Tuesday, June 13, 2017

Pack Resource Sheet July 2017

Scout Law: Trustworthy
A Scout tells the truth. As the athletes of the world strive to do their personal best in international competition, Cub Scouts have the opportunity to “Let the Games Begin” by doing their best in feats of skill and sport. Remember that not only is it important to do your best when you play a sport, 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.

Theme: Let the Games Begin
As the athletes of the world strive to do their best in local, national, or international competition, Cub Scouts have the opportunity to Let the Games Begin by doing their best in feats of skill and prowess. This month Cub Scouts learn about exercise and sports and put that knowledge to use by playing a sport they haven't played before. Remember, it is not only important to do your best when you play a sport, but also to understand the rules of being a good sport no matter the outcome of the game.

Gathering Activity: Olympic Torches
Materials: toilet paper/paper towel tubes or gray card stock; red, yellow, and orange tissue paper
Give each boy 1 tube or a piece of card stock (roll it the long way to create a tube and tape it) and 1 sheet each of red, yellow, and orange tissue paper. Stuff the tissue paper in one end of the tube to create the “flames”.

Opening Ceremony: All Star Flag Team
Materials: Long piece of paper for the boys to “burst” through.
CM: Let me introduce you to some of the members of our all-star team! They are part of our all-star team because of their attitude and determination, and because they practice the Cub Scout motto- Do Your Best.
(Boys come bursting through the paper banner as they are introduced, then line up by the flag)
CM: Please repeat the Pledge of Allegiance with our all-star team!

Song: Cub Olympics
Tune: Home on the Range
By: Shanae Ames

Oh, give me a bow,
Or a boat I can row,
Or a ball to hit over the net.
I'll surf or I'll swim,
Lift the weights at the gym.
I'll take any sport I can get.

Chorus:
At the Cub Olympics
There are so many sports I can choose.
I will do my best,
Put myself to the test.
And I'll cheer if I win or I lose.

Advancement Ceremony: The Athlete
Props: CM can select any sport and use appropriate equipment as props throughout the ceremony.
CM: The first thing an athlete learns is the basic rules of his chosen sport. When a Cub first enters the Pack, he learns the Bobcat Trail, which gives him the first knowledge he must know to move up the Cub Scout path.
Will the following boys and their parents please come forward? (Present the Bobcat awards to parents to present to their sons. Lead cheer.)

When a boy has learned the basic rules of his game, he then begins to practice the skills needed to play. He becomes familiar with the sports equipment. Our Wolves have worked on adventures as they continue to develop their Cub Scout skills. Will the following boys please come forward? (repeat)

The athlete is now ready to concentrate on improving his athletic skills. Our Bears are like the athlete who increases his knowledge to become more proficient in his game. Will the following boys and their parents please come forward? (repeat)

Once the rules have been well learned and the skills have been mastered, the athlete is now ready to advance to a higher level of sill, which involves the mental strategy used to fine tune their playing skills. Both physical and mental skills are part of the learning experience of the boys in the Webelos rank. Will the following boys and their parents please come forward? (repeat)

As our ceremony concludes, we recognize the progress our Cubs have made this past month. The dedicated athlete recognizes the many accomplishments he made this past month and the many abilities he has developed within himself. He has learned the basic rules and he is dedicated to the practices that develop his ability. The mature athlete has become confident in his ability to play the game, and becomes a leader who shares his knowledge and skills with other on his team. All these traits belong to the boys in our Pack as we see them progress from month to month and year to year. We are proud of these boys and the leaders who guide them along the Cub Scout Trail.

Cheers
Olympics Cheer: Join hands, raise them over head and shout, “Go for the Gold!”
Pole Vault Cheer: Stand two fingers of one hand on other arm like legs. Have them run down the arm to the wrist and then leap into the air. As the hand come down, CLAP!
Iron Man: Flex muscles. Take out iron and ironing board and iron your shirt.
Go Team Cheer: Stand and yell, “Go team!”
Olympic Motto Cheer: “Citius, Altius, Fortius!”
Relay Applause: Have one person in each row or section start this one. They will clap twice and then clap the hand of the person next to them. They continue to clap in unison in this manner until everyone in the room is clapping.

Skit: One Step at a Time
Note: Add extra sports as needed.
#1: When I grow up, I'm going to be the world's greatest broad jumper and jump like this... (jumps about 1 foot and falls down)
Den Chief (helping him up): Well, you have to remember to take it one step at a time.
#2: When I grow up, I'm going to be high jumper and win a gold medal like this... (jumps and falls flat)
Den Chief (helping him up): But you have to remember to take it one step at a time.
#3: When I grow up, I'm going to be a world famous baseball player and hit home runs like this... (swings and falls)
Den Chief (helping him up): Fine, fine, but remember to take it one step at a time.
#4: When I grow up, I'm going to be the world's greatest slam dunker... (dribbles imaginary basketball and slam dunks it, falling)
Den Chief (helping him up): Sure, sure, but remember to take it one step at a time.
#5: Say, what are you going to be when you grow up?
Den Chief: Why I'm going to be the greatest marathon runner that ever lived! (turns and starts to jog away but trips and falls)
#5: One step at a time! (helps Den Chief up, all exit)

Cubmaster's Minute: Sports
Just as all sports played in the great outdoors are a challenge to each individual competitor, so also the Cub Scout trail is a challenge to each individual Scout. Professional athletes and Olympic competitors don't just become great overnight. It takes years of practice and dedication to achieve success. This is also true in Cub Scouting. A boy who joins the pack does not immediately earn the Wolf, Bear, or Webelos badge. He joins the pack to grow and be challenged. He must earn the ranks as he grows. The challenges become more difficult as each boy grows older, but through dedication and hard work he will reach the top, just like the Olympic champions. Let us vow tonight as we leave this place to always do our best- in sports, in work, in school, in life!

Closing Ceremony: Sportsmanship
#1: I will be a good sport in all I do.
#2: I will follow the rules.
#3: I will trust my teammates.
#4: I will keep my temper.
#5: I will keep myself physically fit.
#6: I will keep my head up in defeat.
#7: I will keep my pride under control in victory.
#8: I will play hard and have fun.
#9: I will always do my best.
ALL: We will be good sports in all that we do!

Good Sport Code
As a group, repeat each rule:
  1. Obey the rules.
  2. Never brag when you win.
  3. Don't quit when you're losing.
  4. Take turns.
  5. Help others enjoy the game.
Give each boy a copy of the Good Sport Code and encourage them to live by it.

Activity: Mini Indoor Olympics
*Javelin: Use straws or pool noodles
*Shot Put: Use a cotton ball
*Discus: Use a paper plate
*Low Low Hurdles: Pile up a few books and have runners sprint back and forth 10 times, jumping the hurdle each time while someone times them. Or, have them crawl under chairs, while timing the event.
*High Jump: Tack a yardstick to a wall. See who can make the highest mark with chalk.
*Standing Long Jump: Use a yardstick to measure distance jumped.
*Broad Jump Relay: Divide the group into teams. The first member of the team jumps as far as he can from a starting line. Place a ruler in front of his toes. The next player on the team stands behind the ruler and jumps as far as he can. The jump continues until each team member has had a turn. Which team goes the farthest? Scramble teams and try again.
*25 Yard Dash: Mark off 25 yards (or other distance). All teams will do a crawling relay. The first member of each team crawls to a designated point then crawls back to the team. The next member does the same, and so on until all team members finish. Record times for each team.
*Marathon: Olympians run for 26 miles. Run yours for 26 yards. Divide each team into 2 groups, 26 yards apart. Give each team a baton. On signal, first boy races to other line and hands off the baton to 2nd boy. He races back to first line, then hands off baton to next boy. Continue until all boys have raced.
*Flyswatter Tennis: Center line is a row of chairs. Use flyswatters for the rackets and balloons for the balls.

Cub Grub: Edible Olympic Torch

Give each scout a sugar cone filled with lemon, orange or raspberry sherbet. Have them sprinkle their cone with yellow, orange and red sugar sprinkles.

Monday, June 12, 2017

June 2017 Newsletter

Scout Law:  Trustworthy
_______________________________________
Theme:  Let the Games Begin
_______________________________________
Roundtable Blog:   elkhorncubs.blogspot.com
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
Upcoming Events
Basic Training
Old Ephraim:  Saturday, June 17, 8 am - 12 pm, 940 Three Pt Ave, Logan.

Annual Roundtable BBQ:  Don't miss Roundtable on Wednesday, July 12!  We will be hosting our annual BBQ, featuring pulled pork/chicken and potluck (each unit please bring a salad, chips, or dessert to share).  This year's theme will be Derbies and Regattas, with a round robin of classes on fun derby and regatta alternate ideas, such as turtle races and kite derbies.  Come and learn something new to try next year!

Wood Badge for 2017 There are 6 courses being offered to adult leaders. Please see trappertrails.org for details.  Courses will be held in April, June, September and October. There is scholarship money available for some. ** The Family Encompass course is being offered July 3-8th. This camp offers Wood Badge for adults, NYLT for the youth and activities for all others in the family. It is being held at Camp Bartlett. **
______________________________________
Training Highlight:  Recognition
There is an old adage about recognition.  Ask the question, "Who likes recognition?"  The answer is three people- men, women, and children!

At a young age, children thrive on recognition and the feeling of acceptance it gives them.  The Scouting program is a wonderful tool to make this happen.

When do we give recognition for awards and adventures?
The adventure format encourages leaders to recognize the boy as quickly as possible once he has earned the award.  Some packs will choose to give the recognition device at den meeting, with just a mention at pack meeting.  Other packs will choose to wait to give out recognition devices at pack meeting.  It's up to your pack!  Keep in mind that waiting too long may make the recognition less meaningful as young boys tend to forget the hard work they put into something that happened several weeks or months ago, so keep on top of getting those awards done!  If you choose to keep awards at pack meeting, think of some ways you can offer immediate recognition at den meeting, such as beads, ribbons, or neckerchief slides, or even something the boys create themselves as part of the adventure.

How can we make recognition special?
Here are a few ideas
*During the award time, dim the lights a little bit.  This makes the atmosphere feel more special and different than other parts of the meeting.
*Perform the presentation in costume if appropriate.
*Show a short slide show of the Cub Scouts doing what they did to earn the award (especially for large awards such as the Conservation Good Turn award!)
*Use fun award ceremonies based on the monthly theme.  Don't just call the boy up and hand him a baggie!

What about adult recognition?
Don't forget to recognize the adults in your pack, whether they are leaders or helpful parents or special presenters.  Recognition is one of the methods of Scouting.  Leader awards are meant to model "best practice" behavior.  For adults, Scouter recognition should be at pack meeting.  

The BSA offers several awards for adult leaders to earn.  These awards typically require tenure as well as some items of performance.  More information about these awards is available at http://www.scouting.org/Home/Awards_Central.aspx.
______________________________________
Resource Highlight:  Cub Scout Leader How-to Book
The Cub Scout Leader How-to Book is a book every den should have a copy of.  It's filled with games, tricks, puzzles, crafts, stunts, skits, puppets, nature and outdoor fun, and special pack activities.  This book will show you how to make your den and pack activities sparkle!  You can pick up a copy at the Scout Shop or find an online download at http://cubsource.org/trng/HowTo.pdf.
______________________________________
Award Highlight:  Conservation Good Turn
Since 1910, conservation has been an integral part of the program of the Boy Scouts of America. The BSA has been a positive force in conservation and environmental efforts. Scouts have rendered distinguished public service by helping to conserve wildlife, energy, forests, soil, and water. Past generations of Scouts have been widely recognized for undertaking conservation Good Turn action projects in their local communities.

The Conservation Good Turn is an opportunity for Cub Scout packs to join with conservation or environmental organizations (federal, state, local, or private) to carry out a conservation Good Turn in their home communities.
  • The Scouting unit contacts a conservation agency and offers to carry out a Good Turn project.
  • The agency identifies a worthwhile and needed project that the unit can accomplish.
  • Working together in the local community, the unit and the agency plan the details and establish the date, time, and location for carrying out the project.

Participating Agencies

Many federal agencies are resources for the BSA's Conservation Good Turn. These agencies include
  • U.S. Department of Agriculture
  • Natural Resources Conservation Service
  • Forest Service
  • Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service
  • U.S. Department of the Interior
  • Fish and Wildlife Service
  • Bureau of Land Management
  • National Park Service
  • Geological Survey
  • Bureau of Indian Affairs
  • Bureau of Reclamation
  • U.S. Department of Commerce
  • National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
  • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Project Ideas:  Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts
Cub Scouting conservation projects should involve the entire Cub Scout pack, each den, adult leaders, and family members. Hands-on projects help Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts realize that everyone can do things to care for the environment. Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts participating in the Conservation Good Turn can also meet some advancement requirements. Suggested projects include, but are not limited to
  • Plant grasses, trees, shrubs, and ground cover to stop soil erosion.
  • As a den or pack, adopt a park. Remove litter and garbage from a favorite neighborhood recreation area or park.
  • Organize or participate in a recycling program in your neighborhood, or visit a recycling center.
  • Arrange a natural resources awareness program. Invite natural resource professionals such as wildlife biologists, soil conservationists, foresters, or conservation officers to speak to your pack.
  • Participate in a beach or waterfront cleanup. Record the items collected and determine the possible harmful effects to wildlife. With youth participation, develop a plan to educate the public about the dangers posed to wildlife.  (Have adult members post pictures of the collected trash on social media to get the word out about cleaning up after ourselves!)
  • From a local, state, or national organization that is concerned about environmental protection, obtain suggestions for den and pack projects to improve the environment.
  • As a den or pack, visit a public utility to learn about the wise use of resources, and become involved in programs offered by utilities to help consumers conserve resources.
  • Contact the camp ranger or BSA local council property superintendent for information about camp needs and plans. Establish a nature trail, plant vegetation, or carry out other needed projects as requested by the camp ranger.  (BSA Camps have an annual Day of Service.  Checktrappertrails.org for dates.)
Award Application
You can download the award application here:  http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/GTFAapplication.pdf. A Conservation Good Turn certificate is available at the council service center for units that participate and report on their efforts. A Conservation Good Turn patch is also available for purchase at the council service center to recognize individual youth and adult members who participate in a meaningful conservation project.

Inline image 2Inline image 3
________________________________________
Theme-related Adventures
Wolf
*Running with the Pack 1-5
*Code of the Wolf 3C:  Shoot a basketball
*Collections and Hobbies 4B:  Write a letter to an Olympic athlete, and ask for an autographed picture.
*Cubs Who Care 2:  Learn about a sport that has been adapted so that people in wheelchairs or with some other physical disability can play, and tell your den about it.
*Paws of Skill 1-7
*Spirit of the Water 5:  go swimming

Bear
*Salmon Run:  go swimming

Webelos/Arrow of Light
*Stronger, Faster, Higher 1-6
*Aquanaut:  go swimming
*Aware and Care 4C:  Attend a disabilities event such as a Special Olympics competition, or an adaptive sports event.
*Sportsman 1-3
___________________________________________
Journey to Excellence
#6 Outdoor Activities:  Conduct a Pack Field Day or Cublympics (see the Cub Scout Leader How-to Book for ideas)
___________________________________________

Tuesday, May 9, 2017

Dinosaur Theme Run-ons

Cub #1: Hey, I saw some T-Rex tracks about a mile East.
Cub #2: Great! Which way is West?

Cub #1: What do you call a dinosaur from Texas?
Cub #2: Tyrannosaurus Tex!

Cub #1: What do you get when you cross a dinosaur and fireworks?
Cub #2: Dino-Mite!

Cub #1: Why didn’t dinosaurs like to drive cars?
Cub #2: Because of all the Tyrannosaurus Wrecks!

Cub #1: What was the fastest dinosaur called?
Cub #2: The Pronto – Saurus

Cub #1: What do you do with a green dinosaur?
Cub #2: Wait till it ripens.

Cub#1: What do you call a dinosaur that’s a noisy sleeper?
Cub#2: An Apato – SNORUS!

Cub#1: How do dinosaurs pass their exams?
Cub#2: With EXTINCTION!

Cub#1: What kind of dinosaurs like Hip-Hop music?
Cub#2: Raptors!

Scout 1: You should never pull on a dinosaur’s tail.
Scout 2: Why not?
Scout 1: Because to the dinosaur it’s just a tail, but to you it could be the end.

Scout 1: What dinosaur knows more synonyms than any other?

Scout 2: A Thesaurus. 

Pack Resource Sheet June 2017

The Pack Meeting Plan for June 2017 found on scouting.org features snakes.  Here's another take on the Roaming Reptile Alert theme; Dinosaurs!

Scout Law: Brave

Theme: Roaming Reptile Alert

Gathering Activity: My Pet Dinosaur
Materials: paper, pencil, markers
Each participant designs their own dinosaur. Have them include facts, such as the environment where it is found, the food it eats, the noise it makes, etc. (Note: this will pass off Wolf Elective Digging in the Past 2)

Opening Ceremony:
Setting: Cub Scouts hold signs with names of dinosaurs on them, and lines on the back.

CM: Tonight we are going way back in time to the age of dinosaurs. Since they spent most of their time eating, we thought you should meet some of them and hear what they liked to eat.
#1: I am an Apatosaurus and I eat plants. I love salad bars.
#2: I am an Iguanodon and I dig in the ground to find food. I wash my hands after every meal.
#3: I am a Protoceratops and I'm a grazer. Cows copied my eating habits.
#4: I am a Hypsilophodon and I love to eat fruit. My mom never had to tell me to eat five fruits a day.
#5: I ma a Tyrannosaurus and I eat other dinosaurs. (The other dinosaurs move away from him)
#6: I am a Cubosaurus and my favorite food is pack meeting snacks!
CM: Now that we've been introduced, let the pack meeting begin by pledging allegiance to the flag!

Song: Paleontologist Song
Tune: My Darling Clementine
In a canyon, in a cavern,
Looking for a dinosaur,
With a brand new pick and shovel
I will go and dig some more.

Chorus
O my dino, O my dino
You're no longer on the earth,
Extinction was your downfall
Many years before my birth.

I’ll find a triceratops, or a stegosaur,
Or a T-rex dinosaur.
You can see them in the museum
High upon the second floor.

Chorus

I found a leg bone, and an arm bone
So where’s that neck bone gone?
Now I’m chasing my dog Rover
As he drags it across the lawn.

Advancement Ceremony: Dinosaur Hunt
Setting – badges to be awarded, paleontologist’s hammers, chisels, and magnifiers
Scene – The Cubmaster (CM) and Assistant CM (CA) walk through the pack while conversing.

CM: I’m going on a dinosaur hunt.
CA: For big dinosaurs?
CM: No, not in size, but big in ideals.
CA: Can I go along?
CM: Yes, but you may have to help with their parents.
CA: O.K., but are they dangerous?
CM: No, but they are smart. They have taught their Cub Scouts many things.
CA: There’s one now. And there’s another. (Continue until all Scouts receiving awards and their parents are identified. The leaders escort the Cub Scouts and their parents to the front. They speak briefly about the Scouts’ accomplishments in earning advancement, giving credit to the parents for helping. The badges are given to the parents to present to their sons.)

Cheers
Dinosaur Cheer. Roar, Hiss, Roar, Hiss Pterodactyl Cheer. Flap your arms and say, “Honk! Honk! Honk!”
Fred Flintstone Cheer. Shake hands over your head and yell “Yabba-dabba-do!”
Tyrannosaurus Rex Applause: Pull arms up with 2 fingers curled like claws, then stomp loudly on each foot and growl loudly. Repeat three times. Oviraptor Applause: Grab large make-believe egg between hands, move feet quickly up and down as if running away, and shout “Yum, Yum!”
Paleontologist Applause: Pick up your pretend brush and pick, lean over and “pick” at a pretend bone, brush off the dirt and shout “Hooray – It’s a new dinosaur!”
Volcano Applause: Twirl your hands while making a rumbling sound, then throw up your hands and shout “Brrrrrrrmmmmm!”
Paleontologist Cheer: Can you dig it? Dig it! Dig it!

Audience Participation: Going on a Dinosaur Hunt
Have the audience repeat the words and motions Going on a dinosaur hunt. (Slap thighs)
And I’m not afraid. (Point to self)
There’s a tall mountain. (Look with hand over eyes)
Can’t go under it. (Move hand down)
Can’t go around it. (Move hand around)
Guess I’ll go over it. (Reach hands as if climbing)

There’s a river. (Hands over eyes)
Can’t go over it. (Move hand up)
Can’t go under it. (Move hand down)
Can’t go around it. (Move hand around)
Guess I’ll swim across it. (Move arms as if swimming)

There’s some tall grass. (Hands over eyes)
Can’t go over it. (Move hand up)
Can’t go under it. (Move hand down)
Can’t go around it. (Move hand around)
Guess I’ll go through it (Rub hands together to create rustling sound as if going through grass)

There’s a cave! (Hands over eyes)
Can’t go over it. (Move hand up)
Can’t go under it. (Move hand down)
Can’t go around it. (Move hand around)
Guess I’ll go in it (Extend arms in front as if walking in dark and feeling your way)

It’s dark and spooky in here (Shake)
It’s cold in here! (Wrap arms around self and shiver)
I feel some scales (Pretend to rub something)
I feel some big teeth! (Pretend to touch something) OH! It’s a Dinosaur! (Scream)

Repeat motions from before but a lot faster because you are running away from the dinosaur!! Run out of the cave (Extend arms in front as if running in dark and feeling your way)
Go through the grass (Rub hands together to create rustling sound as if going through grass) Swim across the river (Move arms as if swimming) Climb the mountain (Reach hands as if climbing) Run home (Slap thighs)
Open the door (Move hands as if opening door) Jump into bed (Cover head with arms as if hiding under a blanket)

I went on a dinosaur hunt (Point to self)
And I wasn’t afraid! (Point to self, again)

Cubmaster's Minute: Our Legacy
Dinosaurs lived but a short time in the history of the earth, but because of their bones we have a legacy, or record, that shows us how they lived and what they did. We, also, are only on the earth for a short time. What we do with our days and how we spend our time will determine how others will remember us and our lives. If we are unkind to others, if we are dishonest or don’t try, that is how we will be remembered. However, if we are kind to others, obedient to leaders, and always ‘do our best’, then we will be remembered as someone everyone wanted to call ‘friend’. Let your legacy be something you can be proud of.

Closing Ceremony: The Tale of the Large Dinosaur
Materials: Picture depicting each body part, with lines written on the back
#1: I am the head of a large dinosaur. I make sure the dinosaur knows what it needs to do to survive among the other dinosaurs.
#2: I am the jaws of the dinosaur. My teeth catch and chew up my meals.
#3: I am the neck of the dinosaur. I make sure the dinosaur can reach high enough to get all the leaves on the tree.
#4: I am the body of the dinosaur. I am bigger than the body of any animal that roams the earth today.
#5: I am the legs of the dinosaur. I support my huge body and make sure the dinosaur can run fast enough to catch dinner or to keep from being dinner.

#6: I am the tail of the dinosaur. Now you have heard the tale of the large dinosaur. And this is the tail end of the meeting, so it's time to go! Good night!

May 2017 Newsletter

Scout Law:  Brave
________________________________
Theme:  Roaming Reptile Alert
________________________________
Roundtable Blog:   elkhorncubs.blogspot.com
________________________________
________________________________
Upcoming Events
Basic Training
Old Ephraim:  Saturday, June 17, 8 am - 12 pm, 940 Three Pt Ave, Logan.

10 Commandments Hike:   Saturday, May 13. Trapper Trails Council is holding its 6th Annual Ten Commandments Hike in the Ogden area. Scouts from around the Council will hike or bike 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. 
Cubs will check in at 7:00am Saturday morning at Marshall White Center, 222 28th St, Ogden.​
For more information call David Knowles at 801-745-0075 or email at dknowles3@me.com
Price is $5 per person for this event.
Inline image 2
Cub STEM Activity Days:  May 27, Camp Fife.  Registration begins at 9 am.  Cost is $25 per scout (Adults free), lunch provided.  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.

Wood Badge for 2017 There are 6 courses being offered to adult leaders. Please see trappertrails.org for details.  Courses will be held in April, June, September and October. There is scholarship money available for some. ** The Family Encompass course is being offered July 3-8th. This camp offers Wood Badge for adults, NYLT for the youth and activities for all others in the family. It is being held at Camp Bartlett. **
__________________________________
Tour and Activity Plan is no longer required as of April 1, 2017.  Please see http://www.scouting.org/Home/HealthandSafety/TourPlanFAQ.aspx for a FAQ to answer any questions you have.
__________________________________
Training Highlight:  Campfire Etiquette
Campfires are fun and a wonderful part of camping tradition.  It is a chance for the Cub Scout to learn and experience public speaking, acting, being part of a group, and using their imagination to create skits, songs, and jokes.  It is also a chance for them to understand that kindness is important when developing material, and that bullying and hazing are not to be tolerated.

We will divide this topic into two subjects; campfire program material, and campfire safety.

Campfire Program Material
The content of our campfire program should be fun and entertaining, and everyone should remember to keep the campfire kind at all times.  It is important that everyone remains respectful to the "on stage" acts.  There should be no talking while a performance is going on.  Flashlights should not be shined into the eyes of those on the stage.  Enthusiastic clapping and cheering are always welcome, as is joining in during audience participation.

*What Campfires ARE
     -A way to develop leadership skills in youth.
     -A way to highlight ans showcase the events of the day.
     -A time to unwind, relax, and enjoy nature and each other.
     -A chance to "deliver the promise" of Scouting.
*What Campfires are NOT
     -A chance for frustrated adult comedians and musicians to perform for a captive audience, or an opportunity for adults to showcase their individual talents.
     -A chance for discipline to be meted out.
     -A good place for unit announcements.
     -A spectator sport.

Planning a campfire is a fun activity, but does require a little preparation as well as cooperation from the group.  As you arrange different skits, songs, stories, etc., try to place them in an order that will follow the flames of your campfire.  When the flames are high, energy is high- action songs and loud stunts get everyone into the mood.  As the fire dies down, so does the tone:  Move to more quiet, reflective songs, a good story, and a Cubmaster's Minute to close the evening.  There should be no reason for adding firewood- let the fire die to embers, and follow the flames with the pace and tone of your program.

The ideal campfire is 45-60 minutes long.  Plan your program well, do it, then send the Cub Scouts off with their memories.

Now let's discuss the content of the campfire material:
*Use BSA materials that are approved by the national office.  Be careful with material found on the internet; not all of it is appropriate.
*Approve all material beforehand, even if you are familiar with the skit or song.  Take time to listen to the entire number, making sure it has not been changed.  
*We must strive to make sure that all have fun, but never at another's expense.  Scouting is governed by the Scout Oath and Law where everyone should feel physically and emotionally secure.  Everything we do with our Scouts should be positive and meaningful.  Activities should build self-esteem, be age-appropriate, and should not offend participants or the audience.  Some things that can make an activity inappropriate or unacceptable are:
     -Name-calling, put-downs, or hazing
     -References to undergarments, nudity, or bodily functions
     -Cross-gender impersonation that is in any way derogatory, rude, insulting, or lewd.  (This is not to suggest that boys cannot dress for and play female roles when needed in a skit or play, as long as good taste prevails.)
     -Derogatory references to or stereotyping of ethnic or cultural backgrounds, economic situations, or disabilities.
     -Sensitive social issues such as alcohol, drugs, gangs, guns, suicide, etc.
     -Wasteful, ill-mannered, or improper use of food or water.
     -"Inside jokes" that exclude some of those present.
     -Cultural exclusion- emphasis on the culture or faith of part of the group while ignoring that of the rest of the group.
     -Changing lyrics to patriotic songs ("America," "America the Beautiful," "God Bless America," "The Star-Spangled Banner"), or to hymns and other spiritual songs.
     *If someone presents an inappropriate song or skit, the emcee should step forward, thank the performers, and call up the next group.  An explanation can be given later about why they were escorted off the stage.  Do not humiliate or criticize anyone in front of the group.

Campfire Safety
Campfires can be very dangerous if safety rules are not followed.  Below are some tips to ensure that this favorite camping tradition is safe and fun for all.
     *Clear the area of any dry leaves and sticks, and make sure that vehicles, clothing, camping gear, and other flammable items are placed at a considerable distance from the fire.
     *Check the weather forecast.  Even a small amount of wind can blow burning debris or sparks onto a flammable surface or YOU.
     *Never cut live trees or branches for the fire.
     *Only wood should be placed in the campfire pit area.  Never put in:
         -Containers that have had chemicals in them 
         -Items with glass
         -Aerosol cans
         -Aluminum cans 
     *Establish a campfire safety circle around the fire.  The recommended distance from the edge of the fire is 4 feet to establish a clear boundary for the Scouts.  Adults only may enter into the circle to tend to the fire.
     *Circle the campfire pit area with rocks.
     *Do not sit on the fire ring or on the rocks around the campfire.
     *Keep a bucket of water and a fire extinguisher nearby in case of emergencies.
     *Never leave the campfire unattended.  
     *Stack extra wood upwind and away from the fire.
     *Never use flammable liquids to ignite a campfire.
     *After lighting the campfire, do not discard the match until cold, and discard it into the fire.
     *Once the fire is lit, keep it small, using three to four logs, and never rush to use additional logs that might fuel a larger fire than intended or is necessary.
     *When placing the large pieces of wood on the fire, point them inward and use another piece of wood to shift them to their desired spot.
     *Extinguish the campfire with water by completely drowning all coals and embers, not just the red ones.  To make sure they are out, keep pouring water, stir the ashes, then pour water and stir the ashes again.  Do not bury coals and embers, this can keep them hot.

___________________________________
Resource Highlight:  Superior Campfires
A successful campfire can be the highlight of any Scouting adventure. The pamphlet is an excellent guide to fast-paced campfires sure to get everyone involved. Includes skits, cheers, introductions, riddles, and Scouting legends. This 47-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.  $5.99 at the Scout Shop, or $3.95 Kindle edition.

Inline image 3

Pair this book with the Campfire Program Planner for an organized, fun event for Pack Meeting!  You can find the planner here:  http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/33696.pdf
____________________________________
Award Highlight:  National Summertime Pack Award
The National Summertime Pack Award is given to packs that conduct at least one activity in each of the summer months, June, July and August.  It is intended to encourage packs to have a year-round program.
The award has three components–pack, den and individual.
Pack Award
For a pack to earn the award, they simply need to hold at least one pack event or activity in each of the three months–June, July and August.  That’s it.  There is no attendance requirement to earn the pack award.
Activities can be as simple or as elaborate as you want.  They could be just for fun or could benefit your community.  The point is to do something as a pack to keep the boys involved in Scouting over the summer break.
Packs are awarded a certificate and a ribbon for their den flags.
Den Award
If 50% or more of the members of a den attend all three events, that den will receive a den participation ribbon.
Inline image 5

Individual Awards

summertime pack award pin
Cub Scouts who attend all three of the pack’s summer events earn the National Summertime Pack Award pin.  They can earn one each summer.  The color on the pin varies depending on rank.
  • Tiger – Orange
  • Wolf – Red
  • Bear – Green
  • Webelos – Blue

Inline image 4
____________________________________
Theme-related Adventures
Wolf
Call of the Wild 1B:  visit a nature park or zoo to see the reptiles
Paws on the Path 6:  Name 2 reptiles in our area
Digging in the Past:  all about dinosaurs

Bear
Bear Claws 3A:  Carve a snake, turtle, or dinosaur.
Bear Necessities 1B:  visit a nature park or zoo to see the reptiles
Fur, Feathers, and Ferns 1-4:  Look for reptiles/amphibians, observe them, which ones are extinct or endangered.
Critter Care:  pet reptile/amphibian

Webelos/Arrow of Light
I'm sorry, I don't have the updated reqs for Webelos/AoL yet!

_____________________________________
Scouting Outing:  
*Zootah at Willow Park (https://willowparkzoo.wixsite.com/home)
Hours are M-H 2-5pm and F-Sat 11am-5pm.  Cost is 12 yr + $4, 2-11 yr $3.  They have 10 reptiles/amphibians, as well as birds and mammals.
*Stokes Nature Center:  (http://logannature.org/)  Hours are W-Sat, 10 am- 4 pm.
_____________________________________
Web Highlight
Check out these links for reptiles/amphibians found in Utah!
*Utah Dept. of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife Resources.  Find a list of all reptiles/amphibians found in Utah, along with pictures and info. http://dwrcdc.nr.utah.gov/rsgis2/search/SearchSelection.asp?Group=REPTILIA&Species=VERT
_____________________________________
Journey to Excellence
#6 Outdoor Activities:  Take the den to Zootah at Willow Park or the Stokes Nature Center to see the snakes and turtles.  Hide "dinosaur bones" or toy dinosaurs in a sand box and have a dino dig.
#8 Service Project:  Have a pack clean up day to improve wildlife habitat.  Remove invasive species, such as Dyer's Woad, and clean up trash.  Build and put up birdhouses or bird feeders.