Scoutmaster Moment
A new year has rolled around, welcome 2021! 2020 is in the books, surely to be studied by historians for many years to come as a tumultuous time with a pandemic, historic election (and aftermath), and civil unrest related to our nation’s continued grappling with racism and its effects. While it was a roller coaster of a ride, the Troop did well in 2020; coming in 2nd in our first Sully District Klondike, doubling in size to 15 Scouts by December, adapting to pandemic by switching to all virtual, and back to in-person without missing a meeting, and by so many ranking up (all the Founding scouts have earned First Class!) – ending with 3 Eagle rank Scoutmaster Conferences.  I am deeply proud of what the Troop has accomplished over the past year, and excited by all that will come in 2021.
Announcements
Meetings at CUMC
All Scout meetings at CUMC remain on hold for right now.  More info will be shared as we hear from the church. This means that weekly meetings will be virtual until allowed to meet again.
TROOP MEETING/ACTIVITY OUTLOOK
This Week – 1/5 – Troop Meeting
Uniform: Field Uniform (Class A)
Location: Virtual (via Zoom)
Intro to Fishing
This week’s scheduled activity is an introduction to fishing skills, a follow up outing has been discussed so that the skills can be used.
Next Week – 1/12 – PLC
Uniform: Field Uniform (Class A)

Location: Virtual (via Zoom)

This week there is no general troop meeting, we will have a PLC with limited roles attending (noted below), however each Scout does have a responsibility to respond to their patrol leadership and provide ideas for the good of the troop.
All Scouts should be providing meeting and outing ideas to their patrol leaders.  We expect to be virtual for weekly meetings through the month of January at least, but we can have weekend outings as long as we comply with state guidelines.
Ideas can be found within the Program Resources book (linked here, and will be physically present during discussion). Some upcoming meetings should include welcoming new scouts to the troop and helping them ramp up skills while polishing/advancing those of current scouts.
• Program Features (meeting plans by activity): https://troopleader.scouting.org/program-features/
Purposes of Troop Meetings
• Prepare for outings.
• Learn and practice Scouting skills.
• Exercise leadership.
• Strengthen patrols.
• Promote advancement and personal growth.
• Inspire Scouts.
• Have fun.

This PLC will be a limited group focusing on planning.  All participating Scouts should be in uniform, have something to take notes with. Roles expected to participate in this PLC:

SPL
ASPL
Patrol Leaders (Rascal Rabbits & Moon Archers)
Troop Guide
Scribe
JASM
Following Week  – 1/1 9 – Troop Meeting
Uniform: Field Uniform (Class A)
Location: Virtual (via Zoom)
Jeopardy! game organized by the Rascal Rabbits
Upcoming Activities per PLC
Patrols should plan ahead so meetings can be online (virtual) if necessary.  Alternatively, activities could be planned as a weekend outing outside.
Patrols Leaders are reminded that plans for meetings should be submitted to the SPL and Scoutmaster 2 weeks in advance (at minimum). 
1/5 – Intro to Fishing – Moon Archers
1/12 – PLC (limited attendance)
1/19 – Jeopardy! – Rascal Rabbits
1/26 – Scavenger Hunt – Moon Archers
Service Opportunities
All ranks require service hours, Life rank also requires at least 3 hours be Conservation related
Camp Snyder Work Days – These are monthly days where volunteers are invited out to Camp Snyder to help keep it in condition to support the many scouting units and events in the Council.
 
 
SCOUTING FROM HOME
NCAC Scouting at Home page

New Merit Badge opportunities:

This council is offering a lot of merit badge opportunities from now through May 2021.  Reminder to reach out to me if you are interested in taking a class so I can virtually open a blue card for you.
For those of you who are on Facebook, there is a group called MERIT BADGE OPPORTUNITIES, a lot of different MBC and Councils post opportunities.
DelMarVa Council Scouting from Home Page
This page has Merit Badge info, but also has a great “Trail to First Class” Knowledge Library to help you work on rank advancement from home.  These include links to videos on some of the requirements to help review.
Key Dates (mark your calendar)

Full calendar is also available from Troopmaster subscription calendar

JUN 20-26 2021 – Summer Camp at Summit Bechtel