Scoutmaster Minute: The Scout Leadership had a successful planning session last week and prepared a series of activities that should help our Nova Corp advance and provide fun at the same time. In terms of advancing, we had an opportunity to use the Cub Run Rec Center pool on Sunday evening to run several Scout’s through the BSA Swim Test for 2nd and 1st Class ranks…all were successful. As we close out August and begin the last week of summer vacation please make the most of it before being chained to virtual classes all day…that means get outside. I think this is where we can offer some relief by keeping the Outing in Scouting.

Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day.
Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.
– Chinese proverb

SUMMER CAMP REFUNDS

Summer Camp Refunds have been processed and families who had paid some or all money towards summer camp 2020 should be receiving a check from BB&T Bank by Sept 2, 2020.
If you have any questions, please contact Steve Barnett (sbarnett1066@gmail.com), Ernie Barreto (ernie_barreto@yahoo.com), or Knut Skare (kskare@kskares.com).
The Summer Camp Team will begin collecting money in Jan / Feb 2021 for next year’s summer camp which is scheduled for June 20-26, 2021 at Camp Justice.

MEETINGS/ACTIVITIES
Those attending any Troop related activity must comply with the following (additional details attached):
Sick individuals must stay home
Individuals must take their temperature the day of the gathering and may NOT attend if their temperature is greater than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit.
Face coverings are required for all individuals at any gathering and must be worn for the entire duration of the gathering.
No one with symptoms of COVID-19 or known exposure to COVID-19 in the prior 14 days is allowed to attend any gathering.

1. This Week SEP 1: Teach a Man to Fish (LandSharks) @ Activity Field
Uniform – Class B (unless seeking rank advancement)

The Land Sharks have developed a plan to introduce, and/or help complete, the Fishing Merit Badge. This session will focus on key knots to make sure you don’t lose your favorite lure and keep the fish on the hook. In addition, Scout will learn about hazards that could befall fishermen, and about the type of equipment needed to be successful. This will set up the final requirement…catching a fish which we will attempt at Silver Lake on Saturday, Sept 12, 6-9pm.

REMINDER – Begin gathering paperwork to close out Blue Cards on or before the Sept 15 meeting.

2. Next Week SEP 8: Get Oriented (Pandas) @ Activity Field
Uniform – Class B (unless seeking rank advancement)

The Pandas will be helping Nova Corp members learn how to orient a map, develop a pace count and follow a simple course.
This is also an opportunity for Scouts to start or work on elements of Camping and Orienteering merit badges.

3. Next Next Week SEP 15: Leadership Election (ALL) @ Activity Field
Uniform – Class A

It is that time of year again when we need to prepare for a transition to the next Scout Leadership Team. All Scouts should be thinking about how they can provide service to the Troop as a leader to give back and help those that have helped them advance.
Positions of Responsibility are especially critical for Scouts seeking to advance to Star, Life and Eagle, but many are open to all Scouts. There are many options, so please review the attached document if you’re not familiar with a position or would like to know more. You could also talk to the Scout current in the position. Yes talk, primitive I know, but highly effective when exercised properly.
Any Scout considering the position of Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) should make that known to me ASAP, if you have not already done so.
Elections are held Troop wide for SPL and within a Patrol for Patrol Leader. All other positions require a Scout to add their name to the list for consideration by the new SPL and Scoutmaster.
In all cases you must be present to be considered. If for some reason you are unable to attend please see me ASAP.

If all goes well,the Titans will be organizing a GaGa Ball competition.
Nova Corp members should wear Class B and come prepared to perform fitness requirements for Tenderfoot.

4. Outing SEP 12: Fish On (Land Sharks) @ Silver Lake
Uniform – Class B

As an extension of the Fishing MB meeting on Sept 1, we will invite Scout to join us at Silver Lake (16198 Silver Lake Rd, Haymarket, VA 20169), which is just past Camp Snyder. Scouts will try their luck bank fishing for bluegill and largemouth bass fish.
Please be sure to wear proper clothing and footwear, plus it is recommended to have bug spray. All attendees should plan to bring water and eat prior to arrival.
### All those age 16 and over must have a valid Virginia fishing license if you plan to fish. These can be purchased online at GoOutdoorsVirginia.com or at many WalMarts or Dick’s Sporting Goods.

5. Future Meetings
Sep 22 – Testing Your Knottin (Phoenix)
Sep 29 – Iron Chef (Eagles)
Oct 6 – Fall Court of Honor (All)
Oct 13 – Public Health MB (Phoenix)
6. Looking Ahead Oct 6 – Fall Court of Honor (All Families)

Uniform – Class A (MB or OA Sash)

The Troop 893 Fall 2020 Court of Honor will be held at Centreville United Methodist Church on the Activity Field (unless we can go inside), starting at 7 pm.
All Troop 893 Scouts and families are invited and encouraged to attend. Scouts will be receiving Merit Badges, rank advancement recognition that they have earned over the past 12 months since we were unable to do this in the Spring.
We will also recognize new members of Troop 893 and induct the new youth leadership for the next six month term.

Key Dates
Sept 8: First Day of School
Sept 12: Fishing @ Silver Lake
Sept 15: Leadership Elections
Sept 18-20: Outing TBD/
Oct 4: Leadership Training
Oct 6: Fall Court of Honor
Oct 10-12: Outing TBD
Nov 6-8: Mission Impossible Campout