Flag Day

June 14 is Flag Day in the United States of America.

On May 30, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a presidential proclamation establishing a national Flag Day on June 14. Many Americans celebrate Flag Day by displaying the Red, White and Blue in front of homes and businesses. The day commemorates the adoption of the Stars and Stripes as the official flag of the United States. 

Do you know the flag's history? According to American legend, in June 1776, George Washington commissioned Betsy Ross, a Philadelphia seamstress, to create a flag for the new nation in anticipation of a declaration of its independence. On June 14, 1777, John Adams spoke about the flag at a meeting of the Continental Congress in Philadelphia. He said, "Resolved, that the flag of the thirteen United States shall be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the Union be thirteen stars, white on a blue field, representing a new constellation." There have been twenty-seven official versions of the flag so far; stars have been added to it as states have entered the Union. The current version dates to July 4, 1960, when Hawaii became the 50th state. 

Do you say the Pledge of Allegiance at your school, perhaps with your hand over your heart? Or sing "The Star Spangled Banner," the national anthem, before a baseball game? Many Americans sing, pledge, and pay respect to the flag, "Old Glory," as a symbol of the country's democracy and independence. Saluting the flag is a way to celebrate and honor the United States of America.

I'd encourage all of our Scouts to post a picture of them today with their US flags.  Let's spread some patriotism!

Memorial Day 2022

 While many Americans will celebrate Memorial Day with hot dogs, hamburgers and a day off... let us not forget what this day is really all about. Memorial Day is not about 20% off sales and lounging by the pool. Memorial Day is a day of honor and respect for our fallen... and sometimes forgotten.

From the US Memorial Day website, Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in service of the United States of America. Over two dozen cities and towns claim to be the birthplace of Memorial Day. While Waterloo N.Y. was officially declared the birthplace of Memorial Day by President Lyndon Johnson in May 1966, it’s difficult to prove conclusively the origins of the day.

Say Yes To Reading

Write a one-page report titled “The Best Book I Read This Year” and enter it in the Scouts’ Life 2022 “Say Yes to Reading!” contest. 

The book can be fiction or nonfiction. But the report has to be in your own words — 500 words tops. Enter in one of these three age categories: 

• 8 years old and younger 
• 9 and 10 years old 
• 11 years old and older 

First-place winners in each age category will receive a $100 Scout Shop gift card. Second-place winners will receive a $75 gift card; third-place winners, a $50 gift card. 

Everyone who enters will get a free patch like the one on this page. (And, yes, the patch is a temporary insignia, so it can be worn on the Scout uniform shirt, on the right pocket. Proudly display it there or anywhere!) 

In coming years, you’ll have the opportunity to earn different patches. The contest is open to all Scout Life readers. Be sure to include your name, address, age and grade in school on the entry. 

Send your report, along with a business-size, self-addressed, stamped envelope, to: 

Scout Life Reading Contest
S306
P.O. Box 152079
Irving, TX 75015-2079

Entries must be postmarked by Dec. 31, 2022 and must include entry information and a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

22-23 Pack Calendar Available Now

  

Click HERE to download your own personal copy of Pack 1910's hot-off-the-press 2022-23 annual calendar.

This is our colorful, full-year single-page monthly calendar spanning June 1, 2022 - May 31, 2023. As always, dates and events are subject to change, but as it stands right now, this is your Scout planner for the year ahead.

So grab your pens and start circling the dates on your family's calendar to make sure you join us for another year of Cub Scout fun!  If major updates are made, the calendar link will be updated as time permits.  Scoutbook will have the first corrections to any dates/events so be sure to ALWAYS check there FIRST!

And, to provide you a one-page printable, too. Click the calendar icon below to open a one-page Year-At-A-Glance calendar. This doesn't have details but it does at least give you Pack Meeting events highlighted for easy viewing. This one is NOT updated routinely to reflect changes so always trust Scoutbook as the event end-all-be-all.

Please note NEITHER OF THE CALENDARS INCLUDE DEN MEETINGS. Those will be shared through your den leaders in Scoutbook. 

Outdoor Activity Award and Day Camp

One of the best parts of Scouting is the outdoor program -- it's awesome and that is very intentional! Our goal is always to keep the OUT in scOUTing!

Another fun perk of being involved is collecting cool insignia and patches. The Cub Scout Outdoor Activity Award is one of those special awards that can only be earned by attending one of the District-sponsored Summer Day Camps or by attending one of the Cub Scout or Webelos Resident Camps. Resident Camps are overnight experiences held at one of the Council scout camps.  Longhorn Council is NOT hosting a resident camp this summer, so I encourage you to attend Day Camp!  

Speaking of Day Camp! Our summer day camp is organized by some great volunteers whose only wish is that your Scout has an exceptional experience.

Mustang District Summer Day Camp is held annually and is a themed 3 day day camp adventure that will take place June 13-15 (Monday - Wednesday) at Heritage Church of Christ. The cost is $60 for Scouts and $75 for non-Scouts (so, yes, your Scout can bring a friend!) If that timeframe doesn't work for you, there are other weeks available at area districts. Check those out here.

Attending Day Camp will enable your Scout to earn the Outdoor Activity Award pictured below.

Tigers, Wolves, Bears, Webelos and AOL Scouts are eligible to earn this award which is sewn onto the uniform pocket flap.

Read all about it HERE.

Because attending either Day Camp or Cub Scout/Webelos Resident Camp is a required component for earning this award, I would suggest starting work on this optional award in June after attending District Day Camp. That gives you a full year of Scouting to fulfill the remaining requirements. We have an awesome program that will allow for it to be completed easily with your continued involvement each month.


So, register NOW for MUSTANG DISTRICT DAY CAMP! REGISTER HERE

BE SURE TO REGISTER FOR YOUR SCOUTS NEXT RANK, NOT WHAT THEY ARE RIGHT NOW. 

Honor Flight Mail Call & Welcome Home

We are so honored to be partnering with Honor Flight DFW for our Community Service event.  We encourage the whole family to participate.

What is Honor Flight?  Honor Flight is a network of volunteers established for the express purpose of getting as many WWII Veterans as possible to Washington, DC to view the World War II Memorial. The Honor Flight program started in 2004 and Honor Flight DFW was established in September 2008 to bring this wonderful effort to the Dallas/Ft Worth/North Texas area. The first flight departed DFW in 2009 and, to date, Honor Flight DFW has flown over 2,000 WWII, Korean and Vietnam veterans to Washington, DC. The all expense paid, overnight trip to Washington, DC includes visits to: WWII, Korean, Vietnam, Marine (Iwo Jima), Navy and Air Force Memorials and Arlington Cemetery.

During the flight, they do "Mail Call" which is something all soldiers looked forward to in order to hear from back home. We are going to provide cards, photos and letters to those veterans aboard the trip.  During the mail call, each veteran will be provided with the individual items for each soldier to read. Their Guardians are there to assist if they need it.  My uncle was one of the Guardians on a prior flight and he said that was the first time his veteran had ever been thanked for his service.  Can you imagine?  What an impact our Pack family can have on their trip!  You can write letters, have your family draw photos... divide up the names so that everyone has something. (Oh, and Mr. Wesson on the list...  That's my uncle!)  The Honor Flight Name List is HERE

I need ALL LETTERS TO ME BY MAY 27.  I will mail them to Honor Flight. Their deadline is June 3 so I want to allow a week to get them there.

As they finish their flight itinerary and head back to DFW, we are invited with our family and friends to come welcome them home. 

If you'll notice from the list, many of these veterans are from the Vietnam conflict so this will, in essence, be their FIRST "welcome" home.  Please consider investing the time to make this happen. I get it's late, but they are worth it!  

Scouts should be in Full Field Uniform -- make signs, bring flags and let's welcome these heroes home in style!  They will arrive June 11 at 9:45 pm on Southwest Flight #6904. They are asking those attending to start arriving at 9:00 pm at the top of the escalator at Love Landing.  Park in any of the garages there at Love Field Airport.  

One website has a great tutorial on making easy signs for this event.  Check her out HERE

Bridging Graduation Ceremony is tomorrow

 The culmination and celebration of a year of hard work is something Pack 1910 leaders and scouts look forward to each year. Our annual bridging celebration is definitely one of our most anticipated events. Can you believe it is THIS SUNDAY?!  All rank and advancements that were entered into Scoutbook by the deadline have been approved. Thank you to everyone for getting those in.

The Scouts will begin with a graduation ceremony where they bridge to their new ranks. We will be in the amphitheater next to the Scouthouse -- bring chairs for you and your family.  Everything starts at 3 pm. So, please have them present in their full field uniform by then. We will present all of the remaining awards earned to date and then by den they will bridge to their new ranks, receiving their new neckerchiefs and slides. EVERYONE bridges and crosses to their new rank.

A gentle reminder that this will serve as the last Pack "Meeting" until September. We will distribute our Summer Calendar of events via e-mail and cover some of the fun activities at bridging but anything else we do in the summer counts as a summertime event toward earning the National Summertime Award.

So, to remind you:

WHO: Pack 1910 Scouts and their families
WHAT: Bridging Graduation 
WHERE:  Scout House amphitheater 
WHEN:  Sunday, May 15 at 3 pm

• Scouts should arrive in full field uniform
• Please remember to bring drinks and chairs for your family
• RSVP on Scoutbook

Did I mention to bring drinks for your family?

Oh yeah, and chairs, too

Last but not least – Don’t forget to bring your cameras!

If you have any questions, please contact your den leaders. Thanks to EVERYONE for a great 2021-2022

Texas Rangers BSA Scout Weekend

  

Attention all Rangers fans! The BSA weekend has been announced at Globe Life Field -- June 3-5. 

There is not one, not two, but THREE games to choose from! You'll get to watch the Texas Rangers take on the Seattle Mariners. 

Friday, June 3 at 7:05pm

Saturday, June 4 at 3:05 pm

Sunday, June 5 at 1:35 pm

Those in uniform attending on Sunday will be able to participate in a pre-game parade around the warning track - you will need to be there an hour early. See information on the flyer below (click the image to open full-sized flyer or download to your computer).

Everyone who orders their tickets through the form will receive a commemorative scout patch for their brag vest (while supplies last). A photo of the patch is available on the registration form. Pricing varies depending on where you want to sit.

Those interested in attending are encouraged to get your ticket registration forms in SOONER rather than later. Dens that would like to participate together need to submit their orders TOGETHER to ensure that the seats are all in the same area otherwise the orders will be processed on a first come, first served basis. This will need to be organized at the den level by den leaders or a volunteering parent.

We have designated Sunday as the Pack day for those that want to attend together for a summer event.

Happy Mother's Day

 

Happy Mother's Day to all the Akela Moms out there in Pack 1910! We owe you so much for not only putting up with the stinky, smoke-laden camp-out clothes to the finding of lost whatchamacallits...

...from the rides back and forth to den and Pack meetings to the planning of advancement

...from the recording of adventures to the patience of letting them learn to do their best even though you can do it faster

...from the selling of popcorn to volunteering for those little tasks to unburden the leadership

...from the smiles of support and encouragement to the mentoring of tomorrow's leaders

...from the snacks for den meetings to the last-minute projects to help fulfill

...from the sewing of patches to the labeling of all things

...from greeting at the registration tables to the finder of lost woggles

...from the input and feedback that makes our Pack grow to the simple things like meeting set up and breakdown

...for pitching in to do what we all do best... provide that maternal instinct to nurture, grow and protect.  Today, we celebrate you!

From all of our leadership... THANK YOU AND HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

Happy Mother's Day to the Lion moms who have jumped into this new program because you knew it was something your little cubs would benefit from! You're already taking steps to ensure that this is the best program for him! We appreciate you!

Happy Mother's Day to the Tiger moms who have pounced on the opportunity fearlessly and helped turn this into something their Scouts want to be a part of! We appreciate you!

Happy Mother's Day to the Wolf moms who are learning their way more and more through the program and start to realize the importance of YOU are the core of what makes our Unit thrive. We appreciate you!

Happy Mother's Day to the Bear moms who are learning now that the program is designed to lead these young Cubs into the steps of independence. Staying ever so close... but allowing them more opportunities to grow in the wild! We appreciate you!

And... last but not least...

Happy Mother's Day to our Webelos moms who are now learning to step back and let the Scouts experience the program as it was meant to be... supervised learning by doing. They're on the precipice of learning to lead each other. Just like the superheroes of the past, you've equipped them with the right equipment in their toolbelt by effectively letting the program teach them to be self-reliant! We appreciate you!


Simply put, we just couldn't do it without our MOMS!! I read a quote somewhere that said, "God couldn't be everywhere, so he created mothers." May your day be blessed!

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!