November 2015 Newsletter

Scout Law:  Reverent
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Theme:  Winter Wonderland
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Roundtable Blog:  elkhorncubs.blogspot.com

LDS Scouting Handbook:  https://www.lds.org/bc/content/shared/english/young-men/35814_scout-handbook_eng.pdf?lang=eng
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Upcoming Events

Basic Training

Old Juniper District:  Friday, Nov. 20, 6:30 pm - 10 pm.  LDS Smithfield Church Building, 451 S. 250 E., Smithfield.

Elkhorn District:  Saturday, January 9, 8 am - 12 pm.  110 S Main, Millville.

Den Chief Conference:  Saturday, December 12, 8:30 am - 12:30 pm.  300 S 345 E, Smithfield.  For all Den Chiefs.  For more information, call Dale Bright at 258-2908.

Baden-Powell University:  Saturday, Nov. 14, Weber State University.  Cost is $15 early registration, or $20 at the door.  Register at trappertrails.org.  BPU is supplemental training for all adult leaders.

Day Camp:  You can begin registering for 2016 Day Camp on December 1, 2015, at trappertrails.org

District Award of Merit:  The District Award of Merit is a council award presented by districts to nominated Scouters.  The award is available to Scouters who render service of an outstanding nature at the district level.  Find the online nomination form at https://www.trappertrails.org/districtawardofmerit.  Nominations are due by the end of January.  
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Training Highlight:  Scout's Own or Interfaith Worship Service
The Scout Law teaches, "A Scout is reverent.  A Scout is reverent toward God.  He is faithful in his religious duties.  He respects the beliefs of others."  It is important that Scouts be taught to recognize the beliefs of other Scouts and to respect those beliefs.
Scouts' Own is an inspirational, informal ceremony held as part of Scouting activities.
A Scouts' Own service is usually short, often lasting no longer than 15 minutes. They are made up of a mixture of readings, prayers, reflections and music. Many Scouts' Owns are based on a particular theme, such as friendship, using resources wisely, or fairness. This might be connected to a certain event or occasion.

The BSA no longer officially uses the term Scouts' Own, preferring "outdoor worship service" or "interfaith worship service."
Writing in 1928, Baden-Powell described his views on the subject:
"For an open Troop, or for Troops in camp, I think the Scouts' Own should be open to all denominations, and carried on in such a manner as to offend none. There should not be any special form, but it should abound in the right spirit, and should be conducted not from any ecclesiastical point of view, but from that of the boy. Everything likely to make an artificial atmosphere should be avoided. We do not want a kind of imposed Church parade, but a voluntary uplifting of their hearts by the boys in thanksgiving for the joys of life, and a desire on their part to seek inspiration and strength for greater love and service for others.
A Scouts' Own should have as big an effect on the boys as any service in church, if in conducting the Scouts' Own we remember that boys are not grown men, and if we go by the pace of the youngest and most uneducated of those present. Boredom is not reverence, nor will it breed religion.
To interest the boys, the Scout's Own must be a cheery and varied function. Short hymns (three verses are as a rule quite enough-never four); understandable prayers; a good address from a man who really understands boys (a homily "talk" rather than an address), which grips the boys, and in which they may laugh or applaud as the spirit moves them, so that they take a real interest in what is said. If a man cannot make his point to keen boys in ten minutes he ought to be shot! If he has not got them keen, it would be better not to hold a Scouts' Own at all."

Each rank has a Duty to God requirement as a Core Adventure.  Some of those requirements can be completed by holding an interfaith worship service as a den or pack activity.

• Tiger:  Participate in a worship experience or activity with your family.
• Wolf:  Learn and sing a song that could be sung in reverence before or after meals or one that gives encouragement, reminds you of how to show reverence, or demonstrates your duty to God.  Offer a prayer, meditation, or reflection with your family, den, or pack.
• Bear:  Attend a religious service, den or pack meeting worship service, or time of family reflection and discussion about your family's beliefs.
• Webelos:  Help plan, support, or actively participate in a service of worship or reflection.  Show reverence during the service.
• Arrow of Light:  N/A

There are many resources available on the internet to help you plan an interfaith service.  Here are links to a few:

• http://troop813.tripod.com/adobe/reverent/sctsown.pdf  A compilation of prayer, poems, and thoughts to be used at an interfaith ceremony.
• http://www.scouting.org/filestor/pdf/Interfaithservice.pdf  A 2 pg compilation provided by the BSA.
• http://scoutdocs.ca/Documents/Scouts_Own.php  What is a Scout's Own?
• http://www.macscouter.com/scoutsown/  The Macscouter's Big "A Scout is Reverent" Resource Book

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Resource of the Month:  praypub.org

Spirituality has been an integral part of the international Scouting movement since its inception.  While Scouting is a non-denominational organization, it has strong ties to various religious organizations.  As early as 1908, Scouting founder Robert Baden-Powell wrote in the first Scout handbook that, "No man is much good unless he believes in God and obeys His laws."  The Scouting movement allows each boy, den, pack, or troop its own freedom to worship God in his own way while promoting each scout to become strong members in his individual faith.  To help promote this spiritual growth among the boys, each faith has its own special award that a boy can earn, each with its own requirements.

You may have a Cub Scout that comes into your pack that may not be LDS.  Give them the opportunity to earn the religious knot for their denomination.  You can find the requirements for the religious knots for each denomination at praypub.org. 

P.R.A.Y. stands for Programs of Religious Activities with Youth.  P.R.A.Y. is best known for religious awards programs.  The P.R.A.Y. program helps young people to develop a deeper relationship with God and to understand how God is active in their lives and in the world around them.  You can find information about all the religious emblems offered to Scouts by clicking on "Partnerships" on the left side, then Boy Scouts of America. Click on "Duty to God Brochure" to find out what each religion's award looks like and the name of the award.  You can find the brochures with the specific requirements for each religion at the Scout Shop, or from the religious leader.  There are presentation scripts to make it easy to introduce a duty to God program to your pack or troop.

Please note:  The Religious awards are awards of the various denominations, they are NOT Scouting awards. A boy should be able to find a counselor for his faith at his church. If his particular local church does not have anyone who is knowledgeable about the awards, then either someone from your pack could help someone in the boy's church learn about the award or your local Council can help find a counselor or someone to help the local church.

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Patch of the Month:  Religious Emblems Awards

These awards are not Scouting awards but are offered by religious organizations.  To earn the awards, boys work with their religious leaders and family members.  To encourage members to grow stronger in their faith, religious groups have developed the religious emblems programs.  The Boys Scouts of America has approved of these programs and allows the emblems to be worn on the official uniform.  The various religious groups administer the programs.  Check with your local council service center, or at www.scoutstuff.org or contact the religious organizations directly to obtain the curriculum booklets.

Most Cub Scout religious emblems consist of a bar pin and pendant, and are awarded by religious groups.  Boys should also be recognized at their pack meeting with Scouting's universal religious square knot.  The square knot may be worn on the uniform above the left pocket.

Religious awards programs are uniquely designed to build assets in youth and adult leaders.  Of course, the primary goal of religious awards is to help children grow stronger in faith, but a secondary goal is to help families and faith communities build positive assets in children.  When young people work alongside counselors, mentors, and religious leaders, and when parents are encouraged to share their faith with their children, the religious awards programs help provide support mechanisms in their lives.  The Religious Award program for LDS packs is the Faith in God program.  Encourage non-LDS boys in your pack to talk to their religious leaders to get information on the religious award program for their faith.

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Pack Resource Sheet for December 2015

Scout Law: Reverent

A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others.

Theme: Winter Wonderland

As winter comes, it brings with it a wonderland of snow, peace, beauty, and holidays. Many of us come from different backgrounds and celebrate different traditions; each of our traditions gives us an identity, a sense of belonging. When we share our traditions and accept the traditions of others, we expand our circle so that everyone feels that they belong. Whether we celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or none of these, sharing valued traditions and holding true to what they stand for will help us understand others. But no matter who we are or how we celebrate, everyone in Scouting is part of a great organization that has taught us to show reverence for others and their beliefs.

Preopening Activity: Christmas Card Puzzle

Materials: Cut an old Christmas card for each player into irregular pieces to form a puzzle, and put the pieces in an envelope. As each Cub Scout arrives, give him an envelope to see if he can put the card back together on a table top or other surface.

Preopening Activity: Stained Glass Snowflakes

Materials: Basket-style coffee filters, scissors, markers (not waterproof), spray bottle

Each person colors lightly on a coffee filter, then folds the filter in half, then in half 2 more times. Cut the folded filter like you would a snowflake. Open the filter, spray lightly with the spray bottle. The colors will bleed together, looking like stained glass.

Opening Ceremony: December

#1: December is a fun time of the year. It is a time for giving and sharing.

#2: As we gather for the last pack meeting for this year, let us remember the good times.

#3: Let us end this year with new determination to keep the Cub Scout spirit going.

#4; As we begin our program tonight, let us keep in mind the true holiday spirit.

#5: Remember, to give of yourself is more important than any gift you can buy.

CM: Please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.

Song: Cub Scout Prayer

Tune: O Tannenbaum

Lord, in this evening hour I pry

For strength to do my best each day.

Draw near to me that I may see

The kind of Cub Scout I should be.

In serving others, let me see

That I am only serving Thee.

Bless me, oh Lord, in thy great love,

That I may be a better Cub.

Song: He'll Be Driving Eight Brown Reindeer When He Comes

Tune: She'll Be Coming 'Round the Mountain

He'll be driving eight brown reindeer when he come.

He'll be driving eight brown reindeer when he comes.

He'll be driving eight brown reindeer,

He'll be driving eight brown reindeer,

He'll be driving eight brown reindeer when he comes.

Other verses

He'll be coming down the chimney when he comes.

He'll be dressed up in a red suit when he comes.

We'll all peek out to see him when he comes.

We'll give him milk and cookies when he comes.

Advancement Ceremony: Unique Snowflakes

Materials: Large paper snowflake, small snowflakes with awards attached.

CM (Holding the large snowflake): This giant snowflake is a symbol of the wonder of

the winter season. No two snowflakes are alike, and each is one of the most beautiful objects formed by nature. In the same way, every Cub Scout is a unique wonder, learning and progressing through life in his own way. Tonight, we have Cub Scouts who are creating their own singular designs in life by traveling further along the Cub Scout trail. (Call boys and parents forward and present with snowflake awards)

Cheers

Eskimo Cheer: Brrrr, brrr!

Christmas Bells: Pretend to hold a bell rope. When you pull on the rope, the left side of the audience says “Ding!” on the down stroke and the right side says “Dong!” on the up stroke.

Winter Cheer: “Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!”

Audience Participation: How to Build a Snowman

Preparation: Pass around index cards in advance, with color, adjective (3), article of clothing, noun (7), number between 1 and 10, body part, vegetable or liquid written on it. Each person writes a word on their card that fits that description and turns it into the CM.

Narrator: First, wait for the perfect snow. Once you have (color), (adjective) snow, you should make sure you’re dressed warmly enough. Make sure to put on your (clothing) and (noun).

Once you get outside, make (#) snowballs and then start rolling.

It’s best to make them different sizes. Make a really big one, a (adjective) one, and a smaller one for the head. Then add two pieces of (noun) for the eyes and three pieces of (noun)for the buttons.

(Noun)will work just fine if you can’t find any coal. Some people like to add a (noun) around the snowman’s (body part). Add a (noun) on top of its head. And don’t forget the (vegetable) nose! When you’re done, you should reward yourself for all your (adjective) work with a big (noun) of steaming (liquid).

Cubmaster's Minute:

“We are all like snowflakes, all unique in our own special way. And just as no two snowflakes are alike, no two people are exactly the same. We show reverence for all those we come in contact with: reverence for one’s beliefs, reverence for one’s belongings, and reverence for one’s privacy. In doing so, we show reverence for ourselves.”

Closing Ceremony:

Have you ever caught a snowflake on a black piece of paper and studied it?  It is so delicate and fragile that it melts almost before you can pick out its unique shape and structure.  And it is unique, because each snowflake forms its own pattern of crystals in a six-sided shape.  No two are exactly alike.  There may be some that are similar, but none are the same.

Each of you created a snowflake tonight.  Look at the variety and differences.  Each of you started out with the same materials, but you created something that is truly unique.
Every person is unique, too.  You may have your Mom's eyes, or your Dad's sense of humor.  You may even be a twin and look so much alike that people have trouble telling you apart.  But you are different in the things you like, the things you think, and the way you live your lives.  You have your own unique contribution to make to the world.  You have your own unique gifts and talents that will benefit you and those around you.  You have your own unique style, laugh, dreams, and strengths.
One snowflake will melt in an instant.  But think of what happens when all those snowflakes are together in one place at one time.  A pile of snow can make a ski jump, block a highway, or collapse a roof.  A mountain of snow can provide water for a town for the whole summer, or carve the sides of a canyon.  A lot of snow can accomplish things one snowflake can't, but it takes all of them working together to be successful.
Let's unite ourselves, each unique individual, and work towards the common goals of citizenship, service, physical and spiritual strength, and brotherhood, and see what a contribution we can make to the world.  Let's stand and repeat the Scout Oath and the Scout Law.

Game: Indoor Snowball Fight

Materials: 30 or more crumpled balls of paper. A line separating the room into 2 halves.

Divide the participants groups, in both halves of the room. Place the “snowballs” (crumpled balls of paper) on the dividing line. At the word “Go!”, the participants grab the balls of paper and throw them to the other side. After 2-5 minutes, say “Stop!” The side with the least amount of “snowballs” wins.

Game: Penguin Shuffle
This is an Indoor race that challenges kids' balancing skills - penguin style.

Materials: Beanbag or Hacky Sack-style footbag
Have children stand side by side with their "eggs" (beanbags or Hacky Sack-style footbags) on top of their feet. Players try to shuffle across the room without dropping their "eggs." The first one to succeed wins.

You can find a bunch of other indoor winter game ideas here: http://www.kidactivities.net/category/seasonal-winter-inside-games.aspx

Pack Resource Sheet for November

Scout Law: Helpful

A Scout volunteers to help others without expecting a reward.

Theme: Cubs in Action

It is never too early in our lives to begin helping other people. Scouting has promoted being helpful to others since it began in 1907 in England. William D. Boyce saw this in action on that foggy night in London, when a Scout helped him find his way. Boyce was so impressed that the Scout helped him and refused a reward that he incorporated the Scouting program in America in 1910.

Our Cub Scouts find active ways to help others in their neighborhoods and spread the goodwill of Scouting. By teaching and living the Scout slogan to “Do a Good Turn Daily,” we are keeping the third point of the Scout Law- Helpful.

Gathering Activity: Helping Hands

Materials: paper, pencil, scissors

Trace hand, and cut out. Write service you will do during the week, one act per finger. Fold fingers over as you do the act of service. Or, make the hand into a turkey by cutting out a body shape and gluing it on the hand shape.

Opening Ceremony: Helping Other People

#1: Being helpful to others means picking up something someone has dropped without being asked.

#2: Being helpful to others means playing with a younger brother or sister while Mom is busy.

#3: Being helpful to others means telling a friend he did a great job when he did his best.

#4: Being helpful to others means shoveling snow or sweeping leaves off a walkway for someone who is not able.

#5: Being helpful to others means doing simple everyday things like smiling, or difficult things like fighting for our country.

#6: The people throughout history who have kept our country free were helpful to others like you and me. As we pledge our allegiance to the flag let us be glad that Americans are always helpful to others.

Song: When You're Helping And You Know It

Tune: If You're Happy And You Know It

When you're helping and you know it lend a hand

When you're giving and you show it things are grand.

If you're helping and you're giving

Then you help make life worth living.

Keep on helping, keep on giving, take a stand.

Rank Advancement Ceremony: To Help Other People at all Times

Materials: 1 large candle, small candles for each scout earning a rank advancement.

CM: “To help other people at all times.” That's part of the Scout Oath. Helping other people is part of what it means to be a good neighbor. We have to help and look out for each other.

Asst. CM: To open our ceremony, I am going to light the large, single candle that represents the spirit of Scouting that is present in this room tonight.

CM: Tonight, we are recognizing several Scouts who, with the help of their mothers, fathers, den leaders, and others have met the requirements for advancement to the next rank.

Asst. CM: Will the following Cub Scouts please come forward with their parents? Will each parent please share in lighting the Cub Scout light with their son? This candle represents the Scout spirit in each of you, your willingness to always be helpful, and your desire to have that spirit light your way as you continue on your Scouting journey.

CM: The third point of the Scout Law is Helpful. Being helpful is one of the ways we do our duty to others. As a Cub Scout, you should always do your best to help others. I will now present each boy's badge of rank for parents to present to their sons. As you blow out your candles, remember that each of you is filled with the Scout spirit, and each of you can make a difference by being helpful at all times.

Cheers:

Do a Good Turn: Have the group stand up. Everyone claps once, then moves a quarter turn and claps again. Repeat until they have completed a full turn.

Grand Applause: While sitting, stomp feet 3 times, slap legs 3 times, then stand and shout “Hurrah!”

Big Hand: Hold up hand in the air, like you're giving a high five.

Big Hand with Feeling: Hold up hand in the air, like you're giving a high five, then tickle the palm with the other hand.

Heart & Sole: Clap your chest with one hand and the sole of your shoe with the other.

Audience Participation: Helping Others

Lights: “Blink, blink, blink”

Cub Scout: "Do Your Best"

Helping Other People: "Warm Fuzzy"

Pack: Yell the Pack Number

Old Lady: "No, I Don't Want To Go"

Tree: "Ahhhhhhhhh"

Once upon a time, in a CUB SCOUT PACK a CUB SCOUT was learning about HELPING OTHER PEOPLE. The CUB SCOUT helped an OLD LADY across the street. But the OLD LADY did not want the CUB SCOUT to help her. The OLD LADY did not care that the CUB SCOUT had been learning about HELPING OTHER PEOPLE or that the CUB SCOUT and his PACK had set out to do good deeds. The OLD LADY just wanted to get a TREE. But the CUB SCOUT and his PACK were learning about HELPING OTHER PEOPLE and really wanted to HELP OTHER PEOPLE and so the CUB SCOUT helped the OLD LADY across the street. The OLD LADY thought what kind of a PACK is this? The OLD LADY just wanted her TREE and pretty LIGHTS. The CUB SCOUT said, "Nice OLD LADY, my CUB SCOUT PACK and I are learning about HELPING OTHER PEOPLE. I'll help you get your TREE and put your pretty LIGHTS on, if you will just let me learn about HELPING OTHER PEOPLE by getting you across this busy street". The OLD LADY sighed and smiled and said "Thank you".

Cubmaster's Minute: Do More

We can do more by our actions to show a Scout is Helpful.

Do more than belong. Participate.

Do more than care. Help.

Do more than believe. Practice.

Do more than be fair. Be kind.

Do more than forgive. Forget.

Do more than dream. Work.

Do more than teach. Inspire.

Do more than live. Grow.

Do more than be friendly. Be a friend.

Do more than give. Serve.

Closing Ceremony: Being Helpful has no Limits

Five Cub Scouts hold posters with these images on the front: a clock, a calendar, a globe or map, an elephant, a picture showing Scouts of all ranks.

#1 (clock): Being Helpful is the right choice no matter what time of day or night it is.

#2 (calendar): And it doesn't matter what month it is. Our actions should always show that Scouts are Helpful!

#3 (globe or map): It also doesn't matter where you are. Scouts are Helpful around the world!

#4 (elephant): The Dr. Seuss story “Horton Hears a Who” shows that it doesn't matter what size you are. You can be Helpful to others.

#5 (Scouts): No matter what rank you are in Scouts, always remember that a Scout is Helpful and his actions show kindness and compassion!

Game: Tug-of-Peace

Materials: rope

This game emphasizes the importance of working together to solve a problem. Cub Scouts sit in a circle holding on to a rope placed inside the circle in front of their feet. The ends of the rope are tied together to make a huge loop. If everyone pulls at the same time, the entire group should be able to come to a standing position.

Project: Give Goodwill

Materials: You will need a small box wrapped in 10 or more layers of wrapping paper (or tissue paper or newspaper). On each layer, write the word GOODWILL.

The players sit or stand on the floor in a circle with one player holding the box, ready to give GOODWILL. When the leader starts the music, the players keep giving GOODWILL by passing the box around the circle as quickly as possible. When the music stops, the player holding it unwraps one layer of paper. Continue in this way until the box has been completely unwrapped. If desired, place a small prize or treat for the fortunate player who removes the last layer to share.

October 2015 Newsletter

Scout Law:  Helpful
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Theme:  Cubs in Action
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Roundtable Blog:  elkhorncubs.blogspot.com  You can find the monthly newsletter, pack resource sheet, and extra ideas here!  Make sure to share your ideas in the comments, or send me an email (cachescrappers@gmail.com) and I'll post your idea!
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The LDS Scout Handbook for Church Units in the United States can be found online at https://www.lds.org/bc/content/shared/english/young-men/35814_scout-handbook_eng.pdf?lang=eng. 

This handbook outlines guidelines and policies relating to Scouting programs in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Bishoprics and Young Men, Primary, and Scouting leaders should be familiar with this information as they administer Scouting programs in the ward.
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Upcoming Events

Basic Training

Old Ephraim District:  Saturday, Oct. 24, 8 am - 12 pm, 940 Three Point Ave, Logan.

Old Juniper District:  Friday, Nov. 20, 6:30 - 10 pm, 451 S 250 E, Smithfield.

Baden-Powell University:  Saturday, Nov. 14, Weber State University.  Cost is $15 early registration, or $20 at the door.  Register at trappertrails.org.  BPU is supplemental training for all adult leaders.

Day Camp:  You can begin registering for 2016 Day Camp on December 1, 2015, at trappertrails.org.

District Award of Merit:  Nomination deadline is Dec. 31st.  You can find the online nomination form at https://www.trappertrails.org/districtawardofmerit.

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Light a Fire!

Light a Fire! is a program produced by the Elkhorn District to promote trained leaders.  The requirements are:

• Attend 6 Roundtables
• Complete Youth Protection training, or be current.
• Complete Leader Specific training for your position.
• Complete Introduction to Outdoor Leadership training.  (Not required for Cub Scout Leaders)
• Complete Weather Hazards training (online).
• Complete This is Scouting training.
• Link your training profile on scouting.org.

When you have completed the above requirements, turn in your scorecard to Blake Clark, the District Executive for Elkhorn District, at the Logan Scout Office.
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Youth Protection Training
Have you completed your Youth Protection training?  Let's get everyone 100% trained!

• Youth Protection training is required for all BSA registered volunteers.
• Youth Protection training must be taken every two years. If a volunteer’s Youth Protection training record is not current at the time of recharter, the volunteer will not be reregistered.

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Training Highlight:  Boy's Life magazine

Boy's Life is a monthly magazine published by the Boy Scouts of America.  The mission of Boys' Life magazine is to entertain and educate America's youth and to open their eyes to the joyous world of reading. This is accomplished through a proven mix of news, nature, sports, history, fiction, science, comics, and Scouting. A special edition is published for Cub Scouts, with age- and program-specific content and feature articles.

Why Scouts (and Parents and Leaders) Like Boys' Life

• Good reading. Boys' Life is an entertaining mix of exciting stories and valuable information. Boys like reading Boys' Life. Parents can always be confident that the content of the magazine is wholesome, entertaining, and educational.
• Faster advancement. Boys' Life follows the Cub Scouting-recommended program themes each month. Boys' Life subscribers achieve rank advancements faster and more often than nonsubscribers.
• Increased family support. Leaders appreciate that Boys' Life goes into the home and stimulates support for Scouting from parents and brothers and sisters. Many family members read all or part of Boys' Life.
• Longer tenure. Scouts who subscribe to Boys' Life stay in Scouting longer than nonsubscribers—on average, two and a half times longer than nonsubscribers.
• "Just part of Scouting." Boys' Life is an essential element, helping leaders and parents foster the development of young people in Scouting. Boys' Life shows the outcomes of the BSA's values-based programs. It brings a positive Scouting image to readers and alumni.

Using Boy's Life in your den and pack

• The magazine can suggest gathering activities such as puzzles and games.
• The regular sections "Dink and Duff," "Scouts in Action," and "Think and Grin" are often excellent sources for skits and stories at pack meetings and campfires.
• Jokes for meeting sparklers.
• Physical games (versus word games).

100% Boy's Life
Packs can earn the 100% Boy's Life ribbon for the pack flag and receive a "100% Boy's Life" Journey to Excellence patch.  (This means one subscription per family, not per scout)  Boys can subscribe directly from the boyslife.org website, or get a special rate by subscribing through the pack.

boyslife.orgThe Boys' Life Web site contains information about the current issue, games to play, projects to download, contests, and more.

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Patch of the Month:  Messengers of Peace

Program Overview

Launched in September 2011, Messengers of Peace is a global initiative designed to inspire millions of young men and women in more than 220 countries and territories to work toward peace. Using state-of-the-art social media, the initiative lets Scouts from around the world share what they’ve done and inspire fellow Scouts to undertake similar efforts in their own communities. The initiative is inspired by the World Scout Committee, administered by the World Scout Bureau, and driven by youth volunteers worldwide.

Defining Peace

In terms of the MOP initiative, peace encompasses three dimensions:

1. The personal dimension: harmony, justice, and equality
2. The community dimension: peace as opposed to hostility or violent conflict
3. Relationships between humankind and its environment: security, social and economic welfare, and relationship with the environment

Any Scout or Scouter who participates in a project that has had a significant impact on the community in any one of the three dimensions above can qualify as a Messenger of Peace.

Submitting Projects

Submitting MOP-related projects is easy for BSA units. All they need to do is check the Messengers of Peace box when entering a service project through the Journey to Excellence website (www.scouting.org/Awards/JourneyToExcellence). Doing so will add the project to the map on the Messengers of Peace website (http://scoutmessengers.com) and will generate a unit certificate.

Recognition Item

Any Scout or Scouter who participates in a qualifying project is eligible to wear a Messengers of Peace ring patch around the World Crest on his or her uniform. A unit representative can purchase these ring patches at a local Scout shop, council service center, or Scoutstuff.org.
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Resource of the Month:  Guide to Advancement 2015

The current edition of the Guide to Advancement is the official source for administering advancement in all Boy Scouts of America programs.  You can find information on significant changes to advancement, FAQs, advancement for special needs scouts, advancement defined, unit advancement responsibilities, internet advancement reporting, and the mechanics of advancement in Cub Scouting (and all other ranks).  You can purchase a copy at the Scout Shop or download it at http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/33088.pdf. 
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Scouting Outing:  Service Projects

The foundation for helping boys become good citizens is to teach them the value of service to others.  Individual, den, and pack service activities all help Cub Scouts grow into caring, responsible citizens.  Service activities may help the natural world, the community, or the chartered organization.

When planning service activities for Cub Scouts, consider that service activities

• Should be genuinely useful
• Should get young people directly involved with the people they're helping
• May be challenging but must be appropriate for the developmental level of the boys
• Should include a clear explanation about what needs to be done
• Require good supervision from caring, well-informed adults
• Should end with a time for reflection so boys can evaluate the positive effect of what they have experienced

Service projects related to conservation will help Cub Scouts and Webelos complete many advancement requirements for adventure loops and pins.  Conservation service projects conducted by the den or pack are also a requirement for the Cub Scout World Conservation Award.

What Adventures require a service project?

• Team Tiger 5 (Tiger)
• Earning Your Stripes 6 (Tiger)
• Good Knights 5 (Tiger)
• Council Fire 4 (Wolf)
• Fellowship and Duty to God 2a (Bear)
• Paws for Action 3b (Bear)
• Webelos Walkabout 7 (Webelos)
• Duty to God in Action 2e (Arrow of Light)
• Aware and Care 7a, g (Webelos/Arrow of Light)
• Project Family 5 (Webelos/Arrow of Light)

Here are suggestions of some service activities appropriate for Cub Scout-age boys:

• Helping the natural world:  pick up litter, plant trees or flowers, recycle, make bird feeders
• Helping the community:  provide a flag ceremony, collect food, make cards, pick up litter, shovel snow or rake leaves, distribute voting reminders, distribute emergency procedure brochures, recycle
• Helping the chartered organization:  conduct a clean up project, plant and care for trees, provide a flag ceremony, help set up or take down for a special event, distribute programs or bulletins at a meeting of the organization

Staying safe

• Conduct projects during daylight hours
• Wear appropriate gear (work gloves, reflective vests, etc.)
• Arrange for adequate adult supervision
• Age-appropriate activities

Spirits Fire Pit Ceremony

 This is the Opening Ceremony that Don Smart performed at the Roundtable BBQ in July.

CM stands before an unlit fire.  He then says the following:
There are spirits here!
The South Wind has brought the spirit of the BOBCAT.  He is Resourceful.  He can exist in the harshest environments.
The North Wind has brought the spirit of the WOLF.  He runs free and is loyal to the Pack.
The East Wind has brought the spirit of the BEAR.  He is brave.  No other animal will challenge him.
The West Wind has brought the spirit of the WEBELOS which is the spirit of the Eagle.  He can fly high and have a better perspective of his surroundings.
From above is the Great Spirit.  He is the source of Wisdom and Knowledge, Truth and Light.
And may we relieve his LIGHT!  (Light the fire.)

Pack Meeting Plans 2015-2017 Chart

PACK MEETING PLANS 2015-2017

Month	2015-2016 Theme	2015-2016 Scout Law	2016-2017 Theme	2016-2017 Scout Law
September	Cubservation	Clean	To the Rescue	Helpful
October	Super Cub!	Brave	Creepy Crawlers	Kind
November	Cubs in Action	Helpful	Cubs in Shining Armor	Courteous
December	Winter Wonderland	Reverent	Celebrate	Cheerful
January	The Great Race	Trustworthy	Cub Scout City Council	Obedient
February	Friends Near and Far	Friendly	Passport to Other Lands	Reverent
March	Cubstruction	Thrifty	Our National Treasures	Loyal
April	Strike Up the Band	Cheerful	Power Up	Thrifty
May	My Animal Friends	Kind	A Picnic With Pizzazz	Clean
June	Play Ball	Obedient	Roaming Reptile Alert	Brave
July	Scout Salute	Loyal	Let the Games Begin	Trustworthy
August	S'More Cub Scout Fun	Courteous	#Cub Scouts	Friendly