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Scoutmaster Minute: When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. That is exactly what 20 plus Scouts did last week when we postponed the climbing campout and implemented Plan B. The lockin, hosted by Mr. Taylor at their studios, still allowed the Scouts attending to learn some of the fundamentals of climbing safety, preparedness and gear options. During what little sleep I did get, I will admit to nightmares of James Caan staring me down like Buddy in the movie Elf. We persevered, had lots of good laughs fun and even drank lemonade with our pizza. Rank Advancement John Stephen [...]

Scoutmaster Minute: Given we will blessed with copious amounts of rain this week, a reminder that much about life can be learned from Noah's Ark: Don't miss the boat. Remember we're all in the same boat. Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark. Stay fit. When you're 600 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big. Don't listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done. Build your future on high ground. Use the buddy system. Speed isn't always an advantage. The snails were on board with the [...]

Scoutmaster Minute: Today, Labor Day, marks the unofficial end of summer and the start of the new school year (okay it used to). If Troop 893 was assigned the traditional "What I Did this Summer" essay, it would practically write itself. We had some great adventures and experiences at Camp T. Brady Saunders with success in the archery and aquatics competitions, refurbishing the orienteering course, visits from Phify, and I'll even toss in the neurotic dinning hall overlord. I typically think of the Memorial Day canoe trip as a mental start to summer, but this year we had to [...]

Scoutmaster Minute: I appreciate all the Scouts that stepped forward last week to fulfill a role in the upcoming term. This is their Troop and they need to set the tone with a little nudge here and there to keep it between the guardrails. We will be soliciting date availability for the Junior Leadership Training in effort to maximize attendance, including trainers. So stay tuned for that message. Note that with the up coming Court of Honor, Scouts are reminded that the last date for inclusion will be Tuesday, Sept 11, so get you paperwork completed and signed before [...]

Scoutmaster Minute: While summer technically runs thru September 23, this is the last week of summer before school begins (sorry). When school ends the summer appears timeless with endless days to pass. Now each day becomes a scramble to maximize the long days of sunshine or one more splash in the pool. Ideally we take each moment for its own and embrace all the sights and sounds it can offer. This past weekend offered us one of those moments. I think the the Horsemanship campout did just that for the Scouts and leaders able to attend. We were very [...]

Scoutmaster Minute: We are still need of someone that can pull the Troop Trailer to and from the campout next weekend. This does not require you campout, but certainly welcome. In ability to take the trailer will significantly alter plans, and require adults to transport Patrol supplies like chuck boxes, water jugs, popups and related items on Friday evening and Sunday morning. Please advise ASAP.   1. This Week Aug 14 - Shakedown & Quartermaster Support (Panda)      Uniform – Class A The Panda Patrol will be leading a Quartermaster supported activity to inventory and clean the Troop closet (check action [...]

Scoutmaster Minute Yesterday, I had the honor and privilege of participating in the Eagle Court of Honor for Scott Morrow. As I listened to him reflect on his time in Scouting, it reminded me yet again of the perhaps too easily overlooked value of Scouting in exposing these young men to opportunities they otherwise would likely never experience. The trail to Eagle is not simple, there will be challenges and fears to overcome, and that is precisely what makes it a worthy pursuit. So as our Scouts think about the upcoming campout and the fall leadership term, I would [...]

1. This Week July 31 - Scout Challenge (Titans) @ Activity Field      Uniform – Class B The Titan patrol has prepared a series of challenges that will require a combination of wit and skill to complete successfully. Please come prepared with water and bug repellant. We will be monitoring the weather since storms are in the forecast, in which case we will adjust activities for a indoor format. 2.  Eagle Court of Honor August 4- Scott Morrow The members of Troop 893 are invited to attend Scott Morrow's Eagle Court of Honor, 2-4 pm, Saturday, August 4 @CUMC. All [...]

Rank Advancements Star - Owen Pschigoda (7/17) 2nd Class - Patrick Lakie (7/17) 1. This Week July 24 - PLC Meeting      Uniform – Class A Patrol Leaders should arrive with one or more meeting plan/activity prepared. The link below can help with meeting ideas that provide a combination of scout skills and fun. The attached meeting plan template will be used by ASPL Programs, PLs and SPL for all meetings. If you can bring one or more these completed to the July 24 meeting it will improve the flow and perhaps allow us to look ahead a little further [...]

1. This Week July 17 - Land Sharks @ Activity Field      Uniform – Class B This underlying theme is associated with engineering, ingenuity, and cooperation. Also reminder that we are at the activity field, bring water, consider bug spray, and rain gear as needed. Following the activity planned by the Land Sharks, Patrols will take to some to look ahead at future meeting and share ideas with Patrol Leader ahead of the PLC meeting on July 24. 2. Next Week July 24 - PLC Meeting      Uniform – Class A Patrol Leaders should arrive with one or more meeting plan/activity [...]