to COVID-19 in the prior 14 days is allowed to attend any gathering.
Please email myself and Mr. Taylor (paul@paul-taylor.com) if you have any questions


1. This Week AUG 011: Final Shakedown for New Scout Campout 
Uniform – Class B (unless seeking Scoutmaster Conf, Board of Review, or Eagle Project Review)  

MEETING WILL BE AT THE CUMC ACTIVITY FIELD

PART A. At this meeting Patrols will review and finalize meal plans for the New Scout Campout which will take place at Prince William Forest on August 14-16.
ALL those attending campout must bring $15 for the grubmaster (Scouts & Adults)

## ATTENTION: New Scouts should come on Tuesday (8/11) prepared for an overnight camping trip. (Tenderfoot 1a). Basically pack as you would for an actual campout and at meeting we will inspect to ensure readiness.
The checklist on the permission slip is your friend. Use the lessons from last week and pack your own bag, you need to know where to find your stuff, especially flashlight and rain gear.
NOTE: Rain gear tends to be the key missing item…top and bottom.

Tenting – Scouts will have 4 options (2nd Class  Req 1a). The Troop will provide tents as needed.

  1. Solo tent (All)
  2. Hammock (Scoutmaster permission)
  3. Two Scouts, siblings or signed permission of both parents
  4. Scout with Parent (ONLY New Scouts)

Gear  – In addition to the items on the permission slip (attached), the following are mandatory:

  • Mask – Troop 893 will provide 1 reusable mask to Scouts with priority to those attending the campout.
  • Hand Sanitizer – Each Scout should have a small personal bottle with them at all times as part of safety protocol. The Troop will have large bottles on site, but hygiene starts with the Scout.
  • Water Bottle – Reminder this is already required. Recommend a Nalgene or similar bottle that can be fully sealed.
PART B. We will provide Class B t-shirts to New Scouts that have not received one.
We will also be selling extra Class B’s for $15.
There is also a limited number of the blue 2019 summer camp shirts available for $5.
Cash and checks only.
 
2. New Scout Campout @ Prince William Forest Aug 14-16
  Uniform – Class A

A. All Scouts should arrive @CUMC by 6pm on Friday, August 14
B. We always travel to/from campouts in Class A uniform
C. Upon arrival @CUMC a Scout (not parent) must check in with the Senior Patrol Leader and turn in permission slip (hard copy, no exceptions).
D. Scouts will not be making dinner Friday evening, so please be sure to eat something prior to departure.
E. Transportation

  • All Scouts attending must be transported by a parent to/from CUMC and the camping site on Friday evening and Sunday morning.
  • Entrance fee is $20 (good for 7 days), which can be paid online.

F. Event Schedule (rough outline)
8/14 Friday

6pm  – All Scouts arrive at CUMC to load gear, collect permission slips and take attendance.

8pm –  Arrive/Setup Camp @ Turkey Ridge, Site E

10pm – Lights out

8/15 Saturday

7am – Wake up/Breakfast

9am – Skills Stations (Scout/Tenderfoot/2nd Class)

Noon – Lunch

1pm – 5 mile Hike (2nd Class 3b)

6pm – Dinner

8pm – Communications merit badge class have prepared a campfire program.

10pm – Lights out

8/16 Sunday

7am – Wake up/Breakfast

8am – Scouts Own Service

9am – Depart for CUMC (drivers should arrive to campsite by 8:30, we will not depart until all have a ride)

 
3. Next Week AUG 18: Service Hours @CUMC & Friends of Scouting
Uniform – Class B    
 
A. Scouts will continue with the cleanup around CUMC that was started on July 28. This may also include spreading gravel near Troop shed for the Troop Trailer. 
B. Parents are encouraged to participate in a Friends of Scouting meeting that will take place online (link to be sent prior to meeting). See attached for additional background.
 
 
4. Eagle Project Service Hours – Darius Patterson
Darius is seeking help on August 22 to support the restoration work he has planned with a ministry home in West Virginia (approx 1 drive).
Additional details are included in the attached flyer.
Please email him at dariusjp13@gmail.com to confirm your attendance.

Key Dates
Aug 14-16: Prince William Forest Campout
Aug 18: Friends of Scouting
Aug 18: Service Hours @ CUMC
Aug 22: Eagle Project – Darius Patterson
Sept 8: First Day of School