Scoutmaster Minute: Tis the season of giving. This brings to mind the Scout Oath, specifically a Scout’s Duty to Other People….”To help other people at all times”.

In this context I have received inquires regarding service hours and “what counts”. Below I have tried to outline the key steps in the process that a Scout should consider

  1. Purpose: The objective is to instill in a Scout the importance of Service to Others.
  2. Who: Service can be perform as an individual or with a Patrol/Troop, such as Scouting for Food.
  3. Approval: The key here, especially for individual efforts, is that the Scout seeks prior approval from the Scoutmaster. This provides the opportunity for the Scout to explain how the activity represents service to others. When I discuss a project with a Scout I will ask them to define it in terms of the Scout Oath and Law, and to tell why it is service vs an obligation such as taking out the trash. This includes considering how it is more than simply doing a good deed, like shoveling an elderly neighbors driveway.
  4. Options: There are lots of opportunities for our Scouts to have a positive impact on the community (meaning benefit outside the Troop) to support their church, school, city/town or their District, Council and former Pack. An example of the latter would be the contribution made during the Fall Camporee to rebuild the amphitheater bench’s at Camp Snyder, but may also apply to supporting a Pack or District run their Pinewood Derby.

1. This Week Dec 1 – Klondike Prep Night (ALL)

Uniform: Class B

This week Patrol’s will be meeting to inspect Klondike sleds and make necessary adjustments. Here are meeting plans for each Patrol:

    • Eagles – Tuesday 7pm @ The Barnett’s, 15467 Waters Creek Dr, Centreville, VA.
    • Pandas – Tuesday 7pm @ The Conner’s, 4400 Carrier Court, Chantilly, VA. Patrol members should bring supplies that may enhance appearance of the sled (paint etc).
    • Phoenix – Tuesday 7pm @ The Lee’s, 15423 Martins Hundred Drive, Centreville VA. Patrol members are asked to chip in $5 for the pizza and let PL know if you are coming so they can have pizza order ready.
    • Titans – Tuesday 5:30pm @ CUMC Activity Field.
    • Land Sharks – Tuesday 5:30pm @ CUMC Activity Field.

2. Next Meetings will be in January 2019

Uniform: Class A

  1. January 8:  Pre-Shakedown for Klondike Derby, anyone needing to fulfill grubmaster duties should take advantage. Phoenix Patrol will be finalizing a plan that may require some core Scouting skills combined with obstacles.
  2. January 15: Shakedown for Klondike Derby will be led by SPL/ASPLs, including review of Troop station.
  3. January 18-20: Klondike Derby @ Camp Snyder
  4. January 22: Pandas are developing a plan that will exercise pioneering skills.
  1. CUMC Advent and Christmas Planning Guide

Troop 893’s Chartering organization has a number of Advent and Christmas activities planned for the next several weeks.

Here is the link for more information:  http://centreville-umc.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Christmas-Advent-Booklet-2018-1.pdf

3. Key Dates

Jan 18-20: Klondike Derby @ Camp Snyder

Feb 10, 17, 24: Merit Badge University

Mar 5: Leadership Elections

Mar 22-24: Outing TBD

Mar 31: Junior Leadership Training

Apr 2: Court of Honor

Apr 26-28: New Scout Campout

Jun 23-29: Summer Camp @ Goshen’s Camp Olmstead