Another Opportunity to camp

One of the changes with the new Cub Scout program that rolled out last year is the emphasis on the importance of connecting boys back with nature -- in short, THEY WANT TO CAMP!  So, we want to get them camping!  In fact, going on a campout is now a requirement to earn your rank badge with Wolf, Bear and Arrow of Light dens.  Our Pack will be camping October 7-9 at Worth Ranch but the following weekend, we have the opportunity to camp AGAIN and attend the Fall Festival and Haunted Hay Ride at Sid Richardson Scout Ranch.  

So, be sure you save the date for the Pack 1910's SECOND October camp-out.  

WHO:  Pack 1910 Scouts and their families
WHAT:  Fall Festival and Haunted Hayride camp out 
WHEN:  Friday, October 14; Sunday, October 16
WHERE:  Sid Richardson Scout Ranch, Bridgeport, TX
WHY:  To work with your son to earn his rank, to get outside, to camp, to have fun!
COST:  $23 per child, $11 per adult
RSVP DEADLINE:  Payment and registration forms due to April, Tuesday, Oct. 11.
PAPERWORK:  The registration form, your payment and your BSA Health Form must be on file.  The registration flyer can be found here.  DO NOT TURN ANYTHING DIRECTLY INTO BSA.  

Check in is at 12 and will be done by our Pack leader on site.  S/He will pick up and distribute the patches, wrist bands to everyone at our designate campsite.  Activities are from 1-4:30 with no set rotation.  Relaxed atmosphere.  Lunch is on your own.  Supper is provided and mealtimes are assigned.  Hayrides are about 20 minutes in length and the wait can get pretty long too.  Be prepared.  Sunday breakfast is continental style and then there will be a Scout's Own chapel service.  

We reserve the camping area for BOTH Friday and Saturday night, but the official camp out activities do not begin until around 1pm on Saturday.  By allowing families to come Friday night, we are able to be more flexible and have more boys and families who can participate in the camping program.  In fact, there is even a place on the registration form to indicate Friday night camping - please fill this out.  Camping Friday and Saturday night is a great way to get to know your Pack families.  Please note, the form says to turn it into the Longhorn Council -- DO NOT DO THIS!  Forms need to be turned into April so that she can register us as a pack.  Payments via check should be made out to LONGHORN COUNCIL.

Activities begin around 1 on Saturday and include items like bounce houses, leather crafts, archery, bb guns, pumpkin carving, etc.  The haunted hay ride is fun and generally NOT that scary, but you know your child and, as such, it is not a mandatory requirement and they may stay back at the campsite with you until our group returns.  

Welcome Kindergarten Lion Cubs!

The Lion Program:
The development of a kindergarten program lets us provide exciting opportunities for more of America’s youth to be reached with the purposeful outcomes only Scouting can provide.
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Because this is a new effort, BSA didn't try to recycle older or existing programs. Instead, the Lion curriculum has been developed by a diverse group of experts. Representatives from the fields of childhood development, education and child psychology contributed to create a high-quality, age-appropriate, family-friendly program. Content from proof-of-concept locally-developed programs was reviewed by the team, and the very best pieces were applied to the new curriculum. BSA's high standard of delivering a program focused on character and leadership remained a paramount goal.

A small number of councils have tested the new curriculum over the past two years, and it is now ready to expand as a national pilot.  We are one of those lucky Packs that was chosen to lead a den of Lions!


Lion Activities:
In Lions, you’ll find the familiar concepts of character development, leadership skills, personal fitness and citizenship weaved into activities that are age-appropriate and fun.
​
“Adventures,” which are themed sets of activities and experiences, will help families explore the world around them.

Lions will form into dens of six to eight boys. Parents will serve as “Lion Guides.”
​
When completing an adventure, a Lion will earn an “adventure sticker” for his Lion Adventure Book.
​
Instead of the blue button-up uniform, Lions will love wearing their very own Lion T-shirt. The shirts are available at the Scout Shop.  Lions won’t wear the Cub Scout uniform until they are old enough to officially transition into Cub Scouting as a Tiger.

from the "Bryan on Scouting" blog.

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Lion dens will be invited to some pack meetings and events with a focus on keeping the kindergarteners excited, engaged and ready for even more fun in their future Scouting endeavors.  
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Lions won't be ready to participate in some traditional Cub Scout activities such as shooting sports, all overnights, aquatic activities or fundraising. But rest assured they'll be having some of the must fun a kindergarten boy can have!



Parents and Leaders:

Pack 1910 has designated an experienced adult volunteer leader as the Lion Coordinator in order to ensure Lion families get the most out of this exciting new program. We'll be following the official BSA Lion Curriculum, but we'll also squeeze in more opportunities for fun throughout the year thanks to our strong program and deep connections with community organizations.

​
A parent or guardian is required to attend all Lion meetings and activities with their Scout. This is to ensure both the effectiveness of the program and, more importantly, the safety of all Scouts in the program.
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Our Lion Den has a the primary Den Leader, but leadership responsibilities will be shared among all parents in the Den. Pack 1910 will ensure each Den has an appropriate meeting venue. We'll also make sure the Den has access to all of the resources they need -- craft supplies, skill expertise, etc.
​
As a large Cub Scout Pack, rest assured that any volunteer serving in a leadership role will have great support from the Pack 1910 leadership. We're one big family and we're VERY excited to welcome younger family members into the fold.

Do you know a kindergarten aged boy that would be interested in joining a Lion program?  Contact our Lion King, Mr. Ed Attel today!  

What A Great Sign Up Night!

Thanks to all our leaders and NEW pack families who came out to keep us company on the annual Cub Scout Sign Up night! Pack 1910 added 14 new scouts and I know a few more have expressed interest in joining!  It's never too late to join in the fun so if you missed Sign-Up Night (I know there were a few parent orientations at various schools), you are NEVER behind! No worries! 

Thanks to Mike Everett for securing the rockets from the Longhorn Council to ensure that the boys new to scouting are completely aware that they ARE going to have a blast -- quite LITERALLY!  

There will be a few e-mails, lists, forms and such flying your way for the next few weeks until we tackle all of the paperwork and information.  However, once that gets handled, we should have smooth sailing for the year ahead! 

We have an excited and invigorated group of leaders ready to jump in and make this the best program for the boys in Pack 1910... probably the best Pack in ALL OF KELLER!  We hope to set the standard by which all Packs will judge a fantastic program!

That does require a lot of effort, and so we will be looking to YOU -- our awesome parents -- to step in and fill the gaps.  

The first link I want to provide is the NEW CUB SCOUT CHECKLIST FOR PARENTS. (If you were at sign up night, it's neon pink!) This is simply a way for you, as a parent, to track the few items that need to happen.  

In short, it makes sure you have your registration form turned in (so that we can get you added to our system).  Complete the BSA Health Form for registered adults and youth.  Be sure you're checking out our website frequently!  Meet with your den leader. Pay those registration dues.  One payment and you're golden until next December!  Visit the Scout shop for your uniform components and insignia.  Volunteer for something!  Read the Scout Handbook!  Complete Youth Protection Training Online ASAP and provide April, John or Christopher with a copy of your completion card.

Welcome aboard!  We are SO excited to have you join!!

How to Make Your Popcorn Sales POP!

It's that time of year again!  

We hope this is our ONE AND ONLY fundraiser for the year, but in order to make that happen, we need EVERYONE's help!  So what can you do help?  By doing what Scouts do best --- giving 110%  

We will have the trifecta of programs this year:

1. Show & Sell booths set up at storefronts throughout our community each weekend where we can make direct sales with the total sales being split evenly between the two Scout volunteers with those amounts going toward their final total;
2. Online Sales so that you can reach friends and family that are not in our community which will also count toward your Scout's final total; and 
3. Mobile app that will enable you to take credit/debit card payments directly from your mobile device during our Take Order campaign that begins September 3.

A way to make this your Scout's best year ever is to consider the following:

Go where the people are

Going door to door in your neighborhood or your grandparent's neighborhoods around town is the easiest way to make sales. Saturday and Sunday, we have booths reserved where the majority of the families seem to go – the stores!  This is why we are present at Show & Sell. Both of these just make lots of sense to start planning your sales strategy.

Don’t scare easily – be confident in your case

Face it -- these boys in uniform are ADORABLE!  Don't let a simple "No" discourage them. Be sure they are greeting passers by with a friendly, “Hi there!" followed by, "Would you like to buy some amazing Cub Scout Popcorn?” And make sure our Scouts approach every passerby with the same blind enthusiasm – never fearful of defeat or judgment. Confidence is key – especially at first - definitely with Show & Sell.  Once they make their first sale with take order, it's ON!

Have plan B ready

“Sorry bud, I’m in a big hurry,” is something they'll hear at Show & Sell. Let them reply with, “That’s o.k.! Think about it and we’ll see you on your way out, thanks!” Have them watch their tone after being denied and let it be as happy (or even happier) than before. If someone isn't interested in popcorn for themselves at Take Order door-to-door sales, remind them that they can make a donation and Trail's End will send popcorn to our soldiers on their behalf. 

Have a great product

We aren't just selling popcorn, we are selling SCOUTING!  Over 70% of what we sell goes BACK INTO SCOUTING!  The popcorn is great, but our customers are really investing in THESE LITTLE GUYS MAKING THE SALE!  

Follow up when you say you will

If your Scouts greet people at the Show & Sell and tell them they'll check back as they leave, remember that and be enthusiastic as they depart.  Know your delivery dates for take order.  Have him make thank you notes to attach to his orders for delivery.  

Be yourself

Let these kids get excited about their sales!  High-five each other when they make one, not only because they're building their final sales total for prize incentives, but because they're doing their part to pay their way!  Have your Scouts tell those who purchase popcorn from them, "You are GOING TO LOVE THIS!" and make it convincing!  It really IS good stuff!  

Thank people better

When your scout makes a sale, have them TELL PEOPLE what it's helping accomplish. "Thank you so much, this is going to help me get my own compass."  "Thank you, we are hoping our sales pay for our entire October campout!"  Give them a reason to feel good about giving money to Scouting -- they are funding the experience for these boys! 

Have fun & be funny

Engage with your customers!  Humor lightens the room, builds trust and relaxes people.

Test and retest

Learning how to respond to different people with the same positive attitude teaches all kinds of amazing skills they can use later in life -- be it market testing and implementing on the fly. You don’t have to be mailing millions of pieces of direct mail to use ‘test packages’. Gauge what resonates best and hone your key marketing messages as you go.

Exclusivity works

Let the boys use their dwindling product supplies at Show & Sell as incentive... “only 2 boxes of Unbelievable Butter microwave popcorn left!!!!” Stated simply, if you want people to want something -- just tell them they can’t have it. This really is one of the oldest marketing tactics. Why do you think QVC has a ticker showing the clock wind down or the ‘units available’ sell out? Same with giving. Whether it’s exclusive giving circles, parties for levels or the CEO’s monthly email to the planned giving council – create something they can’t have, then give it to them.

Use what you’ve got

It’s easy for organizations and staff to get caught up in what we don’t have. An “if only” mindset can slow progress and quell energy. Instead use the Strengths Finder approach, turn ‘good’ into ‘great’ and forget about the rest. Our strengths are an awesome Pack, enthusiastic boys, dedicated leaders and the hopes that we can fund our entire year without fees, costs or a burden to our families so that they can enjoy EVERYTHING about Scouting without a price tag.  THAT is what the program should be about!  

HELP US MAKE THAT HAPPEN!!!

Adapted from an article here.

Sign Up Night! THIS TUESDAY!

It's time to kick off a new year in Pack 1910 and we want YOU to join us!  Our annual Cub Scout Sign Up night will be Tuesday, August 30 from 6:30-8pm.  

If you picked up a flier at Ridgeview Elementary's Meet the Teacher, this is the night we've been talking about!  Are you ready to see what all Pack 1910 has in store for YOU this year?  Be sure to stop by Tuesday night, August 30, and sign up to BE a Cub Scout!

WHO:       Boys in Kindergarten - 5th grade in the Keller and surrounding areas
WHAT:     Cub Scout Pack 1910 Sign Up Night
WHERE:    United Methodist Church of Keller, Scout House, 1025 Johnson Road
WHEN:      Tuesday, August 30 from 6:30 - 8 p.m. come and go
WHY:        Because -- IT IS FUN!  

Scouting promotes and encourages family togetherness.  Time is a valuable commodity and what better way to spend it than investing in lasting memories with your son.  More than ever, today’s families struggle to find time to spend together. Cub Scouting helps to support your family by providing ready-made opportunities for you and your son to do things together.

Your son needs to belong to a group of boys his own age. Through this sense of belonging, he builds his self-esteem and learns to get along with others. As a parent, you want to be assured that the groups that your boy joins will teach values consistent with good citizenship, character development, physical fitness and spiritual growth. The Boy Scouts of America has been weaving these lifetime values into fun and educational activities since 1910.

In a society where your son is taught that winning is everything, Cub Scouting teaches him to “do his best” and to be helpful to others.  Servant leadership.

He will learn to live by the code of “On my honor.”

But... we know that boys do not join Cub Scouting to get their character built.  Boys join Scouts.... because it's fun!!!

Our program is full but it's not complete without YOU!  If you are unable to attend Cub Scout Sign Up Night, please complete the informational form on the website and someone from our membership committee will be in touch with you shortly. However, the best way to start is to jump in with both feet and be ready to have fun!  

Your adventure starts Tuesday!  We look forward to meeting you!

Online Popcorn Sales

You can create your account TODAY and get selling!  Your son has already been added to the national database and his online account sales will link directly to our Pack so that we can see his totals!

Popcorn Selling Tips

While we want full participation from every Scout, we want to make sure that we are reminding them not only of what they should be doing to make sales, but also what they should be doing to STAY SAFE!

• ALWAYS wear your uniform
• ALWAYS smile and introduce yourself
• ALWAYS tell your customers why you are selling popcorn
• KNOW the different kinds of popcorn you are selling
• ALWAYS say "Thank You"
• ALWAYS make a copy of your order form
• ALWAYS have a pen

• NEVER enter anyone's home
• NEVER sell after dark unless you are with an adult
• DON'T carry large amounts of cash with you
• ALWAYS walk on the sidewalk and driveway
• ALWAYS sell with another scout or with an adult

Have your Cub practice what he's going to say.  Write it on little cue cards.  Let him stand in front of a mirror.  Rehearse with him.  Ask him questions he might get so that he knows how to respond.

Hi, my name is ___________, and I am a Cub Scout with Pack 1910. I'm selling popcorn to raise money for the things I like to do in Scouting like ______________. This popcorn is DEEEEEEEEElicious and there are many different kinds to choose from. Will you please help support me in Scouting? 

(Always be sure they say "Thank You" when you are done whether they make the sale or not.)

Let's Get Popping!

This page on our blog has all the new and pertinent information on our annual fundraiser! It talks prizes, deadlines and everything else!  We need everyone to sign up for at least one slot in our Show & Sell drive, you have the ability for On-Line Sales that are now tied into your over-all totals for incentives AND we will be doing take-order sales beginning September 1.  The Sign-Up Genius can be found HERE.  

And ALL the information can be found by clicking RIGHT HERE. 

Popcorn for Parents

A great watch on the benefits you may not realize your son is gaining from participating in this sales program that benefits not only our pack but Longhorn Council as well!  

Why Choose Scouting? It Brings You Together as a Family!

Adopt-A-Street

Pack 1910 has partnered with the City of Keller's Adopt-A-Street Program and now we have our own designated stretch of road to help keep our city beautiful!

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

More information will be provided to our den leaders in order to utilize this opportunity for community involvement and clean up activities.  

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

We Keep the OUT in scOUTing

ScoutingWire, the official blog of the Scouting movement, published an article by Scott Olson, market intelligence manager for the Boy Scouts of America, called Ask the Expert: Why Camping Should Be On Your Family's To Do List.  I wanted to share part of it with you because it directly correlates with why Pack 1910 is upping our camping program.  

Why is Camping Important to the Boy Scouts of America?
In addition to the basics of survival and conservation, older Scouts instruct younger campers in the basics of wilderness training, plant science and perfecting a camp’s food storage plan. Essential skills are passed from generation to generation resulting in rewarding youth-led and adult-guided experiences. 

At the Cub Scout level, camping has become an integral part of the advancement path so that the youth are prepared for the adventures of Boy Scouts.  Speaking of Boy Scouts, did you know that Boy Scouts can earn more than 136 merit badges, most of which involve outdoor experiences. Therefore, camping trips go a long way toward putting a Scout on the path toward Eagle.

The typical American’s first camping trip occurs before he reaches 18 years old. The Physical Activity Council, an association of sports recreation and leisure activity companies, surveyed 10,778 Americans in early 2015. The survey asked 6 to 24-year-olds which of 104 activities they preferred. Respondents consistently choose camping and swimming.

Researchers discovered 28% of us did nothing last year! That’s right – 83 million are sedentary. Camping encourages us to be active and enjoy the outdoors resulting in three main benefits:

First, improved physical health.

• We feel better – Oxygen emitted by plant life releases serotonin, a molecule essential to feelings of happiness and well-being. You can even lower blood pressure and body strain in the outdoors.
• Clean air and water – Lower levels of pollutants result in fewer lung irritations and illnesses.
• Greater physical fitness – Per hour calorie consumption increases for campers. Hikers burn 120-300 calories, fly fishers burn 200. Biking and swimming, gathering wood and building a temporary shelter results in healthy calorie burn and increased flexibility.
• Sunlight – Moderate sun exposure increases Vitamin D – essential for healthy bones and teeth.
• Natural food – Fishing and hunting provides nourishment without preservatives. And camp food just tastes better!

Second, greater mental health.

• Socialization – Improved mood from face-to-face interactions, teamwork and bonding without distractions.
• More Sleep – After a full day of outdoor activities, the body achieves more natural sleep when the sun goes down.
• Solving Problems – You can apply skills to overcome unexpected challenges and promote self-sufficiency by collaborating with your camping party.
• Discovery – Learn about plant science and build trust from working with domesticated animals such as horses and dogs. Be prepared to prevent insect bites and predator intrusions.
• Minding nature – The outdoors challenge you to minimize trash and leave your camping space cleaner than you found it.

Third, camping is fun! 
As evidenced by posts on the Boy Scouts of America social media pages, people love to camp and comment on successful Scout camping expeditions. Check out the Boy Scouts of America, Scouting magazine, Boys’ Life or High-Adventure bases Facebook pages, Twitters and Instagrams.

Because of this beautiful trifecta, we have upped the ante in our camping program agreeing to participate in more Council-sponsored events as well as our three Pack campouts to provide our Scouts every opportunity to experience Cub Scouts as it was intended -- OUTSIDE DOING!  Besides having our monthly hikes, we will be camping October 7-9 (with the option to attend the Council Fall Festival and Haunted Hayride the following weekend for those die-hards that can't get enough), November 11-13 at the Council Camporee, January 6-8 at CUB-O and March 31-April 2.  

Won't you join us?

A Boy's Eyes

A BOY'S EYES

"I'd like to be a Cub Scout"

His eyes were deepest blue.

"I'd like to learn, and play, and build

Like Jim and Freddy do."

"I know how to use a hammer;

I can drive a nail if I try.

I'm eight years old, I'm big and strong

And hardly ever cry."

I gave him the application

and parent participation sheet.

His eyes were filled with sunshine

as he left on dancing feet.

Next day, my friend was back again -

a dejected little lad.

"I guess I'll skip the Cub Scouts."

His eyes were dark and sad.

"My Mom is awful busy -

she has lots of friends, you see.

She'd never have time for a den;

she hardly has, for me."

"And Dad is always working -

he's hardly ever there.

To give them any more to do

just wouldn't be quite fair."

He handed back the papers

with the dignity of eight years,

And, smiling bravely, left me.

His eyes were filled with tears.

Do you see your own boy's eyes

as other people may?

How he looks when you're "too busy"

or "just haven't time" today?

A boy is such a special gift -

why don't you realize,

It only takes a little time

to put sunshine in his eyes.

(Credit given to Pat Beardslec, Den Mother, Hawthorne, California)

Cub Scout Purposes – Character Development

In a continuing series we are taking a look at some of the reasons WHY Cub Scouting is important and relevant as well as HOW we achieve those purposes. This week’s article will talk about Character Development. 

1. Character Development	6. Respectful Relationships
2. Spiritual Growth	7. Personal Achievement
3. Good Citizenship	8. Friendly Service
4. Sportsmanship and Fitness	9. Fun and Adventure
5. Family Understanding	10. Preparation for Boy Scouts

Character Development is one of the Purposes of Cub Scouting.  Character development isn’t just one of the purposes of Cub Scouting, it’s also one of the Aims of Scouting—The big 3—Character, Citizenship and Fitness.  And it’s listed as number one in the Cub Scout purposes.  I’m not sure it they are listed in order of importance but the fact that it’s a purpose and an aim tells me that it’s a pretty major part of Scouting. Since its origin, the Scouting program has been an educational experience concerned with values. In 1910, the first activities for Scouts were designed to build character, physical fitness, practical skills, and service. These elements were part of the original Cub Scout program and continue to be part of Cub Scouting today.

What is Character?  When I googled “What is Character” the very first definition that came up defined it as “The mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual.”  The next definition I found was “A pattern of behavior, thoughts and feelings based on universal principles, moral strength, and integrity” and still another was “The combination of mental characteristics and behavior that distinguishes a person or group.” And since we are talking about this in connection with Cub Scouting, here is what it says about Character onScouting.org: “Character can be defined as the collection of core values by an individual that leads to moral commitment and action.” So what are those “core values”?  Those listed in the Scout Law of course: Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean and Reverent.  Those are the values that we want boys to have. Those are the character traits that we are trying to build.

What parent doesn’t want those attributes for their children? Whether a mother of boys or a mother of girls its obvious to see that society as a whole would be much better if we all lived by the Scout Law.

How do we do it? In the Cub Scout program, the particular part for teaching character development used to be called “Ethics in Action” then it became “Character Connections”. Both of those were specific to the previous “Cub Scouting’s 12 Core Values” which were a bit different but quite similar to the 12 points of the Scout Law. In the new program, there are Character Compass icons in the boys’ handbooks as well as reminders in leaders’ manuals to reflect on one of the values listed in the Scout Law. In the Cub Scout Leader Book it tells leaders to “Take every opportunity to point out how an activity or service project your Cub Scouts are doing connects with the Cub Scout ideals (Scout Oath, Law and Motto) Again from the national website it says “Character development should extend into every aspect of a boy’s life. Character development should also extend into every aspect of Cub Scouting. Cub Scout leaders should strive to use the 12 points of the Scout Law throughout all elements of the program—service projects, ceremonies, games, skits, songs, crafts, and all the other activities enjoyed at den and pack meetings. Character development should challenge Cub Scouts to experience core values in six general areas: God, world, country, community, family, and self.”

Character Compass – What’s that? As Cub Scouts work on the adventures in their handbooks, they will notice the Character Compass symbol. A compass is a tool that guides a person from place to place. Character is how we act, and it guides our entire lives. This compass will be a guide to one or more of the 12 points of the Scout Law. Every time Cub Scouts check the compass, it will remind them of how the activities in each adventure are related to the Scout Law. This may also help them think about how the points of the Scout Law guide their way in Cub Scouting and in daily life.

Are we succeeding? According to a recent independent study done by Tufts University the answer is a resounding YES!  Scouting builds character!  Scouting was put to the test over the course of three years, when a research team from Tufts University worked with theBoy Scouts of America’s Cradle of Liberty Council to measure the character attributes of both Scouts and non-Scouts — all with a goal of better understanding the character development of youth as it was happening. The project, surveyed nearly 1,800 Cub Scouts and nearly 400 non-Scouts under age 12 using both interviews and survey data. In the beginning, there were no significant differences in character attributes between the two groups. By the end, however, the differences were striking in several areas: hopefulness, helpfulness, obedience, cheerfulness, kindness, trustworthiness.  (notice some of those scout law values in there)

And of course they also found that those that regularly attend, are engaged and involved in packs with engaged programs gained even more.  That’s just common sense right?  

Of course for those of us involved in scouting, part of the reason we are involved is because we believe and have seen the influence for good on the boys. (And on us leaders too).  So for those of you who are true Scouters none of this will come as any surprise but for those who are sitting on the fence or are opposed to Scouting, there is proof that Scouting really does help build character in boys. The program delivers what it aims to deliver. You can read more about the Tufts study here.  And here.  And here too.

Posted by the Utah National Parks Council authored by Annaleis Smith.

Jump Into Scouting!

It's time again for another fun summer outing with Pack 1910!  This time, we are headed to Jumpstreet Indoor Trampoline Park in Colleyville!


Want all the fun details on this event?  Keep reading my friends!

WHO? Pack 1910 Scouts, Siblings, Friends and Parents -- yep! Scouting is for EVERYONE!

WHAT? Jumpstreet indoor trampoline park -- time to get your jump on!

WHERE? Jumpstreet Colleyville

WHEN? Tuesday, July 26 from 6-8pm

WHY? Because it's fun! Plus -- it's exercise... AND IT IS INDOORS! (Anyone else ready for this heat to end!?!)

COST? The event is $12 per person payable at the door.

DRESS CODE? Please wear your pack t-shirt -- and socks! Socks are required.

NOTE:  A waiver must also be signed for each child participating. (Choose the Adult / Child) waiver.  Using their online form, you can complete waivers for multiple children at the same time.

https://www.smartwaiver.com/w/55b12632bb58b/web/

They have printed waivers there, obviously, you can sign as well. No worries.

I would recommend bringing a water bottle and a small stringed backpack or something for them to keep that and their shoes in. LABEL EVERYTHING. Leadership there will help try to keep an eye on anything but just know that they will need to be responsible for their belongings.

Parents are welcome to stay and visit or you may drop and enjoy dinner and return for pick up.

LEADERS/PARENTS: Please RSVP on Scoutbook for yourself ONLY if you will be choosing to stay with April at the facility with the kids as a point of contact if they need any assistance over the jump time-frame (Please wear your Pack t-shirt).

Don't forget that by participating in just one event per month, your Scout will earn the Summertime Achievement Award.

Get your dodgeball arm ready!

There's a special place for those aged 4-7

They are all going to bounce, run, jump and have a blast!

Cub Scout Purposes – Spiritual Growth

In a continuing series we are taking a look at some of the reasons WHY Cub Scouting is important and relevant as well as HOW we achieve those purposes. This week’s article will talk about Spiritual Growth 

1. Character Development	6. Respectful Relationships
2. Spiritual Growth	7. Personal Achievement
3. Good Citizenship	8. Friendly Service
4. Sportsmanship and Fitness	9. Fun and Adventure
5. Family Understanding	10. Preparation for Boy Scouts

Before we can talk about how Cub Scouting helps a boy’s spiritual growth let make sure we all have an understanding of what I mean when I say “Spiritual Growth”  So, Let’s look at a few definitions I found online in no particular order:

1. Spiritual growth is the process of becoming more and more like Jesus Christ.
2. Spiritual growth is a life-long process of manifesting the acts of the flesh less and producing the fruit of the Spirit more.
3. Spiritual growth is simply matching my practice with my position.
4. Spiritual growth is the personal development to enlarge the diameter of the sphere of consciousness.
5. The process of inner awakening, and becoming conscious of our inner being.

Okay, I’ll admit some of those make sense to me and some make me think “What?” so let’s just say that no matter how you define spiritual growth – I think it’s one of those things that is SO personal and SO… well for lack of a better word, spiritual… that I’m not sure that it really can be defined in a way that makes everyone happy. So let’s get on to the HOW part.

Scout Oath and Law – The first part of the Scout Oath is to do one’s best “…to do your Duty to God…” and the last of the 12 points of the Scout Law is Reverent.  And since (at least in my experience) we usually say the Oath first and then the Law this creates a bit of a spiritual sandwich if you will.  We start with God, put lots of other good things in there like duty to country, helping others, being trustworthy, loyal… and finish with Reverent.  This reminds us first and last that Scouting is an organization that believes in God.  Sometimes we have a mistaken belief that we can’t talk about God at Scouts.  Wow!  That is SO not true.  In fact I think if we don’t talk about God in Scouting then we are doing a great disservice to the boys.

Duty to God adventures – In the Cub Scouting program there is a Duty to God adventure that is required for each rank (except Bobcat).  The BSA Statement of Religious Principle “maintains that no member can grow into the best kind of citizen without recognizing an obligation to God.” 

Religious Emblems programs – The Religious Emblems programs are programs created by the various religious groups to encourage youth to grow stronger in their faith. The religious groups—not the Boy Scouts of America—have created the religious emblems programs themselves. The Boy Scouts of America has approved of these programs and allows the recognition to be worn on the official uniform, but each religious organization develops and administers its own program. 

BSA Religious Emblem/Knot

Outing in Scouting – We as Scout leaders have some unique opportunities to point out how beautiful God’s creations are and help teach a respect and love for all He has given us. There experiences and feelings that boys feel while outside learning about, enjoying and just being outside that they may not feel anywhere else.  

Leader “Shout-outs” – That seems an odd term when talking about spirituality but I think you know what I mean. Those times when an leader makes a specific effort to point out how Duty to God factors into the current activity. A leader that guides a reflection/discussion after an event and asks the right types of questions can get boys to think about how what they do during the week relates to what they learn on Sundays.

Duty to God – I can’t conclude an article about Spiritual Growth without linking to my all time favorite video about Duty to God. Hopefully most of you have seen this video created by the LDS church a few years ago with some great quotes by Baden Powell, Jimmy Stuart, John Wayne and others.  If you haven’t seen this before it is worth watching.  It’s worth showing to your boys at a den meeting, to the families at a pack meting. A very good explanation of where and how God fits into Scouting.

Article from the Utah National Parks Council member Annaleis Smith and can be found in full here.