Leaders Meeting January 5, 6:30pm

What: Leader's planning meeting
Where: Journey Baptist Church
When: January 5, 6:30-7:30pm

We will be planning for January and Feburary, discussing the budget, and possibly talking about website improvements.

Journey Baptist is located just outside Man O' War on Richmond Road, in the same shopping center as Pedal Power Bike Shop.  It's on the right, just after you pass Glenn Auto Mall.

Extra Popcorn Available! Popcorn Money Due Today!

We have a small amount of extra popcorn available, first come first serve:

• Caramel Corn Light (2 cans, $20 ea.)
• Trail Mix (2 bags, $20 ea.)
• Microwave Butter Popcorn (1 box, $16)
• Microwave Butter LIght Popcorn (1 box, $16)
• Caramel Corn 10oz (1 bucket, $10)
  

Please contact myself or Teri Chrisco.  First Come First Serve.  Cash on hand, please.

Also, a reminder, please try to have all popcorn money in as soon as possible.  Today was officially the deadline.

Popcorn Pickup Dec. 18-20

Popcorn will be available for pickup Friday, Dec. 18 through Sunday, Dec. 20.

Details to follow.

Money will be due ASAP after that, details also to follow.

Invitation to the Pack Meeting!

Our next meeting will be our first monthly Pack Meeting!

Where: Liberty Cafeteria
When: Tuesday, December 15, 6:00-7:30pm

Note that due to the somewhat longer program, we are starting at 6:00pm.

We have well over 20 boys (and counting!) who have earned their Bobcat rank, and we will be awarding these badges.  We will also be showing off performances by the dens, and some audience participation!

The Pack Meeting is a fun family event, so we encourage parents and siblings to attend.

Online Popcorn is Here!!

Online Popcorn sales has (finally!) been enabled for our pack.

This is an ongoing, year-round fundraiser, with no paperwork involved.  So encourage your customers to get their Christmas and birthday gifts and their regular, ongoing "movie night" popcorn orders from here.

Getting Started

Here's how to get started:

1. Go to http://www.trails-end.com
2. Click on the "Scouts" link at the bottom of the page.  This will direct you to the page for your scout.
3. Click on either "Send Emails" or "Track My Online Sales"
4. Follow the directions under "Create A New Account"
5. The system will send a confirmation email to you (the parent) for permission for the scout to use the system.

Once you've created an account, you can log in and send emails to family and friends, or track your sales.  Your scout's Scout ID (different from his BSA membership #) will be in the upper right corner of the page.  You may want to note it (see below).

Ordering Online

Your customers can simply go to http://www.trails-end.com to place orders.  There's a green tab on the right that says "You are supporting..."  By default it will say "No one".  By clicking there, the customer can either type in your scout's Scout ID or search for him by first name / zip code.  This will direct funds from the sale to our Pack, and give your scout credit towards prizes.

As far as I can tell, the whole sales transaction happens directly between the customer and Trail's End.  Then at some point Trail's End will send the Pack a check for our cut.

Sending Emails

From the Scouts page, you can also send emails to potential customers.  There are several email templates you can select from, and the email is "personalized" with your customer's name and our Pack's number.  The link provided to the email includes your scout's Scout ID, so the customer doesn't need to do the "Your are supporting" change mentioned above.

Next Meeting: 12/1, 6:30pm Liberty Cafeteria

Tuesday, 12/1, 6:30pm will be a Den Meeting.

Please note the following:

• POPCORN ORDERS DUE
• You don't have to turn in money yet
• If you can't attend, contact Mark Underwood ASAP
• Product pickup is TBD but will probably be next week.
• Bobcat Requirements DUE.
• Please bring your Handbook with as many requirements as possible complete.
• No Meeting 12/8
• Next meeting: PACK MEETING 12/15
• Families are encouraged to attend
• Bobcat ranks will be awarded

Den Meeting Plan for 12/1

This is part 2 of the plan for the "Bobcats All" program theme. Information below is adapted or copied from "Program Ideas for Your First Month of Den Meetings" by the BSA.

The Den Leaders and Assistant Den Leaders (or "leaders of the month" if you're rotating duties) are responsible for making sure all needed game or activity materials are there for the meeting. Plan on up to 8 boys per den.

What follows is a suggestion.  Feel free to "punch it up" a bit if your boys are doing well with the work. The goal is to wrap up the Bobcat requirements in time for the Pack meeting.  Keep in mind - the parents are supposed to be reviewing and signing off requirements at home.  Den meetings are for practice and fun.

General Notes:

• Plan to be finished by 7:15 or 7:20, and out of the building by 7:30
• Check the boys' books for completion of Bobcat requirements
• Submit a list of boys who have completed Bobcat to Mark Underwood (msunderwd@gmail.com) by Wednesday 12/2.
  

Meeting Plan

The den meeting is broken up into the following segments:

Tiger Cubs

• Gathering - Tigers/Parents play a game (e.g. "It Can't be Done")
• Opening - Teach Cubs and Adult Partners the Sign.  Explain how it is used to maintain order in the den. Cubs and Partners give the Sign and repeat the Promise in repeat-after-me fashion. 
• Share - Each boy tells what his favorite animal is, and why.
• Discover - Make Clay Snake Slides
• Search - Discuss plans for January Go-See-It.
• Closing - Give the Sign and repeat the Law of the Pack in repeat-after-me fashion.

Wolf and Bear Cubs

• Gathering - Play "Guess Who I Am" or practice the Magic Knot Trick
• Opening - Either:
• Stand in semicircle, give the Sign, repeat the Law of the Pack, light the Conduct Candle
• Recite the Law of the Pack.  Light the Conduct Candle.  Roll call - each boy steps forward and salutes on his name.
• Business - Talk ("high level") about achievements and electives for Wolf/Bear.  Practice a Den Yell.
• Activity - Practice the Handshake.  Make Clay Snake Slides or play Laundry Grab Bag.
• Closing - Reminders, then either:
• Form a line, repeat the promise, then extinguish the Conduct Candle
• Sit in a circle.  Explain the meaning of the Motto.  Extinguish the Conduct Candle.

Webelos

• Gathering - Play "Guess Who I Am" or Ballon Battle Royale
• Opening - Either:
• Stand in semicircle, give the Sign, repeat the Law of the Pack, light the Conduct Candle
• Recite the Law of the Pack.  Light the Conduct Candle.  Roll call - each boy steps forward and salutes on his name.
• Activity Badge - Sportsman: Practice skills of one or more of the sports for the Sportsman requirements 3 and 4.  Review and practice official's signals.
• Preparation - Practice the Handshake.  Work on a Den Yell.  Discuss the Den name.
• Closing - Reminders, then either:
  
  • Form a line, repeat the promise, then extinguish the Conduct Candle
  • Sit in a circle.  Explain the meaning of the Motto.  Extinguish the Conduct Candle.
  
  
  

All dens should leave the meeting space neater than they found it after the closing.

Activity Descriptions

See the 11/17 Den Meeting Plan for other activity ideas.

It Can't Be Done:

Say that you can jump backward farther than they boys can jump forward, if they do exactly as you do. Then grasp your toes and hop backward a few inches. When the boys assume the same position, they'll find they can't budge when they try to jump forward. This is good for gathering time, as each boy who arrives can try to catch the next boy to arrive, in sequence.

Guess Who I Am

Leader decides who he is pretending to be, and the boys ask up to 20 "yes or no" questions, trying to guess who the leader is after each question.  This can be a contest between dens (or teams) to see who can guess in the fewest questions.


Magic Knot Trick


Have several pieces of rope or cord about 3 feet long.  Ask the Cub if he can tie an overhand knot in the middle of a cord without letting go of either end.  Let the Cub Scout try it, then show the trick:  First, fold your arms over your chest, then lean over and pick up each end of the cord without unfolding your arms.  As you straighten up, unfold your arms - still holding the rope - and, presto, there's the overhand knot!


Laundry Grab Bag

Fill a large pillowcase with an assortment of old clothes (hats, shirts, belts, pants, shoes, etc.).  Cubs stand in a circle, and one takes the bag.  On a signal, he passes the bag to the player on his left, and so on around the circle.  As the bag is being passed around, the leader blows a whistle.  Whoever has the bag in his hand when the signal is given pulls an item out of the bag and puts it on.  Repeat until the bag is empty.


Balloon Battle Royale


Arrange Webelos in a large circle, and tie an inflated balloon to one ankle of each boy.  On a signal, the boys try to break all other balloons by stomping on them, while keeping their own balloon safe.  When a boy's balloon is broken, he is "out".   Last boy with an unbroken balloon wins.  "Out" boys should be encouraged to cheer the remaining boys.

Thanksgiving

When I was a boy, I was in a Cub Scout pack that barely existed.  There were barely a handful of boys and just a couple of adults.  The pack, and the Boy Scout troop it was attached to, folded not long after I graduated.  It was a good experience, but it could have been better.

Fast forward 25 years.  I now have a son in third grade.  I wanted him to have the Scouting experience, so I went asking about a neighborhood pack for him to join.  Finding none, I was persuaded to start one.  I fully expected to end up with just a handful of boys and a couple of willing parents to keep it going.

Imagine my surprise when in just a few weeks, we had built to a pack with over 50 boys and a nearly fully staffed adult leadership - a team of dedicated parents who are working hard to provide a quality experience for their boys.  A pack that is already spoken of with recognition and great hope by folks at the Council office.

This year, as always, I am thankful for a great many things in my life.  But this year, I am also thankful for Pack 1221.  I'm thankful for the boys who are so enthusiastic to have a good time and learn Scouting,  for the school and PTA who have been so cooperative in providing a place and means to have the meetings, and especially for the parents who have stepped up to be leaders, who have taken on their jobs with a dedication that bears commendation, and who are building the foundation of a program that will serve neighborhood boys for years to come.

This year, I am thankful for you.

Happy Thanksgiving, Pack 1221!

Leaders: How to create a MyScouting account

Leaders,

In order to complete your online training, you will need to create a MyScouting account.  Here are the directions:

1. Go to http://www.scouting.org
2. Click on the MyScouting tab.
3. Click on "Create an Account"
4. Enter a username of your choice
5. Choose whether you are a member.
1. If you have your Member ID, select "I am a member" and then provide your ID.
2. If you do NOT have your Member ID yet, select "I am not a member".  You will be able to add your ID later, once I have given you your ID card.
6. Fill in your personal information, do the verification thing, and select "Create User"

You should be able to access the online training with your login, whether or not you provided a Member ID.  Later, you can add your Member ID by logging in and selecting "Update my profile" from the menu on the left.

Reminder: Bobcat Ranks

We have only one more Den meeting (Dec. 1) before the Pack meeting.

Parents, please be working at home with your boys on completing their Bobcat rank requirements.  We'd like to award Bobcat to all of the boys at the Dec. 15 Pack meeting.

Parents must sign off on the requirements.  Please do so one of the following ways:

• Sign the corresponding pages in the Handbook, then show the Den Leader
• If you don't have a Handbook, print this blog entry, sign each requirement, and show the Den Leader.  Catch up your Handbook when you get one.
• Email the Den Leader certifying that the boy has completed the requirements.  Catch up your Handbook when you get one.

Bobcat Requirements:

1. Cub Scout Promise  ____________________
2. Law of the Pack ____________________
3. Meaning of "Webelos" ____________________
4. Cub Scout Sign ____________________
5. Cub Scout Handshake ____________________
6. Cub Scout Motto ____________________
7. Cub Scout Salute ____________________
8. Review Youth Protection Guide ____________________

Details on the requirements can be found on our website here.  

Note that requirement 8 cannot be done without the guidebook included inside the Handbook.  So I suppose you'll have to get a Handbook to do that.  I may try to summarize the handbook in a separate post, to help with that, but it's pretty important stuff, so I recommend you do review it with your boy when you get a Handbook.

Reminder: Leader Training Friday 11/20 6:30-9:00pm

What?  Position-Specific Basic Training
Who?  All Den and Pack leaders, including Committee members
When?  Friday, 11/20, 6:30-9:00pm
Where?  At the Council Office, off Richmond Road.

This is a District-run, position-specific leader Training event, and is one of the requirements for the "Trained" leader badge.

Attendance is optional, but strongly recommended.  There should be a wealth of valuable information to help you with your role in the pack. There will not be another opportunity like this until some time next year.

I hope to see you all there!

Tiger Go-See-It: Salato Wildlife Refuge

What:  Go-See-It!  Explore the Salato Wildlife Refuge near Frankfort, KY
When: Saturday, November 21 10:00am - 12:00ish
Leader in Charge:  Kevin Wilder

This outing is hosted by Tiger Den 2 (ACE), but all Pack 1221 Tigers are invited.

Details:  Tigers and Adult Partners meet at the main building at the Refuge at 10:00.  Families are responsible for their own transportation.  We will explore the Refuge for about 1.5 - 2 hours.

Directions:

• Take I-64 West toward Frankfort
• Take Exit 53B to US-127 N, and go about 1.3mi
• Turn Left on US-60, and go 1.6 mi
• Turn Right on Game Farm Road

Looks like a beautiful, but cool day for a hike, with sunny weather, temps in the 40s to low 50s, and low winds.  Dress warmly, though!

Reminder: Next Meeting 11/17, 6:30pm Liberty Elementary

Our next Den Meeting is Tuesday, 11/17 6:30-7:30pm at the Liberty Cafeteria.  This will be a regular Den Meeting for the boys.

What to bring:

• Boys, of course.
• Handbooks, if you have them.
• Uniforms, if you have them.  If not, please try to wear a solid (or nearly so) navy blue or gold/yellow shirt, for uniformity
• Tigers:  Please bring a leaf for your craft activity.

Attendance:

• Please consider staying to help.  We are desperately short of assigned leaders, especially among Bears (3rd grade)!
• If you must drop & go, please return by 7:15.  We may be finished by then.
• For certain, please plan to pick your boy up by 7:30 at the latest.  We must be clear of the building promptly.

Other Notes:

• Popcorn orders are due 12/1.  Please work hard on this, we need to build some working cash.
• No Meeting on 11/24.  Enjoy your holiday!
• Next Den meeting 12/1 (**not** 12/8).
• Pack Meeting 12/15.  Families are encouraged to attend.

We are working on making arrangements for ACE dens to meet at ACE starting in January.  We need a Den Leader for the ACE Bear Den.  Pack Meetings will remain at Liberty, 4th Tuesday of each month.

Uniform Requirements

There's been some question about uniform requirements. Who's supposed to get what.

Here's a basic summary, in some semblance of priority order. All of this stuff is available at the Scout Shop at the Council office.

There are three basic types of uniform:

• Minimal Class A. This is not regulation, but is the least you should shoot for.
• Class A. This is the full, official uniform, head to toe. Should be worn for all ceremonies and official outings where we need to look good (outings, parades, etc.)
• Class B. This is the "casual" or "play" uniform, suitable for den meetings and most active outings.

All families are encouraged to get as much as they can in terms of uniform. It helps the boy develop pride in his unit and unity with the group, just like a team uniform for a sport.

However: NO BOY WILL EVER BE TURNED AWAY from a Pack 1221 event for lack of a uniform as long as I have something to say about it. This Pack is about what's in the boys' hearts and minds, not their mirrors. The Cub Scout Motto is "Do your best." I believe that applies here, especially in these economic times.

I went all the way through scouting, from Bobcat to Eagle Scout. I think I bought my first pair of Class A uniform pants so that I could wear them to my Eagle Scout award ceremony.

The Handbook

Every boy needs a Handbook. They're $10, but it's really, really hard to do the advancement work without it. Darn near impossible.

Uniform Color Standards

Tigers, Wolves and Bears all wear the Blue uniform. Tiger accents are orange, Wolf is yellow, and Bear is light blue.

Webelos as a den have the option of Blue or Khaki/Olive, but all boys should wear the same colors. Going Khaki allows the outgoing boys to re-use the uniform as a Boy Scout. Going Blue allows the incoming boys to re-use their Cub Scout uniform. Webelos accents are plaid.

Adult men wear khaki/olive with blue epaulet loops. Adult women have the option of khaki/olive or yellow/navy.

Minimal Class A Boy Uniform

The minimal uniform is the shirt, neckerchief and slide. Together, new, these will set you back about $35 for short sleeves, $40 for long sleeves (your choice). Since the shirt is where the rank badges go, it would be nice if all the boys get their shirt before they earn the Bobcat rank.

Neckerchief and slide colors are as follows:

• Tiger: orange
• Wolf: yellow
• Bear: light blue
• Webelos: plaid

For the minimal uniform, the boy should wear navy blue shorts, pants, or jeans. This is not regulation, but less expensive than buying the official pants. If going khaki, Webelos can wear olive pants or navy jeans - the den should try to be consistent.

For shoes, anything suitable to the activity will be fine. Safety should be considered in selecting shoes.

Minimum Insignia

All boys need the following basic insignia:

• Council Patch ($6-ish, I think) - goes on left shoulder
• Unit Numerals ("1221", $5). Blue uniform gets white on red numerals. Khaki uniform can use white on red or Centennial green on khaki, but should be consistent for whole den.
• World Scout Crest ($1.49). Purple circle. Goes on left breast centered between shoulder and pocket.

Total cost: $12.49. Note that these patches are sew-on, not iron-on. You can use "badge magic" or "wonder under" or other such iron-on material, but my experience is that it doesn't work well with the shoulder patches - too much bending and folding.

If wearing the khaki shirt, Webelos need to add the blue epaulet loops. These are $2.50

We can also talk about adding Den Number patches, which go under the American flag on the right sleeve. These are $1.50.

Official Class A Uniform

In addition to the shirt, neckerchief and insignia, the rest of the official Class A uniform comprises:

• Uniform pants or shorts ($16-$24 depending on style)
• Uniform belt ($8-$10 on size - buy big, trim down and tuck. Blue for all Cubs. Webelos match pants.
• Uniform Cap ($12 - Webelos wear the olive/plaid Webelos cap regardless of shirt color)
• Uniform Socks ($6 - Tiger=orange top, Wolf/Bear = yellow top, Webelos to match pants)

Class B Uniform

The Class B Uniform, which can be worn to Den Meetings and outings (unless specified by the Den/Pack leaders in charge) consists of a Cub Scout T-shirt and pants/shorts appropriate to the activity (preferably navy blue). T-shirts are about $10, give or take.

Adult Uniform

The minimal, Class A and Class B adult uniforms are basically the same as the boy uniforms (at least in the items they comprise), with the following exceptions:

Men wear the khaki adult shirt (no blue option). If worn, the pants and belt are olive.

Women have a lot of options. Blouse is either khaki or yellow uniform shirt. Bottoms are pants, shorts, coulotts, or skirt in navy. Choice of ladies neckerchief or scarf.

Basic insignia is the same for all adults:

• Council patch (left shoulder sleeve at top)
• Unit numbers ("1221", below council patch)
• Office badge (below unit numbers or on sleeve pocket if present)
• Blue epaulet loops (on epaulets)
• World Scout Crest (left breast centered between pocket and shoulder)

Pack Provided Items

We can't do this yet because we have no money, but as a pack we should consider and vote on this in the near future. It is traditional that certain items are provided by the Pack and paid for out of either dues or fundraising. We can discuss the exact list, but a suggestion would be:

• Handbook
• Council Patch, unit numerals and World Scout Crest
• All earned insignia (ranks, arrowheads, Webelos activity pins, etc.)
• Basic insignia for adult leaders

We might also provide a small contribution to each boy for part of the uniform (perhaps buy the neckerchief and slide). Traditionally, families would be responsible for the actual clothing (shirt, hat, pants, etc.) and optional patches, such as those given out or available for an outing that is not part of a rank-like achievement.

Finally, we might as a Pack consider establishing a benevolence fund and/or a "well loved uniform" wardrobe for providing help for those families who could use the help.

If we do well enough on fundraising, we might even consider doing what we can to reimburse this year's families for part of their uniform expenses. This would have to be considered, voted upon, and weighed against other Pack needs such as flags, program materials, benevolence, activities and events, etc.

Please feel free to comment below with questions, concerns, and thoughts!

Leader Training November 20

Leaders:

There's a position-specific "Basic Training" event coming up next week. This is one of the requirements for your "Trained" badge (yes, adults get to earn badges, too!) and also goes towards the Pack's Quality Unit Award.

• Where: Blue Grass Council Office (off Richmond Road)
• When: Friday, November 20
• What time: 6:00pm

Details will be posted early next week.

Please RSVP by either commenting to this post below or emailing me (msunderwd_AT_gmail.com) or Jean Williams (ggloriawilliams_AT_aol.com). The training leader needs a head count to prepare for the meeting.

(obviously, replace "_AT_" with the "@" sign.)

Next Meeting: 11/17, 6:30pm Liberty Elementary

Next week's meeting will be Tuesday, 11/17 6:30-7:30pm at the Liberty Cafeteria.

This will be a regular Den Meeting for the boys!!

Den Leaders and Assistants, please have the first week's program from the "Bobcats All" plan ready. If you do not have a copy of the plan, I've posted a summary here on the blog: http://libertycubscouts.blogspot.com/2009/11/den-meeting-plan-for-1110.html

The rest of the schedule for 2009 looks like this:

• Nov. 17: Den Meeting
• Nov. 24: No meeting - Thanksgiving
• Dec. 1: Den Meeting - Popcorn orders due!
• Dec. 8: No meeting (conflict with school)
• Dec. 15: Pack Meeting

All of these meetings will be at the Liberty Elementary Cafeteria. Den Meetings at ACE will (hopefully) begin in January. Stay tuned for that.

Notes from 11/10 Meeting

First, let me thank everyone who attended! Your hard work and planning will surely pay off!

We had about 20 parents attend, and all dens report that they will be ready for Den Meetings starting next Tuesday. That is excellent news!

A few other notes, as I understand them:

• The Tigers have chosen to split into two dens along school lines, so the ACE kids can meet at ACE and the Liberty kids can meet at Liberty. I will be working on arranging that with the schools.
• All Dens will, of course, be meeting together at Liberty for the monthly Pack meeting. I will try to make sure that arrangements with ACE give us the flexibility to occasionally host the Pack meeting there should we want to.
• Wolf Dens are planning to meet together for the first few meetings, then split once the adults are more comfortable with running the meetings.
• Bob Henz has volunteered to be Pack Secretary.
• Popcorn sales have been extended to December 1. You will be able to sell through Thanksgiving weekend.
• Online Popcorn sales are coming. I am working out the details of getting things set up. Watch for further news.
• Membership cards for most boys and adults will be available next week. Some folks are still being processed at the Council office.

I am also, on an excellent suggestion from Kevin Wilder (Den 2), making arrangements for Den Leaders (and other interested folks) to visit a Den Meeting or two at another established pack. This will help you get more comfortable with what a typical Den Meeting will be. Watch for further news.

Also, please note that the first December meeting was moved to December 1. There was a schedule conflict with the school on Dec. 8, so we had to move.

11/10 Planning Meeting Only - NO BOYS

Change of plans, folks!

It has come to my attention that we have not had an opportunity to do the necessary planning to start having regular Den Meetings just yet. Meetings so far have focused a bit too much on "recruiting" and not enough on "planning", and trying to keep the boys active while giving the leaders time to talk is problematic for a number of reasons.

Tuesday, 11/10 will be a Pack Leaders (and interested parents) Planning Meeting. Boys should stay home! If you need to bring your boy with you, please provide something to keep him busy. There will NOT be a program for the boys on 11/10.

Agenda:

• Time for Den parents/leaders to meet and plan as a den who is covering what over the next few months
• Time to discuss Pack level plans, including the first Pack meeting Dec. 15
• Discussion of Popcorn Sales
• Optionally, start planning the Blue & Gold Banquet for February.

All parents who have volunteered to be leaders are strongly encouraged to attend. All parents who are not leaders but have an interest are welcome to attend as well.

I will not personally be able to attend, but I will do my best to make sure this meeting is not just another recruiting meeting, but provides sufficient time for you parents to talk amongst yourselves and get organized. I recognize that such time has been sorely lacking in our earlier meetings.

Also, please note that the schedule through 2009 is somewhat different:

• 11/10 : Pack Planning. Parents only. No program for the boys.
• 11/17 : First Den Meeting for boys. Den Leaders will be in charge of the program
• 11/24 : Meeting is tentative. Popcorn orders are due.
• 12/1 : Den Meeting. Den leaders will have program for boys.
• 12/8 : NO MEETING. There is a conflict with an already scheduled school event.
• 12/15 : Pack Meeting. Pack Committee will be in charge of the program.
• 12/22, 12/29, and 1/5 : No meeting. We might schedule an outing for boys who are in town.
• 1/12 : Den Meeting

The Pack Calendar has been updated to reflect this.

Den Meeting Plan for 11/10 11/17

This is the plan for the "Bobcats All" program theme. Information below is adapted or copied from "Program Ideas for Your First Month of Den Meetings" by the BSA.

The Den Leaders and Assistant Den Leaders (or "leaders of the month" if you're rotating duties) are responsible for making sure all needed game or activity materials are there for the meeting. Plan on up to 8 boys per den.

Meeting Plan

The den meeting is broken up into the following segments:

Tiger Cubs

• Gathering - Tigers/Parents play a game (e.g. "Clothespins in a Bottle")
• Opening - Teach Cubs and Adult Partners the Salute, say the Pledge of Allegiance
• Share - Have Cubs introduce Adult Partner, explain relationship, and share a fun thing they do together.
• Discover - Make a leaf rubbing with crayon, paper, and a leaf
• Search - Plan a Go See It for the 12/8 (or 12/1) meeting
• Closing - Teach Cubs the Motto ("Do your best!"). Follow with a Tiger cub roar!

Wolf and Bear Cubs

• Gathering - Have boys do the "It can't be done" trick or another game
• Opening - Show sign and recite Promise. Show Salute and recite Pledge of Allegiance. Introduce Den Leaders and members
• Business - Discuss and establish a simple Code of Conduct for the den (basic "rules of the den")
• Activity - Play a game, like Newspaper Softball
• Closing - Remind boys of next meeting (11/17) and to work on Bobcat requirements at home. Make Living Circle.

Webelos

• Gathering - Have boys do the "It can't be done" trick or another game
• Opening - Show sign and recite Promise. Show Salute and recite Pledge of Allegience. Introduce Den Leaders and members
• Business - Discuss and establish a simple Code of Conduct for the den (basic "rules of the den")
• Activity Badge - Sportsman: Discuss good sportsmanship and teamwork. Review Sportsman Badge requirements. Play Forehead Squeeze Relay
• Preparation - Develop Code of Conduct for Den, Talk about what to do / show / demonstrate at the Pack meeting.
• Closing - Remind boys of next meeting (11/17) and to work on Bobcat requirements at home. Make Living Circle.

All dens should leave the meeting space neater than they found it after the closing.

Note that I'm not sure whether there's a US flag on display in the cafeteria. If not, we'll need to improvise on the Pledge until we can buy a Pack flag. The boys should form a line or square or half circle or something and stand at attention during the Pledge. In the absence of the flag, they should face the Leader.

Activity Descriptions

Den Code of Conduct and Conduct Candle:

The Den Code of Conduct is a basic set of ground rules for behavior during Den Meetings. It is unique to each den, and should be developed with the input of the boys. Rules like "no teasing" or "no horseplay" are examples. The rules should be short, easy to remember and follow, and fair. The Code should also spell out what happens when a rule is broken (including "boy gets to call mommy and go home immediately", but not including any form of hazing). Having the boys help develop the rules will encourage them to follow them.

The Conduct Candle is a candle that is lit at the beginning of the meeting and stays lit until either (a) the closing ceremony, where it is ceremoniously blown out with praise, or (b) someone breaks a Code rule. The Candle helps visually encourage the boys to stay on task. When the candle finally burns out completely (needs to be replaced), the boys should be rewarded with a special party or trip.

Living Circle:

The Living Circle symbolically ties the boys in the Den together and helps remind them of the bond of friendship they are forming. The boys make a close circle facing each other. Each boy makes the Cub Scout Sign with his right hand, turns slightly to the right, and extends his left hand straight out to the center of the circle. Each boy should make a fist with his left hand, extending his thumb out to the right and grabbing the thumb of the boy on his left in his closed fist. So the closed fists make a joined circle in the center. The boys then recite the Promise, Law or Motto (leader's discretion). Optionally, the boys can chant "A-ke-la! We'll do our best!", pumping their left-hand-ring rhythmically up and down on the syllables, then breaking the ring and snapping salutes on the word "best!".

Clothespins in a Bottle:

Materials: 10 clothespins and a narrow-mouthed jar.

Place a narrow-mouthed jar upright on the floor. Give each boy, in turn, 10 clothespins. The boy stands over the bottle and, holding each clothespin at eye level, tries to drop them into the bottle. The boy with the most "hits" wins.

Newspaper Softball:

Materials: 1 rolled up newspaper, two tin cans, and three designated "bases".

Divide the den into two teams. Place a can on either side of "home plate" and balance a rolled newspaper across the tops of the cans. The first "batter" stands behind the newspaper and kicks it with his instep, and the game is on. All the rules of softball are followed except for the method of putting the "ball" into play.

It Can't Be Done:

Say that you can jump backward farther than they boys can jump forward, if they do exactly as you do. Then grasp your toes and hop backward a few inches. When the boys assume the same position, they'll find they can't budge when they try to jump forward. This is good for gathering time, as each boy who arrives can try to catch the next boy to arrive, in sequence.

Forehead Squeeze Relay:

Materials: one tennis ball or orange for every two boys

Split the den into teams with an even number of boys in each team, and give each team a ball. Two boys from each team hold their team ball between their foreheads and race across the room and back. On return to the start, they hand off the ball to the next pair of boys on the team. First team to complete the relay wins. If the ball is dropped, the dropping pair starts over.

First "Real" Den Meeting

Our next meeting is Tuesday 11/10 6:30-7:30pm at the Liberty Cafeteria.

This time, we'll be having our first "real" Den Meeting. I will not be able to attend, but Beau Andrews is planning to have a couple of experienced Den Leaders to circulate and assist our Den Leaders. I think we should already have a plan in place as well.

I will have the (basically random) Den assignments out before the weekend. Due to the large Pack size (over 50 boys!!), we will have three Tiger dens, two Wolf dens, three Bear dens and one Webelos den. This will keep the den sizes to a manageable 6-7 boys each (but 9 Webelos).

We will need a designated Den Leader and Assistant Den Leader for each den to lead Tuesday's meeting. This can be whichever two parents are going first in the rotation, for those of you who are sharing duties. Tiger parents, remember that the Adult Partner should attend all den meetings.

I have a paper from the BSA that outlines a recommended program for the first four Den meetings. This works the boys through their Bobcat requirements. I will post separately this program so that we can use it. If any of you took home the yellow Den Leader Kit folders, this program is in the folder. If we follow this, all of the boys should have earned the Bobcat rank in time for our first Pack meeting on the 15th.

Who is Akela?

You may be wondering who this "Akela" is who features so prominently in the Cub Scout Law and other places.

Much of the lore surrounding Cub Scouts was derived from the "Jungle Book" stories by Rudyard Kipling. The basic story is outlined in the beginning of your Handbook. Akela, in the story, is the wizend old leader of the wolf pack that raises Mowgli.

In Cub Scouts, Akela is "the good leader." Akela is, first and foremost, YOU, the parent. In other circumstances, Akela can be the Den Leader, the Cubmaster, a teacher, minister, or even a guest speaker. Akela is the person who is in charge of the event in which the boy is participating.

Bobcat Requirements

Parents!

The first rank all of the boys must earn before going on to their respective Tiger/Wolf/Bear/Webelos ranks is the Bobcat rank. The requirements for Bobcat are outlined below, and are also spelled out in the first chapter of the Handbook. As the parent, YOU need to quiz your boy on each requirement and sign off on the requirements in the book (if you have it yet). Your boy can then show your signoff to the Den Leader, who will initial the book and record that the requirement is complete. If you do not have a Handbook yet, send me an e-mail certifying that your son has met the requirements.

In all cases the boy should be encouraged to take these things seriously and to do his best. The sign, handshake and salute should be given smartly with an eagerness to do it right, and the Promise and Law should be recited with a certain reverence for their deep -- if simple -- meaning. The Motto should probably best be shouted at the top of one's lungs! As my grandmother would say, "Do it right, or don't bother..."

Remember that the bar is "Do your best!" Only you and your son know what his best is. Expect it of him, and grade accordingly. Simple, age appropriate answers are expected for the understanding parts.

Please work with your boy on these requriements. We would like to have all the boys certified for the Bobcat rank before our first Pack meeting, so that we can award the rank to them and move on to their grade-specific rank work.

Bobcat Requirements:

1. Cub Scout Promise:

"I, promise to do my best to do my duty to God and my country, to help other people, and to obey the Law of the Pack." The boy should have this memorized, and be able to explain what a promise is, what his "duty" is, and how he can do his duty, help and obey.

2. Law of the Pack:

"The Cub Scout follows Akela. The Cub Scout helps the pack go. The Pack helps the Cub Scout grow. The Cub Scout gives goodwill." The boy should have this memorized, and be able to explain who Akela is, how he can follow Akela, help the pack go, and give goodwill, as well as how the Pack can help him grow. I'll have a separate blog post on just who this "Akela" fellow is.

3. Tell what "Webelos" means:

"Webelos" is an acronym that means "We'll Be Loyal Scouts."

4. Show the Cub Scout Sign and tell what it means:

The Sign is basically the "peace" sign - thumb, ring and pinkie fingers closed in a loop, with index and middle fingers extended straight out and spread to resemble alert wolf's ears. The Sign is given with the right arm fully extended straight up (no bent elbows!). The two extended fingers stand for two parts of the Promise: "to help other people" and "to obey". The Sign should be given when reciting the Promise or the Law of the Pack. It is also used as a signal to get the boys to quiet down and pay attention in meetings. The sign is always done with the right hand.

5. Show the Cub Scout Handshake and tell what it means:

To do the Handshake, perform a normal, right-handed handshake, but slip the index and middle fingers (together, not spread) along the other person's inside wrist. The two fingers, just as in the Sign, remind the boy of the two Promise points "help other people" and "obey". We had some trouble at the meeting last night with this, possibly due to my (poor) instruction. Many of the boys wanted to close their pinkie and ring fingers up, like in the Sign. This makes it hard to shake hands. The hands should be clasped just like in a normal handshake, except for the extended index and middle fingers. The Handshake is always done right-handed.

6. Say the Cub Scout Motto and tell what it means:

The Cub Scout Motto is "Do your best!" It means, simply, to always do your best at whatever you are doing. Run your hardest in a race, pay your best attention in school, give your best respect to others, and so on. It does not mean "win at all costs" or "second place is the first loser." Rarely is one's best equal to perfection, either. Note that one's best is different for each boy, for each activity, for each life circumstance, and even day to day. The boy should learn to know deep in his heart whether he is truly doing his best or not.

7. Show the Cub Scout Salute and tell what it means.

A salute is a sign of respect to a person or a symbol, such as a flag. To give the Salute, hold the right hand as with the Sign, except keep the index and ring fingers together (not spread apart). Bring the hand up till the tips of the fingers touch the right eyebrow or the front right corner of the brim of the hat (if wearing one). When perfectly executed, the upper arm should be horizontal and in line with the body, and the forearm and wrist should be straight, with just the tip of the fingers touching the eyebrow or cap brim. The Salute is always done with the right hand.

The Salute is used, for example, while giving the Pledge of Allegiance or singing the National Anthem (when in uniform). The Salute should be started before beginning the pledge or anthem, and held until completed. In groups, the Salutes should all be done together, in unison.

The Salute can also be used optionally as a sign of respect for an adult leader, but this is not required or even necessarily encouraged. If doing so, the boy should salute first, then hold the salute until the adult leader returns the salute, following the military tradition. Between boys of any rank, the Handshake should be used, not the Salute.

A third optional use of the Salute would be to greet a fellow Cub Scout (or leader) at a distance where a handshake would be impractical (such as crossing paths outdoors) -- as a substitute for a hand-wave, indicating fellow membership in Scouting.

8. Complete the Parent/Child exercises in the booklet "How to Protect your Children from Child Abuse".

This book is included in the front of the Handbooks, and provides discussion points and training about child abuse. It's never a pleasant topic to discuss, but it is important for the safety and well being of our boys. Note that this requirement is a parent/child collaborative effort.

New: Facebook Page and Twitter Feed!

Just another way to keep everyone updated, especially on last-minute info. I've created a Twitter account and a Facebook Page for the pack.

The name is: Pack1221LexKY (for both Facebook and Twitter)

As soon as I figure out how this works, I'll either (a) let all the Pack leaders know the login so they can tweet Pack news, or we'll appoint a "news" person who can keep Twitter, Facebook and this Blog up to date.

Any volunteers for a Web person?

Calendar Updated

Reminder: The Pack Calendar is at the bottom of the page (scroll down to see it).

I've updated the calendar with all of the currently-scheduled District and Council activities for the rest of 2009 and 2010.

Highlights for the kids include:

• Tiger in the Woods (Arboretum, 11/21/09)
• District and Council Pinewood Derby Events (3/20 and 5/1)
• Cub Scout Spring Campout (4/30 - 5/2)
• District Cub Scout Day Camp (7/12-7/16)
• Webelos Resident Camp (7/15 - 7/18)
• Webelos Woods (9/24-9/26)

Highlights for the adults include:

• Monthly District Roundtables (2nd Thursday)
• Monthly District Committee meetings (1st Thursday)
• District Training Workshop (1/30)
• Trainer's Edge (3/13)
• Wood Badge Weekends (4/23-4/25 and 5/14-5/16)
• Outdoor Leader Training (6/4-6/5 and 9/24-9/25)
• 2010 Popcorn Drive (Sept-Oct 2010)

Mark your family calendars!

Next meeting: TRAINING! (date/time confirmed)

Our next Pack meeting will be Tuesday, November 3, 6:30-7:30pm in the Cafeteria at the school.

Leaders - all of you - please be especially sure to attend. Martin has arranged for some District folks to be there to do some training on how to run Den and Pack meetings. There will also be more formal, position-specific training on November 20 (I believe).

We also need 2-3 parent volunteers to lead some organized activities for the boys. Martin and I will arrange the activities and provide materials. All the parents need to do is actually implement. These should not be Leaders, since they need to be in the training.

To volunteer, please comment here or email me.

10/20 Meeting Results

Here's the results of the 10/20 meeting, as I have been told.

First, the pack as a whole has settled on meeting 3x/month, on the second, third, and fourth Tuesdays. The Pack meeting will be the 4th Tuesday. Nominally, these meetings will be at 6:30pm at the school, but we may have to move some due to conflicts.

Second, the Tiger, Wolf and Bear dens have settled on a "shared leadership" model, where several of the parents will take turns leading the meetings. We still need a nominal or "on paper" Den Leader for each den to come to Pack planning meetings and coordinate the sharing amongst the other parents. All of the parents who are leading the meetings need to be registered officially as either Den Leaders or Assistant Den Leaders. This provides liability and insurance protection for the boys, the parents and the pack.

Having said that, we have Sheli Mays and Jason Stevens as Den Leaders for the Wolf and Webelos Dens. Bears and Tigers, someone please step up. It's very little incremental work.

Third, Martin was unable to get a pack started at Athens-Chilesburg Elementary, so he is directing those parents our way. He has five adult volunteers, including one Pack Committee member, two Assistant Den Leaders for Tigers, and one each Assistant Den Leader for Bear and Wolf. I believe he also got 4 additional Webelos boys, so that Den is now "full".

I'll be posting separately about the next meeting.

Pack leadership so far:

• Chartered Org. Rep: Mark Underwood
• Acting Pack Committee Chair: Mark Underwood (open)
• Secretary: (open)
• Treasurer: Teri Chrisco
• Other Pack Committee: 1 volunteer
• Pack Trainer: Gloria Jean Williams
• Cubmaster: (open)
• Asst. Cubmster: (open)
• Webelos Den Leader: Jason Stevens
• Webelos Asst. Den Leader: (open)
• Bear Den Leader: (open)
• Bear Asst. Den Leader: 4 volunteers
• Wolf Den Leader: Sheli Mays
• Wolf Asst. Den Leader: 3 volunteers
• Tiger Den Leader: (open)
• Tiger Asst. Den Leader: several volunteers

Please comment below or email me with corrections, additional info, or... comments.

Thank you Volunteers!

A quick shout-out to the parents who have volunteered so far!

• Webelos Den Leader: Jason Stevens
• Tiger Den Leader: Pretty much the whole den...
• Pack Trainer: Gloria Jean Williams
• Treasurer: Teri Chrisco

I also have a potential volunteer for the Wolf Den Leader, but she hasn't confirmed yet, so I'll announce after she says "yes" for certain.

Thank you all for volunteering to lead the Pack and provide a quality program for your boys!

Critical positions left to fill:

• Bear Den Leader
• Assistant Den Leaders (Wolf/Bear/Webelos)
• Secretary
• Cubmaster
• Assistant Cubmaster

We also need a few more Pack Committee members in addition to the Secretary and Treasurer. I can serve as interim Pack Committee Chair, but if someone else would like that spot...

Open positions on the Pack Committee include Advancement, Public Relations, Outings, Membership / Registration, and Friends Of Scouting (fundraising).

Also, if anyone is handy with woodworking, the Pack could use some portable flagpoles and bases, and a Pinewood Derby track.

Next Meeting: BRING YOUR BOYS!

Tuesday, October 20, 6:30-7:30pm

Liberty Elementary Cafeteria

Next week we will have a third parent planning meeting. This time, we will have organized activities for the boys, including starting on the Bobcat rank requirements.

The rest of us grownups will continue work on organizing and planning the pack.

We are in need of Den Leaders and Assistant Den Leaders for the Wolf and Bear Dens, and an Assistant Webelos Den Leader. We also need a Cubmaster and some Pack Committee members.

Please consider whether you can serve in one of these roles, and respond to me (Mark Underwood) as soon as possible.

Directions to the Council Office and Scout Shop

The Council office and Scout Shop are located at 3473 Yorkshire Medical Park, just off Richmond Road outside Man O' War. Take a left at the second stop light beyond Man O' War (towards Jacobson Park), then take the first left on Dabney Dr. The Council Office is the red brick plantation-style building nestled behind the medcial offices. The building and a marquee sign should be visible from Richmond Road.

You can get and turn in application forms there, as well as buy uniforms, handbooks, patches, and a variety of neat stuff.


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What your boy needs

Many of you have had questions about just what you need to do to get your boy into the pack. There are three basic things that are required:

• Youth Application and Registration Fee
• Cub Scout Handbook
• Uniform

Youth Application Form and Registration Fee

These are available at the Bluegrass Council office, or we will have them available at all Pack and Den meetings. This provides basic information on the boy and registers him as a member of the Pack. Fees are $23 for Tiger Cubs (1st grade) and $21 for all other Cubs. The fee covers National registration and insurance for the boy (the extra $2 for Tigers insures the Adult Partner).

Fees for this "year" are somewhat higher than the usual annual fee because we are registering through December 2010, and so must cover three additional months.

The form and money can be turned in at any Pack or Den meeting, or at any time at the Council Office.

Tiger/Wolf/Bear/Webelos Handbook

These are $10, and available at the Council office. They contain all of the requirements the boy will need for rank advancement, activity badges, and so on. Also included is a Parents section to help explain your role in the program. This is a very important part, and should probably be picked up in the first month or so. This is also an item that we may discuss having the Pack purchase (or subsidize) for the boys once we get some fundraising done.

There are different handbooks for each Den (grade level), so be sure you get the right one:

• First Grade: Tiger Cub
• Second Grade: Wolf Cub
• Third Grade: Bear Cub
• Fourth/Fifth Grade: Webelos

Uniform

The uniform is an important part of Scouting, as it fosters unity and pride of membership, provides a place for the boy to display his achievements (rank, etc.), and reminds the boy of his commitments to the Pack and the ideals of Scouting. I know that when I wear my uniform shirt, I tend to stand a little straighter and watch what I say, knowing that my actions reflect upon the Pack, my boys, and BSA in general. This is a good lesson for the boys to learn.

Unfortunately, it's rather expensive. The basic shirt and patches, purchased new, will run about $30. The full-kit uniform including cap, pants, socks, belt and all can run to $75 or more. Used shirts are often available at Goodwill and other places.

I'd recommend everyone try to have at least the shirt, neckerchief and slide for the boy by the first of the year, so that he can wear his shirt to the Blue and Gold banquet. In the meantime, a Navy blue shirt or Cub Scout T-shirt will suffice to provide the "team" spirit and the all-important color matching on group outings.

While the importance of a uniform is not to be underestimated, I think this is an area where the Cub Scout motto "Do your best" must be remembered. No boy will be excluded from the Pack for lack of a uniform if I have anything to say about it (nor do I believe BSA would argue with me on that point). There is some financial help available for those in need, but this is also an excellent place for the boy to learn some responsibility by earning money for his uniform, perhaps by doing some extra chores, helping a neighbor, or working extra hard on Pack fundraising activities. A uniform that is earned can be worn with an extra bit of pride in accomplishment.

Uniform Components

Now that I've mentioned the uniform and its importance, here is a list of its parts, in order of priority of need (as I see it), along with an estimated retail price from the Scout Shop:

• Shirt (short or long sleeved) ($25)
• Council Patch ($5)
• Pack Numerals ($1.20 each x4 = $4.80)
• World Scouting Crest Patch ($1.50)
• Neckerchief and Slide ($10 together)
• Cap ($13)
• Pants or Shorts ($17)
• Belt ($10)
• Socks ($6)

Prices may vary depending on exactly what you by. Webelos (4th or 5th grade) have the option of wearing either the Cub Scout Blue/Gold uniform or the Boy Scout Khaki/Olive uniform (with Webelos-specific badges). The decision of which color scheme to go with should probably be a Den decision, so everyone wears the same thing.

Uniforms are available from the Scout Shop (directions below), online at http://www.scoutstuff.org, or used from Goodwill and other places.

Directions to the Scout Shop / Council Office

All of the stuff above (application forms, handbooks and uniforms) are available in the Scout Shop, located at the Bluegrass Council office, 3473 Yorkshire Medical Park, Lexington KY

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Calendar Added to Blog

There's a new Google Calendar added to the bottom of the blog. Scroll down to see it. You can also click on events to see details!

Next Meeting: 10/13 6:30pm Eagle Creek Library

Our next Cub Scout meeting will be Tuesday, October 13 at 6:30pm, at the Eagle Creek Library.

This will be a "Parent Meeting". If you haven't signed your boy up yet, you can. We'll be discussing Pack planning, leadership assignments, goals and other such things. I'd like to wrap things up by 8:00 at the latest, but we have the room until closing if necessary.

You are welcome to bring your boy, but the meeting is likely to be full of boring "grownup stuff", so come armed with homework, game boy, book, or whatever for his entertainment. Or let him stay at home. He won't miss anything.

If we could have an enterprising parent or two volunteer to bring an activity for any boys that attend, that would be handy (HINT HINT).

Call or email with questions if you need.

We have a Pack Number!

We now have a pack number assigned to us! We will be Pack #1221, which happens to be the same unit number as the Girl Scout Troop that also meets at Liberty. I hope that is acceptable to all.

Family Involvement

Just a few comments about family involvement in Cub Scouts. Family is the core of the Cub Scout program, and so involvement of family members is a crucial part of the Pack's success. The way the family interacts with the Cub, the Den and the Pack varies depending on the boy's age, though.

In the following discussion, please interpret the word "parent" as it best suits your particular family. The "parent" could be a birth parent, stepparent, grandparent, guardian, adult cousin, involved neighbor, aunt, uncle, or pastor. It is the person (or people) who cares about the boy and wants to help him succeed in Scouting whom the family designates to work with the boy. Likewise with "family" ...

Pack Meetings:

Pack meetings are fun events for the whole family. All family members are invited - nay, encouraged - to attend. The monthly Pack meeting is where the boys are presented awards, achievements and rank recognition. The boys present skits, plays, songs, and demonstrations that they have worked on in their den meetings. It is vitally important that the family is represented at these meetings. If you don't believe me, go watch the Disney movie "UP", and pay close attention to Russell. Especially at the end. Please make time to attend the Pack meetings.

Tiger Cubs:

The Tiger Cub program, designed for 1st graders, is centered around a team of a boy and an "Adult Partner". The Adult Partner is expected to attend all den meetings, and the achievements are designed around in-den partnered work between the boy and his Adult Partner. In addition, each Adult Partner will work with the Den Leader for at least one month (in turn) per year to "host" the Den meeting. This helps the Den Leader, and also allows each boy in turn to have a leadership role in the Den.

Wolf and Bear Cubs:

Wolf (2nd grade) and Bear (3rd grade) Cubs are growing older and becoming more independent, so the roles shift a bit. Den meetings are boys-only (parents are welcome, but not required), and centered around projects and activities. Advancement work is instead done at home with the parent. This allows the boys to develop independence and teamwork while still having a close working relationship with the parent. It is very, very important that each parent work with the boy to help him earn his advancement requirements.

Webelos:

Webelos boys are yet another stage older and more independent, and are preparing to transition to Boy Scouts. Advancement work becomes more independent work, and is done both in the Den meeting and independently at home. The parent becomes more of an advisor and encourager, as is appropriate for the older boy. Parents are still encouraged to attend Den and Pack activities, and are required for overnight campouts and events.

As you can see, the role of parent and family is key to the success of the Cub Scout, and by extension, of the Pack. But the role also changes as the boy grows in his maturity, independence, and abilities.

Great Turnout!

We had a wonderful turnout for Tuesday's Kickoff meeting. 22 boys signed up, plus four boys who were old enough to go straight into Boy Scouts. We also had several adults either volunteer to be leaders or indicate that they would consider taking a position.

We will be having a followup meeting very soon to organize the Pack leadership. Tenatively, this meeting is set for Tuesday, October 13 at 6:30pm in the school cafeteria. I will send an email and post here when that is confirmed (still checking availability at the school).

Note that this meeting is "parents only" in the sense that we will be doing a lot of "grownup" stuff and it will likely be very boring for the boys. I'm not sure yet whether we will have any organized activities to keep them entertained. If you want or need to bring your boy, you may want to have him bring some homework or his GameBoy or whatever, just in case.

The Agenda for next week's meeting, loosely, will be as follows:

• Introductions
• Solicitation of Volunteers
• Assignment of Den Leaders, Pack Committee, etc.
• Meeting times/places/dates
• Fundraising
• Outings, activities and ideas
• Other questions

I look forward to seeing you there!

PARENT MEETING SCHEDULED!!

Good news!

The Parent Meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, October 6 at 6:30 PM in the Cafeteria.

Martin Koca (the District Executive) will be there to explain the process, answer questions, sign the boys up and help us organize the Pack.

The PTA will be chartering the pack, and thus will "own" the pack. Among other things, this means they have final approval authority on all leadership appointments.

There are a number of roles that will need to be filled:

First, the Pack Committee: 3 to 7 people who manage the Pack

• Pack Committee Chair
• Secretary
• Treasurer
• Advancement Chair
• Public Relations Chair
• Outings Chair
• Membership and Reregistration Chair
• Friends of Scouting (FOS) Chair (fundraising)
• Pack Trainer (responsible for making sure adult leaders get training)

Then the pack "executive" leadership:

• Cubmaster (the adult leader of the pack)
• Assistant Cubmaster
• Den Leaders (one per den)
• Assistant Den Leaders
• Den Chief (older Boy Scout who helps the den leaders)

In addition to all of these active roles, we need a Chartered Organization Representative who acts as the liason between the Pack and the PTA (and the Local Council). And the PTA will designate an Executive Officer to act as the PTA's authorized representative.

Everyone except the Executive Officer must register with BSA and pass a background check. Also, the PTA, as the Chartered Organization, has final approval on the pack leadership appointments.

I have asked the PTA to select an interim (at least) Executive Officer and Chartered Representative, and have offered to serve as both in an interim status so that we can get the charter documents signed quickly. I just got an email back from the PTA president indicating that it's OK for me to serve as both, in the interim.

Here's an official org chart. Click on the boxes to read details...

http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/CubScouts/AboutCubScouts/ThePack.aspx

News on Age Limits and Meetings

A few items of news:

• The minimum age for joining Cub Scouts is either 7 years old or in first grade. So, if your son is a 7-year old Kindergartener, or a 6-year old first grader, you're in.
• We're working out a schedule with Mrs. Burke to have the sign up meeting within the next week or so. Martin Koca, the district executive, will come to the school, make a brief presentation to the boys, and send home flyers with them. The following night will be the meeting.
• There are two district camping activities scheduled for October. Martin and I are hoping to get the pack organized in time for the boys to participate. The first is October 11, and the second is around Halloween.

Stay tuned for more information!

News from the Principal

I received word from Mrs. Burke this morning that - if we wish - we can use the school as a base for the Cub Scout Pack. We'll need to schedule with the other school activities to make sure there is availability and a custodian present. If we want to use classrooms, we will have to check with the individual teachers.

We can discuss at the parent meeting(s) whether we want to to so or whether we want to seek an alternate venue. Or, you can add your comments and we can discuss here.

News and Plans So Far

Here is the news and the plan.

I've placed a blurb in the Liberty e-Newsletter asking interested parents to contact me. I would like to augment that with a flyer sent home to all the school boys, to catch folks who don't subscribe to the newsletter. The purpose will be to survey interest and recruit volunteers.

Step 2 will be to have a Parent Meeting, probably at the school. I have been in touch with Martin Koca, the Bluegrass Council District Executive for our area. He is already planning to come to the school the second week of September for a "School Night" meeting. Once we get to the School Night, we'll need to largely follow Martin's advice on chartering and organizing the pack.

I have forwarded several questions folks have already asked me to Martin, and I will post his responses here to share.

A Cub Scout Pack is organized as a group of smaller Dens. Each Den is like a small team of boys (4-8, depending on the pack size), and has a Den MotherParent to lead them. The Dens meet frequently (weekly?) for activities, training and fun, while the larger Pack meets less often (monthly?) for awards and large-group activities. Several times a year there will be Pack outings, Council and District level activites, and the inevitable fundraisers.

We will need Den Parents, Pack Leaders, crafty folks, outdoorsy folks, creative people, a financial genius, and many other volunteers to make this happen. Please consider volunteering!

One final thing. We will need to find a place (or places) and times for the Den and Pack meetings. An obvious choice would be the school itself. I will be contacting Mrs. Burke to discuss this possibility. We may also need to consider one of the area churches or other locations as well. If you have suggestions (Crossroads Christian and Northeast Christian have already been suggested), please post them here.

My Vision for the Pack

A little about me and what I was thinking.

My name is Mark Underwood. When I was young, I was in both Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, in Troops 47 and 71 in Charleston, WV. I am an Eagle Scout, and also a member of the Order of the Arrow. I served intermittently as an Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 71 while in college, but have not worked with Scouting since then.

Last year, when Liberty Elementary opened, I volunteered at the PTA table, and met with Kristin Fisher, a PTA officer and a leader in the Girl Scout troop. I asked why the Cub Scouts were not there, and she commented that she had been buried in questions about that, but did not know. I contacted the Bluegrass Council, but due to various issues, well, nothing happened.

This year, my son is turning 9, and he wants to be a Cub Scout. I'm not sure how to do this, but I'm going to make sure he has a Pack to join.

I'd like to see this grow to be a large, active Pack, with lots of activities centered around life skills and enjoying the outdoors. I'll need all the help I can find, though, in nearly every aspect of the pack. I don't necessarily assume I should be the leader - in fact, I'm not sure I'm well suited for the role. My sole interest is in making sure the Pack happens. Since somebody has to get the thing kick started, I will.

Welcome to Liberty

Hello!

This is a new blog I've set up to share news and announcements, and foster discussion as we create a new Cub Scout Pack for Liberty Elementary and the surrounding area.

This is a parent site, and is not officially affiliated with the Boy Scouts of America, the Bluegrass Council, or any other Scouting organization.

However, It is a site that will hopefully keep all of the interested parents up to date on the latest information as we pull the Pack together. After the pack has been created, we may keep this blog rolling as a site for Pack members, parents, and leaders to share information, or we may migrate to a more official site, depending on what is available from and "blessed by" the BSA and the Council.

Since this site is ultimately about the boys, let's of course keep the discussion candid but civil, and work together to make this the best Pack we can.

For now, at least, this site is available to the whole Internet. Comments are allowed and encouraged, but will be moderated by me, in an attempt to keep the spammers and scammers away. I will not "moderate" off any relevant, civil discourse, but I reserve the right to exercise some judgement if anyone, for example, loses their temper or types before they think. I'm sure this won't be an issue, though. If I do receive a rash comment for moderation, I'll most likely kick it back to the author with a polite request to rewrite after counting to ten.

Also, for now, I am the only authorized article author. I'll be glad to add folks who request it to the author list, especially as we appoint officers and other leaders and organizers who will have relevant information to add.

This is a community site, so please participate! Post questions, debate things, and share what we know.

Thank you!