Scoutmaster Minute: Welcome back. I am looking forward to another great year for Troop 893. I would encourage each Scout and family to take a moment to consider their goals for the coming year. As it relates to Scouting…how can you help the Troop or a fellow Scout, plan for some high adventure, set a goal for advancement and take advantage of merit badge university and summer camp. We are at the beginning every morning, take the opportunity, no matter how small it may seem, to make a difference and make some progress towards those goals. Getting to the top of the mountain requires taking that first step forward. Begin.

1. This Week Jan 08 – First Aid Lava Challenge (Phoenix)
Uniform: Class A
 
A. The Phoenix Patrol has crafted a fun event for this weeks meeting that will challenge communication and team building skill of each Patrol. This could also be a trial run for the Klondike station the Troop will sponsor at next weeks Klondike Derby.

B. Klondike Pre-Shakedown . Just before the break, each patrol met to check thier sleds readiness for the Klondike. My sense is that they were in pretty good shape and some minor modifications were made. At this meeting the SPL will be checking in with each Patrol on attendance and initial plans for grub masters, giving everyone plenty of time to plan ahead. Each patrol must also make plan to transport their sled to Camp Snyder next Friday.

C.  Need vehicle with hitch to transport Troop trailer to/from Camp Snyder.

 2.  ACTION ITEM: Merit Badge University (MBU)

Mark your calendars: Merit Badge University (MBU) will be held on February 10, 17 and 24 at Centreville Dance Academy. Each Sunday will include three one-hour sessions (starting at 2pm), featuring a mix of Eagle-required and fun elective merit badges.
We’re also going to hold a couple of optional three-hour sessions on the morning of February 17 (9-12) in response to feedback seeking opportunities to knock out a merit badge in a single session.
**ACTION**: Scouts should complete the attached interest sheet and bring it to the January 8 Troop Meeting. Scouts who deliver a completed survey will earn a candy reward and my thanks.
Background on merit badges is available at http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Merit_Badges
As an investment in a Scout’s advancement, MBU is second only to Summer Camp. Every Scout is highly encouraged to make time for this important opportunity.
Registration will follow within the next week or so. Stay tuned, and get ready to advance ->->->

 3.  ACTION ITEM: Philmont High Adventure 2020 Crew Opportunity

We have a 2020, 12-Day Expedition Slot!  The 12-Day expedition will begin on 7/4/2020 and end on 7/16/2020.

Now, we need a crew adviser and crew. The crew size is reserved for 8-10 Scout and 2-4 Adults (Total Crew size of 12).

  • Scout’s must be 14 years of age on date of arrival OR have completed the eighth grade and be at least 13 prior to participation.
  • The 2020 expedition fee is $1,025 per participant (plus airfare).
  • Be sure to check out the Philmont video for a little taste of what will be experienced https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jxx5L872yVc...simply AWESOME!
  • Many adults and scouts have attended and can answer questions including myself, Dave Treat, Adam Wiesz, Shawn Marrow, and CJ Staton.
Assuming their is sufficient interest, the crew must submit a $100/participant deposit to hold this slot by 30 January, 2019!
If you are interested in being a crew adviser, and/or your scout is interested in attending, please email me and Paul Taylor right away.
4. Service Hours @ Grace Ministries Jan 11-12
Uniform: Class A
This month’s Grace Ministry weekend is January 11 and 12.  As always, participation from Troop 893 is encouraged and much appreciated.
Also, consider inviting a friend to join you.  This is a wonderful introduction to visitors as to what Christianity is all about, and how the CUMC family try’s to live out God’s call in our world!
This month they have created a Sign-up Genius for us to try.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b094dadaf22a3f49-grace

5. Next Week Jan 15 – Klondike Shakedown (SPL/ASPL)

Uniform: Class A
 

The SPL/ASPLs and Patrol Leadership will be working to finalize plans for Klondike to ensure that each patrol is fully prepared for the challenges that will be part of the Derby competition. This will include final tally of scouts attending, tent assignments and review/approval of grubmaster meal plans. Long term weather forecast looks like some pretty mild temps compared to years past.

6. Next Week Jan 18-20 – Klondike Derby @Camp Snyder
Uniform: Class A
 
A. Scouts assemble @CUMC by 6pm for roll call, equipment check.
B. SPL collects permission slips. Printed and signed permission slip is required on arrival…no exceptions.

B. Transport Troop Trailer and Klondike sleds (Adult support with be essential to make this work)

7. Next Next Week Jan 22 – Lashing Out and Up (Pandas)
Uniform: Class A

Panda Patrol is developing a plan that exercise scouting skills and provide opportunity to tackle 1st class requirements (3a-d) and introduce elements of the Pioneering merit badge, which could be pretty useful during the March outing.

8.  Key Dates
Jan 18-20: Klondike Derby @ Camp Snyder
Feb 10, 17, 24: Merit Badge University
Feb 19: PLC Meeting
Mar 5: Troop Leadership Elections/Positions of Responsibility
Mar 22-24: Elizabeth Furnace Campout
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