Scoutmaster Minute: Mr. Wilson had a great crew join him for a hike at Great Falls this morning…bright and brisk. That is some good prep for the March campout at Sky Meadows and the time we will spend on the Appalachin Trail, see gear advisory below. All Scouts should be thinking about Leadership positions that they can take on during the next term, review the attached positon guide. Sign up for more that one. Next weekend will be the second meeting for those participating in Merit Badge University, please make sure your taking care of business that may be necessary to move forward. Note, there are a several MBs that will require one or more additional meetings to compelte all the requirements so stay in touch with counselor.
There are no secrets to success. 
It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.
– Colin Powell
RANK ADVANCEMENTS
  • Ian Chapman – 2nd Class (2/15)
  • Robbie Hurd – Life (2/15)
 
MEETINGS
  • All indoor meetings at the CUMC Fellowship Hall require Scouts to wear a mask, no exceptions.
  • Remember that the Patrol assigned to run a meeting also has clean up duty….meaning your Patrol should be the last to leave with approval of SPL and Scoutmaster.
  • Scouts seeking rank advancement should check with the Advancement Chair prior to requesting Scoutmaster Conference and be in Class A uniform.
1. This Week Feb 22 – Church Map (Phoenix) 
Uniform; Class A  
Location: Inside
 
All Scouts will stretch their legs to determine their pace count (Orienteering MB #5). Have determined their pace count Scouts/Patrols will set about with some tasks developed by the Phoenix Patrol will require some map skills. 
Several of the 10 Essentials will be useful, Be Prepared.
 
2. Next Sunday Feb 27 – Merit Badge University
Uniform; Class A  
Location: Centreville Dance Studio
 
Everyone likely has several homework assignments they should be taking action on to maintain progress. Remember – you are responsible for your advancement, the rest are here to support as needed, but cant do it for you.



3.  Next Week Mar 01 – Leadership Elections (All) 
Uniform; Class A
Location: Inside
A. Senior Patrol Leader Candidates: All scouts interested in running for election as the next Senior Patrol Leader should contact Mr. Morley and Mr. Wilson no later than the February 15 Troop meeting. Candidates must be of the rank of Life or higher and in at least 9th grade. Mr. Morley & Mr. Wilson will schedule a time to meet with you, or call, to discuss your goals and ambitions as SPL. The time period for this leadership position is from 1 April 2022 to 30 September 2022. You must be present to be elected.

B. Patrol Leaders: All patrols should prepare for Patrol Leader elections. Scouts interested in being a Patrol Leader should discuss their desire with their patrol members. There should not be consecutive terms.

C. Troop Positions of Responsibility: Scouts interested in serving in other positions of responsibility should review the attached Position Guide for information on the various positions available and associated responsibilities. Actively supporting the Troop through a leadership position is required to complete the ranks of Star, Life and Eagle. If a Scout is unable to attend, please advise Mr. Morley of your interest by email.


Scouts elected or appointed to a position of responsibility for the next term are required to attend Leadership Training on Saturday, March 12 at the CUMC Activity Field.
 
 
4. Next Next Week Mar 8- Backpack Trail Meals/Preshakedown (Eagles) 
Uniform; Class A  
Location: Inside
 
The Eagles will be sharing and demonstrating key tips for backpacking cooking. This meeting will serve as preshakedown for the upcoming camp trip to Sky Meadow. 
Time to be creative, and learn how to efficiently pack food for a backpacking outing
 
Gear Advisory – think ahead and be prepared.
  1. Backpack – Scouts must be able to carry all their gear plus food and water. The Troop has several frame packs that Scouts can borrow if they need one for this upcoming campout. Bring a daypack for the Saturday hike for food, water, rain gear.
  2. Footwear – No Sneakers. We will be hiking into the site about 1 mile. In addition, Saturday will find the Scout taking a hike that will include parts of the Appalachian Trail.  
  3. Rain Gear – This means top and bottom are recommended, ponchos frankly don’t survive contact with Scouts for very long.
  4. Water Bottle – Recommend that each Scout have a minimum of two 32oz Nalgene. This is most optimal to ensure Scouts have sufficient water, and we will also need to “make” potable water on location.

5.  Training Mar 12 – Leadership (All) 

Uniform; Class A

Location: CUMC Activity Field

Scouts elected or appointed to a position of responsibility for the next term are required to attend Leadership Training on Saturday, March 12 at the CUMC Activity Field.
 
6. Look Ahead to Mar 15- New Scout Welcome/Shakedown (All) 
Uniform; Class A  
Location: Inside
 
We will begin to welcome AOL Scouts that are joining Troop 893 and they will begin the new scout program.
Scouts attending the Sky Meadow campout will complete meal plans based on lessons learned at the March 8 meeting.
KEY DATES
FEB 27: Merit Badge University
MAR 1: Leadership Elections
MAR 12: Leadership Training  
MAR 18-20: Campout @Sky Meadows (Backpacking)
MAR 22: Cyber Chip
MAR 29: Spring Court of Honor
MAY 6-8: New Scout Campout @Poplar Grove (Thurmont, MD)

IT’S ALL FOR THE SCOUTS!