Scoutmaster Minute: Today, the new leadership team completed their training and outlined activites for next few months. The Troop is looking forward to welcoming in a number of Arrow of Light Scouts this week and will be getting them started on their Journey to Eagle. The Troop will also be completing plans for the Sky Meadow campout this week, its been one my favorite locations for a weekend camping and hiking. Finally this week is last call for turning in MB Blue cards that will be recognized at the Court of Honor, so please see Mr. Treat.
A goal without a plan is just a wish.
– Antoine de Saint-Exupery
RANK ADVANCEMENT
  • Gabe Noll – Tenderfoot (3/8)
  • Jack Bray – 2nd Class (3/8)
ACTION ITEM
  • Sky Meadow Campout – Scouts doing camping MB are encouraged to particpate, several were thinking about it last week, need final decision now.  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050b4ba5ae292-boy
  • Advancement – Rank and MBs completed by March 15 with be recognized at the March 29 Court of Honor. Plan accordingly.
 
MEETINGS
  • 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.
  • Scouts seeking rank advancement should check with the Advancement Chair prior to requesting Scoutmaster Conference and be in Class A uniform.
 
1. This Week Mar 15- New Scout Welcome/Shakedown (All) 
Uniform: Class A  

Location: CUMC Fellowship Hall

 
A. New Scouts: We will begin to welcome AOL Scouts that are joining Troop 893 and they will begin the new scout program. Based on the planning today the New Scout will move through the following Patrol stations.
  • Eagles – Scout sign, salute, handshake
  • Pandas – 1st Class introduction
  • Phoenix – Scout Spirit
  • Titans – Pledge and Outdoor Code
  • Land Sharks – Oath, Law & Motto
B. Shakdown: Scouts attending the Sky Meadow campout will complete meal plans based on lessons learned at the March 8 meeting (see attached for ideas)
 
Gear Advisory – think ahead and be prepared.
  1. Backpack – Scouts must be able to carry all their gear plus food and water. The Troop has several frame packs that Scouts can borrow if they need one for this upcoming campout. Bring a daypack for the Saturday hike for food, water, rain gear.
  2. Footwear – No Sneakers. We will be hiking into the site about 1 mile. In addition, Saturday will find the Scout taking a hike that will include parts of the Appalachian Trail.  
  3. Rain Gear – This means top and bottom are recommended, ponchos frankly don’t survive contact with Scouts for very long.
  4. Water Bottle – Recommend that each Scout have a minimum of two 32oz Nalgene. This is most optimal to ensure Scouts have sufficient water, and we will also need to “make” potable water on location.
 

2. Campout Mar 18-20- Sky Meadow Campout 

Uniform: Class A  
There will be no Troop trailer and all gear/food/water will be carried by the Scout in their backpack, including tents.
Perfect opportunity to work on Camping, Cooking, Backpacking or Hiking Merit Badges.
Permission slip for this event is attached…no exceptions…hard copy only and we don’t have a printer in the parking lot so be prepared!
All Scouts should eat prior to arrival. Parents should be prepared to transport.
 
Friday
6:00 pm Troop formation, turn in permission slips at CUMC
6:30 pm Depart for Sky Meadow (make sure water bottles are full!)
7:30 pm Hike approx 1 mile to site and set up camp
10:00 pm Lights Out
 
Saturday
~9:00 am Scouts depart for hike on segments of Appalachian Trail
Lunch on trail
Return to Sky Meadow campsite
Sunday
8:30 am Hike ~1mi to Sky Meadow parking area
10:00 am Scouts will arrive at CUMC VDOT (possibly earlier depending on how motivated after breakfast)
 

3. Next Week Mar 22 – Cyber Chip (All) 

Uniform: Class A  

Location: CUMC Fellowship Hall

 
MANDATORY TRAINING – All Scouts will participate in this annual training to learn or refresh their understanding of safety and security in this connected society. 
This is required for several ranks, and is part of the Troops annual Youth Protection training.


4. Next Next Week Mar 29- Spring Court of Honor (All Families)

Uniform: Class A  w/Merit Badge sash
Location: CUMC Sanctuary

A. The Troop 893 Spring Court of Honor will be held at Centreville United Methodist Church in the Sanctuary. The ceremony begins at 7:00 pm, so please plan accordingly. All Troop 893 scouts, families, and friends are invited and encouraged to attend. Scouts will be receiving Merit Badges, Rank Cards, and other recognitions that they have earned over the past 6 months. We will also recognize new members of Troop 893 and induct the new youth leadership for the next six month term.

B.  A small reception will follow with snacks and fellowship. For the reception, each family is asked to bring something to share as designated by last name, per below. When you leave, please plan to take anything that remains of what you brought.

    A – L:      Small dessert/snack
M – Z:     Beverage (one 2-liter bottle)

5. Looking Way Ahead APR 24 – No Holds Barred Pinewood Derby
Uniform; Class A
Location: CUMC Activity Field
 
Plan ahead for some fun competition on April 24 with multiple classes of pinewood derby cars, tune up your old winner or build a new one. Lots of options, including the outlaw class.
Use the QR code for more information and reserve your lane.
frame (1).png
KEY DATES
 
MAR 18-20: Campout @Sky Meadows (Backpacking)
MAR 22: Cyber Chip
MAR 29: Spring Court of Honor
APR 24: No Holds Barred Pinewood Derby
MAY 6-8: New Scout Campout @Poplar Grove (Thurmont, MD)

IT’S ALL FOR THE SCOUTS!