Scouting For Food & Sleepover

Scouting For FoodAll the events mentioned here are on the calendar. Please bookmark the calendar and reference it frequently.

On Saturday Nov 10th (tomorrow), we will be meeting at the Gym at 10:00am.  Everyone will be divide into groups with multiple adults per group and we will go out and place bags on all doors within our given area.

On Saturday Nov 17th we will be meeting at the gym at 9:30 am.  Again we will break up into groups and this time we will scour the same area collecting any bags of food left out for the drive.  As we will our trucks we will drop off the food at St. John’s Lutheran Church.

Everyone will go home for a break and then we will head down to the scout building for the sleepover. The sleepover is $7 per person to cover the cost of pizza, drinks, snacks, breakfast.  Please note that only those participating in Scouting for Food may attend the sleepover.

In addition, only those who have submitted an application, paid something towards their dues, turned in their health forms and are now on the roster are permitted to attend the sleepover. This is for liability and insurance purposes. I will make a separate post regarding the sleep over.

NOTE:  IT WILL BE CHILLY – PLEASE DRESS WARMLY AND IN LAYERS IN CASE IT WARMS UP – BRING HATS & GLOVES!!!

Happy Halloween

Hope everyone had a happy and safe Halloween. Due to our recent storm the Scout Halloween party had been cancelled.

Luckily though we have been fortunate enough to be able to reschedule the  Halloween party for Monday, Nov. 5, 2012.  Bring your ninjas, pirates and superheroes for some games and treats. This is an event for the whole family. The party will be held from 6pm – 9pm as previously scheduled.

I have attached the sign up sheet for a helpful reminder of what to bring.  Can’t wait to see you all there !

Halloween List

halloween20001

 

Scout Day at The Constitution Center

I just want to remind everyone that next weekend, Nov 3rd, is Scout Day at the National Constitution Center.  This is one of the best low-cost events you could take your scout to.  Rarely do you see so many requirements, electives, and activity badges covered by a single event lasting only 6 hours (9:00a – 3:00p) surrounded by the history of our nation. It would be a crime to miss out on an opportunity like this.  The items covered per rank are listed below.

While this event is not a “pack event”, but rather an individual event, many of those who do go should meet up so we can stick together in groups, broken down by den.

The price is $14 per scout and $12 per adult and includes all programs, admission to the National Constitution Center, and a commemorative patch. The price does not include food.  You will need to provide your own lunch.  Details on who to contact for the event are in the calendar item (click here). PLEASE CALL IN ADVANCE AND RESERVE YOUR SPOTS!!!  These prices are throguh group sales only.

If you plan on going please contact us using the form on the site or via email, so we can be sure to meet up on Sunday.

The following requirements will be available to cover at this event. It is important to note, that while these are available it is up to the scout to be sure he works on the requirements while there.

TIGER CUBS
Making my Family Special– 1G
Where I Live– 2D, 2G, Character Connection
Keeping Myself Healthy and Safe– 3Fa
Fun and Games– Elective 3
Song Time– Elective 6
The Show Must Go On– Elective 21
Emergency– Elective 27
See a Performance– Elective 36

WOLF CUBS
Your Flag – 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f, 2g
Knowing Your Home & Community – 4a, 4b, 4c, 4f
Family Fun – 10a, 10f
Sing Along– Elective 11
Family Alert– Elective 16

BEAR CUBS
What Makes American Special? – 3a, 3b, 3d, 3e, 3h, 3i, 3j
Law Enforcement is a Big Job – 7a, 7b, 7d, 7e, 7f
Be Ready – 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d,11 e, 11g

WEBELOS
Citizen Activity Badge- 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 13, 14, 15
Ready Man Activity Badge– 2,3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14
Showman Activity Badge– Drama 17

Halloween Party Cancelled

All,

We are going to cancel the Halloween party.  It doesn’t seem like the storm has any intent of dying down or changing course.  Even so there is the storm from the west and the arctic blast from the north that is going to collide with Sandy right here over Philadelphia.

We do not want anyone venturing out in tomorrow’s weather.  This storm is not one to be reckoned with.  So please be prepared, plan on staying put, riding out the storm and most importantly stay safe.

We hope everyone has a safe next few days and we will look forward to seeing you the week after next. Please take care of yourselves.

~All at Cub Scout Pack 155

Hurricane Sandy

As some of you may be aware Philadelphia is expected to get slammed by Hurricane Sandy. This storm has the potential to be the “Storm of the Century”. Right now it is projected to enter the Delaware Bay as a full Hurricane and break land at the mouth of the Delaware River. To make matters worse a winter storm from the west and an arctic blast from the north are expected to collide with the hurricane.

Needless to say this could prove to be an extremely dangerous storm. We are keeping a close eye on the storm but it appears that there is an extremely high probability that our Halloween Party will be cancelled. Since the storm could change course at any time, we will withhold a final decision for now but it is looking pretty certain.

While this is, and rightfully so, a scary time for some it is a prime teaching opportunity for your family, and particularly your scout. A storm like this stresses the importance of being prepared because Hurricanes can wipe out power, fuel sources as well as water supplies. The Boy Scout motto is “Be Prepared” and the Cub Scout motto is “Do Your Best”. A time like this is a time to do your best in getting prepared.

PREPARING

First, know where your local shelters are. While the most popular shelters will be announced keep in mind that many of the older public and parochial schools have fallout shelters. While these shelters were intended for safety during an attack they serve as great storm shelters. Contact your local schools to see if they will be allowing access to their shelters in the event your family feels unsafe at home.

HOME PREP

Here is some lists a list of items to assist you with preparing to weather out the storm

Water

  • 3 gallons/person, minimum
    (in food grade plastic containers)
  • Additional water for sanitation

Food
Minimum three-day supply of non-perishable foods that require no refrigeration, little to no prep, and little to no water.

  • Dry cereal
  • Peanut Butter
  • Canned Fruits
  • Canned Vegetables
  • Canned Juice
  • Ready-To-Eat canned meants
  • Ready-To-Eat soups (not concentrated)
  • Quick energy snacks, graham crackers, saltines, etc..

First Aid
Create one for your home and one for each car.

  • Scissors
  • Thermometer
  • Tweezers
  • Needle
  • Sunscreen
  • Cleansing agent/soap
  • Latex gloves (2 pair)
  • Tongue blades (2)
  • Moistened towelettes
  • Assorted safety pins
  • 2″ sterile gauze pads (4-6)
  • 4″ sterile gauze pads (4-6)
  • 2″ sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
  • 4″ sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
  • Triangular bandages (3)
  • Petroleum jelly or other lubricant
  • Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
  • Antibiotic ointment
  • Eye wash solution to flush the eyes

Non-prescription drugs

  • Laxative
  • Anti-diarrhea medication
  • Aspirin and/or non-aspirin pain reliever
  • Antacid
  • Activated charcoal (use if advised by poison control)
  • Syrup of Ipecac (use if advised by poison control)

For Baby

  • Formula
  • Bottles
  • Powdered Milk
  • Diapers
  • Medication
  • Moist towelettes
  • Diaper rash ointment

For Pets

  • Food
  • Leash, harness or carrier
  • Records of vaccinations
  • non-tippable food and water containers

Basic Disaster Kit

  • Battery powered or hand crank radio, extra batteries
  • Battery powered or hand crank NOAA weather radio with tone alert, extra batteries
  • Flashlights, extra batteries
  • Dust masks to help filter contaminated air
  • plastic sheets and duct tape to shelter-in-place
  • local and regional maps
  • cell phones with chargers, inverters or solar chargers
  • Emergency reference materials such as first aid book.
  • Household Chlorine bleach (do not use scented, color safe or additives)

Sanitation

  • Disinfectant
  • Soap, liquid detergent
  • Feminine supplies
  • Toilet paper, towelettes, paper towels
  • Plastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation)
  • Household chlorine bleach
  • Personal hygiene items
  • Plastic bucket with tight lid

Family Medical Needs

  • Insulin
  • Prescription drugs
  • Denture needs
  • Extra eye glasses
  • Contact lenses and supplies
  • Heart and high blood pressure medications

Clothing and bedding

  • Blankets or sleeping bags
  • One complete change of clothing and footwear per person
  • Rain gear
  • Sturdy shoes or work boots
  • Thermal Underwear

Important family documents

  • Important telephone numbers
  • Record of bank account numbers
  • Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates)
  • Inventory of valuable household goods
  • Copy of will, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, stocks and bonds
  • Record of credit card account numbers and companies
  • Copy of passports, social security cards, immunization records

Tools and Supplies
create one for your home and one for each car

  • Whistle (to signal for help)
  • Crowbar
  • Fire Extinguisher
  • flashlights and extra batteries
  • Paper, Pencil
  • Medicine Dropper
  • Needles, thread
  • Signal Flare
  • Assorted nails, wood screws
  • Plastic storage containers
  • Cash or traveler’s checks, change
  • Tape, duct and plumber’s tape or strap iron
  • Patch kit and can of fix-a-flat for tires
  • Shutoff wrench, to turn off utilities
  • Aluminum foil
  • Plastic sheeting
  • Compass
  • Matches in waterproof container
  • Pliers, screwdriver, hammer
  • Heavy cotton or hemp rope
  • Non-electric can opener, utility knife
  • Mess kits, or paper cups, plates and plastic utensils
  • Map of the area.

Entertainment

  • Games and books

 

Cold weather

Naturally a complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes is recommended but consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate. Living in a cold climate, you must think about warmth. It is possible that you will not have heat. Think about your clothing and bedding supplies.

Notes on Bleach Use

If you dilute bleach; 9 parts water to 1 part bleach it can be used as a disinfectant. In an emergency, you can use 8 drops of bleach per gallon of water to sanitize for drinking. If the water is cloudy use 16 drops. It is important that you use bleach without any additives. No scents, color safe or other cleansers.  Here is a chart put out by the Washington State department of health.

Treating Water with a 5-6 Percent Liquid Chlorine Bleach Solution
Volume of Water to be Treated Treating Clear/Cloudy Water:
Bleach Solution to Add 		Treating Cloudy, Very Cold, or Surface Water: Bleach Solution to Add
1 quart/1 liter 3 drops 5 drops
1/2 gallon/2 quarts/2 liters 5 drops 10 drops
1 gallon 1/8 teaspoon 1/4 teaspoon
5 gallons  1/2 teaspoon 1 teaspoon
10 gallons 1 teaspoon 2 teaspoons

Camp Hart Fall Festival

Fall Fest 2012The Camp Hart Fall Festival was a great time for all who went.  There were 8 stations lined up that the boys went to. They started the day running the obstacle course and then hurdling over hay bales.  Then they moved on to the pumpkin carving station where in addition to carving a pumpkin in small groups they got treated to some apple cobbler and a few rounds at shooting tennis balls with a 3 person sling show. Next they made their way to the Leathercraft station and learned how to imprint on leather while making a little medallion for themselves. Afterwards they moved on to the ‘Safety and Targets’ station where they learned proper range etiquette, the safety rules for archery and bb-gun shooting and then they learned a bit about proper form and were able to draw their own bulls-eye targets.

Finally we had lunch but only half the day was done.  After getting their bodies refueled they moved on to the BB-Shooting range and got to fire a BB rifle for a few rounds.  For many of them, this was their first time.  After BB’s it was right on to the Archery range where they got to fire several arrows into the bulls-eye.  Mom’s and Dads alike had fun at these two stations.

After the shooting sports we moved on to the campfire station where the boys learned a few songs, a bit about outdoor interfaith religious services and more. And finally a long tiring day came to a close with the Map & Compass station where the boys got a brief introduction to using a map & compass and then had to go on a scavenger hunt finding clues using what they just learned.

Accomplishments

For those that attended, while having a day of fun, they fulfilled several requirements at the same time.

ALL

  • Outdoor Activity Award Requirements
    • Attend a day camp or resident camp
    • Participate in an outdoor activity
    • Participate in an outdoor campfire program
    • Participate in an outdoor sporting event
    • Participate in an interfaith outdoor worship service.
  • Archery Belt Loop
  • BB-Shooting Belt Loop

TIGERS

  • Elective 6: Song Time
  • Elective 35: Fun Outdoors

WOLVES

  • Requirement 2f: Participate in an outdoor flag ceremony
  • Requirement 5d: Show how to use a hammer.
  • Requirement 10c: … Go to a park or wooded area… with your family.
  • Requirement 11c: Give two ideas on how you can practice or demonstrate your religious beliefs. Choose one and do it.
  • Elective 11f: Sing a song with your den at a pack or meeting
  • Elective 12a: make a free hand sketch of a person, place or thing (bulls-eye targets)
  • Elective 20c: Archery Safety Rules.
  • Elective 23e: Attend a day camp in your area.
  • Elective 23g: Participate at a campfire
  • Elective 23h: Participate in an outdoors worship service

BEARS

  • Requirement 1b: list things you can do to practice your religion
  • Requirement 3i: participate in an outdoor flag ceremony
  • Requirement 10a: Go on a day trip or evening out with members of your family.
  • Requirement 12d: Attend an outdoor event with your family.
  • Elective 20a: Archery
  • Elective 25c: Participate at a campfire
  • Elective 25e: Participate in a religious service at a cub scouting event.
  • Elective 25f: Attend day camp in your area.

WEBELOS

  • Web Requirement 8e (2 & 6)
  • Artist Requirement 9
  • Craftsman Requirement 4 (1/4 of the requirement)
  • Sportsman Requirement 3: Belt Loops for two individual sports (archery & bb-shooting).

 

Webelos Progress October 15, 2012

On Monday the Webelos finished up their Fitness Activity Badge requirements with a discussion on drugs, alcohol and tobacco.  For those who did not finish their assignments or missed the first week of Fitness can review and complete this on their own. Please keep in mind that the Fitness Activity Badge is *REQUIRED* to earn the Webelos Rank.  We still have 13 boys that need to turn in their homework to complete this.

 

Pennypack Bridge

This is a great family event that celebrates some of our local history. The bridge was built in 1697 and is one of the oldest stone arch bridges still in continuous use.  The will be having activities and a dedication along with access to different exhibits, re-enactors, and historians.  George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and his wife will be there to meet and greet.

The event is this Saturday October 13th from 10am – 2pm. It is being held at the Frankford & Solly ave section of Pennypack Park. Parking may get difficult so I advise people to arrive a little early as the march across the bridge will begin promptly at 10am.

For more information you can check out the invite:  http://www.w3r-us.org/temp-web/pa-bridge_flyer2.pdf

Although this is not an official pack event there is much for your scout to learn and achieve by visiting the bridge. Also if your scout wears his Class A uniform he will have an opportunity to participate in a scavenger hunt and upon completing the hunt he will be awarded a special bandana.

 

Tigers:

1g Historical building

 

Wolves:

4f Historic Location

10c plan a walk. Go to a park with your family

10f Live program

 

Bears:

3b Learn about 2 famous Americans and tell about things they did to improve our way of life

3d Visit a place of historical interest

8e Find out about some history about your community

10a Go on a day trip with your family

12d Attend an outdoor event

 

Webelos Progress Report – October 8, 2012

Fitness Activity BadgeYesterday The Webelos 1 and new Webelos 2 boys reviewed the Bobcat requirements and worked on their Fitness Activity Badge.

In our den meeting we discussed what fitness means, the importance of both physical and mental fitness, how mental and physical fitness work together, we talked about building a safety notebook at home and what should go into it, we covered meal planning and how to use the food pyramid to assist, we also covered portion sizes and the importance of reading food labels.

Next week we will finish off the discussions one what some of the terms on the labels mean, the effects of tobacco, alcohol and drugs on the body; physically and mentally and then move on to the Athlete Activity Badge.

The boys *DO HAVE HOMEWORK*

  1. They need to read the Fitness chapter in their handbooks.
  2. They need to complete fitness requirements 2-8.
  3. Review the Athlete chapter in their handbooks.

 

After next week’s discussion, assuming your son has turned in his handouts, he will have earned his fitness activity badge.  For those boys who missed last nights meeting, they can complete the fitness requirements with the assistance and guidance of a parent.

The Handouts

Meal Plan & Record
Fitness Talk Sign Off Sheets

Additional Resources

How to Protect Your Child From Child Abuse
http://www.choosemyplate.gov/kids/index.html
Kids Health : Smoking Stinks
Kids Health: Alcohol Dangers
Kids Health: What You Need To Know About Drugs
Choose To Refuse (Formerly Take A Stand Against Drugs! for Requirement 8)

Revolutionary Germantown

Event Details: http://cubpack155.org/x/2s

This weekend the groups that aim 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. 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.  There is a 30% chance of a few showers, so an umbrella or rain gear is always a good choice to bring.  However this is a rain or shine event. 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.

  • Tom, our cubmaster, will be there with his daughter Avery one of our pack assistants.  However they will not be so obvious to find. Consider it a challenge for the boys to find them. However no help from the adults allowed.
  • Karen, our wolf den leader, will be there with her son Jared. She offered to be the primary lead on this event and will be wearing her Class A so should be easier to find.
  • Chris & Shawna will be there with their boys Evan & Nate. Chris will be in his Class A and Shawna will be in her Class B. They should be fairly easy to spot.
  • Tim, our committee chairman, will be there with his son Jack. He will be wearing his Class A as well and should be another easy to find.

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 is more suited for lunch after meeting up in the morning.

All

  • 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.

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.

 

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