Scoutmaster Moment
The Scout motto is “Be Prepared”, we do this in many ways in our Scouting activities, and hopefully those lessons also seep into other aspects of our lives.  We prepare for hikes and campouts by starting with the Ten Essentials.  We prepare with plans, with lists, with knowing where to find needed items within our homes (coats, day packs, flashlights).  We prepare for bad weather like winter storms, hurricanes, and more with stocking our homes with needed food items, water, flashlights and other necessities. Bryan on Scouting had a good article on Election Day Ten Essentials, as lines are expected to be longer this year. Scouts are too young to vote, but are aware of elections and can play a supporting role. Scouts can help parents be prepared for Election Day, and in the past have been a major player in reminding adults to turn out and vote on Election Day (see the article).  This year, remind your loved ones to vote if they haven’t yet, and to be prepared with the voting 10 essentials.
“We do not have government by the majority. We have government by the majority who participate.”
– Thomas Jefferson
“Someone struggled for your right to vote. Use it.”
– Susan B. Anthony
Photos
Monster Golf Troop Outing (10/27)
Final Day of Hornaday Project Workday (10/31)
Christina A. Eagle Project (10/17-19), Insect and Bee hotels
Announcements
Adult support needed for Mission Impossible this weekend!  This campout involves stations run by adults for scouts to come through as part of the evening contest (station activities are already designed, so only support on the day is needed).
THERE ARE LOTS OF WAYS TO HELP
ALL are welcome…
NO camping necessary…
NO experience needed…
simply a willingness to help and have fun
Summer Canoe Trip
Mr. Chris Wilson of 893B is looking into a Goshen Scout Reservation high adventure can trip down the James River.  Crew is 8-12 people with available dates in July 2021, and there are some prerequisites: 13 years or older and prior canoe experience (like Canoeing MB).  This trip looks pretty fun.
Please contact 893B ASM Chris Wilson if interested
 Reminders
    • All who come to any Troop related activity will be asked some health screening questions, please check-in with the screener when you arrive.
      • 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.
  • Activity Field Considerations
    • Camp chairs or waterproof blanket for sitting (such as Tyvek pieces) are recommended
    • Hand sanitizer and a face covering should be considered part of your uniform (right there with bringing your handbook)
    • Bring a water bottle, a flashlight may also be a good idea as it is getting dark when we meet
    • It is outdoors, and bugs can be about – bug spray is also good to have (note: be sure to apply away from other people)
    • We do not have access to the church restrooms, please plan ahead
    • Temperatures are falling, please check the forecast and dress for weather
Reminder: let your Patrol Leader know if you are unable to attend a meeting or activity (some events have headcount considerations).
if you hold a position of responsibility and cannot attend an activity, you are expected to designate someone to cover your responsibilities in your absence
TROOP MEETING OUTLOOK
This Week  – 11/3 – Troop Meeting
Uniform: Field Uniform (Class A)
Location: CUMC
Mission Impossible campout shakedown and station prep, with review of cold weather camping guidance.  This includes grub master and menu selection, duty roster completion, and final plans for stations. If you need grubmaster credit for rank or merit badges this is a good opportunity to step up since the next campout is likely a ways out.

Bring $15 for the grubmaster.

NOTE: this is Election Day, and CUMC is a polling place.  To minimize any church traffic issues, please park in the VDOT commuter lot next to the church and walk to the pavilion.  DO NOT park in the street or church lot.  Polling place traffic should be ok by end of our meeting as polls close at 7pm.
Adults – don’t forget to vote 🙂 Early voting ends this coming weekend (and lines are getting shorter)
This Week  – 11/6-8 – Mission Impossible Campout
Uniform: Travel in Filed Uniform (Class A), camp in Activity Uniform (Class B)

Location: Izaak Walton League

Mission Imposible campout is usually a high-point of our campouts.  By day local AoL Scouts visit to see what we have to offer and stop by our activity stations, by night 893 Scouts visit an entirely different set of stations run by the adults where challenges are worked through and victory sought. The daytime part will be a bit different with COVID considerations. Last year the Rascal Rabbits came in first place, what will 2020 bring? This year’s theme is Wilderness Survival. Wise scouts will remember the Scout Motto and its meaning, as well as know that the 10 Essentials should always be nearby.
Permission Slip is attached, don’t forget to bring the signed slip to Friday Night’s campout formation.
This campout can get cold, keep an eye on the weather and pack appropriately – layers, footwear, gloves/hat. See the attached Sleeping Warm info
There is no bad weather, just poor clothing choices!  -Mr. Morley (SM 893B).
From DJ, the campout planner:
We are now less than a week away from Mission Impossible! We got a few announcements and reminders for you to help you this year.
– Dinner is scored based on taste, presentation, and quality of meal. Dinner must be cooked without using a stove (troop stove, camping stove, etc). If using a dutch oven, we suggest you bring one if you are able.
– Don’t forget your 10 essentials.
– Bring anything you think you might want if you were in a survival situation. It might just come in handy.
– Remember to bring your patrol spirit with you! 
Next Week  – 11/10 – Troop Meeting
Uniform: Field Uniform (Class A)
Location: CUMC
Socially Distant “Board Game” Night – run by the Moon Archers
Following Week  – 11/17 – PLC
Uniform: Field Uniform (Class A)
Location: CUMC
Scouts in a position of responsibility are expected to attend.  This PLC will be a continuation of the one started at ILST on 10/25, I will send out a separate note soon with the list of activities discussed then. We are looking to choose activities and set the schedule for troop meetings and for outings.
All scouts should be in Class A uniform, with their handbook, as well as paper & pen/pencil.  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).
Upcoming Meetings
11/3 – Mission Impossible shakedown and prep
11/10 – Socially Distant “Board Game” Night – Moon Archers
11/17 – PLC (Scouts in position of responsibility)
11/24 – Patrol Olympics – Rascal Rabbits
Discussion with Invasive Management Area (IMA) staff Gloria Medina. Gloria currently overseas all the IMA sites across Fairfax Co, including the site where we worked.
Service Opportunities
All ranks require service hours, Life rank also requires at least 3 hours be Conservations related
 
 
 
SCOUTING FROM HOME
NCAC Scouting at Home page
 
 
DelMarVa Council Scouting from Home Page
This page has Merit Badge info, but also has a great “Trail to First Class” Knowledge Library to help you work on rank advancement from home.  These include links to videos on some of the requirements to help review.
Key Dates (mark your calendar)

Full calendar is also available from Troopmaster subscription calendar

Nov 6-8 – Mission Impossible Campout (Izaak Walton)