May 2018 Newsletter

Scout Law:  Obedient

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Theme:  Wheel Into Summer

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Cub Scout Roundtable Blog:  elkhorncubs.blogspot.com

Elkhorn District Blog:  elkhorndistrict.blogspot.com

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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

Leader Specific Training:  No in-person training will be offered until September.  Please complete your training online at my.scouting.org.

Fishing Derby:  Saturday, May 19, 8 am- 12 pm, Wellsville Reservoir.  Cost:  FREE.   Experts will be on-hand to teach Scouts of all ages basic information about different fishing techniques after which Scouts can try their hand at catching a fish. Youth may bring their own equipment or they may use equipment that will be provided by the Trapper Trails Council. Youth will not need a fishing license to participate.

10 Commandments Hike:  Saturday, May 12.  Scouts from around the Council will hike to 10 different faith communities to learn how the 10 Commandments are practiced in their lives and faiths, and see how they parallel the values found in the Scout Oath and Law. 

Cub Family Camp  Learn more about this fun new program for the whole family at https://www.trappertrails.org/cubfamilycamp.

Wood Badge

Wood Badge is a leadership training course which delivers high quality skills and techniques for leaders in all areas of Scouting. It draws from a wide range of sources within and beyond the bounds of Scouting to model the best techniques for developing leadership and teamwork among both young people and adults.  Cost is $185.  Register at https://www.trappertrails.org/woodbadge

#3:  July 2-7, Encompass at Camp Barlett

#4:  September 13-15 and 27-29, Hull Valley Scout Reservation

#5:  October 18-20 and 25-27, Camp Fife

Leave No Trace Trainer Course

Learn more about the principles of Leave No Trace, and how to provide leadership and training for others.   Open to any Scout 14 and older and all adult Scouters.  Cost is $35, which covers 3 meals and materials.  Register online at https://www.trappertrails.org/outdoorethics

#3:  October 26-27, 6 pm-6 pm, Ogden Scout Office.  Contact Mike Adams at cradams@allwest.net or 307-679-1433.

*August 13-17, Camp New Fork.  This is a Master Educator Course.  See https://www.trappertrails.org/mec for more details.

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New Youth Protection

The Boy Scout of America's top priority is the protection of the youth who participate in it's programs. Consequently they are constantly revising their youth protection policies and resources. As a result there have been several significant changes to youth protection policies and resources in 2018. It is important that all adult leaders know and understand these changes.  Because the changes to the training were so significant, the national training committee has determined that all registered volunteers must complete this new training course by October 1, 2018. Even whose current youth protection certification has not yet expired must recertify with the new training materials. The new course is offered online at my.scouting.org.  

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Training Highlight:  Summer Safety

Summer is a time for day camp, picnics, hiking, swimming, and playing games outside.  It is also a time for bumps, bruises, scrapes, sunburn, and bug bites.  With a little preparation, you can be prepared for anything summer has in store.

When headed out for a day of summer adventure, always remember to bring along your Cub Scout Six Essentials:

• Filled water bottle- to prevent dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke.
• First-aid Kit- a lifesaver, literally.
• Flashlight- for finding your way in the dark.
• Sun protection- includes sunblock, sunglasses, lip balm, a wide-brimmed hat, and sun-protective clothing.
• Trail food- food for maintaining your energy.
• Whistle- to signal for help, if needed.

While some of these seem a bit "over the top" for a trip to the local pool, you might be surprised by what comes in handy.

Sun protection cannot be stressed enough.  Wear a hat and plenty of sunscreen.  Most of us do not wear enough sunscreen or reapply it as often as we should, especially after our skin is exposed to water or sweat.  Directions on most sunscreen bottles recommend that you reapply every two hours and after swimming- so be sure to bring along a big bottle.

In some parts of the country, insect repellent is a must.  Nothing can ruin a day outside faster than being "eaten alive" by mosquitoes or other pests.

Speaking of eating, don't forget to pack your lunch in a safe manner.  An ice chest or ice packs in your bag are two of the best ways to prevent spoilage and food poisoning.  It is also a good idea to have a separate ice chest for drinks, so you don't open the one with the food in it as often.  Remember that food that has been out for two hours is not safe to eat, and if it's over 90 degrees, food that has been out for one hour needs to be thrown away.

Finally, before you head out for fun in the great outdoors, don't forget to update your Weather Hazards Training.  This training needs to be retaken every two years.  You can find this training online at my.scouting. org.

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Award Highlight:  Cub Scout Shooting Sports

Take aim at fun and excitement with the Cub Scout Shooting Sports Award!  The awards will be offered in three disciplines:  BB guns, archery, and slingshots.  Councils may choose to offer one or more of these disciplines.  With rank-specific requirements and insignia, there is incentive for boys to earn the awards year after year at camp.  Our youth members consistently list shooting sports as one of their most-desired outdoor activities.  With these awards, Cub Scouts will hit the bull's-eye with fun!

Cub Scouts earn the shooting sports awards in the following order: 1. Rank-level patch. Choose a discipline: BB gun, archery, or slingshot. Complete the Level 1 requirements for that discipline. 

2. Discipline device (pin). Complete the Level 2 requirements for the same discipline in which the patch was earned. 

3. Additional discipline devices. Earn pins for the remaining disciplines by completing the Level 1 and Level 2 requirements in those disciplines. (NOTE: Both Level 1 and Level 2 requirements must be completed for each successive discipline.) 

You can find the award requirements at:  https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/program_update/pdf/510-320_WEB.pdf  It's a good idea to review these requirements before Day Camp, so you can make sure you complete all of the requirements.  Some requirements must be completed or reviewed before or after Day Camp. 

Please note the following:

Archery, BB gun shooting, and slingshot shooting are restricted ONLY to day camps, Cub Scout/Webelos Scout resident camps, council-managed family camping programs, or council activities where there are properly trained supervisors and where all standards for BSA shooting sports are enforced. All shooting ranges in the Cub Scout program must be supervised by a qualified range master who is at least 18 years of age and meets the minimum requirements.

• Archery, BB gun shooting, and slingshot shooting are not approved unit activities.
• The use of pellet air rifles is restricted to Webelos Scouts in a Boy Scouts of America resident camp setting only.
• Kindergarten–age boys and girls in the Lion program are not approved to participate in Cub Scout shooting sports activities.
• The Multi-Gun Airsoft Experience introduced in August 2015 was not designed for participation in this award. Airsoft guns are not approved for use in the Cub Scout shooting sports program.
• All local, state, and federal laws for BB guns, archery, and slingshot shooting must be followed.

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Resource Highlight:  Guide to Safe Scouting

The purpose of the Guide to Safe Scouting is to prepare members of the Boy Scouts of America to conduct Scouting activities in a safe and prudent manner. The policies and guidelines have been established because of the real need to protect members from known hazards that have been identified through over 100 years of experience.

Some of the topics covered in the Guide are:  Youth Protection, Aquatic Safety, Medical Information and First Aid, Sports and Activities, Insurance, and Transportation, as well as numerous checklists and guidelines.  Please note that the Guide was updated in 2015, so make sure you have the most current version!

All participants in official Scouting activities should become familiar with the Guide to Safe Scouting, applicable program literature or manuals, and be aware of state or local government regulations that supersede Boy Scouts of America practices, policies, and guidelines. The Guide to Safe Scouting is an overview of Scouting policies and procedures gleaned from a variety of sources. For some items, the policy statements are complete. Unit leaders are expected to review the additional reference material cited prior to conducting such activities.

In situations not specifically covered in this guide, activity planners should evaluate the risk or potential risk of harm, and respond with action plans based on common sense, community standards, the Boy Scout motto, and safety policies and practices commonly prescribed for the activity by experienced providers and practitioners.

Perhaps this quote by Sir Robert Baden-Powell from his 1914 book Quick Training for War is appropriate to include here:  "... The books lay down definite principles and examples which serve to guide the leaders when applying their common sense to the situation before them. No two situations are ever precisely the same, and it is therefore impossible to lay down exact rules that should guide in every case, but a man who carries precedents and principles in his head has no difficulty in applying their teaching in supreme moments of sudden emergency ..."

You can download a copy of The Guide to Safe Scouting here:  http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/HealthandSafety/GSS/toc.aspx.  You can print off the Age-Appropriate Guidelines for Scouting Activites Chart at http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/34416_Insert_Web.pdf for a quick and easy reference guide.

Pack Resource Sheet June 2018

Scout Law: Obedient

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

Theme: Wheel Into Summer

Summer is a great time to get outside and hop on your wheels. Bikes, skateboards, scooters, and roller blades give us the freedom to move about. However, with that freedom comes the responsibility to use our wheels safely and follow the rules. Consider having a bike rodeo as part of your pack meeting.

Gathering Activity: Bike License Plate

Materials: Aluminum pie plates, scissors, old magazines, pen/pencil, permanent markers, ice pick/awl, twine

Cut a 3”x5” piece of aluminum from the pie plate. Place it on an old magazine, so there is some “give” underneath it when pressed upon. Using a pen or pencil, press the name onto the aluminum. Use the markers to color the plate. Punch a hole in both of the top corners with the ice pick or awl. Cut a piece of twine to about 12”. Attach the license plate to the bike by threading the twine through the holes and knotting the ends. Cut off any excess twine. Ride with pride!

Opening Ceremony: Wheels

Materials: Cards with corresponding pictures on one side, lines to speak on the other.

#1: “W” is for “Wheeling” Into Summer as you know. And using wheels in safety is what we want to show.

#2: “H” will stand for Helmet- which everyone must wear. It keeps your brain protected- you need to have a care.

#3: “E” reminds us you are Eager- but don't forget to see, you have on all the right gear- whatever it might be, to give the right protection to your shin, your hands, your knee.

#4: The second “E” reminds you that Everyone must know, how to ride upon their wheels- so practice before you go!

#5: “L” must stand for Learning- be sure to learn the rules, before you go out riding, you to have the tools!

#6: “S” stands for Safety, and a happy Summer too- to play and ride in Safety is the best thing you can do!

CM: Looks like these boys are ready for a Safe Summer- we hope this will be a safe summer for this country as well. Please join us in saluting the symbol of our country, our Flag.

Song: Cub Bike Rodeo

Tune: Jingle Bells

Hopping on my bike, with my helmet on,

Down the street I go, peddling fast not slow.

Waving to my friends, grab your bikes, let's go!

Peddle on to have some fun at our bike rodeo!

Chorus:

Cubs on bikes, Cubs on bikes, riding is such fun.

With helmets on for safety, it's fun for everyone.

Cubs on bikes, Cubs on bikes, riding is such fun.

Join the Cub bike rodeo, it's for everyone!

Advancement Ceremony: Bicycle Safety

Materials: Pictures or props to represent each step

CM: Bike riding is a staple of childhood, a rite of passage into the world of motion, and the freedom of being able to go where you want to. As a bike rider, you must follow certain rules to truly enjoy your adventurous trail safely. And the first basic rule is to have a helmet, and wear it properly (Show helmet or picture). It's like that in Scouting too. The Bobcat must learn the basics of Scouting, and show that he knows how to salute, give the Cub Handshake and say the Scout Oath and Law. Tonight we want to recognize (boy's name) for completing the requirements to earn his Bobcat rank. Please come forward with your parents. Don't ever forget to wear your helmet on the rest of the Scouting trail!

CM: As you travel along on your bike, you need to follow the rules to keep out of trouble and be safe. Bike riders are to follow the same rules as car drivers- when you see this sign (hold up One Way sign) you need to go the right way. In Scouting, the Bobcat also has only one way to go- towards earning the Wolf rank. By completing the Wolf Adventures, (name of boy) has traveled farther along the Scouting trail. Please come forward with your parents. Remember to keep heading in the right direction and follow the rules of the Scouting trail!

CM: (hold up Stop sign) As you continue on the Scouting trail, you have stopped to develop your abilities and learn some new skills on the path to the Bear rank.

CM: (hold up Railroad Crossing sign) As you travel the Scouting trail as a Webelos, you are learning the skills to get you ready to cross over the tracks to the Boy Scout program.

CM: (hold up Keep Right sign) Now that you have earned the Arrow of Light, be sure to keep right by always following the 12 points of the Scout Law.

Other Advancement Ideas

*Use a drawing of a bicycle with the parts labeled – relate the parts to the steps in earning various awards and advancements.

*Use a bike tool kit with its very special tools to the special steps on the Scout trail and have each piece relate to advancements, awards, or to being prepared to continue on the Scouting Trail.

*Use a bike that is the wrong height for a Cub Scout – As you adjust the seat and handlebars, you can relate that to the way the Scouting program is age and skill based, step-by-step according to ability. Just as the seat height needs to be right, the Tiger Cub program is based on a boy and his adult partner. (If using for Advancement, call up Tiger Cubs or Bobcats at this time) At the same time, you would be reinforcing the need for each boy to have a bike that is adjusted to be safe for him. Other parts that could be “tested” and adjusted would be the brakes, a low tire, and lubricating the bike. (Make sure that the person doing the adjusting knows how to do it, and has rehearsed the various steps)

Cheers

Hand signals cheer: Make a hand signal (left turn, right turn, stop). Audience yells out what the signal stands for.

Wheel Cheer: “That was wheely good!”

Squeaky Wheel Applause: Hold out your arm, bent at the elbow. Make a motion like a wheel going around, and say “squeak, squeak, squeak.”

Flat Tire Cheer: “Pump, pump, pump!”

Skit: The Hill

Set up: Two cubs on a tandem bike (or carrying a cardboard cut-out/picture of a two-seater), wearing helmets.

#1: Look at that hill! (both pretend to bike up the hill, huffing and puffing)

#1: (at the top of the hill) That was a tough hill, but we made it!

#2: Yeah! Luckily, I had my hand on the brake. Otherwise, we would have rolled all the way down!

Closing Ceremony:

Set up: Seven Cubs, either with real bikes, one real bike, or just pretending to do the motions they talk about. A chart showing the parts of a Bike – that need oiling or greasing.

CM: We’re watching some Cub Scouts who have just had a wonderful day out on the bike trail. Let’s see if they remember some important things….

#1: What a FUN ride! Now that we’ve finished our bike ride, we better make sure our bikes will be ready to go the next time we go out.

#2: That was a muddy trail – so I’m going to wash off and rinse my bike and wipe it dry.

#3: I noticed my tire is a little low. I’m going to put some air in now, so I’ll be ready to roll!

#4: It’s been a month since I oiled my bike – I’ll use this chart to remember where I need to put the oil. I have to be careful not to get oil on the rubber parts – oil will destroy those!

#5: (Pointing to the chart) What about these circled parts? What does that mean?

#6: Oh, I know what those are – once a year, those parts need to be greased – my Dad marks the calendar on my birthday, since I got my bike then.

#7: Well, my bike is in great shape – but I better remember to put my lock on.

#8: Don’t forget to put your helmet and gear away – we might go riding Saturday!

ALL: It’s the perfect end of a day of biking!

CM: Well, it looks like these boys have learned all about their bikes – let’s all remember to follow the rules and take care of our equipment, so we can always follow the Cub Scout Motto:

ALL: Do Your Best!