Scoutmaster Moment
This Wednesday is 20 January, and will be our nation’s 59th Presidential Inauguration. The date and location have shifted over time, from President Washington’s on April 30th in New York City, to “Constitutional Inauguration Day” on March 4 date set by the Constitution, later changed to January 20th. What hasn’t changed, is the revolutionary concept of a peaceful transfer of power that didn’t require the incumbent to die first, as is the norm in any monarchy. Normally crowds of people come to watch the leadership handoff, this year is different. COVID has eliminated many of the balls, parties and gatherings that normally celebrate this event. And while the National Guard has actually been a part of every Inauguration celebration starting with President Washington’s, this year they have an additional emphasis on their duty of maintaining the peace.
This week we also celebrate Troop 893G Inaugural Eagle Scouts. Two scouts now join with many other Scouts who have come before them within the Scouting Movement to earn Eagle, with more expected as the girls of 893 continue to progress along their journey to Eagle. A third Scout is currently “in flight” meaning she has completed all requirements other than the Board of Review which is coming shortly.
Much has been given us, and much will rightfully be expected from us. We have duties to others and duties to ourselves; and we can shirk neither.
– President Theodore Roosevelt
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.
TROOP MEETING/ACTIVITY OUTLOOK
This Week – 1/19 – 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!
Next Week – 1/26 – Troop Meeting
Uniform: Field Uniform (Class A)
Location: Virtual (via Zoom)
Scavenger Hunt held by the Moon Archers patrol
Following Week – 2/2 – Troop Meeting
Uniform: Field Uniform (Class A)
Location: Virtual (via Zoom)
Hiking Prep for the Troop Hike planned for Saturday 2/6 at Burke Lake. This hike is great to get outside in the fresh air, actually see fellow troop members, and for anyone who needs to complete 2nd Class requirement 3.b.
Outing – 2/6 – Troop Hike
Uniform: Activity Uniform (Class B)
Location: Burke Lake Park
Troop hike around Burke Lake. This hike is great to get outside in the fresh air, actually see fellow troop members, and for anyone who needs to complete 2nd Class requirement 3.b (and some others).
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).
1/19 – Jeopardy! – Rascal Rabbits
1/26 – Scavenger Hunt – Moon Archers
2/2 – Hiking Prep – Rascal Rabbits
2/6 – outing – Troop hike at Burke Lake
2/9 – Cooking Demo – Rascal Rabbits
2/16 – Step-by-Step Painting – Moon Archers
2/20 – Outing – Geocaching (park is TBD)
2/23 – PLC (limited attendance)
3/2 – Leadership Elections (all) &
Organizational Skills for Scouts – 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.
SCOUTING FROM HOME
NCAC Scouting at Home page
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.
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
FEB 6 – Troop Hike at Burke Lake
FEB 20 – Geocaching (Park is TBD)
MAR 2 – Leadership Elections
MAR 16 – New Scout presentation to all new Parents
MAR 30 – FCPS Spring Break (no meeting)
APR 16-18 – New Scout Campout
MAY 28-30 – Shenandoah 893 Memorial Day Weekend Family Canoe Trip Campout
JUN 20-26 2021 – Summer Camp at Summit Bechtel