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Scoutmaster Minute: There nothing better than having a Scout describe, in their own words, what they are getting out the program. The following contribution is from Life Scout Lane Meyer: Merit Badge University gives you as a Boy Scout many opportunities to complete new and old merit badges. It is also a good way to have a lot of fun and hang out with your peers. These merit badges teach you life skills, that you could use in the future. You also complete and create many fun projects. For example the engineering merit badge created catapults out of spoons and rubber [...]

Scoutmaster Minute: Not sure about the rest of you, but I loved getting my own mail as a kid. Once I joined Cub Scouts that meant my own copy of Boy's Life every month. The jokes and stories from Pedro were always a kick...even if a little kooky. The awesome adventures other Scouts had undertaken were motivating and proof of the possible. This month take a look at the story on page 16 about a Scout, William Byron, who earn his Eagle in 2015. In 2016, he was the rookie of year in NASCAR's Truck Series, then in 2017 he [...]

Scoutmaster Minute:  The month of February is in steeped Scout history. The Boy Scouts of America was officially found on February 8, 1910. Nearly 109 years later, CUMC chartered a new troop for girls as part of the expanded Scouting BSA family. An added bonus was that several young women were welcomed into the CUMC Scouting family by their brothers. I had the honor of inducting Andrea Schuetz as the new Scoutmaster to guide these young women on their Journey to Eagle. Each Troop will operate independently, but will leverage leadership and guidance from the current Troop and Venturing Crew. Several other [...]

Scoutmaster Minute: Last weeks meeting by the Panda Patrol provided a great example of the possible when teamwork and EDGE methods are applied to pioneering. I will be interested to see if anyone puts these skills to use on a future campout. All Scouts should keep in mind that "Nothing is impossible, the word itself says 'I'm possible'! (Audrey Hepburn) Rank Advancement Star - Brady Connor  (1/22/19) 1. This Week Jan 29 - Cuts, Bumps & Breaks (LandSharks) Uniform: Class A Scouts will be focused on the cooperative skills necessary to support themselves and others in times of emergency. The [...]

Scoutmaster Minute: The Klondike Derby was good fun this weekend. The Troop 893 station required Patrols to build a self-supporting bridge that could support the weight of at least one Scout. Our Scouts competed in first sled race run on snow in this District in many, many years....only a few got run over by reindeer. A good fire always warms the spirts on any campout, but especially when it is cold and wet. The weather held for most of the day, but all were pretty soggy by nightfall. Given the rain and wet conditions, I suspect that many have new [...]

Scoutmaster Minute: No plan ever survives first contact with the enemy (Helmuth von Moltke). Our plans for a Klondike station were tested over this weekend did not survive "the enemy" (aka Jacob, Ben, Spencer & Robert). However, with a little Scouting resourcefulness, they were able to make some modifications and found success building a self-supporting bridge. This will be part of the Ice Abyss Crossing station at the Klondike....best of luck to all that seek passage. Rank Advancement Eagle - Hiroki Cook  (1/7/19) Star - Ryan Barret (1/8/19) 1.This Week Jan 15 - Klondike Shakedown (SPL/ASPL) Uniform: Class A The [...]

Scoutmaster Minute: Welcome back. I am looking forward to another great year for Troop 893. I would encourage each Scout and family to take a moment to consider their goals for the coming year. As it relates to Scouting...how can you help the Troop or a fellow Scout, plan for some high adventure, set a goal for advancement and take advantage of merit badge university and summer camp. We are at the beginning every morning, take the opportunity, no matter how small it may seem, to make a difference and make some progress towards those goals. Getting to the [...]

Scoutmaster Minute: Tis the season of giving. This brings to mind the Scout Oath, specifically a Scout's Duty to Other People...."To help other people at all times". In this context I have received inquires regarding service hours and "what counts". Below I have tried to outline the key steps in the process that a Scout should consider Purpose: The objective is to instill in a Scout the importance of Service to Others. Who: Service can be perform as an individual or with a Patrol/Troop, such as Scouting for Food. Approval: The key here, especially for individual efforts, is that the Scout [...]

Scoutmaster Minute: Fortitude comes in many forms. For some it simply may be associated with sleeping on a "firm" gymnasium floor with no sleeping bag or pad. For Troop 893's Philmont Crew, it was about braving low temperatures and steep slopes on the Double Bear Rocks trail in the Shenandoah National Park. Crew members were also joined by one future Philmont trekker. Temps dipped into the teens over night, but the Crew was prepared to meet the challenge. I am certain that this outing will be part the scouting lore each of these young men share with friends, family and [...]

Scoutmaster Minute: A Scout is Reverent, but what does he pray for? Many will say they pray to be kept safe from bad things happening to them. They pray for an easier time of it, for health, and safety. These are all fine, but unfortunate things will happen to everyone. Being able to handle those unfortunate things and the challenges that life brings is important. Without challenges, you don't find your limits. Without challenges, you don't expand your abilities. Without challenges, you don't grow. The next time you pray, you might pray for strength and guidance to overcome the challenges [...]