Scoutmaster Moment

This week was our first full week of school and work after Winter Break, always a tough re-entry.  Wednesday January 6th is a notable day as “hump day” as halfway through the week, Epiphany or Three Kings Day,  and per the US Constitution the day that the presidential election is certified by the US Congress. This is largely a ceremonial activity, until it wasn’t. I know many of us were glued the TV watching news in disbelief as the Capitol was overrun.

Our family had visited the building on a Cub Scout trip many years ago, we know people who work in the building now, and many who have worked there in the past.  If you have not visited, it is a solemn building steeped in our nation’s history. Events like these can be unsettling to everyone, including adults, talking can help.  In our area it is not uncommon for our local news to be National news for the rest of country and this was no common story. Investigations are ongoing, and perpetrators are getting brought to justice but this will not be a quick process. As I watched the statements leading up to Wednesday, and the reactions after, I wish that more people followed our Oath and Law.  In the coming weeks I hope to see our Nation’s servant leaders speak out and encourage everyone to the points we already follow.  To do their best and help others, be mentally awake and morally straight.  In particular to be trustworthy and speak truth, to be loyal, helpful friendly, kind, obedient, and brave. It is not always easy to be these things, especially when we see others who are not.  In the end, we answer only for our own actions and live with the consequences of them – as others will for theirs. You are surrounded by a network to help you be your best: your family, this Troop, and others in your lives.

The true democracy, living and growing and inspiring, puts its faith in the people – faith that the people will not simply elect men who will represent their views ably and faithfully, but will also elect men who will exercise their conscientious judgment – faith that the people will not condemn those whose devotion to principle leads them to unpopular courses, but will reward courage, respect honor, and ultimately recognize right.

― John F. Kennedy

Announcements

Meetings at CUMC

All Scout meetings at CUMC remain on hold for right now.  More info will be shared as we hear from the church. This means that weekly meetings will be virtual until allowed to meet again.

Blue Cards

We have requested that information for partial Merit Badges be entered into TroopMaster (those incomplete ones you may have).  This information lets us know what MBs are in work, and helps inform what MB opportunities are needed for Merit Badge University.  If you are unsure how to enter the information, please reach out.  I’ve included some info at end of this note to help.  Some scouts have been entering data, please be sure to mark off completed badge requirements for the partial badges.

Important! This information is key for determining what Merit Badges will be offered next month, and thus far few scouts have provided info. Please enter your info (or let us know if you have difficulties)

TROOP MEETING/ACTIVITY OUTLOOK

This Week – 1/12 – PLC

Uniform: Field Uniform (Class A)

Location: Virtual (via Zoom)

This week there is no general troop meeting, we will have a PLC with limited roles attending (noted below), however each Scout does have a responsibility to respond to their patrol leadership and provide ideas for the good of the troop.

All Scouts should be providing meeting and outing ideas to their patrol leaders.  We expect to be virtual for weekly meetings through the month of January at least, but we can have weekend outings as long as we comply with state guidelines.

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.

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.

This PLC will be a limited group focusing on planning.  All participating Scouts should be in uniform, have something to take notes with. Roles expected to participate in this PLC:

SPL

ASPL

Patrol Leaders (Rascal Rabbits & Moon Archers)

Troop Guide

Scribe

JASM

Next Week – 1/1 9 – Troop Meeting

Uniform: Field Uniform (Class A)

Location: Virtual (via Zoom)

Jeopardy! game organized by the Rascal Rabbits.

Please have your Scout Handbook and a length of paracord for this meeting.  Bring your thinking caps and have fun!

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 (at minimum). 

1/12 – PLC (limited attendance)

1/19 – Jeopardy! – Rascal Rabbits

1/26 – Scavenger Hunt – Moon Archers

Service Opportunities

All ranks require service hours, Life rank also requires at least 3 hours be Conservation related

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.

https://weownadventure.com/snyder-sawdust-saturdays/

SCOUTING FROM HOME

NCAC Scouting at Home page

New Merit Badge opportunities:

This council is offering a lot of merit badge opportunities from now through May 2021.  Reminder to reach out to me if you are interested in taking a class so I can virtually open a blue card for you.

Here is another good site with lots of opportunities!

https://scoutingevent.com/425-vmbcdec?fbclid=IwAR2oollkMVx5YoPQPZAFYpF0fsugWY4idZHDEMFf6M9Gzv4N6xun62RHEtI

For those of you who are on Facebook, there is a group called MERIT BADGE OPPORTUNITIES, a lot of different MBC and Councils post opportunities.

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

Key Dates (mark your calendar)

Full calendar is also available from Troopmaster subscription calendar

JUN 20-26 2021 – Summer Camp at Summit Bechtel