Are We There Yet?
Vol. 5, Issue 4
Finding the Best Route....
Are you ready for the greatest spectacle in cub scout racing? The Pinewood Derby race is Sunday January 28th at the Beecher Center.
Estimated Time of Arrival...
Check in will run from 11am to 11:45am. The race will start as soon as possible following the close of check in.
Legal U-Turns Only...
Please be sure that all scout cars follow the scout rules found Here. Note the height, weight, width rules but also No additional materials or decorations of any kind are to be glued, nailed or affixed in some other way on or inside the car. The only exceptions are wood from the original block, wood filler, primer, paint, stickers and weights(metals). Cars have been disqualified in the past for violating the decoration rules...don't let it be you.
Rest Area Next Exit...
The concession stand will be open featuring fan favorites of hotdogs, nachos, chips, candy, drinks, and more. Concessions is a cash only window. All proceeds go to support the running of the PWD. Please see sign up for dessert spots.
Detour Ahead, Recalculating Route...
Many hands make light work and the PWD is no exception. We need parents to help in several areas. Please review the adult help signup.
Other Important Notes!
Sunday February 18th
A little to chilly to be hiking outdoors so let's bring it inside for Camping Academy and practice our scout skills. The fun starts at 1pm at the American Legion.
Stations:
Cooking
Tents
Packing
A hiking stick station will also be open through out the event for scouts to visit.
Annual Blue and Gold Banquet Sunday February 25th
Yo, Ho! A Pirates Life for Me! I mean Happy Birthday Scouts and fare thee well AOL's as you walk the plank. The Blue & Gold is the banquet of scouts and scalawags celebrating the joy of scouts. Pack 350 will be celebrating at the American Legion. So, avast ye mateys the ship sales at 3pm and more details will be coming soon.
Program Changes
BSA has announced that starting June 2024 the Cubscout program will be revamped.
The BSA is slowly releasing information on the changes.
Den leaders and parents that want to be in the know on what these changes entitle please visit: https://www.scouting.org/program-updates/cub-scout-program-updates-announced/
In the announcement you will find a link to Cub Chats. Cub Chats is a monthly webinar where they will be sharing information regarding the changes.
202 IOLS and BALOO Dates
6/1 - 6/2 9 a.m.(Sat) to 4 p.m. (Sun)
8/24 - 8/25 9 a.m.(Sat) to 4 p.m. (Sun)
Location: Camp Big Timber, 37W955 Big Timber Road, Elgin, Il.
Cost: Free for Leaders
BALOO: Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation Course
BALOO Course Description:
Required for any Cub scout level Den or Pack leader to host overnight campouts
Topics covered:
Adventure Loops: Tips and Tricks for incorporation
Health and Safety: Unique Situations; Risk reduction
Large Group Games: Tips and Tricks;ideas
Outdoor Ceremonies: Recognition; Planning
Registration closes two weeks before each course or when full: https://scoutingevent.com/127-76814
Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills ( IOLS):
Recommended for Troop and Crew Committee Members, Charter Org. Reps., Webelos Leaders, Cubmasters/ Assistant Cubmasters and Pack Committee Members interested in learning basic outdoor camping skills for the Boy Scout Program.
Participants are required to stay overnight as a part of this course.
IOLS Course Description:
Emphasis will be placed upon learning the following skills:
Campsite Selection: Basics; Tent and Bag Specifications
Cooking and Sanitation: Prep; Storage; Meal Planning
Fires, Stoves, Campfires: Equipment; Safety; Campfire Planning
Interfaith Services: Inclusion; Incorporation at Camp-outs
Outdoor Ethics: Leave No Trace; Tread Lightly!; Outdoor Code
Packing and Hiking: Proper Gear; Packing Techniques
Plant and Animal ID: Native and Invasive Species; Tracking
Map and Compass: Basics; GPS; Geo cache
Ropes and Knots: Whipping; Tying; Lashing
Woods Tools: Pocketknife; Camp Saw; Ax; Proper Care and Use; Whittling Chip