Monday, November 7, 2016

Pack Resource Sheet November 2016

Scout Law: Courteous
A Scout is courteous. A Scout is polite to everyone. He knows that good manners make it easier for people to get along together.

Theme: Cubs in Shining Armor
A Scout knows good manners make it easier for people to get along together. The word “courteous” is an old English word that comes from the time of knights. Many associate chivalry and graciousness with a knight in shining armor because of their code of conduct. The knight’s code of conduct extols these virtues, ensuring that a Cub Scout in shining armor will exhibit courtesy to all.

Gathering Activity: Find the King's Treasure
Hide small golden coins. Explain to the guests that the Royal Treasure has been scattered throughout the Kingdom. They must retrieve the coins and place them back into the treasure chest (a foil covered shoe box). After the coins are collected, reward each boy with a baggie of gold foil covered chocolate coins.

Opening Ceremony: A Shining Meeting
Personnel: Half the den will dress as knights, half will be Cub Scouts.
Props: Knights hold scrolls on which their parts are written.
Setup: Flags are posted at the front. Knights enter from one side, Cub Scouts from the other.
Cub #1: Hey, who are you?
Knight #1: We are knights in shining armor from days of yore. Who are you?
Cub #2: We are Cub Scouts. We have to practice the Scout Law.
Knight #2: We are practicing the Knight's Code of Chivalry.
Knight #3: Be always ready with your armor on, except when you are taking your rest at night. At whatever you are working, try to win honor and a name for honesty.
Cub #3: On my honor I will do my best...
Knight #4: Be prepared to fight in the defense of your country...
Cub #4: To do my duty to God and my country...
Knight #5: Defend the poor and help them that cannot defend themselves. Do nothing to hurt or offend anyone.
Cub #5: To help other people at all times...
Knight #6: Never break your promise.
Cub #6: To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.
Knight #7: Chivalry requires that youth be trained to perform the most laborious and humble offices with cheerfulness and grace, and do good unto others.
Cub #7: Just like Cub Scouts!

Song: Cubs Quest
Tune: This Old Man
Knights of old, stories tell,
Lived their code of honor well.
Helpfulness and loyalty their call,
And to show respect to all.

Like the knights, Cubs today,
Pledge to live a helpful way.
To honor God and country is our quest,
And we try to do our best!

Advancement Ceremony: A Knight's Tale
CM: Once upon a time there were a group of boys who wanted to be knights. Unfortunately, there were no more knights around to train them. However, they did find a Den Leader, who was able to train them in the basics of being a Cub Scout Knight. The boys learned about the Scout Law and the Scout Oath. At the end of this training, they were awarded the Order of the Bobcat. Will (name) and his parents please come forward to be rewarded?
These eight year old boys have spent these past months continuing their training as Cub Scout Knights. They have learned many skills and performed many feats of service, and are ready to be awarded the Order of the Wolf. Will (names) and parents please come forward to be awarded?
The nine year old boys have built upon their skills and continued serving the citizens of the kingdom, and are to be awarded the Order of the Bear. Will (names) and parents please come forward?
Our ten year old boys have trained hard this year to be awarded the Order of the Webelos. Will (names) and parents please come forward?
Finally, our Cub Scout Knights have completed their training and are ready to move on to the Boy Scout Knights. They are to be awarded the Order of the Arrow of Light. Will (names) and parents please come forward to be knighted?

Cheers
Sword Applause: Pretend to draw your sword from its scabbard and swing it in front of you and yell: “Swish, swish, swoosh!”
Three Hails Cheer: (each time you say hail, thrust your fist from your heart directly toward the person you are hailing) “Hail, hail, hail!”
Knight Cheer: Pretend to ride your steed in place and yell, “Slay the Dragon!”
Royal Cheer: say “Hear ye, hear ye, ye are Great!”
Fire-breathing Dragon Cheer: “Cough, cough, my fire's out!”

Skit: Knight Inspection
Personnel: King Arthur, Sir Lancelot, guard, knights to be inspected
All knights are lined up for inspection. Just as King Arthur comes in one of the knights sneezes. King Arthur asks who sneezed. The knights all hide their heads. King Arthur sends Sir Lancelot to find the knight that sneezed. Sir Lancelot stands in front of the first knight and says, “Did you sneeze?” The knight says “No”, and Sir Lancelot says “Put him in the dungeon!” The guard takes the knight away. Sir Lancelot repeats this until all the knights are gone except the one that sneezed. He asks, “Did you sneeze?” The knight falls to his knees and says, “Yes, it was me, it was me!” Sir Lancelot turns to the King and says, “Here is the knight that sneezed, Your Majesty.” King Arthur looks at him, and says, “Bless you!”

Cubmaster's Minute: Coat of Arms
A knight of old rides toward you. The sun glints off the armor covering his head, arms and legs. Who is he? You can't tell by his face, because that's covered too. But you recognize him from the bold designs on his coat. You recognize the lions and other symbols that show what is important about him and his family. These symbols are his Coat of Arms. Knights in England and France began using them to show who they were over eight hundred years ago, and passed them down from generation to generation. Today armor is long gone, but coats of arms live on. Our coat of arms in Cub Scouting is our uniform. We wear our coat of arms proudly so that everyone will recognize us. Everyone that sees our coat of arms will know that we stand for something.

Cubmaster's Minute: Two Knights
It is sad indeed, but many times quarrels and fights break out between family and friends because of small misunderstandings. One person believes they are right and therefore the other person must be wrong. Yet, if only the would look through another's eyes, they would see that others could be right also. How could that be? Consider the following story.
Two knights happened to meet in front of an inn in a small township one day. Not finding anything better to discuss, they spoke of the sign that hung overhead. One said that the sign was gold while the other said that it was silver. Soon an argument broke out, and as the debate became even more heated, the good knights challenged each other to a duel.
The noble warriors mounted their steeds, fixed their swords, and charged at each other. Luck was with them, for even thought they both knocked each other off their horses, they both fell to the ground unhurt. Upon arising, each man found that he was looking at the opposite side of the sign for the first time. It was only then that they realized that one side of the innkeeper's sign was gold, and the other side was silver.

Closing Ceremony: No Knights About Today
Personnel: 8 Cub Scouts in costume
#1: If I had been a knight of yore,
#2: I would have opened up the door,
#3: For queens and ladies to pass through
#4: I would have been trustworthy, true.
#5: I would have ridden giant steeds,
#6: Accomplishing noteworthy deeds!
#7: Today there are no knights about,
#8: And so I have become a Scout.

Game: Catch the Dragon's Tail
Materials: neckerchief or bandanna
Players line up, one behind another. Everyone grabs the waist of the person in front of him. The last person in line tucks a neckerchief or bandanna in the back of his belt. On a signal, the dragon begins chasing its own “tail,” the person at the head of the line trying to snatch the neckerchief. When the head finally captures the tail, the head dons the neckerchief and becomes the new tail, and the second person from the front becomes the new head.

Variation: Two dragons try to catch each others tails. The dragon members will have to work together as a team to move effectively and quickly.

October 2016 Newsletter

Scout Law:  Courteous
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Theme:  Cubs in Shining Armor
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Roundtable Blog:  elkhorncubs.blogspot.com
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Upcoming Events
Basic Training
Old Ephraim:  Saturday, Oct. 15, 8 am, 940 Three Point Ave, Logan
Old Juniper:  Friday, Nov. 18, 6:30 pm, 6575 N 2400 W, Amalga
Leader Specific classes will also be taught at Baden-Powell University on Nov. 5.

LDS Relationships Conference:  Thursday, Oct. 20, 7 - 8:30 pm.  Elkhorn District will be meeting at the Providence Stake Center, 180 S 485 W, Providence to view the broadcast.  Everyone associated with Scouting is invited to attend.  Speakers will be Pres. Owen, Sister Cordon, and Elder Laing.

Baden-Powell University:  Saturday, Nov. 5, 8 am - 3 pm, Weber State University.  BPU is supplemental training for all adult volunteers.  Register online.  Cost is $15 and includes lunch.

Cub Scout STEM Activity Day:  Saturday, Nov. 5, 9 am - 3 pm, Camp Fife.  Cost is $5 per Cub Scout, includes lunch.  Parents are also invited for free.  Work on 4 STEM/NOVA awards in 7 Adventure Zones.  Register online.
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Training Highlight:  Family Involvement
What is the definition of family in Scouting?  A family is different for each scout.  It could be a mom and dad, a mom or dad, stepparents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, foster parents, etc.  Whoever a Scout's family is, that is who should be involved with him in Scouting.  Families help provide leadership and support to ensure that their Cub Scout has a good experience in the program.  Successful family involvement relies on a meaningful connection between the youth, his family, and his Cub Scouting leaders.  This connection nurtures and supports the Scout, allowing him to explore and experience all the Cub Scouting program has to offer to him.  It is a connection that understands the diversity among the families in a pack and den, the differences in cultures and socioeconomic situations.  It is a connection that works together to acknowledge that each boy's family can make an impactful contribution to his Cub Scouting activities and advancement.

How can we get parents involved and keep them involved?  Here are a few ideas:
*Give each adult a copy of the Family Talent Survey Sheet and have them fill it out and return it to you.  Invite family members to help with activities in which they have an expertise or interest.
*Specify exactly what you would like for them to do.  Creating a list of needs for your annual program year will help families sign up for a specific responsibility.
*Make sure each family member is asked personally to help.  If they sign up on the list you have created, reach out to them one-on-one, confirming their desire to help and thanking them for their support.
*Encourage them to ask questions.
*Explain how their involvement can help with the "bigger picture" of things.  For example, parents can help with fun activities so the den leader can focus on advancement and den meetings, and provide transportation.
*When a family signs up for a task, hold them accountable by checking in with a friendly tone and asking if they have any questions.;  Keep that connection strong and communication lines open at all times.
*Make sure to invite them to pack meetings each month and keep them updated on scheduled activities.

Sometimes a family is not involved enough, and sometimes a family is involved too much.  What can we as leaders do?

Too little involvement:
*Keep lines of communication open.  A visit with the family can help answer questions about missed meetings and forgotten handbooks.  There may be a sensitive situation going on at home.  Try to connect with the family and gain insight on how to support them and their Scout.
*Families that are new to Scouting might be holding back, believing they have nothing to offer, or they may misunderstand, thinking they have to be registered leaders in order to help out.  Many are simply unfamiliar with the program, and don't know that they have responsibilities helping their Scout with adventures and attending pack meetings.
*All family members have something to offer, and pack leadership must make opportunities available to them.

Too much involvement:
*Family involvement is essential to the Cub Scouting program, but when it becomes "too much of a good thing," asking those helpers to do specific tasks may help give direction.  For instance, ask a parent to help by teaching a specific knot.
*If a den leader still feels that he or she is being overrun, the Cubmaster and pack committee chair can attend a den meeting or outing and kindly remind a family member that their Scout is getting the support he needs from the Cub Scouting program and its leadership.

How is the family involved in Advancement?  Advancement is a joint effort involving the youth members, the adult leaders, and the family.  Cub Scouting uses the program delivery method of involving families in advancement.  Together with the den leader, a family member signs off on advancement each step of the way in the Tiger, Wolf and Bear handbooks.  In the Webelos Handbook, if a family members serves as a Webelos/Arrow of Light adventure counselor under the leadership of the den leader, they may sign for the requirements they helped the Scout complete.  Make sure families know when their Scout will receive an award at pack meeting, so they will be sure to be in attendance.
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Resource of the Month:  Family Talent Survey Sheet
The Family Talent Survey Sheet is a form created by the BSA for parents and adult family members to help with den and pack activities, according to their interests and abilities.  
You can find this form online at http://www.scouting.org/filestore/CubScoutMeetingGuide/PDF/Appendix/34362.pdf or by googling.
Make sure to review the forms often, and use them when planning activities.
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Patch of the Month: World Crest
An emblem of the World Organization of the Scout Movement, the World Crest may be worn by all registered youth members and adult leaders as a symbol of their membership in a worldwide Scouting brotherhood. A small amount from the sale of each emblem is sent to the World Scout Foundation to help extend Scouting in developing nations throughout the world. This adds an opportunity for each Scout to personally share indirectly in the activities of brother Scouts in other lands.
Over the years, each member national Scout organization has made use of the badge in a different manner. In 1988 the World Organization of the Scout Movement requested that every national Scout association authorize this emblem to be worn by all members to signify membership in a worldwide movement.
The emblem is worn as a permanent patch centered horizontally over the left pocket and vertically between the left shoulder seam and the top of the pocket.
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Wednesday, July 13, 2016

July 2016 Newsletter

Scout Law:  Courteous
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Theme:  S'More Cub Scout Fun
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Roundtable Blog:  elkhorncubs.blogspot.com
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Upcoming Events
Little Philmont:  Sept. 10.  Cub oriented training.  More information coming soon!
Akela's Adventure:  Sept. 16-17  More information coming soon!

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Training Highlight:  Campfire Program
A campfire is a great opportunity to put a cap on a great day of Cub Scout outdoor activities! A little careful planning and you can put together a great program. 
Note: a “Campfire” does not have to include a fire and it doesn’t even have to be dark! It’s just a gathering of Cubs, their leaders, family members, or whoever your group might be, gathered for some fun and fellowship.
A campfire should be about the Scouts – there is no reason an experienced Cub or Webelos Scout could not be the Master of Ceremonies for this event, with a little preparation and coaching. We want every scout to participate to his ability. Proper planning will help you fit the parts of the program to the scout and his ability level.
So, what is a campfire?  It's...
Fun – singing songs, performing skits, hearing stories.
Action – Action songs, hand clapping, exciting stories and group participation stunts all bring the action into your program! Entertainment – let’s have a great show! 
Training – as leaders, we can include training features – such as “How to Behave at a Campfire”, without making it seem like school, and by making it part of the fun! 
Adventure – nothing like an exciting group participation stunt, or a great story to get everyone on the edge of their seats! 
Fellowship – Gathering everyone together in a shared experience contributes to the success of your pack – and it’s a lot of fun as well! 
Inspiration – be sure to have a good “Cubmaster’s Minute” to wrap it all up before you send them on their way!
Follow the Flames:  campfires for Cubs should be about 45 – 60 minutes long, you usually won’t have to add any more wood. When the flames are high, the fire is bright – do your high energy, action parts, loud, noisy, songs with actions. Then as the fire burns down, the mood should come down – quieter songs, more reflective, maybe a story to quiet the group down. When you’re down to the coals, it’s time for a quiet story, a final slow song, and a Cubmaster Minute.
Planning is the key to a great campfire program.  Here's some tips to help your campfire run more smoothly.
Tell them – let them know, in advance if possible, what is expected at the campfire.  Make sure they know and follow the standards of the BSA. 
Use the Opening – set the mood for a great campfire with a well-planned opening ceremony. 
Use the Sign – if things get out of hand, bring the group back with the Cub Scout sign.  Just put up the sign, and wait – it’ll happen! Well-Planned, well-paced – if you prepare properly, with approved skits already selected for them to choose from, and everyone knows their place in the program using the Campfire Program Planner, there won’t be any time for shenanigans, it‘ll all flow together! 
Stop if not approved – if a group starts in with something that is not on your approved plan, just stand up, use the sign to restore order, thank them, and move on to the next group/event. 
Keep Control – the best campfires run smoothly along from one thing to the next, with minimal interruptions, and everyone has a great time!
You can find the Campfire Program Planning sheet at http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/33696.pdf.  Following this planner and using the Follow the Flames concept will keep your program smooth and stress-free.
Each rank has an Adventure that requires participation in a campfire program.
Tiger - Tigers in the Wild – Required adventure 
Wolf – Call of the Wild & Howling at the Moon – both required adventures.
Bear – Bear Necessities – required, Roaring Laughter – elective Arrow of Light – Camper – required adventure
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Patch of the Month:  Outdoor Activity Award
All Cub Scouts have the opportunity to earn the Cub Scout Outdoor Activity Award. Boys may earn the award in each of the program years as long as the requirements are completed each year. The first time the award is earned, the boy will receive the pocket flap award, which is to be worn on the right pocket flap of the uniform shirt. Each successive time the award is earned, a wolf track pin may be added to the flap. Leaders should encourage boys to build on skills and experiences from previous years when working on the award for a successive year.

Requirements

All Ranks

Attend Cub Scout day camp or Cub Scout/Webelos Scout resident camp, and do the following:

Rank-Specific

Tiger: Complete the Backyard Jungle adventure from the Tiger Handbook, and complete four of the outdoor activities listed below.
Wolf: Complete the Paws on the Path adventure from the Wolf Handbook, and complete five of the outdoor activities listed below.
Bear: Complete the Bear Necessities adventure from the Bear Handbook, and complete six of the outdoor activities listed below.
Webelos: Complete the Webelos Walkabout adventure from theWebelos Handbook, and complete seven of the outdoor activities listed below.

Outdoor Activities

These activities must be in addition to any similar activities counted for rank advancement, and can be accomplished as a family, den, or pack.
  • Participate in a nature hike in your local area. This can be on an organized, marked trail or just a hike to observe nature in your area.
  • Participate in an outdoor activity such as a picnic or park fun day.
  • Explain the buddy system and tell what to do if lost. Explain the importance of cooperation.
  • Attend a pack overnighter. Be responsible by being prepared for the event.
  • Complete an outdoor service project in your community.
  • Complete a nature/conservation project in your area. This project should involve improving, beautifying, or supporting natural habitats. Discuss how this project helped you to respect nature.
  • Earn the Summertime Pack Award.
  • Participate in a nature observation activity. Describe or illustrate and display your observations at a den or pack meeting.
  • Participate in an outdoor aquatics activity. This can be an organized swim meet or just a den, pack, or family swim.
  • Participate in an outdoor campfire program. Perform in a skit, sing a song, or take part in a ceremony.
  • Participate in an outdoor sporting event.
  • Participate in an outdoor interfaith or other worship service.
  • Explore a local city, county, state, or national park. Discuss with your den how a good citizen obeys the park rules.
  • Invent an outside game and play it outside with friends for 30 minutes.
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Resource of the Month:  Scout Skits
This pamphlet is a collection of more than 100 favorite campfire skits. Listed at the beginning of each skit are the number of participants required and any props which may be needed. The dialog between participants is in plain text, while instructions for actors are listed in italics. An index is available at the end of this book which references skits by Scouts. "Scout Skits" catalogs most of the skits that are popular today as well as some new skits.
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More... Scout Skits
Due to the popularity of the first book of Scout Skits, the second collection of 75 more campfire skits is now available! This pamphlet is an excellent guide to successful campfires that get everyone involved. Includes skits, cheers, introductions, riddles, and Scouting legends. 108-page book can be used as an excellent starting point for a new Scoutmaster or as a source for new ideas for the experienced leaders.

Run-ons and Even More Scout Skits
Sure to make every campfire or Scouting event more interesting and lively, this 152-page collection of run-ons and skits from the popular Aquinas Scout Books "Fun Book" series appeals to Scouts of all ages! 
Leaders and Scouts will appreciate how this book’s content balances traditional Scout choices along with ones that have appeared more recently on the Scouting scene. 


All three books are $5.99 each, and are available at the Scout Shop and online.
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Theme-related Adventures
Tiger
*Backyard Jungle:  hike, birds, plant a tree, build a birdhouse
*Tigers in the Wild:  6 Essentials, LNT, Outdoor Code, hike, plants and animals, campfire program, trees and plants, nature center or zoo
*Floats and Boats:  aquatic activities
*Rolling Tigers:  bike activities
*Sky is the Limit:  astronomy
*Tiger Tag 3, 4:  active outside game

Wolf
*Call of the Wild:  camping, animals, weather, campfire program, Outdoor Code, LNT, fire
*Howling at the Moon 3, 4:  Campfire program
*Paws on the Path:  6 Essentials, buddy system, Outdoor Code, LNT, hike, birds, bugs, animals
*Air of the Wolf:  paper airplanes, outdoor sounds, kites
*Code of the Wolf 2a:  ID 3 shapes you see in nature
*Finding Your Way 4, 5:  use a compass on a scavenger hunt and a hike
*Grow Something 3:  Visit a botanical garden (USU campus) or community garden
*Motor Away:  paper airplanes, boats
*Spirit of the Water:  aquatic activities

Bear
*Bear Necessities:  camping, campfire program, outdoor cooking, tents
*Fur, Feathers, and Ferns:  hiking, animals, plants, insects, birds, gardening
*A Bear Goes Fishing:  fishing
*Bear Picnic Basket 2b:  outdoor cooking
*Roaring Laughter:  2 run-ons at a campfire program
*Salmon Run:  aquatic activities

Webelos/Arrow of Light
*Cast Iron Chef: fire, outdoor cooking
*First Responder 5:  Demo how to treat the following- sunburn, blisters, tick bites, insect bites and stings, venomous snakebite
*Webelos Walkabout:  hike plan, first aid kit, poisonous and dangerous plants/animals/insects, hike, Outdoor Code, LNT
*Camper:  camping, tents, weather, campfire program, geocaching, Outdoor Code, LNT
*Scouting Adventure 1e:  Outdoor Code
     4:  Participate in a Boy Scout troop's campout or other outdoor activity
*Adventures in Science 3f:  stargazing
*Aquanaut:  aquatic activities
*Art Explosion 3a:  Draw or paint an original picture outdoors
*Castaway:  fire, outdoor cooking, camping, outdoor survival, treating drinking water, what to do if you're lost
*Earth Rocks!:  geology
*Into the Wild:  birds, animals, insects, ecosystems, wetlands
*Into the Woods:  trees, plants

Tuesday, June 7, 2016

American Flag and Flag Etiquette handout

The Flag of the United States of America

THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 
After the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, Americans realized they needed a national flag to take the place of all the individual banners carried by the various regiments—a flag that would symbolize the newly created union of states. Finally, on June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress adopted the following brief resolution: “RESOLVED, that the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white: That the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.” 

Captain Samuel C. Reid, U.S. Navy, who commanded the General Armstrong during the War of 1812, suggested to Congress that the stripes be fixed at 13 to represent the original colonies and that a star be added to the blue field for every state coming into the union. Congress passed this into law on July 4, 1818; one star for each new state would be added to the flag on the next Fourth of July following the state’s admission. 

DISPLAYING THE FLAG 
When the national flag is displayed flat, either horizontally or vertically, on a wall or in a window, the union (blue field) should be at the top and to the observer’s left when facing the flag. When displayed from a staff projecting from a windowsill, balcony, or the front of a building, the union (blue field) should be at the staff’s peak (unless the flag is at half-staff). When displayed on a stage or platform, the national flag should be to the speaker’s right. Any other flag is on the speaker’s left. When suspended, the flag should be vertical with the union to the north over an east–west street, and to the east over a north–south street. The flag should be hoisted out union (blue field) first. Flag decals and stickers may be correctly displayed on the inside of motor vehicle side windows. 

FLAG CARE 
Be sure flags are dry before storing them. Colors affixed to staffs should be carefully furled, placed in a flag case or boot, or wrapped in plastic—and then stored upright, preferably in a cool, dry, dark place. Iron-on patches make rips and holes easy to repair. They can be bought in fabric departments in colors and various materials to match the flag. Follow the directions on the fabric package. Outdoor flags should be correctly folded and sealed in plastic bags that are moisture- and bug-proof. Store in a safe, cool, and dry place. 

WEARING THE FLAG 
A flag patch may be attached to such uniforms as those of athletes, firefighters, police officers, and members of patriotic organizations. The national flag should not be used as a costume or athletic uniform.
Flag lapel pins should be worn on the left lapel near the heart. 
Reproductions of the national flag in any medium such as jewelry, pins, buttons, or printed materials must show the union (blue field) on the top and to the observer’s left when facing the flag. 

FLYING THE FLAG AT HALF-STAFF 
When flown at half-staff, the flag is hoisted to the peak for an instant, then lowered to the half-staff position (half the distance from the top to the bottom of the staff). Before the flag is lowered for the day, it is raised again to the top, then lowered. 

If your flag is on an outrigger flagpole or mounted on a wall and cannot be flown at half-staff, it is appropriate to drape a purple and black mourning ribbon across the flag. 

The flag is flown at half-staff all day on the following days: 
December 7—Pearl Harbor Day 
May 15—Peace Officers Memorial Day 
July 27—Korean War Veterans Armistice Day 

On Memorial Day, the flag is flown at half-staff only until noon. Then it is raised to the top to be flown until sunset. 

The U.S. president may also order that the flag be flown at half-staff following the death of someone important to the government, or a state governor. State governors can declare that the flag be flown at half-staff in their state when a former governor of that state dies. 


FLAG HOLIDAYS 
You are encouraged to fly the flag on the following holidays: 
New Year's Day
Inauguration Day
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Presidents Day
Easter Sunday
Patriots Day
National Day of Prayer
Mother's Day
Armed Forces Day
Memorial Day (half-staff until noon)
Flag Day
Father's Day
Independence Day
Labor Day
Constitution Day
Columbus Day
Navy Day
Veterans Day
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Day
Election days

DESTROYING WORNOUT FLAGS 
When the national flag is worn beyond repair, burn it thoroughly and completely on a modest but blazing fire. This should be done in a simple manner with dignity and respect. Be sure the flag is reduced to ashes unrecognizable as a former flag. 

CUB SCOUT FLAG CEREMONY PROTOCOL 
*Flag Bearer(s):  Cub Scouts who carry the flag(s)—one flag per boy. Hold the staff at a slight angle in front of the body. The bearer of the United States flag marches at the front right of the column (if marching in single file). A flag bearer stands silent and at attention throughout the ceremony and does not say the Pledge of Allegiance nor sing the national anthem. 
*Color guard: These Cub Scouts guard the honor of the flag and watch to see that the flag does not touch the ground. They stand behind the flag bearer, or to each side if in a line of more than one flag. Two per flag is traditional, but any number may be used. They stand silent and at attention throughout the ceremony and do not say the Pledge of Allegiance nor sing the national anthem.
*Color guard commander (or Caller): This designated Cub Scout “calls out” the parts of the ceremony. He stands in front and to one side of audience.
*Flag placement: The United States flag is placed to the speaker’s right when on the stage (or to the audience’s left). The second flag (if used) is placed on the opposite side. 

SUGGESTED COLOR GUARD COMMANDER SCRIPT— OPENING CEREMONY 
Color guard, attention! Will the audience please rise? 
Hand salute! (Cub Scout salute if in uniform, hand on heart if not in uniform.) 
Color guard, advance! (Wait for color guard to reach the front and face the audience.) 
Everyone, please join me in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. (Recite the pledge together.) 
Two! (This is the signal that everyone may put their hands down.)
Cub Scout sign! (All raise their right hands, making the Cub Scout sign.) 
Cub Scouts, please join me in saying the Scout Oath. (Recite the Oath together)
Two! 
Color guard, post the colors! Color guard, dismissed. The audience may be seated.

 COLOR GUARD COMMANDER SCRIPT— CLOSING CEREMONY 
Will the audience please rise? 
Color guard, advance. 
Color guard, retrieve the colors.* 
Audience, salute. (Wait until flags leave the area)  Two.
Color Guard dismissed.  Audience dismissed.
* Note that the word is “retrieve,” not “retire.” 

HOW TO FOLD A FLAG 
Fold the flag in half lengthwise. 
Fold in half lengthwise again, being careful that the blue field is on the outside. 
As one person holds the flag by the blue field, another makes a triangular fold in the opposite end and continues to make triangular folds until the entire flag is in a triangle. 
Tuck the loose edge of the flag into the pocket formed by the folds so that only the blue field and white stars are visible.


June 2016 Newsletter

Scout Law:  Loyal
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Theme:  Scout Salute
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Roundtable Blog:  elkhorncubs.blogspot.com
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Upcoming Events
Basic Training
Old Ephraim District:  Sat, June 18, 8 am - 1 pm, 940 Three Point Ave, Logan

Annual Roundtable BBQ and Outdoor Skills Event
Make sure you mark your calendar for Roundtable on July 13, 2016!  This will be our 4th Annual Roundtable BBQ and 2nd Outdoor Skills event.  Roundtable will be held at the pavilion at the church at 360 E 450 N in Millville at 6:30 pm (please note that this is earlier than regular Roundtable).  Come ready to eat dinner and learn some important outdoor skills to help you in your dens!  Some of the skills being covered are:  tents, outdoor cooking, plant and animal ID, pocket knife skills and knot tying.
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Training Highlight:  The Flag of the United States of America and Flag Etiquette.
See the additional blog post.
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Scouting Outing:  Cub Scout Swimming and Boating
Article taken from Bryan on Scouting blog:

Good news for Cub Scouts who love to swim, canoe and kayak: the water is just fine.
Contrary to past BSA program design, all Cub Scouts — not just Webelos — may participate in paddle sports as a pack or den; previously, they could only do so at district or council events. And, of course, Cub Scouts may continue to participate in swimming as a pack or den activity.
The Cub Scouting team worked with the Aquatics and Health and Safety committees to relax the council- or district-only requirements for paddle sports. But as adult leaders, you still must make sure that the points of Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat are incorporated, including training and staying within the BSA’s aquatics framework.
It’s all designed to make sure your Cub Scouts enjoy their experience.
Here’s your five-step plan.

Step 1. Learn about aquatics-related Cub Scout adventures.

The new Cub Scout program includes one aquatics-related adventure for each rank, but you’ll notice they’re all elective, not required. That means Cub Scouts who aren’t interested in water activities are fine to stay on dry land.
But I’d encourage you to give these a try. Aquatics-related adventures give packs and dens more opportunities to enjoy the water. Boys learn to swim and practice boating safety — skills they’ll use in Boy Scouting and life.
These adventures include aquatics:
  • Tigers: Floats and Boats
  • Wolves: Spirit of the Water
  • Bears: Salmon Run
  • Webelos/Arrow of Light: Aquanaut

Step 2. Have a Plan.

Want to enjoy aquatics activities with your pack or den outside of a council or district event? Then you should use the Tour and Activity Plan as a tool for doing so. Forward the completed plan to your council at least 21 days in advance.
It’s actually pretty quick and easy, and you can do it all online.
Just log in to myscouting.org and select the tour and activity plan under your “Unit Tool.”
For more info on the Tour and Activity Plan, check out this handy FAQs pgehttp://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/HealthandSafety/TourPlanFAQ.aspx

Step 3. Have Qualified Supervision.

You know how to swim, so that qualifies you to take your Cub Scouts swimming or boating, right? Not so fast.
Bottom line: If you’re taking your pack or den swimming or boating, you need to know what you don’t know. The good news is you can complete this training online.
Safe Swim Defense: Any time you take Scouts swimming, even if you’re going to a council event or local pool where lifeguards are present, you still need leaders trained in Safe Swim Defense.
  • You can take Safe Swim Defense online at my.scouting.org. (Click My Dashboard, then Training.)
  • You always need at least one leader trained in Safe Swim Defense — even if you’re somewhere that provides lifeguards.
  • When lifeguards are not present, you need additional rescue personnel trained in Safe Swim Defense.
  • Swim tests are not optional. A key part of BSA aquatics is knowing one’s limits.
  • Safe Swim Defense training is good for two years.
Safety Afloat: You are permitted to take Cub Scouts boating as a pack or den. (Previously you could only go boating with your Cub Scouts at district or council events.) But any time you take Cub Scouts boating, you need at least one leader with Safety Afloat training taken within the previous two years. At least one adult leader must be trained in first aid and CPR as well.
  • You can take Safety Afloat training online at my.scouting.org. (Click My Dashboard, then Training.)
  • For Cub Scout boating activities, the ratio of trained adults, staff members or guides to participants must be at least one to five. (For Boy Scouts, it’s one to 10.)
  • Cub Scouts must know how to swim to try paddle sports.
  • All participants must wear properly fitted, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets.
  • Any swimming done in conjunction with the activity afloat should operate using Safe Swim Defense.
  • It is strongly recommended that all units have at least one adult or older youth member currently trained in BSA Aquatics Supervision: Paddle Craft Safety to assist in the planning and conduct of all activities afloat. (Contact your council aquatics committee for assistance.)
  • Safety Afloat standards apply to the use of canoes, kayaks, rowboats, rafts, floating tubes, sailboats, motorboats (including waterskiing) and other small craft but do not apply to transportation on large commercial vessels such as ferries and cruise ships
  • Safety Afloat training is good for two years.
Scuba: Cub Scouts aren’t permitted to do scuba.

Step 4. Learn more.

Learn more about aquatics safety in the Guide to Safe Scouting or the Outdoor Program website for aquatics.

Step 5. Have fun!

Now that you’ve done your part to make Cub Scout aquatics activities safe, go have fun!
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Resource of the Month:  Your Flag
Learn the proud history and etiquette of the American flag.  The book includes information on proper display of the flag, flag ceremonies, and situations to avoid.  $10.99 at the Scout Shop or scoutstuff.org.
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Patch of the Month:  Historic Trails Award
Love of America and devotion to our country depend upon a thorough appreciation of the ideals, principles, and traditions that have made our country strong.  Some of the most memorable hikes Scouts take explore history, whether that means tracing the steps of Billy Yank and Johnny Reb at Gettysburg, hiking part of the Oregon Trail or visiting a historic site in their own community. The Historic Trails Award recognizes youth and adult leaders who not only explore history but also share it with other people.  More than 300 trails have been approved. The BSA recommends that hikers use only the historic trails that have been nationally approved.  (Unfortunately, this list can not be found, I am working with the Council to find a list of trails that qualify, but any section of the Oregon Trail or the Mormon Battalion Trail should qualify.)

 Historic Trails Award requirements emphasize cooperation between historic societies and Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, Venturing, and Sea Scout units. Scouts should establish a close relationship with a local society as soon as possible when planning a historic activity—most communities have such societies. You can contact the Cache Valley Historical Society at http://cachevalleyhistory.com/.

Reports from many units indicate that these societies have been eager to offer their cooperation by 
• Suggesting trails or sites that are suitable for Scout historic activities and exploration 
• Providing Scouts with historic information about the trails or sites 
• Offering guidance to Scouts during restoration and marking projects 
• Financing the cost of materials used by Scouts for restoration and marking projects 
• Staging historic pageants and ceremonies with Scout participation 
• Directing public attention to Scout historic activities through newspapers, television, and radio 

 Award Requirements 
To earn the award, members of your unit must plan and participate in a historic activity. A unit historic activity requires members to 1. Locate a historic trail or site and study information relating to it. (The information may be obtained from an adult historic society, public library, or people living near the trail or site. To obtain a trail listing, contact the Outdoor Programs/Properties Department at 972-580-7889.) 
2. Hike or camp two days and one night along the trail or in the vicinity of the site. Options include an area hotel or the home of other Scouts. 
3. Cooperate with an adult group such as a historic society to restore and mark all or part of this trail or site. (This may be done during the hike or overnight camp.) Or cooperate with such a group to plan and stage a historic pageant, ceremony, or other public event related to this trail or site—such an event should be large enough to merit coverage by the local press. 

Your unit leader must then file the Historic Trails Award application with your local council service center.  You can download the application form at http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/430-066.pdf.

The patch is not worn on the uniform, but can be placed on a patch vest/jacket or blanket.

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Theme-related Adventures
Tiger
*Team Tiger 2:  Lead the Pledge of Allegiance
*Earning Your Stripes 2:  Demonstrate loyalty over the next week at school or in your community.  Share at your next den meeting how you were loyal to others.

Wolf
*Council Fire 1:  Participate in a flag ceremony, and learn how to properly care for and fold a flag.
     5:  Talk to a military veteran, law enforcement officer, member of the fire department, or someone else who works for the community.  Talk about his or her service to the community.
*Hometown Heroes:  the entire Adventure

Bear
*Paws for Action 1:  Learn about famous Americans, visit a place of historical interest, learn about the flag.
*Beat of the Drum:  the entire Adventure, about Native Americans

Webelos/Arrow of Light
*Building a Better World 1:  flag
     2:  citizenship and loyalty
     3:  Law
     4:  community government
*Build My Own Hero:  heroes in the community