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Scoutmaster Moment Saturday was a Troop hike through the Manassas National Battlefield, and I’m disappointed to have missed going with the Troop due to another Scouting commitment. This hike had been planned for later in the day, but weather was forecasted to be hot.  As we know a Scout is prepared, multiple people suggested an earlier start to mitigate overheating (and more comfort!), and scouts were encouraged to bring plenty of water.  Fortunately it was hot but not muggy.  From the reports I hear, and photos, everyone had a good time and had fun.  Many thanks to the adults who stepped in during my [...]

Scoutmaster Moment This weekend marks a major milestone for our Troop - the first Eagle Court of Honor.  While yesterday’s celebration was in celebration of Elena and Robert, and we have another two coming in the next few weeks, I see this as a celebration for the entire troop and all that has been accomplished since we started just over two years ago, going from a room of 7 scouts ready for adventure to 3 Eagles and a thriving group of Scouts carrying the torch forward.  Well done, all. Announcements COVID NOTE: While the federal and state mask mandates are changing, Troop 893 will continue to follow protocols [...]

Scoutmaster Moment Today is Mother’s Day, I do hope you have given a hug to your mom today and able to spend some time enjoying the day with her. Here is a thing my heart wishes the world had more of:   I heard it in the air of one night when I listened   To a mother singing softly to a child restless and angry in the darkness.  - Carl Sandburg, “Home" “Mother” is such a simple word, But to me there’s meaning seldom heard. For everything I am today, My mother’s love showed me the way. - Karl Fuchs [...]

Scoutmaster Moment May is here, celebrating the start of May began as an ancient celebration of Spring and now in the US we officially kick off Summer over Memorial Day.  Perhaps you have even begun the countdown to the last day of school?  This month we have the first Eagle Court of Honor (to be followed by others), plus outings for conservation hours, a hike, and then the Annual Canoe Trip. Lots to keep us all busy, lots to prep for - and much of it outside. The world's favorite season is the spring. All things seem possible in May. [...]

Scoutmaster Moment Everyone has likely heard of Paul Revere and his Midnight Ride on 18 April 1775, did you know that a 16 year old girl made a similar ride two years after Paul Revere’s? On April 26, 1777 at the request of her father a Revolutionary Colonel, Sybil Ludington is said to have ridden her horse 40 miles through Danbury, Connecticut and Putnam County, New York to alert local militia that the British were coming. The story says she knocked on doors and warned the countryside of the coming attack - and even fought off a highwayman with her [...]

Scoutmaster Moment This weekend we returned to camping, setting out tents and sitting around the campfire, certainly welcome after so long cooped up! The weather was sunny, part of the time, and a bit cooler than expected - but it was dry and we accomplished so much. I’m very tired, but quite happy to be back outside with everyone.  We packed in so much into a full day: scout skill stations all morning, lots of great food made by Scouts and the Big Dogz, plus opportunity for downtime that included a ball game (where 893B Scoutmaster was tagged out at [...]

Scoutmaster Moment Today was a beautiful day to be outside honing leadership skills and planning some great troop activities for the term.  I’m very pleased at how the team is coming together and excited at some of the activities worked towards.  Let’s hope all our outings have such great weather (the thunderstorm even waited until dinner time!). I look forward to celebrating last term’s successes and inducting our new leadership team at our Court of Honor this week! You don’t inspire people by revealing your super powers; you inspire people by helping them reveal their own - Alexander den Heijer Announcements Hammock [...]

Scoutmaster Moment With apologies for the delayed note this week, I got my 2nd COVID shot Saturday and have been recuperating. I hope everyone enjoyed Spring Break and had an opportunity to relax some.  Our family enjoyed some nice hikes and visited some new parks on the days with good weather.  This has me looking forward to our campout later this month and getting out for more outings in the nicer weather.  We have many activities coming up with ILST to hone our leadership skills and plan Troop activities, a Court of Honor to celebrate all we’ve accomplished in the [...]

Scoutmaster Moment Spring Break is here, this week is bracketed by Passover and Easter.  Both are holidays that celebrate new beginnings and mark the arrival of Spring in our cultural calendars.  Enjoy this week of downtime from school and other activities, enjoy time with your families and return refreshed for a new Leadership term with ILST and a Court of Honor just before our New Scout Campout.  Lots coming up that will keep us all on our toes! “Spring drew on...and a greenness grew over those brown beds, which, freshening daily, suggested the thought that Hope traversed them at night, [...]

Scoutmaster Moment This week was a busy week for the troop.  New Scouts were welcomed and incorporated into the Troop as members of the New-Trons New Scout patrol and both of the established patrols welcomed Scouts transferring to our unit.  Parents got quite the information dump on how both Troops operate followed by our first Order of the Arrow Call-Out ceremony where Scouts chosen in last week’s OA election were identified.  There was even an impromptu weekend walk through Bull Run park on a perfect Spring Day.  We have many activities coming up after Spring Break that will keep us all busy, [...]