Scoutmaster Moment
This time of year everyone has an extra twinkle in their eye.  This past week the troop had the annual gift exchange, a bit different from last year’s due to COVID and the impracticality of doing another lock-in overnight in the gym, but quite fun nonetheless as everyone enjoyed the opening of gifts and the excitement as gifts that were then swapped around.  I have found that as much fun as it is in receiving a fun or well-thought out gift, the giving of one is immensely more satisfying. Snow this time of year adds to the festivities, and we may get our first taste of it this week.  Be safe, have fun and enjoy.
Announcements
Meetings at CUMC
All Scout meetings at CUMC are on hold for right now.  More info will be shared as we hear from the church.This means that the meeting for this week will be virtual
COVID 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.
TROOP MEETING/ACTIVITY OUTLOOK
This Week  – 12/15 – Troop Meeting
Uniform: Field Uniform (Class A)
Location: Virtual (via Zoom)
Intro to Photography – Rai & Elena
This activity is lead by members of both patrols and will cover the basics of photography.  Scouts should have a camera on hand for the meeting (camera on your phone is fine).  Skills learned in the meeting. Will come in handy during the holiday lights outing later in the week.
This Week  – 12/19 – Holiday Lights Outing
Uniform: Field Uniform (Class A)

Location: Claude Moore Park

Outing to look at holiday lights, the display at Claude Moore Park is free and does not require advance tickets.  It is a large area allowing for good social distancing in compliance with COVID protocols.
Time – the park will be open for lights from 5-7pm, gates close at 7
Where – meet at the Heritage Farm Museum parking lot (see map), the visitor center parking lot is likely too small for planning
See X marked on map at walkway, parking lots are highlighted.  
museum address: 21668 Heritage Farm Ln, Sterling, VA 20164
 
We will stay in small groups of 10 or fewer to comply with current COVID guidance.  All participants must wear a mask, and are encouraged to dress for the weather.
Winter Break – 12/22 & 12/29 – No Meetings
During FCPS winter break there will be no meetings
Upcoming Activities per PLC
Patrols should plan ahead so meetings can be online (virtual) if necessary.  Alternatively, activities could be planned as a weekend outing outside.
Patrols Leaders are reminded that plans for meetings should be submitted to the SPL and Scoutmaster 2 weeks in advance. 
12/15 – Intro to Photography – Rai & Elena
12/19 – Holiday Lights & Photography Challenge
12/22 & 29 – No Meeting during Winter Break
  — 2021 — 
1/5 – Intro to Fishing
1/12 – PLC
1/19 – Jeopardy! – Rascal Rabbits
1/26 – Scavenger Hunt – Moon Archers
Learning Opportunities
NCAC has two virtual offerings of the Outdoor Ethics Orientation course coming up over Winter Break.  These are great opportunities to learn more about Outdoor Ethics and how we can apply the concepts to our outings and camping (and other parts of our life). Participants can earn towards the Outdoor Ethics Award.
 
Outdoor Ethics Training – Two dates over Winter Break 7-9pm (Virtual)
Service Opportunities
All ranks require service hours, Life rank also requires at least 3 hours be Conservation related
12/19 – Wreaths Across America
Wreaths Across America is an annual event where small wreathes are placed on gravestones of Veterans in many cemeteries.  Arlington National Cemetery is one of the larger participants each year, but there are other local sites as well.  Some locations this year have curtailed their involvement, so it is a good idea to contact them in advance to be sure they are participating. This is a fun event, definitely dress for the weather!  When our family participated with our Pack a few years ago at Arlington we learned that family members have first dibs on getting wreaths off the trucks so they have first option to place a wreath for their family member – just be sure to speak up when they start.
Troop 1995 (boy troop) has an annual campout with the WWA event at a site in Cheltenham, MD.  Scouts are invited for the WWA day event with option of staying overnight if they wish.  Please see the sign up for more details, or speak with Ms. Alvarez.
Camp Snyder Work Days – These are monthly days where volunteers are invited out to Camp Snyder to help keep it in condition to support the many scouting units and events in the Council.
 
 
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.
Tread Lightly online course (free)
Key Dates (mark your calendar)

Full calendar is also available from Troopmaster subscription calendar

Dec 19 – Holiday Lights (location TBD)
Dec 22 & 29 – FCPS Winter Break (no troop meetings)
JUN 20-26 2021 – Summer Camp at Summit Bechtel