Scoutmaster Minute: Welcome to 2020. Hard for me to reconcile with the fact that I rekindled my relationship with Scouting just over 10 years ago…wow. Highlights included marching in the 100 year anniversary parade, being a Tiger Den Leader and then Cubmaster for Pack 127, a most incredible adventure to Philmont with the awesome Crew of 728 Charlie, and becoming Scoutmaster for “Simply The Best” Troop of Scouters. Life is full of surprises and opportunities, but they will not fall into your lap wandering through life. Continuing forward on the Trail to Eagle will help you discover the potential you all possess, but means you must grant yourself the permission to take that step forward into unknown challenges. That includes allowing yourself to stumble and fail, for it is in those moments that we truly find our strength to quash the fears that hold us back from our potential.
Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better man.
― Benjamin Franklin
1. This Week Jan 7: Klondike PreShakedown & Sled Prep (All)
Uniform Class A
ATTENTION – We need a Big Dogz Grubmaster and a volunteer to pull the Troop trailer.
A. Patrols will develop plans for the upcoming Klondike Derby and finalize plans for the Troop station. The theme is Ice Zombies and will include multiple challenge stations to test Scout skills, including a chili cook off.
This is a perfect time for each Patrol to expand their meal planning creativity, especially since you all have brand new camp stoves (see photo). This will include the first chance to win the coveted T893 Golden Spoon.
Start planning by opening the attached file BEFORE TUESDAY, especially Patrol Leaders!.
Scouts should be prepared to confirm attendance so we can complete registration (weather outlook is pretty favorable at the moment).
B. PATROL LEADERs should confirm condition and location as discussed at last meeting BEFORE TUESDAY.
Based on info provided to me these are the locations of the existing sleds:
1. Eagles – Barrett’s
2. Pandas – Lee’s
3. Phoenix – unknown (Patterson’s???)
4. Titans – Activity Field
5. Land Sharks – Jobe’s
2. Eagle Court of Honor – Steven Ruckert – Saturday, January 11 at 3:00pm
Uniform Class A (including sash)
All members of Troop 893 are invited to celebrate Steven Ruckert’s advancement to Eagle on Saturday, January 11 at 3:00pm
The Eagle Court of Honor will be held at the Virginia Run Community Center, 15355 Wetherburn Ct, Centreville, VA 20120.
This is ceremony represents the culmination of all the time Steven has spent in Scouting and achieving the highest honor of reaching the rank of Eagle.
All Scouters are encouraged to attend.
3. Next Week Jan 14: Klondike Shakedown & Sled Prep (All)
Uniform Class A
Bring $15 for the grubmaster.
Each Patrol will finalize meal plan, grub master assignment and duty roster.
Patrols will work on review of Scout skills that will likely be applied – map/compass, knots/lashings, first aid.
4. Klondike Derby Jan 17-19 @ Camp Snyder
Uniform Class A/B
We will assemble at CUMC by 6pm. All Scouts will bring printed and signed copy of permission slip and provide to the SPL.
5. Next Next Week Jan 21: TBD (Phoenix)
Uniform Class A
Planning is underway…stay tuned.
6. Key Dates
Jan 11: Eagle Court of Honor – Steven Ruckert
Jan 17-19: Klondike Derby
Feb 2: Merit Badge University (MBU)
Feb 9: MBU
Feb 23: MBU
Mar 20-22 Outing TBD
Mar 31: Spring Court of Honor
Apr 24-26: New Scout Campout
May 22-24: Annual Family Canoe Trip
July 5-11: Summer Camp @Summit Bechtel