Scoutmaster Minute: Exactly one year ago we dropped in the unknown void of COVID chaos, no classes, no meetings, no campouts. As a Troop we endured, adapted and pivoted to sustain our program. Meetings resumed online and in-person, we held several campouts, and multiple outings that collectively generated some great progress and experiences. Last week our Scouts selected a new Senior Parol Leader, Brian Staton, and Patrol Leaders, plus many volunteered to service in various positions of responsibility. These Scouts will official take over on April 1 (no joke) after attending leadership training on March 21. Our success will continue this week as we welcome new scouts and also hold a special ceremony to announce the Scouts elected to the Order of the Arrow.
You adapt. You overcome. You improvise.
– Gunny Highway
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MEETINGS
1. This Week – Tuesday 16 MAR 2021: New Scouts Begin, Order of the Arrow “Call Out” Ceremony @ Activity Field

Uniform – Class A (OA Sash)

A. New Scouts: Tonight is the night we welcome the next Nova Corp Patrol. The following patrols will take the lead on stations to welcome new scouts and officially begin their time as members of Troop 893. Activities will be focused on elements the rank of Scout as follows:
  • Eagles – Scout Sign, Salute, Motto, & Slogan
  • Pandas: Scout Oath, Law, Outdoor Code
  • Phoenix: Square knot, clove hitch
  • Titans: Describe 1st Class Badge, Rank Advancement
  • Land Sharks: Explain Patrol Method
B. Call Out Ceremony: This evening will close with an Order of Arrow “Call Out” Ceremony for Scouts that have been elected to join the Order of the Arrow in 2020 and 2021. The Order of the Arrow was founded by Dr. E. Urner Goodman and Carroll A. Edson in 1915 at the Treasure Island Camp of the Philadelphia Council to recognize the accomplishments and leadership of campers who went above and beyond the call of duty. They decided to use the lore of the local Lenape Indians as an attractive basis for their ceremonies, and to honor American Indians who lived in this land for thousands of years before other people came to this continent. As Scouting’s National Honor Society, the purpose of the Order of the Arrow is to recognize those who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law, promote camping and responsible outdoor adventure, develop leaders, and crystallize the Scout habit of helpfulness into a life purpose of leadership in cheerful service to others.

2. Troop Leadership Training – Sunday 21 MAR 2021 @ Activity Field

Uniform – Class A
Important: All scouts in new leadership positions are expected to attend troop leadership training on Sunday, 21 March from 8:30AM to approximately 2:00PM at the activity field. We will do team building exercises (games!) and conduct refreshers on troop organization, position responsibilities, basic leadership skills, and begin planning troop activities for the next 6 months.
We will also need adult assistance for breakfast, snacks, and lunch. Please advise if you are able to support ASAP.
 

3. Next Week – Tuesday 23 MAR 2021: 10 Essentials/Camping 101 @ Activity Field (ASPL New Scouts)

Uniform – Class A
This meeting will be run to orient and prepare New Scouts for the April campout and work through some of the key requirements in Scout, Tenderfoot and 2nd Class Ranks. All of these activities will apply the EDGE method. The intent is also to remind everyone of the 10 essentials prior to spring break. This is a great time to check gear, make sure it’s all in good order and still fits (boots, rain gear).

4. After Spring Break

Things will move very fast after spring break, so lets make sure everyone is looking ahead.
4/6 – Meeting will be held to Saturday, 4/10
4/10 – Meal Planning and Cooking demo, preshakedown for New Scout Campout
  • Eagles: Dutch Oven Pizza Dinner
  • Pandas: Pancake Breakfast
  • Phoenix: Dessert
  • Titans: Breakfast sandwich
  • Land Sharks: Chili dinner
4/13 – Final Shakedown, Nova Corp packout, Patrols station plans finalized
4/16-18 – New Scout Campout @ Poplar Grove, Catoctin Mtns
4/20 –  Spring Court of Honor
Key Dates

MAR 21: Junior Leadership Training
APR 16-18: New Scout Campout – Poplar Grove, Catoctin Mtns
APR 20: Spring Court of Honor
MAY 28-20: Annual Family Canoe Trip on Shenandoah River    

JUN 20-26, 2021 Summer Camp @Summit’s Camp Justice

 

 
IT’S ALL FOR THE SCOUTS!
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Kevin Morley
Scoutmaster, Troop 893
www.troop893.org
703-915-4388
kmorley971@gmail.comNattawoapandamen Wewoatamoewagan

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