Scoutmaster Minute: Game time fellas, need better picture of who is going to the campout this weekend. That include adults…so far its just me which is simply not gonna work. Please use the SignUp link below. This is a great outing and the weather is looking favorable. That said if you plan to attend…you will not depart CUMC on Friday without proper rain gear…meaning visual inspection.

Carry as little as possible, 
but choose that little with care.
–  Earl Shaffer
MEETINGS
Reminder that the Patrol assigned to run a meeting also has clean up duty….meaning your Patrol should be the last to leave with approval of SPL and Scoutmaster.
1. This Week – 27 July:  Backpacking 101/Shakedown  (Philmot Crew)
Uniform: Class B (unless seeking Rank Advancement)
Experienced Philmont crews and senior scouts will demonstrate proper packing for a backpacking outing. This will include setting up a bear bag for all smellable items. Critical personnel gear includes:
  • Rain gear, top and bottom (ponchos discouraged)
  • Hiking boots (sneakers are really not acceptable)
  • Two 32oz Nalgene water bottles (minimum)
  • Backpack & raincover
  • Sleeping bag

Please indicate if you plan to attend this outing – https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040C4EA9A9292-prince

Shakedown: Each Patrol will finalize meal plans for the Elizabeth Furnace campout which will follow a backcountry format. Patrols/Scouts should begin consulting the attached for Backpacking Meal Ideas (e.g., a loaf of bread does not travel well, but tortillas do great). Breakfast and Dinner will be in camp, lunch Saturday will be on the trail. For those working on various Rank requirements & MBs, this outing will include multiple cooking possibilities, hiking opportunities and options to exercise orienteering and pioneering skills amongst others.

Again this is an excellent opportunity to be a grubmaster, Scouts can work in pairs or as patrols. A key planning step for backpacking outings is to break meals down into their simplest elements. While preparing for Philmont we often used a 1 gallon ziplock to hold 1 meal for every 2 people, see examples below. Remember that you need protein on these outings.

Breakfast Example – Oatmeal breakfast is a great fast start, just requires some warm/hot water. Make sure you also include some morning fortification for the trail (granola bar, gummy fruit snack, yogurt rain sack)

  • Store bought packets are nice and make great hand warmers while eating, but can be expensive.
  • Alternative – Add the following to a sandwich ziploc bag: 1/2 cup oatmeal, raisins, brown sugar and 1 tbsp powdered milk (change ingredients to suite taste)

Lunch Example (2 people/no cook) – Sleeve/single box of saltine crackers, foil pack of flavored tuna or salmon, oreos, jolly rancher, peanut butter crackers, 1 gal ziplock (use this for trash).

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2. Elizabeth Furnace Campout  July 30-Aug 1
Uniform: Class A/B
All Scouts will gather at CUMC on Friday, July 30 by 6pm.
## Parents should be prepared to drive scouts to the site on Friday evening and if not camping, return Sunday morning by 8:00am.
PERMISSION SLIP REQUIRED, NO EXCEPTIONS. Turn it into the SPL on FRIDAY evening before departing CUMC.
This outing will help Scouts complete a variety of rank and merit badge requirements:
  1. 1st Class
    • We will attempt to support the orienteering req in 4a and 4b as needed.
  2. Cooking MB
    • 6d. While on a trail hike or backpacking trip, prepare and serve two meals and a snack from the menu planned for this requirement. At least one of those meals must be cooked over a fire, or an approved trail stove (with proper supervision).
  3. Camping MB 
    • 9b. On any of these camping experiences, you must do TWO of the following, only with proper preparation and under qualified supervision:
1. Hike up a mountain where, at some point, you are at least 1,000 feet higher in elevation from where you started.
2. Backpack, snowshoe, or cross-country ski for at least 4 miles.
3. Take a bike trip of at least 15 miles or at least four hours.
4. Take a nonmotorized trip on the water of at least four hours or 5 miles.
5. Plan and carry out an overnight snow camping experience.
6. Rappel down a rappel route of 30 feet or more.
There are a number of other requirements that could also be satisfied with a little planning, so Scouts should be aware that this outing provides a unique opportunity. That also assumes proper equipment, rain gear will be checked.
3. Next Week Aug 3: PLC Mtg (All Scouts in Leadership Positions)
Uniform Class A
Patrol Leaders and others in position of responsibility should arrive with one or more meeting plan/activity using the attached template. Since we will likely have New Scouts joining us over the next several weeks, a few of the meetings should be oriented with their participation in mind. The link below can help with meeting ideas that can make for a combination of scout skills and fun.

PRIORITY: The attached meeting plan template will be used by ASM Programs and SPL for all meetings. If you can bring a draft to the PLC meeting, it will improve the flow and allow us to look ahead a little further to some other events.

4. Future Meeting Outlook: This is the current working plan based on the most recent PLC.
  • 8/10 – Titans: Pioneering
  • 8/17 – Land Sharks: Nature
  • 8/24 – Pandas: Personal Fitness
  • 8/31 – Phoenix: Paper Airplane Competition
Key Dates
JUL 30 – AUG 1: Elizabeth Furnace Campout
AUG 23: First Day of School
OCT 22-24: Fall Ordeal @ Camp Snyder for OA Candidates
NOV 5 – 7: Mission Impossible @ Izaak Walton
 
IT’S ALL FOR THE SCOUTS!
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Kevin Morley
Scoutmaster, Troop 893
www.troop893.org
Nattawoapandamen Wewoatamoewagan

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