Scoutmaster Moment
This week has been a busy one filled with many activities for the troop!  Shakedown for the camporee next week, then recruiting at the Sully District Troop Showcase where our scouts spoke with a number of people, then today’s Klondike sled build at the Snyder wood shop (with many thanks to Mr. Staton and other supporting adults!)  
 
(photos from the Sully Troop Showcase and 893GT Klondike sled build day)
 
 
This 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
 
 
This Week – 10/11-13 – Outing to Mountain Man Camporee
Uniform: Class A & B
 
We will meet at CUMC on Friday, please arrive by 6:00pm packed and ready with your permission slip (attached).  While we are likely to have enough drivers, it is a good idea for parents to wait so we can ensure everyone has a ride.
 
 
Next week – 10/15 – Astronomy Merit Badge
Uniform: Class A
Location: CUMC Chapel
 
Wrapping up Astronomy Merit Badge activities from this summer between this meeting, and star gazing at Mr. Adam’s home on 10/26.  
 
This meeting will review and close out homework from over the summer (requirements 4.c & 6) 
 
 
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
  • 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
  • Max Carper Eagle Project, Saturday October 26, 10:00am
    • This project will construct cornhole sets for Westfield High School’s Senior Courtyard. The project will be hosted at 15447 Martins Hundred Drive. See attached flyer and talk with Max at the next meeting.
  • Scouting for Food, 11/2 and 11/9
    • This is an annual event where our council supports our local communities by collecting non-perishable goods.  Last year the council collected 1 million pounds of goods.  Sully district collects for Western Fairfax Christian Ministries food bank and provides support to many, this event stocks them for about six months of needed items – and is fun.  We need as many scouts as possible for dropping of bags at area homes and more importantly for picking up the filled bags on the 9th.
 
 
Key Dates (mark your calendar)

also available from Troopmaster subscription calendar

  • Oct 8 – Fall Court of Honor
  • Oct 11-13 – Mountain man Camporee
  • Oct 19 – Centreville Day
  • Oct 26 – Star Gazing (Astronomy Badge)
  • Nov 2 – Scouting for Food (bag drop)
  • Nov 9 – Scouting for Food (bag pick up)
  • Nov 15-17 – Mission Impossible