News & Notes 12/21/2009

Hi.
With 2009 coming to a close, it's time to start looking ahead to all of the Scouting activities right around the corner...

The complete schedule is always available online via the Website http://cubscouts661.blogspot.com !

January
Sundays - Webelos Swim Program - see your Patrol Leader for details
January 15-16 - Carnegie Science Center
January 15-17 - Parent and Son Winter Sports Weekend (session #1)
January 22-24 - Parent and Son Winter Sports Weekend (session #2)
*New Event * January 31 (Sun) - Pack Meeting/Event - Raingutter regatta + more! (1-2pm-Tigers...2-3pm-Wolves...3-4pm-Bears&Webelos)

February
Sundays - Webelos Swim Program - see your Patrol Leader for details
*New Event * February 6 (Sat) - First Annual Cub Scout Winter Wonderland @ Trax Farms 8am-3pm
February 7 - Scout Sunday Services @ Westminster Church 11am
February 22 - Pack Meeting
February 26 - Pinewood Derby Car Check-In
February 27 - Pinewood Derby Race

Please send any & all questions to cubscouts661@verizon.net !

All About Camping Opportunities

Hi,
A few questions have come in regarding upcoming camping opportunities - here is a long list of info. Note the January options to visit Heritage; coming right up!

What: Parent and Son Winter Sports Weekend (session #1)
Who: Any Cub and adult(s)
Where: Heritage Reservation (Farmington PA near Uniontown/Nemacolin)
Dates: January 15-17, 2010
Cost: $80-100 for 2 people (parent/son) (see website for options)
Sleeping Quarters: inside "dormitory" (heated houses with other participants)
Adults Needed: Register on your own; this is a parent/son event
More Info: http://www.heritagereservation.org/winter/index.php
How to register/sign-up: Register on your own (not a Pack event) http://www.heritagereservation.org/winter/index.php

What: Parent and Son Winter Sports Weekend (session #2)
Where: Heritage Reservation (Farmington PA near Uniontown/Nemacolin)
Dates: January 22-24, 2010
Cost: $80-100 for 2 people (parent/son) (see website for options)
Sleeping Quarters: inside "dormitory" (heated houses with other participants)
Adults Needed: Register on your own; this is a parent/son event
More Info: http://www.heritagereservation.org/winter/index.php
How to register/sign-up: Register on your own (not a Pack event) http://www.heritagereservation.org/winter/index.php

What: Webelos Woods
Who: Webelos (grades 4-5);
Where: TBD (usually Mingo Creek Park; Washington County)
Dates: April 10-11, 2010
Cost: TBD
Sleeping Quarters: tent (Webelos IIs only)
Adults Needed: Need at least 2 adults to be leaders for the day
More Info: This is a great event for Webelos. All Webelos come for the daylong activities; Webelos IIs cross-over to Boy Scouts and can stay to camp overnight with the Troop.
How to register/sign-up: Pack event; stay tuned

What: Pack 661 Spring Campout at Elson Farm
Who: All Cubs and families
Where: Elson Farm, Toronto OH
Dates: April 16-18, 2010
Cost: $0 - free to all Cubs and families
Sleeping Quarters: tent or (some) indoor accomodations
Adults Needed: Need overall coordinator, a program scheduler, food team.
More Info: This 3rd annual spring pack camping trip and 6th overall at the Farm is our annual rocket launch. Estes Rocket kits are provided to Cubs in early spring to build.
How to register/sign-up: Stay Tuned

What: Day Camp
Who: All Cubs
Where: South Park
Dates: June 28 - July 2 (***** Note Date Change from original schedule *****)
Cost: TBD
Sleeping Quarters: none - daytime only 9am-3pm
Adults Needed: Stay Tuned
More Info: Day Camp is a daytime only, 5 day (M-F) event where Cubs can do many of the same things that are done at traditional camp, without the sleep-over part. Archery, BB Guns, sports, crafts, hikes, etc...
How to register/sign-up: Stay Tuned

What: Heritage Summer Camp for Webelos
Who: Current Webelos Is and Current Bears (Current 3rd-4th grade)
Where: Heritage Reservation (Farmington PA near Uniontown/Nemacolin)
Dates: Options - See Below
Cost: See Below
Sleeping Quarters: tents on wooden platforms with "cots"
How to register/sign-up: Stay Tuned
Adults Needed: Yes, Stay Tuned
More info:
There are 2 options for Summer Camp for Webelos; 3 night and 4 night

3 night (Wednesday afternoon to Saturday breakfast)
Costs: $135 Webelos, $60 Adult
choose from 1b: 6/23-6/26
or 4b: 7/14-7/17
or 6b: 7/28-7/31

4 night (Sunday afternoon to Thursday breaksfast)
Costs: $180 Webelos. $80 Adult
choose from 2a: 6/27-7/1
or 5a: 7/18-7/22
or 7a: 8/1-8/5

Interested in Heritage Summer Camp? Please contact cubscouts661@verizon.net so that we can choose which date to go !


What: Heritage Summer Camp for Cubs
Who: Current Wolves and Tigers (Current 1st-2nd grade)
Where: Heritage Reservation (Farmington PA near Uniontown/Nemacolin)
Dates: see below
Cost: see below
Sleeping Quarters: tents on wooden platforms with "cots"
How to register/sign-up: Stay Tuned
Adults Needed: Yes, Stay Tuned
More info:
There are 2 options for Summer Camp for Cub Scouts; 2 night and 3 night
2 night (Thursday afternoon to Saturday breakfast)
Costs: $90 Cub, $40 Adult
choose from 3b: 7/8-7/10
or 5b: 7/22-7/24
or 7b: 8/5-8/7

3 night (Sunday afternoon to Wednesday breaksfast)
Costs: $135 Cub, $60 Adult
choose from 4a: 7/11-7/14
or 6a: 7/25-7/28
or 8a: 8/8-8/11

Interested in Heritage Summer Camp? Please contact cubscouts661@verizon.net so that we can choose which date to go !

Reminder; Pack Meeting Monday 11/30/2009 7pm

In what has become something of a tradition of Pack 661 ( 7 day and 1 day reminders of Pack Meetings)....

22.5 hours from the time of this posting...

Monday, November 30, 2009
7pm
Westminster Church; Fellowship Hall
Pack Meeting; Court of Honor
The schedule is here

Popcorn prizes, Pinewood Derby kits, belt loops, Bobcat advancements, Webelos activity pins, more!

Webelos II (Cobras) Meeting Reminder

The next Webelos II (Keith/Clay) meeting will be Tuesday, December 1, 7:00 PM at Westminster Room 107/Family Room. This is the same room they met in all last year.

They will be participating in a meeting with the Boy Scouts to observe and help planning for the campout the following weekend. (So, when you show up and see all the Boy Scouts there, you ARE in the right place!).

News & Notes 11/24/2009

Reminder:
Pack Meeting & Court of Honor (All Cubs grades 1-5)
Monday, November 30
7pm
Westminster Fellowship Hall
Check out the Schedule for the Pack Meeting/Court of Honor

How Can I Help?
Thanks to all who completed the online form: How can I help? We still need you to check it out!
Some of positions that need an adult (er, you):

• Cubmaster/Cubmaster-in-training/Assistant Cubmaster
• Pinewood Derby Overall Coordinator/Master of Ceremonies
• Scouting for Food Coordinator
• ...and a few more...

A bit about Scouting

A few terms and definitions that sometimes cause confusion...
Den: A small group of boys in the same grade working together toward advancement. Example : A Wolf Den, A Tiger Den, A Bear Den. Dens are usually comprised of 6-10 Cubs

Patrol: Another word for den; used in Webelos and Boy Scouts. Patrols are often named, such as "Screaming Eagles", "Zeus", "Owls", etc.

Pack: All Dens and Patrols together. All boys in grades 1-5 together make up our Pack 661. Each Pack is owned by a Church, school or other organization (Rotary Club, etc).

Troop: Boy Scouts; all Boy Scout Patrols (grades 6-12) make up a Troop. Troop 366 is also at Westminster church.

District: All Packs and Troops in an area (such as the South Hills; we are in the Conestoga District) (www.conestogagpc.org)

Council: All Districts (including all packs, troops, Cubs/Boy Scouts) in an area; We are in the Greater Pittsburgh Council (www.gpc-bsa.org)

Popcorn Pick-Up on Saturday 11/21 10:30-2:30

Hi.
Thanks to all who responded to help with popcorn prep on Saturday! If you've been receiving e-mails from Cecilia V, consider yourself part of the team! We had more people offer to help than ever before...

For all Cubs who sold this year:
Come pick up your order on Saturday 11/21
10:30am-2:30pm
USC Library Multi-Purpose Room (under library)

A great sale this year; let's get that popcorn delivered so others can enjoy it!

We need you!

"We need you!" What an opening line - I'm sure you can't wait to read the rest!

Please check out (and fill in) the "How can I help?" form to keep our Pack strong!


Of somewhat urgent nature, we need a couple of vans/trucks to help pick up our popcorn next Saturday (11/21;early morning) from South Park and bring back to USC.
We also need 1 or 2 more folks to help sort at the library (11/21;not quite so early morning).

General distribution (ie - you come pick up your order) will start at 10:30am on Saturday 11/21.
We will have all popcorn in the Multi-Purpose Room in the USC Library building.

Rest assured, there will be more notices about this...

News & Notes 11/11/09

Recent Camping at Elson Farm
Last weekend, we had 26 Cubs plus a lot of siblings, moms and dads come out for a weekend of camping.
A great trip. Turkey, potatoes, carrots, corn, pies, banana boats...and the favorite activity: playing in the hay bales.
And...the hiking trip did not get lost this year!
A huge thanks to all who helped before and at camp to make this event a success, especially:
Thanks to Keith B for letting us visit the farm for this 3rd annual turkey feast and 5th P661 Elson Farm trip.
Thanks to Nicole G and Jennifer C for all their prep on food - fantastic!
Thanks to Ron T for managing the schedule of events.

Lots more opportunities coming up! Watch for an "All about Camping" message in the next few days.

Complete Schedule of Events:http://cubscouts661.blogspot.com

Popcorn Pick-Up
A huge sale! Over $26,000 in total sales this year. Wow.
Pick-up will be on Saturday November 21.
We are awaiting our warehouse pick-up time. Upon getting that, we'll announce our distribution location and times (here in USC late morning/afternoon).
We need help! We need some folks with vans/trucks who can go with us on Saturday morning to pick up at the warehouse and bring back for sorting. Please contact cubscouts661@verizon.net!

Upcoming Pack Meeting/Court of Honor
Tentative plans for this month's Pack Meeting, which will be a Court of Honor, are posted.
New Cubs! We love to award the Bobcat Advancement at this event. Make sure you get with your Den Leader to wrap up the requirements (first chapter of the book!)
All Cubs! We'll award belt loops, webelos pins, and advancements. Make sure your den leader is well aware of your progress!

December/January Gym Days
We've been trying to work out a couple of Saturday "gym days" to get the Cubs a chance to run around and exert some energy in the cold months and also work on physical fitness.Unfortunately, we haven't found a location that will work out (nope-no luck at new USC Rec Center/CRC).If anyone has an "in" at a location where we can have 60-75 boys + parents come run around and be nuts, please contact cubscouts661@verizon.net

Scout Sunday
Save the morning of Feb. 7 for Scout Sunday. We are working with Westminster to have the Cubs be an integral part of Services as we celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Scouting!

Pinewood Derby
Stay Tuned. An "All About Pinewood Derby" message will come out in December!

Last Call for Popcorn Order Forms!

Hi.
Today (Wed. 10/28/2009) is the last day to submit popcorn orders! If you missed the Pack Meeting and have not submitted your form to Jeff or Cecilia, please get it to the Cubmaster's house TODAY. E-mail cubscouts661@verizon.net if you need directions or for extenuating circumstances....

A great sale so far; our top seller is Austin H. with over $2,300 in sales. More stats when the dust settles.

Pack Meeting Reminder; Monday 10/26 7pm

Hi.
A reminder that we'll gather as a full Pack on Monday 10/26 at 7pm in Westminster's Fellowship Hall ! Dan R will be leading the evening of skits, awards and Den Time ! Popcorn forms/money will be turned in during Den Time in the 2nd half of the evening.

A great time today (sunday 10/25) at the Monster Parade in Montclair neighborhood benefitting Patrick O' ! (http://cubscouts661.blogspot.com/2009/10/new-event-1025-monster-benefit-parade.html) Organized by Felicia M of Montclair, it was great to see such a huge turnout of support from all over the township for this....over 250 people had registered (including a good number of Cub Scouts!) for the parade and festivities. Patrick was there and looked to be in good spirits !

Please rsvp for the Nov 6-7-8 campout at Elson Farm. The deadline to sign up is quickly approaching ! http://cubscouts661.blogspot.com/2009/10/are-you-ready-for-some-camping-november.html

Pack Meeting next Monday - 10/26/2009

Hi.
The traditional "one week reminder!"

Pack Meeting next Monday, 10/26 at 7pm.

• We'll have advancements for those who missed Blue&Gold and last Pack Meeting.
• Neckerchiefs for even more new Cubs!
• Den Time to discuss advancements, upcoming events, turn in Popcorn forms...

*** Don't forget your popcorn form and money ***
(Popcorn forms will be turned in during Den Time)

*** If you need more popcorn forms to do some more selling, please let us know !

New Event: 10/25 Monster Benefit Parade for Patrick O'

November of 2008, Patrick O’ (a Cub Scout of Pack 661) was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma.

Over the past 11 months, Patrick has had two surgeries, rounds of chemotherapy, and undergone two stem cell transplants. At this time, there is no evidence of cancer in his system.

However, the risk of reoccurrence is high and in order to reduce the risk, Patrick is now participating in a clinical trial for an antibody therapy that can only be administered at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York. This is a two-year treatment plan which requires monthly and bi-monthly treatments over the next two years. In addition, he will require trips for surgery, radiation, and long-term follow-up.

A fund has been set-up to help assist in the long-term care of Patrick O'. Through this fundraiser, we are hoping to eliminate some of the financial burden for his family. Therefore, we hope you and your family will support and participate in this fun family event. The O family extends their personal thanks for all who have prayed and cared for them during this very challenging time.

The neighborhood of Montclair Estates is proud to support the
“Patrick O’ Cancer Fund”

You are invited to join us for a
MONSTER BENEFIT PARADE
Sunday, October 25th
4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Montclair Estates, Upper St. Clair, PA

$10.00 per family donation
All proceeds will be donated to the Patrick O’ Cancer Fund
EVENT IS RAIN OR SHINE
ACTIVITIES:
KIDS COME IN COSTUME!
Prizes will be awarded for the Scariest, Most Original and Cutest Costumes
SHOW OFF YOUR PUMPKINS!
Share your talent by participating in our pumpkin decorating contest.
Prizes will be awarded for Best Carved and Most Original

Hot Dogs and snacks will be served at the end of the parade!

PARKING AND PARADE DETAILS:

Arrive: Check in will start at 3:30 p.m. located on the corner of Clairmont Dr. and Meadowmont Dr.

Parade route: Parade starts at 4:00 p.m. at 2183 Clairmont Dr. and ends at Montclair Pool Parking lot (Sherbrook Dr. )

Festivities location: Montclair Pool Parking Lot located on Sherbrook Dr.
Parking: Greystone Dr. and Meadowmont Dr.
RSVP: Appreciated by October 20. Please call Felicia at 412.221.0316 or musillo@verizon.net Walk-In’s are also welcome.

{to protect privacy, as with all posts on the Cub Scout Website, Patrick's last name has been intentionally abbreviated}

Friday Night Adult Planning Meeting in Room 131 (The Parlour)

Friday Night's adult planning meeting will be at Westminster Church in room 131. Also known as "The Parlour." Enter through the doors by the playground..make a left up the hallway to the last doorway on the left.

Steve M (our Committee Chair) will start the meeting at 7pm with pizza and drinks...

Even if you didn't get a chance to sign up, please feel free to join in !

Are you ready for some camping (November 6-7-8) ??

Fall Camping!
As soccer, football and other fall sports start to wrap up, we look forward to our annual November camping trip!

Each fall, Pack 661 descends upon the Elson Farm, located in nearby Toronto, Ohio (just north of Stuebenville - 50-60 minutes from Westminster).

There is no charge and yes, it is a family event!

Planning is underway and the registration form is here for you to sign up !

Note: Some of you will be glad to know that the Cubmaster will {not} be leading the hike this year. This brings a sense of relief to those who were on last year's "3 hour tour!"

Already signed up:

Yes - Fri Night Adult meeting is open to All!

A few questions have come in..."Is this Friday's 7pm meeting just for leaders, or is it open to all families (adults)?"

It is absolutely open to all, and you are certainly invited! This is a great opportunity to share information, learn about what's going on and get to meet each other!

7pm; location tbd based on number of people!

Planning to attend? Please RSVP

Agenda:
Workshop on Scouting; led by Colleen P
Fall Camping planning
Budget Update
Open Discussion (den activities, resource needs&sharing, etc.)
A look ahead to November and December!

Adult/Leader Planning Meeting; Fri 10/9/2009

Hi.
On Friday night we will have an adult/leader planning meeting.
Time: 7pm
Location: to-be-determined (based on number of people coming!)

All those who plan to attend: please rsvp - Thanks!

Agenda:

• Workshop on Scouting; led by Colleen P
• Fall Camping planning
• Budget Update
• Open Discussion (den activities, resource needs&sharing, etc.)
• A look ahead to November and December!

All About - Popcorn Sale information

A few questions that have come in...
1-Key Dates
2-Online Ordering
3-"Make Checks out to..."
4-The Order Form - tips and tricks
more info: Popcorn Info flyer

1-Key Dates
Oct 18 1:30pm – Popcorn selling blitz. (We will meet at Westminster Church in the parking lot). This is for scouts who would like to "team up" with another scout to head out into USC neighborhoods...this is an optional event for any who would like to buddy-up!

Oct 26 7pm (Pack Meeting) – All Popcorn orders and money due to Popcorn Kernel. (Original sheets only with Scout's name and prize information clearly written in the appropriate lines. No photocopies please. Originals will be returned at distribution)
(If you finish sooner and would like to hand in orders earlier, please contact cubscouts661@verizon.net!)

Nov 21 time-TBD – Popcorn pickup
(Volunteers with trucks are needed as well as volunteers to help sort and distribute the popcorn)

2-Online Ordering:
To create an account for online ordering:
visit http://www.trails-end.com/trailsend/scouts
Select the Create Account in the upper right hand corner...
I am in a Pack
Number 661
Westminster Presbyterian Church
Zip Code15241
Scouts birthday
Parents name
Parent e-mail
Submit
* Ignore the scout ID # field.

Once you create the account, your scout can create a cartoon/avatar of himself. Once he creates his cartoon you can send emails (which will include the cartoon) and save the emails for future use. There are also a lot of other fun things on the site for the scout to do.

3- "Make Checks out to:"
"Cub Scout Pack 661"
-or- "Pack 661"
~thanks

4 -The Order Form - tips and tricks
If you have customers having trouble finding an item that they see on the glossy page on the order listing page...here's a tip: Each item has a small symbol beside the picture (a christmas tree, or a circle, or a triangle, or a "C", or....). That same symbol is shown on the order listing page at the top. What we do is - Customer says "I want two of these" - we look for the little symbol and then direct them to the same on the other side "That's the little Christmas tree" or "That's the double circle." It really helps navigate from the back to the front of the pages!

Do you have other tips and tricks? Send a comment in!

All About: Uniforms and Patches...

Some questions lately about patches...
Pictures: http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/Media/InsigniaGuide/05.aspx
1) Den Number/Patrol Patch (Webelos wear patrol patches) (your den leader has patches).
Right sleeve, just below US Flag
2) Council Patch (Greater Pittsburgh) (in "starter bag")
Left Sleeve at shoulder seam
3) Pack 661 (in "starter bag")
Left sleeve, below Council (Greater Pgh) (leave 1/2 inch or so between patches)
4) World Crest (purple Fleur de lis) (in "starter bag")
Above left pocket, leave 1 inch between pocket flap
5) Advancements (Tiger/Wolf/Bear/Webelos)..earn through the years
On left pocket, see above pictures (link) for positions
6) Quality Unit (not yet distributed to all Scouts)
Right sleeve, 2-3 inches below flag (see above pictures (link))
7) activity patches (Scouting for Food/camping/pinewoord derby/fun day....)
These can go in a "temporary" mode on the right pocket. Some of them have loops to put on the button. One patch on the uniform at a time. They do not go on the back of the uniform - you can do a red vest and put patches on a vest.


Excerpt from "Guide for New Parents"...
The Pack provides (as part of sign-up/dues costs) all patches for the uniform.
Due to the individuality of sizes, the Pack encourages you to purchase your son’s scouting shirt. While there are socks, hats and pants available, we do not require them. Some scouts love to have the top-to-bottom apparel; really the shirt is most important.

We will not turn any Scout away due to financial/uniform concerns! Please contact Cubmaster if assistance is needed.

The official uniform:
1st Grade, 2nd grade, 3rd grade
Blue Cub Scout Shirt......Purchased by family
(Dunhams, flag plaza (www.gpc-bsa.org for times), scoutstuff.org)
* We hear that Dunham's stock is slim; suggest
flag plaza (Pgh beside Mellon Arena) or online scoutstuff.org

Navy blue pants, jeans, blue shorts.....family
Neckerchief and patches.......................Provided by Pack
Optional: belt loop, hats, socks.............family

4th grade, 5th grade
Blue Cub or Khaki Boy Scout shirt (suggest khaki).....Purchased by family
(Dunhams, flag plaza (www.gpc-bsa.org for times), scoutstuff.org)
* We hear that Dunham's stock is slim; suggest
flag plaza (Pgh beside Mellon Arena) or online scoutstuff.org
Navy blue or khaki pants/shorts or jeans....family
Neckerchief and patches.................................provided by Pack
Optional: belt loop, hats, socks.......................family

Boys should wear their uniform to den and pack meetings, except when activities could cause damage (eg, painting/wood cutting). Leaders will let you know when to leave the uniform at home…

The uniform should also be worn at all Scouting activities, such as scouting for food, popcorn sales, non-dirty community service, parades.

1st grades/Tiger Cubs: There is no need to buy the orange t-shirt (unless you see it on sale for .99 and he wants one). That shirt is no longer the official Tiger uniform – Tigers wear the Blue shirt like all Cub Scouts!

Shirt colors:
Boys in grades 1,2,3 wear blue Cub Scout shirts.
Boys in grades 4 & 5 (Webelos) have the option of blue (Cub Scout) or khaki (Boy Scout Shirts). (We recommend khaki as this carried forward as they become Boy Scouts in 6th grade).

Buy Big!

Where to buy shirts/other:
Dunham’s Sporting Goods (Bridgeville)
Flag Plaza Scout Shop (Pittsburgh beside Mellon Arena http://www.gpc-bsa.org/ScoutShop/default.asp)
Online: www.scoutstuff.org

Pack News & Notes 9/28/2009

In the chaos of the Pack Meeting, here are some notes that might get lost in the excitement!

Check-In Table
New this year, please check in at the main table and "sign in" so that we know who all made it! tonight we'll be welcoming new Cubs with neckerchiefs and have books for all Cubs!
Tonight's game plan is online

Fun Day
Last Chance to sign up. Registration closes as of 3 pm on Wednesday 9/30!

Popcorn Sale
Tonight we kick off our one and only fundraiser to support our Program...find out what's popping in the document: Popcorn 2009

Long List of Little Jobs
We need you! Stay tuned for the long list of little jobs; can you spare an hour sometime over the next 11 months to make sure that this Scouting program is a success for your son(s)?

Night at the Musuem
Unfortunately, this November event at the Heinz History Center is completely sold out. Stay tuned as we find another overnighter event!

Den Meetings, New Cub Information/Sign-Up Night

Hi,
All Returning Cubs...you should have heard from your Den Leader regarding your first den meeting. If, for some reason, you have not yet heard about your first gathering, please e-mail cubscouts661@verizon.net! Thanks!

If you know of a friend who is interested in joining, our information/sign-up night will be next Monday, September 14 at 7pm in Fellowship Hall (where we have Pinewood Derby and Blue&Gold).

We hope to have a meeting for new Tigers (1st graders) sometime between the 14th and the 28th...

Our first Pack Meeting of the year will be on Monday, Sept 28. The plans for the evening are located online: http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AZk0hBI_aOFRZG03NGtjdl8xMGdxY3pqcHcz&hl=en

The schedule is constantly being updated via the Website; please note also the sign-up is now available for this year's Cub Fun Day. Also, the Fall Fun Fest of November is in limbo due to the Baker Caper and Streams Stravaganza being on the same day! We are trying to reschedule!

Conestoga District Cub Fun Day-October 11

Scouting is a Sure Shot
Conestoga District Cub Fun Day
Sunday, October 11, 2009 at 1:00pm
Registration begins at 12:30
Where: South Park Oval
Who: All Cub Scouts, Webelos and new recruits!!
Cost: No charge to Cubs of Pack 661 !

Come join us in a fun filled and exciting day as we present our version of a Cub Shooting Event. Allevents will be based on things that fly. Current rotations include Archery, BB guns, catapults, slingshots,finger rockets and more. (list is subject to change)

Sign up now!

List of Cubs signed up...

Pack Meeting Plans - September 2009

The initial plans for the upcoming Pack meeting will be posted at the beginning of each month.
Be sure to check for your den/patrol in the plans to see what role you will play in the fun!

http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AZk0hBI_aOFRZG03NGtjdl8xMGdxY3pqcHcz&hl=en

* Additional details to the plans will be posted 1-2 times later in month, but patrol/den roles will not shift!

Welcome (back) letter coming in the mail...

In the next week or so, you will receive our welcome (back) newsletter as we get rolling into the next stage of the Scouting Trail.

An excerpt from the newsletter:

The Questions I get asked the most..
q) When will I get my new book?
a) Books will be provided to Cubs upon payment of the year’s dues.
q) I missed the Blue & Gold Dinner so I didn’t get my new neckerchief!
a) We’ll have a presentation of neckerchiefs and awards at the September 28 Pack Meeting!
q) When will I get my Pinewood Derby car kit?
a) The Derby will be held on February 27, 2010. We will hand out car kits to each Den in early January.

We've posted it online, although some of the formatting is not clean: Check out the online version of the newsletter

Campout Cancelled

Our Webelos campout this coming weekend has been canceled. E-mail Matt with any questions or concerns.

Need Your Ideas!!

Pack 661 conducts a few Sevice Projects each year. For example, we had great turnout and success with our annual Westminster playground cleanup and Scouting for Food efforts.

We've had success because of the number of Cubs and parents that step up and give their time to help others. We'd also like to draw on this great resource and our ever-increasing numbers to conduct more Service Projects in the coming year. A Service Project doesn't have to be a formal affair like Scouting for Food. It can be a clean-up project in a local park or a visit to a retirement community.

So, we're soliciting your ideas as a Cub parent for Service Projects we can take on in the coming year. Just because you suggest an idea doesn't mean you will have to be the leader/coordinator of the event. We're just trying to get some ideas flowing.

If you have an idea for a Service Project, please either include it as a comment to this post or e-mail it along. Thanks!

Beaver Day at Camp Anawanna August 22

On behalf of Flag Plaza: (please help if at all possible)

Hello All,

Please see the attached flyer regarding a Beaver Work Day at Camp Anawanna planned for Saturday August 22.

Mike Serbak, Mingo Trails District Activities Chairman, is serving as this year's Beaver Day Coordinator. Individuals interested in participating in this year's work day should contact Mike at 724-745-5814 or email him at serbak5@msn.com

Thanks for your help in promoting this year's work day!!!
Hope you are finding time this summer to enjoy with family and friends!!!

Michael D. Maxwell
Mingo Trails District

Parent and Pal Fishing Derby/Trailblazer Weekend

A note from our Greater Pittsburgh Council:

Online registration is now open for the 2009 Parent and Pal Fishing Derby and Trailblazer weekend at Heritage Reservation.

Held September 11-13, two great programs together on one weekend. Choose from our tournament style Fishing Derby or our round robin style Trailblazer. Open to Cub Scouts, Webelos, Boy Scouts, Venturers and their parents. We promise a great weekend at a super price.

Information and registration can be found online at the Heritage Reservation website.

Scouts in the Space Program...

In honor of the anniversary of the first moon walk … did you know that of the 12 men to physically walk on the moon's surface, 11 were involved in Scouting? In fact, of the 312 astronauts since 1959, 179 were Scouts or have been active in Scouting: 39 Eagle, 25 Life, 14 Star, 26 First Class, 17 Second Class, 13 Tenderfoot, three Explorers, 27 Cub Scouts, 10 Webelos Scouts, and 5 unknown.

* Above information was gathered from Boy Scouts of America Facebook Page

Are you ready for a Swim Party?
Saturday, August 29th 6pm at Montclair Pool
Our 3rd annual family party for cubs, new cubs, brothers, sisters, moms and dads!

Sign up now!

Here is the list of who has already signed up!

Summer Camping Update

Last week, we had 3 boys attend Heritage Cub Scout Camp. We teamed up with a Wolf Scout, Colin D. and his dad, Rob, from Pack 935 in the North Hills. All had a great time (it only rained a bit during our stay!) and clamored to stay longer next year.

The quote of the trip was "I hit a duck!" by Cary Y. You'll have to read the upcoming newsletter to find out more about that!

The Cubs learned knife safety, got to throw rocks, shot arrows and BBs, did just a little fishing and ate just a few s'mores!

For the first time in my memory, archery was not the favorite activity! It came in 2nd place just behind a campwide activity (King Arthur's Lost Sword) during which there was a wet foam battle. I'm still trying to figure out if the Knights of the Round Table threw pieces of foam at their enemies...

Webelos Camping at Racoon Creek

An update from Clay:

For any Webelo parent and son interested I have reserved 4 campsites for Friday and Saturday night August 14th and 15th at Raccoon State Park.

We can have 2 tents and 5 people per camp site. The camp sites are 2F, 4F, 6F and 8F and can be seen on the camp map. More sites can be added if needed. Plan is to finish Outdoorsman pin requirements.

In addition to playing with fire, we can fish, hike, rent boats, swim and cook over the fire. Every Webelo will of course be encouraged to lose their pocket knife at least once! The campgrounds have restroom facilities with running water and are an easy 45 minute drive from USC.

Tentative Yeahs include:
See list of who has signed up

Sign up now! if you are coming so we can finalize number of camp sites and plan accordingly. This is not a pack sponsored event and we'll figure out the per person cost once the attendee list is finalized.

Clay

Upcoming Pack Meetings

*** draft ***

Schedule for 2009-2010 Pack Meetings "Who does what"

*** draft ***

Schedule of Events; check it out

At the Adult Planning Meeting on 6/28, the schedule of events was ratified for the coming year.
The link to it is always available on the sidebar . Additional notes from the Adult Meeting are forthcoming...


Schedule of Events

A couple of notes:

• We are working on an October event - stay tuned for details
• All Den Meetings will be posted on the Pack Calendar. Den 8's events are already posted. Awaiting schedules from all other Den Leaders...

Adult Planning Meeting; Sun 6/28 12:30pm

Hi.

Clay&Cheryl have offered to host the meeting on Sunday (contact cubscouts661@verizon.net for their address if you don't know.

Here is the agenda that I threw together, although I'll defer to Steve M. to set/add/remove as he deems:


1 Calendar of Events (pack, dens, camping, pinewood derby, other events...)
>> Jeff; tentative schedule on cubscouts661.blogspot.com; ratify meeting schedule
>> New structure to Pack meetings
>> Den meeting schedules
2 Pack budget and dues
>> John B. reporting
>> Set yearly dues amount
3 Popcorn Sale/earnings&incentives
>> Cecilia on how incentives went last year instead of prizes
>> Do we want to continue with funds going into Pack treasury or Cub's - with dues adjusted
4 Yearly Mailing; Packet of Information
>> Newsletter to returning Cubs
>> Letter to rising 1st grades; baker/eisenhower/streams
5 Communications
>> Newsletter, website, e-mails...
6 Open Floor; what do you want to bring to the table?


Those who have rsvpd:
4th&5th grade: Webelos: 4 people
3rd grade: Bears: 5 people
2nd grade: Wolves: none

Summer Camping Update

12 Webelos went to Heritage Reservation last week and from what I hear, they had a great time- even with the bit of rain on Wednesday! And Friday...

This week is Day Camp. Colleen reports a great first day with the 20 boys attending.

In July, we have 3 Cubs (Cary, Austin, Nick) going to Heritage for Cub Scout camp.

Just a note to update you on who I have attending Cub Scout Day Camp on June 22nd through June 26th.

Jacob P. Luke B. Nicholas D.

Alex P. Anthony V. Connor W.

Austin H. Wyatt K. Bryce K.

Max T. Sheb R. Zachary G.

Eric P. Nathan P. Graham R.

Lucas D. Spencer M. Michael G.

If your son's name should be on this list please let me know.

Thanks,

Colleen

Webelos Camping; Swimming Classification

Troop 215 and Jack Murphy have invited local scouts to Bethel Park's Pool on May 31 from 6:30 - 8:15 at $1.00 per person to earn their Swim Classification for Heritage Reservation this summer. Scouts may still test in the lake upon arrival if they wish, or they can "pass" now in the pool (or just see how they would do).

The swimmer's test essentially involves jumping in, swimming 75 yards with a strong stroke, then 25 yards of a resting backstroke, followed by floating. The beginner's test involves jumping in, swimming 25 feet on the surface, turning, and returning to the starting place.

Cheryl L. is the contact person for this event. If you are interested and your name is not below, please rsvp to her by email or phone by Friday, May 29 (cleonard@uscsd.k12.pa.us or 412-220-3151). Plan on arriving at Bethel Park's Pool on Sunday, May 31 at 6:20 (meet by the deep end of the pool, please). Send your scout in with $1.00, which will be collected upon checkin. She will have the sign-in and evaluation sheet, which the aquatics director will sign after testing. This form will go to Heritage.

Those already signed up:
Curt L.
Michael D.
Jacob P.
Eli G.
Matthew B.
Aaron B.
Sheb R.

Kids Bowl Free...

Check it out:

http://www.kidsbowlfree.com/how.php
https://www.kidsbowlfree.com/center.php?alley_id=5262

Needed: Advancement Chair, Communications Chair

Advancement Chair
Thanks to Mark L. for his 2 years of service - Mark is now ready for another challenge.
We need a new Advancement Chair:

• Manages database (we have software) of Pack 661 Cub Scouts
• Works with Den Leaders to record advancements/achievements of Scouts
• Works with Cubmaster/Committee Chair&Committee to ensure records between Pack and District are consistent.
  

Are you detail-oriented? Able to use a computer for a few minutes each month to keep the information correct? This is for you.

Communications Chair

• Work with Committee, Cubmaster & Den Leaders to communicate news & events
• Create periodic newsletters, flyers, brochures of key information/events
• Send periodic e-mails to pack members
  

Respond to cubscouts661@verizon.net! Thanks

Flag Day; June 14

For all the info on Flag Day and Pirates Game following the ceremonies:
http://www.gpc-bsa.org/programs/activities/flagday.asp

Webelos Outdoor Woods June 5-7

WOW is a fun-filled, information packed experience that will develop you as an adult & leader of Webelos. It provides a weekend of fun and learning for you boy in an outdoor environment for you to explore together.

Camp Anawanna - Amity PA
June 5-7, 2009

Contact Cubmaster : cubscouts661@verizon.net

World Record Setting Pinewood Derby Race @ Kennywood!

Sunday May 17, 2009
You are invited to join at the 2nd annual Pinewood Derby Race at Kennywood! The world record was set last year with 227 cars in 86 lanes (a total of 1,026 runs!).

Tickets ($19/) must be purchased ASAP - contact Cubmaster via cubscouts661@verizon.net
http://www.gpc-bsa.org/programs/activities/kennywoodpinewoodderby.asp

Next Webelos Meeting

The next Webelos meeting is this coming Tuesday, May 5th at Westminster Room 131. It starts at 7:00 PM.

Please let Keith know directly whether you plan to attend or not (or post a comment below).

Thanks for help with playground cleanup...

A note from Marge at Westminster:

Thank you so much for the great job on Saturday. The playground looks terrific and was in beautiful condition for our Open House this Monday evening. Please extend my sincere thanks to the families who helped with the clean-up project. It is amazing what can be accomplished in just 2 hours. By the way, there was an empty bird’s nest in one of the little wooden structures on the small playground. We discovered 3 small blue eggs in it yesterday. We have roped off the area to allow the mother bird to hatch her eggs in peace. Have no idea how long it will take but it is a great biology lesson in the mean time.
...
Once again, thanks for all your help. The kids were fun and most productive.

Marge

Informational Night for Interested Scouts & Parents

Thursday, May 14 7pm @ Westminster.
Tell your friends!
We'll have information sharing for all interested in Scouting!
Know kids who are in kindergarten now? They are in perfect position to become next year's Tigers!
1st graders, 2nd, 3rd and 4th graders...come on out and see what Pack 661 is all about!

Heritage Cub Scout Camping July 16-18

The following 3 boys are registered for Heritage July 16-18 (this is Cub Scouts - not the Webelos!**)
Austin H
Nick D
Cary Y

Some others had indicated interest. If your name is not above, please contact cubscouts661@verizon.net asap!

** Webelos are being registered through Keith B. - He has that list separately.

Anyone interested in fishing?

Hi.
The Pack owns 20 rod/reels from our Boys' Life award. Is there an angler out there would like to lead the charge on a morning fishing trip to Canonsburg Lake (or other very nearby location) ?
Please comment here or e-mail cubscouts661@verizon.net

Day Camp

http://www.gpc-bsa.org/Camping/DayCamp.asp
Hi All,

Just a note to let you know that we have a small group coming to day camp this year.... so far.

I have received registration for the following:

Jacob P.

Alex P.

Luke B.

Nick D.

Anthony V.

Connor W.

Austin H.

Wyatt K.

Bryce K.

Max T. (still need forms)

Sheb R. (still need forms)

Zachary G.

Eric P.

Nathan P.

If you think your son's name should be on this list and isn't please let me know.

If your son would like to attend camp, please send camp registration forms and a check for $65.00 by May 15th, made payable to Cub Scout Pack 661. After the 15th the cost will be $70.00. You can send it to

ColleenPI408@gmail.com

Community Day Parade

Community Day Parade - May 16th

Just a note to let you know that we are signed up to participate in the USC Community Day Parade. Here are some of the details:

1. We are to report to the upper parking lot of the high school between 10:45 and 11:00am. (The parade starts at 11:30am SHARP!!)

2. Once I receive a line up number I will let you know.

3. The pack will provide the boys with a bag of candy to "toss"

4. Boys are expected to wear their uniforms.

5. Parents can join the parade or just meet us at the end.

Option: Do you want to have a Float to enter in the Float contest? I have a truck and a trailer that we can decorate. Let me know your thoughts! ColleenPI408@gmail.com.

Summer Camping - Registrations due NOW

Get your registrations in NOW. Contact Cubmaster (cubscouts661@verizon.net if you need info!)

June 22-26 - Day Camp at South Park

June 17-20 - Webelos (boys now in 3rd/4th grades) Heritage overnight camping

July 16-18 - Wolves/Bears (boys currently in 1st/2nd grades) Heritage overnight camping.

Scouting for Food-In Your Neighborhood

In Your Neighborhood
Each Cub received a bundle of bags to distribute in your neighborhood. If you didn't receive at the B&G, there are some on the Cubmaster's front porch!

A flyer was attached to the News&Notes e-mails (4/1 & 4/10) that has been used in past years. You can set your own date on this, print and staple on each bag as your Cub leaves in neighbor's doors (or, write in the date on the back of each bag).
Please bring collected food to Westminster's Fellowship Hall between 5pm and 7pm on Friday, April 17th. We will have a van from SHIM coming to pick up our collections!

* If there are other Cubs in your neighborhood, this is a great opportunity to have them work together *

Scouting for Food - Westminster

Well, quite a weekend!
We collected over 60 boxes of food for SHIM last Sunday 4/5/09.
A huge thanks to Ellen H for all of her organizational prep and all Cubs/Parents who came out to help!

Westminster Playground Cleanup; Sat. 4/25 9am

Hello Scouts and Parents,

Pack 661 has again agreed to volunteer our services to assist in the spring clean-up of Westminster’s play areas. This is a great opportunity for our Scouts to participate in a community service project and to help Marge Boyd, Director of Westminster Nursery School.

We will be meeting on Sat. 4/25 at 9am in the playground area. Please bring a rake, work gloves and/or a leaf blower, if you can. Otherwise, we will have equipment available to use. Westminster will be supplying garbage bags, brooms, wheelbarrows, etc. and all of the necessary cleaning supplies.

We know that weekends are busy and a lot of our Scouts participate in sports and other activities. If you could come for even a portion of that time, it would be greatly appreciated as every little bit helps! Please email me, annegrape@comcast.net,if you can help.

Thank you!

Elson Farm - Rocket Launch April 17-19, 2009

Plenty of great space to camp out!

Please let us know if you need to borrow a tent

You can bring your own tent, we can lend one to you (please let us know that you need one prior to arrival!), or you can stay in the Croft (building with beds/couches – bring linens).

Some Scouting Camping Guidelines:

• Please bring the completed Consent Form (attached to News&Notes e-mail 4/10/2009)
• If driving a Cub who is not your son, please contact Cubmaster prior to trip, as this must be registered on Tour Permit.
• Cubs may stay in a tent with other Cubs.
• Cubs may not be/stay in a tent with an adult who is not their parent.
• Cubs may not be alone with an adult who is not their parent.
• If you smoke, it is to be done discreetly and away from Cubs.

Timeline and Menu:

• Fri, April 17 - Webelos optional arrival
• Sat. Apr. 18
• 10am Arrival at Farm
• 10:15 Opening Flag Ceremony
• 10:30 Set up camp
• 11:00am Bottle Rockets
• *** If you wish to launch a bottle rocket, bring an empty 2-liter bottle ***
• *** We need someone to lead the charge on this part of the day !!! ****
• 12:30pm Lunch (soup & sandwiches)
• 1pm Estes rocket building (for those who haven’t built yet)
• 2pm Rocket Launch
• 3pm Snacks available …. Rockets continue
• 4pm Den Time
• 5pm Kickball/haypile/free time
• 6pm Dinner (tacos, hot dogs)
• 7pm Night Hike by Dens
• 7:30pm Campfire featuring smores & more
• Sunday
  Breakfast
  Break Camp
  Closing Ceremony

Camping Cubs:

Austin H
Nick D
Anthony V
Cary Y
Eli G
Luke B
Curt L
Leonart W
Aaron B
Mason M
Lucas D
Ben D
Matthew B
Tyler L
Rohan D
Jay P
Kyle P
Eric P
Nathan P
Aaron H
Jack E
Andrew B

Day Trippers:

Ethan M
Alex M
Nick M