Scoutmaster Minute:  Last weekend of summer break, hope you have all had a chance to get out and enjoy it. Most of you missed a great hike Saturday on the First Manassas Trail… weather was perfect and several new scouts finished the 5 mile hike for 2nd Class. Today, I checked out a segment of the Cub Run Valley trail, disappointed I never explored before. This is another great out and back hike we can use for the 5 miler for those that missed it. Speaking of outing, I hope folks are able to gather next Saturday for a little fishing.

I go to nature to be soothed and healed,
and to have my senses put in order.

–  John Burroughs
 
RANK ADVANCEMENT
  • Brendan Wilson – Star (9/1/20)
 
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.
 
REMINDER – Begin gathering paperwork to close out Blue Cards on or before the Sept 15 meeting.
1. This Week SEP 8: Get Oriented (Pandas) @ Activity Field
  Uniform – Class B (unless seeking rank advancement)
The Pandas will be helping Nova Corp members, and frankly all Scouts, review and learn how to orient a map, develop a pace count and follow a simple course. This is also an opportunity for Scouts to start or work on elements of Camping and Orienteering merit badges if they have not already done so.
It also means that you should bring a compass which should already be part of your ten essentials.
2. OUTING SEP 12: Silver Lake (LandSharks) 6-7:30pm
  Uniform – Class B
The Land Sharks introduced the key knots from the Fishing Merit Badge last week. One of the requirements is catching a fish. The Land Sharks have planned a friendly fishing competition to see who hook the first fish, the biggest and last fish of the evening. So grab your tackle, bait and favorite pole and come out for fun. Scouts will try their luck bank fishing for bluegill and largemouth bass fish.
### All those age 16 and over must have a valid Virginia fishing license if you plan to fish. These can be purchased online at GoOutdoorsVirginia.com or at many WalMarts or Dick’s Sporting Goods.
Please arrive by 6pm at Silver Lake Park, 16198 Silver Lake Rd, Haymarket, VA 20169, which is just past Camp Snyder.
3. Next Next Week SEP 15: Leadership Election (ALL) @ Activity Field
  Uniform – Class A
It is that time of year again when we need to prepare for a transition to the next Scout Leadership Team. All Scouts should be thinking about how they can provide service to the Troop as a leader to give back and help those that have helped them advance.
Positions of Responsibility are especially critical for Scouts seeking to advance to Star, Life and Eagle, but many are open to all Scouts. There are many options, so please review the attached document if you’re not familiar with a position or would like to know more. You could also talk to the Scout current in the position. Yes talk, primitive I know, but highly effective when exercised properly.
Any Scout considering the position of Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) should make that known to me ASAP, if you have not already done so.
Elections are held Troop wide for SPL and within a Patrol for Patrol Leader. All other positions require a Scout to add their name to the list for consideration by the new SPL and Scoutmaster.
In all cases you must be present to be considered. If for some reason you are unable to attend please see me ASAP.
If all goes well,the Titans will be organizing a GaGa Ball competition.
Nova Corp members should wear Class B and come prepared to perform fitness requirements for Tenderfoot.
4. Eagle Court of Honor SEP 21: Ryan Mendez @ Activity Field
  Uniform – Class A
Please join us in celebrating Ryan Mendez for completing the rank of Eagle.
This gathering will take place at the Activity Field starting promptly at 6pm on Monday, Sept 21.
5. Eagle Project OCT 03: Jonathan Lee Union Mills Elementary School
  Uniform – Class B
Build a butterfly garden at Union Mill Elementary School (see attachment), October 3rd, at 9am until finished, no later than 2pm
This is an excellent opportunity to earn conservation service hours.
What to bring: a shovel/rake, water bottle, work gloves, and a mask.
5. Future Meetings
  • Sep 22 – Testing Your Knottin (Phoenix)
  • Sep 29 – Iron Chef (Eagles)
  • Oct 6 – Fall Court of Honor (All)
  • Oct 13 – Public Health MB (Phoenix)

6. Looking Ahead Oct 6 – Fall Court of Honor (All Families)

Uniform – Class A (MB or OA Sash) 
 
The Troop 893 Fall 2020 Court of Honor will be held at Centreville United Methodist Church on the Activity Field (unless we can go inside), starting at 7 pm. All Troop 893 Scouts and families are invited and encouraged to attend. Scouts will be receiving Merit Badges, rank advancement recognition that they have earned over the past 12 months since we were unable to do this in the Spring.
We will also recognize new members of Troop 893 and induct the new youth leadership for the next six month term.
 
SUMMER CAMP REFUNDS
Summer Camp Refunds have been processed and families who had paid some or all money towards summer camp 2020 should be receiving a check from BB&T Bank by Sept 2, 2020.
If you have any questions, please contact Steve Barnett (sbarnett1066@gmail.com), Ernie Barreto (ernie_barreto@yahoo.com), or Knut Skare (kskare@kskares.com).
The Summer Camp Team will begin collecting money in Jan / Feb 2021 for next year’s summer camp which is scheduled for June 20-26, 2021 at Camp Justice.
 
Key Dates
Sept 8: First Day of School
Sept 12: Fishing @ Silver Lake
Sept 15: Leadership Elections
Sept 21: Mendez Eagle COH
Oct 3: Lee Eagle Project
Oct 4: Leadership Training
Oct 6: Fall Court of Honor
Oct 10-12: Outing TBD
Nov 6-8: Mission Impossible Campout