Oh the Weather Outside is Frightful....

Did you know that at any given time there are between six to seven thousand homeless people in Tarrant County? With winter upon us, and with one of our goals to be an organization focused on providing service opportunities to our youth, we are partnering up with Phillip's Wish in an effort to help people stay warm right here in our own community.

When a 7-year-old Phillip Pruitt saw the plight of the homeless while searching with his mother for his father among them, they felt called to serve and that was the beginning of Phillip's Wish.  

We are proud to partner with the Junior Miss Keller 2018 who is collecting gloves/mittens, scarves, hats, and coats on behalf of the Keller Lion's Club to be presented at the Phillip's Wish event being held in Southlake next Saturday. 

Thank you all for helping make sure someone else's holiday is a little warmer this year.  If you can't attend the Pack meeting but want to make your donation of these materials, please get them to your den leader, a committee member or another den member!  Every donation counts. 

Cyber Chip

Long gone are the days of the "be home before the sun goes down" kind of parenting that a lot of us grew up with. Unfortunately, however, the more kids are inside, the more inclined they are to engage in some kind of online, electronic activity. I'm sure we've all seen news reports about cyber bullying, online security, location services on devices, geotagging of photos and social networking predators. It would be nice to think these topics won't impact our youth, but we need to be proactive and realize that we are in the thick of it! We must protect them.

Crazy fact - did you know that over 5 MILLION Facebook users are actually kids under the age of 10 even though the age limit to even have an account is 13?

If you have a pulse, you've likely heard of.... Minecraft. I know many Scouts absolutely LOVE watching YouTube videos that have to do with Minecraft and/or other favorite video games du jour. However, if you think, for a second, they should watch these unsupervised, you're in for a shock. A great deal of the content in these videos is highly inappropriate.  Predators use clickbait to lure them to watch material that is anything but age appropriate for Cub Scouts or adults for that matter!  FortNight has been exposed time and time again for being a candystore for predators.

More and more children have iPads, iPhones, tablets, Ipods and more and more access than ever to a whole worldwide web that is not the most friendly to the eyes, heart and especially to the spirit and character of our children.

With the electronic world aimed against us, how can parents teach our children internet safety principles?

In partnership with NetSmartz®, the Boy Scouts of America developed the Cyber Chip program. Along the same lines of how the Whittling Chip is designed to teach the boys pocketknife safety, the Cyber Chip is designed to teach them internet safety. There are BSA Cyber Chip requirements for boys in grades 1-3, grades 4-5 so your Cub Scouts are covered! In fact, there are programs available from grades 1 - 12! Even if your children aren’t in Cub Scouts, you can still take advantage of NetSmartz’s awesome programming.

Each Cyber Chip level covers topics such as cyber bullying, cell phone use, texting, blogging, gaming and identity theft. To earn the Cyber Chip, Cub Scouts sign an Internet Safety Pledge, watch an age-appropriate online video and share what they’ve learned with their den or den leader. Older boys complete additional activities.

Once they present their completion certificate to their den leaders, they will earn their Cyber Chip which is a temporary patch to be worn on their uniform. (It's pictured at the top of this post.)

The Cyber Chip expires annually. Scouts are required to “recharge” the chip each year by returning to the NetSmartz® website for their grade and completing the recharge requirements (at the bottom for their required grade). Grades 1-3 have their own experience, Grades 4-5 have another, 6-8 have another and grades 9-12 have their own as well. This keeps the information relevant and age appropriate. Upon this completion, they'll be presented with a recharged pin to wear on their patch.

It is definitely hard to navigate these waters, but we have a responsibility to keep our kids safe and we can only do that by first educating ourselves. By encouraging our kids to participate in programs like the Cyber Chip, we are taking steps to ensure they are equipped with the tools to keep them and their friends and siblings safe.

If you want to make sure you're on top of things, the Boys and Girls Club of America created a CyberSafe program that will give you tips, discussion cards and resources for broaching the topics of cyberbullying, mobile technology, social networks and online privacy.

Cyber safety -- it's all of our jobs! It’s never too early to begin talking about it with your boys. Start your conversation today and help them earn this awesome temporary patch that can be worn with their uniform -- the Cyber Chip!

Feeling Stuffed?

Did you gobble til you wobbled yesterday? Why not use today as an opportunity to work off some of that "stuffed" feeling and have fun in the process? Grab the family, your cell phones and head outside to geocache!

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has a great resource for those interested in this modern-day treasure hunt! People hide geocaches everywhere—from just down the street to the most remote wilderness areas. Many are hidden in your state parks.


What is Geocaching?
Geocaching is the hunt for any of more than 2 million geocaches worldwide hidden by folks like you. Each treasure hunt will take you to a fun, creative or beautiful place outdoors.


But what is a geocache?
Geo means earth and cache means hidden item. Geocaches range from very small (like a film canister) to large (such as a metal lunch box). Many are camouflaged, but they are not buried. Geocaches hold things like a log book to sign your name, tradable items for kids and adults, and more.


How do I find a geocache?
Use a GPS unit or smartphone app to find the coordinates (the exact location) of a geocache nearby. Then set out on your adventure, enjoying the sights along the way!


How can I play?
Visit Geocaching.com, or use a smartphone app to find caches where you are. Choose an easy cache for your first hunt. Caches have ratings on difficulty, size and terrain.
Download the coordinates to your GPS or use your smartphone, and head out to look for your treasure. It might take a few minutes to find the cache once you reach the destination!
Approach the cache safely. Some of the best hiding spots can also be homes for wildlife. Open the container, sign the log, and trade a family-friendly item with something in the cache.
Replace the container exactly as you found it. This keeps the game fun for the next geocacher.
Log your find on Geocaching.com and tell the world about your adventure! Collect a "smiley" face symbol for each geocache find you report.


What should I bring?
GPS or smartphone with coordinates
Pen or pencil
Water
Hat, hiking shoes and raingear, if needed
Sunscreen and insect repellent
Park or trail map
Inexpensive small items to trade for cache "swag"
A sense of adventure!

What else do I need to know?
Size: The size of each geocache is posted on Geocaching.com
Terrain: Each geocache has a terrain rating of one to five stars. (One star means the geocache is accessible by wheelchair. Five stars means you will need special equipment (boat, 4WD, etc.) to find the cache.)
Difficulty: Each geocache also has a difficulty rating of one to five stars, based on how hard it is to find. (One star means the cache can be found quickly. Five stars means the cache is hard to find or open.)
FTF: First to Find, or the first person to find a new geocache.
TFTC: Thanks for the cache, or a thanks to the original hider of the cache.
Ground Zero or GZ: A cache’s location.
TNLN: Took Nothing Left Nothing, meaning that the finder did not trade any swag.
SL: Signed Log
Muggles: Someone who is not geocaching. Avoid muggles while geocaching, so that they won’t vandalize or “muggle” the caches.
Geocoin, Travelbug or Pathtag: These items have identification numbers. They can be shared with friends and tracked as they are carried from one cache to the next.

Be sure to Leave No Trace of your visit!

Stay on trails for as long as you can.
Leave what you find, including flowers, rocks and artifacts.
Consider others. Don't park in campsites; keep voices low.
Take your trash. Help keep our spaces beautiful.
Respect wildlife; you are in their backyard!

Happy Thanksgiving

As families come together near and far to celebrate with food and fellowship while counting their many blessings, we would like to take this opportunity, too, to wish our Pack 1910 family a Happy Thanksgiving.

The first Thanksgiving was a celebration of the culmination of a successful partnership and harvest between different groups of people and was a further testimony that people of all creeds can live in harmony.

So, this Thanksgiving, we give thanks to children of all beliefs who have joined into the brotherhood of Scouting for the purpose of the greater good. We are united in a common purpose to be a different breed of person... the leaders of the future.

Thankful are we for the opportunities presented to us through the Scouting movement and the ability to serve our chartered organization, our community, our family, our unit and our country.

Thankful are we for the opportunity to Do A Good Turn Daily by acts of selfless service to those in our family, school and community.

Thankful are we for the blessings of leaders and volunteers who give of their time and their many talents to lead these boys with purpose.

Thankful are we for the bright-eyed enthusiasm as we witness young men take on greater responsibilities and meet challenges they didn't know they could overcome.

Thankful are we for the freedom afforded to all Americans and for those who are willing to fight for it... whatever the cost.

Thankful are we to not get everything we want, but to continue to be grateful for what we have.

Thankful are we for the partnership with nature and the outdoors as we learn to live in harmony with our earth and protect it for the generations that will follow.

Thankful are we for the gift of a merciful and gracious God that hears our prayers. Oh great Scoutmaster of all, please be with all of our Pack families until we can join together again.

Until that time... Happy Thanksgiving one and all!

Blessed Are We and So Very Thankful!

As many of you know we were the victims of a theft that left our outdoor and camping program in danger due to all of our supplies being stolen.  All of the assets accumulated through the Pack are not from collecting dues, but it's through our fundraisers alone that we are able to provide all the materials needed for a successful outdoor program.  When we discovered it all gone in October, we were devastated.  After dealing with the range of emotions, we reached out to the community and the response was... well, it was overwhelming!

We have had people contact us from near and far to make donations, see what they could do to help or just reach out to offer words of encouragement.  We are thankful, truly blessed, for each and every thought and prayer sent our way.

Our leadership team wanted to see if there was a way we could do a donation promotion to at least help us replenish our camping equipment for the next campout and we would deal with the remainder of the loss at a later date... we just wanted to ensure that this campout was not going to be impacted. So, we put up a donation button on our website that linked directly to our PayPal account we use... within two days, we'd raised well over $7,000 and when I saw that, I went in and turned it off!  Even after that I had people wanting to donate reaching out seeing how they could.

We also had several individuals made donations over $200, $500 and of even $1000 through our plea. If there was an address affiliated with your donation, you will be receiving a thank you letter for income tax purposes.

Scouting is a small world... we had a gentleman reach out to us from a disbanded Troop in Denton who wanted to donate their chuckboxes to us.  You guys.... CHUCKBOXES!!!!  What a dream! We had those in the plans to make for the Webelos and Arrow of Light Dens so that they would have them for their den-level campouts and someone GIFTED them to us!  Through further communications, we discovered he was someone in charge of the Toys for Tots program there and we were happy to have leaders and scouts go volunteer this year. Full circle moment!

We had a former Pack QM and Troop ASM reach out to us ready to help make things happen as he had many pack-friendly materials any Pack camp needs. We are so thankful!

We also had one gentleman, David Snell, who heard our story and immediately reached out to news reporter, Scott Gordon, for our contact information upon hearing our story. David basically told April Driggers, you WILL camp this weekend. We WILL get you what you need. And you guys, boy DID HE EVER!  David owns three small business in North Texas and is the epitome of what it means to have a servant's heart. He wants to be a community leader to inspire others that we should all do what we can to help those in need. He's unbelievable! Through one of his companies, he was able to coordinate ... basically our entire camp kitchen!  It doesn't hurt that he knows his way around outdoor cooking, as he's the owner of CajunCrawfishCo.com Through his supplier, David provided three burner camp stoves, pots, thermometers, dutch ovens, griddles, spoons, utensils.  He pretty much single-handedly made sure that our boys would not only have replaced what was stolen, he also wanted to make sure we had enough to account for the fact that our pack DOUBLED in size this year.  We have been abundantly blessed because of him and wanted to make sure he knew just how thankful we are!  Oh, and another cool thing he does -- CHRISTMAS LIGHT AIRPLANE TOURS!  Seriously, if you want to give local areas your business -- check out StarlightFlight.com  So to David, THANK YOU for exemplifying to us all so many of the ideals of the Scout Law... trustworthy, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, and cheerful.

So to our community members, to our anonymous donors, to our former leaders (we know who you are), to our family, to friends, to community leaders, to business owners, to Pack families...

Thank you!  Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for believing in our boys as much as we do!

December Pizza Party Pack Meeting

It's hard to believe but it's time to start thinking about CHRISTMAS already! But hey when there are...

we've gotta do what we've gotta do!

As usual we have a fantastic evening planned for all our Pack families. This year, we are having a Christmas Pizza Party Pack Meeting

Oh yes, FOOD glorious FOOD! NO rushing to try to feed the family before the Pack Meeting.  What can you do to help? Well, I'm so glad you asked!

• Be sure to RSVP on Scoutbook so we know how many to expect.  
• PAY via cash, check or PayPal
• SAVE THE DATE on your calendar!
• SHOP for the hat/glove/scarf drive and go through your coat closet to donate any new/used coats too!
• We will also be doing a SOCK IT TO ME "snowball" war! So, bring a package of NEW solid white socks.

Like a good Scout, BE PREPARED for a holly, jolly, merry good time!
Find and wear your most festive hat! (Parents, Scouts and siblings!!)
Disclaimer -- PLEASE DO NOT BRING ANYTHING WITH NUTS PLEASE! SAVE GRANDMA's FRUITCAKE FOR YOUR FAMILY AT HOME... FOR A MULTITUDE OF REASONS.


The pack will have plates, paper goods and, of course, all the entertainment.

Don't forget this is also the deadline to register for CUB-O that takes place in January.

It's Time To Recharter!

It’s time again to recharter our Pack with the Boy Scouts of America (BSA).  As part of this process, each Scout and leader must register for the upcoming year (this includes payment of registration dues and ensuring your Health Form (part A & B) is current). While our Pack operates on a SCHOOL calendar of June - May, registration dues for everyone are paid on a January-December basis.

Recharter dues for returning scouts is $120 ($10 per month)
Leaders are $35.50 each

FEE EXPLANATION

1) National Dues – this fee is paid directly to the Boy Scouts of America and registers your Cub Scout for the period January through December. The annual National Dues are $35.50 ($33 registration fee plus $2.50 for accident insurance) per Cub Scout. 


2) Boys’ Life Fee – Boys' Life is the monthly magazine for the Boy Scouts of America. It’s a fantastic read that reinforces Scouting and the good family values that are part of our program. While registration for Boys’ Life is optional, we feel that the content is so important and relevant, we choose to make this part of your registration payment. Therefore, we incorporate that fee into the dues as well. For more information, visit: www.boyslife.org Boy's Life is $1 per month, so $12 annually, per Scout.


3) Pack Fee – $72.50 (about $6 per month) The Pack charges an annual Pack Fee to help cover the cost of running the Pack. This fee includes all program costs and is set each year by the Pack Committee. At the very basic level, this covers your scout's rank specific handbook ($13) provided at joining, the rank specific neckerchief ($10) and corresponding slide ($6) as well along with a Pack T-shirt ($11). It also cover the rank specific neckerchief ($10), handbook ($13) and slide ($6) for their NEXT rank which they receive at the graduation ceremony in May. It also includes all awards, badges, patches, pins, Webelos activity badges, adventure loops, as well as a pinewood derby car kit, a rain gutter regatta kit, the Pack 1910 unit patches for their uniform ($6) and the Pack 1910 brag vest patch ($6) as well as all patches for participation along with all of the materials associated with monthly Pack meetings/ceremonies/activities. As you can see, there is great deal of tangible goods that each scout receives annually just for doing what they do! This doesn't even cover the other costs... just what our BOYS receive.

Thus, we rely heavily on fundraising to ensure an awesome program for our youth. Simply stated, Popcorn sales fuels Cub Scouts.

Membership renewals are due no later than November 28 as they MUST be submitted prior to 12/1 or we will incur an additional $15 PER REGISTRANT FEE. 

Checks should be made payable to Pack 1910. If you would like to pay via credit card, that can be done as well through Paypal. For your convenience, we have set up a Payments page on our blog to enable parents to utilize PayPal. Be sure you are choosing the correct membership fee structure as there are lists for RECHARTER of current members, NEW members, as well as TRANSFERS. Choose wisely.

Without registration payment commitments, we cannot recharter your Scout. Awards and rank cannot be recorded for unregistered Scouts.

Remember, the fun things we do at the Pack meetings, the prizes, awards, rank insignia, handbooks, patches and all that the pack provides is funded only by dues and fundraisers. We budget and rely on that commitment from every family each year.

While we try to streamline this as much as process, there IS paper involved -- we need a new health form for anyone that hasn't submitted one within the last year. 

Thank you for your assistance in making this as painless and streamlined of a process as possible. I appreciate everyone's prompt attention to this matter.  If you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to contact Amber Walker, Membership Chair.

PAYMENT PAGE IS HERE

Adopt - A - Street Clean Up Saturday!

Pack 1910 has partnered with the City of Keller's Adopt-A-Street Program so that we have our own designated stretch of road to pick up which will help keep our city clean and beautiful!

We are responsible for the one-mile stretch of Johnson Road between Chandler and Pearson.

PICK UP IS THIS SATURDAY AT 10AM

All of us working together makes it easy to do our part to continue to...

As a bonus, by participating in this community service event, many of our scouts will earn needed requirement components for their rank advancement.

As always, we will all park on GREENBRIAR. Plan to meet at 9:45 am (this is a residential street located off of Johnson Road.) Chase Muery, Webelos Den Leader and Matthew Strong, Assistant Webelos Den Leader, will be on hand to take attendance, distribute vests, gloves and ensure we all are on the same safety plan.

There IS poison ivy on the SOUTH SIDE of Johnson Road. This is why we need youth to NOT pass the point or be too far behind the kaboose. We want to show them what it looks like. As such, all participants are asked to wear CLOSED TOE SHOES and WORK GLOVES (if you have them). If you can bring a few extra large black trash bags, that would be quite helpful.

This is an all-hands-on-deck event. Families are welcome but please be mindful that the younger siblings that require constant eyes or one-on-one supervision should probably sit this one out. Our pick up road is Johnson Road and there are no sidewalks. The more that come, the faster it goes but it's a great way to show our support for our city and to do our part to help where others have forgotten to Leave No Trace.

Pack Meeting TONIGHT

Tonight is our November Pack Meeting!  We can't wait to see you at 6:30 pm at the Family Life Center.

It's Almost Time To Camp!

Pack families! It's almost time to camp. Be watching your e-mail on WEDNESDAY for all the info on this weekend's campout. But until then, please check out these prior posts on some of the general information for Pack family camping!

Registrations Forms ARE REQUIRED - ONE PER FAMILY and must be signed by all adults who attend. 

CLICK HERE FOR REGISTRATION FORM

Everyone attending *has* to have a health form ON FILE.

CLICK HERE FOR HEALTH FORM

EVERY adult attending HAS to have taken Youth Protection Training and we need a copy of your card. Don't know what I'm talking about? Create an account at my.scouting.org and take the new YPT training today!

More information on duty roster, menu, parking, etc. will be communicated WEDNESDAY (that's the day we email out everything).

Please print your registration form (link above) and email it to April IMMEDIATELY. THEY ARE PAST DUE. Or, please coordinate with Christopher Mahanna (lives in NW Keller) or April Driggers (lives in SE Keller) for whichever location is more convenient for you to drop it off.
Let me know how to expect payment. Papal,check or cash.

All adults participating need to have read Page 2 and EACH need to have signed the registration form on Page 3 to indicate that they HAVE read and will abide by those rules.

A Paypal option is available if you choose to use that for payment or you may write a check at the Pack meeting.

Don't forget that lunches on SATURDAY will be coordinated at the DEN level. An email went out October 11 from your Cubmaster regarding "Camp out - Quartermaster duties" so search for that communication.

Thank you!

We have LOTS of kiddos on this list that have clicked "YES" but we have no forms on file nor record of payment. Payment needs to be made in advance. That's to purchase the food.

Camping Do's and Don'ts

Camping Is In Tents

And for those wondering just what to bring.... here is an easy list you can modify for your own personal needs/wants.

INDIVIDUAL CAMPOUT CHECKLIST FOR PACK OVERNIGHTER

Your Cub Scout uniform is required for the overnighter. Sturdy shoes, suitable for ourdoor activities (meaning... with TREAD) will be useful. If your Scout has earned his Whittling Chip, he may bring his pocket knife. The following is a list of suggested equipment that may be useful on the campout.

BE SURE EACH CAMPER HAS A REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE AND A MESS KIT OR SOMETHING TO EAT ON AND WITH (no paper plates, disposable cups, etc.)


CAMP
Tent (should come with stakes and guylines)
Plastic mallet (I keep this in my tent bag)
Tent footprint (this is a tarp to place beneath your tent to protect it from rocks, cactus, etc.)
Sleeping pad (unless you're okay with the ground) or air mattress (check the batteries on your pump -- we usually do not have electricity at camps. I've seen people use those cheap blow-up pool floats for their kids... they're quick, easy and if you pop a hole in them, no love lost as they're easily replaceable)
Cot (you won't want to use this in cold weather as the air circulating beneath you will make you colder)
Sleeping bags (with liners if it's chilly)
Extra blankets to keep in the car (just in case)
Pillow (though you can use your sweatshirt as a pillow as well to minimize your packing list)
One folding chair per person
Pop up shade
Folding table (though your cooler may work in a pinch)
Lantern / fuel
small dustpan and brush (I love having this in my tote to help clean up all the leaves, dirt and debris tracked into the tent)

CAMPING KIT
I like to keep a small tackle box prepped with various items that someone always seems to need including:

Multi-tool or knife
Glow sticks
Batteries (for flashlight or headlamp)
Bandana
Duct tape (it fixes everything)
safety pins
Caribeeners
scissors
q-tips


GEAR
Daypacks (to carry your gear for the day -- lightweight backpacks)
Headlamp (I find these are much better to use than flashlights because they keep your hands free)
canteen
Matches/lighter
Compass
Whistle
Sunglasses
Hammock
Rope

CLOTHING
The best motto here is BE PREPARED. I always keep an extra change of clothing in a bag in the car WITH socks and shoes that we hope to just put away at home when we return. However, if there is a surprise downpour, a slip and fall in the mud or a spill, we are prepared. Happy kids = happy parents = great campout! Your weather forecast IS YOUR FRIEND. Be sure to check it the day before you pack and then check the morning before you leave.

long sleeved shirts (moisture wicking is great, flannel is great - these are great to protect from the sun, bugs and to take the morning chill off)
sun-shielding hat
Bandana (these are handy for just about everything including makeshift first-aid)
Close-toed shoes suited for the terrain (NO open toed shoes, flip flops or sandals)
Socks
Sleepwear
Rainwear (a poncho in the daypack can be a lifesaver!)
Weather appropriate change of clothes (could be cold weather / could be shorts)

TOILETRIES
toilet paper
sunscreen
chapstick
insect repellent
hand sanitizer
First aid kit
Toothbrush/toiletry kit
Brush/comb
Soap/washcloth (I like to take a small bar of soap OR cut up a large bar of soap into quarters and put it in a zip loc bag with the soap. Use that to wash your face, wring it out and put it back in the ziploc.
Deodorant (please! ha!)

OPTIONAL CAMPING SUPPLIES
Fishing gear (and license if over age of 17)
solar phone charger
binoculars
maps/guidebooks/local bird or wildlife field guide
books
decks of cards
frisbee
walkie talkies
umbrella
balls (soccer, football -- nerf is best, baseball/glove)
Hacky sack
Kite

Take The Pledge to Campout and WIN!

Are you joining us for our November campout?  Well, TAKE THE PLEDGE NOW so you're entered to win!

Take the pledge to Campout in 2018 and your pledge will be entered to win great camping-themed prizes!

One Grand-Prize Winner will win a Keystone Springdale Mini 1800 RV for their upcoming camping adventures.  The First Runner-Up Winner will receive a one-week stay at a Jellystone Park of their choice, along with $750 in gift cards.

We will take nothing but memories.  We will leave nothing but footprints.

Enter to win HERE.  The deadline is WEDNESDAY! 

This is not affiliated with the Boy Scouts of America or Pack 1910.  This is through the National Wildlife Federation. You can find out all about it HERE.

And Update And A THANK YOU!

Thank you! Thank you 1,000 times over for sharing, donating and reaching out! Our hearts are so abundantly overflowing... to the point of tears... first from shock, then from sadness... then from humility as this experience has been such a ride in the last week. Six Flags has nothing on the roller coaster of emotions we've felt.

Anyone who is a part of scouting knows that you join with the expectation of an excellent program for youth. Many of us had never been in Scouting before but had an idea of scouting pictured in our mind. You think of honor, citizenship, self reliance, leadership... you think boys living out the character traits of the Scout Law. You THINK of CAMPING! The idea that someone tried to steal our outdoor program from these kids was heartbreaking and for people to reach out telling us that THEY won't let that happen has made us even more committed to the program for our youth. I know that I can easily speak for all of the leadership in our Unit that it's truly an honor to serve our families... and our community. This program is for the Scouts. Always has been. Always will be!

We are working hard to reply to every question, comment and donation information request specifically and individually. Compiling the information with approximate valuations is a tedious process as what we paid might not be the true replacement cost so we are trying to assess what that amount is actually going to be while being frugal because we all know that a Scout is Thrifty.

We are having to sort through some photos of events to understand just what items actually were included in the loss that we hadn't thought of -- our Scout Sunday books... all of the items we have had for our Blue & Gold banquet... all of the different supplies we had for our monthly pack meetings. These were just in totes that we would grab but not necessarily itemized. We are trying to itemize those for full disclosure of the loss. All while still being parents with busy schedules and jobs, etc. So please know that we are working to channel all of that information to you!

Our Committee Chair, April Driggers, will be our point of contact for information and donations so that we can maintain a level of consistency and transparency that our membership has come to expect. This will be no different. Updates will be shared here and on our Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/cubscoutpack1910/

We can't wait to share all of the great news with our Pack!

And we simply wanted to reach out and tell you.... thank you. From the bottom of our hearts... thank you for believing our Unit enough to comment, share, donate and reach out. Scouting is alive and well in Keller, Texas and we will have fantastic November campout thanks to you!!!

Yours in Scouting,

April Wesson Driggers, Committee Chair
Christopher Mahanna, Cubmaster
Chris Warren, Assistant Cubmaster

Victims of Theft

Edited 10/27/2018 at 10:46 pm

We are removing the donate button from this post which was linked and shared many times as we have felt the generosity, love, thoughts and prayers given to our Unit during our time of need.  We have been abundantly blessed and we want to ensure that we are being good stewards of the gifts received. Anything else that may be posted to our account from this day forward, we will use to create scholarship accounts to help pay for youth who want to join scouting but that have a financial need. We have a vetting system we utilize for this.  If that is something you would still like to contribute to, please feel free!

Again, thank you for your help, love and contributions to our Unit. You have moved me beyond words (and that's darned near impossible!)
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Original post:

Pack 1910 families,

It’s with a heavy heart that I have to share the following information with you. While we were getting ready to commence the fun and excitement of our Halloween Party Pack meeting last night, our Cubmaster went to our Pack trailer to retrieve a tote containing much of our Halloween meeting supplies only to find that someone… sometime over the last ten days... had snapped the lock on our Pack trailer and cleaned us out. Yes. They stole everything from these kids.

Thieves broke into our trailer and stole all of our Blue and Gold supplies. They took the tote containing all of our Pack meeting game supplies. They helped themselves to our tent supply. They took our trailer’s spare tire. They took our large propane tanks. They stole our Dutch ovens. They stole our Coleman stoves… our Coleman lanterns… all of our kitchen utensils… cutting boards, coolers, plates, pots, pans, cutlery, pot holders, our iron griddle, our folding tables… all of our dry good supplies… all of our cleaning and sanitation equipment... all of our paper goods… our large first aid kit… our oversized canopy… it’s all gone.

I think the thing that hurts me the most is that while we are teaching these youth to live by the Scout Law of being Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean and Reverent… we hold the hope that these same courtesies are extended right back to them.

The idea that someone took from children in this community… things they’ve worked so hard to accumulate…is gut wrenching. We didn’t have the heart to kill their excitement last night so your Cubmaster and I met with Keller Police Department after all the Scouts had gone home.

Our goal since purchasing the trailer two years ago using money raised by the Cub Scouts in our Pack has been to provide everything our Pack families need so that we had everything required to equip these boys to be competent Scouts in the outdoors. We didn’t to have to rely on a few families who are experienced in the outdoors or who may have equipment in their personal possession to have to provide it for our entire unit. We have asked much of these boys and they have delivered time and again because the camp outs are where the magic really happens… and now someone pull their own magic act and made it all disappear.

We wanted our Webelos to have their own chuck boxes for their den campouts in order to be supremely prepared for their next step into Boy Scouts. We wanted to provide them with all the equipment they needed --so that even at our Pack campouts --they could have their own camp kitchens set up at their campsites. And now, we are heartbroken that someone would help themselves to the supplies these youth have worked so hard to accumulate.

Our first camp out is November 9 and we are hoping that whoever took the equipment from these kids understands how far-reaching this theft really is. We welcome them to return it to the church no questions asked. To steal is sad… to steal from children is reprehensible.

If Pack 1910 was a small pack, I know we could pool personal resources, but our Pack has grown the last year from 35 to about 75 boys in Ridgeview Elementary, Hidden Lakes Elementary, Shady Grove Elementary and others... we are truly a Pack of the community and this camping equipment is critical to the success of our outdoor program.

As Committee Chair, I have asked our leadership how they would like move forward from this and with us being a community service oriented unit, we decided to reach out to our community to see if they can help our kids rebuild. In lieu of making a GoFundMe page, we have created a DONATE button through our established PayPal account and are giving our Scout’s promise on our honor that every penny donated will be used to replenish our camping supplies to continue to provide these Scouts with the outdoor program they deserve.

If you have it in your heart to help the Cub Scouts of Pack 1910, please donate here to help our Unit recover from this devastating loss:

EDITED TO DELETE THE LINK

Thank you,

April Driggers
Pack 1910 Committee Chair
Pack1910CubScouts@gmail.com

Cub Scout Fun Day

Dozens of fun activities to do and displays to see including bounce houses, a petting zoo, BB, archery, flour battles, jousting, walking the plank, softball toss, face painting, lassoing, monster tag, climbing wall, cub scout golf, leather crafts, monkey bridges, bowling, ring tosses, challenge games, wrist rockets, pipe crawling, reptile show, frisbee golf, wagon hoop racing, chariot racing, soccer, lawn fishing, and lots of new games! Plus the Council Pushmobile Derby (extra charge - separate form)

This is a family or den activity. Cub Scouts and Webelos can participate in each activity as a den or with their family. Arrival time is open: arrive at any time. Pre-registration is requested and appreciated, as is will help to properly plan program and events. The best part? The pack is paying for any Scout who wants to go. Parents and siblings are extra. (THIS is why we sell POPCORN! So we can pick up the tab for your scouting adventures! SELL SELL SELL!)

I need a completed registration form (HERE) for every scout family attending with payment for parents ($5) and sibling ($16) if paid via cash or check made out to PACK 1910.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE - OCTOBER PACK MEETING

Payments may also be made via PayPal on our Payments Page HERE

Sunday's Launch Postponed

The bad news is that we have been watching the weather with the good people at Dallas Area Rocket Society in order to insure we have optimal launching weather. They have been accessing the forecasting websites they utilize for their own launches that are a little more sophisticated than ours as far as wind speed and direction and simply stated -- Sunday will not be feasible.

Therefore, Sunday's Rocket Launch IS POSTPONED.

The good news is that we've already confirmed a new launch date! The new date is already on the calendar so be sure to check Scoutbook for the new date.

Scouting is a BLAST.... literally!

The time is NOW to purchase and build your rockets so that you can join us for our annual launch Sunday, October 14. Weather permitting, we will be meeting at Harvest Church's Christian Academy's football field at 2:30 pm.  Look for the Pack banner.

Our MC and host for the event, DARS (Dallas Area Rocket Society), has suggested that the only rockets we use should be those requiring a 1/4A, 1/2A and A motors (B at most) with streamers / not parachutes. These won't go quite as high, but we also shouldn't lose as many!

For the rocket launch you will need to bring your fully assembled rocket, additional motors, pins and extra wadding. DARS will provide the launch pads and electrical igniter. You do NOT need to bring a launch rod or blast shield. If one comes with your kit, just leave it at home.

Estes rockets suggests something similar to either a Wizard or a Firestreak SST for launching. The major difference is that with the Wizard, the boys will have to measure, mark and glue the parts together to assemble the rocket and the Firestreak is molded from plastic and simply snaps together (requires no gluing).

Rocketry may be new to your family and seem somewhat impossible... please don't be intimidated because it is a LOT OF FUN! Hobby Lobby sells rocket kits and you can use an app or download a 40% off coupon as well. The kits come in a variety of levels of difficulty to assemble. Some are "RTF" (Ready To Fly), "ARF" (Almost Ready to FLY), "E2X" (Easy to Assemble) and so on.

Also to note, when we speak of "motors" or "engines," we are talking about these guys (pictured below). Packaged, these engines come complete with an igniter and pin for each. So, don't lose the little plastic pieces or the two pronged igniter. Please be sure to PURCHASE THEM as kits do not include engines since many rockets can be launched by several different engine sizes. Approved Estes engines for our launch are are A8-3, B6-2. If you want to buy Quest engines, we have a list of those as well. Please note, however, that the C size engines are beyond what the Fire Marshal wants us to utilize so stick with B and smaller.

Here is a little diagram that will help identify what all the parts are for if you're not familiar with model rockets.

Pictured below is the "recovery wadding."  You'll need a package to put in your rocket for any additional launches.

I warn you, however, rocketry can be quite exhilarating! Bring those cameras....and visit the DARS website for more information on their next public launch. They have some launches where they shoot off the BIG DOGS! It's definitely an amazing sight to behold.

As with all Pack events, this is open to siblings. So if brothers / sisters want to launch, they can bring their own rockets, too!

So.... get those rockets built!  Let's have a blast together.

Camping Is In Tents!

We're about to enter CAMPING SEASON!  Are you a little “camping-shy”? Don’t let it hold you back!! Do it for your son – he’ll love you for it!!

We've had a few families asking about what they need for Cub Scout camping.  First things first, all adults attending need to be Youth Protection Trained and all campers (adults/youth/siblings) need to have a completed BSA Health Form Part A and B on file with our Membership Chair, Amber Walker.

Cub Scout family camping is also referred to as "car camping." With a large enough vehicle, you're fortunate enough to be able to take just about everything AND the kitchen sink with you. But for the amount of time you'll be there, it's really not necessary. Though, a few creature comforts are definitely worth it!

So, unless you have an open-ended bank account, don't run out and buy every piece of gear you THINK you need at REI until you feel out what YOUR family requires. (If you do have an open-ended account however, I'll text you my list too.)

The best thing to do when starting to acquire gear is to start small and simple so that you can discover exactly what your family needs... and grow from there. There are plenty of seasoned camping veterans in our pack that have gear to spare so don't hesitate to put the word out if you need to borrow something.

To begin simply, you need something to sleep IN, something to sleep ON, somewhere to sit, something to wear, personal toiletries. light and water.

(Oh... and toilet paper! Don't forget the toilet paper!)

Today we're starting with something to sleep IN.

The first thing you need to consider is how much space you NEED.  How many people, how much stuff. Are you tall? Do you need lots of leg room? All things to consider when determining size.

If you bring kids, you generally need more space so you might consider sizing up to accommodate all the stuff.  If you want to sleep on cots, you need to be sure you're taking into account the space they take up literally and figuratively.  If you want an air mattress inside your tent, be sure you have room for your belongings as well.

One perk of cots is that you can generally store gear underneath allowing for more space in the tent to move about.

Do consider the bigger the tent, the more size it takes up in your vehicle and the more it weighs. Large tents that need to be heavily staked down may not be as conducive to allowing the Scouts the opportunity to help with set up.  We've had several families in the past who brought two SMALLER tents rather than one large one.  Since Cub Scout camping is "car camping" weight really shouldn't be an issue, however.

Once you've determined size, you'll need to determine what SHAPE of tent you want.  You can get dome tents or cabin tents.

Dome tents are generally lighter, easier to set up and are much more stable in high wind conditions.

Cabin tents, however, provide more vertical space (if you're tall this might be a consideration so be sure to check the peak height listed) Some even have "rooms" where you can zip off walls (to help separate siblings who won't quit poking each other not that I have any idea what that is like.)

This cabin tent even has a shaded vestibule which would be perfect for chairs.

One of the tents I have is pictured below -- a dome tent with a covered vestibule which provides a place to store shoes and our cooler under cover but out of the tent's interior. Notice the full rain fly -- in order to have full circulation this DOES have to be FULLY staked down to ensure the rain fly doesn't just lay on the tent body. When you sleep, condensation will build up and you need to have that outer layer off the inner layer to prevent the condensation raindrops from falling on your head. I prefer the full fly for weather protection and privacy.  In my experience, too, a full rainfly is desirable though when it's warmer, the airflow isn't as great - something to consider.  The smaller the tent, the warmer you will be in the cooler months, however.

My suggestion is to go where you can get inside and test them out... Cabelas or Bass Pro both have tents set up in the store that you can check out.  Seriously, get inside and lay down to see just how much space you actually have and then use those dimensions to help set a minimium allowance for what you want.

My only other suggestion for you to consider is to put SOME SORT of reflective SOMETHING on your guylines to prevent people from tripping over them in the dark. Accidents happen. Tent stakes through the leg are NO fun... we try to prevent the Scouts from running between tent lines but you know how well excited children listen. Reflective tape for your guylines - you want this!

This is going to be your home away from home. You want to be comfortable and to sleep as good as you can away from your Sleep Number Bed.

Another consideration is that once your Cub Scout transitions to Boy Scouts, usually the Troop will be providing his tent. If you want to come camping with the Troop, you'll want a SMALL tent since it will be just you and your gear. At that point, small is king!

Hope these will give you something to consider when starting to build your camping gear!

Bobcats!

NEW SCOUTS - BE WORKING ON THOSE BOBCAT REQUIREMENTS!

The October Pack Meeting is the target we are shooting for with ALL of our new scouts to be ready to earn their Bobcat badges!

This is the FIRST RANK required for EVERY new scout! We have a fun and exciting ceremony for them but it takes YOUR HELP to make sure they are going over these requirements daily.

Scout Oath

Scout Law

Scout Sign

Cub Scout Handshake

Cub Scout Motto

Cub Scout Salute

Most dens will only meet a time or two before our Pack meeting so we need YOU to make sure they're covered! Click HERE for a print out to help you work on these at home!

Youth Protection Training

Now that I have your attention -- ALL Volunteers and Leadership need to renew their Youth Protection Training to be in compliance with the Boy Scouts of America's global renewal date of OCTOBER 1 for the new training module.  

We appreciate you investing in the safety of our Scouts!

Need a link?  Here ya go:  www.my.scouting.org  Log into your account or create one now!  

Once you've finished your training, please e-mail a copy of your certificate to pack1910cubscouts@gmail.com 

More information on our Youth Protection Program can be found HERE.  Who has to take it, why, its purpose and more.  

God & Me and God & Family

There are only two awards Cub Scouts can earn that they can take with them into Boy Scouts and wear on their uniforms forever -- one is their Arrow of Light award, the other is their religious emblem.

You see, a Scout is reverent. He is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties and respects the convictions of others in matters of custom and religion.

To encourage members to grow stronger in their faith, religious groups have developed several religious emblems programs. The Boy Scouts of America has approved of these programs and allows the emblems to be worn on the official uniform. We are blessed and grateful to have longtime Scouter and church member, Sheri Tull, facilitate the God & Me and the God & Family programs this year for our Cub Scouts enabling them to earn their religious knots.

They're called "knots" because they ARE a rectangular patch depicting a silver square knot on a field of purple. "Knots" are awards earned by leadership (and youth) for achieving benchmarks in training and/or leadership.

The program we will be utilizing was created through Programs of Religious Activities with Youth (P.R.A.Y.) The program helps young people to develop a deeper relationship with God and to understand how God is active in their lives and in the world around them. It is a Christian Education resource that uses Bible lessons paired with service projects to help young people not only to grow in Christian faith but to also express their faith by reaching out in love and in service to others. P.R.A.Y. encourages families, youth agencies, and Protestant congregations to use the P.R.A.Y. series to foster spiritual growth in children, youth and families.

This program is easier not only to do as a group, but also with a versed facilitator. We are so blessed to have her! Plus, the Scouts like listening to people other than us all the time! Like all things in Scouting this shouldn't be a "one and done" process because faith and your commitment to your faith should be an ever-evolving continual dialogue which is why we have a Duty to God for every rank in Scouts.

We have our Classes set up for select Wednesday nights for both the God and Me and God and Family (for Webelos and AOL scouts). The requirements get increasingly more difficult the older the scouts are -- as they should. These events have been added to Scoutbook. If you do not see them, please let me know. All classes are scheduled for 6:30 pm at the Scout House with the exception of the FIRST God and Family one which will be at 7:30 the first class date and should be only 45 minutes.

Grades 1-3: God and Me (9/19, 9/26, 10/3, 10/17, 11/7, 12/5, 1/16 and a pizza party on 1/30)
Grades 4-6: God and Family (9/26, 10/10, 10/24, 11/14, 11/28, 12/12, 1/9, 1/23, and the pizza party on 1/30)
Grades 6-8: God and Church
Grades 9-12: God and Life

I've reviewed the course content and have tried to put realistic breaks in the program so that there are more meetings than required, but that's in order to keep the classes SHORT. Spacing it out keeps it interesting... something to look forward to and not become a laborious chore, but more a new adventure. Again, this is OPTIONAL and this program will never be held in place of a den meeting. The religious component of Scouts is deeply personal and we are all not of the same faith. Therefore, Duty to God means something different for everyone. If you are not aligned with the Protestant belief doctrine, please feel no pressure to complete this course as it is NOT a requirement to complete the Duty to God requirement for each rank, it's simply to earn the knot. The knot is optional but shows your Scout has gone above and beyond the requirements to deepen his faith.

Since this is entirely optional, the costs of this program (supplies, workbooks and $ for pizza at the end) are up to the families participating. The Pack, however, will provide the purple knot upon completion.

Cost is $6 per participant.

ACTION REQUIRED OF YOU: RSVP on Scoutbook for your Scout by 12 noon on September 19 (today - date of publication) so we can order your workbook for you. If there is a sibling that would like to participate as well... include their name in the comments. Payment of $6 per participant is due to April Driggers immediately (if not sooner).

The church offers a Wednesday night meal every week that would be an inexpensive dinner option for you: http://www.kellerumc.com/connect/wednesday-night-meal/