Scoutmaster Moment
Perseverance carries us through efforts in life, this is true for in school, learning new skills for fun or by direction, in scouts, and now as we push through a pandemic. Vaccines are rolling out and I know more and more people who have had one or even both doses, FCPS has some students heading back into school buildings. Today was the last day fo 2021 MBU, with many completed merit badges reflecting new skills practiced and many that are within reach. For the record, the Cooking MB had some tasty bacon and toasty fire going. We expect in-person meetings to begin soon, possibly this week. Added bonus is the touch of warmer weather we’ve had and longer days.
The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack in will.
– Vince Lombardi
Photos
Advancement
Emi Lundblad – Star (2/28/2021
Announcements
Meeting Location: We expect to be able to resume meeting at CUMC Activity Field soon (possible for this week’s meeting on 3/2). All COVID protocols with sign-in, health checks, etc that we had in place before will still apply. Please look for updates before this week’s meeting
Merit Badge reminder: MBU is done, don’t forget to enter your merit badge progress into TroopMaster
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.
- Registration has already started, deadline’s have been extended with the COVID update.
TROOP MEETING/ACTIVITY OUTLOOK
This Week – 3/2 – Troop Meeting (and Leadership Elections)
Uniform: Field Uniform (Class A)
Location: PENDING – Currently working on approval to use CUMC Activity Field, look our for updates
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.
In all cases you must be present to be considered. If for some reason you are unable to attend that day, please see me ASAP.
Anyone interested in SPL or PL must talk with me prior to election.
If you are interested in a position, speak with someone in that position now to understand it better.
The 893GT Leadership Position description document is attached, rank requirements for positions are currently considered as “preferred” and not “required” while the troop is growing.
Important: Anyone holding a leadership position is expected to attend Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops training. Our “ILST” is planned at the Activity field on 10 Apr for most of the day pending COVID restrictions.
Meeting Activity: Organization Skills for Scouts – led by Moon Archers (Megan)
Next Week – 3/9 – Troop Meeting
Uniform: Field Uniform (Class A)
Location: **In Person** CUMC Activity Field
Order of the Arrow (OA) Elections for all eligible 893 scouts (Scouts who are at First Class and above with 15 or more nights camping, including one long-term camping (ie summer camp) during the 2 years prior to election).
OA is considered an honor society within Scouting. Scouts who are elected must complete Ordeal to become full members. OA offers additional opportunities for leadership and service and is considered supplemental to the Troop (and beneficial to the Troop). Our local OA chapter meets the 2nd Thursday of the month, plus other chapter and Lodge opportunities for fellowship.
Meeting Activity: Sporcle game (Moon Archers)
Following Week – 3/16 – Troop Meeting
Uniform: Field Uniform (Class A)
Location: **In Person** CUMC Activity Field
At this meeting we will formally welcome our New Scouts into the Troop, this will include a presentation to the parents and review of camping prep with the New Scouts led by the Rascal Rabbits. This evening will close with an Order of Arrow “Call Out” Ceremony for Scouts that have been elected to join OA in the past year.
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).
3/2 – Leadership Elections (all) & Organizational Skills for Scouts – Moon Archers
3/9 – OA Elections & Sporcle game – Moon Archers
3/16 – Welcoming New Scouts & Camping activity – Rascal Rabbits
3/20 – Troop Outing
3/23 – Among Us & CyberChip – Moon Archers
3/27 – CUMC Service Project (tentative)
3/30 – FCPS Spring Break (no meeting)
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.
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!
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.
Key Dates (mark your calendar)
Full calendar is also available from Troopmaster subscription calendar
MAR 2 – Leadership Elections
MAR 16 – New Scout presentation to all new Parents
MAR 30 – FCPS Spring Break (no meeting)
APR 11 – ILST
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