It has been nine months since virtual meetings began, and an entire leadership term was completed virtually! The Zoom meetings still don’t seem normal. Despite that, the troop has gotten much more accustomed to planning them. Because of this, November 2020 was a unique and exciting month for our troop even though we did have an in-person event.
Since the new term began on November 1, Patrol Leader elections were held during the first meeting of the month. Once the Patrol Leader nominees had given their speeches on what they would do if they were elected, votes were cast via a private poll on Zoom. Later in the meeting, the Scouts competed in a Skribbl.io game.
On the Sunday of following weekend, a Scout finished up his Eagle Scout Project. In August this Scout had led the construction of three benches and a box. This month, he led the installation of a path and edging (to flower beds). In addition, he oversaw the transport of the previously fabricated benches and box. Hopefully this Scout will reach the rank of Eagle soon – something that only around 3% of all Scouts earn.
The second troop meeting of the month, held on November 9, consisted of a pack demonstration for cold weather camping, a short cold weather game, and a fire building demo. This was the first in-person troop meeting since FCPS closed schools. Social distancing guidelines were followed strictly (everybody was pre-screened and we all remained at least six feet apart). We also had two health officials on site.
Another Eagle Scout Project was completed on the 14 and 15. Benches were build, trails were mulched, cinder blocks were stacked, and a shed was painted at Broyhill Crest pool. Many people came to contribute to the project. Once again, only 3% of all Scouts earn Eagle Scout so having two Eagle Scout projects this month is phenomenal!
Also on November 15, Troop 150’s Scouting for Food campaign came to an end. Scouting for Food is perhaps the most important troop-wide service project we do annually, and the troop has a proud legacy of collecting literal tons of food each year. We have even been spotlighted on WUSA9! This year we took a different approach towards the collection – we had two collection methods.
Method A: Drop food off at local Scouts’ homes.
Method B:ย A community drive-through collection
Regardless of the different approach, the troop still managed to rack in 2,404 pounds of non-perishable food items. This food was donated to the ACCA food pantry in order to help those in need have a nice Thanksgiving dinner, and we were thanked for our support in ACCA’s monthly newsletter.
The following day, Troop 150 met once again during a virtual meeting. We talked about allergies, sanitation, planning meals, and staying healthy. On the 23th, the PLC planned the remainder of the year. On December 6th the PLC (with input from the other Scouts) will schedule events for the upcoming year.
The final event and troop meeting of the month incorporated a presentation on preparing for the Annual Planning Meeting. The troop webmaster also went over the troop’s beautiful online library that has an entire section dedicated to event planning – make sure to check it out! We finished off the meeting by playing a ‘What City?’ game for a friendly patrol competition.
A lot of other non troop-wide events happened this month. The first of which was a leadership training meeting for the staff. The second of which was a day hike around Lake Accotink done by the Panther’s patrol on November 21.
Update From Philmont Crew 728-H (previously 727-W)
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our crew made the difficult decision to cancel our 2020 expedition. We are now planning on going in 2021! We had our first meeting after the PLC on the 23 and we have scheduled our first day hike in December.
Sadly, no traditional Thanksgiving campout took place this year.
This month, our wreaths arrived and were delivered. Thanks to all who supported us by purchasing them! Thank you, and stay safe.