Scoutmaster Moment
We had a great outing this weekend, braving cool temps and snow covered forest to hunt down some geocaches in Conway Robinson State Forest. Snow on the ground gave great opportunity to see evidence of forest animals. We saw lots of prints in the snow from deer, rabbit, raccoon, and even what appeared to be a squirrel digging up an acorn stash. The paths were tricky at times with snow, ice, mud, and water – but all the hidden geocaches were found, Scouts learned a new activity and had fun doing it. I call it a win. I’m happy that this month we were able to have two outings and see smiling Scout faces (well, behind the masks I know they were smiling!)
Photos
Announcements
893 Info Session
For anybody who is thinking of joining Troop 893G…we are holding a parent information meeting on Tuesday, February 23 at 8pm. Please see an email from Kris Staton sent out on 2/21 with details, or reply to me if you did not get this or know anyone who may be interested in learning more about the Troop and how to register.
There will be a separate new family info session on 3/16 for families of Scouts who have joined the troop with details on the Troop function, calendar, and more.
Summer Camp
The troop is going to Summit Bechtel Reserve, a BSA National High Adventure camp located in West Virginia. This is the same camp that hosts the National Jamborees and the most recent World Jamboree. It has lots of great activities, some not available at most camps, as well as merit badges.
- New Scouts will be attending the Brownsea Island program, an excellent New Scout summer camp program that works on rank activities while having fun. More information on this will be provided during the 3/16 parent orientation.
- For all other scouts, summer camp is a a great way to work on badges and, especially for this camp, do fun summer activities.
- The camp recently provided some additional information on COVID protocols, see Mr. Barnett’s note attached to this email for details
- Registration has already started, deadline’s have been extended with the COVID update
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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
Scouts in the News
The local paper did a story about Sully District’s new Eagle Scouts from Girl Troops, featuring 3 of our 893 scouts!
BSA has released the list of all the Scouts who are members of the Inaugural Class of Female Eagle Scouts, there are over 900 Scouts on the list, I have an unconfirmed report that 30 are from NCAC. Sully District has four – three from our troop (10% of the NCAC total?). Congratulations to all the ladies who have worked so hard.
TROOP MEETING/ACTIVITY OUTLOOK
This Week – 2/23 – Patrol Leader’s
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. This PLC will plan for meeting activities and outings through late April, hopefully this will include some in-person meetings at the Activity Field as COVID restrictions are relieved. Prepping for the New Scout campout in April will be part of this timeframe as well.
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 – 3/2 – Troop Leadership Elections
Note for incoming scouts – the priority for a Scout new to Scouting is to learn Scouting skills and learn about the Troop. You will have many opportunities during your time in Scouting to hold a position in the Troop, for now we recommend focusing on learning all you can and having fun.
It will soon again be time to select the troop’s Scout Leadership Team for the coming term. How will you serve the troop for the Spring/Summer term, and give back to those who have helped you advance?
We hold elections each Spring and Fall, with leadership training and Court of Honor to recognize the incoming team (and many other individual recognitions). Positions above First Class have advancement requirements that include holding a position of responsibility to demonstrate leadership. As a small “young” troop we currently also have an opportunity for all registered scouts to hold a position, regardless of their current rank.
SPL is selected by troop-wide election, Patrol Leaders are chosen from patrol election. Patrol Quartermaster All other positions require interested scouts to place their name on sign-up sheets on Election Day (ranking your choices is advised) for consideration by incoming SPL and Scoutmaster. Not all positions listed are needed in a troop our size (such as not all 4 ASPL), final positions are part of SPL decision with SM after elections are held.