Scoutmaster Moment
This week was all about the hiking. Tuesday’s meeting was preparation info presented by Rascal Rabbits and Saturday was hike execution with a planned 5-mile hike around Burke Lake. We went a bit above and beyond, totaling 6 miles and working off a requirement for newer scouts while everyone had a good time on a beautiful Spring-like day. After so much cold weather and not seeing members of the Troop in person a nice walk in the woods around a lake was just the thing I needed, and it reminded me of many family walks around Walden Pond I had as a kid.
We tried a new app to do a scavenger hunt too. Feedback seemed to be overall positive for trying out the app but perhaps a long hike and scavenger hunt are not the best pairing – I have noted this for future reference. Congrats to the Moon Archers who won bragging rights, by a close margin!
I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than trees.
-Henry David Thoreau
Scoutmaster Moment
This week was all about the hiking. Tuesday’s meeting was preparation info presented by Rascal Rabbits and Saturday was hike execution with a planned 5-mile hike around Burke Lake. We went a bit above and beyond, totaling 6 miles and working off a requirement for newer scouts while everyone had a good time on a beautiful Spring-like day. After so much cold weather and not seeing members of the Troop in person a nice walk in the woods around a lake was just the thing I needed, and it reminded me of many family walks around Walden Pond I had as a kid.
We tried a new app to do a scavenger hunt too. Feedback seemed to be overall positive for trying out the app but perhaps a long hike and scavenger hunt are not the best pairing – I have noted this for future reference. Congrats to the Moon Archers who won bragging rights, by a close margin!
I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than trees.
-Henry David Thoreau
Announcements
Welcome New Scout Families
You are getting added to the weekly Troop News email list. We will hold an Info Session at the March 16th meeting to fill you in on how the troop functions, the Troop calendar and more – please put it on your calendars. We will also provide lots of info then about summer camp. Meanwhile, you can reach out with questions. We’ll be sure to keep you informed of any important items you need before then.
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.
Summer Camp 2021
893 Troops will be attending summer camp at Justice Camp at Summit Bechtel Reserve, BSA’s camp in West Virginia.
Please review the attached letter for details and prior email from Mr. Barnett.
Registration has started and first payment is due next week.
Note for new Scouts – more info regarding camp & deadline will be provided
| Payment Options & Deadline | Scout Check | Scout Charge | Adult Check | Adult Charge |
| A. Full Payment (Feb 9) | $485 | $500 | $485 | $500 |
| B. Split payment | ||||
| 1) February 9 | $242.50 | $250 | $242.50 | $250 |
| 2) March 9 | $242.50 | $250 | $242.50 | $250 |
Merit Badge University 2021
“MBU” is an 893 tradition held each February where Scouts are given an opportunity to work on an array of merit badges, see Mr. Taylor’s email from 1/27 for registration information. The focus this year is on needed Eagle badges, with the plan to offer others periodically throughout the year. Sessions are planned for 90 minutes on both 2/14 & 28 (3 hours total), some sessions may require more time that will be coordinated with the Merit Badge Counselor (MBC). Many require some advance prep, be sure to see the communication sent by the MBC once you have registered. Completing the specified tasks increases the ability to complete the MB during the session.
There have been some schedule adjustments, if anything comes up please notify Mr. Taylor ASAP.
Unless otherwise directed by your counselor, come prepared with the worksheet for the MBs you are registered for.
TROOP MEETING/ACTIVITY OUTLOOK
Next Week – 2/9 – Troop Meeting
Uniform: Field Uniform (Class A)
Location: Virtual (via Zoom)
Cooking demo and activity – Rascal Rabbits
There are supplies needed to participate – read carefully and please have on hand:
Ingredients:
- 1-8oz tube crescent roll dough
- 2 Tablespoons butter, melted
- cinnamon
- brown sugar
- Cupcake pan
- Non stick spray
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1 Tablespoon milk
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
Tools:
- Cupcake pan
- Non stick spray
- Rolling pin (bottle can but used if no rolling pin is available)
Next Week – 2/16 – Troop Meeting
Uniform: Field Uniform (Class A)
Location: Virtual (via Zoom)
Step-by-step Painting activity – Moon Archers
Next Week – Outing – 2/20 – Geocaching
Uniform: Activity Uniform (Class B)
Location: Conway Robinson State Forest, Gainesville, VA 20155
Outdoor activity locating geocaches Conway Robinson State Forest park. This is a fun activity looking for hidden items using GPS clues. There is a Geocaching MB if anyone is interested as well, let Ms. Andrea know if you want the badge opened up for you.
Park Info: http://www.dof.virginia.gov/stateforest/list/conway-robinson.htm
Map: http://www.dof.virginia.gov/stateforest/maps/ConRob-Map-QR-Locations.pdf
Following Week – 2/23 – Patrol Leader’s
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. This PLC will plan for meeting activities and outings through late April, hopefully this will include some in-person meetings at the Activity Field as COVID restrictions are relieved. Prepping for the New Scout campout in April will be part of this timeframe as well.
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.
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
Coming Quickly: 3/2 – Troop Leadership Elections
It will soon again be time to select the troop’s Scout Leadership Team for the coming term. How will you serve the troop for the Spring/Summer term, and give back to those who have helped you advance?
We hold elections each Spring and Fall, with leadership training and Court of Honor to recognize the incoming team (and many other individual recognitions). Positions above First Class have advancement requirements that include holding a position of responsibility to demonstrate leadership. As a small “young” troop we currently also have an opportunity for all registered scouts to hold a position, regardless of their current rank.
SPL is selected by troop-wide election, Patrol Leaders are chosen from patrol election. Patrol Quartermaster All other positions require interested scouts to place their name on sign-up sheets on Election Day (ranking your choices is advised) for consideration by incoming SPL and Scoutmaster.
In all cases you must be present to be considered. If for some reason you are unable to attend that day, please see me ASAP.
Anyone interested in SPL or PL must talk with me prior to election.
If you are interested in a position, speak with someone in that position now to understand it better.
The 893GT Leadership Position description document is attached, rank requirements for positions are currently considered as “preferred” and not “required” while the troop is growing.
Anyone holding a leadership position is expected to attend leadership training (interchangeably called Junior Leadership Training or Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops). Our “ILST” is tentatively planned at the Activity field on 10 Apr for most of the day pending COVID restrictions.
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).
2/9 – Cooking Demo – Rascal Rabbits
2/16 – Step-by-Step Painting – Moon Archers
2/20 – Outing – Geocaching (park is TBD)
2/23 – PLC (limited attendance)
3/2 – Leadership Elections (all) & Organizational Skills for Scouts – Moon Archers
Announcements
Welcome New Scout Families
You are getting added to the weekly Troop News email list. We will hold an Info Session at the March 16th meeting to fill you in on how the troop functions, the Troop calendar and more – please put it on your calendars. We will also provide lots of info then about summer camp. Meanwhile, you can reach out with questions. We’ll be sure to keep you informed of any important items you need before then.
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.
Summer Camp 2021
893 Troops will be attending summer camp at Justice Camp at Summit Bechtel Reserve, BSA’s camp in West Virginia.
Please review the attached letter for details and prior email from Mr. Barnett.
Registration has started and first payment is due next week.
Note for new Scouts – more info regarding camp & deadline will be provided
| Payment Options & Deadline | Scout Check | Scout Charge | Adult Check | Adult Charge |
| A. Full Payment (Feb 9) | $485 | $500 | $485 | $500 |
| B. Split payment | ||||
| 1) February 9 | $242.50 | $250 | $242.50 | $250 |
| 2) March 9 | $242.50 | $250 | $242.50 | $250 |
Merit Badge University 2021
“MBU” is an 893 tradition held each February where Scouts are given an opportunity to work on an array of merit badges, see Mr. Taylor’s email from 1/27 for registration information. The focus this year is on needed Eagle badges, with the plan to offer others periodically throughout the year. Sessions are planned for 90 minutes on both 2/14 & 28 (3 hours total), some sessions may require more time that will be coordinated with the Merit Badge Counselor (MBC). Many require some advance prep, be sure to see the communication sent by the MBC once you have registered. Completing the specified tasks increases the ability to complete the MB during the session.
There have been some schedule adjustments, if anything comes up please notify Mr. Taylor ASAP.
Unless otherwise directed by your counselor, come prepared with the worksheet for the MBs you are registered for.
TROOP MEETING/ACTIVITY OUTLOOK
Next Week – 2/9 – Troop Meeting
Uniform: Field Uniform (Class A)
Location: Virtual (via Zoom)
Cooking demo and activity – Rascal Rabbits
There are supplies needed to participate – read carefully and please have on hand:
Ingredients:
- 1-8oz tube crescent roll dough
- 2 Tablespoons butter, melted
- cinnamon
- brown sugar
- Cupcake pan
- Non stick spray
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1 Tablespoon milk
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
Tools:
- Cupcake pan
- Non stick spray
- Rolling pin (bottle can but used if no rolling pin is available)
Next Week – 2/16 – Troop Meeting
Uniform: Field Uniform (Class A)
Location: Virtual (via Zoom)
Step-by-step Painting activity – Moon Archers
Next Week – Outing – 2/20 – Geocaching
Uniform: Activity Uniform (Class B)
Location: Conway Robinson State Forest, Gainesville, VA 20155
Outdoor activity locating geocaches Conway Robinson State Forest park. This is a fun activity looking for hidden items using GPS clues. There is a Geocaching MB if anyone is interested as well, let Ms. Andrea know if you want the badge opened up for you.
Park Info: http://www.dof.virginia.gov/stateforest/list/conway-robinson.htm
Map: http://www.dof.virginia.gov/stateforest/maps/ConRob-Map-QR-Locations.pdf
Following Week – 2/23 – Patrol Leader’s
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. This PLC will plan for meeting activities and outings through late April, hopefully this will include some in-person meetings at the Activity Field as COVID restrictions are relieved. Prepping for the New Scout campout in April will be part of this timeframe as well.
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.
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