Scoutmaster Minute: The PLC meeting this past week was productive and there was general consensus that more planning leads to better meetings/outings. Over the next several weeks we shall see if the lessons have been learned. Current both Philmont crews are on trails in Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range. The Venturing Crew is just a few days out of camp and the Troop crew summitted Baldy Mtn. (12,441 feet) earlier this week (see photo). Shortly we will begin to see if there is sufficient interest for a crew to take on this adventure in 2021 (must be 14 at time of trip). I guarantee its something a Scout will never forget and reference frequently.

 
Lead, follow, or get out of the way
— Thomas Paine
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1. This Week July 16 – Backpacking 101 (Land Sharks) @ Activity Field
Uniform – Class B
The Land Sharks will be demonstrating proper techniques for planning a backpacking outing and meal planning, including how to safely “make water”. This activity will have applicability for the August and September outing, including those planning to overnight on Aug 2 for the Aug climbing activity (see below). Scout planning to camp on Aug 2 before the climbing event should indicate their intent to SM Morley or ASM Pschigoda ASAP.

 

2. Next Week July 23 – Painting 101 (Pandas) @ Activity Field
Uniform – Class B
The Pandas will be demonstrating proper techniques and methods embodied in the Painting MB. Someday you will all live some where other than your parents house, at least that’s the idea, and basic knowledge of these skills will come in handy.
Earning this merit badge is not automatic, there are several items such as req. 7 & 8 that will require some work prior to or after the meeting. More info on this MB can be accessed at https://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Painting. 

3. Troop Outing July 27 
Uniform – Class B
At the PLC meeting this past week, Scouts decided that we will have a day event at the Water Mine @ Lake Fairfax. The Troop is in the process of reserving space under one of the big funbrellas from 10:30-2:30.
Scouts and family members (3 and up) must pay $11 admission fee.
 
4. Next Next Week July 30 – Troop Night (Land Sharks) @ Activity Field
Uniform – Class B
The Land Sharks are looking to repeat the fun and games from last months Troop night. Time will tell what they have in store for us…stay tuned.
Any Scout planning to camp on Aug 2 for the climbing event must come to this meeting will fully packed for a gear check, including menu plan, tenting arrangement and demonstrate to leadership that they are prepared.

5. Last Summer Climbing Event – August 3 @ Buzzard Rock
Uniform – Class B
Last chance of the summer for some awesome fun rock climbing at Buzzard Rock, which was big hit for the Scouts that climbed during the March campout. The attached waivers are 100% required, no exception, plus $10 equipment fee.
There may also be a camping opportunity Friday, Aug 2 evening for Scouts that have earned 1st Class and satisfy shakedown review…this is a backpacking situation with no water source and requires proper gear. More details to follow.
Please indicate your intent to climb using this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b044eaea62ea4f58-893summer 

Saturday August 3 – 0800-1600 Buzzard Rock, VA
6. Next Next Next Week Aug 6 – Backpacking Iron Chef (Titans) @ Activity Field
Uniform – Class B
The Titans will be offering some challenges to Scouts in preparation for upcoming outing and opportunity to win new “Golden Spoon” Award for best menu item (mountain house will not be permitted). Additional details and instructions to follow.
This will also serve as the preshakedown meeting for the Aug 16-18 outing at Prince William Forest, so start thinking about patrol menus, grubmaster assignments and tentmates. This meeting is a great time to test menu ideas and not go hungry if it doesn’t work out.
7. Further Out Week Aug 13 – Get Orienteered (Phoenix) @ Activity Field
Uniform – Class B
The Phoenix patrol will be offering guidance on critical survival skills and the basic of Orienteering. Many Scouts have started the merit badge this meeting and the campout will provide opportunity to complete several requirements. https://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Orienteering
This will also serve as the Shakedown meeting for the Aug 16-18 outing at Prince William Forest, so plan to finalize patrol menus, grubmaster assignments and tentmates.
 

 

8. A Little Further Out Week Aug 20 – TBD (Eagles) @ Activity Field
Uniform – Class B
The Eagles are in the process of developing a plan for this meeting, TBD.
 

 

9. Troop 893 Back 2 School Picnic  Aug 27 – Everyone @ Activity Field
Uniform – Class B
The back to school picnic is coming up on August 27th. This is a time for fellowship with all Troop families! All Troop members are welcome. Please plan to arrive by 6:45 pm at the CUMC activity field pavilion.
The Troop will provide the hamburgers and hot dogs. Each family should bring soda/chips, side dish, or dessert as assigned by last name below:

A-L     Dessert
M-R    Soda or other drink & bag of chips
S-Z     Side Dish

### We need volunteers to setup the activity field, run the bbq pit, bring 1-2 mobile grills plus a few other items like plates, cups ice. Please advise if you can provide one of these items using the link below.
### We need an estimated headcount so RSVP ASAP. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040C4EA9A9292-2018
10.  Key Dates
Jul 27:  Outing @ Lake Fairfax Water Mine (10:30-2:30)
Aug 3: Climbing @ Buzzard Rock
Aug 16-18: Prince William Forest Campout
Aug 27: Back 2 School Troop Picnic @ CUMC Activity Field
Sept 3: Leadership Elections
Sept 20-22:  Backpacking Paris, VA to Sky Meadows (planning in progress)
Sept 28-29: Junior Leadership Training
Oct 1: Fall Court of Honor