Scoutmaster Moment
This week’s note is a bit shorter as I’m sitting at a picnic table while waiting for the nightly NYLT Staff Meeting to start.  The course began today and I’m excited that a number of Scouts form 3 different 893 units are here learning about new tools for their leadership toolbox, I’m looking forward to great things!
Announcements
Please use the sign up for the upcoming August campout.  We want to get a decent headcount in advance so we know how many Scouts and adults to expect, Summer planning is trickier with family vacations.  This campout is at Lake Arrowhead in Luray, Aug 13-15
TROOP MEETING/ACTIVITY OUTLOOK
This Week  – 7/20 – Troop Meeting 
Uniform: Activity Uniform (Class B) unless seeking rank advancement
Location: CUMC Activity Field
Review of hiking prep and a Family Feud game led by the Rascal Rabbits
This Week  – 7/27 – No Troop Meeting 
Uniform: Activity Uniform (Class B)
Location: Decided by Patrol
This week will be a patrol activity, each patrol has a plan to do as an activity together sometime during this week. I would love some pictures to include in next week’s note!
  • Rascal Rabbits – pottery painting
    • Clay cafe in Chantilly at 4pm on Tuesday.
    • The address is 14511 G, Lee Jackson Memorial Hwy, Chantilly, VA 20151.
  • Moon Archers –
    • Rumored to be frozen yogurt but I don’t have anything in writing to refer to
  • NewTrons – ZavaZone.
    • Friday July 30th, 2-4PM
    • Sterling ZavaZone
    • 45685 Oakbrook Ct #110, Sterling, VA 20166
Next Week  – 8/3 – Troop Meeting (no longer PLC)
Uniform: Activity Uniform (Class B) unless seeking rank advancement
Location: CUMC Activity Field
This is a change, PLC is delayed to later. More details to be coming out soon
Lake Arrowhead Options
The troop is planning a campout 13-15 Aug.   See the sign up (in announcements).  This will be an upcoming discussion item to finalize.
Some options:
  • Hike to Mary’s Summit (would take about 4 hours or so and satisfies 9(b)(1) of Camping Merit Badge)
  • Service hours at the park (2-4 hours, satisfies 9(c) of the Camping MB)
  • A scout working on Orienterring MB has offered to set up an Orienteering course for the troop to use
  • Use beach, kayaks/canoes.  This option will require all participant pas BSA Swimmers test as Swimmer.
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). Meeting plans should have details for what will happen.  Information for Troop News inclusion should also be provided (items Scouts should bring to the meeting, and short statement of what the meeting will be about).
7/20 – Hiking Games – Rascal Rabbits
7/27 – Patrol Night 
8/10 – Candles (Elena & Rowan)
 
STEM Opportunities
 
The Navy has a STEM opportunity for High Schoolers
Naval Horizons is a high school essay contest that introduces students to
cutting-edge STEM topics that impact the Department of the Navy (DON).
Students will learn about Naval STEM challenges and DON scientists and
engineers via an educational video series. They will then write an essay on
how the videos inspired them for a chance to win a cash prize. The contest
challenges students to picture themselves in a STEM career and design the
Navy and Marine Corps of the future.  The application period is open
through 30 July 2021.
 
Key Dates (mark your calendar)

Full calendar is also available from Troopmaster subscription calendar

JUL 27 – Patrol Night (no Troop meeting this week)
AUG 13-15 2021 – Camping at Lake Arrowhead
AUG 23: First Day of School
OCT 22-24: Fall Ordeal @ Camp Snyder for OA Candidates
NOV 5 – 7: Mission Impossible @ Izaak Walton