Scouts, Scouters and Parents:
I hope this email finds you and your loved ones healthy. Let's pray that the extreme measures that our Nation and other countries are taking continue to slow the spread of the virus and allow health care professionals to leverage precious resources on a smaller pool of patients. This week I conducted my first virtual Scoutmaster Conference (SMC); please join me in congratulating Ethan Mishler on earning the Scout Rank this past week. We will recognize Ethan in front of the Troop and present him with a Troop neckerchief when we meet together again. In early March, I had discussed with few of you about conducting a SMC at the April campout. Given that we will not have a campout, please contact me and we will also conduct a SMC via an electronic medium.
Here is this week's Scoutmaster Minute:
As we all know, gyms are closed. Many parks are closed. Salons and barber shops are closed. Many places of worship are closed and delivering services virtually. Some parents are teleworking rather than going into work. For some, the stay-at-home order means no shave, no shower, and no getting out of sweat pants. One might surmise that it does not matter anyway -- we are not going anywhere so why should anyone care what he or she looks like or smells like? For some, the relief from fastening slacks or zipping up a dress means further enjoyment of the wide world of elastic waistbands. With that in mind, we find humor in a popular meme going around the Internet says that we should wear masks inside of our homes, not to protect us from COVID-19, but to keep us from endlessly snacking.
I submit to you that we are going to get through this period of isolation, and each of us wants to have the requisite energy and stamina to camp, hike and play sports. Yet, this will not go well if for a month-plus all we work out are our thumbs on game controllers, TV remotes, and phone text screens. I implore you to get out, enjoy the fresh air and exercise while keeping social distance. Note that a modicum of self pride is a good thing -- take a shower, comb your hair, brush your teeth and use deodorant (if not for your sake, for the sake of the family with whom you share a home). It is easy to be depressed during a time when we are denied the activities and fellowship that we are accustomed. Exercise and self grooming can help us combat sadness because it helps us feel better about ourselves and it puts us back into the routine we were in before the pandemic hit our shores. It also allows us to get back normalcy at a running start rather than a dead stop. Take care of your body -- it has to last you for your whole life. As our Scout Oath says, "I will do my best... to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake..."
Yours in Scouting,
Doug Henry
Scoutmaster, Troop 1396
Chartered with St. Matthew's Lutheran Church
Lake Ridge, Virginia