Colonial Plantation – Last Minute News

We hope everyone is excited for this weekend’s camping trip.  It looks like it will be a beautiful weekend. The highs are 83 on Friday, 85 on Saturday and 86 on Sunday with the lows hitting 60 Friday into Saturday and 64 Saturday into Sunday. It will be Sunny or Partly Sunny all weekend.  Now 60-65 out in open fields can be quite chilly especially right around dawn when the dew is settling. So make sure you have some warm blankets.

Arrival Times

  • Those arriving on Friday night should plan to begin arriving after 4:30 pm.  We strongly suggest that all Webelos scouts bring a mess kit with them.  We will have a little discussion on how to clean/sanitize your utensils while camping.
  • Those arriving on Saturday can arrive anytime after 9:00 am but keep in mind that lunch will begin promptly at noon and at 1:00 the workshop begins. You want be there early enough to get your tent set up and ready to go before lunch.

Directions

The address for Colonial Plantation is 3900 N Sandy Flash Dr, Newtown Square, PA 19073.  There are two main ways out there; Route 1 which is the shortest route and then you have I-95 and the Blue route, which is longer but could have less traffic depending on the time of day and any sporting events that may be going on. During the morning rush hour the I-95 route is faster than taking the Boulevard out through City Line Ave.   You can get to the Plantation either from the North off West Chester Pike (Rte 3) or from the South off N. Providence Rd (252)

My suggestion, check the local traffic reports before leaving or use Google Maps which now tries to factor in current traffic.

Workshop Activities

We agreed on Colonial Toy Making, Chores and Farming for the scouts.  The latter two may sound daunting but they are actually very scout oriented.  Chores covers getting water from the well and sawing wood. Farming is things like rail splitting and what not. In the event something changes, Candle Making is our backup option.

What to bring

A full camping checklist can be found at the end of this section but we do want to stress the importance of a few items;

  • Personal First Aid Kit
  • Filled Water Bottle or Canteen
  • Flashlight w/spare batteries & bulb
  • Whistle
  • Rain Gear
  • Sunscreen
  • Trail Food

Those who have earned the whittling chip and own an *APPROPRIATE* pocket knife for a cub scout, are welcome to bring their pocket knife *ALONG WITH* their whittling chip card.  They are absolutely not allowed to have their pocket knife without their whittling chip card.  We will ask who has a knife and we will ask to see their cards.  Any boys without their card, with a knife that is not appropriate for them, or who do not follow the rules will have their knife confiscated until the end of the trip.

What constitutes an appropriate knife?  A knife that is sized correctly for the scout and fits appropriately in his hand. It should not be too large nor too small. It should have a locking blade that does not require the scout to put his fingers in the path of the blade to close.  The blade should not be serrated and it should single sided. Ideally the knife will have a single blade only.

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Food

For those coming Friday evening we are providing Saturday breakfast, lunch, dinner and Sunday breakfast. For those coming on Saturday you will have Saturday lunch, dinner and Sunday breakfast.  We may have the scouts that come up Friday night make something for a small Friday night meal.  We have been toying with some ideas.

If you bring food, make sure it is secured (sealed, preferably in a plastic container) and not in your tent. There are free range animals at the farm.

 

Colonial Plantation Camping Trip

Cub Scout Pack 155 Tent CampingThe date of our Colonial Plantation camping trip is rapidly approaching.  That said, we need a final headcount and payment for anyone who wishes to attend, as soon as possible.  Seeing that we are two weeks away, we are going to ask for the headcount no later than Monday June, 10th.  You can drop off payment with Timothy O’Keefe, our Committee Chairman or Tom Sytsma our Cubmaster.  Reach out to us via email or telephone.

The full details of the camping trip can be found at:
http://cubscoutpack1776.scouting1776.org/ai1ec_event/colonial-plantation

Below is a brief overview of the when, where and cost.  Full details about the workshop and other plans are on the link above and will be updated as we plan more.

Please note that this is tent camping and you will need to supply your own shelter.  Also note that the cost of camping includes meals.

When: Friday June 21st through Sunday June 23rdsleepover

  • Webelos Scouts will arrive Friday late afternoon or evening.
  • Cub Scouts will arrive Saturday morning.

Where: Colonial Plantation in the heart of Ridley Creek State Park

Cost:  Cost is broken up into two portions; camping and workshop.

  • Camping: $13 per person spending one night (Cub Scouts), $17 per person spending two nights (Webelos Scouts)
  • Workshop: $15 per participant. (workshop is optional and for children only)
  • Total Costs: $28 per cub scout or sibling w/workshop or $32 per webelos scout or sibling w/workshop.

Lastly, if anyone is involved in coaching any sport or activity and is willing to help the scouts earn some belt loops and/or pins in said sport, please let us know and we can work out a station or time to do this as a pack.

Please get back to us ASAP by email, the contact form on the page or via telephone and let us know if you are coming along and how many.

Hope to see everyone there and it is the first of 3 activities to earn the National Summer Time Award!

2012-2013 Season Finale, Cookout & Summer Schedule

Camping BearJune 3rd’s Pack/Parent meeting will close out the year. It was a great year and we felt what better way to close out the scouting season than with a good old fashioned cook out.  There is no need to bring anything, we have it all covered.

This meeting is an important one and we will cover several things;

  • We will give out any items earned the past 2 months.
  • We will give out and go over the Summer schedule.
  • We will be taking sign ups and payment for our June camping trip.
    • We will explain where at the June 3rd meeting, we think parents and scouts will enjoy the location.
  • We will explain the National Summertime Award and how your son can earn it.

Regarding the June camping trip, the cost is $13 per person spending one night (cubs and families) and $17 per person spending two nights (webelos scouts & families). The cost will cover meals and the campsite.  For the Cubs this would be; one night of camping, Saturday lunch, Saturday dinner, Saturday campfire snacks, and Sunday breakfast.  For the Webelos it covers; two nights of camping, the same meals as the Cubs plus Friday campfire foods and Saturday breakfast.

In addition, there is an optional 3 hour workshop on Saturday afternoon that costs $15 per scout or sibling who wishes to participate.  The workshop will cover three different activities that will be both fun and educational.  More on this will be announced Monday night.

Upcoming Ockanickon Trip

Cub Scout Pack 155 Tent CampingOur Ockanickon Cub Scout Weekend is almost upon us. For some of you this will be your first camping trip.  Fear not, while it may seem daunting it is really nothing to worry about.  This particular even takes care of many of the things you would take care of yourself any other time (Be ready in June to have your own tents and stuff).

Now, while Ockanickon is providing tents and shelters for your use, please consider bringing a tarp with you.  This way if you are in an Adirondack you can drape the tarp across the front for some privacy.

You may bring some snacks/drinks if you like but please *DO NOT* keep them in your shelter.  Food, even when in a container, will attract animals. No matter how you wrap it or contain it, animals can smell it and will find it if they are interested.

When planning what to take camping or hiking we should always start with the basics of taking care of yourself outdoors.

  • Always Be Prepared
  • Talk to Akela about what you need to bring
  • Never go anywhere alone.  Always have a buddy.
  • Always carry the seven items below.

Outdoor Essentials for Cub Scouts

  • Personal First Aid Kit
  • Filled Water Bottle
  • Flashlight w/spare batteries & bulb
  • Whistle
  • Rain Gear
  • Sunscreen
  • Trail Food
  • Map & Compass
  • Pocketknife (if instructed in use and whittling chip is earned. You must carry your whittling chip with you)
  • Matches or Firestarters – (ONLY IF INSTRUCTED IN USE)

**If you or your child need any medications be sure to bring them and store them in a zip lock bag.**

What you have above, is the basics necessary for taking care of yourself outdoors. It is vital to always have the above with your regardless of the activity type you are participating in.  Now for our camping trip the following items, in addition to the items above, are necessary for this weekend to be a successful and safe weekend.

  • Backpack for your gear
  • Class A Uniform
  • Class B Uniform
  • Scout Uniform hat or billed hat (ball cap)
    • A stocking cap is great to sleep in if you get cold easily
  • Clothes to sleep in (pajamas or sweats)
  • Sweatshirt and/or Jacket
  • Hiking boots (it is recommended that you scotchguard them)
  • Rain Gear (jacket and pants preferred over poncho)
  • Extra shoes, socks & underwear.
  • Extra set of clothes
  • Tent, poles, and stakes
  • Waterproof ground cloth (tarp or plastic sheet)
  • Sleeping bag +20 degree recommended (if it has cartoons or super-heroes on it it is NOT a sleeping bag)
  • Sleeping Pad
  • Pillow
  • Extra blanket (optional but could be necessary).
  • Insect Repellent
  • Sunscreen
  • Cup or Mug
  • Toilet paper (remove tube, crush and put in zip lock  bag)
  • Toothbrush and Toothpaste
  • Soap, washcloth, towel
  • Cub Scout Handbook (in plastic bag)
  • Good Attitude!

Optional Family Items

  • Camp/Lawn chairs
  • Lantern
  • cooler/ice chest

At the bottom of this post, I have attached a general but comprehensive list of general camping items to bring on camping trips for future reference. Some items in the attached list can and often are brought by others when camping as a group so it is good to coordinate such efforts.

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Saturday’s Hike

Akela HikingAs we approach Summer, it is time to start getting yourself in hiking mode.  What better way to do that than with a nice hike through the park? Let’s start with some details about the hike itself.  We will be hiking approximately 4 miles in Pennypack Park.  The hike will begin and end at the parking lot off of Rhawn Street at Holmehurst Ave.  There will be several stops along the hike to take a drink and have a handful of trail food.  With stops the hike should take approximately 2.5-3 hours..

The path we will be taking is a local path that will start with approximately 2.5 miles of unpaved trail followed by 1.2 miles of paved trail ending with about a quarter mile unpaved again. This is a very flat trail and there isn’t much in the way of inclines, declines nor actual hiking obstacles such as rocky terrain etc…

As with any other scouting event, preparation is key. While it is not 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 has have some trail food with them.

It is also important to remember that you will need to carry whatever you bring with you for the entire hike, so try not to overdo it. Each boy should be able to carry his own gear and it is recommended that he bring a backpack to carry his stuff.

So what do you need to bring along?  Let’s get right down to it…Baloo Hiking

  • Water
  • Scout Cap
  • Class A or Class B uniform
  • Long Pants
  • Water
  • Good Walking/Hiking shoes
  • Spare Socks
  • Water Bottle filled with WATER ONLY
  • Trail Food (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 ***

2013 Pinewood Derby Champs

2013 Pinwood Derby PatchI would like to thank everyone who came out today and attended the Pinewood Derby today. It was a huge success and it appeared that all of the boys had a great time.  I would like to thank our judges and volunteers who helped run the derby.

The first & second place race winners and the best looking car get to go to the district final next weeks.  We wish you the best of luck and hope you represent the pack like true scouts. Now I would like to extend a hearty congratulations to this year’s pinewood derby winners.

Derby Race: These were by far the fastest cars this year and they did a great job knocking out the old guard entirely.

  1. Jimmy M.
  2. Shane M.
  3. Calvin G.


Best in Show:  These cars looked incredible and based on the number of votes they got, there was no question that these vehicles were quality craftsmanship.

  1. Rory G.
  2. Calvin G.

There was already a lot of talk of people looking forward to next year’s race and it sounds like the competition will be fierce.  Once again congratulations to all of our winners.

Note: If anyone has any pictures that they would like to share please email them to cubmaster (at) cubscoutpack155 (dot) org and we will get them posted for you.

2013 Pinewood Derby

Pinewood DerbyThis past weekend we had our second pinewood derby workshop for those interested. It went really smooth as it did last year.  Several boys and their parents took advantage of the opportunity to get some pinewood derby tips, choose a design, get their cars cut out and sanded down.  All they have to do this week is get their cars painted, add the wheels and get ready to race.

The pinewood derby is this Saturday April 13th. It will begin at 10:30 AM, sharp with the first heat running at approximately 10:45 AM.   Vehicle registration and weigh in will start at 9:30 and end promptly at 10:30.

ALL CARS MUST BE REGISTERED AND WEIGHED IN BY 10:15 AM

Once the race begins new cars will not be accepted under any circumstances.  The software we use to generate the race schedule uses an algorithm that guarantees each car runs on each track at least once and races against different cars each race.  It is impossible, once the first race begins, to add new vehicles to the lineup without starting all over and invalidating the results of any races that already had taken place.   We do not have the time to start over so we will not be doing so under any circumstance.

THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS.

We will be setting up the gym Friday evening starting at 7:00 PM.  Anyone who wishes to help is welcome.  If we have enough help we will allow early registrations and weigh-ins.  Even if you aren’t willing to commit your car for the next morning’s race it is a great opportunity to find out if your car meets the requirements so you have some time to make any final adjustments.

It is important to make sure that your car adheres to the rules. The rules are attached below.  The rules for our pack are in line with the district rules and strict adherence will be enforced.  If your car does not adhere to the rules it will be unable to race.

Lunch will be provided at no cost for the participating scouts. Any parent, sibling or friends may purchase something to eat and drink at a nominal cost, after lunch is served to the scouts.

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Phillies Game Last Minute News

Just a couple quick things….

Remember, in order to be in the parade, you must be in uniform.

Additionally, if you don’t mind the walk you can get low cost parking at 10th & Bigler, Stella Maris Church.  It is across from the Holiday Inn and is about a 5 minute walk to the stadium.

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Cub Scout Camping Adventure

NOTE:  SPACE IS RUNNING OUT!  THERE ARE LESS THAN 50 SPOTS LEFT. IF YOU PLAN ON GOING, SIGN UP NOW BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE!!!  MAKE SURE TO MENTION THAT YOU ARE PART OF PACK 155.  THIS WILL ALLOW ALL THOSE WHO ARE ATTENDING TO CAMP TOGETHER AS A PACK.

The registration for the 1st Annual Cub Camping weekend at Ockanickon is open. Spacing is starting to fill up. Don’t get left behind. Sign up now. $50 for youth $40 for adult includes 3 meals on Saturday, breakfast on Sunday. The tents and cots at Ockanickon will be set up, so you will be sleeping in a 4-person Adirondack or a 2-person tent with a cot. It will be a fun weekend the OA will be giving a cub presentation during lunch and our Training committee will be offering training for cub leaders. It is going to be a great weekend filled with cub fun. The theme for the weekend will be Wild, Wild, West! Register today before all the spaces fill up.

http://www.buckscountybsa.org/event/1307725

Cub Scout Camping Adventure

You will be required to have a copy of the medical form on hand for the event.

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2013 Krispy Kreme Deadline

Krispy Kreme Glazed DonutJust one last reminder that Monday March 4th is the deadline to have in all Krispy Kreme orders. Please be sure to bring all money and quantities to Scouts with you.  We will not be able to accept any late orders as we will be contacting Krispy Kreme with our order on Tuesday March 5th.