January 2019 Newsletter

Scout Law:  Kind

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Theme:  Animal Friends

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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

Elkhorn District:  Saturday, March 23, 8 am - 11 am, Millville Stake Center (110 S Main, Millville).

Path Forward

Thursday, Jan 10, 6:30 pm - 8 pm, Ridgeline High School, Millville (180 N 300 W, Millville)

With all of the changes coming up in 2019, there are a lot of questions about the future of Scouting in our area and the future of the Trapper Trails council. To help answer those questions, the council is sponsoring a Question and Answer session. Come join us to find out what the plans are for the future.

Cub Beat of the Drum

Wednesday, Jan 16, 6 pm - 7:30 pm, at the LDS Church pavilion (360 E 450 N, Millville).  We will pass off the Bear Elective Adventure, Beat of the Drum, and have fun learning about Native Americans!

Cub Shooting Sports

Saturday, Feb 2, or Wednesday, Feb 6.  Come learn to shoot BB Guns, Archery, and Sling shots!  More details to come.

Scouting for Food

Deliver bags March 11-14.  Pick up day is Saturday, March 16, 2019.  Bags will be distributed at March Roundtable, or you can pick them up at the Scout Office.

Commissioner College

Saturday, March 16, 8 am - 4 pm, LDS Church building (1465 E 4600 S), Ogden.  Fee is $15 (by Feb 28), $20 after March 1, and $25 at the door.  Topics include:  

 What is my Job as a commissioner?

• Young Men Presidencies and the role as Unit Commissioners
• Primary Presidencies and the Cub Scout Commissioner
• Support unit growth through the Journey to Excellence.
• Contacting units, capture their strengths & needs, and fulfilling my responsibilities using Commissioner Tools.
• Linking unit needs to district operating committee resources.
• Supporting timely charter renewal.
• Roundtable Commissioners for Cub, Boy Scouts, and Ventures
• Scouting after 2019.
And so much more...

Cub Scout Stem Day

Wednesday, March 20, or Saturday, April 20.  Details forthcoming.  Participants will experience dynamic adventures with hands-on experiments. In addition to exciting adventures at each venue, Cubs will be able to work on Paws on the Path for Wolves, Fur, Feathers and Ferns for Bears and Into the Wild for Webelos advancement adventures!  Each will also work on the Nova WILD! for their STEM requirements. Participants may attend as a Pack or as a family.

Cub Swim

Temporarily Cancelled.  More details to come.

Cub Bike Rodeo and Ride

Saturday, May 4 (Ogden), or Saturday, May 11 (Logan).  7:30 am (registration) - 12 pm.  Cost is $5 per scout or scout age youth before April 23, $7 after.  Sign up as a Den, Pack or Family!  And bring the whole family, we will have activities for everyone.  Scouts will participate in a special competition, everyone will have the opportunity to ride at least 5 miles.  Bring your own bike and helmet.

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Training Highlight:  Den Chiefs

A Den Chief is a member of a troop or crew who works to help deliver the Cub Scout program for the boys in a den.  While serving as Den Chief, this Scout will work under the direction and guidance of the den leader and Cubmaster.  

Typically, a Cubmaster or Den leader will contact the troop or crew and ask for a Den Chief.  The Scoutmaster and senior patrol leader should work together to identify a good candidate for this position.  A candidate is:  an experienced Scout, first class or higher; ideally not related to the den leader or to the boys in the den; good at working with younger Scouts; has energy and excitement; is responsible; demonstrates good Scout spirit; is able to demonstrate and teach Scoutcraft skills, games, and activities; is familiar with the Cub Scout program and terminology, or is willing to learn; sets a good example by wearing the uniform; is able to make the time commitment.

Benefits for the Scout include:  a position of responsibility that can be used for advancement; allows youth to gain leadership skills outside of same-age peers; reinforces the Scouts own skills by teaching them to others.

There are several benefits for the Den as well.  Cub Scouts often respond better to older kids than they do to their own parents.  In some cases, the Boy Scout has more experience in practical Scouting skills than Cub parents or den leaders.  Younger boys get to hear about events that they can look forward to as Boy Scouts, making them excited to continue on the Scouting path.  If certain Scouts have special needs or disabilities, sometimes the den chief can provide extra attention to that one boy who needs an extra hand, allowing the den leader to focus on the larger group.  Den Chiefs can provide help by leading games or songs when den leaders are setting up, or switching activities.

What are the responsibilities of a Den Chief?  He knows and helps Cub Scouts achieve the purposes of Cub Scouting.  He serves as the activities assistant at den meetings.  He sets a good example through attitude and wearing his uniform.  He is a friend to the boys in the den.  He helps lead weekly den meetings and supports pack meetings.  He knows the importance of the monthly theme and pack meeting plans and meets with the den leader to prepare to assist.  He receives training from the den leader (or Cubmaster) and attends Den Chief training and monthly Roundtables.  He encourages Cub Scouts to become Boy Scouts when they are eligible.  He lives the Scout Oath and Scout Law.  He shows Scout spirit.

Training resources help make this role easier for the den chief and the den leader.  There is a Den Chief handbook available at the Scout Store.  

A Den Chief Service Award is also available, which requires service for one year, in addition to several training and performance related requirements.  Den Chiefs wear a special cord on their left shoulder denoting their service.  

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Resource Highlight:  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 the book which references skits by Scouts.  Scout Skits catalogs most of the skits that are popular today, as well as some new skits.  A second book, More... Scout Skits provides 75 more campfire skits, cheers, introductions, riddles, and Scouting legends.  A third book, Run-ons and Even More Scout Skits provides another 152 pages of skits and run-ons.  All three books are $5.99 each, and are available at the Scout Shop and online.

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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.   You also have the opportunity to earn these awards at the Cub Shooting Event in February.

September 2017 Newsletter

Scout Law:  Thrifty

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Theme:  A-Camping We Will Go

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Roundtable Blog:  elkhorncubs.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

Basic Training

Old Juniper:  Thursday, Sept. 28, 6:30-7:30 pm, 135 W Main, Richmond

Old Ephraim:  Saturday, Oct. 21, 8 am - 12 pm, 940 Three Point Ave, Logan

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.

#6:  Oct. 12-14 AND 19-21, Camp Kiesel

STEM Activity Day:  Saturday, Sept. 22, 9 am.  Participants will experience a day of dynamic adventures with hands-on experiments.  Adventure zones include: robots, solar van, levers & pulleys, gravity, rockets, bb guns, and geocaching.  Cost is $25 per scout, adults free.

Leave No Trace Trainer Course

Learn more about the principles of Leave No Trace, and how to provide leadership and training for others.  Friday, Oct. 20 - Saturday, Oct. 21, Ogden Service Center

Baden Powell University

BPU is advanced training for all Scout leaders.  Choose from a variety of classes, such as Dutch Oven Cooking, Blue & Gold Banquets, knot tying, neckerchief slides, den discipline, and more! Saturday, Nov. 11, Weber State University

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Training Highlight:  Outdoor Ethics and the Outdoor Code

Outdoor ethics is deeply ingrained in the BSA program.  No place is this more important than in the outdoors.  Scouting has a long, proud tradition of conservation service to the nation.  How do we preserve that tradition?  Be heeding the challenge in the Outdoor Code.

As an American, I will do my best to-

Be clean in my outdoor manners.

Be careful with fire.

Be considerate in the outdoors.

Be conservation minded.

Building upon this foundation, the Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Venturing, and Sea Scout programs all include outdoor stewardship, care for the environment, and Leave No Trace as part of their programs.  Through the Outdoor Code and Leave No Trace, we can take responsibility for our own impacts by making good choices.  Together, we can preserve and conserve our righ environmental heritage.

To learn more about the Principles of Leave No Trace, go to http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/OutdoorProgram/OutdoorEthics/LeaveNoTrace.aspx.

To learn more about Tread Lightly, go to http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/OutdoorProgram/OutdoorEthics/TreadLightly.aspx.

Scouts who embrace the Outdoor Code and the principles of Leave No Trace often find that they wish to give back and help protect the environment that has given them so much.  Some may find that they are "wild with love for the green outdoors- the trees, the tree-top singers, the wood-herbs, and the nightly things that left their tracks in the mud," in the words of Ernest Thompson Seton, the first Chief Scout.  These Scouts have begun to feel what Aldo Leopold called the "Land Ethic."  The Land Ethic extends our concern beyond our fellow Scouts, our families and friends, and even humanity itself to the entire environmental community of which we are a part- the deserts, forests, fish, wildlife, plants, rocks, oceans, and web of life encompassing them- what Leopold called "the Land."  To learn more about the Land Ethic, go tohttp://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/OutdoorProgram/OutdoorEthics/LandEthic.aspx.

Outdoor ethics is not just for youth.  Adult volunteers are encouraged to seek training in basic outdoor skills and even take specialized courses to learn Leave No Trace skills.  Our council has Outdoor Ethics advocates who provide leadership to their local units in learning and practicing good outdoor ethics (contact Shanae Ames, Elkhorn District's Outdoor Ethics advocate, or Jen Whelan for more information).

By working together, we can make our time in the outdoors a rewarding and rich experience for everyone for generations to come!

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Resource Highlight:  Scout Skits and Cub Scout Songbook

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 the book which references skits by Scouts.  Scout Skits catalogs most of the skits that are popular today, as well as some new skits.  A second book, More... Scout Skits provides 75 more campfire skits, cheers, introductions, riddles, and Scouting legends.  A third book, Run-ons and Even More Scout Skits provides another 152 pages of skits and run-ons.  All three books are $5.99 each, and are available at the Scout Shop and online.

Cub Scout Songbook

If your den and pack meetings aren't noisy enough, turn up the volume with a good song!  This book includes music and lyrics for dozens of time-honored songs, many with Cub Scouting lyrics.  Cost is $7.99 at the Scout Shop and online.  There is also a CD available for $9.99 featuring 10 songs found in the songbook.

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Award Highlight:  Whittling Chip

Bear scouts and Webelos scouts may earn the privilege of carrying a pocketknife to Cub Scout functions. The objective of this award is to make scouts aware that:

'A Cub Scout knife is an important tool. You can do many things with its blades. The cutting blade is the one you will use most of the time. With it you can make shavings and chips and carve all kinds of things.

You must be very careful when you whittle or carve. Take good care of your knife. Always remember that a knife is a tool, not a toy. Use it with care so that you don't hurt yourself or ruin what you are carving.'

The Scout must show his Scout leader, or someone designated by his leader, that he understands his responsibility to do the following:

1. Know the safety rules for handling a knife.
   • A knife is a tool, not a toy.
   • Know how to sharpen a knife. A sharp knife is safer because it is less likely to slip and cut you.
   • Keep the blade clean.
   • Never carry an open pocketknife.
   • When you are not using your knife, close it and put it away.
   • Keep your knife dry.
   • When you are using the cutting blade, do not try to make big shavings or chips. Easy does it.
   • Make a safety circle: Before you pick up your knife to use it, stretch your arm out and turn in a circle. If you can't touch anyone else, it is safe to use your knife.
2. Show that you know how to take care of and use a pocketknife.
   • Know how to sharpen a knife. A sharp knife is safer because it is less likely to slip and cut you.:
     1. Place the stone on a level surface.
     2. Wet the stone with a little water or oil.
     3. Place the blade of the knife flat on the stone, then raise the back edge about the width of the blade itself, keeping the cutting edge on the stone.
     4. Push the blade along the stone as though you were slicing a layer off the top. Sharpen the other side of the blade in the same manner. This is always better than moving it in a circular fashion.
   • Keep your knife dry.
   • Keep the blade clean:
     • Open all of the blades.
     • Twirl a small bit of cloth onto the end of a toothpick, moisten the cloth with light oil, and wipe the inside of the knife.
     • If you have used your pocketknife to cut food or to spread peanut butter and jelly, get rid of bacteria by washing the blade in hot, soapy water along with the rest of your dishes.
   • Keep it off the ground. Moisture and dirt will ruin it.
   • Keep it out of fire. The heat draws the temper of the steel. The edge of the blade becomes soft and useless.
   • Opening and closing your pocketknife:
     • To open a pocketknife, hold in left hand, put right thumbnail into nail slot.
     • Pull blade out while pushing against hinge with little finger of left hand.
     • Continue to hold on to handle and blade until blade snaps into open position.
     • To close pocketknife, hold handle with left hand with fingers safely on the sides. Push against back of blade with fingers of right hand, swinging handle up to meet blade. Let knife snap shut; "kick" at base of blade keeps edge from touching inside of handle.
   • Using your knife:
     • When using the cutting blade, do not try to make big shavings or chips.
     • Easy does it.
     • For course cutting, grasp handle with whole hand.
     • Cut at a slant. Do not "saw' with a knife.
     • Make a stop cut to control the shaving cut.
     • Always cut away from you.
3. Make a carving with a pocketknife. Work with your den leader or other adult when doing this.
4. Read, understand and promise to abide by the "Knives Are Not Toys" guidelines.
   • Close the blade with the palm of your hand.
   • Never use a knife on something that will dull or break it.
   • Be careful that you do not cut yourself or any person nearby.
   • Never use a knife to strip the bark from a tree.
   • Do NOT carve your initials into anything that does not belong to you.
5. Read, understand and promise to abide by the "Pocketknife Pledge":
   • I understand the reason for safety rules.
   • I will treat my pocketknife with the respect due a useful tool.
   • I will always close my pocketknife and put it away when I'm not using it.
   • I will not use my pocketknife when it might injure someone near me.
   • I promise never to throw my pocketknife for any reason.
   • I will use my pocketknife in a safe manner at all times.

The scout should sign and carry the Whittling Chip card whenever he has his pocketknife.

The Official BSA Whittling Chip for Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts is a Wallet Card (No. 34223A) and/or Patch (08598). The patch is considered a 'temporary' patch and should only be displayed on the uniform sewn centered on the right pocket, or hung in a temporary patch holder from the pocket button. It does NOT get permanently sewn on a pocket flap even though it is shaped that way. You may want to check with your BSA council for local guidelines.

Use this Whittling Chip Certification form to track a scout's progress.

Skit and Closing Ceremony February RT

Skit:  Measurement Problem
Set up:  3 people, long pole
(2 Scouts enter carrying a long pole.  They prop it up, then stand back and look at it.)
#1:  Now, there are several ways we can figure out the height of this pole.  How do you want to start?
(The Scouts unsuccessfully try various methods of estimation to calculate the height of the pole, such as:)
#1:  According to my calculations, that pole is about 2 feet high.
#2:  There's no way. It's got to be shorter than that.  Just look at it.
(This sort of exchange is repeated several times, and the Scouts become more and more exasperated.  Then a third Scout strolls onto the stage.)
#3:  Hi!  (The watches for a bit)  What are you guys trying to do?
#2:  We're trying to measure the exact height of this pole.
#1:  We haven't had too much luck yet, but we'll get it.
#3:  Why don't you just lay the pole on the ground and measure it's length?
#2:  Didn't you hear right?  We want to know how tall the pole is- not how long it is!

Closing Ceremony:  STEM
Set up:  CM and 4 Leaders
CM:  We know that STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.  What would we have if we applied those four letters to our boys?
#1:  S is for Scouts.  May we always remember they are the reason we are a part of this great program.
#2:  T is for Teaching.  Let's strive daily to use the Scout Oath and Law to guide our Scouts on the right path.
#3:  E is for Empowering.  Remember that everything we do in Scouting is preparing them for the world of tomorrow.
#4:  M is for Magic- that wonderful experience that transfigures a group of people into a Scouting family.

The Chief's Dilemma- a fun skit

I promised I would post the skit "The Chief's Dilemma".  It's a great skit, especially for a large group of boys, or boys and leaders.  The best thing is that it has a part for everyone; from the boys that love to perform in front of a crowd, to the shyest boys in your pack.  Got a boy that refuses to speak?  There's a part for that!
Here it is, in all it's glory...

The Chief's Dilemma

Characters: Sitting Bear, Standing Dog, Curtains (2), Darkness, Sun, Crazy Pony, Sac-O-Juice, Trail, Hours, Narrator

Equipment: Pitcher, Rope, Stamps, Broom, Banana, Chalk, Bell, "Mortgage" Paper, Pail, Salt shakers (2), ID signs for names of characters, Box of Matches, Flat Iron, Roll of toilet paper

Arrangement: Place props on stage floor where they will be used. As the play opens, the sun is lying on the floor. The “curtains” stand center stage with their backs to the audience. The “Trail” stands at the back of the stage. Tape toilet paper to the back wall. Players keep their ID signs in plain sight. Players carry out actions indicated by the italicized words. Give time for action before reading next line.

NARRATOR: “The CURTAINS part. Our play is on. (Curtains side step slowly to opposite sides of the stage) It is early morning and the SUN rises. (Sun stands up) Beside the Teepee (toilet paper taped to the back wall) we find CHIEF SITTING BEAR. (Chief growls like a bear and sits down) The CHIEF has a beautiful daughter named SAC-O-JUICE (SOJ steps forward carrying a plastic bag with a juice can in it) The CHIEF has a problem. The evil warrior, STANDING DOG, (SD stands and barks like a dog) has asked the CHIEF's permission to marry SAC-O-JUICE. The CHIEF sent for his daughter. Here comes the Indian princess sweeping across the clearing (SOC sweeps in with a broom) to her father's Teepee (toilet paper on a wall or chair). SAC-O-JUICE does not want to marry STANDING DOG because she doesn't like him. STANDING DOG is very insistent because he holds the mortgage on the CHIEF's Teepee (holds the mortgage payment sign next to the TP on the wall). CHIEF SITTING BEAR states he must study the signs (picks up signs and studies them) to see if their marriage will be a happy one. SAC-O-JUICE appeals (peels a banana) to STANDING DOG, while SITTING BEAR was poring (pouring with a pitcher) over the signs. “Please go away,” she said, “for you know I love CRAZY PONY!” But her appeal was fruitless. (SD eats the banana and hands peel back to her) The long delay is making STANDING DOG very angry, so he stamps his foot (licks stamps and sticks them to his shoe's sole). The HOURS pass slowly (HOURS walk very slowly across the stage) Suddenly the sound of horses' hooves ring out (ring bell) and CRAZY PONY tears up the trail! (CP tears up TRAIL sign) SAC-O-JUICE turns a little pale (turns over a pail) for she knows CRAZY PONY has come to save her. CRAZY PONY crosses the clearing (CP makes a chalk cross on the floor) and stands by her side. He presses her hand (presses hand with iron). STANDING DOG flies into a rage (flaps his arms). He and CRAZY PONY assault each other (have a lively duel shaking salt on each other). Soon STANDING DOG gives up the match (SD takes match from the box and gives it to CP) acknowledging defeat and sorrowfully goes away. “Now you are mine,” said CRAZY PONY, and he led SAC-O-JUICE away (puts rope around her waist and leads her off). The HOURS pass (HOURS cross the stage) the SUN sets (SUN sits down) and DARKNESS falls (player falls) and our play is ended.”

I hope you have as much fun with this skit as my pack has!