Scoutmaster Moment
Tomorrow, March 8th is International Women’s Day celebrating progress of women’s rights. This Troop is a part of the history being made of women’s rights, now with the addition of female Eagle Scouts. I saw a story this weekend of how women of recent generations who were told they could not rent apartments, get a bank loan, or a credit card without their husband or father’s signature. Ask your mom and grandmother how things have changed. Scouting helps with teaching leadership and with character development, both of these are needed for continuing these rights.
Photos
Announcements
Merit Badge reminder: MBU is done, don’t forget to enter your merit badge progress into TroopMaster. Blue cards must be turned in by the 3/23 meeting to be recognized at the Spring Court of Honor.
893 Crew Invite – the crew is inviting both troops to a beta test activity on Zoom next week the evening of 3/17
Summer Camp
We need commitments for attending summer camp quickly. The troop is going to Summit Bechtel Reserve, a BSA National High Adventure camp located in West Virginia.
- 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.
TROOP MEETING/ACTIVITY OUTLOOK
This Week – 3/9 – Troop Meeting
Uniform: Field Uniform (Class A)
Location: **In Person** CUMC Activity Field (near Gaga Pit)
Meeting Note: For this meeting we will be meeting at the Activity Field, the boy troop will also be meeting at the Activity Field. In order to maintain required distancing we will be meeting near the Gaga Ball pit near the back of the field, lights will be set up for us. To minimize extra people milling about, parents will be asked to stay in their car rather than hang out on the field unless they have questions they need assistance with.
- Bring a chair or item to sit on
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)
Next 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.
Following Week – 3/23 – Troop Meeting
Uniform: Field Uniform (Class A)
Location: **In Person** CUMC Activity Field
Due this meeting: all earned awards and achievements for recognition at the Spring Court of Honor to be held on 13 April. This includes completed blue cards, which should go to Ms. Kathy.
The Moon Archers are planning an activity for this evening, including CyberChip to be earned by new Scouts (or “recharged”).
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).
3/9 – 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)
4/6 – First Aid Skills Challenge – Rascal Rabbits
4/13 – Court of Honor
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.
DelMarVa Council Scouting from Home
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
MAR 16 – New Scout presentation to all new Parents
MAR 30 – FCPS Spring Break (no meeting)
APR 11 – ILST
APR 13 – CoH
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