Scoutmaster Minute: Everyone attending Summer camp should review the materials shared in prior email and plan to make necessary payments as needed. We are hold slots open for new Scouts joining the Troop or tansferring, so please read those materials closely. This week is important prep work for the upcoming campout which will require Scouts to think carefully about the “stuff” they bring since everything, including food must fit in your pack. If you need a backpacking pack, the Troop has several that we can loan a Scout. We need all Scouts attention to make that decision by Tuesday since space is limited and last minute decisions are very disruptive to planning. Finally, since the Scout will be on the trail most of the day Saturday…you must be all in for the full weekend (no coming/going midday). Finally, we have confirmed that masking at CUMC is now optional and Scouts should make that decision in consultation with their parents.
 
Backpacking is the art of knowing what not to take.
 – Sheridan Anderson.
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
  • 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 8- Backpack Trail Meals/Preshakedown (Eagles) 
Uniform; Class A  
Location: Inside
 
This meeting will serve as preshakedown for the upcoming camp trip to Sky Meadow. Please sign up before March 8 – https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050b4ba5ae292-boys
The Eagles will be sharing and demonstrating key tips for backpacking cooking, including Leave No Trace principles.
Time to be creative, and learn how to efficiently pack food for a backpacking outing.
Meal planning…here are some very simple suggestions that can be organized between 2 tent mates or as a group/patrol. It is critical to get plenty of protein…ramen will not satisfy.
Breakfast Example – Oatmeal breakfast is a great fast start, just requires some warm/hot water. Make sure you also include some morning fortification for the trail (granola bar, gummy fruit snack, yogurt raisin sack)

Store bought packets are nice and make great handwarmers while eating, but can be expensive.
Alternative – Add the following to a sandwich ziplock bag: 1/2 cup oatmeal, raisins, brown sugar and 1 tbsp powdered milk (change ingredients to suite taste)


Lunch Example (2 people/no cook) – Sleeve/single box of saltine crackers, foil pack of flavored tuna or salmon, oreos, jolly rancher, peanut butter crackers, pack 2 person meal into 1 gal ziplock (then use this for trash)
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Diner Example  – It would be great to see something other than a Mountain house meals, they are easy but very expensive. See attached for additional ideas and links above

#### At minimum a few pots need to make the trip for boiling/purifying water, cleanup etc.

Here is a look at what I might pack for 3 meals. Note: Chicken in foil packs are sometimes tough to find but Giant & Walmart seem to carry it.
Key Point – minimize packaging waste and weight before leaving the house.

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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.

2.  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 from Mr. Wilson based on position selection review with incoming SPL Christopher Lee.
3. 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
 
4. 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.
ASPL New Scouts and Guides will work with incoming Scouts on Scout Rank advancement with ASM Patel.
 

5. Campout Mar 18-20- Sky Meadow Campout 

Uniform; Class A  
There will be no Troop trailer and all gear/food/water will be carried by the Scout in their backpack, including tents.
Perfect opportunity to work on Camping, Cooking, Backpacking or Hiking Merit Badges.
Permission slip for this event is attached…no exceptions…hard copy only and we don’t have a printer in the parking lot so be prepared!
All Scouts should eat prior to arrival. Parents should be prepared to transport.
 
Friday
6:00 pm Troop formation, turn in permission slips
6:30 pm Depart for Sky Meadow
7:30 pm Hike approx 1 mile to site and set up camp
10:00 pm Lights Out
 
Saturday
8:30 am Scouts depart for hike on segments of Appalachian Trail
Lunch on trail
Return to Sky Meadow campsite
Sunday
8:30 am Hike ~1mi to Sky Meadow parking area
10:00 am Scouts will arrive at CUMC VDOT (possibly earlier depending on how motivated after breakfast)
 

6. Next Next 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

A.     The Troop 893 Spring Court of Honor will be held at Centreville United Methodist Church in the Sanctuary. The ceremony begins at 7:00 pm, so please plan accordingly. All Troop 893 scouts, families, and friends are invited and encouraged to attend. Scouts will be receiving Merit Badges, Rank Cards, and other recognitions that they have earned over the past 6 months. We will also recognize new members of Troop 893 and induct the new youth leadership for the next six month term.

 

B.     A small reception will follow with snacks and fellowship. For the reception, each family is asked to bring something to share as designated by last name, per below. We also need a couple volunteers to organize cups, dessert plates, & napkins for approx. 100 people (check Troop closet first). When you leave, please plan to take anything that remains of what you brought.

A – L:       Small dessert/snack
M – Z:     Beverage (one 2-liter bottle)

KEY DATES
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!