End Of March Cub Notes

Greenhouse Tour- Tomorrow- Tuesday, March 30. Rene Albisson has graciously organized a neat tour for all of our Pack's Cub Scouts. Thanks Rene for doing that. Here is a note from her:
"In regards to the greenhouse fieldtrip: Have scouts meet in the back parking lot at CATC on Pierce Drive in Augusta at 6pm. The greenhouse will have the lights on so it will be very visible. All seeds and equipment will be free of charge. The perennials or vegetable seedlings could be transplanted at a later date for a community service project. I would love to get some newspaper publicity for our ”Keep Growing” Greenhouse program at CATC out of this so if anyone has a camera and contacts in the media. Please make it clear that parents must be with their child. There is a section in the wolf book that this planting will cover. No open toed shoes please!!!! It is fully heated so no jackets will be necessary. Have people leave them in their cars as their isn’t a place to put them.Thanks,Rene

March is our annual recharter month. That means it is time to pay our membership fees. Please bring $11 for each youth you are registering and $12 if you want them to have Boys' Life Magazine to the den meeting on Tuesday. This will cover your registration costs through next March. The leader fees are paid for by Pack 603. My goal is to turn in all of the paperwork next week so please bring registration fees on Tuesday. Thanks

April Meetings. April is our big wrap up month for the Scouting year. The pack meeting will be on the last Tuesday of the month due to school vacation week on the third Tuesday. We are looking for a good "Go See It" activity for the month. If you have any good ideas, please feel free. This can be for your den or for the pack as a whole. Sharing is good. At the April meeting, the Webelos will run the opening and the Bears will run the closing. The Wolves will provide refreshments and I am asking each den to run a song, skit, or game. Please let me know the awards I need to pick up by Sunday, April 26. The boys will be crossing over at this meeting into their new dens and new ranks.

Spring Signup. Our pack will have a pack meeting in May and one event as a pack in May, June, July and August. Some of the things we are looking at are day camp, webelos resident camp, fun pack weekends, Scout Night at the Sea Dogs, and more. We will be having a May sign up for boys who want to join Scouting and are looking forward to taking part in all of the great Scouting activities. I will get more detail as we get closer.

Camp Sign Up. We will have sign ups for all of the camps at our April and May pack meetings.

Religious Emblems. Please continue to work on the religious emblems. Our goal is to finish that program prior to the end of April so we can recognize the boys at the pack meeting.

Late March News Notes for Parents and Leaders

Dear Parents and Leaders:

As we move into warmer weather, I wanted to touch base on how things for Pack 603 will be working.

Keep the Outing in Scouting. I encourage our dens to do more outdoor meetings or activities as weather permits. Go see its, athletic events, etc. This is good for the boys after the long winter and active activities will keep the boys interested longer.

Chess. We did some of the requirements for the belt loop last night at the Pack meeting but I don't believe more than a few of the boys actually played a game or really learned the way the pieces move. I am going to be working with the Webelos again at this coming meeting. I am asking dens to find time to work on the requirements for the Chess belt loop with the boys before the April pack meeting so we can present those as well. They have to:
-Identify the chess pieces and set up a chess board for play.
-Demonstrate the moves of each chess piece to your den leader or adult partner.
-Play a game of chess.

Greenhouse Tour on Tuesday, March 30. Rene Albisson has graciously organized a neat tour for all of our Pack's Cub Scouts. Thanks Rene for doing that. Here is a note from her:

"In regards to the greenhouse fieldtrip: Have scouts meet in the back parking lot at CATC on Pierce Drive in Augusta at 6pm. The greenhouse will have the lights on so it will be very visible. All seeds and equipment will be free of charge. The perennials or vegetable seedlings could be transplanted at a later date for a community service project. I would love to get some newspaper publicity for our ”Keep Growing” Greenhouse program at CATC out of this so if anyone has a camera and contacts in the media. Please make it clear that parents must be with their child. There is a section in the wolf book that this planting will cover. No open toed shoes please!!!! It is fully heated so no jackets will be necessary. Have people leave them in their cars as their isn’t a place to put them.Thanks,Rene

Flow of Meetings. I want to see us get more organized with both our den meetings and Pack meetings. Here are some tips:
-Pre-Meeting Activity- Give the boys something to do
-Opening Ceremony
-Activity/recognitions
-Sharing (Give boys opportunity to share some interesting things related to the topic of the meeting)
-Game, Song, etc
-Closing

Contact with Absent Cubs. I would like to have each den contact boys who were not at the pack meeting to make sure they come on Tuesday. Let them know we miss them and let them know about the events going on and plans for summer camp. Let them know about recharter as well. Thanks.

Cub Camp. Everyone should have received information about Cub Scout camp in the mail. If you have not, please let me know and I will get it to you. Here is a link to the council's camp information website: http://www.pinetreebsa.org/campingprogram/cubscout/index.html

March is our annual recharter month. That means it is time to pay our membership fees. Please bring $11 for each youth you are registering and $12 if you want them to have Boys' Life Magazine to the den meeting on Tuesday. This will cover your registration costs through next March. The leader fees are paid for by Pack 603.

University of Scouting. University of Scouting Early Bird Discount Deadline is Friday, March 13th! Take advantage of the Early Bird Discount and save 20% on your registration fee for Pine Tree Council's University of Scouting. If you register on or before March 13th you'll save $5. After March 13th the cost will be $25. The fee covers materials, lunch, patch and your certificate. You can register on-line now, just go to http://www.pinetreebsa.org/ The University will be held on Saturday, March 21st, it is located in Kirk and Jalbert Halls at Central Maine Community College in Auburn. Registration will begin at 7:45 am, the opening ceremony begins promptly at 8:30 am and the first period begins at 9:00 am. Checkout and closing will be held at 4 pm.Attire for the day, full field uniforms for registered uniformed Scouters, full uniform or dress casual for committee members and dress casual for civilians. This is a great program but not one the pack reimburses for leaders to attend.

Training. Downeast District is hosting a training on April 24 - 25 at the Beaver Lodge in Union. To sign up, contact Steve Saucier Ssaucier@bsamail.org or at the Council office. Pack 603 will reimburse any leader who attends this training.

Sign Up Before Camp. Know a Boy who could benefit from Cub Scouts and wants to go to camp but is not a member? He can join! Bring him to our meetings!

April & May Pack Meetings. The April Pack meeting will be our cross over pack meeting. Eric will be crossing into the troop and the other boys will be moving up in rank. I am asking each den to have a go see it event in April. Maybe a tour of a fire station or an outdoor activity, etc. Typically we do not meet in May but I am leaving that up to den leaders. I believe it would be good for us to meet as a pack in May either as a regular pack meeting or a special go see it. This will give an opportunity for the new ranks to meet. I am asking all dens to meet at least once in May and also have one go see it in May.

Mid-March News and Notes

Hi Everyone,

I just wanted to share some Cub Scout notes.

Everyone should have received information about Cub Scout camp in the mail. If you have not, please let me know and I will get it to you.

The next meeting is our pack meeting. I am asking each den to be prepared to run a station. The meeting will be held Tuesday at 6 PM at the American Legion. The stations can be an activity or a game

If you have awards, I am going shopping on Monday so please let me know on Sunday!

March is our annual recharter month. That means it is time to pay our membership fees. Please bring $11 for each youth you are registering and $12 if you want them to have Boys' Life Magazine to the pack meeting. This will cover your registration costs through next March. The leader fees are paid for by Pack 603.

University of Scouting. University of Scouting Early Bird Discount Deadline is Friday, March 13th! Take advantage of the Early Bird Discount and save 20% on your registration fee for Pine Tree Council's University of Scouting. If you register on or before March 13th you'll save $5. After March 13th the cost will be $25. The fee covers materials, lunch, patch and your certificate. You can register on-line now, just go to www.pinetreebsa.org

The University will be held on Saturday, March 21st, it is located in Kirk and Jalbert Halls at Central Maine Community College in Auburn. Registration will begin at 7:45 am, the opening ceremony begins promptly at 8:30 am and the first period begins at 9:00 am. Checkout and closing will be held at 4 pm.Attire for the day, full field uniforms for registered uniformed Scouters, full uniform or dress casual for committee members and dress casual for civilians.
Training. Downeast District is hosting a training on April 24 - 25 at the Beaver Lodge in Union. To sign up, contact Steve Saucier Ssaucier@bsamail.org or at the Council office.

Scouts in the News. Pack 603 was featured on the front page of the Good News Gazette! Check it out: http://www.turnerpublishing.net/files/GNG.pdf

Know a Boy who could benefit from Cub Scouts and wants to go to camp but is not a member? He can join! Bring him to our Pack meeting!

Thanks to everyone who helped make our Blue and Gold Banquet fantastic!

Thanks for the Cake!

Cubmaster Chuck

Late February News for Pack 603

UNIVERSITY OF SCOUTING The classes at University of Scouting are designed to help develop a strong program. You can learn what happens at the Council and District levels to support your program. You might pick up some pointers on how to improve the unit administrative efficiency. You can share experiences on what makes a successful meeting. There are also many classes that will give you ideas to support the backbone of the program, that aspect that the Scouts love the most about Scouting - that is the OUTINGS! We all know that great outings are the key to keeping Scouts. There are many elements that make for a great outing; one of those is the food. Nothing tastes better than that first hot dog you burnt as a Tiger or the pineapple upside down cake out of the dutch oven. No matter if you're camping with the full Troop trailer or carrying all your food on a week long high adventure trip, you can always eat well. U of Scouting classes cover anything and everything you can think of as it relates to Scouts, outings and eating. Check out one of these classes - there is something for everyone! 1. Cub Grub / Cub Cooking - foil dinners to pie iron, learn the basics of cooking and fire building.2. Webelos Outdoor Cooking - hobo stoves, box ovens and other fun cooking techniques!3. Dutch Oven Basics - back by popular demand, what else is there to say, the food is great!4. Food Dehydration - learn about equipment and techniques for all types of camping and cooking.5. Patrol Cook Boxes - come see some examples, look for what would make a good box for your unit.6. Edible plants - we're not talking onions, potatoes and carrots. Learn how to identify edible plants and some practical applications. Join us for Pine Tree Council's University of Scouting!Where: Central Maine Community CollegeWhen: Saturday, March 21, 2009 For more information http://www.pinetreebsa.org/university/UoS2009Catalog%20REV%20E.pdf To register for classes http://www.doubleknot.com/Registration/CalendarDetail.asp?ActivityKey=527797&OrgKey=1649 Please forward this email to fellow Scouters, Committee Members, Scout parents and friends that might have an interest in this fun filled, knowledge sharing day.See you there. Thanks,Jim LesserAssistant Scoutmaster, Troop 93, Falmouth, MEMarketing Volunteer, U of Scouting – PTC

TRAILS END POPCORN RECALL Weaver Popcorn, parent company of Trails End, has issued a voluntary recall on Feb. 4 as follows:Weaver Popcorn Company Issues a Nationwide Precautionary Voluntary Recall of 9.5 oz. Trail's End Caramel Corn with Peanuts
As a result of the expansion of Peanut Corporation of Americas (PCA) Salmonella related recall to include all peanut ingredient products produced in their Blakely, Georgia facility since January 1, 2007, Weaver Popcorn Company has issued a precautionary voluntary recall for the following product:9.5 oz. Trails End Caramel Corn with Peanuts, with code date markings of 102861 109 JAN 19 08 through 102861 297 JUL 23 09.No other Trail's End or Weaver Popcorn Company products are part of this recall. Consumers with an unopened, sealed popcorn foil bag, with the above listed code dates, can arrange for a refund by calling 1-800-782-4255 (Monday through Friday from 8:00am 3:00pm EST) or by sending an email to ccp@trails-end.com

EARN YOUR WAY TO CAMP ­PTC Late Winter Popcorn Sale:Pine Tree Council has initiated a late winter popcorn sales event to help scouts earn their own way to camp. Details:· Any registered scout may participate.· Sale starts 2/16 and orders must be into the council office by 4/3.· Sale is take-order only. It is conducted individually by the scout and their family. It is not a troop or pack run sale. If you need order sheets, contact the council office (797-5252).· Each scout who sells popcorn will receive a commission of 35% of his total sale in the form of a voucher that can be used for any PTC-sponsored program: PTC Summer Camp, NOAC, 2010 National Jamboree, Philmont or Sea Base (Feb. 2010). It is not available for use to attend an out-of-council camp.· Popcorn is to be picked-up on April 25 at Barber Foods, 56 Milliken St. in Portland from 8 to 11am.· All money must be turned in by May 8 to the council office. Vouchers for camp will not be released until full payment is sent to the council office.For more info, contact Matt Randall at mrandall@bsamail.org or 797-5252 x21. Details can also be obtained off the Pine Tree Council website http://www.pinetreebsa.org

PORTLAND PIRATES SCOUT NIGHT February 28, 7pm vs. Harford. Tickets are $22 and include skating and a movie after the game. Call Ryan Delaney at 828-4665 x 309 to order tickets.

SCOUTING SKI DAYS Please contact Matt Mower (contact info is further below) for more info on these tickets. The first price is the Jr ticket and the second price is the adult ticket price: Shawnee Peak (yes, two dates!), March 1 ($24/$29)Mt Abram, March 8 ($22/$27) Senior District Executive Matt Mower at mmower@bsamail.org or 797-5252 ext 27

Looking for Scouting Info?
Visit the Pack 603 website: http://pack603augusta.blogspot.com/
-Local news, national scouting news, links galore, useful information, program helps, and more!

2009 Pinewood Derby & Klondike Derby

Augusta Cubs Race Through Winter with Pinewood & Klondike Derbies
AUGUSTA- Sportsmanship, speed and creativity were the words on the lips of every Cub Scout at Pack 603’s recent Pinewood Derby races at the American Legion on Eastern Avenue. Each one hoping that their cleverly-carved car would capture the checkered flag and earn him a trophy.
At Christmas, each Cub was given a block of wood, four nails, and four wheels. The boys, working with their parent or another adult, carved their block of wood into a race car within a few weeks time. “The boys are always very creative,” said Cubmaster Chuck Mahaleris. “I’m always impressed by the imagination of our young racers.” The boys range in age from 7 to 11. They have to follow very specific rules when crafting their car. For example, cars cannot weigh anymore than 5 ounces and they must use only the official kit that they were given. They can’t use one of the fancy store-bought pinewood derby cars. Gravity is the only power source allowed. “It becomes a real challenge for the boys and their dads to come up with the right shape and placement of weights.”
Reid Albison - who isn’t yet a Cub Scout but carved a car and raced it against siblings of other cubs said, “This is sweet!!!” as his car zoomed down the long, wooden, two-lane track. It was his first pinewood derby race. His brother Connor, a member of the Wolf den, came in second overall for speed and said, “Wow, I can’t wait to bring my trophy to school and show my friends!” It was a project that involved both parent and son. Their mom, Rene Albison said, ”Painting the cars was a little messy, but that’s what it’s all about....a fun, family experience.”
According to the National Scouting Museum, the first Pinewood Derby ever held took place in 1953. Pack 280C of Manhattan Beach, California gathered at the Manhattan Beach Clubhouse and made Cub Scout history. The races soon swept across the country and Cubs have been watching cars that they created hurtle down the 32-foot long track ever since.
Each boy races his car at least five times. They race on each lane on the track and against many of the other boys to make sure their cars have had a variety of opportunities to win at least one heat.
Wolf Nathaniel Barbeau rolled away with the “Best Design” trophy. “I worked on it for three nights,” he said. “I liked making the car with my grampy and my “Uncle” John Wentworth
Wolf Matthew Sirois said watching his car race to the finish was like watching a monkey running up a tree for a banana. “Monkeys can climb really fast,” he said excitedly.
Bear Morgan Young was given the “Sportsmanship” Trophy for cheering on his fellow Cubs throughout the race and displaying true-Scout like spirit. “It was like being part of a real race,” he said. “I had so much fun coming up with the design.”
The third place trophy for speed went home with Bear Cub Christian Paulin. Wolf Cub Leland Bailey and Webelos Theodore Mahaleris captured the 2nd and 3rd place trophies in the design category.
The race was held on January 20th. Since then, the Cubs have been busy with other activities such as a trip to the bowling lanes to complete the requirements for the Bowling Belt Loop. The Webelos and Bears took part in the Klondike Derby held the first weekend in February in China. This was a joint event between Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. The boys learned about cold-weather survival and had fun in the snow at various stations. Pack 603 showed their grit when they brought home a trophy for their efforts at that outdoor, challenging event that saw them compete against dens from all over Kennebec and Somerset Counties. “The boys really worked as a team,” said Webelos Leader Shawn Gallant. “They did a great job and were very proud to come in 2nd overall.”
Boys who are interested in joining Cub Scouts can contact Cubmaster Chuck Mahaleris at cmahaleris@hotmail.com or 400-9850. More information about Pack 603 can be found at http://pack603augusta.blogspot.com/
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Pinewood and Other News!

Pinewood Derby is Here!
When: Tuesday, Jan 27, 6 PM
Where: American Legion
Who: Cubs and their Families

Volunteers Needed:
-Set Up & Decorations- We will begin setting up the track, arranging the hall and putting up decorations at 4 PM. We will need help to accomplish this.

-Registration- We will need this person to check in the cars. Needs to be at the legion before 6 PM

-Pit crew- Chris and Gary are heading up this area but it would be good to have others to help. See Chris and Gary when you arrive. When the Cub's car is done with the pit crew it cannot be touched by anyone other than the cub and it must only go right to the pre-racing table. Nothing can be added or subtracted to a car after it has gone through the pit crew.

-Refreshments- We will have Liz working the refreshment stand. Dinner items and snacks will be on sale. We are not looking at this as a fundraiser but as a service to our parents so they dont have to worry about dinner. Cost will be cheap enough to cover our costs. We may need additional help in the kitchen.

-Line Judges- We will have need of three line judges. Two will be at the foot of the track and one will be the starter. If your boy is racing, you go to the starter's mark.

-Scoring- Chuck will be working the scoring. Every Cub will race at least five times.

Rules: All cars must pass the following inspection to qualify for the race:
1-Width shall not exceed 2-1/4 inches.
2-Length shall not exceed 7 inches.
3-Weight shall not exceed 5 ounces.
4- Axles, wheels, and body shall be from the materials provided in the kit.
5- Wheel bearings, washers, and bushings are prohibited.
6- No lubricating oil may be used. Axles may be lubricated with powdered graphite or NO SILICONE.7- The car shall not ride on any kind of spring.
8- The car must be free-wheeling, with no starting devices9- No loose materials of any kind are allowed in the car.
10- The Pack does not provide weights. The racer must supply those.
11- Once the car has been inspected and officially registered, it cannot be worked on or fine-tuned without the express permission of the head race official and then only to reapply something that came off after check in.
12- Cars cannot be carved in the front. We have a post that rises at the starting point of our track and the entire front of the car must be behind the post at the start of the race.



Other Scouting News:
WEBELOS AQUANAUT ACTIVITY BADGE OPPORTUNITY AT TOGUS VA
On Saturday, January 24, Leslie Ellis is offering to teach Aquanaut from 8:30-11:30AM at the Togus VA pool in Augusta. There is no cost to the scouts. Webelos who are interested need to contact her either by email or phone.
Her contact info is:Leslie Ellis 62 Hill St. Apt F Farmingdale, ME 04344 (207)624-2458
lbellis07@hotmail.com


SCOUTING SKI DAYS
Please contact Matt Mower (contact info is further below) for more info on these tickets. The first price is the Jr ticket and the second price is the adult ticket price: Sugarloaf USA, Feb. 1 ($29/$39)Sunday River, Feb 8 ($29/$38)Shawnee Peak (yes, two dates!), March 1 ($24/$29)Mt Abram, March 8 ($22/$27)


SCOUTING FOR FOOD - Winter!
Our Boy Scout District is going to conduct a District-wide Scouting for Food Good Turn in association with Scout Anniversary Week in February. Bag/flyer distribution will be Sat. Feb. 7, 2009 and collection the following Sat., Feb. 13. Like the Nov. event, our pack will give the food to St Mark's Food Bank.

UPCOMING TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
K-Valley District: February 21, 2009, Belgrade Central School: Cub Leader Specific Fee: $7 (Pack will reimburse)
Schedule:8:00 AM – 8:30 AM-Registration
8:30 AM – 11:30 AM Cub Leader Specific
What to bring: Uniform (If you have one), Pencil & Paper, Scout Spirit, Bag Lunch & Drink
To Pre-register for this training you can email or call...Senior District Executive Matt Mower at mmower@bsamail.org or 797-5252 ext 27. Please include your name, unit, and your unit position. PLEASE NOTE: If we do not receive enough preregistrations for a particular training module, that module will NOT BE OFFERED. HOW TO GET TO BELGRADE CENTRAL SCHOOL: From State Route 27, turn onto Depot Rd at Hammond Lumber.


Klondike Derby & Blue and Gold Banquet (See Details at this link)
http://pack603augusta.blogspot.com/2009/01/january-2009-cub-notes.html



Request to Pack 603 from Pack 253 in Texas
Request From: Toni Currington
Email: toni@pack253.co.cc

Address: 2922 overlook Circle
City: Corsicana
State: Texas
Zip: 75110
Phone: 9038516621
Organization: Cub Scouts Pack 253
Our Cub Scout Pack 253 in Corsicana Texas will be learning about different states as we approach the 100th year anniversary of Scouting we would really appreciate any information that you could send us about your state (map, visitor info, ect) We will also send you information about our state for the Blue and Gold Banquet.

I'm hoping each of our Cubs can send a postcard or note of some sort about Maine to our friends in Pack 253!

Cub Scouts in the News

Augusta & Chelsea Cubs Filled with Holiday Spirit
Originally printed in the Good News Gazette, January 2009- Cub Scouts celebrated the Christmas season with fun, laughter, presents, and some pretty odd games. Pack 603 held their annual Christmas Party at the American Legion on Eastern Avenue on December 16. Every Cub received their pinewood derby car as a present along with prizes they had earned during the popcorn sale fundraiser.

Parents and siblings joined in as the Cubs sang songs and told holiday jokes. The most entertaining part of the evening came with the activities, however.

Den leaders ran stations scattered around the hall where the kids- both Cub Scouts and their brothers and sisters- could try their hand. The different activities were: Holiday Hockey where the youths wield a festively-festooned hockey stick and try to send a balloon into a laundry basket; Santa Stuffing finds a youth selected to play St. Nick and the other children have to fill the Kringle-sized suit he wears with balloons; the Dradle was spun by one and all as the children learned about the Jewish miracle celebrated during Chanukah- some even won some candy; and everyone left with plates that they decorated for the cookies the jolly Old Elf so enjoys eating on that special night.

"The kids got to paint their own design on the plates," Cubmaster Chuck Mahaleris said. "They will be able to seal the image by baking it in their ovens at home with their parents and will have a permanent memento of Christmas 2008."

Parents brought in treats for the kids to enjoy in between all of the activities and a letter of appreciation was read from the Augusta Food Bank in recognition of the work the Cubs had done to collect food for the needy.

The fundraiser raised more than $630 for the which will be spent on awards, leader training programs, and supplies in support of the program, according to Mahaleris.

The top sellers of the popcorn sale was Leland Bailey, who sold $250 worth of popcorn; Theodore Mahaleris sold $243; Eric Lombard sold $236; and Chris Black $232. "It was a great effort by the boys," Mahaleris said. "They enjoyed the prizes they earned and the pack will be able to keep running into 2009 without a problem. It’s our only fundraiser of the year."

The boys are still selling popcorn but this time through online sales, and the money they raise will be applied to such things as their summer camp fees, uniform parts or other Scouting-related needs. Those interested in helping in this effort can contact Mahaleris at cmahaleris@hotmail.com.

For more information about Cub Scout Pack 603, visit their website at http://pack603augusta.blogspot.com/. Boys in Grades 1-5 are eligible to join. The weekly den meetings are held on Tuesday nights at Hussey Elementary School and Pack meetings are generally the third Tuesday of the month at the American Legion. All meetings begin at 6 PM