Scout Season Wrap Up – What’s Next?

As our season winds down, I wanted to give a brief update on what is remaining for the rest of this season.

  • Our last regular den meetings will be tonight and next Monday, May 13th. During these meetings we will be taking care of the Tuft’s University CAMP study, so if you wish your son to participate be sure to be there. We need a parent there for each child participating in the study.
  • We have our Cub Camping event up at Camp Ockanickon on the weekend of May 17th/18th/19th.
  • We will not be meeting Monday May 20th as we will have been away at Camp Ockanickon over the weekend and we will not be meeting on May 27th as it is Memorial Day.
  • Monday June 3rd will be our last meeting for the season. It will be a Pack/Parent meeting.

On Monday June 3rd, we will formally close out the scout year.  We will give out any remaining accomplishments and/or patches as well as the Summer schedule.  We will go over the National Summertime Activity Award, what it entails and how your scout can earn it. We will also have an open discussion about the new season in September for those interested in doing so. We can discuss ideas, trips, events and volunteers and more.

It is IMPORTANT that at least one parent from each family attend this meeting, even if your scout can not attend as we will be covering our summer plans and possibly the beginning of next season.

Tufts University Study

Tuft's UniversityTufts University selected Cub Scout Pack 155 to be part of their study, the Tuft’s Character and Merit Project, also known as CAMP!.  Those performing the study are from the Institute for Applied Research in Youth Development at Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts.

The CAMP study explores the impact of youth programs on the academic and personal development of boys.  Tufts partnered with the Cradle of Liberty Council and other organizations in the Philadelphia area to evaluate the impact of youth programs on the character, moral and civic development of boys.

They will be collecting data three to four times over the next two years. During each time of collection, Scouts will complete a short questionnaire that should take 20 minutes at most. Parents will also be asked to complete a brief questionnaire. After each time point, Scouts will receive a $20 gift card for their participation which will be mailed to Pack Leaders to distribute.

Below you will find the attached permission form. We have had several parents sign off already but there are still several others who may wish to participate. On Monday May 6th we will provide those who did not yet fill out the permission for a chance to do so.  Then we will be administering the study either the same night or the following week.  Please we need parents to also fill out the questionnaires so please be sure to stick around.

There is also additional information about the study on the attached form.

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Hiking Summary

Baden-Powell HikerThanks to all who came out for our hike in Pennypack Park.  The hike was a bit longer than expected but it was a pretty flat trail.  Those of us who stuck through to the end did a little extra loop and hiked a total of 5.1 miles in 3 hours and 2 minutes.  This time included our stops and breaks throughout the hike.

All in all we had good hike.  We found poison ivy and its natural cure, jewel weed.  Kids got to see some fish over at the damn and got a good workout.  Hopefully after they got home they were good and tired for mom & dad.

Over the summer we will go hiking in Wissahickon Park again and get to see some really cool scenery.  It will be about a 3 mile hike but the terrain will be a bit more rugged.

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 Blue & Gold

Pack 155 Blue and GoldAs a reminder to all, we are having our Blue & Gold on Saturday March 16th at 5:00pm.  This will be a ticketed event as we are providing a banquet style dinner and will need a proper headcount.  Each family will receive up to 4 tickets, at no cost.  Additional tickets will cost $5.00 per ticket.  Any tickets sold at the door will cost $10.00 each.

These tickets are not transferable to other families and we ask that you only request what you need so we can get an accurate head count.  We have volunteers who will be working hard for several days to pull this off and we ask that you respect their efforts by helping us get a proper head count so that we can prepare accordingly.

We will need a final headcount from all families, no later than Monday March 11th at 8:00 pm. Even if you can’t make the den meeting on the 11th please give us a call or send us an email with your headcount so that we can have your tickets waiting for you at the door.

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.