District Roundtable

 

Join us for the Mustang District Annual Award Recognition taking place Thursday, May 5 from 6:30 - 8:30pm. We will gather to celebrate our fellow adult Scouters, Eagle Scouts, and Summit Award Winners. We want to recognize all their hard work and dedication over the past year. 

This year we are adding a twist to our Awards Presentation and asking Scouters to bring an entry to submit in our first Charcuterie Board Contest. There will be a prize for one lucky winner! Be creative and bring your best cheeses, meats, fruits, crackers, nuts, vegetables, and/or dipping sauces or spreads! Desserts will also be available to sample 

Registration is REQUIRED (click the button below), a $5 fee is being collected to help cover the cost of the awards. 

Thank you for all you do to support the scouting program! 

Earth Day

 

Everyone on our planet has a duty and an obligation to protect it.  Sometimes a little friendly reminder is in order as well.  We live in a disposable society where everything is single-use, broken then replaced instead of repaired, convenience trumps all... but at what cost?  Earth Day, founded in 1970, is a day where we have that annual reminder to encourage one another to support sustainability, environmental protection and do more

Cub Scouts learn to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle but do we know what that really means?

Reduce -- use less. Buy reusable items so that your trash output is reduced.

Reuse -- find ways to repurpose what you have or let others reuse them -- donating old clothes is a great way to reuse things that still have lots of life in them

Recycle -- whenever possible, find ways to recycle everything you can.  

Conservation is a big part of Scouting and what a better time to focus on that than on Earth Day! 

In fact, Cub Scouts actually has a special award for dens going above and beyond to focus on that very thing -- The Cub Scout World Conservation Award.  Wolves, Bears or Webelos have the opportunity to earn this additional award.  Check out the requirements HERE.

Summer Fun

  

Pack 1910 likes to provide our families with plenty of opportunities to stay engaged and active all summer long. Why? Because Scouting is year-round fun! We take great pride in ensuring that we have a well-rounded annual program full of excitement with new adventures each year for your family to experience together.

In fact, our Pack has set up a specific five-year rotation of different activities so that, for your Scout's entire Cub Scout career, they won't have to participate in the same events summer after summer (unless they just want to!)

As in years past, we will be utilizing Scoutbook to track RSVP's for these events. This helps the adult coordinators know which Scouts to expect so that no one is left behind and that your scout receives credit for awards and advancement. Also, a few of these event do require advance deposits. Once you RSVP, you will be contacted to confirm how you wish to pay. PayPal invoices can be sent via e-mail or checks and/or cash can be delivered to the event coordinator.

One important thing to note -- please be sure you are RSVPing -- even if it is a "no" -- just so that we know you received the information. Don't make me a sad bear!

Please understand that a few of our programs require not only a minimum number of participants and as stated previously, but also a deposit. If you RSVP and are not able to attend, you will still need to pay your portion as it likely has already been covered by the Pack or, alternatively, you may find a family to go in your place and have them reimburse you. Most of these events do not allow refunds. Thank you for your understanding.

Details for each event will in Scoutbook. Today's notification is merely for you to save the date for our summer of fun!

PACK 1910 SUMMER PROGRAM 2022:

4: Stargazing @ Tandy Fields

5: Scouts BSA Weekend with Texas Rangers

13-15: Mustang District Day Camp

23: Keller Summer Nights Concert & Movie

3: Keller Lights Fireworks Festival

9: Stargazing at Tandy Fields

10: Gaga & Kickball Game with Popsicles

23: Fort Worth Zoo Overnight Safari

5: Angry Birds Movie & Games

6: Stargazing at Tandy Fields

10: S'mores and water balloons

13: Scout Overnight @ Cleveland Railroaders Baseball

Need a flyer to print out and put on your fridge?  Grab one right HERE!

...that by joining us for just one event a month, your scout is eligible for the National Summertime Achievement Pin? These are rank specific, color-coordinated very cool special pins to place on their uniform to show off their involvement.

If enough of his den participates, they will earn the Summertime Award for their DEN! And, collectively, if enough of our Scouts participate all summer long, our PACK earns the National Summertime Pack Award! How cool is THAT? Awards will be presented at the Scout level at the September Pack meeting.

Please note:  Dates are subject to change until deposits are made -- until we commit and deposit, venues can book dates out from under us.

District Roundtable is Thursday

 

Leaders and parents, don't forget to join us this Thursday for the Mustang District Roundtable training event. It begins promptly at 7pm at Alliance United Methodist Church, 7904 Park Vista Blvd.

Leaders, please be in full field uniform.  

District Roundtable is where we discuss events, deadlines and news from BSA National, our Council and to talk about Mustang District events.  Once the large group announcements and discussions are made, we break into smaller rooms -- yours will be specific to Cub Scouts.  Our Cub Scout Roundtable Commissioner will lead us in a discussion on a predetermined topic, conduct some training and THIS is where the tribal knowledge is shared. This is where the magic happens.  

Need A Little Summer Adventure?

  

Make Memories That Will Last a Lifetime at the Iconic Philmont Scout Ranch!

The Philmont Family Adventure is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience the Philmont Scout Ranch like never before!

Open to all registered members of the BSA and their families, you will have a chance to participate in all of the incredible activities offered at Philmont and make memories with your family that will last a lifetime.  New for 2022 -- you get to choose your adventure!

 

 

WHO

All registered members of the BSA and their families

WHERE

Philmont Scout Ranch, Cimarron, New Mexico

WHEN

*Some weeks will have both full and half-week options available. Arrivals on Sundays and Wednesdays for half-week adventures.

June 5-11, 19-25 or 26-July 2 (full and half week options available)

July 3-9, 10-16, 17-20 (Half week), 24-30, 31-Aug 6 (full and half week options available)

August 7-13, 14-17 (Half week)

COSTS are determined based on your itinerary and lodging.

Conferences may have varying prices due to length of stay, activities fees, and other considerations.

Space is limited, so don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity!

You can customize your adventure by choosing activities that appeal to you. Morning and afternoon programs will be offered daily, as well as day-long activities ... if you’re feeling extra adventurous!

This is different from any previous event at the Philmont Scout Ranch, and will truly be an unforgettable experience for all families in attendance.  Our Troop is actually participating this year in a high-adventure backpack trek there in June!

Check out their website HERE

CUBANAPOLIS 2022

 

Tuesday, March 8th is the March 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 Scouts, prior to race day (and with their parent’s assistance) make a cardboard race car that they can wear and run with. Grab a good sized box and decorate it however you want! Mr. Ford will have some boxes available at his house if you need one -- look below because most of us will have plenty of boxes or can grab one from a friend, local store or neighbor -- a Scout is Thrifty!

The emphasis on this event is family fun and participation.
We will have some boxes available at the Pack meeting with minimal decorating supplies so it's best if you can create your car in the next week before the Pack meeting -- this is meant to be fun! Don't STRESS!

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 a box that fits around your Scout 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 diving mask
2. A small towel or washcloth (that stays with mom or dad in their back pocket)
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 s/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.

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!

Spring Family Campout -- Save the Date

 One of the things all scouts look forward to in Cub Scouts is CAMPING and it's almost time! Make plans to join us for our Spring Family Camp Out April 1-3.

Camping is definitely one of the highlights of any Cub Scout's year. Campouts are fun occasions where we get to come together as a Unit and we all have a blast. We have great food and a fun experience for the whole family. 

We will have an online registration form active soon so be sure to watch out for that. 

Our program feature is HIKING and COOKING and will be at Worth Ranch in Palo Pinto.

Are you a little “camping-shy”? Don’t let it hold you back!! Do it for your Scout– they’ll love you for it!!  

Unless you have an open-ended bank account, don't run out and buy every piece of gear you think you need at REI (but if you just want to, please let me know and I'll give you my list, too!) The best thing to do when starting to acquire gear is to start small and simple so that you can discover what your family needs... grow from there. There are plenty of seasoned camping veterans in our pack that have gear to spare so don't hesitate to put the word out if you need to borrow something.

To begin, you need something to sleep IN, something to sleep ON, something to wear, personal toiletries, chairs and light. (Oh... and toilet paper! Don't forget the toilet paper!)

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

Be watching for more info but for now -- SAVE THE DATE!

BALOO Training - Register Today

  

Parents and Leaders - we are in CRITICAL need of more BALOO trained adults in our Pack.

What IS BALOO training?

BALOO training is the Cub Scout training required for any Cub Scout den or pack outdoor event, including pack and Webelos den overnight camping. BALOO certification is reached after completion of two components—one online and one practical, hands-on session (in layman's terms -- that means you'll be camping). Both components must be completed to qualify as a “TRAINED” Cub Scout outdoor leader.

The online component which must be completed prior to the practical component contains introductory and basic information that will be built upon during the camping. Cool thing... YOU CAN DO THIS PORTION RIGHT NOW in the comfort of your own home by simply logging into your my.scouting.org account (the same one where you took Youth Protection Training) and knock that out of the way! Talk about being proactive!

Why take BALOO?

Great question! I'm glad you asked. Here's the simple explanation: We cannot camp without BALOO trained adults -- not leaders.. but ADULTS (this means you). It's that simple.

As a Pack, we are 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 should have at least one, if not TWO BALOO trained adults in EVERY DEN! Why?  Because eventually your scouts will be Webelos and you will need that to camp as a den.  

As a Pack, we have set a standard that we will have a minimum of two BALOO trained adults on every overnight event, because if there is only one.... and that person has to leave... the event has to end. The more BALOO trained adults we have in our Pack, the better off our entire program is.

We know not everyone can make every camp out which is why we need MULTIPLE PARENTS AND LEADERS to obtain their BALOO certification. This is not the time to rely on everyone else to ensure your Scout's program is the best one around -- THIS is a way YOU can make an IMMEDIATE DIFFERENCE!!!

BUT I'M NOT A TRAINED LEADER

So what? You don't have to be! Cool, huh? You only have to be an adult who wants to see our Pack's outdoor program continue and succeed.

SO, WHAT'S THE CATCH?

The catch is that... we need parents to attend! You need to take the training and then commit to being one of those BALOO trained adults who... ya know... actually comes camping with us!  The more that attend from the same unit, you can really bring some exciting things back to our outdoor program.

WHEN AND WHERE IS THE TRAINING?

The next one is SO CLOSE TO HOME you are just crazy to not attend!  It'll be March 5 (8a) - March 6 (noon) at Camp Burnett in Southlake -- you can't ask for a more convenient location.  REGISTER HERE

Once you complete the course, you get a handy dandy business sized card that signifies you are indeed a BALOO trained adult. KEEP THAT CARD IN YOUR WALLET! It has to be on your person for overnight events. Oh, and Pack leadership -- we need a copy of that!

The only way to make our program BE the best one around, is to personally invest in it!

BALOO is one or two evenings with some amazing leadership and parents just like you who want to see their Scout's unit be awesome! Such a small investment with a huge payoff for everyone! Plus if you attend, you'll become one of my heroes. So who's going to sign up and join Suzie in September?

Don't Make Hulk Angry -- RSVP today!

 

Our Blue & Gold Banquet is in ONE WEEK!  We need your RSVP TODAY.

Stay MARVELous my friends and we'll see ya there.

Register your family HERE

Great Backyard Bird Count Feb 18-21

The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) is a free, fun, and easy event that engages bird watchers of all ages in counting birds to create a real-time snapshot of bird populations. Participants are asked to count birds for as little as 15 minutes (or as long as they wish) on one or more days of the four-day event and report their sightings online at www.birdcount.org.

The best news is that anyone can take part in the Great Backyard Bird Count, from beginning bird watchers to experts, and you can participate from your backyard, or anywhere in the world.

Each checklist submitted during the GBBC helps researchers at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society learn more about how birds are doing, and how to protect them and the environment we share. Last year, more than 192,000 participants submitted their bird observations online, creating the largest instantaneous snapshot of global bird populations ever recorded. A record 6,310 species were identified and more than 176,000 checklists were turned in.

The annual GBBC will be held February 18 - 21.

The first thing is to register. Next you count. Then you report. Three simple things that make a HUGE difference! Check out the informative links below.

Step 1: Decide where you will watch birds.

Step 2: Watch birds for 15 minutes or more, at least once over the four days, February 18-21, 2022.

Step 3: Count all the birds you see or hear within your planned time/location and use the best tool for sharing your bird sightings:

• If you are a beginning bird admirer and new to the count, try using the Merlin Bird ID app.
• If you have participated in the count before, try eBird Mobile app or enter your bird list on the eBird website (desktop/laptop).
• If you are participating as a group, see instructions for Group Counting.

If you already contribute to Merlin or eBird, continue what you are doing! All entries over the 4-days count towards GBBC.

Join us and get out there and get counting.

Blue & Gold Cake Boss

Are you and your Scout ready to take home the title of CAKE BOSS?!  Dust the flour off those aprons and start your planning now!

Each year at the Blue and Gold Banquet we have a dessert competition where we ask Scouts that wish to participate, to create a THEMED dessert (obviously, in line with our Blue and Gold theme -- MARVEL) to bring for voting (and EATING).

All Cake Boss entries are considered dessert for the banquet (but not until the voting has been completed.)  Please make sure all components of your desserts (unless they're cupcake toppers, etc.) are EDIBLE.

Be brainstorming of what you'd like to have for your scout's entry this year and see if YOU can take home the title of CAKE BOSS 2022!

Scout Sunday 2022

 

Scout Sunday is an observance of the connection between the BSA and its religious-oriented partners.  It's held each year on the Sunday preceding the anniversary of Scouting in America (February 8). So "officially" it's February 8, but large church organizations can schedule this day any day in February. The United Methodist Church (organization) has officially scheduled it for February 13. 

Keller United Methodist Church is providing an opportunity to Troop 1910, Crew 1910, Ship 1910, Pack 1910 and Troop 1920 to serve at their Sunday services to recognize the impact of Scouting within the church body of Keller UMC.

Youth would be greeters/ushers to help recognize and demonstrate our commitment to the Scout Law being Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Cheerful and, most importantly, Reverent.

Participation as a volunteer at Keller UMC (or at your home religious institution) on Scout Sunday would qualify Scouts to receive the Scout Sunday patch pictured above. 

(Participation can be as much as wearing your full Scout uniform to service at your home church if you're not able to serve in another way.)  

There are TWO services your Scout may serve at. Only choose one. You will need to attend with your scout (not serve, but be present as their guardian).  You will need to register your scout HERE  Registration for this service opportunity are on a first-come, first-served basis.  

District Roundtable is tomorrow!

 

Leaders, don't forget to join us this Thursday via Zoom for the Mustang District Roundtable training event.  Check Scoutbook for login information.

Leaders, please be in full field uniform with your cameras on.  If you can change the name designation on your Zoom account to read First Last - Pack 1910 that will enable the meeting host to ensure you are quickly added to the proper breakout room.

District Roundtable is where we discuss events, deadlines and news from BSA National, our Council and to talk about Mustang District events.  Once the large group announcements and discussions are made, we break into smaller rooms -- yours will be specific to Cub Scouts.  Our Cub Scout Roundtable Commissioner will lead us in a discussion on a predetermined topic (DEN CHIEFS!!), conduct some training and THIS is where the tribal knowledge is shared. This is where the magic happens.  

Check Scoutbook for the login information.

Scout Saver Fundraiser - Sign Ups OPEN!

Longhorn Council is kicking off a new opportunity to afford all Scouts in our Unit the opportunity to pay their way because, after all, a Scout is Thrifty.

We are going to a tri-fold Scout Saver Entertainment fundraising card.

Below is a sample of what the tri-folds look like.  While they do have coupons on the tri-fold itself, the real seller is that it has an access code offering literally hundreds of 2-for-1 and up-to-50% off offers from all the vendors that are registered with the Entertainment SaversGuide. This will provide real value for customers and save them much more than the $10 they paid.

It is our intention to have this fundraiser help support each scout directly and independently in our Unit and provide a way for our Scouts to help pay their way through their Scouting journey.

SIGN YOUR SCOUT UP FOR SALES BY CLICKING RIGHT HERE

Our fundraiser runs from now through May 1.  

Pack Meeting Tomorrow!

  

See you all tomorrow night for our rescheduled Snake Show. Check Scoutbook for all the info!

Gathering Activity Starts at 6pm

Flags promptly at 6:15

A Scout is Reverent

 

The Scout Handbook states that:

A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others. The word reverence refers to a profound respect for God. The wonders of the world remind us of our God's creative power. We find it in the tiny lines of a leaf and the great mysteries of the universe. It exists in the kindness of people and in the teachings of our families and religious leaders.  

We show our reverence by living our lives according to the ideals of our beliefs. The Scout benediction is "May the Great Master of all Scouts be with us until we meet again."

The United States Constitution gives each of us complete freedom to believe and worship as we wish without fear of punishment. All your life, you will encounter people who hold different religious beliefs or even none at all. It is your duty to respect and defend the rights of others whose beliefs may differ from yours.

One of our former Chartered Organization Representatives, Mr. John Hearrell, authored this post for us on the 12th point of the Scout Law.  I thought it would be a great reminder to share with you again. 


One of my favorite memories was when my son Zackary was working on his Communication Merit Badge. He choose to plan an interfaith worship service. 

It warmed my heart as I watched and listened to Zack leading Troop 1910 through chapel service on a Sunday morning.

It was January and we were camping at the LBJ Grasslands. While service was taking place, the sun rose from the East and warmed our backs.

I will never forget glancing up, catching Zack’s eye’s and thinking; My scout is becoming a man, a man of honor, a reverent man. 

Thank you for the memories! 


John K. Hearrell

A Scout is Clean

 

Our trusty Scout Handbook reminds us that, "A Scout is clean. A Scout keeps his body and mind fit. He chooses the company of those who live by high standards. He helps keep his home and community clean."

We can't remotely expect to be outdoor enthusiasts and not get dirty.  Camping is dirty work, but that's part of the allure of the outdoors.  You're really getting to be one with nature. Sometimes literally.  Sometimes, you may look like you're actually becoming part of it!  Think about all of the "dirty" (although honorable) jobs out there -- mechanics, construction workers, farmers, coal miners... the list goes on and on.  

I mean, there is an Eagle Scout who has made a career of showing us just how many Dirty Jobs ARE out there.  

Yep!  Mike Rowe is an Eagle Scout.  Pretty cool, huh?

In the pursuit of "clean," we have actually created quite a conundrum for mankind in that some people now have the mindset that all dirt and germs are bad.  The idea that having even a little dirt on you is a very bad thing.  We have so many people now using antibacterial soap and hand sanitizer instead of just plain old soap and water, that we have started creating superbugs that are RESISTANT to antibiotics!  How scary is that?  Dirt and some bacteria aren't bad things.  And, regular, plain soap is just fine for getting a little mud off your hands.  

But, while we are discussing the WORD clean, we aren't necessarily only talking about being Zestfully clean.  We are also talking about being clean in world, word, thought and deed.

First, let's think about the environment.  We MUST set the standard of care for the earth we are on.  We MUST consume less.  We MUST come to the realization that simply throwing something away, doesn't mean it's gone.  We MUST realize the dirty impact that we have on the world and then DO SOMETHING about making it a MUCH more clean place. In Scouting we have the mantra to "leave it better than you found it" and that should be everywhere! Conservationism and the 3 R's we preach: reduce, reuse and recycle are all ways to keep the earth clean.

When your Scout starts to camp, teach him the importance of keeping his tent space tidy whether it's with you on a family campout, when he's learning the patrol method and camping as a Webelos or even when he camps alongside or with a Troop as he becomes a Boy Scout.  I can assure you that it is no fun to be a tentmate with a slob... especially when your gear goes missing under the mess left in his wake.  Teach him now, how to take care of your gear and keep it clean for it to last longer.  

Teach your Scout the importance of clean hands when preparing food so that safety is insured for everyone.  Learning to BE clean by showering daily to remove dirt, germs and odor (onion pits are the worst!) is something that they do not only for themselves, but for those that have to be around them.  

In Scouting, we teach the boys to clean dishes properly using the three bucket method. Did you know there was a three bucket method?  Well, then come camp with us.  You need to learn this to reinforce it when your scout gets to that level!

Another term you'll hear -- especially around the new year -- is eating clean.  Eating clean doesn't mean that you've washed everything you're consuming with soap and water.  It means that you are showing self-respect to your body and those you feed by giving them wholesome, nutrient dense sustenance.  This is one reason we say no soda on camp-outs and there are rank-specific requirements and electives about learning about the food pyramid, nutrition and being healthy in your food selections.  When was the last time you flipped over a package of something you're going to consume and read the label?  Can you pronounce half of it?  Do you know what's in your food?  

The Boy Scout Trail states: 

If it's not dirt, earth, and grime that makes a Scout dirty, what does? It's a simple chore to scrub dirt off skin, but a much more difficult task to clean up filthy thoughts, habits, and behaviors that accumulate in our lives. First a feeling of jealousy or mistrust towards someone, then a derogatory comment about them, and soon a person is a fountain of malice spewing forth filth, vulgarity, and hate. Cleaning up such a mess is nearly impossible, but fortunately doesn't take a lifetime to develop. By keeping the mind and heart clean and not allowing the emotional grime to settle in, the problem is kept at bay.

One of the best aspects of Scouting is that it brings together all walks, creeds, races and socio-economic groups together for one purpose - the brotherhood of Scouting. Since we are all to be living the Scout Oath and Law in our daily lives means that this, in turn, helps us to associate with others who are also pledging to live with a clean mind and heart.  Serving alongside others who are cheerful, encouraging, friendly, loyal, benevolent and kind helps to encourage like behavior.  

Ever heard the saying, you are the company you keep?  Think about it.  Most cliches were coined for a reason.  If you associate with those that push the envelope, break rules or laws and engage in less than desirable behavior, you're more inclined to assimilate with that crowd rather than be the one that stands out for being different and saying no.  

"Dirty jokes, vulgar comments, racial slurs, ridicule, and swearing are often heard in many situations. They have no place in scouting and no place in a scout's life. Besides choosing to not say those kinds of things, a scout should also make it known that he will not tolerate those things. A single scout will most likely not change the behaviors of a group, but he can make his feelings known and then remove himself from the crowd. He can also support someone he finds as the butt of these comments and demonstrate compassion to those unclean louts, possibly helping them recognize their ways."

There is a reason that people are able to sue for emotional distress.  The mind and emotional psyche is something that can be made unclean and that "dirt" isn't quite as distinguishable as a mud speck on a chin.  Keeping your thoughts, actions, words and deeds clean can help to insure that those around you are buoyed by your scouting spirit and cleanliness.

A Scout is Clean.