September Pack Hike

   

Welcome back everyone, let's chat about the September Pack Hike details! This is the first scheduled pack hike of the school year and we're going to do a "night hike" close to home to get everyone eased back into the tempo.

via GIPHY

As a reminder, hikers should be prepared with their six essential items for hiking:

1. First Aid Kit (a mini kit is fine)
2. FULL water bottle (there will be indoor restrooms on site for refills)
3. Sun protection (sunscreen and/or wide-brimmed hat)
4. Whistle (for EMERGENCY USE ONLY)
5. Trail food (something they enjoy and is portable, calorie-dense, and won't melt)
6. Flashlight/headlamp

It's advisable to prepare yourselves with bug spray as well, the mosquitos reported they have no conflicts and would love to join us on the trail...

Have your Scout gather these items into a lightweight backpack, cross-sling bag, or even a fanny pack. There's no need to buy a dedicated hiking bag if you don't want to, the main point here is to teach them the responsibility of preparing themselves for the hike. The Scouts love these events and the more they get to own various responsibilities the more we are instilling a lifelong love of the values and the outdoors!

Here are the details for this weekend:

Date/Time: Saturday, September 7, 2024 at 7:00pm

Location: Keller Smithfield Activity Node

Directions: We will meet up near the bathrooms at 7:00pm and step off as a group.

Weather: The  current weather forecast is projecting sunset at 7:45pm with temperatures in the mid-low 90s, no rain, and light winds. As a note, Scouts are not required to wear their "Class A" uniforms to hikes. Please wear what makes the most sense for your comfort and safety. (Loose layers, broken-in, close-toed hiking shoes, etc.)

Fees: Free!

---

Please RSVP on Scoutbook and let us know in the comments if this is your Scout's first Pack Hike (we have a patch for first-time hikers!)

See y'all on the trails!

Pinewood Derby 2024 - Awards

Hey there race fans! First, a big thanks to our adult volunteers and Scouts from both Troop 1920 and Ship 1910 who came together to execute the race in what can only be described as synchronized chaos. Another big thanks to the Scouts and their parents who were able to submit an entry!

For those who missed the fun, Cubmaster Ford has placed the recording in Google Drive HERE. Unfortunately, the emcee and background audio were lost in the recording, but the "driver interviews" luckily made it for your enjoyment!

Quick note, data analysis shows that the average time between first and second place across the dens was only 0.0005 seconds. 🤯 For context, that is 5 milliseconds. Here are a few things slower than 5 milliseconds:

• Eye blinking
• The flap of a mosquito wing
• Flipping a light switch and the light turning on
• Camera shutter speed

Which means this may have been the CLOSEST race in recent memory! Great job to all the Scouts!!!

Here are the results for the race:

Overall Pack Awards

🥇	Mason Griebler	3.1717s
🥈	Jonathan Ford	3.1723s
🥉	Joseph Guerrero	3.1800s

Lion Den Awards

Only 2 Scouts entered in this Den

🥇	Andrew Hayden	3.2358s
🥈	Callan Johnson	3.7327s
🥉	< no entry >	---

Tiger Den Awards

🥇	Patrick Freis	3.1964s
🥈	Theo Guerrero	3.2363s
🥉	Slade Kadesch	3.2503s

Wolf Den Awards

🥇	Leigh Karch	3.2554s
🥈	Hiro Johnson	3.2614s
🥉	Wyatt Vasquez	3.2656s

Bear Den Awards

🥇	Nathan Winger	3.1877s
🥈	Zachary Halsor	3.2249s
🥉	Sebastian Jorgensen	3.2348s

Webelos Den Awards

🥇	Henrik Novak	3.1932s
🥈	Christian McLaughlin	3.2091s
🥉	Thomas Hayden	3.2171s

AOL Den Awards

🥇	Samuel Hayes	3.2044s
🥈	Harrison Farris	3.2667s
🥉	William Freis	3.2740s

Outlaw Awards

Including our new Turtle Award for the most relaxed racer in the Outlaw class!

🥇	Megan Schweitzer	3.0851s
🥈	Michael Ford	3.0938s
🥉	Cherise Mutchler	3.1103s
🐢	Kailey Harvey	8.4868s

Best in Show Award

The Scouts in the Pack took a long, hard look at all of the amazing designs this year and voted car #20, from Aarvav Kodimala as the year's 'Best in Show' design.

In the Outlaw category, purely for bragging rights, the honor goes to car #86, from Mr. David Winger!

Thanks again everyone! We'll see you on the track next year! 🏎️

RECHARTER!!!

Its time to Talk about Recharter, our annual time to sign-up for the next year and pay* dues.  

First,  I'd like to thank all of those parents that have stepped up in the last year and helped me to continue the legacy of the pack, and provide a quality program for all of our children.  There are about a dozen parents that do 95% of all the work for all 78 scouts in our pack.  We can use your help.

Next,  I will need every scout accounted for before 11/22 by finding your situation below and following the instructions provided.   Please remember that the registration costs for the Cub scout program comes in 2 parts.  The first includes the national and local council fees, and the second is pack dues that cover cost of the patches and awards your scout receives throughout the year (Graduating AOL's have a shortened year with us, but receive more at the end).  Most of everyone will find your scout fits into one of three categories.  Depending on which group you are in, please visit: http://pay.1910.info and checkout with the appropriate items BY 

1. Congratulations to all those who's scout's names are at the bottom of this email,  by selling Popcorn your scout has earned their dues for next year paid in sweat.  But you aren't off the hook.  I still need to you to visit the pack webstore and checkout and use "2024 Recharter - Youth Popcorn" for $0.
   
2. Those that joined scouting after August 1, 2023.  You paid for a full year of National and Council fees, so you only owe for the Unit dues. Please visit the pack webstore and use "2024 Recharter - New Youth" for $70*.
3. Returning Scouts that did not sell at least $500 in popcorn.   Please visit the pack webstore and use the "2024 Recharter - Youth" for $160*.

*Additional costs for the Scoutslife Magazine.

Please save yourself and your den leader the time of having to call you by visiting the webstore before thanksgiving.

Should you have any questions, ask your den leader or reply to this email.

Adult Leaders - Another email will be coming to you.

________________________

Scouts who Sold $500 In Popcorn to Earn Free Membership

Aarav K.
Aditri R.
Alexander H.
Alexander M.
Annabelle V.
Avyukth R.
Beckett G.
Benjamin K.
Braden W.
Callan J.
Calvin J.
Christian M.
Cole M.
Corban J.
Della M.
Fox L.
Gregory J.
Harrison F.
Henry W.
Hiro J.
Isaac C.
Jacob P.
Joey S.
Jonathan F.
Max M.
Murphy A.
Nikhil D.
Niya B.
Patrick F.
Riona B.
Ryder B.
Sawyer T.
Slade K.
Waylon M.
William C.
William F.
Wyatt V.
Zachary H.

Ahoy there mateys!

May Pack Hike - The end of the trails (for now)

  

Welcome to the May Pack Hike details! This is the last scheduled pack hike of the school year. I cannot believe this year has gone by so fast and the Scouts' graduation/crossover ceremony is in just a few weeks! (Mark your calendars for May 21st)

via GIPHY

As a reminder, hikers should be prepared with their six essential items for hiking:

1. First Aid Kit (a mini kit is fine)
2. FULL water bottle (there will be indoor restrooms on site for refills)
3. Sun protection (sunscreen and/or wide-brimmed hat)
4. Whistle (for EMERGENCY USE ONLY)
5. Trail food (something they enjoy and is portable, calorie-dense, and won't melt)
6. Flashlight/headlamp (They won't need to use this but the point is to train yourself to always BE PREPARED)

Have your Scout gather these items into a lightweight backpack, cross-sling bag, or even a fanny pack. There's no need to buy a dedicated hiking bag if you don't want to, the main point here is to teach them the responsibility of preparing themselves for the hike. The Scouts love these events and the more they get to own various responsibilities the more we are instilling a lifelong love of the values and the outdoors!

Here are the details for this weekend:

Date/Time: Saturday, May 6, 09:00am

Location: Eagle Mountain Park

Directions: Directions from Keller UMC  HERE. The park is on the east side of Eagle Mountain Lake, plan for ~30min drive time. We will meet up at the main pavilion by the parking lot at 9:00am and step off as a group.

Weather: The  current weather forecast is projecting "feels like" temperatures in the 80-90 range; no rain, and light winds. As a note, Scouts are not required to wear their "Class A" uniforms to hikes. Please wear what makes the most sense for your comfort and safety. (Loose layers, broken-in, close-toed hiking shoes, etc.)

Fees: Free!

Trails Map: Link HERE (not required to print, but some of the Scouts like to have one on hand and it's never too early to train for next year's CUB-O) We'll be hiking on the Northwest Loop and there's a really cool overlook area for the kids to enjoy along the way.

---

Please RSVP on Scoutbook and let us know in the comments if this is your Scout's first Pack Hike (we have a patch for first-time hikers!)

See y'all Saturday!

April Fools Hike (April 1)

  

The hike this weekend is in Southlake along the south shore of Grapevine lake. We will meet at Bob Jones Nature Center at 9am.  We have opportunities for a hike between 2 and 4 miles depending on those in attendance, and trail conditions.  While the forecast calls for a high of 75F on Saturday, at 9am it is predicted to be 56F,  dress appropriately for both, wear Layers.  As always scouts and adults should come prepared with proper footwear for uneven trails and clothing along with the rest of the cub scout 6 essentials. 

Date/Time: Saturday, April 1, 09:00am

Location: Bob Jones Nature Center and Preserve

Directions: Head East on Keller Parkway (toward Southlake), Turn Left (North) on White Chapel Blvd, continue past Bob Jones Park (large sports fields) to E. Bob Jones Road.  Turn right.  Nature Center will be on the right, just before a Southlake city sign. 355 E. Bob Jones Road.

As a reminder, hikers should be prepared with their six essential items for hiking:

1. First Aid Kit (a mini kit is fine)
2. FULL water bottle (there will be indoor restrooms on site for refills)
3. Sun protection (sunscreen and/or wide-brimmed hat)
4. Whistle (for EMERGENCY USE ONLY)
5. Trail food (something they enjoy and is portable, calorie-dense, and won't melt)
6. Flashlight/headlamp (They won't need to use this but the point is to train yourself to always BE PREPARED) 

Weather: The current weather forecast is projecting temperatures in the 55-750 range; no rain, and light winds. Layers will be your friend! As a note, Scouts are not required to wear their "Class A" uniforms to hikes. Please wear what makes the most sense for your comfort and safety. (Loose layers, broken-in, close-toed hiking shoes, etc.)

Fees: Free!

Trails Map: Link HERE (not required to print, but some of the Scouts like to have one on hand and it's never too early to train for next year's CUB-O) 

Please RSVP on Scoutbook and let us know in the comments if this is your Scout's first Pack Hike (we have a patch for first-time hikers!)

See y'all Saturday!

Notes about the March Pack Meeting

 

Our Pack Meeting for March is on the 21st (please RSVP on Scoutbook). The theme this month will be "Take it Apart" where the Scouts will have the opportunity to disassemble all manner of objects to satisfy both curiosity and our most basic urge to, well take things apart! 

For the Scouts

Scouts will need to bring their own tools and safety glasses/goggles. Please make sure you label them! A piece of masking or painters tape with their name in permanent marker works well for a temporary solution. As this is a Pack event, there should be enough tools to share if you don't have enough or simply forget, but try and collect a minimal amount such as:

• Screwdrivers (Phillips and Flat-head)
• Adjustable crescent wrench
• Allen wrench set
• Torx wrench set

Basically, think about the tools you've used to fight through a few hours (days?) after your latest Ikea trip... Those are a great starting point.

No hammers and no power tools! 

For the Parents

So what are the Scouts going to take apart? Well, you tell us! We need your help here so dig out some of those old electronics or other household items that you've been holding onto for bulk pickup and bring them! Bonus points if you're able to stand at the station where your donation is and explain to the Scouts how it actually works!!! Some ideas, but by no means an exhaustive list:

• Computers
• Computer monitors
• Printers
• Radios
• Various small kitchen appliances (please don't bring any blenders with the blades still in them!)
• Vacuums (hopefully already cleaned out a bit)
• Small engine tools like weed-eaters or chainsaws (all fluids must be removed before bringing to the Church)
• Literally anything else that just looks like it would be fun to take apart and investigate what makes it "tick"
• Oh, clocks go tick!

One more thing!

Our spring community service project is a book drive benefitting the Christ's Haven Family Resource Center (FRC). The FRC was created to stand in the gap for local families in need of support. Most of these families find themselves in a difficult situation and need support to get back on their feet. The FRC assists with weekly food boxes, first-night bags for foster families, counseling services, and much more. Every week, the FRC hands out their food boxes along with other items like school supplies, toiletries, books, blankets, toys, etc.

Our book drive will directly support the FRC's assistance to families in our community. We all know how a good book can bring much needed comfort, or even respite by taking you away to another world for a brief time. Please contribute by helping your Scout clean out your bookshelves and bring your donation to the Pack meeting. While you're gathering the books, it's a great opportunity to talk about the importance of charity and how it can impact people that are all around us every day without us knowing. Some of the recipients of these donations may even sit next to them in school. Part of the Scout Law is "A Scout is Helpful", and this is an amazing way to cement that lesson.

Thanks everyone, see y'all on the 21st!

Cub Camp 2023 Registration is Open

 <<< REGISTRATION LINK HERE >>>

Registration is open for the 2023 Cub Camp sponsored by the Longhorn Council. There are multiple dates and locations available, but the one specific to our Mustang District is being held from June 5-7 at Heritage Church of Christ. Early registration is $90 per Scout and $10 per Adult volunteer; early registration ends on May 8th, after which Scout registration fees will be $115.

Keep an eye out for more information as it becomes available. 

March Pack Hike

  

This weekend we're going to stay on dry land and stick to paved trails!

via GIPHY

As a reminder, hikers should be prepared with their six essential items for hiking:

1. First Aid Kit (a mini kit is fine)
2. FULL water bottle (there will be indoor restrooms on site for refills)
3. Sun protection (sunscreen and/or wide-brimmed hat)
4. Whistle (for EMERGENCY USE ONLY)
5. Trail food (something they enjoy and is portable, calorie-dense, and won't melt)
6. Flashlight/headlamp (They won't need to use this but the point is to train yourself to always BE PREPARED) 

Have your Scout gather these items into a lightweight backpack, cross-sling bag, or even a fanny pack. There's no need to buy a dedicated hiking bag if you don't want to, the main point here is to teach them the responsibility of preparing themselves for the hike. The Scouts love these events and the more they get to own various responsibilities the more we are instilling a lifelong love of the values and the outdoors!

Here are the details for this weekend:

Date/Time: Saturday, March 4, 09:00am

Location: Arbor Hills Nature Preserve

Directions: Directions from Keller UMC HERE. The center is off of Dallas North Tollway (DNT) and Parker Road in Plano, plan for ~45min drive time.

Weather: The current weather forecast is projecting temperatures in the 50-60 range; no rain, and light winds. Layers will be your friend! As a note, Scouts are not required to wear their "Class A" uniforms to hikes. Please wear what makes the most sense for your comfort and safety. (Loose layers, broken-in, close-toed hiking shoes, etc.)

Fees: Free!

Trails Map: Link HERE (not required to print, but some of the Scouts like to have one on hand and it's never too early to train for next year's CUB-O) 

---

Please RSVP on Scoutbook and let us know in the comments if this is your Scout's first Pack Hike (we have a patch for first-time hikers!)

See y'all Saturday!

What makes a Pack?

 

For those who have seen or read "The Jungle Book", it probably comes as no surprise that a lot of the symbolism in Cub Scouting aligns really closely with Rudyard Kipling's classic series. What you may not know is that the founder of Scouting, Sir Baden-Powell, was friends with Kipling and this alignment is no accident at all.

In our handbook, we teach about Akela, and the importance of finding a mentor to lead youth in every setting. Whether it's at home, school, your religious institution, sporting events, social clubs, your Scout Den, or the Pack; the influence of present adult leaders creates the very fabric upon which the story of our children's lives are written. Take a second right now and think about your childhood and you will undoubtedly find at least one core memory from an adult who fundamentally influenced your life in a positive way, just by being there when you needed them. It's not always about how much we can give as adults to our Scouts, it's about the simple act of giving if we're able. 

Packs are varied in their composition, but in essence they consist of 1 or more dens of elementary-aged children (usually split by grade level), and a cohort of parent volunteers to guide them. The "activity level" of a Pack is almost entirely based upon the involvement level of those parent volunteers and you can find a whole range of different levels across even our district, and especially our council and the nation overall. There are some Packs who struggle to coordinate regular Pack meetings, and others who have committees to coordinate other committees. But the commonality among all of this is that the control of that activity level, which translates directly to how involved our kids can be and how much fun and learning they get to have; all of that control is in our own hands as the adults of the Pack.

I won't lie to you, some of the volunteer positions take a LOT of work. But what isn't always apparent is a lot are either low-calorie or only involve small bursts of activity and a lot of down-time in between; and every single one of these positions is critical to the overall success of the Pack. I've personally spent a good amount of time in a few other non-profit organizations at all kinds of levels from "just tell me what to do" to board of directors, and I've found that the positions here are very agile and similar in that you can find anything really that fits your interest. 

Here's a current list of our openings for your consideration:

• Cubmaster
• Assistant Cubmaster
• New Member Coordinator
• Awards/Advancement Chair*
• School Liaison*
• Day Camp Coordinator*
• Summer Event Chair*

* These positions fall under the "not quite as intense" category and are great candidates for folks who don't have as much free time as they'd like in their lives right now

Quick note: every position comes with a free friend! No really, the goal here is to have you shadow someone who is rotating out of the current position so you can "learn the ropes". Who couldn't use a new friend?!?!?!?!

I really do hope you'd consider. I can tell you that I am not a typical "rah rah" type of person but I do appreciate the way this group has allowed me to find my own place and pace. I would love to talk to anyone about any of our openings as one new-ish volunteer to another. I'm the guy who hangs out in the Wolf Den with the abnormally exquisite beard and the absolutely stunning Savannah Bananas hat. Come say hi and let's chat about anything from Scouting to Bananaball!

If you're immediately interested in any of these positions, shoot us an email at pack1910cubscouts@gmail.com