Scoutmaster Moment
This week was a busy week for the troop. New Scouts were welcomed and incorporated into the Troop as members of the New-Trons New Scout patrol and both of the established patrols welcomed Scouts transferring to our unit. Parents got quite the information dump on how both Troops operate followed by our first Order of the Arrow Call-Out ceremony where Scouts chosen in last week’s OA election were identified. There was even an impromptu weekend walk through Bull Run park on a perfect Spring Day. We have many activities coming up after Spring Break that will keep us all busy, and getting back outside.
Photos
Announcements
Merit Badge reminder: Blue cards must be turned in by this week’s meeting to be recognized at the Spring Court of Honor.
Hammock Planning
Hammock weather is coming up soon! Did you know you can hang a hammock with no trees, even while camping? Check out this article about using hammock stands when out camping, these range from big back yard furniture to something that could be use backpacking. Some of these are a great way to practice lashings too. This year’s Summer Camp has no trees near most campsites, now is a great time to experiment with options if you want to lounge in a hammock or consider hammock camping at Summit (hammock campers must have earned First Class and have Scoutmaster approval).
If you would like more information on Boards of Review, BSA provides guidance here in section 8.0.1.0 of the Guide to Advancement: https://www.
TROOP MEETING/ACTIVITY OUTLOOK
This Week – 3/23 – Troop Meeting
Uniform: Field Uniform (Class A)
Location: 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.
The Moon Archers are shifting from a computer-based activity to continuing with Camping Prep and welcoming in our New Scouts
Our review of camping essentials is a good time to look at your gear, with time before our next campout (4/16-18), and make sure all is in good condition, and fits. Scouts grow fast, shoes that are too small and rain gear that doesn’t cover is no fun.
Next Week – 3/30 – FCPS Spring Break **NO** Troop Meeting
Following Week – 4/6 – Troop Meeting
Uniform: Field Uniform (Class A)
Location: CUMC Activity Field
Our first meeting after Spring Break. The Rascal Rabbits will be working on a First Aid activity
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).
3/23 – Camping Prep – Moon Archers
3/27 – CUMC Service Project (tentative)
3/30 – FCPS Spring Break (no meeting)
4/6 – First Aid Skills Challenge – Rascal Rabbits
4/11 – Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops – all Scouts with Position of Responsibility should plan to attend
4/13 – Court of Honor
4/16-18 – New Scout Campout at Poplar Grove
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.
SCOUTING FROM HOME
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.
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.
DelMarVa Council Scouting
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 30 – FCPS Spring Break (no meeting)
APR 11 – ILST
APR 13 – CoH
APR 16-18 – New Scout Campout (Poplar Grove Campground, Frederick MD)
MAY 28-30 – Shenandoah 893 Memorial Day Weekend Family Canoe Trip Campout
JUN 20-26 2021 – Summer Camp at Summit Bechtel