Scoutmaster Moment
This past week was the one year anniversary of living in the shadow of a pandemic.  I know of people who refer to then as “The Before Times”, when we could go out without masks, be in classes,  hold regular Scout meetings indoors.  It sounds like a something out of a Science Fiction novel, for that matter there have been times it felt like living in one too.  Despite the upheaval, the uncertainty and the disturbing shortages of toilet paper and bread flour, we made it through the past year.  As a Troop we pivoted quickly to virtual meetings, back to in-person with modified camping procedures, then back to virtual.  Now we’re in-person again and outside with the weather improving and the daylight longer.  I am optimistic that we are making progress as a Troop, advancing and growing.  We have new Scouts to induct this week and some great campouts coming up. I’m excited.
The Future’s so bright, I gotta wear shades
– Timbuk3
Photos
Announcements
893 Crew Invite – the crew is inviting both troops to a beta test activity on Zoom the evening of 3/17
Hammock Planning
Hammock weather is coming up soon! Did you know you can hang a hammock with no trees, even while camping?  Check out this article about using hammock stands when out camping, these range from big back yard furniture to something that could be use backpacking. Some of these are a great way to practice lashings too. This year’s Summer Camp has no trees near most campsites, now is a great time to experiment with options if you want to lounge in a hammock or consider hammock camping at Summit (hammock campers must have earned First Class and have Scoutmaster approval).
Leadership Positions of Responsibility for 2021Spring/Summer Term
 
 
 
TROOP MEETING/ACTIVITY OUTLOOK
This Week  – 3/16 – Troop Meeting 
Uniform: Field Uniform (Class A)
Location: **In Person** CUMC Activity Field 
A. New Scout (and family) Welcome
This week we will formally welcome our New Scouts into the Troop
  • There will be a presentation to the parents with opportunity to ask questions and meet with adult leaders.  This is a to learn how the troop operates, the troop’s annual schedule, and what gear is (and is not) needed by your Scout.  Please plan to be there.
    • Parents should bring a chair with them for seating comfort
  • Induction ceremony for all Scouts joining into 893
  • Scouts will review camping prep with the New Scouts, led by the Rascal Rabbits. This includes campsite cleanliness and how to set up a tent. This evening will close with an Order of Arrow “Call Out” Ceremony for Scouts that have been elected to join OA in the past year.
B. Order of the Arrow Call-Out Ceremony  (borrowed from Mr. Morley)
This evening will close with an Order of Arrow “Call Out” Ceremony for Scouts that have been elected to join the Order of the Arrow in 2020 and 2021. The Order of the Arrow was founded by Dr. E. Urner Goodman and Carroll A. Edson in 1915 at the Treasure Island Camp of the Philadelphia Council to recognize the accomplishments and leadership of campers who went above and beyond the call of duty. They decided to use the lore of the local Lenape Indians as an attractive basis for their ceremonies, and to honor American Indians who lived in this land for thousands of years before other people came to this continent. As Scouting’s National Honor Society, the purpose of the Order of the Arrow is to recognize those who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law, promote camping and responsible outdoor adventure, develop leaders, and crystallize the Scout habit of helpfulness into a life purpose of leadership in cheerful service to others.
Next Week  – 3/23 – Troop Meeting 
Uniform: Field Uniform (Class A)
Location: **In Person** CUMC Activity Field 
Due this meeting: all earned awards and achievements for recognition at the Spring Court of Honor to be held on 13 April.  This includes completed blue cards, which should go to Ms. Kathy.
The Moon Archers are planning an activity for this evening, including CyberChip to be earned by new Scouts (or “recharged”).
Following Week  – 3/30 – FCPS Spring Break **NO** Troop Meeting 
 
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). 
3/16 – Welcoming New Scouts & Camping activity – Rascal Rabbits
3/20 – Troop Outing (tentative)
3/23 – Among Us & CyberChip – Moon Archers
3/27 – CUMC Service Project (tentative)
3/30 – FCPS Spring Break (no meeting)
4/6 – First Aid Skills Challenge – Rascal Rabbits
4/11 – Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops – all Scouts with Position of Responsibility should plan to attend
4/13 – Court of Honor
4/16-18 – New Scout Campout at Poplar Grove

Service Opportunities
All ranks require service hours, Life rank also requires at least 3 hours be Conservation related
SCOUTING FROM HOME
NCAC Scouting at Home page

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.
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

MAR 16 – New Scout presentation to all new Parents
MAR 30 – FCPS Spring Break (no meeting)
APR 11 – ILST
APR 13 – CoH
APR 16-18 – New Scout Campout (Poplar Grove Campground, Frederick MD)
MAY 28-30 – Shenandoah 893 Memorial Day Weekend Family Canoe Trip Campout
JUN 20-26 2021 – Summer Camp at Summit Bechtel