2014 Klondike Derby

On Monday we will start prepping for the Klondike Derby.  Please note that the Klondike Derby is *NOT* the Pinewood Derby to be held in April.  The Klondike Derby is an event modeled after the Klondike Gold Rush.  The boys will pull a supply filled sled from station (town) to station  (town) performing various activities.  While most are fun and games, sometimes a few will challenge their skills/scouting knowledge.

The cost for the Klondike Derby at this point is $12 per scout and it includes (for the scout) lunch, hot cocoa, a patch and loads of fun.  .  We need a final headcount and payment no later than Monday January 13th.

As the date approaches we will be sure to let everyone know of the weather for the day.  Considering it is Winter expect it to be cold. If we are lucky we will have snow.  Snow just makes the event that much more fun.

BE PREPARED

To make the day successful lets and fun for the kids lets start with what you need to be prepared..

  1. Parents, be prepared yourself; you want to make sure you are warm, comfortable & dry yourself. The Klondike Derby is an outdoor event and we will be outside from approximately 8:30am until 3:30pm.
  2. Make sure that your boys are dressed for the weather, in layers and prepared for a change of weather.
    • NO SNEAKERS OR SHOES – BOOTS (Waterproof) ARE MANDATORY.  — The boys will be outside pulling a sled, playing games and more in cold, and possibly wet,  wintry weather.
    • Hat, Gloves, Scarf — Mittens are warmer but gloves offer dexterity. A great option are the soft cotton (knitted gloves) inside a pair of mittens.  This way they can maximize hand warmth but still have finger dexterity for activities without having to expose their hands.
    • Snow/Rain gear — In the event it will be a wet wintry mix or even snowy, if your boys get wet, they will get cold faster.  Their clothing should be in layers, which can be altered as necessary, with the innermost layers providing comfort & warmth and the outer most layers protecting against wind, snow & rain.
    • Spare socks & Shoes – Feet sweat, feet can get wet. There is nothing worse than soggy feet on a cold day.  Bring some extra socks and shoes to keep in the car.  This way your boys can change their shoes before heading home to keep your car clean and their feet warm.
  3. Make sure your boys have a bottle of water with them.  Yes, your boys will be provided food and drink but the cold air dehydrates you quite rapidly. For safety reasons it is absolutely mandatory that each scout has a bottle of water with them, labeled with their name.
  4. Bring your Handbooks & Neckerchiefs, we must have a minimum of one each per sled.
  5. Excitement – Have your boys bring a boat load of excitement.  The day is all about FUN FUN FUN!

 

SLEDS

I will be bringing the sleds, for your information each sled will have a box/crate containing the following items;

  • One to Two Tarps
  • Four to Six 6′ lengths of rope.
  • Four Scout Staves
  • One Gallon of Water
  • Trash bags
  • Compass
  • One of each rank Handbook
  • Fire building material (enough to build 1 fire per sled)
    • Tinder & kindling
  • A Lot Of Positive Energy

 

SKILLS & ACTIVITIES

  • Shelter building
  • Knots
  • Fire building
  • First Aid
  • Rescue situations
  • Team building
  • Compass points
  • fun, fun and more fun.

Merry Christmas

The time has come for our scouts to gather and celebrate the joys of Christmas. Monday 12/23 is our Christmas party. The doors will be open at 6pm. For those that signed up to bring a dish I have attached the sign up sheet if needed for review. If you did not have an opportunity to sign up and would like to bring something feel free to do so. All we ask is nothing with nuts please.

Be sure to bring the camera to capture the events of the evening as there will be games and activities for the kids and we may even get a special visitor stopping by.

 

Christmas Sign Up

Fundraiser Last Call

For anyone with a last minute order or who was unable to hand in the forms last night please contact:

Karen ( kwonsor@cubscoutpack1776.org ) or Tim ( tokeefe@cubscoutpack1776.org ) by Wednesday November 13th at 3pm so they can be included in the order.

Halloween at the Colonial Plantation

Although we had to cancel tent camping this weekend we can still have fun. Come join us at the Colonial Plantation Halloween event. The Plantation is located in Ridley Creek State Park.

Event Flyer:  http://www.colonialplantation.org/PomoiansandWitches.htm

Visit the historic farm, pet the farm animals , try some warm cider, and go trick or treating. What more fun could a scout have?All scouts have an opportunity to work on their rank while visiting a fun and exciting place with freinds and family.

The event starts at 11 am.

Karen Wonsor will be gathering in the parking lot closest to the farm entrance by 10:45 am.

Address: 3900 North Sandy Flash Drive, Newtown Square, PA 19073

Directions are offered on the site: http://www.colonialplantation.org/directions.html

Cost: $8.00 per person  Children 4 and under are free

Hope to see you there !!

 

Any questions or concerns feel free to contact me at:  kwonsor@cubscoutpack1776.org

Revolutionary Germantown 2013

Revolutionary GermantownThis weekend the groups that aims to preserve historic Germantown will be hosting their annual festival.  When we think of colonial cities we naturally think of Philadelphia but we often forget that what now makes up Philadelphia’s neighborhoods were once their own cities and towns lying in the outskirts of Philadelphia. Germantown was one such city located 7 miles North of Philadelphia. Visiting this neighborhood is literally visiting a city within a city filled with historical sites of its own such as the Germantown White House and Chew Mansion to name a couple.

There will be several events going on through out the day including a couple of live shows, which include two reenactments of the Battle of Germantown.

The boys who attend this event will have the opportunity to fulfill several requirements, listed below. Some do require the boys to interact and or work with others to complete.  Below is a list of what the boys in attendance can fulfill throughout the day.

What to Bring

You really don’t need to bring much besides yourselves.  You could purchase food and drink down there but it is much more cost effective to bring your own lunch which can also help with meeting the Picnic requirements.  This is a rain or shine event so be sure to be prepared. As they say “the show must go on.”  On that note a blanket to sit on while eating lunch is another option to make the day more enjoyable.  Also a notebook and pen to take notes for some of the requirements is a plus too.

To summarize; all are optional as you will have to carry them but recommended:

  • Lunch
  • blanket (to sit and eat lunch)
  • notepad and pen
  • rain gear
  • camera
  • The boys should wear their class A or class B shirts if they have them.

Who To Look For

There will be several people from the pack in attendance you can check into at the event.  All you need to do is say hi and let them know you are there. We will be meeting at 10:00 am on the lawn of the the Upsula, directly across the street from the Cliveden House/Chew Mansion.

  • Tom, our Cubmaster, will be there with his daughter Avery, one of our den assistants, and his son Tommy, a second year Weblos in the pack. However they may not be so obvious as they will not be wearing their scouting uniforms. Consider it a bit of a challenge for the scouts to find them. Parents, NO HELPING.
  • Karen, our Assistant Cubmaster and bear den leader, will be there with her son Jared. She will be the primary lead on this event and will be wearing her Class A uniform to make herself easier to find.d.
  • Tim, our committee chairman, will be there with his son Jack. He will also be wearing his Class A uniform and should be another easy find.
  • I will add other leaders here as they confirm their attendance.

Lunch Suggestion: The first battle is at 12:00 noon.  I would recommend meeting up in one of the corners of the property to eat lunch, right after.  From within the property face the main gate and meet in either the far left or far right corner.  Karen will figure out which area is best suited for lunch and let everyone know at the morning meeting.

Activities

Each year the event gets bigger and better. This year several of the additional sites are including their own scout friendly activities. Additionally between the 12:00 and 3:00 Battles there will be a Children’s Muster at Upsala from 1:30-2:30. This will be a chance for your scout to see what it was like to sign up and drill in the Continental Army.

 

Possible Requirements

Tigers:

  • Achievements
    • 1G – Go to a historical society, museum, old farm, historical building in your community.  Discover how family life was the same and how it was different many years ago.
    • 2F – Look at a map of your community with your adult partner (Make sure you tell us where the map was ;p ).
    • 5F – Go outside and watch the weather (Bring a write up of what the weather was like to the Monday meeting).
    • 5G – Take a hike with your den (grab some of the others and explore the site).
  • Electives
    • Elective 22 – With your family or den have a picnic, assuming you all find a grassy spot for lunch!
    • Elective 36 – See a performance

Wolves:

  • Achievements
    • 4d – when leaving home remember to…. (Write a paragraph about what you did before leaving and bring it Monday).
    • 4f – Visit an important place in your community such as a historic or government location. Explain why it is important.
    • 10c – Plan a walk. Go to a museum with your family.
    • 10f – Attend a live program with your family

Bear

  • Achievements
    • 3b – Find out about two famous Americans.  Tell things they did or are doing to improve our way of life. (You can learn about a couple famous Americans at the event, write down their names for Monday).
    • 3c – Find out something about the old homes near where you live, go to see two of them (Upsula & Chew Mansion – there are others open too).
    • 3d – Find out where place sof historical interest are located in or near your town or city. Go visit one of them with your family or den.
    • 8e – Find out some history about your community.
    • 10a – Go on a day trip with members of your family.
    • 12c – Have a picnic with your family.
    • 12d – Attend an outdoor event with your family.
    • 18g – have the boys write about their day. (Remember to bring it on Monday)

Webelos

  • Anything the webelos could earn are preparatory items or discussion items for after the event.

All Scouts

  • Belt Loops & Pins
    • Citizen Pin Requirement 10
      • Attend a community event or visit a landmark in your community
    • Good Manners  Pin Requirement 1
      • Meet one new person (reenactors?, shake hands properly, and introduce self).
    • Heritages Belt Loop Requirement 1
      • Talk to reenactors about history, traditions and culture of colonial America
  • Outdoor Activity Award
    • 2. Participate in an outdoor activity such as a picnic or park fun day.
    • 13. Explore a local city, county, state, or national park. Discuss with your den how a good citizen obeys the park rules.

 

Resource Links (click)
Revolutionary Germantown
Events for the day
Directions
Historic Sites of Germantown
Historical Information
Downloadable Map of the Area

2013 Fort Mifflin Sleepover for Returning Scouts

We hope everyone is enjoying their summer as it comes to a close.  Rest assured that while summer comes to a close and its time to hit those books again, Scouting season ramps up and what better way to ramp up than a good camping trip for our returning scouts?

All of the specifics can be found over on the event page but this post is to remind you that we need to get your head counts and start collecting the money.  We are required to pay the fort in advance, so it is imperative that we get a headcount By Sept 3rd and get the money together on Sept 9th.

A quick reminder, the cost is $35/per person, $40 if you plan on doing the ghost tour. The following is included in the cost.

  • Overnight Stay at Fort Mifflin
  • Personal guided tour of the fort in the company of a Revolutionary War soldier
  • Uniform and Weapons demonstrations
  • Access to the Nature Trails and riverfront High Battery Area
  • Allowance of individual and small group exploration throughout the Fort & surrounding areas.
  • Breakfast provided by the fort (hot & cold cereal, milk, juice, pancakes, sausage & hot beverages)
  • Dinner (provided by us)
  • Campfire Activities
  • Free Parking
  • Lowering and raising of the Fort’s garrison flag
  • An Artillery Demonstration (paid for by Pack 155 and guest units)
  • A Saturday hike through the nature trails

What to Bring:

  • Tent/Cot
  • Comfortable bedding, including pillow.
  • Drinking Water (again the water at the fort is non-potable)
  • Snacks
  • Flash Light
  • Warm clothing in cooler months
  • Rain gear if it has rained in the past 24 hours, especially boots & extra socks.

However, as scouts we would bring more than that.  Here is a sample list of basics to bring camping: http://cubpack155.org/x/1o

Note: There are bathroom facilities inside the fort however it is important to know that the water at Fort Mifflin is not potable. So you will need to bring plenty of drinking water.

Please contact us ASAP via email (signups), phone or via the contact form on this page and let us know if you are going and how many you are bringing with you.

Resources

Event Page: http://cubpack155.org/x/5M

What to Bring Camping: http://cubpack155.org/x/1o

Moland House 2013

Colonial CampWe have several leaders who will be attending the Moland House living history, this weekend, at the Moland House Historic Park in Warminster.  As a result we are going to add it as a pack summer activity.

We apologize for the short notice but we are required to have two leaders available for all activities.  Since we now have enough leaders who can make this event, we are able to make a last minute add to our calendar and open it up as a pack summertime activity.  For those who are still missing their August pack activity to complete their National Summertime Activity Award; they can do so by attending this event.

The full details of the event can be found on the calendar event page at http://cubpack155.org/x/5J. It looks to be a fun event filled with activities for all family members.  The grounds of the Moland House will come alive with 18th Century music, children’s games, and demonstrations of colonial crafts.  Colonial brewing, glass blowing, blacksmithing, puppet shows, quilting, spinning, and woodworking are just a few of the many activities that will be taking place, alongside the 5th Pennsylvania Regiment and the Donegal Riflemen’s camps. Those that attend can have fun looking for a few people they know, transported back in time to when the American colonials were fighting for their freedom.

There is a modest fee of $5 for adults and $2 for children ages 5-12 or $10 for families.

We are going to meet up at 9:45 am at the old stone bridge on the property.  At that point you will be given the time and location to meet up for a picnic style lunch.  While there are concessions at the event, it is suggested that you bring a lunch and a blanket to sit on.

Let us know if you will be coming by sending an email to signups

2013 Wissahickon Summer Hike

Baloo HikingAs we approach our final Summer Activity, it is now time to start getting yourself into hiking mode.  Let’s start with some details about the hike itself.  We will be hiking approximately 3 to 3.5 miles in Wissahickon Park.  The hike will begin and end at the Upper Forbidden Drive Parking Lot (Parking Lot 4) on Bells Mill Rd.  There will be several stops along the way to encourage taking a drink and then a longer stop for lunch.  The hike, with stops and a lunch break, could take several hours so please keep that in mind.  Also please note the warnings at the end of this post.

Wissahickon Park is a scenic and scout friendly park. There is a lot of nature to see as we stroll through the scenic river gorge with statues, large rocks, streams and enough natural views to have you disbelieving that you are still in the city of Philadelphia.

As with any other scouting event, preparation is key. It is August and it will more than likely be a hot summer day.  Maintaining hydration, adequate energy levels and protecting your skin are the three most important things to keep in mind. EVERY Person, youth & adult, will be required to carry a filled water bottle with them as well as have some trail snacks and a bagged lunch with them. With that in mind, it is important to remember you that will need to carry whatever you bring for the entire hike; so it is important to not overdo it. Each scout should be able to carry his own gear; if there is any doubt then it is recommended that he bring a backpack to carry his stuff.  Parents should not be carrying their scout’s gear for them.

Certain items will be necessary to keep on his person.  So what do you need to bring along?  Let’s get right down to it…Akela Hiking

  • Water
  • Scout Cap
  • Class A or Class B uniform
  • Long Pants
  • Good Walking/Hiking shoes
  • Spare Socks
  • Water
  • Water Bottle or Canteen filled with WATER ONLY
  • Trail Snacks (No Sugary Snacks)
  • Bagged Lunch (nothing heavy, may use sports drink otherwise no sugary drinks)
  • Water
  • Sunscreen
  • Bug Spray
  • Pocket First Aid Kit
  • Whistle (in case they fall off and get lost)
  • Water
  • Oh and don’t forget some water.

Some additional information that you may find useful

  • Hiking Safety
    • Always tell someone where you are going and when you will return.
    • Never hike alone or at night; use the buddy system.
    • Dress properly for the weather and environment.
    • Wear sun and insect protection
    • Take an extra pair of socks in case you need to change.
    • Obey traffic signs and signals.
    • Avoid hiking along roadways.
    • Stay on the trail.
    • Be alert to your surroundings.
    • Don’t litter as you hike.
    • Be alert to dangerous animals, insects, and plants. Never touch a wild animal.
    • Take 1 pint of water for each hour you will be hiking. Never drink untreated water.

You can find examples of hiking food here:  http://www.hikingdude.com/hiking-food.php
With a trail mix recipe here: http://www.hikingdude.com/trail-mix-recipe.php
Information on Hiking gear can be found here: http://www.hikingdude.com/hiking-gear.php

*** PLEASE SEE THE CALENDAR EVENT FOR DETAILS ***

Additional Information/Warnings:

I want to point out that much of this trail is a real hiking trail and not a simple stroll through Pennypack park.  There are sections similar to a typical Pennypack trail and then there are sections that are very rocky with tree roots that require paying attention to where you step.  There are a few sections that are single track thus only wide enough to walk single file.  There are a couple downed trees, which are easy to get over but never the less they are there right across the path and require climbing over.  In addition, there are a couple of sections that require strict discipline from scouts, such as the steep set of stone steps we will be coming down on. They are not something for the kids to play on.  Lastly there is one, possibly two steep inclines that will be a bit of a challenge and give you a nice cardio workout going up.

If anyone has issues once we reach the lunch spot (the first hill) there is an alternate return path (Forbidden Drive) that is nothing more than a level gravel path through the length of the park. Forbidden Drive still has a nice scenic view and allows you to cross the covered bridge.  Adults who find going up a second hill too difficult will be welcome to take the gravel road back while we return on the hiking trails.  As for the scouts, well it is called Forbidden Drive for a reason, they are forbidden from taking Forbidden Drive and will need to hike it through the woods.

Due to the nature of these trails we have to restrict the hike to scouts and scout age siblings only.  As previously mentioned there are a couple parts of the trail that require the boys to listen as they cross them.  On a positive note, the scouts should find the trail to be a bit adventurous.  A few of us went and scouted out the trail last weekend and while it was a tiring trail it was a fun one.

Let Us Know You are Coming

While there is no cost for this hike we still want a headcount so that we can be sure we have everyone before leaving. Please let us know if you will be attending the hike by sending us an email to:

signups

BounceU Last Call

BounceU BudleyBounceU has graciously given us a few more days, so if your scout is interested there is still some time.   Even if your situation changes at the last minute please reach out and we will see if we can get you in.  All the details can be found

here: http://cubscoutpack1776.scouting1776.org/2013/07/2013-bounceu-summer-get-together-update/

and here: http://cubpack155.org/x/5a

Just send us an email to signups with your headcounts

2013 BounceU Summer Get Together Update

BounceU BudleyIn two weeks we will have our second summer pack activity, our 2013 BounceU Summer Get Together. We will be meeting up at the BounceU in Langhorne for a couple hours of fun bouncing all over the place, some pizza and drinks as well.  You can find the full details at http://cubpack155.org/x/5a .

This is our only Summer Time Pack Activity for July, towards the National Summertime Award, because of all the Summer Day Camps and Summer Resident Camps going on this month.  So now is the time to get us your headcount.  We need a headcount for how many will be bouncing and how many not bouncing that plans on eating some pizza.

The cost is $11 per child.  Adults don’t pay unless they plan on bouncing and/or eating, in which case it is $11 for both or $3 for just the food.

It should be a fun time for all.

Please send an email to signups with your headcount. We need your headcount by Monday July 22nd in order to give BounceU a number to expect. Please be sure to get yourself added to the count.

We will also need to collect payments.  They can be collected at the event, however we must have them paid before we start. Tom and Tim will be there approximately 30m before the event to collect any payments due. CubSocks

One more important note:  IF YOU ARE BOUNCING YOU MUST WEAR SOCKS! PLEASE BRING CLEAN SOCKS TO BOUNCE