Scoutmaster Moment
Cooperation was in evidence this week as Troops 893 held a joint recruitment event on the CUMC Activity Field and Pavillion.  The troops had joint opening and closing formations and took turns with the flag ceremony while holding separate activities with visitors who may be interested in the troop.  It was wonderful to see visitors join us for some fun activities, and we hope to see them again at Mission Impossible in November and upcoming meetings. These activities mark a turn in  the troop as it matures from a new troop to a thriving one with new members coming in.
Growth is never by mere chance; it is the result of forces working together.
– James Cash Penney
 
 
This week – 10/1 – Troop Meeting  
Uniform: Class A (tan shirt)
Location: CUMC chapel
 
Mountain Man Rendezvous Seneca District Camporee Shakedown and prep.  

Be prepared to discuss menus. Experienced scouts should help prep new scout(s) for camping. 

Some of the events planned for the camporee include:

 
Foosball
Agility Trail
Knife throwing
Giant slingshot
Signals and codes
Fire building
Knots and lashing
Map and compass
Tomahawk throwing
Archery
Lumberjack (caber) toss
Climbing wall
Blacksmithing
Trading post
Shelter building
Cooking
Branding
First Aid
2-man sawing
Trapping
 
Suggested prep from the organizers indicates these scout skills will be used and can be practiced in meetings ahead of time:
  • Fire building
  • Knots and lashings
  • Semaphore signaling
  • Bear bag hanging
  • Backpacking meal preparation
  • First aid
  • Map and compass
Note: some leaders and scouts will attend the 893BT CoH during part of this meeting 
 
Do you have a hitch on your vehicle, and are willing to tow the troop trailer?  (or for other campouts) Please let Ms. Andrea or Mr. Taylor know.
 
 
This week – 10/3 – Sully Disrict Troop Showcase  
Uniform: Class A (tan shirt)
Location: LDS Chapel on WIllard
 
The district’s troop showcase is where local troops gather so that area Webelos scouts can visit with them and start their process to crossover into a troop in the spring.  We will have a table, set up like the back to school tables.  
 
We need around 2 scouts who are able to to be at the table and comfortable talking with prospective troop members.  Please let Ms. Andrea know.
 
Next week – 10/8 – Fall Court of Honor
Uniform: Class A
Location: CUMC Chapel
 
Court of Honor is the troop opportunity to recognize all that members of the troop have done since the Spring CoH.  This is held inside the CUMC chapel at 7pm (normal meeting place and time).  All 893GT scouts, family, and friends are invited and encouraged to attend.  Scouts from 893GT will be recognized for the merit badges, ranks, and any other awards they have earned over the last six months.  We will also induct new members of Troop 893, and induct the new youth leadership team into the new 6-month term.  Scouts should dress in their “Class A” field uniform (tan shirt), merit badge sashes are recommended.
 
The Court of Honor is followed by a reception with snacks and fellowship. For the reception, each family is asked to bring something to share as designated by last name, noted below.  When you leave, please plan to take leftovers of what you brought.
  • A-P: beverage (such as 2-liter bottle)
  • Q-Z: small dessert or snack
**Completed Blue Cards must be turned into Mr. Treat on 9/24 for inclusion in this CoH**
 
 
Fundraiser Booths
Uniform: Class A
 
The troops are selling popcorn, with two more booth dates on the calendar.  Please support the troop and sign up for some time slots.  Building our finances as a unit means we have more options for activities.  
 
Both of the booths are located at the Chantilly Walmart (near Expo)
 
 
 
Meeting Outlook from September Planning
  • September Theme – Leadership
  • October Theme – Outdoor Skills
  • November Theme – Pets
  • December – January Theme – Klondike Skills
 
 
Merit Badge Opportunities
Merit badges can be earned outside of summer camp and Merit Badge University (MBU) held by the troop. Sometimes there are merit badge related activities going on all around us, including school coursework.  A recent article lists some options based on school studies, while it lists 5, reality is that many of your studies, elective course, and outside activities such as clubs, sports, band, etc offer opportunities too. Study the list of available badges to compare against activities you currently do, then talk to me if you have a blue card you wish to open.
 
 
Badges based on common school coursework & activities
  • Scholarship
  • Reading
  • Theater
  • Programing, Digital Technology
  • PE & teams: Athletics, Personal Fitness
  • Band: Music, Bugling
  • Photography
  • Arts: Art, Sculpture
  • Chemistry
  • Civics: Citizenship badges
  • Clubs: Robotics, Chess, Astronomy, Entrepreneurship…
 
Ashburn Fire & Rescue Merit Badge Night – 10/25
Work towards Emergency Preparedness, Safety, and Fire Safety merit badges at a firehouse (pre-requisite work is needed in order to complete).  Space is limited to 80 scouts – website talks about Boy Scouts (rather than Scouts BSA), however they indicated girl troop members have registered and are welcome.  The event is a long evening, but includes dinner.  I will need to provide blue cards for anyone going.
 
 
Upcoming Service Opportunities 
Providing service is a key part of Scouting, to do our daily good turn. Helping others often in turn helps ourselves with new experiences and opportunities for growth. This is built into requirements for most ranks. This section is to list any upcoming service opportunities that may help the Community, and progress in your trail to Eagle, this list is not inclusive and there are many other activities in the area that are also worthwhile.  Activities listed here are Scoutmaster approved, if you have other activities you would like to do be sure to check with me if you would like them to count towards scout service requirements.
 
  • CUMC Grace Ministries is a monthly program through our charter organization held on the 2nd Saturday of each month, with prep the Friday night before hand, help is needed at both the Friday set up and on Saturday morning to bring goods to cars
 
 
 
Key Dates (mark your calendar)

also available from Troopmaster subscription calendar

  • Oct 3 – Sully District Troop Showcase
  • Oct 6 – 893GT Klondike Sled Build (TBD, Camp Snyder)
  • Oct 8 – Fall Court of Honor
  • Oct 11-13 – Mountain man Camporee
  • Oct 19 – Centreville Day
  • Nov 2 – Scouting for Food (bag drop)
  • Nov 9 – Scouting for Food (bag pick up)
  • Nov 15-17 – Mission Impossible