Pack T-Shirt Orders

We will be placing an order for more Pack 1910 t-shirts (in mostly youth sizes) in the next couple of weeks.  However, if you are wanting any additional sizes (adult or otherwise), please let us know ASAP by placing your order on the form below.  This will ensure you receive the size(s) you need (especially important for adults that are wanting t-shirts).

December Pack Recap

A big thank you to our Cub Scouts, leaders and parents who were present for the annual wreath laying at the Oak Grove Memorial Cemetery in December.  What a difference you all make honoring these veterans for the holiday.

The Strong family made the front page of the Irving Paper called The Rambler during this event.  Check it out by clicking HERE.  So blessed that SCOUTING was featured as part of this awesome tradition. 

A Scout is Obedient

 The Scout Handbook says,  "A Scout is obedient. A Scout follows the rules of his family, school, and troop. He obeys the laws of his community and country. If he thinks these rules and laws are unfair, he tries to have them changed in an orderly manner rather than disobeying them."

Miriam Webster defines obedient as submissive to the restraint or command of authority: willing to obey.

While in Cub Scouts, Akela is in command -- be it a parent, Den Chief, Den Leader, Cubmaster or other authoritative figure, but as the ranks progress from Lion to Tiger to Wolf to Bear and then to Webelos... we start giving some of those leadership opportunities back to the boys.  Once in Boy Scouts, it's all about tribal knowledge and transferring that training in obedience to becoming an authority and a good leader to those in your command.  It's a full-circle moment.

Learning to be obedient is learning to self-discipline.  Submissive to another's command isn't jumping just because someone says so, it's doing the right thing because it is the right thing to do.  When your parent asks you to clean your room, you obey.  I'm fairly sure kiddos don't want to clean their room, but doing what your parent asks is being obedient, even if there are better more fun things to do.

I know at my house many times when given an assigned chore, I'm met with, "why can't _____ (insert another brother's name) do it?" The point to be made is that, the objective was clearly assigned to you.  It's not up for negotiation.  Be obedient.  That is the right thing to do.  Obedience, however, is clearly a choice dictated by the level of maturity children are capable of at any various age.  That being said, as a Scout becomes more mature, he could work to change the rules and requests at his home in an orderly fashion to say, secure more "screen time" or negotiate for a later curfew after showing responsibility, self-discipline and self control as well as a history of obedience with which he may back up his request.  

The Bible is full of verses on the expectation of obedience from children in the home as well: A Scout is encouraged to obey his parents. The apostle Paul wrote, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right” (Ephesians 6:1), and “Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord” (Colossians 3:20). 

The Boy Scout Trail states, 

"Actually, an independent person has self-discipline enough to be obedient to his conscience. He obeys his moral and ethical honor and does what he knows is right, not because it is the easiest or most beneficial thing to do, but because his honor insists it be done. A Scout with a strong character, able to put the needs of others before his own and obey his conscience, can usually obey directions from leaders well because of his self-discipline.

As Scouts get used to the troop structure, they notice that the Senior Patrol Leader always seems to be handing out the orders and the Patrol Leaders in turn pass the orders down to the Scouts. They want to be on the top where they can give out orders instead of always taking them and that is often a motivation to hold a position. They don't yet realize that there is even more responsibility higher up the ladder of command and the leader needs to rely on those under him to accomplish a larger goal. Teamwork relies heavily on obedience, discipline, and trust.

By developing obedience in the family until and in all ranks of Scouting, the Scout is better able to handle the similar requirements of the workplace where orders are routinely given and expected to be completed. In all circumstances, whether family, school, work, or social, the obedient Scout must make sure that obeying a direction is not against his honor. If a boss tells him to cheat a client or a friend tells him to steal, he must compare the order to what he knows is right and wrong and first obey that inner compass." 

A Scout is Kind

Kindness is so closely related to being Courteous yet each of these points of the Scout Law has their own distinction.

It seems that Kindness is more aligned with the whole "Golden Rule" of do unto others as you would have them do unto you.  My grandmother used to tell us, "If you can't be kind, then be quiet." She was right. 

It's a really simple thing to do -- to be kind.  To do something out of kindness and for no other reason... is a heart thing.

...is a character thing. 

...is a Scout thing.

Kindness is universal.  It costs nothing.  It can mean everything. 

You either treat others with kindness, or you go through life oblivious to anything greater than yourself.

The Scout handbook states that "A Scout knows there is strength in being gentle. He treats others as he wants to be treated. Without good reason, he does not harm or kill any living thing."

Can you imagine living in a world where people sought out with great intention the act of BEING KIND moreso than being right or first or the winner?  Being kind is really... doing the right thing. Funny how those words can be interchangeable:  Obeying the law is the right thing.  Using your manners is the right thing.  Treating others with respect is the right thing.  Leaving things better than you found it is the right thing.  Kindness is the right thing.  

The Boy Scout Trail states:

Kindness should be first practiced by a Scout in his own home. It can be a difficult challenge to show kindness to those in your family. Whether it be irritating siblings or misunderstanding parents, making constant efforts to be kind to those people with whom you have a conflict is hard work. Each of us is bound to fail some times, especially when we are in such close quarters for such a large part of our time. At those times of failing to be kind, kindness can still make a comeback through sincere apologies and forgiveness. The point of 'Forgiveness' is not in the Scout Law, but it is a real demonstration of kindness. 

It's much easier to be kind to friends, teammates, other scouts, and family acquaintances that are seen occasionally. There is less personal commitment and less intimacy so it is less work to overlook their shortcomings and differences in beliefs and behaviors. Still, a Scout needs to demonstrate kindness to these people in order to build friendships and strengthen his character. Typically, showing kindness to these people results in a response of similar kindness in return.

Think about all of the right things that are kind!  Leaving no trace is the right thing but it's also being kind.  It's being kind to those who come after you.  It's being kind to nature... our environment... our parks... our green spaces... Obviously the tree you choose not to carve on isn't going to say thank you, but you can bet that your act of kindness toward nature will be something that everyone who comes after you will appreciate because it stays unmarred. 

Choosing to be kind rather than to be right shows what's in your heart.  Maintaining a gentle disposition when someone is really pushing your buttons doesn't show weakness, it shows kindness (and self-control, but that's a whole other can of worms).  For in the end, the one thing you do have control over is your response and your level of kindness.

How about the idea of an RAK?  A Random Act of Kindness.  To complete an RAK is to look for ways to completely brighten someone else's day without recognition or expectation. It's to look for an opportunity to pay it forward... Do this AND let your children see you do it! Plant the seeds of kindness in their hearts! Buzzfeed had an article with 101 Easy Ideas for Random Acts of Kindness.  Click the image below to be taken to that.  

Kindness is an outer expression of the inner workings of your heart.  It takes guts to be kind.  Scouts can do hard things, you just have to give them the chance.  Maya Angelou said it best.  To be given kindness... is an amazing feeling!

A Scout is Courteous

The Scout Handbook reads "A Scout is courteous. A Scout is polite to everyone regardless of age or position. He knows that using good manners makes it easier for people to get along."

It has been quite fun seeing the development of standards in Scouting through history as I go research each point of the Scout Law.  For instance, it's true that for a lot of us, when we think about Scouts (before being part of Scouts), you envision a little boy in uniform assisting a feeble, elderly woman across the street.  Nostalgic, though still this image encapsulates the very essence of Scouting.  Selfless service.

The Boy Scout Trail blog states that "Being courteous is being a gentleman. It is opening doors and holding them open for the next person... It is saying "Pardon me" when you bump into someone in a crowd. It is giving a firm handshake when you make the acquaintance of someone.

Courtesy often seems to be a thing of the past; something for old people or something out of old black and white movies. In our age of email, instant messaging, and online chats, courtesy becomes a more difficult behavior to learn and practice. And, make no mistake, it takes practice to become good at it. Courtesy requires personal interaction where the value of the other person can be demonstrated. After all, courtesy occurs out of respect for other people."

Technology has given too many people a way to completely zone out and thus, courtesy is severely lacking in today's youth.  There are many ways that courtesy can be exemplified in today's world and we need to teach this to our children!  First and foremost -- LOOK UP FROM YOUR PHONE!  When you're in company, do not wear earbuds.  When you're at the dinner table, there should be nothing in your hand other than a fork.  Give the people with a pulse in your presence, the courtesy of being present.

I read somewhere that "courtesy is a heartfelt expression of respect and consideration" and everywhere I look, it seems that courtesy and respect go hand-in-hand.  You truly can't have one without the other.

Having respect for others gives way for courtesy to be shown.  This is made through eye contact, handshakes, smiles, conversation... manners.  Stated differently, it could all be defined as social etiquette. Scouts should lead by example in every way that embodies the very essence of courtesy, respect and, thus, social etiquette. 

Scouts should show genuine respect and courtesy to all people of all race, all religions, all economic statuses, all job descriptions, always... all the time.  

That's a tall order isn't it!?  Sounds almost impossible.  However, you can lead by example!  How? Read on... I love the explanation on the Boy Scout Trail:

Courtesy without an underlying respect and thoughtfulness is a lie. To be courteous requires us to first be caring; to be concerned with the people around us and on the lookout for their wellbeing. Many people, hoping to get ahead, will be very courteous and friendly to people above them in social standing, while at the same time treat lesser ranked people with disdain. We see this often in business where a salesman will be outgoing until he realizes there is no sale to be made and then turns his attention elsewhere. But, the same occurs daily in all social circles. A Scout needs to overcome this temptation and be sure he treats all people with equal respect and courtesy.

The next time you go to a restaurant with a group of friends, make an effort to listen to how many of them say a simple Please or Thank You to the waitress when she takes the order or brings food or water. My experience has been that I am often the only one, and I sincerely make an effort to do it. The first thing I do is read their nametag if they have one and then use their name from then on. I also look at their face and eyes while they are taking the other diners' orders just to get a feel for what they are like. I do this not in the hopes of better service, but so I remind myself that the person waiting on me is just as important as I am and deserving of my respect, courtesy, and appreciation.

One of the reasons we ask boys to "do a good turn daily" is that it helps them learn the art of selfless, joyful service. The act of intentionally DOING for not other reason than the care in your heart for another is living out the Scout Law.  This whole movement was founded on courtesy if you think about it!

Courtesy should begin at home where it may be the most difficult to demonstrate. Remembering to be polite to parents, brothers, and sisters can be a true challenge for a Scout, but one which he needs to overcome to become a man of strong character.

Lord Baden Powell stated that courteousness is much the same sort of thing as chivalry, which is closely allied to honor. Both were practiced in the old days by the knights, who went about risking their lives in order to defend and help the weaker people, women and children, against bullies and marauders.

Why did they do this?

It did not bring them money, for it would be a disgrace to a knight to accept any reward for doing a good turn. It only brought them danger of wounds or death. It was an adventure. They were good sportsmen and manly fellows. Their conscience told them that it was right for the strong and plucky man to protect those who were weaker than himself. They were not obliged to do it by the law of the land, but there was a stronger law which appealed to them--and that was their own sense of honor which led them to be chivalrous men.

Honor was the spirit that moved them; chivalry was the putting into practice what their honor bade them do.

Seeking the opportunity to be chivalrous is to be Scoutlike.  Seeking out the chance to make a difference, not for any reason than to exemplify the courteous nature of your heart.  That, is what a Scout would do, because he is chivalrous.

Dallas Mavericks Scout Night

The Dallas Mavericks is having a Boy Scout day!  All Scouts will receive a commemorative patch for their red brag vest AND get to take a post game shot at the basket!  You need to MOVE FAST as tickets WILL SELL OUT!  ORDER TODAY!

The game day is January 22 vs. the LA Lakers.

Upper level seats are $22.25 (EXTREMELY LIMITED AMOUNT LEFT); best best is for the $33 per seat or lower level seats which are $85

The flyer is available HERE.  Order tickets, however, by clicking THIS LINK.

The seating map is available HERE You will be able to see where your seats are based on ticket price code references.  $22 tickets are in Price Code Y, $33 tickets are in Price Code X  

A Scout is Friendly

A Scout is Friendly... What does it even mean to be "friendly"?  

Friendly can be defined as a characteristic of or befitting a friend; showing friendship; like a friend; kind; helpful; favorably disposed; inclined to approve, help, or support; not hostile, amicable; able to coexist with something without harm or trouble.

I've been in restaurants that have said they are "family friendly" and I've met a dog that I would describe as being "friendly" but never really thought about why I gave it that label. Was it, perhaps, because it was happy to see me, wagged its tail, eagerly awaited my interaction?  Would I be as liberal at handing out that label to a person, perhaps, that was a little shy and wouldn't so readily engage?   

Whoa!  That's a lot.  But, think about it.  Think about the image Scouting has on the world at large.  A group of leaders and youth who are ready and willing to step in and help and who are a friend to all. Treating others as they'd wish to be treated.  Joyful servant hearts.

Friendly.

The Boy Scout Handbook states: 

“A Scout is a friend to all. He is a brother to other Scouts. He offers his friendship to people of all races and nations, and respects them even if their beliefs and customs are different from his own.”

An interesting takeaway is that it certainly exemplifies that a Scout's friendliness shouldn't be limited to his family or even his inner circle but to everyone.  

Proverbs 17:17 – A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.

Ever heard "A friend in need is a friend indeed."  To be a friend, you must be... friendly!

John 15:12-17 – My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other.

The Scout Law seems to be an enormous Venn diagram where every characteristic overlaps the next which completely begins to embody exactly what it is to be a Scout: loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, cheerful.... think about it.

A Scout is Helpful

The very definition of helpful is "giving or ready to give help." Additionally supported as stating that someone is obliging, eager to please, kind, accommodating, supportive, cooperative; More useful. Synonyms are: useful, of use, beneficial, valuable, profitable, advantageous, fruitful, worthwhile, constructive.  The BSA asks all scouters to "do a good turn daily."  What does that even mean?  

In short, it's everything you'd look for in someone when you need assistance.  You want to look for someone who is ready to render aid and who does so with a joyful manner.

Stated differently -- do a good deed daily.  BE HELPFUL! 

 

A Scout Is Loyal

A Scout is Loyal.  Talk is cheap.  You have to do more than just talk the talk, you have to walk the walk.  The one thing that came to mind was the relationship between a man and a dog. Dogs are loyal to a fault. 

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, to be loyal means to be unswerving in allegiance. Thing is… many of us spend so much time being loyal to other people, that we often forget the need to be loyal to ourselves. Add the daily, hectic routine we go through, and it’s easy to see why we forget to focus on doing the things that make us happy, or move us towards those things we deserve out of life. We forget to stop, even just for a moment, to stick to our plans.  Learning to be loyal -- especially in leadership opportunities, means that your focus stays where it needs to be -- on you. 

But also, on your friends, your faith, your family, your teams, your, favorites, your fans, etc. So, knowing you NEED to be loyal, just HOW do you make that happen?

Well, just be honest!  Be honest with yourself. Be faithful and follow the rules. Follow the girl code (or bro code) about relationships.  Learn to suck it up to take one for the team. Alternatively, learn to speak up.  Especially if you hear things being said about a friend.  Speak in their defense. And finally, they suggest sticking to your principals.  Don't you dare betray your own beliefs just to avoid making waves with your group.  Trust your gut.  Rarely, if ever will this instinct be wrong.  Shop local.  Volunteer local.  Build those foundations with your communities  -- they can't develop overnight otherwise.  Build a tribe around you.  A tribe of like-minded loyal people.  They are the ones who will circle the wagons when you need them.  And you WILL need them!

Save The Date! Blue & Gold Banquet

We won't issue a reward, but we will sure miss you if you're not there!  

Please save the date for our annual Blue & Gold Banquet, Friday, February 24 at 6:30 p.m. in the church's Family Life Center.  Your den leaders will have more information.

A Scout is Trustworthy

The first point of the Scout Law is Trustworthy.  Just how can you demonstrate this most important point of the Scout Law in your daily life?  It's simple really...

• Tell the truth.
• Be sincere. Say what you mean and mean what you say. ...
• Keep your word.
• Be reliable.
• Return things you borrow.
• Keep private information private.
• Don't gossip.
• Don't ask a friend to do something wrong to keep your friendship.

Photo Source

David Wolfe has said that the four traits of a trustworthy person are:

1. They are their true selves.  They're not leading their lives under false pretenses. They are who they are and that's who they are.  The good, the bad and the ugly. They're not afraid of who they are and don't lead on they're more than they're cracked up to be.
2. They always keep their promises.  Talk is cheap.  Keeping the talk you utter is priceless.
3. They do the right thing.  It's not always the popular or easy path to take -- doing the right or the easy thing... but knowing it'll be weighing on your consciousness outweighs the need to bend to be part of the sheeple.
4. They never make you feel inferior.  

Check out what else he has to say about these traits here.

Photo Source

Calendar

The Pack calendar for January - May 2017 has been uploaded to our Pack's Google Drive. Be sure to get yours by clicking HERE or on the image below.  While we don't have everything listed, it's got the majority of our big events for the remainder of this Scouting year!

Are You Making Any New Years Resolutions?

While the last few days are counting down on the calendar before we all gather with family and friends to count down the minutes and seconds to another new year, we get to reflect on the past year and also look ahead to the new.  

Do you make New Year's resolutions? Or, have you resolved to make no resolutions? Either way, I've got a challenge for you! 

Interested? 

Good!  

Keep reading.

Did you know the top 10 New Year's resolutions are:

• Get out of debt 
• Learn something new
• Help others
• Get organized
• Exercise
• Quit smoking
• Lose weight
• Quit drinking
• Enjoy life more 
• Spend more time with family 

What if I told you that there was a way to incorporate almost all of these into your year just by taking on a simple challenge I issue to you and yours?

My challenge is for you to exemplify and encourage your family to live out the 12 points of the Scout Law in your lives EVERY DAY!  

While the Boy Scouts of America gives us a single point of the Scout Law to have as our primary focus for each month, I'm going to list just one individual points of the Scout Law every day for the first 12 days of our new year with specific examples on how to incorporate and encourage your scout to live out his pledge.  My hope is that you are continually inspired to encourage his journey.  And, who knows, it just might help you bring your own resolutions to fruition as well!

Read the examples given and then recall them monthly as we reintroduce the specific point of the Scout Law that will be our focus and "theme" of the month.

So, while you may not be interested in making traditional resolutions, how about simply setting a goal for the benefit of you, your Scout, our program and mankind in general. How can you say no to that?!

Come January 1... we will begin!  Happy New Year Pack 1910! Let's make 2017 our best year yet!

January Committee / Parent Meeting

PARENTS WANTED!!!  PLEASE ATTEND MONDAY'S COMMITTEE MEETING TO HELP THE PACK MAKE PLANS AND DECISIONS ABOUT YOUR SON'S SCOUT ACTIVITIES.

The Pack Committee helps ensure that our Cub Scouts are offered fun-filled and meaningful events through the year. 

Parents please attend and help enrich and strengthen our Pack. Topics include upcoming pack meeting plans, assignments for the next month and upcoming large-scale activities.  

We have a few leadership roles we would love to have filled and just by coming to these meetings -- you could help the Pack tremendously!

The meeting is at 7pm at the Scout House on Monday, January 2.  We will be finalizing the Pack Meeting, doing Blue & Gold planning, discussing Pine Wood Derby and the Spring Campout.  Come join us!

Cubanapolis

Tuesday, January 10th is the January Pack meeting.  And it is one that you do NOT want to miss -- our annual Cubanapolis!

Just what is an Cubanapolis?  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. Boxes were passed out at the December Christmas party. If you weren't able to make it, please get with your den leader ASAP to get your box!

The emphasis on this event is family fun and participation!  
We will, however, have some type of recognition for various categories for the construction and design of the cars -- so be creative!

Please make arrangements to pick up your cardboard box from your den leader if you did not get it at the December Pack meeting. 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’

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.

Race Procedures:

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

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, 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!