Scoutmaster Moment
This weekend makes the traditional start of the summer season with parties, pools, and BBQs – at least in most years. But BBQs and parties is not what Memorial Day is truly about.  Decoration Day started after the Civil War and became Memorial Day to recognize all those in the Armed Forces  who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.  This year I believe our thanks can include the many brave men and women who are now working as first responders and in hospitals to help thousands of Americans fight for their health.  Tomorrow be sure to fly a flag, remember those who have acted to ensure we have our freedom and now our health, and enjoy the start of summer season with your loved ones.

It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they here gave the last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.
-President Abraham Lincoln, at Gettysburg

 

Announcements
SUMMER CAMP: 
Currently 893 Summer Camp is still on: Summit has announced they are delaying start of camp to 1 July – however we are due on 5 July and are set to go still.  As we’ve all seen through this COVID response target dates and impacts can shift.  We will certainly share what we know should anything change. Timing for doctor signed medical forms and completed swim tests prior to camp arrival are an acknowledged concern that camps are working on, again we’ll share what we know as we learn more.

Mr Adam is working on some options for social distancing Astronomy MB observations.  Any scouts interested in completing, or starting, the Astronomy MB should reach out to me.

 

TROOP MEETING OUTLOOK

This Week – 5/26- **VIRTUAL** Troop Meeting
Uniform: Field Uniform (Class A)
Location: Zoom App (meeting link info to be sent day of meeting)

The Rascal Rabbits will lead an activity related to Animation

Next Week – 6/2 – **VIRTUAL** Troop Meeting
Uniform: Field Uniform (Class A)
Location: Zoom App (meeting link info to be sent day of meeting)
A Summer Camp planning discussion is planned for this meeting, please plan to participate
The Rascal Rabbit patrol will lead an activity involving a scavenger hunt

Following Week – 6/9- **VIRTUAL** Troop Meeting
Uniform: Field Uniform (Class A)
Location: Zoom App (meeting link info to be sent day of meeting)

The Moon Archers are planning an Art activity

 

 

SCOUTING FROM HOME

NCAC Scouting at Home page

NEW!  NCAC new Scouting at Home patch
         

 

Merit Badges: 

  • See my 3/21 email for info on how merit badges work, and the troop process for opening a badge 
  • Finish open badges from MBU (or others)
  • Start a new badge (talk to me to formally open it).  
    • Good candidates are those that include tracking activities over many weeks, such as Family Life  Personnel Fitness  and Personal Management
    • Public Health is a highly relevant topic one now (and perhaps appropriate to earn during a pandemic)
    • Our troop has many counselors available to work with you using technology, and across NCAC and further others are offering to assist scouts with badges to help keep everyone busy (not bored)  
    • Online MB sessions
      • BSA Advancement Academy – updated periodically
      • NCAC MB offerings – these are updated periodically (there may be technology fees for at least some offerings)
  • Forwarded list of MB options:

National Capital Area
https://www.ncacbsa.org/merit-badges-at-home/

Central Florida Council
https://scoutingevent.com/083-OnlineMB

Gulf Stream Council (Florida) 
https://www.gulfstreamcouncil.org/raw2020   

Piedmont Council (North Carolina)
https://www.piedmontcouncilbsa.org/mbuonline 

Andrew Jackson Council (Mississippi)
http://www.bsa-jackson.org/event/list/2535

NEW Link – summer MB options
Mt. St. Helen’s Volcano Scouting
https://www.volcanoscouting.org/virtual   
 
 
30 Day Brownsea Challenge
Attention Scouts, Tenderfoot, 2nd Class, & 1st Class! Keep your Scout Skills sharp with the 30 Day Brownsea Challenge. The challenge begins this Friday! Complete the challenge and earn the exclusive Scout On Patch! You must be registered to earn the patch! There is no cost to register. Registrations end April 9th at 11:55 pm. Register & learn more here: http://www.bsa-grc.org/registration/calendardetail.aspx

Rank Advancement
Review your Scout Handbook, work on your skills so you can get items signed off.  You can discuss with other scouts too. See 30-day challenges for rank advancement ideas.

Read a book, so many to choose from!  Here are some suggestions:

  • Lost on a Mountain in Maine, Donn Fendler – true story of a 12 year old scout lost for 9 days
  • My Adventures as a Spy, Robert Baden-Powell
  • List of books to read from Boys Life magazine
  • What books do you suggest??

 

 

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 

 

 

Key Dates (mark your calendar)
also available from Troopmaster subscription calendar
Dates in gray are dependent upon COVID-19 response

TBD – Swim Test
TBD – New Scout Campout
Jul 5-11 – Summer Camp (Summit Bechtel)
Aug 14-16 – Prince William Forest Campout
Aug 25 – First Day FCPS