Scoutmaster Moment

I was sad to miss this week’s meeting due to flu, in part because I truly enjoy seeing what the troop does each week and because – well being sick is no fun at all.  Fortunately I recovered by the end of the week and was able to join over 900 area Scouters at the NCAC University of Scouting to learn all kinds of new stuff to use in the troop, and to see many friends.  A Scout is Prepared, prepared to learn new tricks, prepared to assist others, prepared for whatever comes their way. Getting the flu this week meant lots of down time, some of that was spent reading news stories which were split between our presidential primaries (reminder: Virginia primary is Tuesday night and the church is a polling station), and the new Coronavirius “COVID-19”.  Sickness is no fun, new illnesses can be scary and this one has some pretty impactful stories about effects it is having on some countries with extended school closures and shortages.  US cases number in the scores, the flu is much more dangerous than COVID-19 for the majority of people.  The biggest defense against any illness is soap and water. Wash your hands, sing Happy Birthday to yourself to make sure you wash well; and cover your coughs and sneezes. Next, don’t touch your face; eyes, mouth, and nose are vectors for germs.  Missing meetings for sickness is no fun at all 🙂

Preparation is never a bad idea.  Here are some links for basic advice to avoid illness, and to prep for extended impact.  Just like we would prepare for a snow storm with food and other goods to last 2-3 days, preparation for this is similar.

  • https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/index.html
  • https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/stop-the-spread-of-germs.pdf 
  • https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/02/26/809650625/a-guide-how-to-prepare-your-home-for-coronavirus

 

Upon hearing the Scout motto, someone asked Scouting founder Robert Baden-Powell the inevitable follow-up question.
“Prepared for what?”
“Why, for any old thing,” he replied.

 

Rank Advancements

Caitlin Schuetz    First Class (2/25/2020)

 

TROOP MEETING OUTLOOK

This Week – 3/3 – Troop Elections (leadership & OA)
Uniform: Class A
Location: CUMC Chapel

Elections for Order of the Arrow elections for all eligible 893 scouts (First Class scouts with 15 or more nights camping, including one long-term camping (ie summer camp) during the 2 years prior to election).  

OA is considered an honor society within Scouting.  Scouts who are elected must complete Ordeal to become full members.  OA offers additional opportunities for leadership and service (and fun) and is considered supplemental to the Troop (and beneficial to the Troop). Our local OA chapter meets the 2nd Thursday of the month, plus other chapter and Lodge opportunities for fellowship.
More info on OA membership: https://oa-bsa.org/about/membership 

Troop Positions for next 6-month term will be filled.  Positions above First Class have advancement requirements that include holding a position of responsibility to demonstrate leadership.  As a small “young” troop we also have an opportunity for all registered scouts to hold a position.  How will you serve the troop for the Spring/Summer term?  Anyone interested in SPL or PL should talk with me prior to election.

Den Chief is considered another position within a troop, Den Chief’s assist an assigned den within a Pack rather than directly support a troop (but very much directly supports scouting and can lead to new scouts coming to the troop).  This position has required training, if you are interested please let me know.  

See the attached updated 893GT Leadership Position description document for a listing of various positions.  Anyone holding a leadership position is expected to attend leadership training to be held 29 Mar (interchangeably called Junior Leadership Training or Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops). Our “ILST” is currently expected to be held locally for a full day, and not as an overnight campout.

Next Week – 3/10 – Troop Meeting
Uniform: Class A
Location: CUMC Chapel

Fire building techniques – Christina

Next Week – 3/13 – Pack 1858 Crossover
Uniform: Class A
Location: Willow Springs ES, 7pm

Troop 893G will welcome one new scout formally into the troop during the pack crossover.  Ideally we will have 2-3 893G scouts present to welcome her in properly.  Please see me if you are able to attend and help with the event.

 

Meeting Outlook from Fall Planning

  • February – Scouting Through Time
  • March – Fun with Fire
  • April – Back 2 Basics

 

OTHER NEWS & INFO

2021 National Jamboree – 21-30 July 2021, Bechtel Summit Reserve, WV

The BSA National Jamboree occurs every four years for 10 days and is held at the same location as our 2020 summer camp. As a national event there are scouts from all over the country, and some international scouts may participate.

  • Registration is now open, anyone interested must register as an individual and Jamboree Troops are formed by each Council.
  • A participating Scout must be at least 12 by the first day, and cannot be older than 18 by the last day.
  • Adults can register as leaders for a Council-formed troop, or to volunteer to help work camp.  Young adults (18-25) can register to volunteer as well.
  • There are past Jamboree participants in the 893 Boy Troop (including Mr. Treat and DJ Treat), I’m sure they would be happy to talk about their adventures
  • Jamboree is 10 days of friends, fun and adventure, 7/21-30/2021.  Cost for participant is $1,175
  • Official website: https://jamboree.scouting.org 

 

Service Opportunities: Camp Snyder Service Days – Camp Snyder, Haymarket, VA

Area Scouts and adults provide service to Camp Snyder by helping with various maintenance and improvement projects each month.  This can be done individually, or as a group.  See the attached flyer.

 

Key Dates (mark your calendar)
also available from Troopmaster subscription calendar

  • Mar 3 – Elections for Leadership & OA
  • Mar 13 – Pack 1858 crossover (scouts needed)
  • Mar 17 – New parent orientation (please plan on at least one parent attending)
  • Mar 20-22 – Outing (TBD)
  • Mar 29 – Leadership Training
  • Apr 4 – CUMC Spring Clean Up
  • Apr 14 – Spring CoH
  • May 1-3 – New Scout Campout (New Date)
  • May 22-24 – 893 Annual Family Canoe Trip
  • Jul 5-11 – Summer Camp (Summit Bechtel)