June Core Value - Perseverance

The Core Value for the month of June is Perseverance.  Being able to stick with something and to not give up, even if it is difficult -- is hard!  Providing boys with experiences that may be a little out of their comfort zone in order for them to learn how to see things through is how we can help them celebrate perseverance in their own lives.   

Boys will realize that they must push through and continue to work hard to improve their skills when they want to succeed!

Teaching children the benefits of hard work and trying is easy... have them set small goals which will help them reach a larger one.  Saving their allowance, for instance, a few weeks at a time to make a larger purchase.  How about finishing a long chapter book or their first novel.  It's met by being determined to finish.  Setting reachable goals and staying at it!  Those video games may beckon their attention, but they must push through their distractions to reach that goal.  How about playing the guitar?  It's easy to want to pick it up and sound like a rock star but -- that's not going to happen!  It requires dedication, practice, setting small goals, hard work, determination... in the end, they will persevere!

The EDGE method we use in Scouting is a great way to help leaders demonstrate perseverance. 

Explain

Demonstrate

Guide

Equip

By teaching boys skills this way, having them set their goals and then cultivating an attitude of gratitude helps them persevere... on their own!  When you are witness to the "I got it!" or the "I did it!" -- it's an AMAZING thing!  

Perseverance -- think about it!

May's Core Value

Along with introducing you to this month's theme of Health & Fitness, I would like to also take time to tell you about an initiative directed by the Boy Scouts of America to challenge our Scouts -- the ScoutStrong PALA program.

WHAT IS “PALA”?

• PALA stands for the Presidential Active Lifestyle Award, a program of the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition (PCFSN).  
• PALA is designed to motivate participants to be physically active on a regular basis by allowing them to participate in activities they enjoy, as well as improving their eating habits. Earning a PALA is definitely doable by anyone at any fitness level. 

What is the SCOUTStrong™ PALA challenge?
In 2011, the Boy Scouts of America aligned with the PCFSN with the shared goal of together promoting good health for America’s youth. The SCOUTStrong™ PALA Challenge, a Scout-specific PALA challenge, is one of the results of this alliance.



Who Can Participate in the SCOUTStrong™ PALA Challenge?
This challenge is for anyone, from students to seniors, but it’s geared towards everyone associated with Scouting from Cub Scouts to parents and just about anyone in between.


How Does the SCOUTStrong™ PALA Challenge Work?

• To earn the SCOUTStrong™ PALA Challenge award, a participant is required to meet a daily activity goal of 30 minutes per day for adults and 60 minutes a day for kids under 18 for at least five days a week, for a total of six weeks. Participants can take up to eight weeks to complete the program.
• The participants pick their activities and strive to reach their goals, logging their physical activity along the way. 
• More than 100 indoor and outdoor activities count toward the daily requirement, including walking, running, aerobics, gardening, and canoeing, as long as major muscle groups are engaged at a moderate to vigorous activity level.
• Also, each week the participants will focus on a healthy eating goal. Each week participants should add a new goal while continuing with their previous goals.

1. Make ½ your plate fruits and vegetables.
2. Choose lean sources of protein.
3. Consume more whole grains.
4. Consume less salt.
5. Choose low- or no-fat dairy.
6. Eat more seafood.
7. Drink water instead of sugary drinks.
8. Eat smaller portions.

Starting the SCOUTStrong™ PALA Challenge will help participants:

• Commit to daily physical activity—and stick with it.
• Commit to making healthier food choices—one goal at a time.
• Set realistic goals to encourage fitness and healthy eating habits for a lifetime.
• Track their progress with either a paper Personal Activity Log (PDF) or by accessing the Online Activity Tracker after creating an individual account.

How do I get started with the SCOUTStrong™ PALA Challenge?
Participants can enroll and track their progress either online with a free Online Activity Tracker or on a paper

Active Lifestyle Activity Log

ONLINE:

• Begin by visiting www.scouting.org/SCOUTStrongPALA 
• Use the appropriate dropdown menu to pick the state that the council/organization he or she wants to be affiliated with is located in.
• Use the appropriate dropdown menu to pick the council/organization with which he or she wants to be affiliated.  It should take you HERE.
• Click START YOUR PALA CHALLENGE.
• The participant should now be at the PALA page of the affiliated council/organization. They should click CREATE AN ACCOUNT.
• Complete the required fields and click REGISTER.
• Participants will now arrive on their activity tracker home page, which they will see each time they log into their account. From this screen, they can track their activities, join a group, see their award progress, and adjust their account preferences. 
• Upon completion of the six-week program, participants will receive a congratulatory email from the President’s Challenge. Participants should print and submit this email to their Scout leader.

April's Core Value

The Core Value for the month of April is FAITH.

Having faith is having a complete trust in someone as well as having a strong belief in God or in the doctrines of a religion.

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Hebrews 11:1 states that "So then faith is being confident of things hoped for and certain of things that we cannot see."  So, simply stated, you believe in your heart what is right and true even without having to see to believe.

March Core Value

The Core Value for the month of March is COMPASSION.

Compassion literally means “to suffer together.” Among emotion researchers, it is defined as the feeling that arises when you are confronted with another’s suffering and feel motivated to relieve that suffering.

But how exactly can we teach and demonstrate compassion in a "me" generation? This article has some great ideas on how to effectively do that. 

• Live by example.  Be the change you want to see in the world.  If you want your children to be selfless, caring individuals, show them what it means to do that very thing.
• Volunteer.  There are many opportunities in our very own community for your children to work along side you.  Don't be so busy that you teach them that investing your time is a gift of service that you take seriously.

I love the idea of being the living example.  Maya Angelou said "be the change you want to see in the world" and I think that living a life filled with compassion is a great place to start!

February's Core Value of the Month is Resourcefulness

The Core Value for the month of February is Resourcefulness.  This character trait is definitely worthy of a second glance. In fact, just to BE called resourceful is a truly one of the highest compliments someone can give an aspiring Cub Scout!  Why?  Because although you may have a great idea.... YOU are the person who finds a way to execute this idea!  

Resourcefulness: Using human resources and other resources to their fullest. Cub Scouts will gain the knowledge and the means to meet situations effectively whether they are working on a service project or completing a den activity.

January Core Value

The Core Value for the month of January is POSITIVE ATTITUDE.

Having a positive attitude is being cheerful and setting our minds to look for and find the best in all situations. Through participating in various activities at the pack meeting and pack talent show, boys will gain a better understanding of the importance of having a positive attitude whether they are part of the audience or as the center of attention on stage. 

But how exactly do they have a positive attitude? By learning to:

• Be positive in their thoughts and words. 
• Be cheerful. 
• Look for the bright side of all situations.
• Keep a good sense of humor.
• Be optimistic.
• Think good thoughts.
• Believe in yourself.
• Trust your friends, family, and teammates.

There are lots of opportunities in Cub Scouts where boys can let those negative feelings and emotions creep up... at den meetings... during games... having to wait... being on a team that doesn't win... but helping, redirecting and showing them how to have a positive attitude helps EVERYONE around them!  Remind them to always 

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December Core Value - Respect

The Core Value for the month of December is RESPECT.

Respect is showing regard for the worth of someone or something.  Through interacting with pack families, Cub Scouts will develop appreciation and respect for different families and traditions. Through pack service projects, they will learn to treat the environment with care and respect. 

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November Core Value - Citizenship

The Core Value for the month of November is CITIZENSHIP.

Citizenship is taught to Cub Scouts by allowing them to contribute in community service events and by allowing them opportunities to show responsibility to local, state, and
national communities.  Cub Scouts develop good citizenship when they are learning about respecting the flag.

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I hope everyone took their Cub Scouts with them to exercise their number one civic duty as an adult -- and let them see you involved when you vote!

As citizens of the United States of America, we all have a responsibility to serve our country. Cub Scouts will learn ways to be better citizens while earning the Citizenship belt loop and pin.  Remember, these are something that can be earned at home and are done above and beyond den level activities.  Once you've completed the worksheets, present them to your den leader for entry into the ScoutTrack system.

Another opportunity to reinforce honoring the service our veterans have shown as citizens of our great country is to attend the Grapevine Veteran's Parade this Saturday at 9 a.m.  Encourage your Cub Scouts to wear their uniforms and look sharp.  Salute the flag properly as they pass.  For more information, visit their web page here.

July Core Value & Summer Service Project

• The core value for July is COURAGE.  Courage is being brave and doing what is right regardless of our fears, the difficulties, or the consequences.

Exploring new territory and challenging oneself with new skills takes a certain amount of courage. Cub Scouts will benefit from the experiences offered to them from Cub Scouts... we know it requires a LOT of courage to learn new skills!  

When we begin to feel that life is hard and the task before us is more than we can handle, stop and remember those who forged the trails before us.  They left for a life in the unknown.  They didn't know what lay ahead of them, but with courage they moved on.  They hiked over mountains and through dry hot deserts, just to name a few of their difficulties. But they drew upon their faith, and their courage and determination to get the job done.

I thought this photo really summed up what "courage" meant to me... and it is a great segue into our SUMMER COMMUNITY SERVICE DRIVE. 



Next month will be our Raingutter Regatta at the Hidden Lakes Clubhouse.  During this time, we will be collecting items for USO to provide the men and women of the armed forces who travel through the DFW Airport.  You see, they put out a call for help because their donations are dwindling!  We have to help!  We will be collecting the following items for the USO to help support our service members:

Single-Serving Sized Snack and Drink Items: 

Cases of chocolate bars

Variety pack chips

Cookies

Raisins

Trail Mix

Kellogg's Rice Crispy Treats

Pretzels

Beef Jerky

Crackers

Peanuts/Mixed Nuts

Sunflower Seeds

Granola and/or Protein Bars

Chewing Gum

Cases of Apple/Orange Juice and Juice Boxes

Bottled Water

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS

Batteries (all sizes)

1 lb. Bags of Starbucks - Medium Roast Breakfast Blend

New Coloring Books and Crayons

New Children's Toys/Stuffed Animals

New or Like-New DVDs

New or Like-New games for X Box, X Box 360, Play Station 2, Play Station 3, and Wii

9" Microwave Safe Paper Plates

Rolls of Paper Towels

12 oz. Foam Cups

TRAVEL-SIZED TOILETRY ITEMS

Baby Powder

Shaving Cream

Deodorant (men's and women's)

Toothpaste and Toothbrushes

Lip Balm/Chap stick

Shampoo/Conditioner

Razors

Please encourage your entire family to participate in collecting items for this worthy cause!  If you are unable to make the Regatta, please bring your donations to April Driggers' home before the Regatta so that everything can be delivered together to the USO.

Enjoy your time together as a family this Summer, your fellow Scouts and Leaders at Pack 1910 look forward to seeing you soon!  Stay safe, drink plenty of water (we know what happens when you don’t!) and HAVE FUN!