Scoutmaster Moment
Tomorrow is the start of a new school year. A fresh start with a new grade, new classes, new teachers, perhaps a new school and opportunities for new friends.  Soon we will begin a new leadership term in the troop. New beginnings are always exciting, full of the possibilities of what can come and how we can shape that experience. Good luck to all of you returning to classrooms this week, I hope you have engaging teachers, have good friends, and learn many new things.  In all the things in life that come and go, no one can take what you have learned from you.
The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go. 
-Dr. Seuss
Troop Meeting/Activity Outlook 
This Week  – 8/24 – Troop Meeting 
Uniform: Activity Uniform (Class B) unless seeking rank advancement
Location: CUMC Activity Field
Moon Archers will be leading a “Show & Tell” meeting. Scouts are all invited to bring something they would like to share with the Troop, and to introduce it. Questions can be asked during the discussion with each Scout’s item.
Note that this is a great opportunity to work off Scouting Heritage MB requirement #6.
893B Eagle Project: 8/28 & 29
Uniform: Activity Uniform (Class B)
Location: Bull Run Park
A scout of 893B will be seeking support for a project he is leading at Bull Run Regional Park. This is a fairly significant undertaking by constructing about 50 feet of elevated walkway/boardwalk on the Blue Bell Trail. This is an excellent opportunity for all Scouts to support Lane and also earn service hours that will include credit for conservation hours. Additional details will be forthcoming, including a signup genius link. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090D44AFA628A6FA7-lane
Next Week  – 8/31 – Troop Meeting 
Uniform: Activity Uniform (Class B) unless seeking rank advancement
Location: CUMC Activity Field
Rascal Rabbits will lead the troop in activities with paracord and origami
Following Week  – 9/7 – Troop Meeting 
Uniform: Activity Uniform (Class B) unless seeking rank advancement
Location: CUMC Activity Field
After Leadership Elections for the Fall term, ASPL for New Scouts Jayna and Troop Instructor Caitlin will review advancement requirements.
It is time to select the troop’s Scout Leadership Team for the coming term.  How will you serve the troop for the Fall/Winter 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 Quartermasters are also needed at the Patrol level.  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.
We have a request for Den Chief support from a local pack, if you may be interested in this talk with me to discuss further.
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.
Anyone holding a leadership position is expected to attend leadership training (interchangeably called Junior Leadership Training or Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops). Our “ILST” is tentatively planned at the Dance Studio on 3 Oct for most of the day pending any new COVID restrictions.
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). Meeting plans should have details for what will happen.  Information for Troop News inclusion should also be provided (items Scouts should bring to the meeting, and short statement of what the meeting will be about).
8/31 – creativity with Paracord & origami -Rascal Rabbits
9/7 – Leadership elections, Advancement review – ASPL for New Scouts and Troop Instructor
9/14 – Campout shakedown and Gaga Ball – Rascal Rabbits
9/21 – movie night – Moon Archers
9/26 – Forgotten Basics – NewTrons
Service Hours Opportunities
 
CUMC Service Ministries have opportunities that Scouts can participate in. These provide services needed in the community and can be personally rewarding to participate in.
Conservation Service Hours opportunity 9/4:
Eagle Scout Project pulling invasive plants at Difficult Run in Oakton
The first part of my Eagle Project, we will be pulling invasive plants at Difficult Run Stream Valley Park. There are a couple types of invasive plants that will be pulled, which will be explained further at the site. We will pull as much as we can within the time frame.
Please bring a mask, good work gloves, water (no plastic water bottles please), bug repellent, and long sleeves and pants (recommended). Some plants will have thorns, make sure that the gloves can handle these, and there are bugs, so be wary. Water will be provided for refilling, but you will need to bring your own bottles. Lunch will be provided at the end of the second shift (11am-1pm).
Location: Difficult Run Stream Valley Park (near 3119 Miller Heights Rd, Oakton VA)
 
Key Dates (mark your calendar)

Full calendar is also available from Troopmaster subscription calendar

AUG 23: First Day of School
SEP 10 – Roller Skating
SEP 17-19 Equestrian Campout
OCT 8-10: Mountain Man Rendezvous Camporee
OCT 12 – Court of Honor
OCT 16 – Centreville Day
OCT 22-24: Fall Ordeal @ Camp Snyder for OA Candidates
NOV 5 – 7: Mission Impossible @ Izaak Walton
NOV 6 & 13 – Scouting for Food (bag drop and pick up)