Cub Scout Pack 1776 Mayfair Philadelphia

Moland House 2013

We 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 18^th 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

2013 Wissahickon Summer Hike

As 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…

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:

BounceU Last Call

BounceU 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 with your headcounts

2013 BounceU Summer Get Together Update

In 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 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.

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

Colonial Plantation Summary

Colonial Plantation was a huge success and everyone, adult and child alike, had a great time. Everyone loved the plantation and suggested we camp there again. Due to the positive response, the great experience had by all, and the hospitality of the plantation we are strongly considering making this an annual camping trip. It is also a very conducive environment to new campers and would serve great as a fall camping trip to introduce new scouts to camping.

So what did we do?

Friday afternoon/evening the leaders and webelos scouts began to arrive. We selected the campsite, the location for the campfire and then began setting up out tents and the kitchen area. Bob, our period correct guide from the plantation, instructed the scouts on various plants to avoid while at the plantation and took us down to the tool shed where he handed out period correct tools with an explanation of how they were used on the farm and the importance of each. He then gave the boys a lesson in how to dig the fire pit using the colonial tools in the colonial fashion. Interestingly, this was one time every boy was eager to dig the fire pit. We then sat down and had a lesson on fire safety, how to prepare a camp fire and how to light the campfire, after which the boys started to collect tinder, kindling and firewood.

After the fire was going strong, we started prepping for dinner while the scouts ran around the open fields playing games and coming over to assist late comers getting set up. We had hot dogs, sauer kraut, and macaroni and cheese for dinner. Once everyone was set up, we gathered around the camp fire for songs and smores.

Saturday morning we woke up, got the fire going again and had pork roll, egg and cheese sandwiches for breakfast. The boys set off exploring the farm or playing an assortment of games such as volleyball, kickball, Frisbee, and catch. As the cubs began to arrive, the older boys offered to assist them getting squared away. After which the boys got a tour of the farm, got to meet all the animals, and volunteered to assist the farmer/gardner with their chores. The boys spent the morning, of their own choice, weeding, gardening, feeding the animals and before you knew it lunch was upon us.

For lunch we ate beefy macaroni and then headed up to the farmhouse to begin our workshops. The work shop was supposed to be a 2 hour workshop broken down into 3x 40 minute sessions. The first session was colonial toys and games. The scouts learned about a wide assortment of toys and games from the colonial era and got to try, play each of them. They also got to make their own colonial toy. The scouts had so much fun with this that what was supposed to be a 40 minute session was easily an hour and a half. From there they moved into a split session of farming and chores.

The first segment started with the well. The scouts learned all about the well, how they were used and how they were cared for. They learned how to retrieve water from the well and the various tools used to do so. They also learned how to transport buckets of water from one place to the next using a shoulder yoke. Each scout and sibling was then given the opportunity to retrieve a bucket of water and try carrying buckets on their shoulders.

After the well they moved over to learn how to saw wood using a 2 handed saw. First they learned what the saws were made of, how they were made and how they were used as well as what they were used for. They got to see home made saw horses and then got to saw their own wood with an explanation on what a cord of wood was.

Once finished with the saws, they moved up to the barn where they were introduced to a series of hand tools used for rudimentary wood work, primarily to make other tools such as a maul. Then they moved outside where they learned how to split rails. They started by learning how to inspect the log, strip some bark, read the wood and then begin splitting it into rails.

Needless to say after all this hard work the boys were tired and hungry. We got back to camp and had some hamburgers, leftover hotdogs, and chili made in the dutch oven. After clean up the boys got back to playing games, exploring the farm and playing with the farm animals. until the sun started to set. We gathered around the campfire had some smores and peach cobbler and before you knew it the boys were heading to bed on their own. Not surprisingly as they got into their tents, within 5 minutes they were silent, out like a light.

After a nice long good night’s sleep, everyone awoke for pancakes (plain, blueberry, or chocolate chip) and sausage. We began to break camp, fill in the fire pit, and canvass the area. Finally, scouts got to say goodbye to all the farm animals and feed the pigs one last time. We were out of there by 11:00 and word is that most scouts were fast asleep less than 10 minutes into the ride home.

Note: We are working on mapping the sxperiences the scouts had with the requirements from their books. We will list what they were when complete and give the scouts credit.

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

The 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 23rd

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

June 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.

Ocknackin Fun

Pack 155 had an incredible weekend at Camp Ockanickon this weekend. Our scouts had the opportunity to work on a wide assortment of belt loops, pins and activity badges. Friday night was a little hectic as we had a late check in into the camp but we had our campfire and the boys sang their songs.

On Saturday we had bacon, eggs, and hash browns for breakfast and then it was off to the morning activities. After a chicken sandwich with a side of mac & cheese for lunch it was back to the fun until our Thanksgiving style turkey dinner at the camp dining hall. After dinner we got ready for the Campfire where we sang songs, did some skits, and made brownies inside oranges.

Sunday we had breakfast delivered right to our campsite and packed up to head home. It was a great weekend and fun was had by all. Many of our scouts were lucky enough to catch their first fish ever — congratulations to our new fishermen.

So what did they have the opportunity to have fun with?

Archery Belt Loop & Pin
Art Belt Loop & Pin
BB Rifle Shooting Belt Loop & Pin
Crafts
Fishing Belt Loop
Geology Belt Loop and Pin
Knot boards
Map & Compass Belt Loop
Music Belt Loop and Pin
Photography Belt Loop
Ultimate Frisbee Belt Loop
Volleyball Belt Loop
Whittling Chip
Webelos Art Activity Badge
Webelos Geology Activity Badge
Webelos Showman Activity Badge (Drama, Music & Puppeteer)

Upcoming Ockanickon Trip

Our 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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