News

Scoutmaster Minute:   This weekend was a great break from the heat and perfect for some climbing as you will see below. As things tend to slow down just a little over the summer, I thought this would be good time for a quick review on where various patch's should be placed on the uniform (see page 22 & 23 of the Scout Handbook). In addition, just a reminder that only one position of responsibility should appear on a uniform at any given time. 1. This Week July 10 - Phoenix Patrol      Uniform – Class A The Phoenix patrol [...]

Scoutmaster Minute:  The Scout Oath speaks to our Duty to Country. This week marks the very essence of the phase with Independence Day, a day when freedom from tyranny is celebrated. The barbeques and fireworks are great fun, but take a moment to recall and cherish the sacrifices made by our forbearers that had the courage and conviction to initiate this great American experiment. That includes all those that followed in protecting that gift and helping other brake free from the shackles of narcissistic dictators. While the day to day is not always pretty, I wouldn't trade for anything, frankly it [...]

  1. Summer Camp Departure - June 24      Uniform – Class A (no exceptions) All those attending summer camp should be present and accounted for by 8:30am in the VDOT lot at CUMC.   Timely arrival makes departure orderly and efficient for loading the bus with all gear and troop equipment, including gathering prescription medications. All will travel in Class A uniform....no exceptions. OA Scouts should remember to bring their sash to summer camp for Wed evening event. Please be sure to pack a lunch and a few snacks for the bus ride, including a FULL water bottle. After we [...]

Scoutmaster Minute:  Happy Father's Day. For me this was a great day hanging out with my wife and boys watching some great World Cup soccer and doing a little preparation for summer camp next week. Many Father's have helped shape Scouting over the years and I am eternally thankful for their collective willingness to serve the greater good as I have certainly gained much from this Journey. Mine began as a Bobcat many moons ago with my dad serving as Cubmaster and later Scoutmaster. I recently inherited a box of treasures that included some of his notes from those meeting [...]

Scoutmaster Minute:  I am in Las Vegas this week for the annual conference of my employer the American Water Works Association (AWWA). As you can imagine the value of water is a central part of our mission. Yesterday I was outside Las Vegas doing some off road exploring which really reinforced the value of water. Be Prepared meant we had plenty of water and we exercised the Outdoor Code by staying on the trail. I will also share a glimpse of AWWA's No Water Campaign that is designed to remind people it's value and what happens if there is [...]

1. This Week - Summer Camp Shakedown: June 9 Uniform – Full Class Reminder that this Tuesday is the mandatory Summer Camp Shakedown, if you are attending summer camp you must be there. Please read email sent earlier today [REMINDERS --> SUMMER CAMP SHAKEDOWN 2018 - JUNE 5 - MUST READ!] and come prepared so we can move through the evening quickly.   2. Eagle Service Project - June 9      Uniform – Class B Great opportunity for service hours by supporting Stephen Ruckert's project at the Cub Run Elementary School Baseball Fields on Saturday, June 9 @3pm 3. [...]

Scoutmaster Minute: In response to the recommendation of the canoe outfitter we postponed the Annual Canoe trip until July. While parts of yesterday and today would have been beautiful, the flash flood advisory I received yesterday confirmed that we made the right decision. The good news is that we had ~70 folks planning to attend, and I am hopeful they will be able to join us in July. We will move the Horsemanship Campout into August and will plan to make another run to get on the river the weekend of July 27-29. This will following the same format, [...]

1. This Week - Scouting Simon Says: May 22 (Titans)      Uniform – Class A Patrols will be led by the Titans in a competitive version of the infamous Simon Says game with a Scouting twist.  It is recommended that everyone come prepared with their 10 Essentials among other skills and knowledge. 2. 45th Annual Memorial Day Family Canoe Trip, May 25-27, 2018      Uniform – Class B ATTN: Given the rain this past week, rivers levels are currently running high so there is a possibility that we could postpone this event to July or August. We [...]

Scoutmaster Minute: On this Mother's Day, I would like to thank all the mom's that have nurtured and encouraged there young men to explore the world around them thru Scouting. From Bobcat onward that gentle nudge from Mom to go explore and be yourself has led to many Eagles taking flight. Today I am thankful for my mom, my first Den leader in Pack 91, for helping to create so many Scouting adventures and hopes for more to come. The latter thanks to my wife, who signed me up to a Tiger Den leader, and more importantly granted us [...]

1. This Week is a Patrol Leaders Council: May 8 (PLC)      Uniform – Class A All Scouts in leadership positions should attend this meeting to review progress on position goals, refine plans for upcoming Troop meetings and events. The Leadership Team will review the New Scout Campout and action they can take as a team to continue putting forward a great program. Scouts that are not in a leadership position, but in need of leadership support (Scout or Adult) for rank or merit badge work may also attend. Scouts seeking this support should notify me and the SPL [...]