June, 2009 Cub Notes

June Is Here!

Hi Everyone. June is here and I just wanted to go over a few things with you.

• Camperships. I have emailed a campership application. I spoke with Matt Mower from Boy Scouts and he said that the deadline was May 15 but that those who have not applied for a campership should do so. There may be money left, especially for those who just signed up during our recent school sign up. "If they're new we might be able to get some extra time for them to pay at the early bird rate," Matt said.
• Spirit of America Award. As you know, our boys were recognized by the Augusta "Spirit of America" Committee with the "Spirit of America Award" in honor of their volunteerism in the city in 2008. I emailed a copy of that letter and certificate so the boys can have one for their scrap books!
• Sign Ups. We have had a few new boys looking to join. You can find me typically at my office in Augusta T, W, and Thursday or in the evenings during the week. My phone number is 400-9850 and cmahaleris@hotmail.com. I can get you the application if you havent already had a chance to grab one.
• BSA RAISING REGISTRATION FEE IN 2010. Our District Scout Executive let me know that the BSA national will be raising the annual membership fee to $15 from $10. This will begin next March, 2010 when we recharter our pack.
• Cub Scout Leader Training. Saturday, June 13, Methodist Church in Skowhegan. Please preregister for the training as lunch will be provided based on the preregistration head count. mmower@bsamail.org. Pack 603 will reimburse leaders who attend cub training course.
• SPRING KICK-OFF, Wed. June 10, 7 pm, Blessed Hope Adventist Church, 10 Pleasant St. in Waterville (Roundtable Location) This is the leaders meeting where all of the information about the coming Scouting program year is giving out by District volunteers. Chuck cannot attend this year so is looking for someone to represent Pack 603. Thanks
• June 20- Mini Camp in Pride's Corner in Westbrook. Open to all including our newly recruited Cubs. The day will include all fun outdoor events and is a great time for boys and their parent. Cost is $20 for a child and 1 parent. $8 for each additional parent or child. Registration can be sent to: Pine Tree Council 131 Johnson Rd Portland, ME 04012 Call 797-5252 for more details
• July 1st- Webelos Camp OPEN HOUSE - Camp Hinds - 5:30 PM to 8 PM - BBQ served at 6 PM Come to our Galactic Get-together an open house for all Webelos and parents! Visit camp to meet the camp directors and staff, tour a campsite and see what camp is all about! Join us for a BBQ, complete with space dogs and burgers for our favorite Webelos Space Warriors
• July- 4th of July Parade. We will be meeting at the Shaw's parking lot at 10 AM. Parade steps off at 11. Boys should be in full uniform. Thanks to Den Leader Chris Bailey for coordinating this year's float.
  

Information about Cub Scout Camps in general: http://www.pinetreebsa.org/campingprogram/cubscout/index.html

Webelos Resident Camp. Shawn and Chuck leading the group. We have an open spot on the last day for another leader. We will be attending:
4 Day Resident Camp
Session 1 Aug. 16 – 19
Contact Chuck about attending that session. Fill out the following and return to Chuck: http://www.pinetreebsa.org/resources/forms/camping/cub/page%2022REG_FORM_2009_Webelos%5b1%5d.pdf

and boys and adults will need to see a doctor prior to camp and have the following medical form completed: http://www.pinetreebsa.org/resources/forms/medical/healthandmedicalrecord2009.pdf

Day Camp is still looking for leaders. It is a great program and if you go your son attends at a greatly reduced rate. They provide training.
Kennebec Valley District:
Camp Bomazeen in Belgrade - Aug 3 - 7 Day Camp registration form: http://www.pinetreebsa.org/resources/forms/camping/cub/page%2020%20Daycamp%20reg%20form%202009.pdf
Staff Application form: http://www.pinetreebsa.org/resources/forms/camping/cub/DayCampStaffApp.pdf
Day Camp Medical form:
http://www.pinetreebsa.org/resources/forms/camping/cub/CubMedFormClass1.pdf

Pre-Summer Scouting Notes

April and May Have Been Very Busy Months for Pack 603 and Summer Will be Even Busier!

Awards
Congratulations to Eric Olny who crossed over from Pack 603 and is starting his adventures with Boy Scout Troop 603!

Congratulations to all of the boys who moved up in rank and received their awards at our April pack meeting!

Webelos Scout Morgan Young received his religious emblem award. We will do a special presentation at our next pack meeting but I wanted to make sure that Morgan was recognized for his "Duty to God." If other boys have received their religious emblems, please let me know so we can celebrate their success.

"Spirit of America Award"

Pack 603 was recognized for its volunteer efforts for 2008 with the "Spirit of America" Award. Augusta's "Spirit of America" committee, presided by local community leader Roger Pomerleau, recognized the boy's efforts to improve their community and the work of leaders to improve the community by improving the boys! The ceremony was held Tuesday at the Blaine House. Three Cubs: Hunter Ripley, Christian Paulin, and Leland Bailey represented the pack at the ceremony along with leaders Chuck Mahaleris, Shawn Gallant, and Chris Bailey. Kennebec Valley District Scout Executive Matt Mower also was on hand for the ceremony. There will be a separate presentation at a later date. Roger wants to make sure that all of the boys are thanked personally for their good works. Thanks also to Paul for taking pictures during the event.

Sign Up

We held a Cub Scout sign up and so far have recruited two new boys. Welcome to Andrew Truman and Ryan Lathe. Ryan will be a Wolf Cub in the Fall and Andrew will be working towards his Tiger Rank. Andrew will be joined by his dad Richard who has volunteered to serve as our Tiger Den Leader. In the Tiger program, all of the parents take turns running the den meetings but Richard will be coordinating things. Thanks Richard and welcome to Andrew and Ryan. We also had some other boys call and express interest. I will be recognizing them as well when they sign up officially. if you have friends who would like to join, summer is a great time. Have them call Cub Master Chuck at 400-9850 or email at cmahaleris@hotmail.com

Charter Clean Up

We turned in our charter. This is our annual registration paperwork so we can function as a pack for another year. We had four boys who were not listed on the charter:

• Nathaniel Barbeau
• Ben Lee
• Chris Colson
• Connor Albison

I was able to find the original paperwork for Nathaniel and Ben and sent that to council. They should be added onto our charter. However, neither I nor council could find the paperwork for Chris and Connor so will need those again. My apologies. Shoot me a note and I can get you a new application.

I know we had some boys who will be likely joining us at camp who did not resign up at charter time and unfortunately, you will have to complete an application again. Let me know if you need one.

The result of the charter is that we crossed over one boy, one moved to Waterville, and four dropped out. We have picked up two new boys, turned in paperwork for two who should have been on the charter but weren't and we have two more existing cubs with simple paperwork issues so we are currently plus one Cub Scout going into the new Scouting year.

June Den Meetings

Chris, Paul and Gary are running den meetings on Tuesday at 6 PM at Hussey until school gets done on the 16th of June. These are mostly fun, outdoor types of programs but they are opening it up to all of the boys, not just those in their bear den. Thanks guys!

Popcorn Training

Chuck attended the Popcorn Kickoff meeting at the Senator Inn and Spa at the end of May. It was a good training. Our Fall popcorn sale is the only fundraiser for Pack 603 and should be great. It funds our pack for the entire year thanks to strong, one-shot efforts by our Cubs and their parents. There are several ways to sell popcorn this year: Show and Sell, Online Sales, Take Order. More details as we move forward.

State House Tour

In the past we have done a tour of the statehouse. It has been a couple years and we are looking at doing another early in June. The tours are run from 9 to 1 each day. The legislature will likely not be in session when school is out so it will either be without the legislature or during school hours. I will let you know details.

Some Important Upcoming Dates

May 30- Mini Camp in Sabattus at Camp Gustin. Open to all including our newly recruited Cubs. The day will include all fun outdoor events and is a great time for boys and their parent. Cost is $20 for a child and 1 parent. $8 for each additional parent or child. Registration can be sent to: Pine Tree Council 131 Johnson Rd Portland, ME 04012 Call 797-5252 for more details.

June 1- Camp Early Bird Date to sign up for Day Camp and Webelos Resident Camp. Webelos Resident Camp normally costs $160 but $140 if paid in full by June 1. See Chuck or Shawn for applications. Day camp normally costs $125 but is reduced if paid $100 by June 1. If you volunteer for day camp, your cost to have your son attend camp is only $15. Contact Pine Tree for Day Camp questions at 797-5252. Contact Shawn or Chuck for Webelos Resident Camp questions.

June 6- Sea Dogs Sleepover- $20 per person. Gates open at 4:30 PM and the game begins at 6 PM. Scouts sleep out on the field and watch a movie. Call the Scout office to see if there are still tickets available and how to reserve your spot. 797-5252

June 10- SPRING KICK-OFF, Wed. June 10, 7 pm, Blessed Hope Adventist Church, 10 Pleasant St. in Waterville (Roundtable Location) This is the leaders meeting where all of the information about the coming Scouting program year is giving out by District volunteers. Chuck cannot attend this year so is looking for someone to represent Pack 603. Thanks

June 13- Cub Scout Leader Training in Skowhegan (see below for details)

June 20- Mini Camp in Pride's Corner in Westbrook. Open to all including our newly recruited Cubs. The day will include all fun outdoor events and is a great time for boys and their parent. Cost is $20 for a child and 1 parent. $8 for each additional parent or child. Registration can be sent to: Pine Tree Council 131 Johnson Rd Portland, ME 04012 Call 797-5252 for more details.

July 1st- Webelos Camp OPEN HOUSE - Camp Hinds - 5:30 PM to 8 PM - BBQ served at 6 PM Come to our Galactic Get-together an open house for all Webelos and parents! Visit camp to meet the camp directors and staff, tour a campsite and see what camp is all about! Join us for a BBQ, complete with space dogs and burgers for our favorite Webelos Space Warriors

July- 4th of July Parade. We will be meeting at the Shaw's parking lot at 10 AM. Parade steps off at 11. Boys should be in full uniform. Thanks to Den Leader Chris Bailey for coordinating this year's float.

July- Family Camping. Our Pack will be holding a Pack 603 family camping weekend. We are looking at holding this at Camp Bomazeen in Belgrade. More details after we get things locked in. If it happens, we have a couple extra pack tents and some other supplies but this is a great time for families to spend time together.

August 3-7- Day Camp- - Camp Bomazeen in Belgrade: sign up information at http://www.doubleknot.com/Registration/CalendarDetail.asp?orgkey=1649&activitykey=559871

Day camp is a lot of fun with trained leaders and great events that keep the boys busy doing activities that help them advance! Highly recommended. Open to boys going into Grades 2-5 in September.

August 15- Mini Camp at Camp Nutter in Acton. Open to all including our newly recruited Cubs. The day will include all fun outdoor events and is a great time for boys and their parent. Cost is $20 for a child and 1 parent. $8 for each additional parent or child. Registration can be sent to: Pine Tree Council 131 Johnson Rd Portland, ME 04012 Call 797-5252 for more details.

August 16-19- Webelos Resident Camp. Camp Hinds. Shawn and Chuck will be providing the leadership again for our two dens of Webelos. The boys will be staying in tents and will work on activities like BB, Archery, Swimming, Boating, Crafts, Nature and more. Open to boys going into grades 4 and 5 in September.

August 22- Scout Night at the Sea Dogs. This is not an overnighter.
Tickets for the event are $6 for Adults and $3 for Youth (16 & Under). Each ticket includes:
• Admission to the game – Sea Dogs vs. Bowie Baysox, Game Time 6:00PM. Scouts should wear their uniform. For information call 797-5252. Open to all of our Scouts.

National Summertime Pack Award
A pack can qualify for the National Summertime Pack Award by planning and conducting three pack activities - one each in June, July, and August. This award can be an incentive for greater attendance at your summer pack activities.
Individual scouts that participate in all three pack events can receive the National Summertime Pack Award pin. Starting in 2008, there is a different color pin for each Cub Scout rank so earning the pin each year has more incentive.
Qualifying packs receive a colorful streamer for their pack flag.
Dens with an average attendance of at least half their members at the three summer pack events will be eligible for a colorful den participation ribbon. The purpose of the National Summertime Pack Award is to encourage packs to provide a year-round program
by continuing to meet during the time periods when school is out of session for several weeks or months. If a pack is in a 'year-round school' (or is part of a home-school association), the pack could earn the Summertime Pack Award by having a special pack activity
during those breaks.
Tiger
Tiger Cubs, Wolf and Bear Cub Scouts, and Webelos Scouts have the opportunity to earn the Cub Scout Outdoor Activity Award. Boys may earn the award in each of the program years as long as the requirements are completed each year. The first time the award is earned, the boy will receive the pocket flap award (shown above), which is to be worn on the right pocket flap of the uniform shirt. Each successive time the award is earned, a wolf track pin (also shown above) may be added to the flap. Leaders should encourage boys to build on skills and experiences from previous years when working on the award for a successive year.
Requirements ~ All Ranks
Attend Cub Scout day camp or Cub Scout/ Webelos Scout resident camp.
Rank-Specific
• Tiger Cubs. Complete one requirement in Achievement 5, “Let’s Go Outdoors” (Tiger Cub Handbook) and complete three of the outdoor activities listed below.
• Wolf Cub Scouts. Assemble the “Six Essentials for Going Outdoors” (Wolf Handbook, Elective 23b) and discuss their purpose, and complete four of the outdoor activities listed below.
• Bear Cub Scouts. Earn the Cub Scout Leave No Trace Award (Bear Handbook, Elective 25h) and compete five of the outdoor activities listed below.
Webelos Scouts. Earn the Outdoorsman Activity Badge (Webelos Handbook); and complete
six of the outdoor activities listed below.
Outdoor Activities
With your den, pack, or family:
1. Participate in a nature hike in your local area. This can be on an organized, marked trail, or just a hike to observe nature in your area.
2. Participate in an outdoor activity such as a picnic or park fun day.
3. Explain the buddy system and tell what to do if lost. Explain the importance of cooperation.
4. Attend a pack overnighter. Be responsible by being prepared for the event.
5. Complete an outdoor service project in your community.
6. Complete a nature/conservation project in your area. This project should involve improving, beautifying, or supporting natural habitats. Discuss how this project helped you to respect nature.
7. Earn the Summertime Pack Award.
8. Participate in a nature observation activity. Describe or illustrate and display your observations at a den or pack meeting.
9. Participate in an outdoor aquatic activity. This can be an organized swim meet or just a den or pack swim.
10. Participate in an outdoor campfire program. Perform in a skit, sing a song, or take part in a ceremony.
11. Participate in an outdoor sporting event.
12. Participate in an outdoor Scout’s Own or other worship service.
13. Explore a local city, county, state, or national park. Discuss with your den how a good citizen obeys the park rules.

CUB LEADER TRAINING

Cub Scout Leader Training: Intro to Cub Scouting/Leader Position-Specific Training

Saturday, June 13, 2009 Centenary United Methodist Church, Skowhegan Maine

Cost: $7.00 per person 8:30 am - 1:00 pm (or so)

Registration: 8:30 - 8:45 am FREE Lunch graciously provided by Pack #485

IMPORTANT: Before coming to this training, new leaders should complete (online) Fast Start Training, This Is Scouting and Youth Protection Training BSA Online Learning Center: http://olc.scouting.org/ (Please print your certificate of completion and bring it with you.)

RSVP who is attending, unit number and position to one of the following people: Matt Mower, K-Valley District Executive, mmower@bsamail.org, 797-5252 x 27, (fax) 797-7183 Rick Lees, K-Valley Cub Training Chair, lees5@adelphia.net, Juanita Spaulding, K-Valley Cub Leader Trainer, cubjuanita@midmaine.com, 257-3431. Pack 603 reimburses leaders who complete training!

Directions: From I-95, Take exit 133 (Skowhegan), (if from the north, turn LEFT from exit, if from south, turn RIGHT from exit) You are now on Rt. 201 NORTH. Travel about 14.5 miles. At the only traffic lights you come to, turn RIGHT and go over both bridges. Continue straight through town, this road turns into US-2 NORTH. In approximately one mile, you run out of town and the river (THE EDDY)is on your right. Take a LEFT on MALBONS MILL ROAD and continue up the hill for about 0.7 miles. Take a LEFT onto DR. MANN ROAD. The church is on the LEFT just after the nursing home.

May Notes and Looking Forward to Summer 2009

Circus Update
Beth Still Has Tickets for the Circus this Weekend! Some have not claimed their tickets
If you ordered tickets, please contact Beth. Give her a call at 607-2650!Where: Augusta Civic CenterShows: 4/24 at 2pm and 7pm & 4/25 at 9:30, 2pm and 7pmWho: Open to Cubs, Siblings, Parents and interested friends (Parents must drive their own children to and attend the event with their children unless other adult supervision is set up in advance)When to Go: Dens can coordinate the best times to go that work for their dens. Cubs should wear their uniforms to the event.Thanks Beth for organizing this Go See It!

Pack Meeting & Crossover
Our next meeting will be the crossover ceremony as boys move up in Scouting. 6 PM at the American Legion this coming Tuesday.
Boys should be in uniform.
Relatives are welcome as the boys will be presented with all their final awards of this rank
Leaders, please send me your list by Sunday so I can pick up the supplies at the Scout shop on Monday.


What's Coming Next for Pack 603
May- Dens are encouraged to have one event each month but they can also have more. These can be meetings or go see its.
May- We were notified that pack 603 will be recognized with the Spirit of America Award for the work we are doing with the boys and for the work the boys are doing with the community. I will get you more details as we receive them. There will be a dinner sometime in May to receive this recognition.
May- Pre-camp meeting, new Cub Orientation. We will be having a kickball game for the boys and a Cub Camp signup night in May. We will also be doing a sign up for new boys and this will be a good way for them to move right into the Cub Scout program. Date and time to be announced. We will have paperwork for all of the upcoming summer activities at the meeting. Cub Camp information located here: http://www.pinetreebsa.org/campingprogram/cubscout/index.html
May 30- Mini Camp in Sabattus at Camp Gustin.
June 6- Sea Dogs Sleepover- $20 per person. Gates open at 4:30 PM and the game begins at 6 PM. Scouts sleep out on the field and watch a movie.
June- Dens are encouraged to meet for a gathering once this month.
July- 4th of July Parade. We will be meeting at the Shaw's parking lot. Boys should be in full uniform. More details coming.
July- Dens are encouraged to meet once during the month of July for a fun event.
August 3-7- Day Camp- - Camp Bomazeen in Belgrade: sign up information at http://www.doubleknot.com/Registration/CalendarDetail.asp?orgkey=1649&activitykey=559871
August 16-19- Webelos Resident Camp. Camp Hinds. Shawn and Chuck will be providing the leadership again for our webelos (boys currently Bears will be able to go)
August 22- Scout Night at the Sea Dogs. Tickets for the event are $6 for Adults and $3 for Youth (16 & Under). Each ticket includes:
• Admission to the August 22nd game – Sea Dogs vs. Bowie Baysox, Game Time 6:00PM



BSA Action Required: "THIS IS SCOUTING" - Volunteer Training Component

TO: Scout Executives, Regional Directors, Area Directors
FROM: Program Impact Department/Volunteer Development TeamSUBJECT: "THIS IS SCOUTING" - volunteer training component Read and pass along to council and district trainers, field staff, and pack trainer. Include announcement on council web sites
"This is Scouting" was added to the BSA's on-line Learning Center over the weekend. "This is Scouting" replaces New Leader Essentials as a required course for Cub Scout, Boy Scout, and Venturing volunteers to earn the "Trained" leader emblem. Councils should eliminate New Leader Essentials from all training calendars and add a link to http://mysouting.org/.While the primary delivery method for "This is Scouting" is on-line, a DVD . No. 36118, will be available after April 1, from Supply for areas where internet access is limited or where group presentation is desired.All Scouters are encouraged to create a MyScouting account and access this training through the MyScouting portal, as credit for this training will be recorded on their PAS record upon completion.Questions should be directed to Jamie Shearer http://us.mc396.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=jamie.shearer@scouting.orgProgram Impact Department or Joe Glasscock http://us.mc396.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=joe.glasscock@scouting.org
Team Leader, Volunteer Development.


Pack 603 in the News!
Check out the story in the Good News Gazette about our Cubs in action.
http://www.turnerpublishing.net/files/GNG.pdf

Greenhouse Tour

Eric Lombard (Webelos)- some of the plants are highly toxic. You shouldn't touch or eat a plant if you don't know what it is.

Hunter Ripley (Webelos)- it's really important to learn how things grow. It's a really great greenhouse. It's super warm and a nice change to see so many green, growing things.

Chris Colson (Wolf)- I liked the purple plant. It's the best. My plants will grow taller than me.

Eric Olney (webelos)- I'm planting watermellon and sun flower and tomato. I hope my watermellon is delicious.

The fieldtrip to the “Keep Growing” at CATC greenhouse went very. We had 13 scouts and their parents participating. The seeds that the boys planted will be nurtured at the facility until they are viable for planting outdoors this season. Along with the actual planting in earning their gardening badge the boys learned a lot about plant science and how it is a crucial part of their natural world.The “Keep growing “ Program offers educational filed trips to to students Pre-K –12th grade in the region. We have had a number of classrooms and organizations participating this year as we have partnered with a local expert, Fieldstone Gardens in Vassalboro. Keep Growing is also hoping to reach out to the Master Gardener’s program and Senior organizations in the region this next season. If your organization is interested in a plant based community service project or a educational visit to the CATC greenhouse please contact Rene Albison at CATC.....ralbison@augustaschools.org

Cub Scout Circus Trip

Welcome Welcome One and All!!

Bear Leader Beth Morgan has lined up a great event for Pack 603- a trip to the circus!

Where: Augusta Civic Center

Shows: 4/24 at 2pm and 7pm & 4/25 at 9:30, 2pm and 7pm

Who: Open to Cubs, Siblings, Parents and interested friends (Parents must drive their own children to and attend the event with their children unless other adult supervision is set up in advance)

Cost: $3 per youth and $6 per adult- Bring Your money to the den meetings this Tuesday. Beth has to turn all of the money at the end of next week.

When to Go: Dens can coordinate the best times to go that work for their dens. Cubs should wear their uniforms to the event.


Thanks Beth for organizing this Go See It and thanks again to Rene Albison for organizing the great trip to the greenhouse this week! Everyone had a great time!

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.