Scoutmaster Minute: Today was the last official day of this years Merit Badge University and we are grateful for the adult leader that have provide guidance to our Scouts. Lots of hard work observed, and in many cases there is more work to be done by Scouts to finish certain MBs. At the end of the day this is you journey and therefore your responsibility to make things happen for advancement. This week the Troop will take the first step in transitioning to next terms leadership team, I hope to see lots of names on the position of responsibility sign up sheets. March also has the Troop planning for the next campout, which will include some great hiking. There is a limit on numbers so signup quickly so we can plan accordingly.
I would be remise I I did not acknowledge the assault on the sovereignty of the Ukraine people that escalated this past week. An emergency response is being coordinated by the World Organization of the Scout Movement in collaboration with its Eurasia Support Centre and the National Scout Organization in Ukraine to respond to the unfolding humanitarian situation in the country which is impacting millions of people. To support the Scouts of Ukraine in their emergency humanitarian response, you can donate using the Scout Donation Platform at https://donate.scout.org/project/3c3100ed-95ad-4ae9-b8e8-c168263c13ed
Those who deny freedom to others, deserve it not for themselves; 
and under a just God, can not long retain it.
– Abraham Lincoln
ACTION ITEM
  • Sky Meadow Campout – All those attending must signup no later than March 8, sooner is better since there are limited numbers https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050b4ba5ae292-boy
  • Advancement – Rank and MBs completed by March 15 with be recognized at the March 29 Court of Honor. Plan accordingly.
 
MEETINGS
  • All indoor meetings at the CUMC Fellowship Hall require Scouts to wear a mask, unless otherwise instructed
  • 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 Mar 01 – Leadership Elections (All) 
Uniform; Class A
Location: Inside
A. Senior Patrol Leader Candidates: SPL candidates will provide 5 minute or less speech to the Troop to share how they will fulfill the SPL role prior to voting. 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.
 
 
2. 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.
Please sign up before March 8 – https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050b4ba5ae292-boys
 
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.

3.  Leadership Training Mar 12 – (All in Position of Responsibility) 

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.
Scouts should arrive no later than 8:30am, finish when we finish but roughly by 2pm
We will need support from adults to provide snacks and help with lunch. Details forthcoming.
4. Activity Mar 12 – Shooting at Izaak Walton
Uniform; Class B
Location: CUMC Activity Field
 
Venture Crew 893 is offering some time for you to shoot!  We have options for both Air Rifle and Archery.  Sign up for one for $15 or both for $25!  Each session will last 45 minutes.
If you plan to attend, you must signup: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050b4ba5ae292-anafternoon1
 
5. Next Next Week 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.
 

6. After That Week Mar 22 – Cyber Chip (All) 

Uniform; Class A  

Location: Inside

 
MANDATORY TRAINING – All Scouts will participate in this annual training to learn or refresh their understanding of safety and security in this connected society. This is required for several ranks, and is part of the Troops annual Youth Protection training.


7. Finally Week Mar 29- Spring Court of Honor (All Families)

Uniform; Class A
Location: CUMC Sanctuary

The Troop will celebrate the hard work the Scouts have done the past 6 months and will install the new leadership team. Many of you are also aware that this will be my last meeting and Court of Honor as Scoutmaster for Troop 893…1,641 days. Mr. Chris Wilson will be taking the reins and will continue shepherding these young men forward on their Journey to Eagle.
All families are invited to join us in this celebration. Ideally we can also enjoy some traditional fellowship (deserts) after the COH.

KEY DATES
MAR 1: Leadership Elections
MAR 12: Leadership Training  
MAR 12: Shooting at Izaak Walton
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!