Scoutmaster Minute: Time is a funny thing…sometimes it cannot go by fast enough and other times insanely fast. Twelve years ago I became an adult leader in Pack 127 and eventually I was the Cubmaster. During the Join Scouting sessions I would often take out a rope that measured 80 inches, roughly equal to the time span of the average male. The Cubs started in 1st grade as Tigers, 6 or 7 years old, so I would remove the first 6 inches since that time had already passed. I would then cut the rope at the 18 inch mark since that represented what was beyond the rank of Eagle in Scouting. That leaves 12 inches of rope or window of opportunity for a youth to be involved in Scouting. That is only 15% of the rope, but more often than not that small window positively affects everything that follows. While not all of them started as Tigers, I am grateful to have been part of the Journey that Ryan, Robert, Peter, David and Spencer completed this past year and wish them godspeed as they begin college. That represents 5 feet in the right direction for a lifetime.
Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.
― Ferris Bueller
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 Aug 17: Personal Fitness Boot Camp (Pandas)
Uniform Class B (Class A if seeking advancement)
The Pandas will be running a mini summer boot camp to address Tenderfoot requirements and introduce the Personal Fitness MB.
It is advisable to wear gym type gear, including sneakers for this meeting.
NOTE: ASM Jim Lakie will be the adult leader running point in my absence, please give him your undivided attention ….A Scout is Obedient.
See next item about Stamp Collecting MB…materials will be provided at this meeting to those interested in participating.
2. Stamp Collecting MB Aug 22 (Zoom link to be provided)
Mr. Davids has offered to support Scouts looking to earn the Stamp Collecting MB. He will provide packets of stamps for everyone that wants to participate, available for pickup at the 17 Aug meeting.
Anyone interested must email Mr. Davids and I so we can make sure enough stamp packets are assembled. A Zoom meeting link will be provided for the Sunday, Aug 22 session.
3. Next Next Week Aug 24: Fire 101 (Titans)
Uniform Class B (Class A if seeking advancement)
The Titan will organize a fire competition which will include some essential tips on the fundamentals of fire building. Each Scout in each Patrol must demonstrate they have the spark, which will be a critical skill in coming weeks and months for various outings.
Nova Corp…if you have already demonstrated this skill now is a great time. Have a look at pages 387-390 in the handbook…it’s always in the book…read it.
4. Eagle Project – Lane Myer AUG 28-29
Lane Myer will be seeking support for a project he is leading at Bull Run Regional Park. This is a fairly significant undertaking by constructing about 100 feet of elevated walkway/boardwalk.
This is an excellent opportunity for all Scouts to support Lane and also earn service hours that will include credit for conservation hours. Additional details will be forthcoming, including a signup genius link.
5. After That Week Aug 31: Iron Chef Challenge (LandSharks)
Uniform Class B (Class A if seeking advancement)
Using the materials and skills from the last few meetings, the LandSharks are planning for an iron chef challenge. Details are under development, but this is always a fun patrol competition.
6. Future Meeting Outlook: This is the current working plan based on the most recent PLC.
- 9/7: Eagles – TBD
- 9/14: Phoenix – Scout Jeopardy
- 9/21: Land Sharks – Steal the Bacon
- 9/28: Titans: TBD/Shakedown
- 10/5: Fall Court of Honor
- 1012: Pandas – TBD
- 10/19: Eagles – TBD
KEY DATES
AUG 23: First Day of School
AUG 28-29: Lane Myer Eagle Project – Bull Run Park
SEP 11: Henry/Nick Jobe Eagle Court of Honor
SEP 17-19: Horsemanship Campout (pending)
OCT 3: Junior Leadership Training (JLT)
OCT 5: Fall Court of Honor
OCT 8-10: Mountain Man Rendezvous Camporee
OCT 22-24: Fall OA Ordeal @ Camp Snyder for OA Candidates
NOV 5 – 7: Mission Impossible @ Izaak Walton
At the meeting tell me why the quote above matters, you will be rewarded.
IT’S ALL FOR THE SCOUTS!
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Kevin Morley
Scoutmaster, Troop 893
www.troop893.org
Nattawoapandamen Wewoatamoewagan
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