Under the Blackhawk Moon

Pack 282 Cubs enjoyed a family campout at Blackhawk on the evening of April 21. We had den meetings in the afternoon at the park. The boys enjoyed outdoor activities including a woodland scavenger hunt in which the boys had to find one item that started with each letter of the alphabet. There were lots of interesting items found, including an unidentified egg, possibly from an owl or buzzard found on one of the trails. No ornithologists were available to help make the positive identification. There were also a few "cheats" like XMARKX for the letter X and "Zero objects starting with Z."

After the den meetings, we cooked supper on the campfire. The boys made famous foil scout dinners. They were almost universally excellent, with a wide variety of meats used, from good ole burgers to salmon with asparagus tips (Mark). After dinner and some campfire enjoyment, it was time for a night hike. Cubmaster Scott led us out on the trails to a point overlooking the Lake to the north. The hike was made under Scott's Rules, which means no lights except the moon.

C.O.R. Jay gave a short presentation about the International Space Station, and the boys and adults talked about astronomy. At 9:02 p.m. the ISS made a pass to the north of our location. The boys observed the station going over. It appeared as a bright star in the sky that moved across the northern sky for about five minutes. For information about tracking the station from your location, check here: http://www.heavens-above.com/
Please note that registration is free, but to get accurate results you need to enter the closest town to your actual location, in other words, if you live in Chrisman, don't put Paris as your location. Likewise with Vermilion. Be sure to read the informational sections so you understand how to follow the charts.

Afterward, Cubs and adults turned in one by one and the thirteen family tents became the scene of much snoring. We shall not comment on who led the log-sawing brigade. Camp broke beginning at dawn on the 22nd.

Thanks to our scout leaders, parents and scouts for a great first overnighter for families of Pack 282.

National Council

The National Council BSA website has tons of useful information for scouts and parents.
Here is the link directly to the Cub Scouting Section.

CUB SCOUTING
Cub Scouting's volunteer leaders work with boys and their families to improve their communities by enriching the lives of the families who live there. Cub Scout leaders support the family. They take an active part in helping to strengthen families and their boys by providing a fun-filled, worthwhile program that teaches values.

Crossroads of America Council, BSA, has one of the best websites for any council going. There are useful links for training, scouting information, publications, and just about anything else you would want to know about Cub Scouts.

Trax Spreadsheets

For anyone looking for the Trax spreadheets, the tool that helps you track advancement, leadership, popcorn sales, etc. Here is a link: http://trax.boy-scouts.net/

ZIP decompression tool. These spreadsheets are ZIP COMPRESSED to facilitate quicker downloads. After downloading, the resultant file needs to be de-compressed on your workstation. If you do not have a Zip decompression tool available, click here to download WinZip.

Microsoft Excel version: The spreadsheets have been tested on both Macintosh (OS 7.5 and later) and on Windows 95/98/2000, and XP machines. They have been tested with versions of Excel from 5.0 and later. Please note that these spreadsheets are not compatible with Microsoft Works. If you do not have access to Microsoft Excel, OpenOffice contains a free spreadsheet that is about 90% compatible with Microsoft Excel. OpenOffice is a free download from Sun Microsystems on the Internet.

OpenOffice Calc version: If you do not have access to Microsoft Excel, OpenOffice contains a spreadsheet program called Calc that will work with the OpenOffice version of the software. The entire OpenOffice suite is a free download from Sun Microsystems on the Internet. This suite contains not only Calc, but also a word processor, a database, and a graphical presentation program. Click to download either the Windows version and the Mac version. Note: the Mac version of OpenOffice will only run on OS X.

PLEASE NOTE! More specific information on using and customizing the spreadsheet is contained in the spreadsheet's Instructions worksheet. Please read this page before you begin using the spreadsheets!

DISCLAIMER & SUPPORT

Frank Steele of Pack 615 and Troop 615, League City, TX is solely responsible for the CubTrax, ScoutTrax, and VenturingTrax series spreadsheets and their support. The BSA does not endorse, support, or in any way acknowledge them.

Moe Kluksdahl of Pack 696 and Troop 696, Dickinson, TX is solely responsible for TrainingTrax series spreadsheets and their support. The BSA does not endorse, support, or in any way acknowledge them.

Virtual Uniform Handbook

Cub Scouts Pack 215 has an outstanding web page by Don DeYoung which includes one of the best uniform guides I have seen. The following paragraphs are copied from the Uniform Guide posted on the Pack 215 web site, and are posted for the education of our Pack 282 scouts and parents:


Why Do We Wear Uniforms?

The Boy Scouts of America has always been a uniformed body. There are many reasons for this. One reason stands out above all the rest. We wear the uniform because it is a means of identifying ourselves openly with the principles to which we are committed-character development, citizenship training, and physical and mental fitness.

The fact that youth and adult members of Scouting wear a uniform doesn't mean that we're all alike. We come from different ethnic and racial backgrounds. We have our own religious beliefs and political views. We are each individuals with our own family traditions and loyalties. So the uniform is not intended to hide our individuality. But it is a way we give each other strength and support. It is a bond that ties us together in spite of our differences. It is a way of making visible our commitment to a belief in God, loyalty to country, and to helping other people.

The Scouting movement is built on positive values. As we wear the uniform, we are openly identifying ourselves with those values where everyone can see us. We stand together, not alone, in encouraging others to live by those same principles. Boys and adults alike should take pride in belonging to such a movement and wear the uniform as it is intended.

The Uniform Guide can be found here.

Pack Committee Roster

Here is the official committee roster of Pack 282 as it now stands:

Dave Murphy, District Commissioner: (ex-officio member)

Sam Webb, Professional Scouter: (ex-officio member)

Jim Stephens, Commissioner: (ex-officio member)

Mark Anderson, Committee Chairman

Scott Myers, Cubmaster: (nonvoting member)

Holley Myers, Secretary/Day Camp Admin.

Brian Blair, Treasurer

Jay Ping, Charter Org. Rep.

Michelle Huffman, Public Relations: (P.R. Chick)

Nancy Marrs, Advancement

Michelle Huxford, Transportation

Richard Wilkin, Pack Trainer

Michele Creech, Outings

Amy Anderson, Pack Newsletter

Lisa Roush, Committee

Jim Forster, Committee

Jessica Collins, Membership

Wes Jones, Committee Member

Chuck Mullenix, Asst. Den Leader

Boy's Life Online

(photo from Boys Life)

The scouting magazine Boy's Life has its own website: www.boyslife.org features articles, news, photos, cartoons and all of the stuff boys love about the printed magazine. But it also includes online games, projects, e-cards, polls, and lots of other goodies. There's even a "Cub Corner"! And here is a sample:


This month’s other features

WHAT YOU WANT OR WHAT YOU NEED?
Dream big with this drool-worthy stuff or — better yet — suit up with our reliable and affordable gear picks.

MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE
This lucky BL reader took the trip of a lifetime to the 2006 World Cup soccer tournament.

BEND IT — HERE!
Soccer’s biggest star, David Beckham, joins America’s biggest soccer league.

In our Boy Scout edition

STAY RIGHT ONLINE
When you’re chatting or e-mailing, you can never be too sure just who your “friends” are. But get this — it’s not just the bad guys who are finding out who you are.

AMERICA’S UNKNOWN TREASURES
EXPLORING AMERICA’S NATIONAL PARKS, PART 1 OF 3
A little extra research can lead your troop to the trip of a lifetime. Luckily for you, we’ve done that research. Here are some of our country’s best little-known national parks.

OUT IN FRONT
The first step in becoming a good leader is making good decisions. With Scout Program: Leadership.

In our Cub Scout edition

BE RIGHT ONLINE
The Internet has a lot to offer. Log on and learn, have fun and hang out. But be sure to follow the safety rules.

LET’S LOOK AT CARGO SHIPS
Read it! Color it! Get it all in this special Cub Scout section. Click here for answers to the puzzles printed in this month’s issue.

And more!

Look for the regular score of comics, jokes, Scouts in Action, Tradin’ Post and more! Only in the April issue of Boys’ Life!

Ashokan Farewell

Under the moon the mountains lie sleeping
Over the lake the stars shine.
They wonder if you and I will be keeping
The magic and music, or leave them behind...


The Blue and Gold banquet for Pack 8 went pretty well, overall. The split between Pack 8 and Pack 282 was formally announced. I think our new Pack 282 leaders deserve credit for demonstrating themselves to be a class act.

Our former Cubmaster under the old Pack 8 standard deserves some respect, too. He handled the announcement with grace and dignity.

Let's all look forward to next year, when Pack 282 hosts its own Blue and Gold.

Minutes from February 20th

Cub Scout Pack 8
Committee Meeting
Feb. 20, 2007

Chairman Mark Anderson opened the meeting by greeting all in attendance.

The Secretary’s report was read and approved.
One item amended in the minutes was Chuck Mullenix would like to be apart of the committee.

Cubmaster Scott Myers passed out a copy of a donation letter to be mailed out to all area businesses asking for financial assistance to begin our new Pack 282. A few brief corrections were made to the letter. Nancy Marrs announced that she would be contacting Jerry Forsythe to ask for a specific donation to the Pack. All were in agreeance of the letter being sent out.

Treasurer Brian Blair discussed our options for opening a bank account at Edgar County Bank. The checking account being opened will require 3 signatures, those being Mark Anderson, Scott Myers and Brian Blair. Currently we have $245.61 to open our new account.*** {ed. note: the $245.61 actually belongs in the accounts of the individual scouts in the new Pack). Brian will open the account and present a treasurer report at the following committee meeting.

Here are the minutes from the February 20, 2007 Pack Committee meeting at Lake Ridge.

Chairman Mark Anderson discussed the meeting held between Pack 8 committee members and Pack 282 representatives Mark Anderson and Scott Myers. They agreed to make the official pack split on March 1st, and have a letter available at Blue and Gold for individuals to fill out to determine their preference in which pack they chose to go with at the time of split.

Organizational representative-Jay Ping discussed a letter to the church elders at Lake Ridge requesting they be the organizational charter. The elders were interested in information and wanted in quickly. Jay put together an informational packet to present to the elders. Jay also announced that he established a blog for the pack. The address is: http://pack282cubs.blogspot.com This is a place to post information in general regarding Pack 282, open comments are welcomed.

Public relations chairman- Michelle Huffman announced she will wait on a press release pending approval of Lake Ridge Church. She will be including quotes from Sam Webb, and others not direct members of Pack 8 and Pack 282. Approximately March she will release her first publication regarding Pack 282. She distributed a consent form for all parents to sign regarding permission of any scout being photographed and their information published via website or newspapers. Specifics were discussed regarding this issue, and a few items would be amended and then presented to parents for signatures.

Pack trainer- Richard Wilken did not have any specifics to report at this time. Any parent interested in the adult training session, it will be held on Feb. 24, 2007 at Lake Ridge Church from 9am-3pm. Sam Webb will be directing that training. As pack trainer, Richard Wilken will have more information after the training session. Brian Blair will email Richard a link to help give him some ideas.

Transportation chairman- Michelle Clark did not have anything to report at this time.

Outings chairman- Michelle Creech did not have any specifics to report. Committee Chairman Mark Anderson explained the need for permits in the event that we would be traveling with the boys to various locations.

Advancement chairman- Nancy Marrs reported how you can report all the scout advancements online. Jay Ping asked that links to various websites could be emailed to him to be posted on blog.

Chairman- Mark Anderson discussed the various options we have for uniforms. We voted to all get polo’s to wear during various events. Several individuals will also get official scout uniforms. Several options will be explored regarding what company we will purchase shirts from.

Regarding den leaders, they will meet and have a tentative schedule available at Blue and Gold so that all boys will know when their next den meeting will be.

Brian Blair’s father, Steve Blair, has agreed to be our unit commissioner for Pack 282. The committee voted on the decision and it was unanimous.

Blue and Gold will be held Feb. 25th, at Knights of Columbus , 5pm meal and 6pm program.

Meeting adjourned at 845pm.

Minutes of February 12 Committee Meeting

Here are the meeting minutes for our first organizational meeting on February 12. Thanks to Holley for sending them my way. I will blog all of our committee meeting minutes here.

Cub Scout Pack 282
Meeting minutes
Feb. 12, 2007

A meeting was called to order at 6pm on Feb. 12, 2007 at Lake Ridge Church.
Special guests attending the meeting included Dave Murphy, Sam Webb and
Jim Stephens, as well as several parents of various Cub Scouts.

Meeting facilitator, Scott Myers, opened with a brief description of the meetings purpose and intent.

Jim Stephens discussed various areas required to be filled when starting a new pack. Sam Webb gave a brief description of available trainings. These trainings will be available to any adult who choses to be a leader in any capacity.

Dave Murphy, Sam Webb and Jim Stephens dismissed themselves from the room as the group discussed the various positions to be filled.

The meeting proceeded with Scott guiding the group into examining each position in need of filling, and asking for volunteers to hold such positions.
Each position was voted on and agreed upon by the entire group in attendance.

The positions filled are as follows:
Committee Chairman: Mark Anderson
Secretary: Holley Myers
Treasurer: Brian Blair
Cubmaster: Scott Myers
Advancement Chairman: Nancy Marrs
Public Relations Chairman: Michelle Huffman
Outtings Chairman: Michelle Creech/assisted by Scott Myers
Membership Chairman: Vacant
Pack Trainer: Richard Wilken (upon his approval)
Equipment Coordinator: Tenatively shared with Scott Myers/Brian Blair
Transportation Coordinator: Michelle Clark
Chartered Organizational Representative: Jay Ping
Pack Newsletter: Amy Anderson
It has been suggested that a Fundraising Chairman be considered as well.


Den Leaders
Tigers- Shared with Nancy Marrs, Holley Myers and Jessica Collins
Wolves- Tenatively Holley Myers, Scott Myers, Jay Ping and Mark Anderson
Bears- Vacant
Webelos- Vacant

Committee Members
Brian Blair
Mark Anderson
Jay Ping
Michelle Huffman
Michelle Clark
Nancy Marrs
Lisa Roush
Amy Anderson
Holley Myers
Jessica Collins
Michelle Creech
Jim Forrester
Wes Jones

This is considered a full committee, however any parent wishing to join a committee meeting is welcomed.

Committee members will share various responsibilities such as helping with fundraisers, pinewood derby, camp-outs, Blue and Gold banquet, parades, as well as all other decisions regarding the new Pack.

The group concluded that the new pack would be titled: Pack 282.

Sam Webb, Jim Stephens and Dave Murphy returned to the room and were pleased with the filled positions.

Dave Murphy informed the group of Roundtable meetings held in Casey and invited all to attend. The Lincoln trails website address was given and all are encouraged to view and submit items of scouting interest to be included.

Dave concluded by announcing that the new pack will need a Unit Commissioner, described the specific duties of this position and asked that the group recruit someone for the position.

The efforts and attendance of all were recognized and the meeting was adjourned at 815pm.

More Cool Scout Links

Here are some additional Scouting links. First, here is the link to

the Trax Spreadsheets. These spreadsheets allow you to track progress toward rank, popcorn sales, or other goal-oriented progress. Better than spiffy-- they're Spiffliferous!

Also, here is the link to Crossroads of America Council, BSA. Loads of useful and fun scouting information on their website. Check it out.

If you have any scouting links, comment here, or email them to me.

Cub Scout Training

Here is the link to the Training Page of the BSA web site:

When new leaders are selected in Cub Scouting, it is essential that they receive immediate information that will help them get started. Proper training lays the groundwork for success in their leadership roles. This training will help new leaders understand what is expected and establish effective meeting patterns so that the boys and their families can enjoy a quality program from the start.

As the first step in the training continuum, Fast Start Training is meant to provide all the information and resources for new leaders to conduct their first meeting, along with guidance for the meetings that follow. All new leaders receive the Fast Start materials as soon as they are recruited and are encouraged to participate in Basic Leader Training and roundtables.

Self-study, rather than group training, is the preferred method for Fast Start Training. This gives the new leader the opportunity to learn at his or her own pace.

You can learn more about Cub Scout training here, and you can also follow the links to take training such as Fast Start. This is highly recommended for anyone interested in active participation in our Pack. For leaders, it is required.

Dates Set for Meeting and Training

We will be having a Committee Meeting on Tuesday, February 20th at Lake Ridge, same room as for the original committee meeting.

Also, a week from Saturday, i.e. February 24, 2007, we will have Leader Training. All Committee Members and anyone interested in being a leader is encouraged to attend. Sam will head up the training, and we plan to get started at 9 a.m. at Lake Ridge.

We're in contact with the powers that be at Lake Ridge and should know this month whether they will sponsor us.

The Leaders of the Pack

(insert corny doo-wop background vocals and motorcycle noises)

Tonight, February 12, 2007, (Lincoln's birthday, incidentally), the organizational committee for Pack 282 met at Lake Ridge Christian Church. Leaders were selected, and a committee formed. Tentatively, the initial leadership will consist of a committee of fourteen parents.

It was decided to as Lake Ridge Christian Church to sponsor the new pack. Scott Myers was elected Cubmaster by acclamation. Mark Anderson will be the committee chairman. Holley Myers will be secretary. Brian Blair will be treasurer. Jay Ping will serve as Charter Representative, provided Lake Ridge agrees to being the charter organization.

The number 282 was selected as the new pack's number, and it was confirmed with the council that this number is available.

Further pack organization will take place after the Blue and Gold banquet for the old Pack 8.