The 4T Trail Hike

  The Webelos II recently took their last outing/hike of their Cubscout career.  It was to make sure that everyone got the requirement of taking a Day  Hike.  Which, really was part of the Outdoorsman Pin.  Most of the Scouts did a Hike at Summer camp.  This hike completed #9 of the Outdoorsman Activity Pin.  Yes, you are reading it correctly, there are two hikes that are needed within the Arrow of Light Requirements.

The Webelos Den Leader chose the 4T Trail Hike here in Portland, Oregon.  It is an urban hike and a lot of fun.  Here are some photos and thoughts on our 4T Hike.  I highly suggest you go to the 4T Trail Website and research it for yourself.  That website has a lot more description on the trip.

I will say that this isn’t a hike for very young kids.  I almost brought my 8-year-old daughter on the trip.  She would have been OK, but I might have ended up carrying her towards the end.  That is unless your family hikes a lot. The Scouts were incredibly tired at the end of the hike.

First up is the trip from OHSU Tram staging area to Downtown Portland by trolley.  You will notice in the picture that the Tram was closed when we went on Sunday.  If you do the trip between May 18th and Sept 14th, it’s closed on Sundays.  We still opted to go, because, BE PREPARED is a motto!  All the best laid plans do not always work.  We were to hike to the OHSU Tram up top and then ride down to here.  We hiked it all.

The trolley ride was fun, you will need to buy your trolley tickets that also double as Max Train tickets before getting on board.  We had a lot of parents with us, so Two-Deep Leadership wasn’t a problem.  However,  we needed to keep the Adults at the front, middle of back of the group since we are in Public Areas.  No issues, but something to be aware of.

The trolley and Train were the easiest of all the sections.

The Train from Downtown to the Zoo, itself was just like the trolley. Fun and Easy.  The Train put you at the Oregon Zoo.

We did have a pit stop at the Zoo for a few moments and also to explain more about the hiking section of the

outing.  Main point was, we were hiking across the parking lot, cross walks, over the highway and down a highway on ramp.  The whole time we talked about “Have a Buddy!”

We finally got to the trail head and the Scouts were off hiking.  This commenced the 4.1 miles of hiking to Council Crest and to the bottom of the Tram.

The Scouts did a very good job of hiking and listening.  We talked about many subjects along the way and we all are very proud of them for completing it.  It was a good way to end the Journey to Arrow of Light.

The last leg of the trip, was by Tram.  Since it was closed, we did not take it.  However, it’s a great leg of the trip.

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The Last Webelos II Den Meeting

Well, the last Webelos II Den Meeting is in the books.  We have a hike and a Pack Meeting and then AOL/Crossover.  Tonight was the LNT review, how to build a campfire (on school property so, we didn’t really start one), reviewed the basics for joining a Troop.  We also handed out a lot of Webelos Activity Pins and talked about the Troops we visited.  T41, T221, T127, T150, T432, T230 & T110.  That is up from earlier years.  By a lot, at lest 125%.  The boys also played Winker and Steal the Bacon.  The latter was the most fun, I think.  We played with the Webelos I Den.  32 days left in Cub scouts.

I got into a brief chat with one Scout who says he remembers the first meetings as a Tiger and how small he was.  Odd that he remembers that.  I hope he comes on the hike.  I am thinking that I will ask the boys what they remember from Tigers till now.  It’s something that I am thinking about since I have a few moments at Crossover to sum-up their journey.

There is a core group of seven that started as Tigers.  They all will get AOL.   One of them is lite on a couple of requirements, but will get AOL if he does the Hike and Troop visit this week.

The two that joined as Bears, will get AOL. The two that joined this fall, one could get AOL if he pushes, the other will not.  He’s in it for the adventure.  He’s Dad wanted him to experience it.

Of the seven, there really is a core group of six.  Summer Camp each year, going to go-see-its and a lot of events.  They are there.  The last two years saw a friend join, so that’s the Core Seven from the Bear year.

It seems like that most will move onto a Troop.  While they are all special and genuine in their own way, I heard from one that he likes the small Troops better.  You can stand out more in those instead of being lost.

So, even that it’s the last Den Meeting, it is just another stop long their Journey within Scouting.

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Spirit of Eagles Pack 170

From the Connecticut Yankee Council Webpage:

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the families in Newtown today and in the difficult days to come. We are heartbroken about this terrible tragedy.  We are very saddened to share that our Scouting family has been struck by this tragedy.

Lost from Pack 170 are:
Cub Scouts Chase Kowalski and Benjamin Wheeler.
Benjamin’s parents Francine and David Wheeler are den leaders.

Also lost are the siblings of Cubs in Pack 170: Caroline Previdi, Catherine Hubbard, Dylan Hockley.
From Pack 170, Tiger Cub leader Peter Baressi, who lost the two, is a first responder for Sandy Hook Fire. He stayed with the families throughout this terrible ordeal.

Please send prayers to these families and the pack in this time of sadness.

CYC Facebook Page     Scatacook District Facebook Page

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#GoPro Pumpkin Trebuchet Launch

Today (Sunday Oct 28th) Pack 221 held its 2nd Annual Pumpkin Race.  As with anything Oregon in the Fall, it rained.  I few people asked if it was canceled.  I said, nope.. It’s Oregon.   I put a GoPro HD Camera in my Pumpkin that Elliot helped out with.

Here is what happened.

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Camp is sweet freedom

I got this from a Scouts Canada Facebook Page that I am apart of.  It does not matter that this camp is in Canada, nor the Scouts are Canadian.  It’s CAMP and Scouts!  Pure Awesomeness….

Camp is sweet freedom.

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The #501st Final Pack Meeting

Our final Pack Meeting was on June 4th.  It was a complete blast. Member’s of the 501st Cloud City Garrison helped with the final Flag Ceremony and Pack Promotion.

We wanted to end the year with a big send-off and the 501st helped make it happen. As with tradition, we made sure each remaining award was handed out.  I also congratulated all the Den Leaders and Committee members for doing a job well done.  As I pointed out in an earlier post, I am very glad they are there. I was also able to recognize a now Bear Scout with the Religious Youth Knot.  I was not aware that he had undertaken it, until I saw his mom at a baseball game that my son was playing against.  It’s a huge thing to undertake and complete.  So, I made sure I brought him up in front of everyone and explained his achievement.  No Scout in the Pack since I have been apart of it since 2008 has earned this Knot.  I told him that I was proud of him and that I was honored to present it to him.

At this point, we started the Promotion from Webelos I to II, Bears to Webelos I, Wolves to Bears, Tigers to Wolves and introduced the new Tigers.  I spoke about how they earned their rank, what they went through and all the fun they had.  I pointed out to each, that they are working their way up the Trail to Arrow of Light and towards the Eagle Scout Rank.  As they passed me by, their Scarves came off and were given their new books and Scarves.  I shook each hand and congratulated them.  The New Scouts were then congratulated by the members of The Cloud City Garrison.
I was able to spend a few moments giving my last announcements about Summer Pack Events, Camp and thanking the boys and parents for a great year.

It was then off to the Races for the Scouts.  It was our second time putting on the Raingutter Regatta.  We liked it a lot the first time, we did it again.  It worked out well since we skipped a year.  Last year was the Bike Rodeo.  That was awesome as well.  However, this year it rained and we held it under the huge awning on the playground.  Overall, it was a huge time.  This accounted for our first Summertime Pack Event.

Which brings me to Mission Possible update:  The Pack Officially has two Tiger Den Leaders and seven Tiger Scouts. I turned in the paperwork for the seven Scouts.  One Tiger Den Leader has taken the online training and Youth Protection. The second is a current Scout Parent, so he gets the program.  The first is an Eagle Scout and Order of the Arrow Brother. There is about 3-4 Scouts  that will make it on the list this fall. (Paperwork…..coming)  Also, all the Den’s are going to Camp.  This year, there is a Free Tiger Day Daycamp on July 7th.  BB Guns, Archery and all things Scouts!
We have also planned out our Summer Events (which was a no brainer we have done it since 2009).  Our next event is actually as Color Guard for the Junior Rose festival Parade on the 6th.

It was a great year, a great finish as well as start for the new Tiger Den and we are firing on all cylinders.  This Pack does not really stop in the Summer.
Remember, Being in Scouting, as a Volunteer, gives you the opportunity to have just as much fun as the boys!  If my son was not in Scouting…..this would not have happened.
I like these guys, Wonder if they know STEM Awards?  You think they would be Naturals?

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Fantastic!

Our May Pack Meeting just totally rocked.  This is what I posted on Facebook after I got home.
“Fantastic night at Pack 221′s Physical Fitness Meeting. The new kindergartener’s rocked. We did Slackline (actually walking a tightrope) and an Obstacle Course that had the Scouts figure out which was NSEW was, recite the Promise & Law, Raise a Flag and tie a Square Knot. Also a 3 legged race and wheelbarrow race. Started off with holding a bat to your forehead and go around 5 times relay race. We did get outside for it too. Blog post coming tomorrow. Lots of fun!“

The meeting was themed after  To do your Best, Help the Pack Go and Cub Scout gives Goodwill.  We had races with buddies, working with buddies and always doing their best! Along with “A Game with a Purpose!”

I started off the Pack Meeting doing the Cubscout Promise and Law by myself for two reasons.  First, I really do not know it and I needed to do it in front of the Scouts and my Committee Chair.  He’s been bugging me all year to memorize it. The second was for the Scouts to do it and learn it.  It is the basis of the Pack Meeting and building blocks of all things Scouts and things that they can use in everyday life.

Above you see the obstacle course (we ditched the flag folding due to time) which was laid out on half a basketball court. The other half was our Dizzy Bat Relay.  Outside had our other Relay games and the Slackline.  (FYI: This Slackline was NOT the same as the BSA’s version of Slackline.  It was a tightrope that the boys walked. Yes, I did voice my opinion and we did reviewed the Sweet 16 & other items.)

The Relay Games of 3-Legged Race and Wheel Barrel Race were based upon the Buddy System.  The Scouts had to work together. We had several of the kindergartener and Tigers paired up with Webelos I.  Even a kindergartener and Tiger.  Both of the Scouts showed great compassion and worked with the new Scouts.  That was Goodwill and Scout Spirit at work.

The Slackline was based on Trust and trying something new.  The Wolf Den Leaders really helped out for putting this on.  One Wolf DL is the same that had all the unicycles at one Pack Meeting.  The other is a Physician’s Assistant.  Ying and Yang!

The Obstacle Course was built around basics of Scouting.  Promise, Law, Square Knot, Compass, Flag Raising and physical Fitness.

At the end of the Pack Meeting, I brought all the Scouts back together for the wrap-up and the explanation of while you were having fun, you were learning.  I really did not say that but conveyed it to them.  I told them that I was proud of them for helping the new guys.  I told the new guys that they are awesome.  I reminded the Scouts to do their best, to give Goodwill and hangout with those who do not have friends at lunch.  Be Respectful.

Overall, this Pack Meeting can be put in rotation for next year and years to come.

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Magness Tree Farm, Tree Scouts & Forester Pin

  Saturday was the Tree Scout’s (Webelos I) Den outing to the World Forestry’s Magness Tree Farm.  It is not on Council property, but is highly used by Scouts as a learning center.  The Tree Scouts were off to earn their Webelos Forestery Activity Pin.  While the Tree Scouts have a few items to review at the next Den Meeting, all the Tree Scouts who showed up will earn it.

This outing was actually run incredibly well.  Our Host, Bill Wood a 30 year veteran of Weyerhaeuser really knew his stuff.  I won’t say like the back of his hand.  Since you could not fit all the knowledge he had on there.  Bill really showed his passion about his subject, but also teaching Scouts and others.  Apparently he was a Scout Master from years ago and has given this talk 120 times in the past 10 years for the Forester Pin.  The Tree Farm also plays hosts to Colleges an Universities from around the world to which he gives lectures too.  So, it was a great honor to have him teach the Tree Scouts.

The Tree Scouts were kept on task for 90 minutes in total.  They were constantly being quizzed about Pine, Cedar, Noble Fir, Doug Fir and so many more.  They got quizzed on Oak Leaves, White Snow Berries, Native Black Raspberries, Ferns and so much more that I cannot remember. (Adults don’t earn the Pin, so I am safe.)  Bill went into what bark was used for what, what ferns were used for what, how Native American’s used the berries, how they tasted and what not to eat.  I am lucky that the Webelos Den Leader took a ream of notes on what was being said.  I suspect he will be using it for the Den Meeting to go over what tree was what.

The one fern that Bill pointed out which stands out to me, is the Licorice Fern that is on the side of this tree.  He explained that in all his travels to every jungle in the world, that we have plants that can cure many things.  This one can cure AIDS.  He explained that we don’t need to go all over the world to find cures, that it’s all in our backyard.  That really stuck with me.

The other thing he pointed out is that the Native American’s would use this root to boil it for a Tea.  He pulled a tiny bit, and showed us what it was.  He then gave it to our Webelos Den Leader to let us do it later.  He explained to the Tree Scouts, that if you do not know what your picking, don’t eat it.  If you do, wash it very well since most things are lower than a Dog’s body. (hint hint)  Everyone chuckled.

During our 90 min trek we came to a section of the forrest that had been harvested and replanted.  We were shown photos from 1980, 83, 90 & 2000 during plantings.  What was explained is that trees can grow fast.  If you pack a forest with trees close together, they grow slower.  If you thin them out and plant sparsely or even stagger the types you plant, they can grow fast in 50 years for harvesting again.

In the classroom session, Bill explained how much water, oxygen, wood is used by the trees and people.  it’s highly astounding to what is being used by a population and what goes to waste and how Trees play a huge role in our everyday lives.  In this photo, to the left is a young forest, but growing fast.  The right hand side (which you really cannot see) is densely packed.  Both are the same age.  The latter is smaller.

To me, that information Bill gave us is huge.  I learned a lot and actually helped re-think clear cutting.

So, after the hike, the Tree Scouts got together at a campsite to learn how to make a fire.  In the campfire bowl they were at, Bill explained that it was one of 39 Eagle Scout projects that the Tree Farm has had done.  As the Tree Scouts went over the process of learning TeePee, Lodge, or Lean-To fire building they made hot dogs and had lunch.  The Scouts were asked what kind of fire would be good and voted on which one to make. (Boy Led…kinda there.)

One great thing that we saw and learned is that all the Campfire Bowls, Cabins and Kitchen are rentable for $200 a night.   That got a few of us Committee Members thinking…let’s do a Pack Campout here.  We are also thinking about having the Tree Scouts Arrow of Light/Crossover here in 2013.  There was a Troop camped in the cabins the night before and were using their time for Troop Leadership Training.

Overall, a great outing for a Saturday.  Everyone learned something and had a great time.

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Citizenship 2011

  This month’s Pack Meeting was all about Citizenship.  With Veteran’s Day this month, it was a good meeting.  Nov 14th PM 2011 is our meeting plan.  It is something that I send out to every Den Leader and Committee Member so they know what I am planning to do.

This month, I got a bit of a curve ball sent my way.  Our meetings for both Den and Pack are on monday’s in the school gym.  Apparently some boys got into the PE room where all the balls, hoops, scooters and other impliments of fun are kept for the PE Teacher.  Which, enabled everyone to play with a lot of stuff and cause a lot of ruckus for all the Dens still meeting.  So much so, the Principal got in touch with me and explained what happened.  The use of the PE Equipment always bothered me due to the fact someone could get hurt running around and also several boys did not like anything flying around them.  Also, there were Hockey Sticks….

So, I implimented a no PE room rule and the School started to lock the room.  It has never been locked since Elliot was a Tiger, but oh well.

So, I redid most of the meeting.  We were still going to have awards, a game and a song, but I taylored the talk towards what Citizenship is and how we work towards it. Because I wanted to keep the PE room off the minds of the boys I had a Dot to Dot, Question, Word Finder game on one page that was all about Citizenship. (It’s from Scouthelps.com) It kept everyone occupied and working on a goal of getting it all done.  I am not the strongest in gathering games since the Pack usually shows up 10-15 minutes before with the lionshare there right at Flag.

So, with Flag and announcements out of the way, I had every Den do their Yell.  After that it was the Bobcat awards.  There were 5 boys who earned that badge.  After that I broke right into a song about Thanksgiving.  Did not even give anyone a chance for any more Awards or anything.  It was about my Albuquerque Turkey.  We only did the first two verses, but I pitched as a Repeat after me song.  Which, ended up having the boys face the parents and sing it back and forth.  The boys won.  After that, we ran through all the Dens Yells.

During the Den Awards after the Yells, each Den was able to get up and explain what they did & hand out awards.  When we got to the Wolves, the Den Leader who went to the Program & Training Conference learned a few things from the Den Discipline class.  What he deployed first Den Meeting was a Marble Jar.  If the boys come to the meeting on time, with books, uniform and are respectful, they get a marble.  If they do something very good, they get more.  Which, during the talk about how we show respect one of the Wolves said that we show respect by being quite.  He got 5 marbles.  Once the jar was filled, the boys get a bowling/pizza party.  That was so not planned, but I used it.

After each Den got their say and awards, it was off to the Wink Game.  I changed it up so there was not a Killer and no one died.  The Killer was IT and those who got Winked at, had to sit down.  I physically pointed out three boys who were IT and explained the rules.  Game on.  After a bit with boys getting tagged and sitting down, I stopped the game.

I then explained to them that during the game I told three Scouts that they were IT.  Now, first round everyone knew who was IT. Now, they did not.  I also pointed out that you could not look up as well as not talking like the first time.  Game on.

During this game, the scouts did not know who was it and tried not to talk.  The Den Leaders and I told scouts who talked had to sit down.  Also those who were walking silly.  Several boys started coming up to me saying that those that they winked at did not sit down, same as first time.

I stopped the game.  I then asked what they thought of the game.  As they raised their hands they told me that some did not play be the rules, did not sit down when winked and that the den leaders changed the rules.  I asked them how they liked that.  They did not.  I asked if that was showing respect.  They slowly started to get it.  Message delivered.

We ended with a Closing Flag, Vespars and a quick demo of how to fold a flag.  Done.

What I also did throughout the whole meeting was not really raising Akela’s Ears, but to play my Native American Flute.  I got tired of them not listening/watching, so I brought it in.  It very quickly got people’s attention as the night went on.

Overall, it was a good Pack Meeting.  The flow was there and I felt good during the meeting.  The Scouts responded, learned and had a lot of fun.

After I got home I sent a note to the Committee and Den Leaders asking for feedback.  Yes, I got some. They are all good and I plan to impliment them as soon as possible.

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Two birds with one stone style of advancement

  In the world of Cubscout advancement it’s led by the Adult Scouters and not so much the Scouts.  Yes, the Scouts can tell you what they want to work on, but generally it’s the Adult Scouters that do all the planning.

The big idea that I work to get across to my Den Leaders and Committee is that Advancement can happen with any event and multiple achievements can happen at once.    So, here is my real world example that is happening right now within the Pack and the Tree Scout Den (Webelos I).

First up, the Tree Scouts.  The Webelos Den Leader (WDL) is planning a lot of outings and working hard to plan everything to get the boys their Webelos Badges by March.  I really like what he is up too.

The other week six out of nine Tree Scouts went to the Ape Caves and got a few items completed for the Geologist Activity Pin. In my estimation Elliot earned #6 & #8.  The latter was a visit to a Geological site.  Some boys earned the Geology Pin at Camp.  Elliot did not want to.  #8 also works for  #4 of the Naturalist Pin as well.  Elliot knocked that out on the first Pack Hike along with several other Webelos.  But, let’s look at both.  #8 of Geologist will work for #4 of Naturalist.  But it won’t work the other way around.  Reason being, the first is Geological and Naturist is not geared towards Geology.  It’s all in the wording is what I am getting at.  So, this means that the three boys that did not go to the Pack Hike or the Geological Hike will be able to get the Naturalist #4 when we go to the Forestry Center in Portland.  Now, it won’t count for the Geological Pin since again, no rocks.

The good thing is the Forester & Naturalist do count for the Webelos level World Conservation Badge.  With two Activity Pins complete soon, they will only need the Outdoorsman Activity Badge and do a Den/Pack conservation project.  Which, the boys did at the Ape Caves.  We practice Leave No Trace all the time, so every Scout and Scouter will get that done each outing.  It’s just the way that is.

Elliot and another Tree Scout have already earned the WCB as Wolves.  But we will note that if the others in the Den accomplish it.  You cannot earn it twice in Cubscouts.  They can re-earn it as Boy Scouts.

Getting the hang of it?  Ok, now for the Pack Event.

As a Pack we are going Christmas Caroling.  Since I drive a lot a collegue and I talk a lot on the phone.  He is in Colorado Springs and his son is a Tiger.  Apparently their Pack does the same thing at several retirement homes and the Adults love it.  So, I suggested that for a service project.  The Committee loved it.

So, for those boys who want to do it, they will learn several songs and then perform it.  We were asked by the place we were going if the Boys would like to have a dessert with the Veterans Group.  Of Course!  They will get the dessert, but also get to hang out with guys who have served and hopefully it will rub off.

So, what will the Scouts earn for for this?

First, it’s a Service project. That counts for everyone.  Second, they will earn the Music Beltloop.  For the Webelos it will work for the Showman Activity Pin #15.  For both the Tiger and Wolf, this might work for attending a play/musical event.  Use your best judgement on that. It really should be going to see a play/musical instead of being in one.    The Bears, if gifted with how to play an instrument could create a Cubscout band and perform that.  Overall all the Scouts will earn the Beltloop.

Within our Council, there is a segment program so there are a few segments that would work for this event.  This would be the Living Service Segment and or Civic Service.  It should not be both.

So, with a bit of planning, the Scouts will earn achivements and other requirements for their rank.  Yes, there should and needs to be a limit of how many things one event can cover.  You do not want to award 10 things for one event.  That’s not correct.  The Scouts need to do the work.  But the Adults need to understand that doing everything for each requirement is really not needed.  It also allows for Scouts who miss out for no fault of their own to get credit for something for attending a different function.  Which really means the Adults need to be on their toes at record keeping for the Scouts.

Yours in Scouting.

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