September 2018 Newsletter

Scout Law:  Loyal

______________________________

Supplemental Theme:  Scout Salute

______________________________

Cub Scout Roundtable Blog:  elkhorncubs.blogspot.com

Elkhorn District Blog:  elkhorndistrict.blogspot.com

________________________________

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

Upcoming Events

Leader Specific Training

Old Juniper District:  Thursday, September 27, 6:30pm-7:30pm, 600 E 120 S, Smithfield

Elkhorn District:  Saturday, October 13, 8am-11am, 110 S Main, Millville (NOTICE the date change)

Old Juniper District:  Friday, November 16, 6:30pm-7:30pm, 451 S 250 E, Smithfield

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

#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.

Cub Pow Wow  Saturday, November 3, at the stake pavilion located at 360 E 450 N, Millville.  Bring your Bear Den to pass off the Beat of the Drum elective adventure.  We'll be making dream catchers, hearing Native American stories, and learning Native American dancing.

Cub Shooting Sports Event  Wednesday, February 6, and Saturday, February 9.  More details to come!
_________________________________
District Award of Merit
  The District Award of Merit is a council award presented by districts in the same manner that the Silver Beaver is a national award presented by councils. The award is available to Scouters who render service of an outstanding nature at the district level (a professional Scouter or employee who also serves as a volunteer Scouter may be eligible, based on volunteer service).  

Anyone may nominate, by using the form found at https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/33720.pdf and turning it in to the Scout Office.  Please turn in nominations by December 31, 2018.
Let's nominate and recognize the great Scouters in our district!
__________________________________
The Path Forward:  The BSA and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

Dear Scouting Families,

Thank you for your support of and involvement in the Boy Scouts of America. We recognize that for many of you, Scouting is a family tradition that spans many generations.

We are deeply grateful to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for serving as the chartered organization of your Scouting unit as it has for millions of other Scouts over the past 105 years. Because of the Church’s need to provide a global program to its children and youth around the world, the Church has made the decision to restructure its own youth program and to discontinue its sponsorship of your unit after December 31, 2019. This change has left some families wondering how they can participate in Scouting beyond January 1, 2020. Many are also concerned that involvement in the Church’s forthcoming youth program might preclude them from Scouting. Please rest assured that Scouting will continue to be available to all youth and families that desire to participate, and that you may do so with the Church’s blessing. 

At the 2018 National Annual Meeting of the Boy Scouts of America, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles made the following statements, “This isn’t a divorce. It’s growth. We’re not in any way disavowing any of those virtues of Scouting. It is just the charter part that we are separating from…We are friends now and we will be friends forever. In 18 months when our charters are finished, we hope that many LDS youth who wish to do so will still choose to be in Scouting.”

Plans are already in motion to establish new unit sponsors in your community in partnership with, among others, PTAs, PTOs, schools, civic organizations, churches, businesses, and neighborhood associations. Meanwhile, please follow the recent guidance provided jointly by the BSA and the Church in which we were instructed that, “Until that date, to allow for an orderly transition, the intention of the Church is to remain a fully engaged partner in Scouting for boys and young men ages 8-13 and encourages all youth, families, and leaders to continue their active participation and financial support.” In addition, please remember to continue to enroll your incoming 8-year-old Cub Scouts to ensure that they receive the full benefit from the Scouting program and to ensure that registered Scouts are encouraged to continue to be involved in Scouting activities and advancement. 

Several months before the charters end, you will have the opportunity to select a new unit from among available sponsors. You will then be allowed to multiple register your son—at no charge—in both units for the balance of 2019. On January 1, 2020 you will simply begin meeting with your new Scouting unit.

We will stay in touch with you at each step along the way.

With deepest appreciation,

Michael Surbaugh                                   Charles W. Dahlquist, II
Chief Scout Executive                            Chair, Transition Task Force

__________________________________
Training Highlight:  Flag Etiquette
See the attached handout.
__________________________________
Resource Highlight:  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 scoutshop.org.

__________________________________
Award Highlight:  Emergency Preparedness

From its beginning, the Scouting movement has taught young people to do their best, to do their duty to God and country, to help others, and to prepare themselves physically, mentally, and morally to meet these goals. The basic aims of Scouting include teaching young people to take care of themselves, to be helpful to others, and to develop courage, self-reliance, and the ability to be ready to serve in an emergency.

The Emergency Preparedness BSA Award, first introduced in 2003 and updated in 2014, was designed with the aims mentioned above in mind. By developing these lifelong skills, Scouts have been instrumental in helping their communities recover from emergencies. 

When an emergency does occur, it can affect every BSA youth and adult member in the immediate area. Earning the award teaches participants to respond first, as an individual; second, as a member of a family; and third, as a member of a Scouting unit serving their neighborhood and community. This award will allow all Scouts and Scouters to become informed, be prepared, and act promptly and appropriately in the event of emergencies, whether they are natural or man-made.

Scouts and adult leaders can earn the individual Emergency Preparedness Award. Meanwhile, units, districts, and councils can work toward earning the bronze, silver, or gold achievement level. The awards are available at local Scout shops once specific requirements for each rank or achievement level have been met. See http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/Media/Publications/EmergencyPreparedness/award.aspx for requirements for the Unit and above levels.

Individual Emergency Preparedness Award Requirements

Tiger Requirements

1. Cover a family fire plan and drill, and what to do if separated from the family.
2. Discuss a family emergency plan with the family.
3. Create, plan, and practice summoning help during an emergency.
4. Take a nationally recognized first-aid course geared toward children such as American Red Cross First Aid for Children Today (FACT).
5. Join a safe kids program such as McGruff Child Identification, Internet Safety, or Safety at Home.
6. Show and tell your family household what you have learned about preparing for emergencies.

Wolf Requirements

1. Create a checklist to keep your home safe.
2. Discuss a family emergency plan with the family.
3. Create, plan, and practice summoning help during an emergency.
4. Learn emergency skills and care for choking, wounds, nosebleeds, falls, and animal bites. The emergency skills should include responses for fire safety, poisoning, water accidents, substance abuse, and more.
5. Join a safe kids program such as the McGruff Child Identification program. Put on a training program for your family or den on stranger awareness, Internet safety, or safety at home.
6. Make a presentation to your family on what you have learned about preparing for emergencies.

Bear Requirements

1. Create, plan, and practice summoning help during an emergency.
2. Learn how to shut off utilities to your home in an emergency.
3. Learn simple rescue techniques.
4. Learn emergency skills and care for choking, wounds, nosebleeds, falls, and animal bites. The emergency skills should include responses for fire safety, poisoning, water accidents, substance abuse, and more.
5. Put together a family emergency kit for use in the home.
6. Organize a safe kids program such as the McGruff Child Identification program. Put on a training program for your family or den on stranger awareness, Internet safety, or safety at home.
7. Make a small display or give a presentation for your family or den on what you have learned about preparing for emergencies.

Webelos Scout Requirements

1. Learn rescue techniques.
2. Build a family emergency kit, with an adult family member participating in the project.
3. Take a first-aid course.
4. Learn to survive extreme weather situations.
5. Learn about stranger awareness, Internet safety, or safety at home.
6. Give a presentation to your den on preparing for emergencies.

When a member has fulfilled the requirements, a completed application (http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pubs/pdf/680-602.pdf) is submitted to the council. Upon approval, an Emergency Preparedness pin is awarded. The pin may be worn on civilian clothing or on the uniform, centered on the left pocket flap. The award may be earned more than once; for instance, as a young person advances through the ranks and is capable of more complex preparedness activities, but only one pin may be worn.

___________________________________

August 2018 Newsletter

Scout Law:  Trustworthy

____________________________

Theme:  A-Maze-ing Games

____________________________

Cub Scout Roundtable Blog:  elkhorncubs.blogspot.com

Elkhorn District Blog:  elkhorndistrict.blogspot.com

__________________________________

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

__________________________________

Upcoming Events

Leader Specific Training  Saturday, Oct. 6, 8am-11am, at the Millville Stake Center (110 S Main, Millville).

Cub Scout Extravaganza

Scout-o-rama:  Saturday, Sept. 8, Davis County Fairgrounds.  Cost is $10 per family, and includes a patch for each Scout and activities.  Activities include:  advancement adventures, BB and Archery, bounce house, fishing, pinewood derby race (bring your own car), and fun run.  See https://www.trappertrails.org/scoutorama for more details (scroll down to Cub Scout section).

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

#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.

Cub Pow Wow  Saturday, November 3, at the stake pavilion located at 360 E 450 N, Millville.  Bring your Bear Den to pass off the Beat of the Drum elective adventure.  We'll be making dream catchers, hearing Native American stories, and learning Native American dancing.

____________________________

Training Highlight:  Code of Conduct and Den Discipline

Cub Scouting is a fun-filled exciting adventure for the youth and the leaders... most of the time.  Occasionally, youth behavior can make den or pack meetings a challenge.  So how do we deal with that?  Cubscouts.org has a great section on den discipline, including how to use a Code of Conduct.  Here's some information from the site:

Young boys tend to be noisy, active, and full of energy. But you can keep your Cub Scouts under control and handle the noise they create.

The first step is to accept the fact that they will be noisy and active and to find a meeting location where that’s not an issue. Beyond that, effective discipline is 90 percent preparation.

Part of that preparation is the awareness of what boys are like at various ages. Make assets out of their abilities and interests. Then as they mature, so do you—right along with them.

The other element of preparation is planning appropriate activities and having enough physical and human resources on hand to keep the group going for the entire meeting. Some people think that the best kind of control is inner control, but Cub Scouts are a long way from reaching such a goal. This does not mean that they are too young to try. You can put first- and second-graders’ interest in fairness to work to create some operating rules that the group members agree to follow.

You can encourage positive behavior in many ways, including
► Expressing clear expectations of good behavior to the boy and his family
► Developing a den code of conduct with the boys
► Using two-deep leadership, especially on trips and outings
► Having trained den chiefs help with den activities
► Following the suggested Cub Scout den meeting structure outlined in BSA resources
► Using positive recognition or reinforcement aids such as good conduct candles, marble jars, and stickers

DEN CODE OF CONDUCT
The den leader and the boys in the den should develop a den code of conduct—or set of group rules. Introduce the subject of a den code of conduct during an open discussion of how friends act toward one another. Boys will often contribute proposals that relate to safety, to respect for property, and to relationships with others. You can make suggestions along these lines if the boys don’t bring them up.

A few rules are enough for a start, but the boys might need to add others from time to time. They also might want to write out their den rules and sign on a line at the end of the list. This is a way of sharing with parents and guardians the expectations of their sons.

Although groups of boys of this age will have their good days and bad days, they are most likely to try to live up to rules that they helped develop themselves. Boys need to learn to judge their behavior in terms of more than conformity to rules. They need to learn about caring, too. Just as they can make up rules, they can decide on some of the caring values that they want to represent their den.

Here's an example of a den Code of Conduct

Be kind to others

Listen when others are talking

Wait your turn

Always work together as a team

Use good manners

Be positive- "I can do it" or "I will try"

No tattling

Participate in the activities of the den

Be honest and always tell the truth

Do your best

GUIDANCE USING VALUES
The ideas of fairness, helpfulness, and cooperation are all found in the Scout Oath and Scout Law. These important values can be a good start for discussions about conduct. With guidance, even young Cub Scouts can discuss their actions and decide how they fit with the den’s chosen values. Such exchanges not only reinforce these values but also help boys develop critical thinking skills.

Webelos Scouts are much more adept at developing rules and can generally be depended on to adopt reasonable ones for their group. They might want to change rules from time to time as circumstances change. By age 10, boys are beginning to understand that even public laws are made by people and that people can change them. They are ready to discuss rules in a fairly businesslike manner and will engage in a lot of bargaining with peers and adults.

Webelos Scouts also need active encouragement if they are to continue developing a caring orientation in their lives. They are ready to begin exploring the meaning of responsibility for the welfare of others. You can use their growing ability to see the perspective of others as a tool in your guidance. For example, encourage them to talk about the “whys” of the Scouting for Food Good Turn in terms of real human needs in their communities.

Give boys responsibility to help them think more deeply about positive attitudes, beliefs, values, norms, and actions. Teach boys how to learn from experience and how to gain some mastery over the events in their lives. This approach will take effort at the beginning but will soon begin to take hold as the boys learn to discipline themselves.

HELPFUL HINTS FOR DEN DISCIPLINE

Use the Cub Scout sign to get attention. When boys and adults see the sign, each should stop talking and raise his or her arm in the sign. Eventually, the room will be quiet. Don’t shout or yell for attention. Wait until everyone is quiet before speaking.

Keep den and pack meetings fast-paced, and have many interesting activities. Have activities for early arrivals, and alternate boisterous and more quiet activities. Keep in mind that you don’t have to crowd everything into a single meeting. There’s always the next meeting.

Try to get to know each boy. Find out what he likes and dislikes. Don’t be afraid to let the boy know something about yourself. Stay in contact with his family and be responsive to what might be going on in other aspects of his life.

Behave toward boys impartially, regardless of race, social class, religion, and any other difference. Boys expect fair treatment, and the example of all leaders becomes their model. If you make promises as a leader, you must make every attempt to keep them; at the same time, point out that at times, promises must be broken for good reasons. Knowing that young boys don’t have a clear idea of “maybe,” you need to offer as much guidance as possible concerning indefinites.

Listen attentively and try to understand what is written or spoken. If you have trouble understanding a boy, ask him to clarify. If possible, try to look at the situation from his point of view. Encourage him to tell how he feels, but resist the temptation to tell him how he should feel. Remember that boys are boys, and they do not yet have the maturity of an adult.

Don’t criticize a boy in front of his den or pack; he will feel betrayed and humiliated. Wait until you can talk with him alone (yet in view of other adults, in accordance with Youth Protection policies). Get him to tell you what went wrong from his perspective, and then explain how you interpret the situation. Make an effort to find some common ground and begin once more.

Focus on the positives and minimize the negatives. Help boys to look for good in every situation. Remember to give praise when it is earned and even when it’s not expected. Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting, said, “A pat on the back is a stronger stimulus than a prick with a pin. Expect a great deal from boys and you will generally get it.”

Give boys opportunities to make choices. Provide real options and involve them in the planning of group activities. Sharing the power as well as the fun gives boys a feeling of ownership of the group’s success and responsibility for things that do not go well.

Provide boys with appropriate challenges. What is exciting to a 7-year-old might bore a 10-year-old. What is exciting to a 10-year-old might frighten a younger child. Focus on the strengths of each developmental stage, and develop the program with the boys. Remember that the youngster who tests your patience the most might need Cub Scouting the most.

Take some extra time to reflect on each meeting and learn from your own experience. Start with what went particularly well. What made it go? What part did you play? What parts did the boys and/or other adults play? How can this combination work again? Also focus on what didn’t work well. What aspects of the meeting needed more planning, resources, and leadership? What could have been done to prevent problems? Could these ideas be put into action earlier the next time a problem comes up?

Not all areas of behavior can be treated as subjects for discussion, particularly when dangerous, intentionally hurtful, or offensive behaviors are involved. On some occasions, leaders must insist on obedience and save the dialogue for later. Boys sense when some behaviors or events are getting out of control. In these instances, they expect adult leaders to protect them and to restore order.

The best time to confront a crisis is when it occurs. Don’t wait for it to resolve by itself. Afterward, the entire group might need time to calm down. If only one or two boys are involved, take them aside and talk to them tactfully. Recognize that some boys have difficulties that are too great to be solved in a Cub Scout den. Share your concerns with and seek assistance from the boy’s parent or guardian or your pack committee or unit commissioner.

Steps for Solving Problems

1.  Define the problem.

2.  Determine the difficulties the problem is causing.

3.  Determine the kinds of solutions that could fix the problem or make it better.

4.  Try a solution.  If the solution doesn't work, try a different one.

5.  Evaluate the solution.  How did it work?

Having a defined way of working out difficulties or changes is a good skill to build in any boy.  This method also allows development of leadership skills through discussion and decision-making among the Cub Scouts.

____________________________

Award Highlight:  SCOUTStrong Healthy Unit Award

Personal fitness is one of the aims of Scouting. To show a commitment to this value and earn the SCOUTStrong Healthy Unit Award, follow three healthy practices at all meetings and gatherings:

• Snack smart: Serve fruits or vegetables, when you have snacks (three meetings).
• Drink right: Make water the main beverage (six meetings).
• Move more: Include 15 minutes of fun physical activity (nine meetings).

Scouts can earn the SCOUTStrong Healthy Unit Award with their den, pack, troop, or crew.  Tracking forms for each den and for the pack (use the Boy Scout form) can be found at https://www.scouting.org/resources/bsa-fit/healthy-unit/.

   

Patches can be purchased at the Scout Shop for $2.49.  A certificate is also available.

____________________________

Resource Highlight:  Scout Games

There will be scouts that participate in scouting primarily because Scouting is fun, so offering an active game period at every scout meeting is critical to bringing boys back week after week. Coming up with stimulating game ideas is not always easy, though. Some units have limited space in their meeting halls, or need games for very small or very large numbers of youth. The Scout Games book is designed to help Scoutmasters deliver meeting fun regardless of the challenges any unit may face. This includes: active games; traditional games; indoor games; outdoor games; games suited for youth of varied ages; heights and weights; games for large groups; and games for small groups. There are many options to help solve the diverse problems a leader might face. Even games designed to reinforce Scouting skills like knot tying and first aid are included. Some of these games originated with Baden Powell and are time tested, while other games are more contemporary. They are all Scout tested and guaranteed to deliver fun. Games are rated with between one and five stars. Five-star games are the best and most fun, while one-star games are less fun but are still enjoyable. We hope that you enjoy this collection of scout games and that they help you deliver an outstanding program. 

You can purchase this book at the Scout Shop or at scoutshop.org for $5.95, or for your kindle on Amazon for $3.95.

Pack Resource Sheet September 2018

Scout Law: Trustworthy

A Scout tells the truth. He is honest, and he keeps his promises. People can depend on him.

Theme: A-Maze-ing Games

Remember that not only is it important to do your best when you play a game, but it is also important to be trustworthy when following the rules of the game. Winning at all costs is not part of a Scout’s code of conduct.

Gathering Activity: Find Your Puzzle

Materials: a few different pictures, glued to card stock, and cut into puzzle shapes.

Cut each picture into 6-8 pieces. As people arrive, give each person a puzzle piece. Explain that they are to go around the room and assemble the puzzles. When their puzzle is complete, encourage participants to get to know each other.

Opening Ceremony: A-Maze-Ing Games

Materials: Banner with 13 squares drawn in a horizontal row. 13 cards with words spelled vertically: DISPLAY, MOTTO, ADVANCEMENT, CITIZENS, WELCOME, FAMILIES, DENS, BADGES, SONGS, PACK, CUBMASTER, FRIENDS, CUBSCOUTS. Tape to hold cards in place. Use a different color for the underlined letters. Place the banner on a wall. As Cub Scouts read their lines, they place their cards vertically so at the end the 13 squares spell “AMAZEING GAMES.”

#1 & 2: WELCOME to our PACK meeting.

#3 & 4: We are so glad our FAMILIES and FRIENDS are here tonight.

#5 & 6: All the DENS and our CUBMASTER are ready to start.

#7: We are going to have SONGS, games, and all kinds of fun.

#8 & 9: We will also have ADVANCEMENT ceremonies and BADGES will be awarded.

#10: Please make sure to visit our DISPLAY tables for we did our best.

#11: “Do Your Best” - That's our MOTTO.

#12 & 13: So CUB SCOUTS will grow into good CITIZENS.

All: AMAZEING GAMES is our theme tonight!

Song: Play, Play, Play Some Games

Tune: Row, Row, Row Your Boat

Play, play, play some games

Play until we're done

Puzzles, riddles, mazes too

Let's all have some fun.

Learn, learn, learn new games

Akela help us there

We will follow all the rules

And learn to play them fair!

Song: The Games We Play

Tune: Clementine

There's Monopoly, and Chutes & Ladders,

Even board games with a twist.

But the games that are the most fun,

Are the games we can't resist.

We make them up and then we tell our friends,

Sometimes running, sometimes chase.

By using our imaginations

These cool games you can't replace.

Once we get started, we could play all day

Except for when we stop to eat,

We have fun with all the games we play,

but boy, at night, what sore, sore feet!

So let's get started with another game,

Tell me what you like to do.

Then we'll figure out just how to play,

And a new game will soon debut.

Advancement Ceremony: Board Game

Materials: On a large sheet of paper, draw a simple board game track with a few ladders. Write name of awards in an appropriate space. Write each recipient's name on colored paper shaped like a game piece and attach it with a piece of tape on the space indicating his current rank. Make game cards and separate them according to the rank.

(CM calls up a recipient and his family. The boy draws a game card and moves his piece to his new square. Proceed until all Scouts have moved their pieces.)

CM: You have reached your new rank (or adventure) not because of the lucky draw of your game card, but through hard work and help from your families and leaders. We are all proud of you. Congratulations!

Examples of game cards:

*Completed the Bobcat Trail. Move ahead 8 spaces.

*Succeeded in completing 6 Adventures. Move ahead to Wolf.

*Finished the requirements for the Bear Necessities Adventure. Climb the ladder.

Award Ideas:

*Attach awards to large puzzle shapes.

*Attach awards to sponge balls, and throw to recipients.

*Attach awards to large dice, and roll them to recipients.

*Have recipients walk through a maze drawn or taped on the floor to get to their award.

Cheers

Tic-tac-toe: Tic-tac-toe, Cub Scouts go!

Clue: It was the Cubmaster, at the pack meeting, with a cheer!

Checkers: King me!

Chess: Check mate!

Maze: You're a-maze-ing!

Audience Participation: Family Game Night

Divide audience into 6 groups. Assign each group one of the words listed below. When a group's item is mentioned in the story, the assigned group should shout the designated saying.

Game(s): Let's play!

Family: We have fun together!

Homemade: I made it myself!

Skill: More points for me!

Active: My turn!

Ride/Riding: Zoom, zoom!

Chase/Chasing: Try to catch me!

If you ask the Link family what their favorite family activity is, they will certainly tell you; family game night. That's when they have the most fun together.

The Link family takes their game night very seriously. Everyone in the family gets to suggest their favorite games. Choosing games to play on game night is an important decision and this is how that decision is made.

Each person in the family chooses two games they would like to play. Dad usually suggests a homemade game like Box Hockey or the Putting game. Mom's favorite games are usually games of skill. She might suggest darts or ping pong. Sally likes active games like Red Light, Green Light and Potato Race. Mitch likes everyone to play games while riding on their bicycles. He chooses games like Hitting the Target or Snail Race. And little Charlie's favorite games are chase games like Body Tag or Catch the Dragon's Tail.

Dad writes each family member's game suggestion on strips of paper. This adds up to 10 strips of paper with game ideas. There are always two homemade games from Dad, two games of skill from Mom, two active games from Sally, two riding games from Mitch, and two chasing games from little Charlie. Dad puts all the suggestions in a hat. Every family game night, they take time to play four games. Tonight, little Charlie picks out four strips of paper.

The first strip reads Hitting the Target. This is a riding game, so Mitch is happy, but since it is also an active game, Sally is happy too. And it is a game of skill, so Mom is excited about this choice. The second strip reads Body Tag. This is a chasing game, so little Charlie is ready to run.. But it is also an active game, so Sally is on her toes too. The third strip of paper reads the Putting game. This is a homemade game from Dad, so he is all prepared with the supplies he has made. But it is also a game of skill, so Mom likes this game too. The fourth strip has Potato Race written on it. That is Sally's suggestion for an active game, but it is also a riding game, so Mitch is very excited to play. And Dad says it is also a homemade game, so he gets another favorite too.

There seems to be something for every member of the Link family to like about each of these game suggestions! Each person likes each game for a different reason. But no matter which game is chosen, the one thing that all the Links agree on is that because it is their family night, they choose to play together, and that is the best choice of all.

Cubmaster's Minute: A Maze of Possibilities

As leaders and parents, we often feel we are navigating a “maze” of possibilities- and hazards. By following the ideals of Scouting, and helping our boys learn to be good citizens, loyal friends, active learners and healthy young men, and by providing uplifting and fun Scouting activities and supporting each boy in his chosen goals, we can help our sons navigate through the possibilities and avoid the hazards all around them. As we leave tonight, let us commit to helping each of our scouts become young men of good character- to navigate the “maze” successfully.

Cubmaster's Minute: Honest Play

This month you have had fun playing games and solving puzzles in your den meetings, with your families, and here tonight. Each game and puzzle has rules, and you played by those rules. Playing by the rules is important because that means you are being honest. An honest person is a person worthy of trust. If you are not honest and don't play by the rules, you may win the game, but would that be fair for others? It's much more fun to have friends who trust you.

Closing Ceremony: The Games of Life

Materials: Box lids from Clue, Chutes & Ladders, Candy Land, Trouble, Sorry, and Life (or pictures of games)

#1 (holding Clue lid): Cub Scouting has given us many a clue as to what to expect as we go through life.

#2 (holding Chutes & Ladders lid): We learn there will be many ups and downs.

#3 (holding Candy Land lid): And not everything will be sweet and easy as we go through life.

#4 (holding Trouble lid): We learn how to overcome troubles in life.

#5 (holding Sorry lid): And how to apologize and say I'm sorry.

#6 (holding Life lid): Yes, Cub Scouting teaches us all about life!

Note: All ranks have the opportunity to work toward the Cub Scout Outdoor Activity award by creating an outside game and playing it outside with friends for 30 minutes. Provide several pieces of game equipment (frisbees, hoops, cones, ball, etc.) and give boys 10 minutes to design a game for the den or pack to play.

Game: Red-Yellow-Black

See Baloo's Bugle, December 2008 issue, page 28, for the details for this life-sized maze. You can draw the maze using colored chalk in the parking lot, or lay it out using colored duct tape or crepe paper.

Cub Grub: Edible Maze

Ingredients: Graham cracker for each boy, frosting, plastic knives, toothpicks, various candies

Directions: Each boy frosts his graham cracker. Then he “lays out” a maze by drawing with a toothpick on the frosting. Candies such as M&M's can be used to show the pathway through the maze.

Pack Resource Sheet August 2018

Scout Law: Clean

Everything we do impacts the world around us. When a Scout is clean, he is choosing to make sure that the legacy he leaves is a positive one. He makes moral choices and through an active lifestyle he keeps his body healthy. He also is conscious of the impact that he can have on nature and the responsibility he has to keep the world clean for those who come behind him.

Theme: Destination Parks

We are blessed with an abundance of natural parks. Walking, hiking, and exploring nature helps a Scout to keep his body and mind fit and clean. Any green area around your home can provide the opportunity to put the outing in Scouting.

Gathering Activity: Nature Trail

Make a “nature trail” though the den meeting area (inside or outside) by placing nature items around, such as plaster animal tracks, pictures of birds, flowers and insects, beaver-gnawed branches, etc. Number each specimen. Each person is given a pencil and paper and moves along the “trail” writing the identification number for each specimen on the paper. Most correct answers wins.

Opening Ceremony: Four Directions

Materials: 4 Cubs, each with a poster with a large letter for his direction on it. On the back, the following is written for each boy to read.

CM: Finding our way to our destination is aided by the use of a compass, which shows the four directions- north, south, east, and west.

#1 (“E”): I represent the East. From me comes the sun each day, giving light to all living things to help them be strong and healthy.

#2 (“S”): I represent the South. From me comes heat and rain, so all living things have warmth and water to drink.

#3 (“N”): I represent the North. From me comes cold and snow, so all living things can experience coolness and the beauty of winter.

#4 (“W”): I represent the West. To me, the sun comes at the end of each day, giving the world darkness so all living things can rest.

CM: We gather from all directions, joined together by the Scout Oath. Will everyone please stand, and recite the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the Scout Oath.

Song: Take Me Out to the Forest

Tune: Take Me Out to the Ballgame

Take me out to the forest.

Let me hike in the wild.

Show me a skunk and a few bear tracks.

I won't care if I never come back!

But it's look, look, look at your compass.

If it rains, then it pours.

And it's ouch, slap, sting and you're bit

In the great outdoors!

Advancement Ceremony: Cub Hike

On a large sheet of butcher paper, draw a Scouting trail. Mark the trail with a sign for Bobcats, then move down the trail with a sign for Wolf, Bear, Webelos and Arrow of Light. Add animal tracks for Bobcat, Wolf, and Bear, W's for Webelos and Arrows for Arrow of Light. Decorate your trail with sketches of trees, bushes, and rocks. Add photos of boys from this month's outdoor den activities, if desired. Attach awards to cutouts of boots or large paper footprints, and place the cutouts at the appropriate places on the trail. Call boys up and present awards as you move along the trail.

Award Ideas

Tin Foil Dinners: Wrap up awards like tin foil dinners. Display around a fake log campfire in front of audience.

Cheers

Clean Air Applause: Take in as much air as you can through your nose, hold it, then exhale and say, “Ahhhh!”

Hiking Applause: Have group stand and stomp their feet and swing their arms as if hiking, saying, “Stomp, stomp, stomp! Keep on going!”

Owl Cheer: We give a hoot, hoot, hoot!

Bigfoot Applause: Hold one foot up off the floor (like the Big Hand Applause)

Hiking Map Applause: Have audience get out a pretend map, unfold it, look up and down several times and say, “It's that way!” (Everyone points a different direction)

Mosquito Applause: With one hand slap yourself on the neck, arms, and legs, while saying, “Ooo, aah, ahh!”

Audience Participation: Sounds of the Forest

BOBCAT: meow SCOUT: On my honor!

WOLF: howl HUMAN: Great campsite!

BEAR: growl

Creatures from all over the land gathered together to talk about the best way to protect the lands in which they lived. The BEAR said: “We large creatures watch the forests for fires and warn all creatures when we see danger. BEARS are good at that, but we can't get the HUMANS to be careful.” The WOLF and BOBCAT agreed. The BOBCAT spoke next. “We love to play in the tall grasses, but the HUMANS are building things where we used to play.” The BEAR and WOLF looked sadly at the BOBCAT. The WOLF stood tall. “We need to teach the HUMANS not to drop their garbage and leave it around our homes.” The BEAR and BOBCAT agreed. The SCOUT stood up. “I am HUMAN. I am a SCOUT. In our pack we learn how to protect the forest and the grasslands and all nature. We can help you by following the Outdoor Code.”

“Hooray!” said the BEAR, BOBCAT, and WOLF. “SCOUT, you are welcome in our lands!”

Skit: Hike Safely

Materials: safety whistle, neckerchief

#1: Oh! Oh! Where is everybody? We must be lost! What do we do now?

#2: We should stay in one place. We can wait by this tree. Someone will find us!

#3: We should blow our safety whistle! (blows whistle)

#4: Let's use my neckerchief as a signal! (takes off neckerchief and waves it around)

# 5, 6, 7 (running in): We heard your whistle and saw your signal! We found you! Let's get back to camp. (everyone walks off)

Cubmaster's Minute: Set Your Course

When you hike, always stay on the trail so you don't get lost. But there is another trail that Cub Scouts should be sure to stay on; the character trail. Your character is being formed right now, by what you do and by what you don't do. Others will try to influence your actions sometimes in ways that may steer you off course. Set your own course. Make up your mind that you will always live by the Scout Oath and Law. Then follow through with it, forever climbing the character trail.

Closing Ceremony: Outdoor Code

CM: As an American, I will do my best to be clean in my outdoor manners.

#1: I will treat the outdoors as a heritage to be improved for our greater enjoyment. I will keep my trash out of America's waters, fields, woods, roadways, and parks.

CM: Be careful with fire.

#2: I will prevent wildfire. I will build a small fire in a safe place and be sure it is out before I leave.

CM: Be considerate in the outdoors.

#3: I will treat public and private property with respect. I will remember that use of the outdoors is a privilege I can lose by abuse.

CM: Be conservation minded.

#4: I will learn how to practice good conservation of soil, waters, forests, minerals, grasslands, and wildlife, and I will urge others to do the same. I will use sportsmanlike methods in my outdoor activities.

Game: Changing Winds

Use a compass to establish the four main directions in your meeting area. Have all boys stand facing one player who is the “wind.” The wind tells the direction he is blowing by saying, “The wind blows... south.” All players must face south. If a player is already facing that direction and moves, he is out. The wind may confuse the game by facing any direction he chooses. Players turning the wrong direction are out. The winner is the last player still in the game.

Game: Outdoor Essentials

Materials: empty backpack, trail food, flashlight, first aid kit, water, whistle, (sunscreen, hat, jacket)

The CM and assistant CM play a tossing game: The CM holds up an object, then tosses it to the ACM. As he does so, the ACM puts it into the empty backpack, and talks about why the object is an important part of the 6 essentials for hiking and camping. Continue through all the items.

Next, have the boys try to remember the items that went into the backpack and write those down.

Cub Grub: Campfire Goodies

Materials: Graham crackers (to build fire on), jelly beans (rocks), pretzel sticks (logs), candy corn (fire), can of frosting (to hold it all together)

This is a fun way to teach the boys fire safety and different ways to build a fire. Have the boys make their “campfires” and then eat them.