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!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Sunday, February 22, 2009
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/
###
Friday, January 23, 2009
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!
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!
Saturday, January 17, 2009
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
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
Pack 603 Cubs in the News
Augusta Cubs Bring Christmas to Veteran
Printed in the Good News Gazette- January, 2009 edition
While others were busy finding their last minute gifts at the stores, Cub Scouts from Pack 603 spent the Tuesday before Christmas finishing up a gift for one of the city's veterans.
Boys in the Tiger and Wolf Dens -made up of boys in first and second grade- spent their pre-Christmas time working to make someone else's holiday brighter. At Hussey Elementary School, where the dens meet for their weekly meetings, the boys decorated a three to four foot high spruce tree with snowflake ornaments they made themselves.
Each ornament was adorned with a picture of the Cub who worked on it. The tree was delivered to a veteran who lives alone in the city and has no family.
"We wanted to give him something to help bring out a smile for Christmas," said Den Leader Chris Bailey. The tree was donated by the Augusta Lowe's store and the project was the idea of Cub Scout Nathaniel Barbeau's grandfather Paul Jarzorabek, who also served in the military.
"It's a great lesson for the boys because it teaches them that Christmas is not only about getting but also about giving," Jarzorabek said when the tree was completed. "It's our Christmas gift to him," Barbeau said with a big smile.
Jaden Ambers joined Pack 603 only two weeks ago but was happy to help in the project, "It makes me feel good to help someone," he said.
Wolf Cub Luc Sirois talked about the project. "It was a little hard cutting out
the snowflake ornaments," he said with obvious pride about the results. He wasn't the only one to feel pride. His dad, Gary Sirois, who is also a leader for the boys, said: "This is what Christmas is supposed to be about."
The veteran, who is remaining anonymous, received the tree on Christmas eve day. It is still living so in the spring he can plant it in his yard as a permanent reminder of the Scouts who did him a good deed in thanks for the good deed he did for our nation.
Printed in the Good News Gazette- January, 2009 edition
While others were busy finding their last minute gifts at the stores, Cub Scouts from Pack 603 spent the Tuesday before Christmas finishing up a gift for one of the city's veterans.
Boys in the Tiger and Wolf Dens -made up of boys in first and second grade- spent their pre-Christmas time working to make someone else's holiday brighter. At Hussey Elementary School, where the dens meet for their weekly meetings, the boys decorated a three to four foot high spruce tree with snowflake ornaments they made themselves.
Each ornament was adorned with a picture of the Cub who worked on it. The tree was delivered to a veteran who lives alone in the city and has no family.
"We wanted to give him something to help bring out a smile for Christmas," said Den Leader Chris Bailey. The tree was donated by the Augusta Lowe's store and the project was the idea of Cub Scout Nathaniel Barbeau's grandfather Paul Jarzorabek, who also served in the military.
"It's a great lesson for the boys because it teaches them that Christmas is not only about getting but also about giving," Jarzorabek said when the tree was completed. "It's our Christmas gift to him," Barbeau said with a big smile.
Jaden Ambers joined Pack 603 only two weeks ago but was happy to help in the project, "It makes me feel good to help someone," he said.
Wolf Cub Luc Sirois talked about the project. "It was a little hard cutting out
the snowflake ornaments," he said with obvious pride about the results. He wasn't the only one to feel pride. His dad, Gary Sirois, who is also a leader for the boys, said: "This is what Christmas is supposed to be about."
The veteran, who is remaining anonymous, received the tree on Christmas eve day. It is still living so in the spring he can plant it in his yard as a permanent reminder of the Scouts who did him a good deed in thanks for the good deed he did for our nation.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
January 2009 Cub Notes
January is sliding along faster than a puck across a frozen pond! I wanted to keep you up to date on some things that are going on and give you dates to things so you can put them on your calendars.
Pinewood Derby- January 27th-American Legion- 6 PM
-We will have refreshments on sale for a modest price so you don't have to worry about dinner.
-We are running the Pinewood Derby on a Tuesday night in place of our January pack meeting and not on the weekend so as to give you parents the weekend free. We usually do it on the weekends.
-We will need folks to work on set up and take down of the track and decorations. Those who can volunteer for this please contact Chuck at cmahaleris@hotmail.com
-We will need one parent or leader from each den to work in the pit crew and one to work as a line judge
-Gary and Chris will be bringing in their woodworking tools to the den meetings leading up to the race to help scouts who have mechanically-challenged parents (your humble Cubmaster included).
Pinewood Derby Rules:
Pack 603 Pinewood Derby
Cub Scouts were given their pinewood derby kits.
If you haven't received yours, please contact Shawn- she has a few extras. If you have lost wheels or axels or need a new kit- they are available at http://www.pinetreebsa.org/ or at Reny's or Joseph's.
This is a great time for the boys and a family member to work together on the car.
All cars must pass the following inspection to qualify for the race:
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.
7- The car shall not ride on any kind of spring.
8- The car must be free-wheeling, with no starting devices
9- No loose materials of any kind are allowed in the car.
9- 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.
Klondike Derby- January 31- China Middle School- All Day
Date: January 31, 2009
Location: China Middle School- Rt 202, Lakeview Drive China, Maine
Times:
7:30 AM- Registration at China Middle School
8:45 AM- Opening Ceremony
9:00 AM- Great Sledge Race (Webelos only)
9:30-11 AM- Activity Stations
11-noon- Lunch
After Lunch til 3- Finish Stations
3:00 PM- Cub Scout Closing Ceremony
Directions: From Augusta take Route 3 to South China (12 miles). Take a left on Route 202 to China (3.8 miles)- shool will be on right.
Information: Kennebec Valley District and host Troop 479 have plaqnned the annual derby. The Klondike Derby is a fun-filled winter activity patterned after the Gold Rush Days in the Yukon. The boys race on sledges that they build. The boys also serve as the team of huskies pulling the sledge around the course. They will visit a number of stations, each having a simulated Alaskan town name. At each town, they will be confronted with a problem requiring a Scout skill to solve. Depending on how well they work out the problem, they will receive a number of Gold Nuggets.
All Cubs Can Take Part: The Webelos Den will be working on their sledge at their next den meeting. They will be eligible to race in the sledge race but all Cubs can take part in all of the activities at the Alaskan towns.
Cost: $10 per person with lunch included. Please make checks payable to Pine Tree Council (none of this money stays with Pack 603) and bring to the den meeting ear on January 13th. We have to turn in all money by January 14th or else there is a $2 late registration fee so we are going to collect at the Den meeting. The pack will pay for three leaders to attend for free. These leaders will supervise the boys. Registration will cover lunch, patch, cocoa, snacks, coffee, ribbons and trophies (if the boys earn them), and activities. Cost for adults is $7. Parents who are attending but not taking part do not have to pay. If you want to order a patch as a keepsake they cost $3 but every Cub and leader registered for the event will receive one.
What to Bring:
Dress Warm- No Sneakers!
Dress in layers
Snowgear- snow suits, gloves, wool hats, mittens, scarves (Every year some kid ends up risking frostbite for not coming to this event properly dressed!)
Boots should be waterproof
Avoid working up a sweat.
Clothing that is not good for the snow: Cotton, jeans, sneakers, baseball hats, gloves are good but not as good as wool mittens with waterproofing on them.
Blue and Gold Banquet- February 24- American Legion- 6 PM
The Blue and Gold Banquet is our annual Pot Luck Dinner & celebration of the founding of Scouting. The boys will be receiving awards earned since November. Leaders should get me the list of awards two weeks before so I have a chance to purchase them.
Dens should be prepared with a song, skit and cheer and make decorations for their tables.
The entire Family is welcome! This is a great event for the entire family. Please bring enough food for your family plus some others. The pack will provide salad, beverages, paper products, placemates and rolls.
Desserts will be cakes! Every Cub should enter the Cake Bake! Everything on the cake has to be edible. He can make it with a parent partner. The theme of the cake is Cub Scouting or Presidents (since it is two days after George Washington's birthday). Cakes will be judged by an impartial judge and ribbons will be given to the top cake in each of the following categories:
-Most Likely Made by a Cub Scouts
-Most Yummy Looking
-Best in Theme (Scouting)
-Best in Theme (Presidents)
Cubs can then donate their cakes, if they choose for the Cake auction! Only adults will be able to bid on the auction but it is more fun than fundraiser.
Cakes that aren't auctioned off will be part of the dessert for the evening!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
2009 Klondike Derby
Date: January 31, 2009
Location: China Middle School- Rt 202, Lakeview Drive China, Maine
Times:
7:30 AM- Registration at China Middle School
8:45 AM- Opening Ceremony
9:00 AM- Great Sledge Race (Webelos only)
9:30-11 AM- Activity Stations
11-noon- Lunch
After Lunch til 3- Finish Stations
3:00 PM- Cub Scout Closing Ceremony
Directions: From Augusta take Route 3 to South China (12 miles). Take a left on Route 202 to China (3.8 miles)- shool will be on right.
Information: Kennebec Valley District and host Troop 479 have plaqnned the annual derby. The Klondike Derby is a fun-filled winter activity patterned after the Gold Rush Days in the Yukon. The boys race on sledges that they build. The boys also serve as the team of huskies pulling the sledge around the course. They will visit a number of stations, each having a simulated Alaskan town name. At each town, they will be confronted with a problem requiring a Scout skill to solve. Depending on how well they work out the problem, they will receive a number of Gold Nuggets.
All Cubs Can Take Part: The Webelos Den will be working on their sledge at their next den meeting. They will be eligible to race in the sledge race but all Cubs can take part in all of the activities at the Alaskan towns.
Cost: $10 per person with lunch included. Please make checks payable to Pine Tree Council (none of this money stays with Pack 603) and bring to the first den meeting of the year on January 5th. We have to turn in all money by January 14th or else there is a $2 late registration fee so we are going to try to collect at the 1st Den meeting. The pack will pay for three leaders to attend for free. These leaders will supervise the boys. Registration will cover lunch, patch, cocoa, snacks, coffee, ribbons and trophies (if the boys earn them), and activities. Cost for adults is $7. Parents who are attending but not taking part do not have to pay. If you want to order a patch as a keepsake they cost $3 but every Cub and leader registered for the event will receive one.
What to Bring:
Dress Warm- No Sneakers!
Dress in layers
Snowgear- snow suits, gloves, wool hats, mittens, scarves (Every year some kid ends up risking frostbite for not coming to this event properly dressed!)
Boots should be waterproof
Avoid working up a sweat.
Clothing that is not good for the snow: Cotton, jeans, sneakers, baseball hats, gloves are good but not as good as wool mittens with waterproofing on them.
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