Fall Campout! Save the Date!

OUR 2015 FALL CAMPOUT IS GOING TO BE A WILD ONE!!!  September 19-20 Pack 1910 is going to FOSSIL RIM WILDLIFE CENTER in Glen Rose!  It's going to be an AWESOME experience for everyone!

Overnight camp at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center in Glen Rose will include:

• Three educational programs
• Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast 
• Air conditioned/heated facilities (bunk beds)
• Shower facilities near the bunkhouse
• A guided hike (weather permitting)
• A guided safari ride through the park

The cost will be $93.50 per person

****obviously with the BSA Cub Scout program change happening in June, we will do our best to incorporate the educational programs we select for our overnighter into the advancement requirements for each rank as well as the World Conservation Award

***The Camp Card fundraiser will be a way for the boys to offset their camp fee.

Scout Sunday

A Scout is Reverent.

Scout Sunday is already one of the highlights of the BSA year. But Scout Sunday 2015 promises to be even more special. That’s because this year’s Scout Sunday falls on February 8, the BSA’s birthday. (The Boy Scouts of America was founded on Feb. 8, 1910.) The last time Scout Sunday fell on Feb. 8 was in 2009. It won’t happen again until 2026.

So there’s extra incentive to make this year’s celebration even more meaningful. On Scout Sunday, uniformed Scouts and Scouters across the country will greet the congregation, participate in worship services, receive religious awards and conduct service projects to benefit their place of worship.

The goal: Thank the religious institution for their service as the unit’s chartered organization.

Some religious institutions and the Scout units they serve have a Scout Sunday plan that’s been in place for years. If so, great.

Our Chartered Organization, First United Methodist Church of Keller, welcome our scouts to wear their full Field Uniform and come participate in their services.  If you are not familiar with your church's Scout Sunday protocol, this would be a great time to reach out to the church leadership and find out how  you can help promote scouting within your own church home.  

Scouts that wear their uniforms to church on Scout Sunday will earn this beautiful patch for their brag vest.  Please be sure to notify your den leader as such.

February's Pack Meeting

Don't forget we have an AMAZING pack meeting scheduled for Tuesday.  And, frankly, I hope EVERYONE will make plans to join us at 6:30 p.m. on February 10 at the Family Life Center at the First United Methodist Church of Keller for some rootin' tootin' fun as we challenge each other with our monthly pack meeting like NONE OTHER before it.... We will have an annual CHALLENGE of MINUTE TO WIN IT CONTESTS!!!!!

We are going to have games that are going to drive you mad, make you laugh, and leave you so glad you came!  Don't miss this one!  It's worth it!

Dress code for this is ACTIVITY UNIFORMS (Pack t-shirt and uniform bottoms) however, uniforms WILL need to be worn by the TIGER DEN ONLY long enough to do the Flag Ceremony and then they are welcome to put on their Pack T-shirt if they own one.  If they'd like to buy one, please see a leader, Chris Warren or April Driggers.  Payments can be made via credit card, cash or check.  Whatever works.  

If your sons have been working on anything and have something they need to show off, the den display tables will be set up for them to proudly display their work.

If you still owe for POPCORN or DUES REGISTRATION please PLEASE make arrangements to pay for it at that time.  Thank you for your understanding.

The next event for us will be the annual Blue & Gold Banquet on Friday, February 20.  We hope you're getting ready for that!

So please make plans to be at the LAST PACK MEETING for the Webelos II Scouts and see if we can take them in some one - on - one Minute to Win It Games!  Who's in?!  I AM!

See you there!  

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.

BALOO

Parents, we are in need of more BALOO trained adults in our Pack.  

Why?  Great question! I'm glad you asked.  You see, as a Pack we not allowed to camp-out anywhere other than at a Council or District sponsored event UNLESS we have at LEAST one BALOO trained adult.  We currently only have two BALOO trained adults in our ENTIRE PACK!  Also, they are BOTH in our Webelos I den!  

Furthermore, as a Pack, we like to have a minimum of two BALOO trained adults on every Pack camp out because if there is only one.... and that person has to leave... the campout has to be over.  It's not allowed to continue per BSA rule.  The more BALOO trained adults we have in our Pack, the better off everyone is!

But have no fear.... THIS WEEKEND there is an upcoming training provided by no other than our illustrious Mustang District Training Committee.  The catch?  We need parents to attend!  

WHO:  YOU!
WHAT:  BALOO Training
WHERE:  Northwood Church, 1870 Rufe Snow Drive (enter on Kids side)
WHEN:  Saturday, January 31 from 8:30 am - 5pm
WHY:  Because our camping program DEPENDS ON YOU!
COST:  $15 per person

Ready to sign up?  Awesome click here and register online.  Once you complete the course, you get a handy dandy business sized card that signifies you are indeed a BALOO trained adult.  Please take a copy of it (picture from your phone is just fine) and send it to April to update our Pack database.  

This is one way and one afternoon that you can do something small that will make a big difference to the boys' program.  After all, we do it ALL for them!  Please consider attending the training.

Blue & Gold 2015

Pack 1910's Blue and Gold Banquet will be held Friday, February 20 at 6pm in the Family Life Center of the First United Methodist Church of Keller.  The Blue and Gold is our annual traditional family dinner celebrating the birthday of scouting.  At this time our Pack also recognizes our leaders and says goodbye to our Webelos II as this will be their last official function as a Cub Scout.  We also hold a themed "dad and lad" cake decorating contest.

We will have an evening of fellowship, dinner, dessert, an exciting Arrow of Light presentation and did I mention the snakes?  OH yes.... SNAKES!

Dinner will be a slithering pasta bar with salad and bread

• Baked ziti
• Spaghetti with marinara and meat sauce
• Fettuccine noodles with butter and alfredo sauce on the side

You won't want to miss it!  So please sssssssave the date on your calendar and ssssssstart brainstorming for your ssssssscout's cake!

It's going to be a ssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssuper event!

WHO:  Pack 1910 Scouts and their family
WHAT:  Pack 1910 Blue & Gold Banquet
WHERE:  First United Methodist Church of Keller's FLC
WHEN:  Friday, February 20 at 6pm
COST:  $6 per person, $24 max per family 
DRESS:  Casual though Scouts should be in full Field Uniform

We will need a final head count and prepayment for those attending.  Please RSVP TO YOUR DEN LEADERS as soon as possible.  Please note that payment is due by Saturday, February 14 as we have to pay the caterer based on the number of RSVP's we have, not how many show up.  The cost is $6 per person with a max of $24 per family (that reside under the same roof).  If you invite your cousin Leo from Toledo, your Nana from Kentucky, Aunt Ruth from Oklahoma and favorite Great Uncle Bob from Buffalo.... they'll need to be paid for separately.  Thanks for your understanding.

A PayPal button has been set up on our Payment page for your convenience.  Please note your family name and party size in the notes.

All scouts need to bring a cake they helped make and decorate in this theme.  Please note that after judging, cakes will be served and eaten for dessert.

More information will be sent to your den leaders!  Stay tuned.

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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Your Photos -- We Need Them!

I've seen you at our events... snapping away on your cameras and smart phones.  I know you have those pictures -- and now, we need you to share them with us!  

Every year we make a slide show for our Blue & Gold banquet but without YOUR pictures of YOUR SON, we may not have those awesome moments to include!  

Did ya snap a selfie at a den meeting or one of our fun events?  SEND IT TO US!

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So SHARE SHARE SHARE you pictures with us please!

We actually HAVE a Pack 1910 DropBox where you can upload your images RIGHT FROM YOUR SMARTPHONE!  E-mail April for an invitation to our Pack's shared folder and start uploading immediately!

Cubanopolis

January's Pack meeting is one you will NOT want to miss!  This will be our annual Cubanopolis!

Just what is an Cubanopolis?  I'm glad you asked!  A Cubanapolis is a fun family event where the boys, prior to race day and with their parent’s assistance, make a cardboard race car that they can wear and run with.

The emphasis on this event is family fun and participation, so no trophies are awarded; instead the Scouts will race for some fun prizes and candy!  

We will, however, have some type of award for various categories for the construction and design of their cars so be creative!

Please make arrangements to pick up your cardboard box from April. YOU NEED THIS in order to make your car!

Car Making Rules:

• Body of car must be constructed of cardboard. Tape, tinfoil, paint, construction paper, stickers and paper plates can also be used for decoration.
• Use the box provided by the Pack.  It should fit around your son without being either too snug or too loose.
• No metal or glass materials may be used.
• No items can be hanging or dragging behind a car
• For safety reasons, cars should not have a ‘windshield’

Race Procedures:

• Each race will consist of 4 laps
• Each racer will need an adult present to be their pit crew

Each racer should bring 4 things with them on race day

1. Goggles or glasses or a swimming mask
2. A small towel or washcloth
3. A helmet (bike or ski helmet)
4. Gym-appropriate LACE up tennis shoes WITH socks.

Reminders will be sent out closer to race day. A couple of extras will be available, but certainly not enough for everyone. We will cover more of what the race entails the night of the race.  It is going to be SO MUCH FUN!

For our annual Cubanopolis to be a success, we want to remind our scouts that what is important is that they do their best, play by the rules, show good sportsmanship, and have fun.

Preparation

The Cub will decorate the box to look like a race car (or a space ship, garbage truck, or any vehicle he wants. Construction paper, paint, tape, aluminum foil and markers are all great things to have on hand to spur creativity. Colored paper plates make great wheels. Be sure no dangerous materials (such as glass or metal) are used.

And as always, remind the boys that what is important is that they do their best, play by the rules, show good sportsmanship, and have fun.

There are all KINDS of samples all over the internet, but I've included a couple I found as well just for inspiration.  I can't wait to see the creative minds at work in our Pack!

Cub-O

Save the date and make plans to join us January 3 from 10am to 4pm at Cub-O, the annual Cub Scout orienteering event held at Sid Richardson Scout Ranch.

Cub-O is the most poplar orienteering event in North America. A fun day of hiking and friendly competition for Cub Scouts, parents, and leaders. Orienteering, the use of map and compass, to find locations and plan a journey, has been a vital skill for humans for thousands of years. Thousands of people participate in the sport each year in local clubs and competitions. Longhorn Council has two events annually for orienteering. One is for Cub Scouts (Cub O), and one is held for Boy Scouts.

Lunch is included. Each team of 3-6 Cubs gets a Cub-O map half an hour before the race starts. Your goal is to hike in the woods and find as many of the 40 orange and white orienteering flags as you can. 

Plan your strategy to score the maximum point total possible in 2 hours! 

Map training sessions for Cub Scouts and parents are held all morning.

Lunch will be served in the dining hall. Meal times are assigned to minimize the length of serving lines. Units may choose to do Pack Family Camping on Friday and/or Saturday night. The Pack is not coordinating this campout, but any family desiring to camp either night, please see April for more information.

Scores will be available by Saturday night. After the event, each team's competition race maps will be available to pick up at the District Roundtable meetings in January or February. 

This is a rain or shine event: extreme inclement weather (ice or snow) may cause a one week postponement. Weather announcements will be made on the Longhorn Council Website and on our blog as well.

Sound like something you want to do?  Well, print out this registration form and get it to April by Monday, December 29 with payment.  Two adults are required to register per team.  Teams will be assigned based upon the number of cubs registered in our Pack.  We will do our best to keep dens intact and to have our Webelos I & II combined.  

From the registration form:  

Cub-O is an orienteering event designed for everyone to enjoy: dens that compete hard, dens that want an easy hike in the woods, and dens that want to teach their boys more about problem solving and map reading. All Tigers, Cub Scouts, Webelos, leaders, and parents are invited. Separate awards for each age group. CUB-O is the most popular Orienteering event in the USA! Over 1000 Cub Scouts, leaders, and parents participated in CUB-O every year since 1999!

It’s fast, exciting, and FUN. And it’s all Cub Scouts. The locations of 40-50 orange and white orienteering flags are marked on the map and you and your team will go hiking in the woods to find them – or most of them! Each flag has a hole punch that you use to mark your scorecard. Flags are worth 5, 10, 15, 20, or 30 points, depending on how hard they are to find. Your Den team will get a Cub-O competition map 20 minutes before the race starts. Then you plan a hiking strategy to find the most flags and score the most points in just 2 hours! You’ll stay warm ‘cause you’ll stay moving!

Cub-O is a team event for teams (Dens) of 3-6 Cub Scouts and at least 2 adults. Each team must have at least two adults registered for Cub-O. Be sure to dress warmly in layers and bring lots of water! Bring a compass and a watch so you’ll finish on time. All registered participants will get a Cub-O patch, our latest 5-color competition map, lunch and a great day of orienteering.

Additional attendees (attending, assisting, or camping, but not competing) can pay $6 for lunch and liability insurance only but must register and be prepaid. 

End of Year Wrap-Up

Thanks to everyone for joining us at the Pack 1910 Christmas Party!  We had a great time and it was a fun event to round out our scouting year.  If you captured any photos worth sharing, please e-mail them to April so that she can include them in our slide show that will be played at the Blue & Gold Banquet in February!

  

If you were at the Christmas Party but forgot to pick up your box for the January Cubanopolis, please be sure to make contact with April and pick that up ASAP!  We want everyone to have enough time to work on their cars!

There will be a separate blog entry for our Cubanopolis which will have information to answer all your questions on who, where, when, what, why and how!  Stay tuned for all the information on January's race!

Speaking of RACES.... don't forget all of the fun we have in store for the new year at the annual Pinewood Derby held in March!  Cars will be distributed at the January Pack meeting so you definitely don't want to miss that!  And, speaking of the Pinewood Derby, we need a couple of volunteers to help coordinate the event.  If you're interested, please let us know.  Without your help -- it can't happen!

All members should have submitted their registration dues for the new year by now AND paid ALL popcorn balances.  If you haven't, please take care of that IMMEDIATELY.  We need to close out the 2014 books.  If you haven't done so, you will likely need to resubmit an application because your scout's name will have been removed from the membership roster audit (called "Recharter") which is being turned in today.  These are the dues that pay for the boy's awards, books, pins, patches and more.  New Scouts that paid their $100 when they joined are covered through December 2015 (until the next recharter) so we are not talking to you.  This is just for transfers or current members.  Thank you to everyone who has taken care of this already!  Lots to remember this time of year and lots of deadlines so thank you for making my job easier.

Also, we HAVE to mention Cub-O.  Cub-O is January 3 and information regarding that was distributed at the December Pack Meeting.  Another blog entry dedicated to Cub-O will be published today.  If you can't wait, you may download your registration form here and turn it into APRIL no later than Monday, December 29.

Lastly, we want to wish you and yours a VERY Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!  We know that children are involved in a lot of activities and there is always something demanding our time and attention... so we thank YOU for the gift of your involvement... for the gift of time with your sons.  Our Pack 1910 boys are very special gifts to all of us so thank YOU for the gift of their membership in the Boy Scouts of America.  We are all leaders because we believe in all that Scouts has to offer young men... and thank you for believing in us to help lead them.

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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Volunteer Opportunities Available Now

As our Webelos II begin their transition into the Boy Scouts, we are needing to fill three very critical positions in our Cub Scout Pack.  First and foremost...

Awards Chair -- This person is responsible for working behind the scenes.  You run a report from our ScoutTrack software at the end of each month, take that list to the Scout Shop and purchase the awards.  Coordinate with the Cubmaster on how they are to be presented and help package them accordingly.  

This position NEEDS TO BE FILLED IMMEDIATELY.  

Our current Awards Chair needs a couple of rotations to train her replacement on how to read and run the reports. Her son is a Webelos II and THEY LEAVE in FEBRUARY.  Without her, recognition of advancement comes to a screeching halt.  

Stated differently, we don't want to and shouldn't let our current leadership wear all the hats in our Pack!  

We know there is someone out there waiting to help fill a void -- and THIS IS YOUR TIME TO SHINE!   We need you!  

Another couple of volunteer roles that will be coming up as well are those of:  

Cubmaster -- Have a calling to work with our youth and want to help bring the program to life?  This is the job for you!  Our Cubmaster is the face of our pack!  

and 

Assistant Cubmaster -- This lucky leader fills in for the Cubmaster when s/he is unavailable.  

PLEASE SEE OUR LEADER PAGE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THESE AND OTHER WAY YOU CAN HELP FILL THE CRITICAL NEEDS OF OUR PACK.

Flag Retirement

Photo by Tonya Polodoroff

Thank you to all who braved the chill to come out to our very special flag retirement ceremony and campfire Pack meeting at Bear Creek Park last month.  Each in attendance will receive a special segment for your brag vest!  I love that everyone got to be a part of something very special.

Thank you to the DeLeon family for coordinating the hot chocolate and snacks after the ceremony.  

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Thank you to Mr. Harmon for keeping the fire going and to all our families for participating!  Thank you for the donations to the food pantry.