Scoutmaster Minute: Well I am more than certain that folks are feeling a little stir crazy…but there are options. In terms of our normal schedule of active, I think is safe to say that all face-2-face interactions will be suspended thru April 10, and very likely thru April 30. Here a few things Scouts can be doing with the free time they now have. I have also included one task below that is require of all Scouts.
Great time to use those electronics on a hike to explore news trails where you can do part of Photography. The Blue Bells are out so hit the trails in Bull Run Park or several other places, including the Old Stone Bridge at Manassas Battlefield.
A Scout could complete Req. 4B in Environmental Science where you must select 2 study areas and document observations on 3 visits. Much easier to plot that out now and track the changes as thing start growing.
There as least 58 Merit Badges that could be done mostly from home, including Reading, which you likely have already done in school, but never asked for a Blue Card. See https://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2020/03/20/merit-badges-for-social-distancing
Since we are all together, it would be fitting to use this time to complete the chore tracking in Family Life, which is Eagle required.
The point here is that time is a gift, even when circumstances are challenging, so try no to waste all of it on YouTube, Netflixs and XBox.
Just remember that prior to starting any merit badge you need to request permission from the Scoutmaster and identify a counselor.
When you kill time, you kill your opportunities for success.
– Denis Waitley
REQUIRED ACTIVITY
WHAT: Cyber Chip: This is a BSA program to educate youth about today’s increasingly technological world, and most importantly how to stay safe within it. The Cyber Chip is required for the Star Scout rank and the Programming Merit Badge.
This is completed annually within Troop 893 to complement our Electronics Policy which also must be signed by every Scout.
WHO: All Scouts & Parent/Guardian (no exceptions)
HOW: Complete the age/grade based requirements in the attached workbook. Sign name in the green box for requirement 1.
WHEN: Should be signed by the Scout and Parent/Guardian on or before April 10, 2020.