Troop News — 31 May 2020
Scoutmaster MomentThe last couple of months have been challenging to each of us in many ways, both great and small. The troop as a group has demonstrated great resilience in the pivot from in-person to on-line meetings, while showing continued caring for each other and enthusiasm for Scouting. This truly came together in this week’s meeting where everyone was involved with creating storyboards in each patrol and then as entire group. I hope everyone was having as much fun as it appeared from my screen. Well done all! Times and conditions change so rapidly that we must keep our aim [...]
Troop News — 24 May 2020
Scoutmaster MomentThis weekend makes the traditional start of the summer season with parties, pools, and BBQs - at least in most years. But BBQs and parties is not what Memorial Day is truly about. Decoration Day started after the Civil War and became Memorial Day to recognize all those in the Armed Forces who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. This year I believe our thanks can include the many brave men and women who are now working as first responders and in hospitals to help thousands of Americans fight for their health. Tomorrow be sure to fly [...]
Troop News — 17 May 2020
Scoutmaster MomentThis past week has had some sunshine and warmer weather. Spring finally feels to have arrived. It is a good time get outside. Camp out in your back yard (with parent permission), use some spare wood to practice lashings and knots. Do nature observations from your yard, what do you see and hear? Look through your Scout Handbook for ideas of skills you can work on. AnnouncementsSUMMER CAMP: This week NCAC, and many other councils and camps, announced that all council camps would be closed for this summer due to COVID (this includes NYLT offerings). We continue to monitor guidance [...]
Troop News — 10 May 2020
Scoutmaster MomentYesterday was Mother’s Day I hope everyone was good to their mother! This note is a bit late so I could spend my day with the family. We tried making Spanish Tortilla for the first time, it has been a favorite of mine but we hadn’t made it until then. Busy life always seemed to put off that experiment. Oh, it was delicious by the way, which makes me sad it took so long to try it. This time of isolation and sheltering is a great opportunity to try out new things; new recipes, new hobbies, new skills, new [...]
Troop News –3 May 2020
Scoutmaster MomentYesterday our family watched excitedly as the Navy Blue Angels and Air Force Thunderbirds flying teams both flew over our neighborhood as a joint demonstration of support to the many people in the region who are caring for patients on the medical front lines. They started in Baltimore, flew through DC into Virginia before passing to Atlanta, flying over major hospitals. The weather is, nice, we’ve all been restricted from our normal activities and feeling restless, but the numbers have not dropped enough. Continue to do your best to maintain social distancing (and wash those hands!). USN video of [...]
Troop News — 26 April 2020
Scoutmaster MomentEarth Day was celebrated this week, our family has been getting in frequent nature walks on nearby trails and enjoying watching Spring unfold around us. In some ways this whole Spring has become an extended Earth Day as we have all hunkered down resulting in more of the actions advocated for Earth Day. I hope you have also have the chance to go on walks in Nature and observe the flowers opening around us (and yes also bringing the recent high pollen days). This week the new patrol announced their new name and patrol: The Moon Archer Patrol is [...]
Troop News — 19 April 2020
Scoutmaster MomentToday is Patriot's Day, the day commemorating the Battle of Lexington and Concord and the first battle of our American Revolution from England’s crown. Paul Revere rode through the night to warn the townspeople in advance. This is still celebrated in Massachusetts, and the Boston Marathon is timed to occur on Patriot’s Day, and the Boston Red Sox have been scheduled to play at home on this day going back decades. This year’s marathon has been postponed to the Fall. And while we are not in a fighting war with a country reluctant to relinquish control, we are in [...]
Troop News — 12 April 2020
Scoutmaster Moment This past week was the celebration of both Passover and Easter, holidays often spent with family around a dinner table and set with food traditions. This year was a little different as smaller groups of people held seder dinners with their laptop or tablet set to share with others via video, smaller egg hunts and family Zoom parties. But, in all cases the celebrations we held, the people adapted and used technology as a tool to bring everyone together while apart. The troop adapted this past week as well, and held our first online PLC, started plans for [...]
Troop News — 5 April 2020
Scoutmaster Moment Each week at our meetings we recite the Scout Oath and Law. There are times when we say the words as the first step past to the “real fun” of the meeting. But sometimes it can be good to think about the words in the context of the moment we’re in. That moment may be fleeting; holding the door open a bit longer for another person - as Scout is Helpful. Or require more effort when faced with peer pressure to act other than you know is right - A Scout is Brave. Lately, there are times where [...]
Troop News – 30 March 2020
Scoutmaster Moment Today Governor Northam shifted the state’s suggestion to stay at home to an order to do so. Residents may leave home for specific essential activities (supplies, medical care, exercise, work). This extraordinary step is to limit the spread of this virus and allow our health system to help all who come. Please don’t go out unless you need to, and maintain distance if you do. Once upon a time the idea of being home and not having to go anywhere sounded great when we had so many places to run off to for Scouts, sports, early to [...]