Hello, Troop 457 and welcome to this week’s edition of ‘The Scoutmaster’s Minute.’ I’m Mr. Maloney, your Scoutmaster, bringing you the latest Troop news and updates. Let’s dive in.
ADVANCEMENT
While we don’t have any new advancements to highlight this week, there are some important advancement-related announcements:
- First, mark your calendars for our next Court of Honor which will be held on March 26th. Scouts must complete Merit Badge and Rank requirements (including Boards of Review) by March 12th to be recognized at this event.
- Next, elections for the Order of the Arrow (Scouting’s National Honors Society) are on the horizon. The date of the elections is yet to be determined, but to be eligible Scouts must hold at least the rank of First Class and have completed a minimum of 15 camping nights over the last two years (only one summer camp counts towards this total). These requirements must be met before a Scout can be included on the election ballot.
UPCOMING RSVP DEADLINES
Now, let’s go over some important upcoming RSVP deadlines:
- Next Tuesday, January 23rd, is the last day to RSVP for the just announced Aquatics Achievement Day happening on January 28th at the Cranberry YMCA. Scouts will be completing their BSA swim test and working on aquatics rank advancement at this event.
- We also have RSVP deadlines on January 29th for two upcoming events: Scout Sunday & Pancake Breakfast held on February 4th, and the Moraine Trails Klondike Derby held on February 10th.
Please RSVP for these events on TroopTrack (even if you don’t plan to attend) so we have an accurate headcount for planning purposes.
THIS WEEK’S EVENTS
Looking at this week’s upcoming activities, we have two exciting events planned:
- First, the ‘Do Nothing’ Campout is coming up this Friday, January 19th. Scouts who RSVPed for this event should arrive at ELC by 5:45 PM on Friday so we can depart on time.
- Our Troop Meeting next Tuesday, January 23rd, will be an Introduction to Seven Ranges Scout Reservation and what to expect at summer camp this June. Arrow of Lights Scouts from our Pack will also be joining us for this meeting in preparation for their crossover this spring.
REFLECTION
Now, if you follow the Troop of Facebook or Instagram you know that every week we share a quote relevant to our program. This week’s quote comes from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. whose birthday we celebrated yesterday. Dr. King once said, ‘Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?’ This simple question holds profound meaning, especially in the context of Scouting.
In Scouting, we learn about leadership, teamwork, and skills that prepare us for life. But at the core of all this is the spirit of service – of doing good for others. Whether it’s helping a fellow Scout with a difficult knot, participating in a community clean-up, or simply being a friend to someone in need, these acts of service define who we are as Scouts.
Dr. King’s question urges us to look beyond ourselves. It’s not just about what we achieve personally, but how we are contributing to the well-being of others. In the Scout Oath and Law, we pledge to help other people at all times and to be helpful, courteous, and kind. Exactly what Dr. King’s message embodies.
So, as we go forward, let’s keep this question in our minds. Let’s not only ask ourselves what we are doing for others but also act upon it. Every small act of kindness and service adds up to a big difference. That’s how we live up to the Scout Oath and Law and make a positive impact in the world.
Remember, it’s not the grand gestures but the everyday acts of kindness and service that truly matter. Let’s strive to answer Dr. King’s question with our own actions every day.
That’s all for this week’s ‘Scoutmaster’s Minute.’ Thank you for tuning in. Keep living the Scout Oath and Law in your daily lives, and I look forward to seeing many of you at our upcoming events. Until next time, this is Mr. Maloney, signing off. Stay curious, stay connected, and stay Scouting!