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Scoutmaster MomentAn optimist's view of success can include anytime a lesson is learned, new knowledge obtained, some benefit absorbed by an activity. Some success is easily observed; a sprinter crossing the finish tape, a high mark on an assignment. Few things in life are so clear, many events that may appear to go without a hitch likely have people in the background working hard to deal with bumps that they hope no one else sees, this is true for theatrical presentations, conferences, parties, and even meetings. There are usually “bumps’, how one deals with them becomes important.  Coordinating between groups [...]

Scoutmaster MomentA Scouting friend and former Scoutmaster shared one of her past notes and I felt it was appropriate to share with you for this week and the start of school.  While this year may not be the start we are used to, I’m sure everyone will make the most of the opportunities that come up. Back to School, Back to Scouts. As we are getting ready to go back to school tomorrow with renewed purpose, also consider going back to Scouts with the same. The extra time you spend on your classes and in your unit will have rewards [...]

Scoutmaster MomentThis has been a productive week for 893!  The Patrol Leader Council met and made good progress planning meetings and activities through the end of October.  Over the weekend the first Eagle Project got started painting the Westfield’s HS lecture hall and some scouts were able to work on aquatics requirements for rank advancement for Second Class and First Class.  I may be tired just from writing this (wait, maybe also from being at all those activities…). Remember that “work" is in the mindset.  A task can be fun when one is with friends and is focused on goals. [...]

Scoutmaster ConferenceIn my experience Scouts are happiest in the outdoors given the opportunity to work on activities and enjoy fellowship of other scouts around meals and around the campfire.  After a long hiatus 893 is back at the campground!  I’m sad to have missed it but heard great stories and saw some fun photos from this weekend’s campout.  I’m thrilled to hear some scouts were able to rank up! A week of camp life is worth six months of theoretical teaching in the meeting room.-Lord Baden Powell PhotosThis week’s meeting was productive with continued Shakedown prep, scouts signing off on [...]

Scoutmaster MomentAfter a long hiatus we are now able to meet in person at the Activity Field, which is perfect timing so we can prep for our upcoming campout to the Prince William National Forest. The troop did a great job with our pivot from in-person Scouting as usual to going all virtual.  I’m sure our pivot back will handle any bumps in stride. I hope we will be able to continue with in-person meetings going forward, but we will be monitoring how things go with us as well as local authorities for any shifts in guidance. A big shout [...]

Scoutmaster MomentThis weekend Scout Bryan Hong from our linked Boys Troop (893B) held his Eagle project, one of the last steps on his Trail to Eagle.  It was great to see Scouts in action, in person (including two from 893G).  Even better to see a scout reaching a milestone on their way to reach Eagle and to improve part of his community. His project was building a fire safety stand for his church picnic area; a sheltered area with fire extinguishers, buckets of water and a big bucket of sand.  In speaking with he and his dad it was clear [...]

Scoutmaster MomentThe bonds of friendship can take the friends in surprising directions at times.  Last week we celebrated the 244th anniversary of our Independence, which came about with support from a national friendship with France. This week France celebrates Bastille Day, their version of Independence Day, on the 14th.  The Marquis de Lafayette (who some might call the Lancelot of the Revolutionary set) helped General Washington win battles for our new country, and then returned home to France where Thomas Jefferson helped him write the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen. This document has similarities to [...]