Troop 48 Update – May 3rd

How long? When will we know? Who is making the decisions? How will life proceed?  These are some questions the Troop 48 membership would like to know insights about also… and the leadership can only give glimpses as new information is gathered.

Answer to the first question is “we don’t know either”.  Updates that have occurred in the past week.

• Colonial Heights Presbyterian Church leadership extended the building closure through the end of May, therefore Tuesday night troop-wide, in-person meetings during May are cancelled.
• Some patrols are arranging online meetings to connect with each other and share information.  These are allowed and encouraged if involving their Adult Advisors.
• Philmont high adventure base will not open until the start of July so the trek has been cancelled along with preparation outings.
• The request to have drop-in skill training in the CHPC parking lot has just now been approved, so further specific invitations will be sent once ready.
• Kingsport Fun Fest 2020 and Crazy 8 race have been cancelled.

Responses for the second and third questions are “working on it” and “various leadership”.

• Troop 48 adult leader committee gather next on Tuesday, May 12^th evening after obtaining further direction from government, church, and scouting organizations.
  • Key question raised by our Scoutmaster is what will prompt the first in-person meeting (why are we meeting – summer camp carpooling and getting equipment, Court of Honor, etc.).
• Sequoyah Council is not sharing further choices about CDC summer camp until May 15.
• CHPC next meeting is sometime between May 13^th and 20^th.

Last reply is for the near-term as “the new normal” as not been defined.

• Election of a new Senior Patrol Leader, which is scheduled for the first Tuesday in May, is now underway electronically.  See relevant email from Mr. Hasbrouck.
• Ashur B. is a new Troop Guide embedded in Flaming Arrow patrol to assist with basic skill instruction.  The other three patrols also have Troop Guides within their rosters. (Tristan F. in Panther.  Avery P. in Phoenix.  David D. in Wolf.)
  • Eight members continue to work towards integrating into Troop 48 scouting by finishing the Scout rank. It will be great to recognize all with bright red Troop 48 neckerchiefs.
• Teddy C. and Riley K. are the Service Managers for the West Bank and Adopt-a-Park respectively.  Leadership Corps is still providing labor for West Bank during May.
• Parker P. has joined the Troop 48 Historian team.

• Troop 48 has arranged to attend both CDC Summer Camp Weeks 2 (June 14-20) and 5 (July 5-11).  Your preference is desired.   Until Sequoyah Council makes an announcement, we are just duplicating class preferences for scouts switching to Group B/Week 5 (while retaining the June reservations).  Please let Mr. Hasler know if you are attending in July – or if you are now choosing to join the troop at summer camp thus need to indicate desired classes.

Finally, the Tennessee governor’s office has issued guidance for church worship services, which may be also appropriate for youth organizations such as ours.  Implementation of this directive needs to be discussed by the church and troop leaders to understand our restrictions and requirements.  For example is what arrangements can provide at least 6-foot distancing between families with 50% of maximum room capacity for social distancing and while all participants wear cloth (or better) face coverings.

If you have any specific questions, please contact our Scoutmaster, Mr. Hasbrouck who can work with the rest of the youth and adult leadership.

Finally, remember the Scout motto:  Be Prepared… as you can for any situation.