Scout School Tent Care

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https://www.troop1396.org/scout-school

Scoutmaster Minute for 31 March 2020

Scouts, Scouters and Parents:

I hope all are well and maintaining sanity as we weather through 'Stay at Home'.  Parents:  remember, your Scouts have skills that can be used in and around the house.  Scouts:  anything that can be made in a Dutch oven can also be made in your home oven.  Look for opportunities to help your family prepare one or more meals.  This has the added benefit of allowing you to hone your skills in this period where we are not camping.

Scoutmaster Minute:

In this time of social distancing there are signs that could lead to us perceiving that we are also in a period of unfriendliness.  When out running necessary errands, you may find that others move far out of the way and turn their backs towards you, as they are taking measures they see fit to reduce their risks of contracting the COVID-19 virus.  I find, and your parents may agree, that drivers are proving to me more aggressive on the road.  You may notice that people's faces exhibit signs of weariness, rightly so as this pandemic has denied us many of the pleasures that we associate with coming out of winter and into springtime.  With that said, for just a small investment of effort you can have a positive impact on the outlook of others with offering a simple smile and a friendly greeting.  Wave to your neighbors and wish them good day.  Tell the cashier and the drive-thru clerk that you appreciate them working and providing service to the community.  If you know someone in the medical field, find a way to express that you are thankful for what he/she does for the benefit of our Nation's citizens and ultimately the safety of all of mankind.  Be thankful that we have farmers, ranchers, paper mill workers and truck drivers that keep us supplied with the necessities of modern life.  In this time where we take prudent pause in normal activities to ensure the safety of others, do not let the weight of our collective sacrifice result in the loss of your humanity.  Be a catalyst for a positive community outlook – we will get through this together.  A Scout is Cheerful.

Yours in Scouting Service,

Doug Henry

Scoutmaster, Troop 1396

Scouting in Isolation -- Scoutmaster Minute for 24 March 2020

Scouts, Scouters and Parents:

In this time of pandemic isolation and in lieu of what would have been a meeting tonight, I want to offer you a Scoutmaster Minute.

Since 1908, Scouts across the world have volunteered during times of trouble. This is one of our defining characteristics. Albeit the restrictions of social distancing make this more difficult, I ask that you consider how you can continue to help your community. Is it a neighbor who needs lawn help? Is it picking up groceries for someone in the community that has mobility or health issues that would preclude him or her from making a trip to the store? Is it a reassuring phone call to someone who is fearful? I encourage you to look for creative ways to be a productive part of your community while maintaining your personal safety. You and your parents may discuss and determine what is within your family's comfort zone and safety protocol. I look forward to when we can meet again and get back outdoors together as a Troop. A Scout is Helpful.

Yours in Scouting,
Doug Henry
Scoutmaster, Troop 1396

Troop 1396 Court of Honor Rescheduling and SM Minute for 17 March 2020

Scouts, Scouters, and Parents:

In light of the changing nature of our national, state and local response to COVID-19, the changed posture of our chartering organization, the prohibitions issued by the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia concerning assembly of groups over 100 persons, and our over-arching desire to protect Scouts and family members, we will postpone Tuesday's Court of Honor to a date and location to be determined.  Additionally, we will have no meeting on Tuesday.

Given the logistics challenges of hygiene and feeding with our community's current shopping behavior, we will also cancel this month's campout.  We will look to reschedule the spelunking trip to a later date.  At our next meeting, the Campmasters can issue you a refund, or you may let them know to apply funds towards future campouts.

Please continue to monitor your email to determine our next meeting time and location.  For Scouts requiring a Scoutmaster's Conference, please let me know and we can schedule.

Lastly, in light of the cancelled meeting, [below is the 17 March] Scoutmaster Minute for Scouts' reflection.

Scoutmaster Minute:

As many of you know, on March 17th, many places celebrate St. Patrick's Day.  The Patron Saint of Ireland, St. Patrick was a monk who is credited with spreading Christianity throughout Ireland.  Legend also has St. Patrick driving all the snakes out of Ireland.  Truth or fiction, if you ask most people what St. Patrick did, they will tell you that he got rid of the snakes in Ireland.  To many, this is what he is known for.

I ask you, what are you known for?  Honesty?  Can people trust you to keep your word?  Friendliness?  Are you willing to make the first move to greeting someone new?  A volunteer spirit?  Do you go out of your way to help others?  What do you want to be known for?  You have heard me say it before:  at the end of the day, all we have is our reputation.  Take control of your reputation and make it something that you want others to remember you for.

A Scout is.

Yours in Scouting Service,

Doug Henry

Scoutmaster, Troop 1396