PACK 1323 Cubscouter Newsletter
July 2011
Official Newsletter of
Pack 1323
Please Print out and hand this newsletter to your Cub Scout!
IN THIS ISSUE CALENDAR OF EVENTS
st th Cubmaster’s July 31 -Aug 6 2011– NCAC Scout Camp Goshen Virginia – Campfire……………….…...Page 2 Webelos I & Webelos II only
A Knot for everyone……… Page 4 July – Tree Climbing Event – Further details to come.
Walking Tall – Looking Good: Pack Committee meeting - July 27th. - 7:30pm Uniform guides and tricks…………………. Page 5 th July 29 – TBD Uniform Bank……………. Page 6 August - TBA PACK 1323 goes shipboard in the 1860’s…………………..…. Page 7 Sept. 9th - 1st Pack Meeting of the Year
Wolf’s work on Leave No Trace Sept. 30th – Oct. 2nd 2011 – Gettysburg Heritage Trail Camping challenge. …………...……. Page 7 Trip – Fun for scouts of all ranks.
Farewell to Tamalynn Custer as Editor of our Newsletter. …………………………….. Page 8
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Cubmaster’s Campfire
Greetings Pack Families,
This will be my last Cub Masters Campfire as your Cubmaster as I am stepping down I favor of bringing in new leadership to insure the Pack’s future. My replacement is Greg Martinez and I couldn’t be happier to see the Pack being carried on in such capable hands.
After being Cubmaster for several years I can say that it has definitely been one of the most rewarding and enjoyable experiences in my life. I have seen the Pack grow considerably and the current Den and Pack leaders will insure that the pack grows even further. I take my leave to spend the last year of cub scouting leading the Webelos II scouts to their bridging to Boy Scouts and for some of them their highest achievement as Cub Scouts; the Arrow of Light. I have always maintained that for cub scouts no higher award can be earned that the Arrow of Light and they will carry it into Boy Scouts with honor and respect. To attain this award a scout must do the following: “Many of the requirements for the Arrow of Light are intended to familiarize the scout with a local troop and hopefully show him that crossing over into a troop is the next step to take in scouting. A scout that earns his Arrow of Light patch has also completed nearly all the requirements to earn the Scout badge in the troop so he has already begun his Boy Scout trail.
1. Be active in your Webelos den for at least six months since completing the fourth grade (or for at least six months since becoming 10 years old), and earn the Webelos badge. 2. Show your knowledge of the requirements to become a Boy Scout by doing all of these: Repeat from memory and explain in your own words the Scout Oath or Promise and the 12 points of the Scout Law. Tell how you have practiced them in your everyday life. Give and explain the Scout motto, slogan, sign, salute, and handshake. Understand the significance of the First Class Scout badge. Describe its parts and tell what each stands for. Tell how a Boy Scout uniform is different from a Webelos Scout uniform. Tie the joining knot (square knot) 3. See the Boy Scout Study Guide. Use this handy Memorization Wheel to learn and review the Scout Oath, Law, Motto, Slogan, and Outdoor Code. 4. Earn five more activity badges in addition to the three you already earned for the Webelos badge. These must include: Fitness (already earned for the Webelos badge) Citizen (already earned for the Webelos badge) Readyman Outdoorsman At least one from the Mental Skills Group At least one from the Technology Group Two more of your choice 5. With your Webelos den, visit at least one Boy Scout troop meeting one Boy Scout-oriented outdoor activity. (If you have already done this when you earned your Outdoorsman activity badge, you may not use it to fulfill requirements for your Arrow of Light Award.)
2 Participate in a Webelos overnight campout or day hike. (If you have already done this when you earned your Outdoorsman activity badge, you may not use it to fulfill requirements for your Arrow of Light Award requirements.) 6. After you have completed all five of the above requirements, and after a talk with your Webelos den leader, arrange to visit, with your parent or guardian, a meeting of a Boy Scout troop you think you might like to join. Have a conference with the Scoutmaster. 7. Complete the Honesty Character Connection. 8. Know: Say the Cub Scout Promise to your family. Discuss these questions with them. What is a promise? What does it mean to keep your word? What does it mean to be trustworthy? What does honesty mean? 9. Commit: Discuss these questions with your family. Why is a promise important? Why is it important for people to trust you when you give your word? When might it be difficult to be truthful? List examples.
It is not an easy accomplishment and is one which when completed is second only to earning ones Eagle Scout. Those who wear the Arrow of Light award are set apart when they enter Boy Scouts as those who have completed the Cub Scout program and join an elite group of scouts which others will always respect. They are to uphold the very best that scouting has to offer and will often come back to help the Pack with peer level leadership as Den Chiefs. So for me this deserves special attention to spend time with only this den.
I will still be with the Pack until next year when our Webelos become Boy Scouts. So I am available to help the pack leadership if they should need it. I thank all of our pack parents for making scouting special for our boys, you have never failed to help the pack and everyone in a leadership position here appreciates it.
Roger Thor Roop Ex-Cubmaster of Pack 1323 Webelos II Den Leader
GREETINGS FROM OUR NEW CUBMASTER: MR. MARTINEZ
I look forward to working with Pack 1323 as the new Cub Master. I plan to increase the Pack's level of community service and parent involvement. Over the summer we will have at least one Pack event planned each month. I think that Nick Keeler from my Den provided the best attribute for me this year. He said to his grandfather Wayne "That Greg he's tough but fair". I hope that you will find that. The Scout Committee will do every thing to ensure a great year for your scouts. If you have any questions or concerns please contact me.
I would like to thank Ed Custer for his contributions to the Pack over the past several months as the Outings/Hiking Coordinator. He certainly provided events the Pack may not have entertained.
As Ed is leaving that is one more spot that we need a parent to step up and help with. If you are interested please contact me.
I would like to thank Tamalynn Custer for writing the Scout newsletter over the past year. As Tamalynn will not be writing it this year we require a parent to step up and assist. If there is someone who would like to be in charge of the newsletter please contact me.
Have a great summer!
Thanks.
Greg Cubmaster of Pack 1323 Bear Den Leader
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A Knot for everyone By Roger Thor Roop, Webelos II Den Leader
One is never too young to learn to tie knots and starting early will prepare a you for bright future in scouting and life in general. It is empowering to know how to tie a knot and even more so when you consider the fact that it can help to save lives. So let us start off simple and do the knot that is shown above.
Question 1: What is the knot above called? Answer: It is the Arrow of Light Knot, which is the highest award issued in the Cub Scouts. It is represented as a tied Square Knot.
The SQUARE KNOT, also called the REEF KNOT, is an ideal selection for tying two lines of the same size together so they will not slip. To tie a square knot, first bring the two ends of the line together and make an overhand knot. Then form another overhand knot in the opposite direction, as shown in figure 1.
NOTE: A good rule to follow for a square knot is left over right and right over left.
When tying a square knot, make sure the two overhand knots are parallel. ‘his means that each running end must come out parallel to the standing part of its own line. If your knot fails to meet this test, you have tied what is known as a “granny.” A granny knot should NEVER be used; it is unsafe because it will slip under strain. A true square knot instead of slipping under strain will only draw tighter.
The TRICK is that you should be able to slide the loops down the length of line easily, but cinch them tightly together again.
Walking Tall & Looking Good: Uniform guides and tricks. By Roger Thor Roop
Nothing is better representative of a dedication to scouting than a scout in full class A uniform. There is a lot of confusion for a new scout and his parents when he first joins the pack. So This series of articles will help explain the Pack’s policy along with the policies set forth by the Boy Scouts of America. To understand this better lets looks at the common uniform standards as established by the BSA.
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As one can see the first three ranks within Cub Scouting use the blue uniform as the standard of uniform dress for all formal occasions (your Den leader may indicate another form of dress for your meetings so speak with your Den leader about meeting dress), but all Pack Meetings you will need to be in your Class A dress). The Class A Dress Uniform includes the following articles.
Blue Cub Scout Shirt Blue Cub Scout Trousers or Shorts Blue Cub Scout web belt Cub Scout Ball Cap (rank appropriate) Cub Scout Neckerchief (rank appropriate) Blue Cub Scout socks Tennis Shoes/Hiking Boots (No Flip Flops, Crocs, Sandals, etc…)
When a Cub Scout bridges to Webelos I he is eligible to where the Boy Scout Khaki and Olive Drab uniform as he is working to bridge over to the Boy Scouts and by switching to this uniform it gives them credit for work well done and raises expectations of responsibility in the Pack. The Class A uniform of a Webelos cab be that of the Cub Scout Blue Class A with the addition of the Webelos Diamond prank patch in place of where the Tiger Rank Patch once was, or it can be the following.
Khaki Boy Scout Shirt Olive Drab Boy Scout Trousers or Shorts Blue Cub Scout web belt Cub Scout Ball Cap (Webelos) Webelos Scout Neckerchief Olive Drab Boy Scout socks Tennis Shoes/Hiking Boots (No Flip Flops, Crocs, Sandals, etc…)
5 The final form of dress in the pack is what we term Class B dress
Pack T-Shirt Jeans or Shorts Cub Scout Ball Cap (rank appropriate) Tennis Shoes/Hiking Boots (No Flip Flops, Crocs, Sandals, etc…)
Uniforms are more than just clothes: A big part of a Cub Scout’s satisfaction in Scouting lies in his appearance. Keeping a clean and tidy appearance along with his fellow scouts gives his experience in scouting a purpose and importance. So a scout should follow these simple rules of thumb.
PACK RULES OF UNIFORM DRESS
Keep your uniform shirt tucked into your waistband at all times. (Class B T-Shirts are exempt) Wear your Ball Cap only outdoors, indoors it should be removed Keep your shoe/boot laces tied at all time Keep your Neckerchief orderly upon your uniform (above and beneath collar is acceptable.
Pack 1323 will be starting a UNIFORM BANK COLLECTION UNIT to collect those outsized uniforms and those uniforms upgraded to a new rank. This will be for the benefit of those newcomers and veteran scouts who may need uniforms for their scouts but may not have the means to purchase new uniform parts. This is just being started, so if you have older uniforms that your scout has outgrown, please consider donating them for use in our PACK.
Conditions for accepting used uniforms: Please have uniforms washed and all awards removed for your son’s scrap book. You may leave the Pack Number Patch and Council Patch on them if you wish. A collection box will be present at each Pack meeting starting with the first Pack meeting this Fall. For more information please contact Roger Thor Roop at [email protected].
Requesting a used uniforms: The PACK wishes to make this system very discreet, so it is best to contact your Den Leader in private to request access to the spare uniforms. Remember that this collection has just started, so there will be a limited supply of uniforms to choose from at first, but your Den Leader may be able to use the NCAC Capitol Area Roundtables to select even more used uniforms from. If in doubt you may contact Mr. Roop at the above listed email address.
Wolf den takes on the bsa’s Leave No Trace
By Greg Martinez
It was just over 100 degrees on the day Den 5-Wolves completed their final requirement to earn their Leave No Trace Award. The scouts cleaned up the Davis Mill Park and Trail area. The Leave No Trace award teaches scouts to respect the environment and to forward think their actions of today and how it will impact their tomorrow. Thanks to Ed Custer, Dianne Hayes and Jorge and Kelley Cedillo for assisting.
6 PACK 1323 goes shipboard And sails into the 1860’s
On June 18th the scouts of Pack 1323 headed to the Baltimore Harbor to enter the US Navy of the 19th C. and serve upon the 26 gun Sloop of War the U.S.S. Constellation. Upon loading up the gang plank scouts and their leaders were informed where to stow their gear and to prepare to set sail for Anti-Slavery Blockade duty in the African Squadron. Older scouts were assigned to work with the Chief Bosons’ Mate and the younger scouts assigned to work with the Chief Petty Officer. Between these two groups the scouts learned the principles of life aboard a seagoing vessel, which apply to this very day. Once sail training was done the Pack received orders for a scavenger hunt, which they did an awesome job at. Finally all of the scouts and their leaders went downstairs to the gun deck and had evening mess made up of Hard Tack, Beef Stew, and Dried Fruit. As night fell upon the ship, each scout leader was assigned a watch duty of one hour throughout the night, which they did admirably. I was told that our scouts were the first they had ever had aboard ship that did not sleep throughout our watch. While each ship’s watch took place the other scouts slept on the berthing deck on their U.S.N. issued hammocks. While it was quite hot on this section of the ship, the application of large fans helped somewhat in circulating the air. Still many of our scouts and their parents sought out relief from the heat topside.
The next morning found our scouts raising the ship’s colors and how to do this on board an 19th C. sailing ship is no easy feat. After morning colors the crew headed back down to the gun deck for morning mess which was oatmeal, bacon, juice (coffee for the adults) and dried fruit. Completing their meal and cleanup lead us to gun drill, where two teams of gun crews made up of our scouts performed gun drill. This culminated in a timed gun drill competition which was determined a tie. It was a great team building exercise and we all had a great time. The final exercise was a blank firing exercise of a 20-pounder (9 kg) Parrott Rifle. The scouts maneuvered this gun into firing position while the Chief Bosons’ Mate prepared the charge of 2oz. of black powder. The bang was sufficient to wake everyone up and set off a car alarm in one of the Inner Harbor’s parking lots.
I believe that everyone had a good time and learned a lot about seaboard life on board the U.S.S. Constellation during its tour of duty as an Anti-Slavery sloop of war in the African Squadron as well as its role as a Blockade ship during the American Civil War. The Pack committee is looking into a possible trip
7 to another of the sister ships to the U.S.S. Constellation with the Historic Ships in Baltimore, the U.S.C.G. Cutter Taney or the Tench Class fleet type submarine U.S.S. Torsk. If you have a preference, let your Den leader know.
Farewell to our editor of the Cubscouter newsletter
I would like to take some time to thank Tamalynn Custer for heading our newsletter for the past few months Tamalynn took great care to get the facts straight and on time to our members. In her place Roger Roop will take over the newsletter until we can have a volunteer to take the reigns of this publication. Please consider volunteering for this position as Mr. Roop will only be doing this until this Fall. To Tamalynn the Pack Committee and Den Leadership wants to say “Thank You” for all your hard work.
Important Names and Numbers
CUB MASTER Greg Martinez Phone: 240-876-6033 Email: [email protected]
ASST. CUB MASTER Jake Yoder Phone: 301-580-4100 Email: [email protected]
COMMITTEE CHAIR Paul Rodberg Phone: 301-414-5425 Email: [email protected]
RECRUITING CHAIR (vacant)
TREASURER Paul Rodberg Phone: 301-414-5425 Email: [email protected]
POPCORN KERNAL & PUBLIC RELATIONS Sue Shank Phone: 301-740-8909 Email: [email protected]
ASSISTANT POPCORN KERNAL (vacant)
NEWSLETTER Roger Thor Roop (TEMPORARY APPOINTMENT)
8 Phone: 301-253-0460 Email: [email protected]
TIGER DEN LEADER/ASST LEADER (TBA in October)
WOLF DEN LEADER Jake Yoder Phone: 301-580-4100 Email: [email protected]
Paul Rodberg Phone: 301-414-5425 Email: [email protected]
BEAR DEN LEADER Greg Martinez Phone: 240-876-6033 Email: [email protected]
WEBELOS I DEN LEADERS Fred Turner Phone: 301-869-4399 Email: [email protected]
WEBELOS II DEN LEADER/ASST LEADER Roger Thor Roop Phone: 301-253-0460 Email: [email protected] Karl Gussow Phone: 301-963-3069 Email: [email protected]
TIGER DEN LEADER/ASST LEADER (POSITION CURRENTLY VACANT)
BLUE & GOLD COORDINATORS Susan Keeley Phone: 301-208-6560 Email: [email protected]
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