Scoutmaster Minute: One down, eleven to go or 1/12th of the way thru 2021. Not that I am counting, but certainly hoping the balance of the year is better than most of 2020. Before we get there, we are going to have to continue to apply alternative approachs to advancement. Many of you have already taken the time to sign up for merit badge classes, if you missed it please see the prior email from Mr. Taylor and the info below. We are also working on elective merit badges on Tuesday’s that can be applied toward a new award celebrating environmental stewardship (see attached).
A true conservationist is a man who knows that the world is not given by his fathers, but borrowed from his children.
– John James Audubon
Rank Advancement
- Charlie Schmidt – Eagle BOR (1/25/21)
IMPORTANT ITEMS
- Merit Badge University: If you have not already signed up for a class please do so by Tuesday. Seating is limited due to COVID restrictions, but please add your name anyway and will try to open another class if we can.
Sign-up Genius link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4BAAA729A6FCC70-893merit
- Summer Camp: Please review the attached letter for details and prior email from Mr. Barnett.
Registration has started and the first payment is due next week, please use this link https://troop893.com/activities/summer-camp-2021/
If you missed the meeting last week, here are videos highlighting Camp Justice from a Scouts perspective https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xn37jI6RmWs
| Payment Options & Deadline | Scout Check | Scout Charge | Adult Check | Adult Charge |
| A. Full Payment (Feb 9) | $485 | $500 | $485 | $500 |
| B. Split payment | ||||
| 1) February 9 | $242.50 | $250 | $242.50 | $250 |
| 2) March 9 | $242.50 | $250 | $242.50 | $250 |
- High Adventure:There are several up coming high adventure treks available starting this summer with a canoe trip on the James River or Philmont.
- James River – Mr. Wilson is looking to assemble a crew for this July outing which departs from Goshen for a week-long canoe trip down the James River. Details found here: https://www.gotogoshen.org/camps-programs/lenhoksin-high-adventure/#treks
- Philmont
- Troop 180 from Warrenton VA has 3 crews going to Philmont and has room for 7 more Scouts. 2 scouts on 2 of the crews and 3 Scouts on one of the crews. Unfortunately, we have an abundance of adults so there are 12 adults going already (with one on standby). The plan is to Depart Dulles on 7/25/2021 to Denver. Arrive at Philmont on 7/27/2021. Depart Philmont and home on 8/8/2021. If interested contact Ron Bishop ron.bishop@pardusinc.com ASAP.
- Troop 893 Crew interest – If you would to help build a crew for 2022 or 2023, please contact me ASAP. Must be 14 on arrival at Philmont. Video from 2017 crew https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alqXJ48-kXY&t=4s
MEETINGS
- This Week – Tuesday FEB 2, 2021: Bird Study MB (Mr. Morley)
Uniform – Class A
This week will focus on the Bird Study merit badge, here is a link to the pamphlet for important background and supporting information to help you complete the requirements, the workbook is attached to help you track progress. Please review these items beforehand. The meeting will focus on some of the more textbook items, but will require Scouts to go into the field and actually identify birds by sight and sound. That outing is being targeted for mid-morning Saturday, February 13, which will also be an opportunity for us to meet with AOL scouts looking to join Troop 893. Remember BE PREPARED is our motto.
- Next Week – Tuesday FEB 9, 2021: Weather MB (Mr. Wilson)
Uniform – Class A
We will be working on Weather merit badge with help from Mr. Wilson. Perhaps this would have been better this week during the snowstorm, but the details of this merit badge are quite helpful background for camping and related outing. This also requires a little field work, which will be worked into the Feb 13 outing as well.
- Rest of FEB 16 & 23, 2021: TBD
Uniform – Class A
Given the uncertainty related to COVID restrictions, we are working with the SPL, ASPLs and PLs to assess options for a weekend activity.
Key Dates
FEB 13: Bird Study and Weather Outing, Location TBD
MAR 9: Troop Elections
APR 16-18: New Scout Campout – Poplar Grove, Catoctin Mtns
MAY 28-20: Annual Family Canoe Trip
JUN 20-26, 2021 Summer Camp @Summit
IT’S ALL FOR THE SCOUTS!
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Kevin Morley
Scoutmaster, Troop 893
www.troop893.org
Nattawoapandamen Wewoatamoewagan
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