FOCUS

Cub Scout Roundtable Leaders’ Guide

The summer is not over yet!  Let's have "S'More" summer fun in the outdoors this month.  The weather is hot, but the fun is cool as the Cub Scouts do all they can before school starts in the Fall.  Is a picnic, softball game, or hike through the forest part of your pack's plans??

 

CORE VALUES

Cub Scout Roundtable Leaders’ Guide

Some of the purposes of Cub Scouting developed through this month’s theme are:

ü  Sportsmanship and Fitness, Cub Scouts will be active in the outdoors while learning new games.

ü  Fun and Adventure, Through summertime exploration, the cub Scouts will enjoy new experiences.

ü  Preparation for Boy Scouts, When Cub Scouts develop outdoor skills, they are gaining experience to build upon in Boy Scouting.

The core value highlighted this month is:

ü  Responsibility, Cub Scouts will gain a sense of responsibility through the Buddy System and other safety rules in and around water.

Can you think of others??? Hint – look in your Cub Scout Program Helps.  It lists different ones!! All the items on both lists are applicable!!  You could probably list all twelve if you thought about it!!

COMMISSIONER’S CORNER

Look at the top - this is the last month of another great year of Scouting, 2007-2008 and the last issue of Baloo.  The next issue will be Volume 15, Number 1 for the 2008-2009 year.  I received my new CS RT Planning Guide today and have had my new CS Program Helps since early June.  Ready to go!!.

It truly was another great year of Scouting -

P The Old Colony District of Southern NJ Council, my district has attained the Chief’s Winner Circle for having a plus one in chartered units and more than plus one percent in registered youth membership compared to the registered youth membership of June 30 of one year ago.  We actually registered a 2.2 % growth in membership vs. last June 30.

P Last week my Webelos Resident Camp was a roaring success.  We had a >50% increase in Webelos from 40 to 65.  And we were the first to use the brand new pool at Pine Hill Scout Reservation.  Pretty soon we will be as famous as our gold course neighbor!  We had two Bears from our pack that moved to Webelos June 1^st for whom this was their first time away and they did great!!

P And my council has a new Scout Executive as of July 1, 2008.  He has moved here from Denver Area Council.  And my District is still adjusting to our new District Director.  I see great things for both!

This is a great month to get you Cubs out doing a conservation project (followed by a dip in the pool/lake/pond/safe swim area.

The Webelos badges for this month are Forester and Naturalist.  I listed some fun things for you to do but the best way to earn these is in camp, especially a resident program that your council or a neighbor may run!!  Or for first year's, maybe one last time at Day Camp.

If you plan a campfire this month, check out the May theme issue of Baloo for the item, "Fifteen steps on building a campfire."

If you sent me a Pow Wow Book and have not received several from me in thanks, drop me a line and I will get them to you.

Cub Scout Extravaganza &
Program Enrichment Conference
@ Philmont Training Center

I have been invited to the First Ever Program Enrichment Conference and my wife, Donna, to the Cub Scout Extravaganza - August 10 - 16, 2008 at Philmont!!!   Our money is in and we will be there!  My daughter (Four summer Phil staffer is trying to see if she can arrange to be there, too!!).  Hope to see many of you there, too!!!

 

Months with similar themes to

S'More Summer Fun

Dave D. in Illinois

It is pretty interesting to look at this list of themes.  You can see how Cubbing has progressed into the woods and outdoors from backyards and parks. CD

Month Name	Year	Theme
June	1941	Cubbing Moves into the Backyard
July	1944	Back Yard Camping
July	1945	Outdoor Cubbing
July	1950	Outing
June	1953	Summertime Adventure
August	1954	Annual Picnic
August	1955	Outdoor Fun
August	1957	Good Old Summertime
July	1958	Outdooring
August	1961	Outdoor Festival
July	1966	Summertime Adventure
August	1967	Outdoor Fun
June	1971	Outdoor Fun
July	1975	Summer Adventure
March	1977	Kites-Spring
June	1980	Outdoor Fun
July	1984	Fun in the Sun
May	1988	Outdoor Adventure
August	1989	Outdoor Festival
July	1992	Fun in the Sun
June	1997	Outdoor Adventure
June	2003	Fun in the Sun
July	2003	A Hiking We Will Go
August	2006	Scouting It Out

 

National makes a patch for every Cub Scout Monthly theme.  This is the one for this theme.  Check them out at www.scoutstuff.org go to patches and look for 2006 Cub Scout Monthly Theme Emblems.

THOUGHTFUL ITEMS FOR SCOUTERS

Thanks to Scouter Jim from Bountiful, Utah, who prepares this section of Baloo for us each month.  You can reach him at bobwhitejonz@juno.com or through the link to write Baloo on www.usscouts.org.   CD

 

Roundtable Prayer

CS Roundtable Planning Guide

As we have fun in the summer, we give thanks for the wonderful world we live in and for the people who care for us.  As we explore outdoors, let us be safe from harm.  AMEN

Go Discover America

Scouter Jim, Bountiful UT

In thinking about “S’more Summer Fun” I had difficulty coming up with an appropriate subject for this month’s thought.  I started to look for important dates and holidays during August. I found that Hawaii became our fiftieth State on August 21, 1959, adding the fiftieth star to our American flag. 

After that, I started to look at birthdays for the month and found the following list, among many, many, others:

1 Aug 1770 – William Clark

18 Aug 1774 – Meriwether Lewis

1 Aug 1779 – Francis Scott Key

17 Aug 1786 – Davy Crockett

5 Aug 1930 – Neil Armstrong

As you look at the list, what pattern do you see?  The first thing I noticed was William Clark and Meriwether Lewis of the Corps of Discovery.  Then I noticed Davy Crockett and Neil Armstrong.  Finally I noticed the birthday of Francis Scott Key.  The common thread of the first four men mentioned above is the spirit of discovery.  Davy Crockett helped open up the western frontiers and Lewis and Clark extended it to the limits of the Pacific Ocean.  Neil Armstrong extended the frontier to the surface of the moon.  Each of these four men carried the American Flag to a new and then distant frontier.

Francis Scott Key’s was a contemporary of all the other men, except Neil Armstrong.  He is most famous for his authorship of “The Star Spangled Banner,” our national anthem.  With his words he has helped lead others to follow our nation’s flag to new, and in some cases, distant journeys of discovery.

In 1803 Captain Meriwether Lewis and Lieutenant William Clark helped form the “Corps of Discovery.”   The Corps of Discovery brought back invaluable geographic and scientific data, including 178 new species of plants and 122 previously unknown species of animals. Lewis and Clark succeeded in mapping a route beyond the Mississippi River to the West Coast.  For two years they served both as explorers and ambassadors for the rest of America.  Not only were they on a mission of discovery, but they were developing relationships with the native peoples who lived on the land they were exploring.

Davy Crockett explored the western frontier and served his nation as a member of Congress and a soldier, losing his life in battle at the Alamo in Texas.

Neil Armstrong was an aeronautical engineer and Navy Pilot (and an Eagle Scout).  He became a test pilot and astronaut and was the Commander of Apollo 11 and the first man to step foot on the moon, uttering the phrase, “That's one small step for man; one giant leap for mankind.”

August is a great time for Cub Scouts to go on their own journey of discovery and proudly represent the nation and the Boy Scout of America.  It can be a time for them to learn new things, meet new people as did Lewis and Clark, and seek the sense of adventure that led Neil Armstrong to be a test pilot and walk on the moon.

Let’s lead our Cub Scouts outdoors, and have “S’more Summer Fun” as we explore America with a new sense of adventure.

Wow, I now feel honored to have my birthday in the same month as these great men.  Especially Davy Crockett who is my personal favorite hero.  I was just the right age when Walt Disney brought out Davy Crockett with Fess Parker and have loved Davy Crockett ever since.  

Thank you, Scouter Jim for another fine column.  And good Scouting as you guide those Owls this fall.  They knew it would take a great and majestic Bob White o get the job done right.  CD

Quotations

Quotations contain the wisdom of the ages, and are a great source of inspiration for Cubmaster’s minutes, material for an advancement ceremony or an insightful addition to a Pack Meeting program cover

A discovery is said to be an accident meeting a prepared mind.   Albert Szent-Gyorgyi (1893 - 1986)

One doesn't discover new lands without consenting to lose sight of the shore for a very long time.
Andre Gide (1869 - 1951)

The beginning of knowledge is the discovery of something we do not understand.  Frank Herbert (1920 - 1986)

No pessimist ever discovered the secret of the stars or sailed an uncharted land, or opened a new doorway for the human spirit. Helen Keller (1880 - 1968)

I do not know what I may appear to the world; but to myself I seem to have been only like a boy playing on the seashore, and diverting myself in now and then finding a smoother pebble or a prettier shell than ordinary, whilst the great ocean of truth lay all undiscovered before me.  
Isaac Newton (1642 - 1727),
From Brewster, Memoirs of Newton (1855)

If I have ever made any valuable discoveries, it has been owing more to patient attention, than to any other talent. Isaac Newton (1642 - 1727)

Mistakes are the portals of discovery.
 James Joyce (1882 - 1941)

A perfect summer day is when the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, the birds are singing, and the lawn mower is broken. James Dent

Ah, summer, what power you have to make us suffer and like it.  Russel Baker

August creates as she slumbers, replete and satisfied. 
Joseph Wood Krutch

Celebrate Summer - Sun drenched days and starlit nights... Gooseberry Patch

Heat, ma'am! It was so dreadful here, that I found there was nothing left for it but to take off my flesh and sit in my bones.  Sydney Smith

I know that if odour were visible, as colour is, I'd see the summer garden in rainbow clouds.  Robert Bridges

I question not if thrushes sing,
If roses load the air;
Beyond my heart I need not reach
When all is summer there.
John Vance Cheney

In summer, the song sings itself.  William Carlos Williams

Knowing trees, I understand the meaning of patience. Knowing grass, I can appreciate persistence.  Hal Borland

Oh, bring again my heart's content,
Thou Spirit of the Summer-time!
William Allingham

Oh, the summer night
Has a smile of light
And she sits on a sapphire throne.
Barry Cornwall

Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass on a summer day listening to the murmur of water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is hardly a waste of time.  John Lubbock

Someone's sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago. Warren Buffett

Summer afternoon - summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language.  Henry James

The dandelions and buttercups gild all the lawn: the drowsy bee stumbles among the clover tops, and summer sweetens all to me.  James Russell Lowell

The summer night is like a perfection of thought. 
Wallace Stevens

You can never appreciate the shade of a tree unless you sweat in the sun. Author Unknown

Sam Houston Area Council

“We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.” – Native American Proverb

“The whole secret of the study of nature lies in learning how to use one's eyes.” – George Sand

“A weed is no more than a flower in disguise.” – James Russell Lowell

“Fire is the best of servants; but what a master!” – Thomas Carlyle

“How is it that one careless match can start a forest fire, but it takes a whole box to start a campfire?” – Author Unknown

“It always rains on tents. Rainstorms will travel thousands of miles, against prevailing winds for the opportunity to rain on a tent.” – Dave Barry

TRAINING TIP

Recruiting Adult Leaders

Bill Smith, the Roundtable Guy

Training Tips

Since its inception, about a year ago, National’s Cubcast has steadily improved as the hosts, Robert and Kristen along with their various guests settle into an effective routine. These monthly podcasts make great additions to Roundtables and can be a great help for all leaders.

Last month their program featured some important tips on internet safety that all parents should listen to and understand. The guest expert was Linda Griddle, author of Look Both Ways, a guide to online safety measures. It was a valuable and effective presentation that should be recommended to all parents of kids who go online.

And now for something completely different,

Good Cub Scout packs have good leaders.
Leaders who have the enthusiasm, the dedication and the skills to make the program successful are essential to getting a good Cub pack. All the training and planning in the world won’t help unless there are quality people to lead the dens and the pack.

So, how do you get the right people to be leaders in your pack? What are the secrets to find them and then get them to sign on? It takes a bit of planning and hard work, but it can be done and it is worth the effort. If your pack is going to continue to put on a great program for boys then it’s up to the current leadership to make sure that only the best people be recruited.

Pack Leadership Inventory
It starts by determining the needs of your pack. Take an inventory of pack leadership to deter­mine the numbers of quality leaders needed based on the numbers of dens needed. This can help ensure that a pack maintains good membership. The inventory should be taken in the early spring so if you haven’t done it yet, you are running late.

A common mistake of many packs is to fill needed positions with people already responsible for other leadership jobs. Overloading a good leader is a sure way to weaken any pack. It usually happens when it seems easier to take on another job than to find someone else to do it. That often indicates that we really don’t have a cohesive plan to find and recruit a new leader.

Being a good Cub Scout leader takes more than just running the meetings - that's the easy part.
Interacting with other adults - especially parents - is the essential job quality of Cub Scout leadership.

Each time we take on another job that could be done by a parent who is not performing as a role model for his/her son we are admitting that we have failed. Instead of sharing responsibility we have opted for the easy work around: do it ourselves instead of teaching others that it is better that they do it

Worse, we have hurt two boys. We have hurt our own sons because the time it takes to do the second (or third and so on) job often comes from the time needed to fulfill our duties as Akela to our own sons, and also, we have deprived another boy the chance to see his parent be a hero - doing something important in his Cub pack.

Recruiting adults—A few tips

·         Understand that very few adults will volunteer to help; most will wait to be asked.

·         Make use of the “Parent and Family Talent Survey” form

·         Many adults will be hesitant to help if they weren’t Scouts as kids.  Remind them that some of the best Scout leaders in our Council weren’t Scouts as kids and that the training offered will fill in key knowledge gaps.

·         Call your monthly “Pack Leader” meetings “Pack Parent” meetings to eliminate the stigma that the meeting is just for pack leaders.

·         Mention key open leader positions during your pack meetings

·         Try to recruit 2 den leaders for each den

·         Work hard at all levels to make adult leaders feel that they are part of a team and appreciated

·         Conduct an annual pack planning meeting in the summer and encourage all pack families to be represented there

Pacific Pacific Skyline Council

Selecting the right prospects
What do you know about the parents of boys in your pack?

Try to match people with jobs. Have you had all the parents fill out a Parent Talent Survey Sheet? Some years ago I found a great Personal Information sheet on the internet. You can download a copy from: http://wtsmith.com/rt/ftp

Busy people make the best leaders. It may seem that the best prospect for the job is too involved in other things to take on your request. Never say “No” for someone else. If the job you propose is important enough, they will find a way to do it.

Choosing a recruiter
Who knows the prospect? Is there someone in your organization who commands the respect of the one you hope to recruit? Someone to whom they might answer, “Yes.”  Pick someone the prospect knows and respects to do the recruiting. It could be anyone in your community – not necessarily from your pack.

Why are you asking?
Tell the prospect up front, why the job is important and why people think that he/she is the best person to make it a success. If you have done your selecting job correctly, you should be able to give a whole list of reasons why that person is the right one for that job.

 

What is the job?
Lay out precisely as possible what the job entails. How much time, what skills will be needed. What training and support is available. Be as honest and accurate as you can. If you tell a person that it will be easy and take only an hour a week when you know it will be much more than that, the disappointment you cause will come back to haunt you.

Closing the Deal
Never attempt to recruit over the phone or standing up at a meeting and asking for volunteers.

The key factor is asking them personally. This should be done in a face to face situation, preferably while you are wearing your uniform. If you ask someone personally to basically give what you're giving, it is much harder for them to say no. 

You may have a list of two or three prospects for the same job and the top candidate just can not take on the responsibility. Then you might ask the #1 candidate if he/she would be willing to help the next person on your list if they were recruited. If so, you will have some added ammunition when you approach the second candidate. “Marge (who has talent for this) says that she will be glad to assist only if you will take on this job.”

Provide Training, Recognition and Support.
Make sure that your new Cub Scouters have all the training, the materials and the help and cooperation they need to do their jobs. Recognize them regularly at pack meetings, in your newsletters and on your pack website. Ask for their comments, advice or reports at leaders’ meetings. It can be frustrating to be asked to do a job and then to be totally ignored.

Remember:

In Scouting, we are in serious competition
with a host of adversaries:

We compete against intolerance, violence and hate;
We compete against neglect, deceit and abuse;
We compete against drugs and street gangs;
We compete against rejection, loneliness, and humiliation;
We compete against illiteracy, ignorance and despair.

What are YOU going to do now?

Go get ‘em. We need all the help we can get.

ü  Also, be sure to visit Bill’s website

http://www.wtsmith.com/rt

to finds more ideas on everything Cub Scouting.

Have any Comments for Bill
just click right here!

 

PACK ADMIN HELPS

Why Isn't There a Sports Belt Loop For …

From Mike Walton of the USSSP
Board of Directors and our website, http://usscouts.org/advance/cubscout/sports/karate.asp

Recently, I received the following question and asked Mike for his help in answering, “Can Lacrosse be added as a Sports Belt loop/pin category? Both of my sons have been playing lacrosse for 1-3 seasons per year for many years." 

Mike went to our site and used it as the basis for his letter.  Here is what Mike had to say -

Ice Hockey, Roller Hockey and Lacrosse all require special equipment and training, Darby.  While they are popular sports (especially up in the north-central part of the USA, where I normally live (Minnesota) ), and with roller hockey picking up the pace in other parts of the country, the BSA simply don't have the skill set nor the experience to safely teach and coach Cub Scouts in those sports.

Here's some information we post on our advancement webpage; please do write to the Cub Scout Program Division and express your interest in seeing that Lacrosse gets added to the variety of sports offered to Cub Scouts and WEBELOS Cub Scouts through this optional national program emphasis.  While the posting addresses tackle football and karate, the information provided would be helpful when you craft the justification for a new belt loop/pin in those sport areas.  I've starred the most important part of the reason why your sport is not included as a Cub Scout belt loop sport:

---------------------------------------------------------------------

We are frequently asked questions like "Why isn't there a belt loop for Karate or other martial arts?", or "Why can't my son get credit for his participation in Pop Warner football?"

To the best of our knowledge, BSA will not add any of the martial arts to the Cub Scout Sports program. They did add FLAG Football to the program in 2002; but that addition did not include Tackle Football programs like Pop Warner League play.

Back in 1974, the Boy Scouts of America's National Executive Board decided on a listing of team and individual sports which it felt was not consistent with the ideals and promotion of sportsmanship that Scouting is promoting. They didn't say that "these sports are bad" or "Scouts should never participate in these sports" but rather "these sports have the potential for extreme harm while playing the sport and therefore we will prohibit them from being played as part of a BSA program or program option." The list has been adjusted through the years, but has remained basically intact.

**Note that ANY SPORT can be dangerous if played against the official rules, if the participants are not dressed or outfitted appropriately, and/or if they are not coached and trained well. A Scout could just as easily injure himself or others while playing marbles as he can while playing football or Karate. However, the BSA found that a number of sports present a significant risk to Scouts and Scouters and the BSA does not allow them to be used to meet requirements toward various badges or as inter-unit play during Scouting events or meetings.**   The list is codified in the Guide to Safe Scouting, in a list entitled "Unauthorized and Restricted Activities". The list, which can be seen in it's entirety on our website, includes the following sports or sports equipment:

·         All-terrain vehicles (ATVs)

·         Boxing, karate, and related martial arts-except judo, aikido, and Tai Chi

·         Exploration of abandoned mines

·         Varsity football teams and interscholastic or club football

·         Flying in hang gliders, ultralights, experimental class aircraft, or hot-air balloons (whether or not they are tethered); parachuting; and flying in aircraft

·         Motorized go-carts and motorbikes for Cub Scout and Boy Scouts

·         All motorized speed events, including motorcycles, boats, drag racing, demolition derbies, and related events, for all program levels

·         Amateur or professional rodeo events

·         Paintball and Laser Tag.

·         Hunting by Cub Scouts or Boy/ Varsity Scouts

·         Motorized personal watercraft, such as Jet-Skis (tm)

·         Parasailing

·         Bungee cord jumping

Part of the justification as to why the various martial arts and tackle football were not included as an option for meeting the requirements is also included in the Guide for Safe Scouting in the following statement:

"The general policy of Scouting is to train youth to do safely the many things they normally do, such as swimming and boating; handling firearms, knives and axes; riding bicycles; and hiking and camping. Scouting's disapproval or restriction of hazardous sports and activities is a positive policy to keep fun in the program and to develop sound judgment through experience. It is consistent with our principle of safety through skill on the part of leaders and youth."

Someone wrote us, stating, "The study of Karate involves physical exercise, learning, focus, commitment and dedication. These programs teach discipline and respect, and the use of common sense before self-defense", and we agree completely that these are very valid comments.  However, most Councils do not carry enough insurance to cover the injuries which could be sustained accidentally or on purpose through such activities, and Boy Scout Councils, and even more importantly, individual units like Cub Scout Packs and Boy Scout Troops, do not maintain or stock the appropriate padding and safety gear necessary to carry out those sports safely.

So, specifically with regard to Karate, Tae Kwon Do, and other martial arts, BSA does not permit any martial arts activities as part of its program, except defensive Judo, Aikido, and Tai Chi. Even for those three, they add limitations, as documented in one final quote from the Guide to Safe Scouting:

"Judo, Tai Chi, and Aikido
If Scouts and Venturers practice defensive judo, Tai Chi, or aikido; it should be done with proper mats and with qualified instructors related to YMCAs. colleges or athletic clubs whose objectives and coaching methods are compatible with the principles of the Boy Scouts of America."

Even in the lists of sports acceptable for the SPORTS Merit Badge, the lists end with the following statement, "(Or any other recognized team sport approved in advance by your counselor, except boxing and karate.)"

Given those statements, we're sure they wouldn't consider adding Tackle Football, Karate or other martial arts to the Cub Scout program.

If you still feel strongly about this, you may want to write directly to:

Director, Cub Scout Program Division

National Office

Boy Scouts of America

1325 West Walnut Hill Lane

Irving Texas 75061-2079

Note that, in general, BSA does not publish or release direct email addresses to the general public, so we can't provide an e-mail address for submitting your comments to BSA.  Also keep in mind that the USSSP has no way of getting official email to the BSA's programming division offices as the USSSP is not connected with the BSA, except as individual volunteers.

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Thanks for asking us...we get a lot of great ideas for new programming and we do read and as we're explaining to you, do answer in great detail each posting.

Unfortunately, as we on the Project Team would love to sit in on some of the decisions and recommendations which are made, we are not a part of that "circle" within the BSA which makes those recommendations and decisions.  Some folks, upon getting our response, simply "blow off" the answer and our sincere recommendation to write directly to the BSA.  Trust me when I type that the BSA does read and carefully consider every suggestion, idea, and of course, program improvement modification sent to them from the field. It may not get implemented right off -- the BSA does do a great job in carefully researching and field testing new program options -- but change does occur within the BSA.  That's how the program has grown over the years -- and that's how it will continue to grow in the coming decades.  So please offer them the opportunity to consider hockey and lacrosse as Cub Scout Sport pin/belt loop activities!

Hope that you're having a wonderful year of Scouting in the United States and thank you again, Darby, for contacting and asking us here at the USSSP!!

Mike

 

SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY

Softball Belt Loop & Pin

www.USScouts.org

 

Webelos Scouts that earn the Softball Belt Loop while a Webelos Scout also satisfy part of requirement 4 for the Sportsman Activity Badge.

Belt Loop

Complete these three requirements:

«  Explain the rules of softball to your leader or adult partner.

«  Spend at least 30 minutes practicing softball skills.

«  Participate in a softball game.

Sports Pin

A        Earn the Softball belt loop,
and

B        Complete five of the following requirements:

1.       Compete in a pack or community softball tournament.

2.       Demonstrate skill in the following throwing techniques: overhand, sidearm, underhand, and the relay throw.

3.       Demonstrate skill in the following catching techniques: fielding a ground ball, fielding a pop-up, catching a line drive.

4.       Demonstrate correct pitching techniques and practice for three half-hour sessions.

5.       Demonstrate correct hitting techniques, including bunting. Practice for three half-hour sessions.

6.       Explain the rules of base running and demonstrate skill in the following sliding techniques: the straight-in slide, the hook slide, and the headfirst slide.

7.       Learn and demonstrate base coaching signals.

8.       Learn about one defensive position (shortstop, catcher, etc.) and practice at that position for three half-hour sessions.

9.       Attend a high school, college, or community softball game.

Go to: http://usscouts.org/advance/cubscout/sports/worksheets/Softball.pdf  for a worksheet that may be used while earning these awards.

Swimming Belt Loop & Pin

Webelos Scouts that earn the Swimming Belt Loop while a Webelos Scout also satisfy requirement 8 for the Aquanaut Activity Badge and part of requirement 3 for the Sportsman Activity Badge.

 

 

Belt Loop

Complete these three requirements:

 

«  Explain rules of Safe Swim Defense. Emphasize the buddy system.

«  Play a recreational game in the water with your den, pack, or family.

«  While holding a kick board, propel yourself 25 feet using a flutter kick across the shallow end of the swimming area

Sports Pin

A        Earn the Swimming belt loop,
and

B        Complete five of the following requirements:

1.       Practice the breathing motion of the crawl stroke while standing in shallow water. Take a breath, place your head in the water, exhale, and turn your head to the side to take a breath. Repeat.

2.       Learn 2 of the following strokes: crawl, backstroke, elementary backstroke, sidestroke, or breaststroke.

3.       Learn two of the following floating skills: jellyfish float, turtle float, canoe (prone) float.

4.       Using a kickboard, demonstrate 3 kinds of kicks.

5.       Pass the "beginner" or "swimmer" swim level test.

6.       Visit with a lifeguard and talk about swimming safety in various situations (pool, lake, river, ocean). Learn about the training a lifeguard needs for his or her job.

7.       Explain the four rescue techniques: Reach, Throw, Row, and Go (with support)

8.       Take swimming lessons.

9.       Attend a swim meet at a school or community pool.

10.   Tread water for 30 seconds.

11.   Learn about a U.S. swimmer who has earned a medal in the Olympics

12.   Demonstrate the proper use of a mask and snorkel in a swimming area where your feet can touch the bottom.

Go to http://usscouts.org/advance/cubscout/sports/worksheets/Swimming.pdf for a worksheet that may be used while earning these awards.

NOTE:

Swimming activities done by Cub Scout Packs must be done in accordance with the rules in the "Safe Swim Defense", described in the Guide to Safe Scouting (#34416B).  That program is available for viewing by Clicking Here. Those rules are not mandatory for individuals or families, of course, swimming in private or public pools, lakes, or beaches, although families are encouraged to use as much of them as appropriate. They ARE mandatory for all Cub Scout aquatic activities, trips to swimming pools arranged as Den or Pack meetings or outings.

Included in the Guide to Safe Scouting (#34416B) is a procedure and standards for classifying swimming ability. Requirement 2 for the Swimming Belt Loop, listed above, refers to the following, taken from the Guide.

 

Beginner Test
Jump feet first into water over the head in depth, level off, swim 25 feet on the surface, stop, turn sharply, resume swimming as before, and return to starting place.

The entry and turn serve the same purpose as in the swimmer test. The swimming can be done with any stroke, but no underwater swimming is permitted. The stop assures that the swimmer can regain a stroke if it is interrupted. The test demonstrates that the beginning swimmer is ready to learn deepwater skills and has the minimum ability required for safe swimming in a confined area in which shallow water, sides, or other support is less than 25 feet from any point in the water.

Swimmer Test
The swimmer test demonstrates the minimum level of swimming ability required for safe deep-water swimming. The various components of the test evaluate the several skills essential to this minimum level of swimming ability:

Jump feet first into water over your head in depth. Swim 75 yards in a strong manner using one or more of the following strokes: sidestroke, breaststroke, trudgen, or crawl; then swim 25 yards using an easy, resting backstroke. The 100 yards must be swum continuously and include at least one sharp turn. After completing the swim, rest by floating.

The test administrator must objectively evaluate the individual performance of the test, and in so doing should keep in mind the purpose of each test element.

"Jump feet first into water over your head in depth,
The swimmer must be able to make an abrupt entry into deep water and begin swimming without any aids. Walking in from shallow water, easing in from the edge or down a ladder, pushing off from side or bottom, and gaining forward momentum by diving do not satisfy this requirement.

"...Swim 75 yards in a strong manner using one or more of the following strokes: sidestroke, breaststroke, trudgen, or crawl..."

The swimmer must be able to cover distance with a strong, confident stroke. The 75 yards must not be the outer limit of the swimmer's ability; completion of the distance should show sufficient stamina to avoid undue risks. Dog-paddling and strokes repeatedly interrupted and restarted are not sufficient; underwater swimming is not permitted. The itemized strokes are inclusive. Any strong side or breaststroke or any strong overarm stroke (including the back crawl) is acceptable.

"...swim 25 yards using an easy, resting backstroke..."
The swimmer must perform a restful, free-breathing backstroke that can be used to avoid exhaustion during swimming activity. This element of the test necessarily follows the more strenuous swimming activity to show that the swimmer is, in fact, able to use the backstroke as a relief from exertion. The change of stroke must be accomplished in deep water without any push-off or other aid. Any variation of the elementary backstroke may suffice if it clearly allows the swimmer to rest and regain wind.

"...The 100 yards must be swum continuously and include at least one sharp turn..."

The total distance is to be covered without rest stops. The sharp turn demonstrates the swimmer's ability to reverse direction in deep water without assistance or push-off from side or bottom.

"...After completing the swim, rest by floating."
This critically important part of the test evaluates the swimmer's ability to maintain himself in the water indefinitely even though exhausted or otherwise unable to continue swimming. Treading water or swimming in place will further tire the swimmer and therefore is unacceptable. The duration of the float test is not significant, except that it must be long enough for the test administrator to determine that the swimmer is resting and likely could continue to do so for a prolonged period. Drownproofing may be sufficient if clearly restful, but it is not preferred. If the test is completed except for the floating requirement, the swimmer may be retested on the floating only (after instruction) provided that the test administrator is confident that the swimmer can initiate the float when exhausted.

Boys’ Life Reading Contest for 2008

 

SAY ‘YES’ TO READING

Enter the 2008 Boys’ Life Reading Contest

Write a one-page report titled “The Best Book I Read This Year” and enter it in the Boys’ Life 2008 “Say Yes to Reading!” contest.

The book can be fiction or nonfiction. But the report has to be in your own words — 500 words tops. Enter in one of these three age categories:

­  8 years old and younger

­  9 and 10 years old

­  11 years old and older

First-place winners in each age category will receive a $100 gift certificate good for any product in the Boy Scouts official retail catalog. Second-place winners will receive a $75 gift certificate and third-place winners a $50 certificate.

Everyone who enters will get a free patch like the one shown above. (And, yes, the patch is a temporary insignia, so it can be worn on your Cub Scout or Boy Scout uniform shirt, on the right pocket. Proudly display it there or anywhere!) In coming years, you’ll have the opportunity to earn different patches.

The contest is open to all Boys’ Life readers. Be sure to include your name, address, age and grade in school on the entry.

Send your report, along with a business-size, self-addressed, stamped envelope, to:

Boys’ Life Reading Contest

S306

P.O. Box 152079

Irving, TX 75015-2079

Entries must be postmarked by Dec. 31, 2008 and must include entry information and a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

For more details go to www.boyslife.org

Knot of the Month

Arrowhead Honor and Commissioner’s Key for Roundtable Commissioners

www.usscouts.org

 

Arrowhead Honor for Roundtable/Huddle Commissioner

This Award can be earned for service as either:

Cub Scout Roundtable Commissioner,

Boy Scout Roundtable Commissioner, or

Venturing Roundtable Commissioner

Requirements

·         Review all material in the current
Venturing Roundtable Guide,
Boy Scout Roundtable Planning Guide, or
Cub Scout Roundtable Planning Guide

·         Review all material in the
Troop Program Resources and Troop Program Features, or
Cub Scout Program Helps

·         Recruit a roundtable staff.

·         Lead staff in preparing a 1-year roundtable outline.

·         Supervise the staff in conducting these roundtables

·         With the district commissioner and district executive, develop and use an attendance promotion plan.

·         Attend a council commissioner conference, roundtable, or planning conference.

 

Commissioner’s Key for Roundtable Commissioners

This Award can be earned for service as either:

Cub Scout Roundtable Commissioner,

Boy Scout Roundtable Commissioner, or

Venturing Roundtable Commissioner

Requirements

Training

·         Complete the three session training program outlined in Commissioner Basic Training Manual

·         Complete personal coaching orientation including the orientation projects.

·         Complete Basic Training for Cub Scout or Boy Scout Roundtable Commissioners and staff

Tenure

Complete 3 years as a registered commissioner within a 5-year period.
(Tenure for one award cannot be used for other training awards.)

Performance

·         Earn the Arrowhead Honor Award.

If a Commissioner has already earned a Scouter’s Key in another position, in lieu of sewing a second one of these square knots on the uniform, devices should be attached; a Commissioner’s Device is used for this award.

GATHERING ACTIVITIES

Note on Word Searches, Word Games, Mazes and such – In order to make these items fit in the two column format of Baloo’s Bugle they are shrunk to a width of about 3 inches.  Your Cubs probably need bigger pictures.  You can get these by copying and pasting the picture from the Word version or clipping the picture in the Adobe (.pdf) version and then enlarging to page width.  CD

DOTS PENCIL GAME

Utah National Parks

Draw a square made up of dots like this one on your piece of paper.

 

Now, without lifting the pencil from the page,

draw no more than four straight lines that will cross through all nine dots.

Answer:
 The answer you will usually find in books is shown here:

 

Marshmallow Gun Competition

Alice, Golden Empire Council

Have a Marshmallow gun competition between parents and boys. See GAMES or WEB SITES for more details.

Capture the Moon

Alice, Golden Empire Council

Play Capture the Moon – boys against parents or den against den – if you meet for a Night of Summer Fun (Directions under GAMES)

 

Summer Word Search

Alice, Golden Empire Council

Look for the “Summer” words below in the puzzle.  Words may be straight up and down, diagonal or backwards.

 

Sunshine                Solstice  Watermelon

Swimming             Humidity               Fishing

Picnic     Beach    Vacation

Temperature         Hiking    Barbeque

Make a Sub Competition

Alice, Golden Empire Council

Having a Pack Picnic??

Order 6 foot long rolls like those used to make Sub sandwiches. 

As people arrive, form teams (dens, families, random groups) with each team having a roll on a table.

 Teams have a specified time (15 minutes) to make an edible creation, using toothpicks, skewers, olives, sliced meats and cheeses, lettuce, condiments, carrot sticks, etc. provided.

Also have a knife available for each team, to be used by an adult only.

(For example, an alligator, with teeth cut in the front end, propping the mouth open with skewers, eyes of olives, scales of meat cut in triangles) After judging and taking pictures of each group with their creation, cut up the sandwiches so everyone can dig in! Add drinks, chips and some watermelon for a great feed!

Sidewalk Art Contest

Alice, Golden Empire Council

. Supply plenty of sidewalk chalk and each family, den or individual can have a section of sidewalk to design. You can choose a theme or just let the imagination reign – when time is up, everyone gets to go around and admire the creativity! You could also have “judges” and award each artist or artist group a special award, such as “best use of blue, best use of theme, etc.” Have someone take a photo of each artist or group with their creation. If it’s a hot day, finish up by hosing down the art and restoring the sidewalk or cement to its original condition.

MINIATURE SCAVENGER HUNT

Utah National Parks

The object of the game is to gather as many items as you can from other people in the room.

Each person can only give you one item

All items must fit inside the 35 mm film can.

Have the people sign after they give you item so that you know to whom to give it back when the game is done.

1)         Paper clip________________________________

2)         Bobbi pin________________________________

3)         Penny___________________________________

4)         A Different Coin___________________________

5)         Button___________________________________

6)         Safety Pin________________________________

7)         Battery__________________________________

8)         Patch____________________________________

9)         Piece of String_____________________________

10)      Thumb Tack______________________________

11)      Key_____________________________________

12)      Match___________________________________

13)      Nail Clipper_______________________________

14)      Piece of Paper_____________________________

15)      Picture___________________________________

GROUP PUZZLES

Utah National Parks

Cut outdoor, beach or park pictures from magazine illustrations, advertising pictures, postcards, etc. into a number of pieces.

Pass these out as people arrive and ask everyone to complete their puzzle, thereby forming discussion groups.

WORD TWINS

Utah National Parks

Provide cards on which have been written one word of common pairs such as “Jack” and “Jill,” “ham” and “egg,” etc. Have as many cards as needed.

Ask every one to match up his card and introduce himself to the person holding the mate to his card.

Some other combinations are:

Bat and ball,              socks and shoes,          slide and swing

swim shorts and towel,                                       cats and dogs

day and night,            picnic and ants,            sun and moon

bees and honey,        sticks and rocks,       matches and fire

tent and sleeping bag                   mosquitoes and bug spray

spoon and fork,         plates and cups,          salt and pepper

hot and cold,                                                     clean and dirty

skunks and raccoons                           wolves and bears, etc.

 

OPENING CEREMONIES

S’More Patriotic Months

Alice, Golden Empire Council

Set up:

ü  Three large calendar pages, one each for June (with the 14^th circled), July (with the 4^th circled) and August (with “Pledge of Allegiance” written across it in large letters.

ü  Large picture of the Flag;

ü  Large picture of July 4^th, activities, parades and/or fireworks(or optional demonstration); 

ü  Large picture of the Declaration of Independence; 

ü  Large picture of the word “Republic”

ü  Large picture of the word “Indivisible.”

ü  (The last two words could also be on a large roll of paper, brought out by two scouts and unfolded to show first one word, then both words at the proper time)   

This could be done as written with a narrator doing all the reading or separating the readings into smaller parts and having each Cub with a picture read the lines appropriate to his picture.  CD

Narrator: Summer is perhaps the most patriotic season of all in the United States. (Cub Scout #1 enters and posts the June calendar page, with June 14^th circled in red)

Narrator: We celebrate June 14^th as Flag Day, because Congress adopted the Stars and Stripes as the flag of the United States on June 14, 1777.                                        Narrator:  The second month of Summer is when we celebrate our Independence Day. (Cut Scout #2 enters and posts the July calendar with July 4^th circled in red)

Narrator: On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was adopted, declaring our country independent from Great Britain. (Cub Scout #3 enters with picture of Declaration of Independence)                     

Narrator: Today, we associate our Independence Day with fireworks, parades, barbeques and a day to honor our flag. (Cub Scout #4 enters with a picture of July 4^th activities, or several boys can enter demonstrating a parade)                          

Narrator:  Many of you may know that our Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was written by Francis Bellamy, a Baptist minister.  But did you know that it was in August of 1892 that he worked out the words of the pledge?  So August is also part of our Patriotic Summer. (Cub Scout #5 enters and posts the August Calendar Page, with “The Pledge to Allegiance” written in large letters across it)

 Narrator: Bellamy tells us that he began by making an “intense study of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the meaning of the Civil War, and the aspirations of the people.” He decided that the word “Republic” was the exact word for the one nation which the Civil War was fought to prove…”                                                (Cub Scout #6 enters with the word “Republic” written in large letters)

Narrator:  Bellamy also noted “that we must “specify that it is indivisible, as Webster and Lincoln used to repeat in their great speeches.”  (Cub Scout #7 enters with the word “Indivisible)

Narrator:  As we honor our Flag with the Pledge of Allegiance, let us remember that it stands for our country, and must remain Indivisible, under God, with Liberty and Justice for All.  (Flag Ceremony follows)

S’more Summer Opening Ceremony

Sam Houston Area Council

ü  Place a picnic basket in the stage area with the den around it.

ü  Boys open the picnic basket and take out cards that spell SUMMER on one side.

ü  Cut the cards in the shape of different critters or shapes that represent items that could be found in a picnic basket (hamburgers, hot dogs, watermelon, etc).

ü  As each boy reads his line he takes a step forward.

Cub # 1:       S is for summer that we’re glad is here.

Cub # 2:       U is for us. Boys who need Scouting all year.

Cub # 3:       M is for many outings that Cub Scouting brings us.

Cub # 4:       M is for more fun, ‘cause that’s our thing.

Cub # 5:       E is for every parent who does his or her share.

Cub # 6:       R is for a roaring summer program ‘cause you have planned because you care!

All:             Now we just want S’more of great summer fun!

Cub # 7:       Please rise and join in the Pledge of Allegiance

FUN OPENING SONG

Utah National Parks

(Tune: Twinkle Twinkle Little Star)

Bring a bag with items inside to throw to the people.
At the end, spray people with a spray bottle of water!

It’s so nice to be with you

Here is something you can chew

Gum, gum in the air

Gum, gum everywhere

It’s so nice to be with you

Here is something you can chew

Candy is a lovely treat

Very sweet and very neat.

Candy, candy in the air

Candy, candy everywhere

Candy is a lovely treat

Very sweet and very neat

Some people like health food

Such as nuts they’re good for you

Nuts, nuts in the air

Nuts, nuts everywhere

Some people like health food

Such as nuts they’re good for you

We also brought along some kisses

For the Mr. and the Mrs.

Candy kisses in the air

Candy kisses everywhere

We also brought along some kisses

For the Mr. and the Mrs.

Now it’s time to end our song

Everyone to sing along

Water, water in the air

Water, water everywhere

Now it’s time to end our song

Everyone to sing along

You’re all wet and we are gone!!!

 

Cub Scout Campfire Opening Ceremony 

Sam Houston Area Council

Equipment: Real or artificial campfire, seven candles.

Personnel: Narrator and seven Cub Scouts.

Narrator: Welcome to our Cub Scout campfire. Akela is among us. Let us draw from this campfire with all its vibrancy and warmth, the secrets of Cub Scouting and the spirit of brotherhood.

Cub # 1:       In its light we see new chances to be helpful and to do our best.

Cub # 2:       From its warmth we strengthen the bonds of fellowship and learn how to get along with others.

Cub # 3:       From the stones that ring the fire and keep its power in check, we learn how we can curb our tempers and become good citizens.

Cub # 4:       From the smoke that rises out of the fire, we learn to lift our eyes upward and worship God.

Cub # 5:       The spark that started this fire reminds us that little Good Turns can lead to greater deeds.

Cub # 6:       Just as the fire needs wood to burn brightly, so do we need the care and love of our parents to burn brightly.

Cub # 7:       In its leaping flames, we see the fun of Cub Scouting and the job of life.

“SOAR”: SAVE OUR AMERICAN RESOURCES

Utah National Parks

Setting: At least four Cub Scouts holding cards with the letters S-O-A-R on the front (maybe with an appropriate picture) and their parts on the back in LARGE print.  They come on stage one at a time and read their parts.

Cub # 1:       I promise not to break or spoil anything with which I work or play.

Cub # 2:       I will not throw paper, candy wrappers, fruit peelings or other trash on sidewalks.

Cub # 3:       I will keep my playground clean.

Cub # 4:       I will be as careful of other people’s places and things as I would want them to be of mine.

All:             Save Our American Resources!

Emcee:      Please stand for the presentation of the colors.

THE OUTDOOR CODE

Utah National Parks

As an American I will do my best to:

Be clean in my outdoor manners;

Be careful with fire;

Be considerate in the outdoors;

and be conservation minded.

Either have Cubmaster say with Cub Scouts repeating and then explain; or involve the Webelos as this is part of their Webelos Badge requirements. They could each state and explain one point and repeat together at the end.

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

Capital Area Council

Cub # 1:       America and Cub Scouting are just one big outdoor adventure.

Cub # 2:       This is my country. I will use my eyes to see the beauty of this land.

Cub # 3:       I will use my mind to think what I can do to make it more beautiful.

Cub # 4:       I will use my hands to serve it and care for it.

Cub # 5:       And with my heart I will honor it.

Cub # 6:       Many immigrants to America had a really big adventure getting here.

Cub # 7:       #7: And on their adventure in this country they became loyal Americans.

Cub # 8:       Let us be like them, loyal Americans. Please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance.

THE MUD PUDDLE

Capital Area Council

PERSONNEL: Den Leader and 6 or 12 Cubs

EQUIPMENT: Sign marked "Mud Puddle", individual props to go with each part such as a plaster casting of an animal track, a blue feather, and elm tree, a large pebble, a blower, a large "worm" etc.

ARRANGEMENT: Sign in center of stage is marked "Mud Puddle.” Boys are gathered around this sign as the opening begins. Cubmaster or Den leader may introduce the opening and verbally "set the stage.”

DEN LEADER:

                   Did you ever wonder as you pass

                   A little stretch of mud and grass,

                   What nature may be hiding there,

                   Within a spot a few feet square?

                   Let's gather around and take a look,

                   And like the pages of a book,

                   We'll study it with open eyes.

                   Can soil like this, hold a surprise?

Cub # 1:       Here's a freshly patterned animal track where a rabbit hopped across & back.

Cub # 2:       I see a stream of busy ants, carrying tidbits as they dance.

Cub # 3:       Look, a feather, blue and gray dropped off a passing Blue Jay.

Cub # 4:       Here about are sprouting seeds from lofty elms and sprawling weeds.

Cub # 5:       A pebble smoothed by action slow, formed about a million years ago.

Cub # 6:       In a puddled spot not yet dried out, a water beetle swims about.

Could have 1 - 6 repeat as 7 - 12 or recruit more boys.

Cub # 7:       And here an eager plant is set -- an early blooming violet.

Cub # 8:       A wiggly worm comes up to twitch; no one knows which end is which.

Cub # 9:       The mud itself has food stores vast, form life that grew ages past.

Cub # 10:   It's not all Nature reveals, but candy wrappers and toy wheels.

Cub # 11:   There's something moving - what's it now? I'll pick it up - a bee - Yow!

Cub # 12:   Quick, put some mud upon the spot, to take away the soreness hot.

DEN LEADER:
Our mud will soon dry in the mid-day sun,
But our outdoor adventure has really been fun.
Our opening does not end here by chance,
Please join us now in the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

TREE OPENING

Capital Area Council

Equipment:  Some sort of tree in the room or do the ceremony outside at a tree.

Cubmaster:  Cub Scout, see that tree over there? Beautiful isn’t it? Andy you can tell that it’s strong too. You can compare that tree to a strong family. The roots are faith in God. The trunk is the parent. And the branches are the children.

A poet named Helen Crawford mad e a comparison in a poem I’d like to read to you. It’s called “The Family Tree” and it goes like this:

There’ one thing in God’s natural world.
That means a lot to me.
It symbolizes most of life;
It is a lovely tree.

With roots so deep in God’s rich earth.
It’s not disturbed by weather:
Like families with faith in God.
Who live in peace together.

Its trunk, the body strong and firm
Like parents anywhere,
To guide, control, Direct, sustain.
The offspring which they bear.

The branches which like children
Spread In every known direction,
Until the fruitage of their growth
Has reached its full perfection.

And so a tree appears to me
The gem of God’s creation,
As it portrayed our families,
Which constitutes a nation.

Each one of you can do your part to make your family tree stronger and more beautiful. How? By loving all your family members by obeying your parents and by doing your fair share of the family’s work. Now I’d like to as all the Cub Scouts to join in a “Grand Howl” for our families.

ROY G. BIV

Capital Area Council

Equipment:  

ü  Seven curved pieces of colored poster board representing the seven colors of the rainbow

ü  Seven Scouts

CM:        Rainbows are formed by the sun’s rays when they are bent as they strike the drops of water.  Rainbows give off seven colors:  violet, indigo, blue, green, yellow, orange and red.  You can only see the colors that bend in your direction.  The height of a rainbow depends on how high the sun is.  The higher the sun, the lower the rainbow.  If the sun is higher than 40 degrees, you will be unable to see a rainbow.

As each color is read, have each Scout stand
 side-by-side to form a rainbow.

Cub # 1:       R is for red

Cub # 2:       O is for orange

Cub # 3:       Y is for yellow 

Cub # 4:       G is for green   

Cub # 5:       B is for blue

Cub # 6:       I is for indigo and

Cub # 7:       V is for violet

CM:        Look, there’s a rainbow now!  See how that lovely rainbow throws her jeweled arm around these Scouts tonight.

Tonight we recognize Scouts who have reached the end of the rainbow and achieved their quest for advancement.  Call Scouts forward and present badges, awards, etc.

AUDIENCE PARTICIPATIONS & STORIES

IN SEARCH OF SUN SCREEN

Utah National Parks

Divide audience into four parts.  Assign each part a word and a response.  Instruct them they are to say the response whenever they hear the word.  Practice as you make assignments.

Vance                                           "I love to swim"

Swim                               "Splash, splash, splash"

Cub Scouts                                    "Do your best"

Sunscreen       "Aaaaaaaaaah, Ooooooooooo"

The day of the summer Pack Meeting was hot and dry. That was good because it was to be a SWIMming party. The CUB SCOUTS and their families were to meet at the Miller's house at noon. VANCE started getting ready at 9 o'clock in the morning. He loved to SWIM. He had just completed SWIMming lessons at the local SWIMming pool and had his card stating that VANCE had passed Advanced Beginners. He knew all his Cub Scout friends would be surprised. It was just last year that VANCE could not SWIM at all.

VANCE found his SWIMming suit and his towel and even his flip-flops without any trouble. But search as he might he could not find his SUNSCREEN. This was terrible. All the CUB SCOUTS had learned at one of the den meetings about the importance of always using SUNSCREEN. VANCE knew that he must protect his skin from the intense Utah sun while he was young so that he would not get skin cancer when he got older. Also, he did not want to get bad sunburn. One of his friends in CUB SCOUTS had fallen asleep in the sun and couldn't sit down or lay in bed comfortably for a week!

"Where are you, SUNSCREEN?" asked VANCE as he started looking through the house again. It was almost time for the SWIMming party. He didn't want to be late. That was when he found it. Way in the back of the bathroom drawer, there was the SUNSCREEN. He grabbed it but to his dismay, the tube felt very light. Oh no! The SUNSCREEN tube was empty. Try as he might, VANCE could not squeeze out even one little drop. What could he do? There was not time to go to the store before meeting the CUB SCOUTS for the SWIMming party. And he knew he should never go SWIMming without his SUNSCREEN.

Just then VANCE’s big brother Weston came bursting through the kitchen door. "What's the matter?" he asked when he saw VANCE sitting dejectedly in the living room. "I'm all out of SUNSCREEN so I can't go SWIMming with the CUB SCOUTS” was the reply. "Here, you can use mine," said Weston, tossing his little brother a new tube of SUNSCREEN. VANCE couldn’t believe it. Just that fast his problem was solved. "Thanks, Wes'", VANCE shouted as he headed out the door to the SWIMming party with the CUB SCOUTS. And for a whole week he didn't say one bad thing about his brother!

A Lesson for the Big Bugs

Capital Area Council

Divide audience into four parts.  Assign each part a word and a response.  Instruct them they are to say the response whenever they hear the word.  Practice as you make assignments.

Bees -                                    Buzz-Buzz
Ants -                                     Hup-2-3-4
Mosquitoes -                        Bite-e-Bite
Frog -                                Croak-Croak
Woods -                 All sounds together

This is a story about Bill and his family and their adventure in the WOODS. One fine spring day, Billy's family decided to go for a picnic in the WOODS, where they could enjoy the outdoors. They packed a nice picnic basket and headed out on their walk.

As soon as they got to where they were going, they found a nice place to set up their picnic. Billy and his brother went to the stream where they looked at a FROG. They heard some BEES over by the wild flowers, and watched some ANTS walking on ground. Being close to the water, they were also being bothered by some MOSQUITOES.

When they went back to the picnic area, they told their parents about the WOODS. How they saw a FROG and how the MOSQUITOES were bothering them. They said that the BEES didn't bother them and that the ANTS were really hard workers. Dad listened closely as he as he unwrapped another sandwich and carelessly threw his paper off to the side. Billy's little sister had just finished a soda and dropped the can by a tree. Mom threw her paper napkin on the ground and jumped up in disgust. "That is it!" she said. "I think the ANTS are taking over the picnic."

Dad stretched out for a nap and had just dozed off when Billy's sister started to scream. She had been stung by a BEE. While Mom took care of her, Dad tried to go back to sleep. But he couldn't because the MOSQUITOES were pestering him. Finally he decided that they had better go home.

Billy protested. "Why do we have to go?” "Well, Billy," Dad replied, we don't seem to be wanted here in the WOODS. We sure haven't been treated very well. The MOSQUITOES are eating me alive. The ANTS took over the picnic. And a BEE stung your sister."

Well," said Billy, "maybe the WOODS are trying to tell us something and the MOSQUITOES, and the ANTS, and the BEES are trying to tell us something.” "What is that?" asked Dad. "Well," said Billy, "just look around us and you'll see we haven't been very nice visitors to the WOODS. Look at all the trash we've thrown around. Seems to me we're the worst bugs of all—litterbugs!"

So the family started cleaning up the mess they'd made and afterwards they felt better. They took a nice walk through the WOODS, listening to the sounds. They actually enjoyed the buzzing of the BEES, the croaking of the FROGS, and the ANTS at work.

When they returned home, they were tired, but happy they had learned an important lesson that day. The worst kind of bug in the WOODS is a litterbug!

THE FARMER'S SECRET

Utah National Parks

Long ago, about the early 1930's, there was a man lost in the back country of Georgia. Due to the fact that he was a man, asking directions was beneath him, so instead he just wandered back roads trying to find his way. Eventually he ran out of gas out in the middle of nowhere, but he remembered passing a farmer's house not to far back, so he gets out and starts walking. Finally he gets to the farmer's house; unfortunately it is already extremely late at night, so the farmer invites him to stay the night.

The farmer shows him his room and tells him that there is one condition to his staying and has the man follow him. They go out to the barn. The farmer begins moving a huge quantity of hay bales to the other side of the barn to reveal a rug. He rolls up the rug to reveal a trap door. The farmer opens the door and he and the man proceed to walk down many steps.

They keep going down and down and down (this part is very monotonous so I'll keep it as simple as that). Finally at the bottom of the steps they come to a huge iron door. It takes both of them to open it far enough to just squeeze through. The door opens up to a room containing an extremely large maze. They work their way through the maze and to another door, this one made of glass.

Again it takes the two of them to open the glass door. In this room is a very large cage with a HUGE pink gorilla in it. The farmer tells the man that he must never touch the gorilla. The man agrees and they go back (you tell all the steps to getting back). They shut the trap door, put the rug over it, and move all the hay back.

They go back to the house and go to bed. But, the man cannot sleep due to the fact that he is concentrating so greatly on what would happen if he were to touch the gorilla. He decides he is going to go find out. He goes out to the barn. Moves the huge quantity of hay bales to the other side of the barn to reveal the rug, this takes quite awhile due to the amount of the hay. He rolls up the rug to reveal the trap door. The man opens the door and he proceeds to walk down the many steps.

He keeps going down and down and down and down and down and down and down and down, etc. Finally at the bottom of the steps he comes to a huge iron door. It takes the man a great amount of effort to just open the door enough to squeeze his body through with a minimal amount of pain. The door opens up to the room containing the extremely large maze. He begins to work his way through the maze and finally to the other door, the one made of glass.

Again it takes him a great amount of strength to open the glass door. He goes over to the cage, where the gorilla remains asleep. He reaches his hand through the iron bars and lightly touches the gorilla on his little toe. All of a sudden the gorilla awakes and goes into a fit!

The man runs to the glass door and pushes it shut with a great amount of strength and adrenaline. Runs through the maze, and just as he is about to go through the iron door hears the glass door shatter. He again goes through the iron door and pushes it shut with a great amount of strength and adrenaline.

He runs up the stairs and just as he reaches the top he hears the iron door rip like a sheet of paper. He shuts the trap door, but feels it’s meaningless to replace the hay if the gorilla could just rip the iron door like that.

He runs down the road and out to his truck, climbs in and attempts to start the engine forgetting that his truck is out of gas. The gorilla runs up, RIPS the roof off of the truck, reaches in and.... touches the man saying, "TAG, YOU'RE IT!

Sputo, Sputas, Sputat,
The Sound of Watermelon Seeds

Capital Area Council

Henry had a sweet slice of watermelon. Henry’s sister and brother each had one, too. Henry’s sister took a bite of watermelon and spat out the seeds. SPUTO, SPUTAS, SPUTAT! Henry’s brother took a bite of watermelon and spat out the seeds. SPUTO, SPUTAS, SPUTAT! Henry took a bite of watermelon and spat out the seeds. Dribble, drabble, drop-drop-drop. They fell down to the ground in a sorry little heap by his feet.

“Henry can’t spit watermelon seeds,” Henry’s sister said. She wrinkled up her nose at Henry. “Henry can’t spit watermelon seeds,” Henry’s brother agreed, and he spat one—SPUTO, SPUTAS, SPUTAT! -- that sailed right over Henry’s head.

Henry said, “Sure, you can spit watermelon seeds, but can you hit the metal bucket?” Henry’s sister tried. SPUTO, SPUTAS, SPUTAT! RAT-A-TAT-A-TING!  Henry’s brother tried. SPUTO, SPUTAS, SPUTAT! RAT-A-TAT-A-TING!  Henry tried. Dribble drabble drop-drop-drop. They fell down to the ground in a sorry little heap at his feet.

Henry said, “Sure, you can hit the bucket, but can you hit the birdbath?” Henry’s sister tried. SPUTO, SPUTAS, SPUTAT! SPLOSH! Henry’s brother tried. SPUTO, SPUTAS, SPUTAT! SPLOSH! Henry tried. Dribble drabble drop-drop-drop. They fell down to the ground in a sorry little heap by his feet.

Henry said, “Sure, you can hit the birdbath, but can you hit an ant hill between your feet? “ Henry’s sister tried. She hit the metal bucket. SPUTO, SPUTAS, SPUTAT! RAT-A-TAT-A-TING! Henry’s brother tried. He hit the birdbath. SPUTO, SPUTAS, SPUTAT! SPLOSH! Henry tried. Dribble drabble drop-drop-drop. The seeds fell down to the ground smack-dab in the middle of an anthill!

And do you know what? Henry got himself another slice of watermelon and smiled the whole time he ate it.

 

ADVANCEMENT CEREMONIES

S'mores Advancement Ceremony

Alice, Golden Empire Council

Materials:

ü  Campfire, real or artificial (artificial one could be “built” as it is described),

ü  Marshmallow Sticks for each boy and one for demonstration

ü  A Marshmallow, 2 Graham Crackers, a Square of Chocolate for each Cub receiving an award. (Additional materials for everyone to make S’mores later if the meeting is outside); Awards for each boy are attached to a Marshmallow Stick with his name on it.                                                  

Set Up:

ü  Cubmaster and other personnel are in front of the audience, with a table holding marshmallow sticks for each boy and the makings for an artificial campfire, OR with all materials near a real campfire. 

ü  Give each adult their part in large letters and a prop that fits their part, (in parenthesis) that they can hold up. 

ü  If done outside, make sure everyone has a flashlight if needed.

The Ceremony:

Cubmaster:  One of the things we all look forward to in Summer is making and enjoying S’mores. The boys in our Pack have also been looking forward to receiving awards they have earned. And both S’mores and Advancement have some things in common:  Let’s compare the campfire to the Scouting Program –

Chartered Organization Rep: (holds up picture of location provided by them) The campfire needs to be built in a safe location.  The Chartered Organization provides that safe place for the Pack.

Committee Chair: (holds up a large stone or a picture of a fire ring) The campfire must be contained in the right area by the stones of the fire ring, just as the National, Council and District provide guidelines that assure quality program resources for every unit and every boy.

Unit Commissioner: (holds up a shovel) The water and shovel that we must always have handy to our campfire are like the various rules and safety procedures, like tour permits, that we always use in Scouting.

Cubmaster: (holds up a piece of tinder) Tinder is needed to light the fire – Baden Powell first provided the “tinder” for Scouting when he saw young men in need of guidance and outdoor skills.

Assistant Cubmaster: (holds up a piece of kindling) Kindling is provided by small sticks in our campfire, and by the Ideals and Purposes of Scouting in our programs.

Den Leader:  (holds up a small log) Fuel, the wood that provides steady warmth in our fire, is like the “fuel” provided by dedicated, trustworthy leaders and volunteers who keep the Scouting program going steadily.

Pack Trainer or Parent: (holds up matches or fire starter) The Spark that lights our campfire can be compared to the Inspiration of ideas and glow of knowledge when dedicated leaders really get to know the Program through Training and the Boys through Experience – then they can really “light a fire” under their Scouts!

Cubmaster: Once our campfire is lighted, we must practice patience and good habits – the fire will be too hot for our S’mores if we aren’t patient, and it could go out if we fail to tend it properly. Like our campfire, the boys who will receive awards here tonight have had to learn patience to wait for their reward, as they tackle new goals and practice new skills – even the Bobcat takes practice and memorization. (If this is an artificial campfire, add red/yellow tissue paper for flames now – or turn on an electric campfire)

Cubmaster: But even with just the right kind of glowing embers to make S’mores, no one would enjoy the treat without the right equipment (holds up the Marshmallow Stick) and the right ingredients.  (holds up S'mores makings)

The marshmallow stick is the tool that gets our marshmallow to the fire.  Parents and other adults help get the boy to scouting. So we would like to call up our first boys who will receive awards tonight (Calls them by name) along with their parents or other adults who have helped them succeed.  Parents, I give you the stick to represent your part in helping (name of boy) earn his awards.  Please remove the “S’mores” fixings, or awards, from the stick and present them to your scout. And just as you have provided scouting tools for your boy, please give your scout the tool he will need to make his S'mores. (Cubmaster and/or Den Leader reads off the awards as they are handed to the boy - Continue on by awarding all rank advancements and other awards to each boy- Be sure to have someone take a picture of each family before they return to their seats)

Cubmaster:  Now you boys are prepared to enjoy your reward, both your advancements AND your S’mores – but always remember that without kindling, tinder, fuel, and a spark, you couldn’t succeed in Scouting.  And always remember to be an example to other boys, to be a friend to each other, and to live the Ideals of Scouting. Congratulations!

THE PICNIC

Utah National Parks

Equipment: Picnic basket, table, tablecloth, paper plates, napkins, paper cups, plastic forks and spoons, awards to be presented attached to appropriate items.

Setting: Cubmaster enters with a picnic basket. He opens the basket and places the tablecloth on the table.

Cubmaster: We have several Cub Scouts to honor today for the hard work they have done since our last meeting. With these paper plates, we have our Bobcats. (Call boys and parents forward, pull paper plates with Bobcat badges attached to them from the basket, present awards and give congratulations.)

Present other awards in same way:
Tigers - cups
Wolf – napkins,
Bear – knives,
Webelos – spoons,
Activity badges – forks.

Cubmaster: You have seen all of the things that help make a picnic fun, except for the food. These young men and their parents represent the things that make the pack grow and thrive. They are as important to the pack as food is to a picnic. Let’s wish them well as they continue their Scouting trail.

WEBELOS WATER,
A Bear Promotion Ceremony

Utah National Parks

Props:

Large tub, old tennis shoe, bucket with colored punch, enough cups for each Scout participating, balloon, sack of dirt, inner tube, rubber band, paper heart, shovel, and a ladle.

Set Up:

·         Boys and parents gather on one side of the stage.

·         Cubmaster on the other side with a jar marked “Webelos Water.”

Cubmaster: Bears, you are now ready to begin your final area of Cub Scouting – that of Webelos. You will find it different, challenging and rewarding. To help prepare you for this great effort, the Pack developed some Webelos Water, (looks at jar).

Uh, well, it looks like it evaporated! Let’s see, I guess we could make more! Now, what was that recipe? (Cubmaster appears deep in thought, then gets idea and goes to props.)

Cubmaster: Let’s see.

«  An old tennis shoe to remind you that you still have many miles to go on the Scouting Trail, (throws shoe in tub) and coincidentally to remind you not to take your shoes off in a two-man tent. (holds his nose).

«  Ah, a sack of dirt to remind you that Cub Scouts is now a lot of outdoor activities.

«  An inner tube to remind you that you may have a few flat tires, but they can be overcome.

«  A shovel to remind you to keep your room clean. (Winks at Mom & Dad).

«  A balloon to remind you that a lot of hot air doesn’t get the job done.

«  A heart to remind you of your commitment to your parents and family.

«  A rubber band to remind you to stretch yourself to learn new ideas and skills.

OK, that’s about it! Let’s stir it a little!  (Stir)

Looks good. Now, let me get you each a cup of our new Webelos Water. (Reach inside tub with ladle and scoop punch to pour in cups for everyone to see. Give cup and Webelos Colors to each Scout.)

Congratulations new Webelos and parents!

 

CUB SCOUT MOUNTAIN

Materials:

ü  Stage steps (at least six steps to the top),

ü  Cardboard scenery decorated as mountain to fit across side of steps. Place a strip of paper with the appropriate rank on each step, (Bobcat lowest to Arrow of Light.)

ü  Books and awards to be presented.

Instructions:

ü  Place steps sideways so audience can see mountain scenery but not steps.

ü  Each scout will be allowed to ascend to the step marked with the rank he has achieved to receive his award. (You can also include arrow points and activity badges.)

Cubmaster: Has anyone ever been mountain climbing? (response)

Well, the Cub Scouts who have earned awards tonight will demonstrate how to climb a “mountain”.  Before you can climb a mountain, you need to have the appropriate equipment. You need ropes, packs, medical supplies, maps,

hiking boots and many other things. YOU NEVER GO CLIMBING ALONE!

In Cub Scouting, in order to advance along the Cub Scout Trail, you also need the appropriate equipment. That is your book, your uniform, your den and your pack. You can’t do it alone. You need the help of your den leaders and parents. I have here some supplies for climbing to the top of Cub Scout Mountain. (hold up books).

Will (name of recipient) and his parents please come forward? I know you are not prepared to go climbing so here is a (Wolf) book. It won’t get you to the top of Cub Scout Mountain, for that you will need different equipment. But, let’s see how far this will help you climb. (Cub Scout climbs to Wolf step and faces audience.)

I now present this Wolf Badge to your parents to present to you. They have been helpful in assisting your climb. You made this climb look easy, but you worked hard to reach this altitude of Cub Scout Mountain.

(Proceed with other awards in similar manner. Arrow of Light recipients will reach the ‘peak’ and should be allowed to climb to the top step even if there are more than five.)

LET THE COMPASS GUIDE YOU

Capital Area Council

There s no Tiger in this ceremony.  Not sure how to add it except to say, hopefully you will not have all ranks that night and can drop one and shuffle to add in
Tiger after Bobcat.  CD

PROPS: You will need a prop compass made of heavy cardboard; placed in front on the advancement table.

CUBMASTER: We look to the compass for our guide.

To the East, we find a Cub ready for his Bobcat Badge. Will (name) and his parents come forward, (Present award) He brings his eagerness like the dawn of a new day.

To the South is the Wolf with his spirit of adventure. Will (name) and his parents come forward. (Present awards)

To the West is a Bear hunting on the trail of Scouting. (Present awards)

To the North is the Webelos about to realize his boyhood dreams, alive with Scout action. Will (name) and his parents come forward. (Present awards)

Let the compass guide all of you on your trails and may you all carry into your adult lives the ideals of Scouting.

Bubble Advancement Ceremony
(This ceremony can be used in dens or packs)
Capital Area Council

Equipment:          Bubble solution, and bubble wand, awards to be given.

Personnel:            Den Leader or Cubmaster, boy receiving award (and parents, if appropriate)

Set up:   Den Leader spends a few seconds blowing bubbles with the Cubs and then calls them around him/her.

Den Leader: Did you know that soap bubbles can only join at one of two angles (places or ways)?  There are no other possibilities.  So the number two would be important if you were a bubble. 

The number two is important to Cub Scouts also.  Whenever you give the Cub Scout Promise you hold your right arm high with two fingers held out straight in the Cub Scout sign.  The two fingers stand for the two points of the Promise; to help other people and to obey.  They also stand for the two alert ears of a wolf.  A wolf that is always listening to Akela.

(Name) has been listening closely and working with his parents and in our den.  He is now ready to receive his first/next bead in his Progress Towards Ranks.  (Award bead and help boy get it attached.  Your Den Chief could do this.)

We'll now form a living circle and give the grand howl in (name's) honor.

MORE ADVANCEMENT IDEAS

Capital Area Council

ü  Attach awards to small kites.  Display on wall.  With fluffy clouds, bright sun and/or rainbow.  On kite write, "It takes high ideals to earn your . . . "

ü  Attach awards to a Frisbee or plastic disc, small plastic paratrooper, or paper airplane.  Throw for each boy to catch.

ü  Attach award to airplane tickets.  On airplane ticket write, "You are just the ticket.  Congratulations on earning you . . ."

ü  Put awards in balloons with a lightweight paper basket.  Write the message, "You soar to great heights in scouting.  Congratulations on earning your . . . "

SONGS

DID YOU EVER SEE A HORSE FLY?

Utah National Parks

(Tune: The More We Get Together)

Did you ever see a horse fly, a horse fly, a horse fly,

Did you ever see a horse fly, a horse fly, fly, fly.

Did you ever see a board walk, a board walk, a board walk,

Did you ever see a board walk, a board walk, walk, walk.

Other suggestions:

Shoe lace, hair pin, tooth pick, eye drop, neck tie, house fly, moth ball, eye lash, yard stick, hair brush, wrist watch, ear drum.

 

BABY SHARK

Utah National Parks

Actions - Wrists together, opening and closing hands as a small mouth

Baby shark, do, do, do, do, do, do

Baby shark, do, do, do, do, do, do

Baby shark, do, do, do, do, do, do

Baby shark

Repeat using appropriate actions:

Mama Shark - elbows together, open and close

Papa Shark - use full arms, open and close

Grandma Shark - full arms, closed hands (no teeth)

Surfer Dude - surfing actions

Went for a Swim - swimming actions

Lost a Leg - hop on one leg

Lost an Arm - hide an arm, continue to hop

911 - pretend to call

CPR - chest compressions

It’s not working - shrug

Reincarnation - air circles

As a Baby Shark - see above

Papa Shark - see above

Grandma Shark - see above

That’s the End - wave good bye

BACKYARD ADVENTURE

Utah National Parks

(Tune: Clementine)

Chorus:

In your backyard, in your backyard,

You can have a lot of fun.

If you look at what's around you

You'll have fun 'til day is done.

Did you ever watch an ant work?

Have you listened to the bees?

Have you watched birds build their nests?

And been thankful for the trees?

Chorus

After sunset, watch the stars shine.

Nature's wonders you can see.

Plant a garden, watch the corn grow,

They'll be food for you and me.

Chorus

If you'll just look all around you,

Many new things you will see.

Mother Nature's backyard's endless

Always there for you and me.

TAKE ME OUT TO THE FOREST

Utah National Parks

(Tune: Take Me Out to the Ball Game)

Take me out to the forest.

Let me hike in the wild.

Show me a skunk and a few bear tracks.

I won't care if I never come back.

But it's look, look, at your compass.

If it rains, then it pours.

And it's ouch, slap, sting and you’re bit

In the great outdoors!

The Ants Go Marching
(Great Hiking Song)

Capital Area Council

(Tune: Johnny Comes Marching Home)

The ants go marching one by one,  Hurrah, hooray.

The ants go marching one by one,  Hurrah, hooray.

The ants go marching one by one,

The little one stopped to SHOOT HIS GUN

And they all go marching...

Down into the ground...to get out of the rain,

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

(On succeeding verses change "one by one" to "
two by two,” "three by three,” etc. and use the following lines in place for the underlined above).

Verses:

Two - To tie his shoe

Three - To climb a tree

Four - To shut the door

Five - To take a dive

Six - To pick up sticks

Seven - To look at Heaven

Eight - To shut the gate

Nine - To check the time

Ten - To say the end!

HAPPY WANDERER

Capital Area Council

I love to go a-wandering, 

Along the mountain track,

And as I go, I love to sing, 

My knap‑sack on my back.

Chorus

Val‑de ri‑‑Val‑de ra‑‑ Val‑de ri‑‑

Val‑de ra ha ha ha ha ha

Val‑de ri,‑‑Val‑de ra.

My knap‑sack on my back.

I love to wander by the stream

That dances in the sun,

So joyously it calls to me,

"Come! Join my happy song!"

Chorus (Last line - "Come! Join my happy song!")

I wave my hat to all I meet,

And they wave back to me,

And blackbirds call so loud and sweet

From ev'ry green wood tree.

Chorus (Last Line - From ev'ry green wood tree.)

High overhead, the skylarks wing,

They never rest at home

But just like me, they love to sing,

As o'er the world we roam.

Chorus (Last Line - As o'er the world we roam.)

Oh, may I go a-wandering

Until the day I die!

Oh, may I always laugh and sing

Beneath God's clear blue sky!

Chorus (Last Line - Beneath God's clear blue sky!)

 

Singing in the Rain

Capital Area Council

We're singing in the rain, just singing in the rain.

What a glorious feeling, we're happy again.

Thumbs up! [Group echoes.]

Repeat first two lines, keep thumbs up

Arms Out (Group echoes)

Repeat first two lines, keep thumbs up and arms out

Elbows in (Group echoes)

Keep going adding each of the following, in turn:

Knees Bent,

Knees together,

Toes together,

Butt out,

Chest out,

Head Back,

Tongue out

Take Me Out To The Ball Game 

Sam Houston Area Council

Take me out to the ball game,

Take me out to the park;

Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jacks,

I don’t care if I never come back.

For it’s root, root, root for the home team,

If they don’t win it’s a shame;

For it’s one, two, three strikes, “You’re out!”

At the old ball game!

In The Good Old Summertime – Cub Scout Style 

Sam Houston Area Council

(Tune: In the Good Old Summertime)

In the good old summertime,

In the good old summertime

Meeting with our Cub Scout Pack

A picnic, family-style.

We’ll play some games

And sing some songs

Scout Leader Pow Wow

With family by our side.

Cub Scouting’s fun the whole year long

But ‘specially in summertime.

Nature Hike

Sam Houston Area Council

(Tune: Yankee Doodle)

My Cub Scout den went out one day

To take a nature hike.

Before the trip was half way through

I wished I’d brought my bike.

Chorus:

Walking, walking through the woods,

To study nature’s wonders.

Trying hard to be good Cubs,

Not making any blunders.

We learned about the trees and things,

‘Bout bugs and birds and critters.

But when your mom cleans pockets out,

Some things give her the jitters.

Chorus

The Twelve Days Of Summer 

Sam Houston Area Council

(Tune: The Twelve Days of Christmas)

On the first day of summer, my true love gave to me...
A robin in a maple tree.

On the second day of summer, my true love gave to me...
Two ducks a-waddling and a robin in a maple tree.

On the third day of summer, my true love gave to me...
Three bees a buzzing, two ducks a-waddling and a robin in a maple tree.

Fourth day... 4 watermelons

Fifth day... 5 picnic baskets

Sixth day... 6 wormy apples

Seventh day... 7 ants a-marching

Eighth day... 8 swimmers swimming

Ninth day... 9 children playing

Tenth day... 10 flowers blooming

Eleventh day... 11 mowers mowing

Twelfth day... 12 gardens growing

Outdoor Adventure 

Sam Houston Area Council

(Tune: This Old Man)

Birds and plants, rocks and trees

These are things that I can see

With my backpack, canteen

We are on the run,

Outdoor adventure is so much fun.

Bushes, trains, boats and planes,

Cars are passing, changing lanes,

With our field trips, outings,

We are on the run,

Outdoor adventure is so much fun.

STUNTS AND APPLAUSES

APPLAUSES & CHEERS

Sam Houston Area Council

Home Run Cheer 
Simulate swinging a bat at a ball, shade your eyes with your hand and yell, “There she goes!”

Mosquito Cheer 
With hand, slap yourself on neck, arms and legs while saying “Ooooo, aaah, eeeee”

Spider Cheer 
Walk all four fingers of one hand up the other arm and then scream ‘EEEEEKK!”

Bee Cheer 
Put arms out to sides pretending to fly, while saying “Buzz, buzz, buzz.”

Beach Cheer 
Divide the audience into three groups. When you point to group one, they yell “Sand!” When you point to group two, they yell, “Surf!” When you point to group three, they yell, “Sun!”

Summer Fun Cheer 
Tell the group when you say “summer” or “fun”, they are to say the opposite. Vary the speed you use to see whether they can keep up.

Watermelon Cheer

Capital Area Council

You take a big bite of a watermelon,

Chew it up good and now

You spit out the pits like a machine gun

Utah National Parks

Ocean Cheer

Best done with a large group;

First row sways from side to side;

Second row sways in opposite direction;

Third row same as first, etc.

Then have them add sound effects:
 SWOOSH, SWOOSH, SWOOSH!!

Pole Vault Cheer

Hold one arm straight in front.

Stand two fingers of the other hand on the outstretched arm, like legs, and pretend that they “run” down the arm.

When they get to the wrist, make them “leap” into the air. As you bring your hand back down, clap.

Baseball Cheer

Pretend to throw a baseball in the air

Then pretend to hit it with a bat.

After you hit the ball, shout, “Home Run!!”

Bowling Cheer

Pretend to throw a bowling ball down an alley

The yell, “Strike!”

Bicycle Cheer

Say: “Pump, pump, pump!”

Make motions as if using a manual bicycle pump

Bear Hug a Tree Cheer

When lost in the forest, a Cub Scout should “Hug a Tree.”

Put your arms around your own shoulders and

Give yourself a big bear hug just like that tree.

Long Hike Cheer

Stomp your feet loudly three times,

shuffle your feet softly three times

the say “Boy, I’m tired.”

Longer Hike Cheer

Stomp your feet loudly six times,

Shuffle your feet softly six times

Then whine “Are we there yet?”

End of Hike Cheer

Throw hands up in the air and yell “We made it!” and collapse.

Capital Area Council

Big Balloon Cheer

Stick out your thumb and pretend to blow up your hand, keep opening your fingers until your hand opens up really big and yell "BANG!.

Jet Plane Cheer

Move your hand around yelling "Zoom, Zoom"

then add one big clap for the sonic boom.
Lightning Cheer

Shake your finger like jagged lightning yelling "Shhhhh, Shhhh" on each movement. 

Throw in a "BOOM" every now and then.

RUN-ONS

Utah National Parks

Some of these are real scout Classics!! CD

Cub 1:       (Just standing there.)

Cub 2:       (Runs on and yells) They are after me, they are after me!

Cub 1:       What’s wrong?

Cub 2:       They are after me!

Cub 1:       Who’s after you?

Cub 2:       The squirrels are after me, they think I’m nuts! (and runs off)

Cub 1:       (Enters during break between skits, poking stick in ground and playing with it.)

Cub 2:       (Enters from other side and says) What you doing?

Cub 1:       Just stickin’ around

Cub 1:       What did the bug say when it hit the windshield?

Cub 2:       I don’t have the guts to do that again.

Cub 1:       I wonder what it would be like to be a piece of wood

Cub 2:       I’d probably be bored!

Cub 1:       You shouldn’t swim on a full stomach.

Cub 2:       Okay, I’ll do the backstroke.

Willie:        I just found a lost baseball.

Dad:          How do you know it was lost?

Willie:        Because the kids down the street are looking all over for it.

Cub 1:       Why are you crying?

Cub 2:       I cleaned the bird cage and the canary disappeared.

Cub 1:       How did you clean it?

Cub 2:       With the vacuum cleaner.

Camper:   Can you pitch a tent?

Beginner: Overhand or Underhand?

Traveler:   I’d like to buy a round trip ticket, please.

Agent:       To Where?

Traveler:   Back to here, of course.

Cub 1:       I slept with my head under the pillow last night.

Cub 2:       What happened?

Cub 1:       The tooth fairy came and took my teeth out.

JOKES & RIDDLES

Utah National Parks

What kind of a dog has no tail?                                Hot dog.

What kind of an insect does your uncle like best?        Ants

Why did the hamburger look sad?             It was grounded.

What do spiders eat with their hamburgers?    French Flies.

What do you call an airline that flies backwards?
                                                                        A receding airline.

 

Knock, Knocks

Utah National Parks

Knock, knock

Who’s there?

Hutch

Hutch who?

Did you sneeze?

Knock, knock

Who’s there?

Dozen

Dozen who?

Dozen anyone answer the door?

Knock, Knock

Who’s there?

Wooden shoe

Wooden shoe who?

Wooden shoe like to know!

SKITS

FIRE STARTING 

Sam Houston Area Council

Characters: Eight boys

Props: See what each boy needs in the skit.

[Have each boy walk on stage with his prop, say his line, and build a fire.]

Cub # 1:       (holding wood shavings, pine needles, dry grasses, shredded bark, etc) I’m tinder! I’m quick to burn because I’m small and dry!

Cub # 2:       (holding pieces of firewood) I’m kindling! I’m dry dead twigs no thicker than a pencil.

Cub # 3:       (holding pieces of firewood) I’m fuel! I’m dry dead wood as thin as your finger and up to as thick as your arm.

Cub # 4:        (holding a big cardboard match) I’m a match! I create a spark which will ignite the tinder.

Cub # 5:        (holding a poster board picture of a small flame) I’m a flame! I start the kindling burning.

Cub # 6:       (holding a poster board picture of a medium fire) I’m a blaze! I burn the fuel and give off heat and light.

Cub # 7:       (holding a poster board picture of roaring fire) I’m a bonfire! I’m very dangerous. I can give off enough heat to make this whole pack hot.

Cub # 8:       (holding a pail with a small mist bottle of water hidden inside) I’m water. I can put out fires and cool you off. (Takes spray mist bottle out of pail and lightly sprays it into the air.)

THE FIRE 

Sam Houston Area Council

You need two players and a behind-the-scenes person to move the fire (an artificial campfire with almost invisible strings attached).

The players sit by the fire, reading, doing a puzzle, etc.

The fire moves slightly.  They don’t notice.

It moves again.  They don’t notice.

This continues until the fire is pulled off stage.

At that point, one of the players looks at the other and says,

“Looks like the fire’s gone out again!”

HIKING – THE SCOUTING WAY 

Sam Houston Area Council

Den Chief: OK, guys. Is everybody ready to go hiking?

[Boys start hiking up their socks and pants or shorts.]

Den Chief:            What are you doing? I said hiking! Are you ready to go hiking?

Cub #1:     Yes, we’re hiking up our socks and our shorts – you know.

DC:             No, no, no. Hiking. Hiking, don’t you know? – hiking!

Cub #2:     Oh, OK. [Takes football from behind his back; boys line up to begin play.] Hike one, hike two, hike three.

DC:             No, no, no! Hiking! Hiking! Hiking! Come on guys. Get with it!

[Cub #3 walks by with a crown on his head.]

Cub #4:     Hi, King!

DC:             No, no, no! Hiking, walking, Scouting staff. You know – hiking!

All Cubs:   Oh, why didn’t you say so? [Walk offstage hiking with Den Chief.]

CAN YOU DO THIS?

Sam Houston Area Council

Cast:      2 People, campfire blanket

Have one person lie down on his back and the other kneel directly over him.

The top person wears the campfire blanket so as to hide his legs and expose the legs of the person lying down, to create the effect of it being one person sitting down.

Person:   Hi there!

                Welcome to Don's House of Fine Exercises and Sports Medicine. Today I'm going to ask you about your regular stretching routine.

                Can you do this? (He lifts up a leg so that it's parallel with the chest.)

                Or this? (Lifts other leg.)

                And how about this? (Crosses the legs.)

                This is an unusual one. Can you do it? (Brings feet around the neck.)

                And let's not forget this one. Can you do it? (Stretches out the legs in spread eagle fashion in the air.) (Elicit a no answer from a volunteer.)

                Well, neither can I! (Stands up.)

CLIMB THAT 

Sam Houston Area Council

Two Scouts meet, and the first scout begins to brag he can climb anything.

Cub #1: “Can you climb that tree?”

Cub #2   “Sure I've done it lots of times.”

Cub #1   “Can you climb the steep hill over there?”

Cub #2   “No sweat, no problem for me.”

Cub #1   “How about the Empire State Building?”

Cub #2   “Done it. Did it.”

Cub #1   “How about Mount Everest?”

Cub #2   “Boy that was I cold day, I've done that too. I told you I am the world's greatest climber, I can climb anything!”

Cub #1   “I'll bet you ten bucks I can show you something that you can't climb.”

Cub #1   [Pulls out a flashlight and shine the beam up into the sky] “All right climb that!”

Cub #2   "Are you crazy? No Way!”

Cub #1   “I knew you would back out, now pay up!”

Cub #2   “I won't pay because it’s not fair. I know you, I'd start climbing and I'd get half way and you'd turn the flashlight off!”

GOING THE DISTANCE

Utah National Parks

Personnel:   Any number of boys

Opening:      All start out walking.

1st Cub:     (stops) I'm thirsty. (All get a drink.)
(Continue Walking.)

2nd Cub:   (stops) I'm hot (All wipe off face.)
(Continue Walking.)

3rd Cub:    (stops) I'm hungry (All get something to eat.)
(Continue Walking)

4th Cub:    (stops) My shoestring is undone
(All tie shoestrings.) (Continue Walking)

**Make up as many more things as you need so that
every Cub in your den has a part.**

Last Cub   (as Cubs approach the end of the stage): This sure has been a long walk how far have we gone?

1st Cub:     (Looking back) Across the stage! (Or maybe all the others say this)

CLOSING CEREMONIES

God Gives Us the World

Capital Area Council

Cubmaster:          The founder of Scouting, Lord Baden-Powell, once said, "God has given us a world to live in that is full of beauties and wonders and He has given us not only eyes to see them but minds to understand them, if we only have the sense to look at then in that light." With Spring well under way and Summer fast approaching, we will be spending more time in and enjoying the great outdoors once again. As we do this, let us in a true Scouting spirit, live up to our Outdoor Code:

Cubs 1-4:    As an American, I will do my best to:

Cub # 1:       Be clean in my outdoor manners. I will treat the outdoors as a heritage to be improved for our greater enjoyment. I will keep my trash and garbage out of America's waterways, fields, woods, and roadways.

Cub # 2:       Be careful with fire. I will build my fire in a safe place and be sure it is dead out before I leave.

Cub # 3:       Be considerate in the outdoors. I will treat public and private property with respect. I will remember that use of the outdoors is a privilege I can lose by abuse.

Cub # 4:       Be conservation-minded. I will learn to practice good conservation of soil, water, forests, minerals, grasslands, and wildlife. And I will urge others to do the same. I will use sportsman-like methods in all my outdoor activities.

My Backyard

Capital Area Council

Cub # 1:       My backyard is a wondrous place
I can stake a claim for a thinking space.

Cub # 2:       I can pitch a tent and sleep in the rain,
Or listen to the whistle of a far away train.

Cub # 3:       I can throw a ball to Mother of Dad,
Or just be alone when I get mad.

Cub # 4:       I can plant a garden or climb a tree,
Or get my dog, Ralph, to chase after me.

Cub # 5:       Sometimes we even have den meetings there,
I've finished my Wolf and started my Bear!

Cub # 6:       Yeah, the backyard's the place where I run,
When I really want to have some fun.

Cubmaster’s Minutes

Three Important Things

Capital Area Council, TX

To the sailor, three things were essential - a compass, a sextant, and a flag.  The compass to tell them where they were heading during the day.  The sextant to tell them where they were at night,  And the flag to tell them which way the wind is blowing

SUMMER CLOSING

Utah National Parks

May the sun be warm and kind to you,

May the darkest night bring a shining star through.

May the dullest day bring a ray of light to you,

And when you leave here tonight, God’s hand to you.

Good night Scouts!

HAVE YOU EVER WATCHED THE CAMPFIRE?

The Gilwell Camp Fire Book

Via Utah National Parks

Have you ever watched the campfire,

When the wood has fallen low,

And the ashes start to whiten

Round the embers' crimson glow?

With the night sounds all around you

Making silence doubly sweet,

And the full moon high above you

That the spell might be complete?

Tell me - were you ever nearer

To the land of heart's desire

Than when you sat there thinking

With your feet before the fire?

DO YOUR BEST

Utah National Parks

When you give the Cub Scout Promise, the words "Do Your Best" often are lost in all of the other very important words. Let's stop for a minute and carefully consider those words.

ü  “Do” signifies effort and action.

ü  "Best" describes effort and action above our usual.

ü  "Your Best" is just that–the very best.

You are the only person who can possibly know whether or not you have done your best to do certain things.

Think about the meaning of the Promise and decide that you will always do your very best, no matter what the job facing you might be.

 

SMILE CLOSING

Utah National Parks

A smile costs nothing, but creates much. It happens in a flash, but the memory sometimes lasts forever. It cannot be bought, begged, borrowed or stolen, but it is something that is of no earthly good to anyone unless it is given away. So, if in your hurry and rush you meet someone who is too weary to give you a smile, leave one of yours. No one needs a smile quite as much as a person who has none left to give. What better way to spread good will.

Helpful to Others

Capital Area Council

An excellent way to close a campfire on a starry night.  CD

Lord Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting said this to scouts everywhere: "I often think that when the sun goes down, the world is hidden by a big blanket from the light of heaven, but the stars are little holes pierced in that blanket by those who have done good deeds in this world.  The stars are not all the same size; some are big, some are little, and some men have done small deeds but they have made their hole in the blanket by doing good before they went to heaven.  Try and make your hole in the blanket by doing good work while you are on earth.  It is something to be good, but it is far better to do good".  Think of Baden-Powell's words when you promise "to help other people".

Closing Thought

Capital Area Council

Put me in touch with the heart of a boy—

Let me study his doubts and fears.

Let me show him a way of life

and help him avoid its tears.

For the heart of a boy in its buoyancy

is one that is pure and true.

So, put me in touch with the heart of a boy…

and the heart of a man to be.

THEME RELATED STUFF

Fun Facts About Summer

Alice, Golden Empire Council

?   Americans eat seven billion hot dogs between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

?   Strawberries, a favorite summer fruit, are related to the rose – each one has about 200 seeds.

?   Watermelons originally came from the Kalahari Desert region in Africa, even though a watermelon is 92% water.

?   The word barbecue comes from the Arawak word barbakoa, meaning "frame of sticks."

?   Thank the Chinese when you enjoy ice cream during the summer – it was  invented there around 2000 BC

?   Summer squash is just a name for some varieties of squash that are harvested while still immature and tender and edible. Some are actually available year-round.

?   What we call the first day of summer was actually right in the middle of it in the ancient calendar, where summer was the season that surrounded the longest day.

?   The North Pole actually gets the most sunshine of any place on earth on June 21^st – and for several weeks after!

?   When you drink a glass of summer lemonade, think of  the wife of President Rutherford B. Hayes wife Lucy – she was called Lemonade Lucy all year long, because she refused to serve liquor in the White House.

?   The first person to give tips about how to land a fish in summer was a woman - Dame Juliana Berners, whose “Treatyse of Fysshynge wyth an Angle” was written in 1496 and followed for the next 150 years by English fishermen!

?   Although today we eat lots of sliced tomatoes during the summer, they were thought to be poisonous to people until the mid-19^th century.

?   Americans eat about 140 pounds of potatoes a year, and they are 540 times more likely to eat potato salad on July 4^th than on an average day.

?   The Sun doesn’t just heat up the earth during the Summer – it also holds the earth and other planets in our solar system in orbit.

?   In the Northern Hemisphere where we live, Summer is during June, July and August – but if you live below the equator in the Southern Hemisphere, those are the winter months for you – and the Winter is really Summertime!

REMEMBER FIRE SAFETY 

Sam Houston Area Council

As S’more Summer Fun may involve some fire building
(by adults or Webelos Scouts),
here are some reminders as you take caution:

ü  Build your fire in the center of a 10-foot circle that is free of flammable materials such as twigs and dry grass.

ü  Don’t build the fire against a tree or between the roots.

ü  Don’t use firewood that spits sparks.

ü  Break burnt matches before throwing them away, be sure that they are “cold out”.

ü  Never leave a fire unattended.

ü  Keep a bucket of water, dirt, or sand handy for emergency use.

ü  When you are through with the fire, put it out. Spread the coals and ashes and sprinkle them with water. Stir and sprinkle until the fire is cold out. This means it feels cold to the touch.

From the Cub Scout Leader Book, page 33-3.

 

TIGERS

Not sure how many Tigers anyone has at this point in time.  Last year's Tigers should have been promoted to Wolf in June.  Our spring recruitment only had one kindergartener sign up, so we are counting on  the Fall.  Anyway, here are some things for Tigers to do.  In the September issue (October's theme) I will begin a series on each of the Achievements.  CD

The year is over and it’s a great time to reflect on your accomplishments.  Reviewing the requirements for the National Den Award would be a good thing to do during the summer so you can improve on your program if it was not achieved.  Learning new games and activities for the upcoming year would be helpful if the ones you typically use did not hold their interest.

Wax Paper Sun Catchers

Capital Area Council

ü  Collect leaves, flowers, weeds and press them for a few days before the Tiger meeting in a large phone book.

ü  Tigers place leaves, flowers etc. on a sheet of waxed paper (about 12" square). 

ü  The Tigers then make crayon shavings with an inexpensive plastic pencil sharpener.

ü  They sprinkle a few wax shavings between the flowers and leaves. 

ü  Cover the wax paper with another sheet of wax paper. 

ü  The DEN LEADER (or other Adult) then uses an iron on medium setting to fuse the two pieces of wax paper together and melt the crayon shavings (works best if you put a piece of brown paper sack under the bottom piece of wax paper and another piece of the brown paper sack between the top piece of wax paper and then iron.)

Bubble Fun

Capital Area Council

Blow a soap bubble and watch it float in the air. 

Blow gently to keep it aloft without popping it. 

Have a contest to see who can keep a bubble in the air longest, or how far you can blow your bubble before it bursts.

Basic Bubble Solution

1 cup Joy or Dawn

3-4 Tablespoons glycerin (optional, available at drugstore)

10 cups clean cold water (up to 50% more on dry days)

Directions

In a clean pail, mix the ingredients well. 

Do not stir too much, you don't want froth on the top. 

Leave it overnight if you have time. 

You don't have to have glycerin but it makes the bubbles last longer and you get larger without breaking.

Giant Bubble Wand

Thread the string through both of the straws and knot the ends. 

Lay the straws and string down in the BUBBLE SOLUTION. 

Gently lift up the straws, one in each hand. 

Spread the straws apart as you lift, and a giant bubble will form. 

Wave your arms across in the air, and it will be set free, to float up, up, and away!

Assorted Wands

Twist thin wire into fun shapes. 

Use beads for handles for smaller wands.

Weather Rocks

Capital Area Council

Collect a quantity of "weather" rocks to pass out to every family at the pack meeting. 

Photocopy the following directions and sandwich between layers of clear contact paper. 

Give one with each rock. 

Make a big deal out of this wonderful present your den is giving away.

Weather Rock Instructions

1.       For best results, place your weather rock outside:

2.       If you rock is wet…it's raining.

3.       If your rock is white…it's snowing.

4.       If your rock is moving…it's really windy.

5.       If your rock is stiff…it's freezing.

6.       If your rock is gone…sorry, you've been ripped off!

Bees And Butterflies

Capital Area Council

·         The next time your den is anyplace where there are a lot of flowers, pretend that all of you are bees and butterflies. 

·         Zigzag from one flower to another. 

·         Look at a blossom from the insect point of view. 

·         Stick your finger down into the blossom to find the pollen. 

·         How would you get to it if you were an insect? 

·         Feel the pollen and smell it. 

·         Be careful that you don’t run into a real bee!

Listening Post

Capital Area Council

ü  Find a spot just for you within sight of your leader and listen carefully for two minutes. 

ü  Then come together and tell each other what you heard. 

ü  How many sounds did you hear? 

ü  Could you tune out sounds from the world of people?

Sport Stacking

Have you heard of one of the newest sports – Sport Stacking.  Founded in 1995 and formally known as cup stacking, this sport can be completed by individuals or as teams.  Current world records are set by 13 and 14 year olds.

Participants of sport stacking upstack and downstack cups in pre-determined sequences, competing against the clock or another player. Sequences are usually pyramids of three, six, or ten cups. Proponents of the sport say participants learn teamwork, cooperation, ambidexterity, and hand-eye coordination.

 

There are four main types of stacks in competition. All stacks can be made from left-to-right or right-to-left (individual preference), but the same direction must be maintained for both "up stacking" (setting the cups into pyramids) and "down stacking" (unstacking the pyramids and returning them to their nested position).

3 - 3 – 3
Uses 9 cups. Cups start in three nested stacks of 3. The stacker must create three pyramids of 3 cups each and then down stack the cups back into nested stacks of 3 in the order that they were upstacked.

3 - 6 – 3
Uses 12 cups. The stacker must create three pyramids made up of three cups on the left, six cups in the center, and three cups on the right (3-6-3), then down stack the cups in the order that they were upstacked into their original position. Also used as the first transition of the Cycle Stack.

6 – 6
Uses 12 cups. The stacker must create pyramids of 6 cups on the left and 6 on the right and then down stack both of them to create one pile of cups. This stack is only used competitively as the second transition in the Cycle Stack.

1 - 10 – 1
Uses 12 cups. The stacker begins with a single downstacked pile. He/she must take two cups off the top, turn one upside-down (stacker's choice), then upstack the remaining ten. The stacker must then tap the opposite sides of the single cups and take down the ten stack into a downstacked 3-6-3. This stack is only used competitively as the third transition of the Cycle Stack

The Cycle Stack
The most complicated stack is called the Cycle Stack. It involves a sequence which includes, in order: a 3-6-3 stack, a 6-6 stack, and a 1-10-1 stack, finishing in a down stacked 3-6-3.

Check out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sport_stacking

or http://www.worldsportstackingassociation.org/

to learn more about the sport and to watch world record holders compete.  You’ll be amazed!

PACK AND DEN ACTIVITIES

S'More Ways to Have Fun

Alice, Golden Empire Council

ü  Be sure you start out by reviewing Safety in the Sun and taking the Safe Swim training available online from BSA. Remind everyone of the Buddy System and test them often to see if they are with their buddy.  Make sure sunscreen, shade and water are available whenever you gather in the Summertime

ü  This is a great time to review Campfire Safety – and it can be fun and tasty, too, if you use a graham cracker for the dirt, raisins for the fire circle, shredded coconut for the tinder, small pretzel sticks for the kindling, larger pretzel sticks for the fuel, a glass of water for the water you should have nearby a campfire, a spoon for the shovel (to bury the fire), and red hearts for the flame.  As you go through the procedure, give out the ingredients – each boy makes a campfire is completed, and then gets to eat it. Older boys can practice making different kinds of fires, such as teepee or log cabin.

ü  Celebrate Hot August Nights – gather at a wide-open spot for star-gazing.  Gather telescopes from pack members, or contact a local Astronomy club – your librarian will have some contact information.

ü  Another way to get out the heat – have your meeting at night and make and play some of the suggested nighttime games – anything “glow in the dark” will be a hit!  Be sure to go over rules and boundaries first, and have adults assigned to keep everyone in the area and out of harm’s way.

ü  Have the whole den or pack take part in the local library reading program – add to a “bookworm” made of overlapping colored paper circles – each time a book is read, add a new segment. The head of the bookworm can include a set of feelers made of pipe cleaners or black paper, complete with eyes and a big smile. Display the Bookworm at your meeting place. To celebrate completing the project, donate a book to the library from the den or pack.

ü  Make fruit leather and tea using the power of the sun. Directions under CUB GRUB.

ü  Celebrate frogs and pond creatures – check out a book about them, read it with the den, then make underwater viewers and visit a local pond. Then enjoy a Sherbet Frog from CUB GRUB.

ü  Take in an outdoor movie – some communities sponsor family “Movies in the Park” during the summer.

ü  Make Pinhole cameras and take photos of Summer scenes and happenings

ü  Have a “What I did on my Summer Vacation” Night – everyone brings pictures and souvenirs from their favorite or most exciting vacation

ü  Encourage boys to keep a travel journal, or even just a summer journal, with one page for each day.  Tell where you went, what you did, what you saw, what you learned, then draw a picture – see Fun Family Education website

ü  Make sun prints of all kinds of things, such as keys, leaves, etc – but use dark colored construction paper instead of costly blueprint paper.

ü  Instead of just suffering with summertime humidity, make a record of it with a psychrometer. See directions under THEME RELATED.

ü  Make a sundial and use it to tell time. Directions in the Dynamic Sun website.

ü  As a service project, help out a “Get out of the heat” site in your community – or take ice cold water bottles or slices of watermelon to deliver to people out in the heat.

ü  Invite local seniors to a cool location, such as your Chartered Organization site, and serve cold lemonade or ice tea and popcorn, while showing some old movies.

ü  Another easy service project would be to take along garbage bags, “grabbers” and gloves when you visit a local park or water site – clean up the area so everyone will enjoy it more.

 

SIDEWALK CHALK,

a book by Jamie Kyle McGillian

 

Utah National Parks

 This book is great for artist achievements and electives.  It has lots of wonderful ideas for things to draw.  Here are a few examples -

P Square Décor – Each square is an open canvas

P Rebus – Create a funny saying using pictures as words

P Creature Features – Each boy take turns drawing parts of a creature

P Alphabet Art (Names) – Draw names, decorate or create an animal or creature using the letters of name

P Shape Art – What can you make using only common shapes?

P Animal Mix-up – Head of a rhino, body of a lion, legs of an ostrich, feet of a duck, etc.

P Make-up anything!

P Mazes – Size just right for chalk line or go BIG and make it Cub Scout size!

 

Good Turn for America

Alice, Golden Empire Council

If your pack den or pack is doing the Good Turn for America suggested on page 4 in Program Helps, use this time to put together School Kits for kids living in shelters, or who have lost homes in recent flooding. Pencils, notebooks, colored pencils, rulers, scissors, erasers, and other supplies can be picked up in order by everyone, then put in sealable plastic bags or backpacks and donated.

Grass Blade Whistle 

Sam Houston Area Council

Pluck a long, flat blade of grass and hold it between the edges of both thumbs. The blade of grass should be in the middle of the gap between your thumbs. Put your lips against your thumbs and blow hard through the gap. You’ll hear a variety of squeaks and squawks.

Buzzing Bug 

Swing this over your head and it will BUZZZZZ!

Sam Houston Area Council

Materials:

1 3x5 index card,

1 jumbo craft stick (tongue depressor),

2 small pieces of craft foam (3/4” to 1” wide, and about 2” long),

1 size-64 rubber band (1/4”),

string (2-3 feet),

double sided tape,

scissors,

markers.

Directions

1.       Draw a bug on the index card, color and cut it out. Make sure to use the card horizontally and not to shorten the bottom of the index card (it will be attached to the craft stick). The bug should have a large body or wings. Antennae and legs should be simplified or drawn on.

2.       Attach a piece of double-sided tape to each of the foam pieces.

3.       Place the uncut edge of the index card on the craft stick such that the index card covers half of the width of the stick.

4.       Fold one foam piece over the end of the stick so that the stick and the index card are joined together. This will keep the bug in place. (Optionally glue the bug to the stick.)

5.       Lay a string across the sticky side of the second foam piece, leaving a loose end of several inches. Place this second piece of foam over the other end of the craft stick in the same way as you did previously.

6.       Stretch the rubber band over the foam covered ends of the craft stick. Use the short end of the string to knot a loop around the foam, making a secure attachment.

7.       Swing the bug over your head. If your bug doesn’t buzz, adjust the rubber band. Make sure you have plenty of room away from people and objects. Try different speeds.

Sand Sculptures 

Sam Houston Area Council

Materials:

1 cup play sand,

½ cup cornstarch,

¾ cup hot water,

1 teaspoon powdered alum (available at the hardware store.),

a saucepan

Directions

P Mix the sand, cornstarch, and alum in a saucepan.

P Add hot tap water.

P Stir quickly until mixed.

P Have an adult cook the mixture over medium heat.

P Keep stirring until the mixture becomes thick.

P Let it cool.

P Mold the mixture into the desired shape.

P When finished, place the sculpture on a windowsill or somewhere it will get plenty of sunshine.

P Let it dry for several days.

P The sand sculpture will get so hard it won’t have to be sprayed with anything to protect it. It will last forever!

 

Cricket Chirper

Alice, Golden Empire Council

Crickets make their distinctive sound by rubbing their wings together – make these chirpers and you can add to their music on a Summer evening!

Materials: 

Two 10-inch wooden skewers

30 ½ inch wooden beads

Scissors

Tacky Glue

Directions:

·         Use scissors to cut the pointed tips from the wooden skewers.

·         Now thread fifteen beads tightly onto each skewer.

·         Secure the end beads to the skewer with tacky glue.

·         When the glue is dry, rub the beaded sections against each other to hear your “cricket” chirping!

Create a Box Compass

Alice, Golden Empire Council

Materials:

Square box with sides no more than 2" high (bottom of a half-gallon milk carton)

Cardboard circle small enough to lay flat in bottom of box

1 1/2" nail with head

1 large paper clip, straightened

Magnet

Glue or tape

Directions:

·         Pierce the center of the box bottom with the 1 1/2" nail from the bottom up into the box.

·         Take the straightened paper clip and compare to the diameter of your compass rose. If longer, trim it.

·         Rub the paper clip against a magnet for several minutes.

·         Glue or tape wire to the cardboard circle, slightly off center.

·         On same side, mark center of cardboard circle and pierce halfway through. place cardboard circle on point of nail in box. Let circle settle. It will turn gently until one end of the needle points to north.

·         Create a compass rose either by printing an online example or drawing your own. it should be the size of your cardboard circle.

·         Glue the compass rose to the cardboard circle with the fleur de lis placed where the needle end points to north.

Create a Water Compass

Materials:

Small paper clip, straightened

Small piece of Styrofoam (packing peanut)

Bowl of water

Magnet

Permanent marker

Directions

·         Rub the paper clip with the magnet for several minutes.

·         Pierce the paper clip through the “peanut”

·         Gently place on the surface of water.

·         Allow the needle enough time to align along the magnetic fields of the earth. It will then point north.

·         Test this by gently blowing on the needle to push it out of alignment.

·         The same end of the needle should always return to the same direction.

·         Mark the north end of the needle with permanent marker.

Litter Sticker

Capital Area Council

Use an old broomstick, tape on a nail at one end.

How Hot Is It?

Alice, Golden Empire Council

Make a Sling Psychrometer to Measure the Humidity – Sometimes it feels a lot hotter than the temperature. That’s because the relative humidity, or moisture in the air, can make it seem much hotter. Our bodies are called by the evaporation of perspiration, and when there’s a lot of water in the air, the evaporation is slowed way down – it can’t go into already “wet” air.  Here’s a fun way to measure the relative humidity.

Materials:

2 indoor/outdoor wall thermometers

double sided mounting tape

small lengths of wire to fasten thru hole in thermometers

6 inch circle of fabric

rubber band

7”x12” piece of poster board or thin duct tape

hole punch

20 inch length of cotton string

Instructions:

Cut away a 3-1/2 by 3 inch section from the lower right corner of the poster board.

Tape the two thermometers to the poster board side by side, with the numbers facing up and the liquid filled ends sticking over the edge about 2 inches. 

Use the wire to secure each thermometer to the board through the hole in the top, just to be sure they stay on the board.

Wrap a piece of duct tape around the top of the poster board about ¾ inch from the top, and punch a hole in the center.

Thread the cotton string through the hole and tie the ends together to make a loop.

How to Use the Psychrometer:

«  Wet the fabric circle and wrap it around the bottom of the lowest thermometer, using the rubber band. (This is your wet-bulb thermometer)

«  Grab the loop of string and swing the psychrometer back and forth waist high in front of you. Take readings about every minute, until the temperature of the wet-bulb thermometer stops dropping. (About 2-3 minutes)

«  Write down the readings for each thermometer.

«  Now subtract the wet-bulb temperature from the dry bulb temperature to find the difference.

«  If the humidity is low, the air is dry and the water will evaporate quickly from the wet-bulb, so there will be a greater difference between the two thermometers.

«  If the humidity in the air reaches 100%, there will be no difference between the two, since the water on the wet-bulb has no place to evaporate).

 

«  Look at the table below. Find the dry thermometer temperature in the far left column and FOLLOW it to the right. FIND the difference between the two temperatures on the top, and FOLLOW it down. The number where the row and column intersect is the relative humidity.

Difference between the thermometers: 

You can take your own humidity reading and then check against what the weatherman says the humidity is.

Bird Call

Capital Area Council

Materials

1 - 2" long wooden dowel rod *

1 - "chunky" eye screw

1 - Baseball pitcher's powered rosin bag

* - The Pow Wow book does not give a size.  Dowel rod can be expensive for Cub projects but a replacement broom stick usually runs me $1.00 to $1.50 or closet rod is usually not very expensive.  CD

Directions

ü  Drill a hole slightly smaller than the screw threads, in the end of the dowel rod

ü  Turn the screw eye into it.

ü  Unscrew the eye,

ü  Put some powdered rosin from a pitcher's rosin bag in the hole.

ü  As you twist the screw eye back and forth in the hole, very slowly, you will make a chirp-chirp or trill

ü  With practice, this simple device will produce an astounding variety of bird noises.

ü  If you wish, paint or decorate the birdcall with marking pen designs or your own initials or other means of identification.

HIKE ACTIVITIES:

Capital Area Council

NATURE SCAVENGER HUNT -- Divide boys into two teams, give each team the following list. Allow 15 minutes to see how many items they can collect for their team.

1..      Something green

2..      Something blue

3..      Something that looks old

4..      Something new

5..      Something old

6..      Something gold color

7..      Something alive

8..      Something dead

9..      Something red

10..  A tree leaf

Upon returning, see what they can make out of their collection.

Nature Collages Hike - Take a hike and collect nature things like bark, twigs, leaves, grass, shells, nuts, rocks, dried seeds, etc. These items can then be arranged on wooden boards, poster boards, tiles, etc. Use a tacky glue to glue items down and place a hanger on the back.

Sand Casting Hike -- With items you have collected on a hike you can also sand-cast them. Sand in a box works fine. Let each boy 'dig a small hole, place his items in the bottom with the best side pushed into the sand. Mix Plaster of Paris to pouring consistency and carefully pour in the hole. Let it set about 20 minutes, then lift out, and brush off the sand. A piece of wire can be pushed in the back while it is drying for hanging.

Nature Hike – Take along a book guide and identify plants or animals and what it eats and what it becomes.

Nature Field Trip – Visit Nature Center or Preserve, Zoo or Game Sanctuary.

Early Signs of the Season – Look for sign of the season in nature, discussing the changes the plants and animals go through from spring through summer, fall and winter.

Baby Hike – Look for nature’s babies. Plants and animals. Look, but don’t touch.

Caterpillar Hike – Pair the boys up and blindfold one of the partners. Have the un-blindfolded boy lead the other around slowly so they can listen, smell and touch nature while they try to explain what they hear, smell and feel. Reverse the partners after a time, blindfolding the boy who was leading the other.

Micro Hike – Lay out several areas 6 x 6 feet with strings and have the boys lay on the ground and look very closely to what goes on 6 inches from the ground. Discuss what they saw.

Undercover Hike – Try this with some homemade camouflage and have the boys move very slowly through the woods stalking what they can. Possibly blacken their faces also, while they test the wind and listen to the sounds of the forest.

Big Game Hunt – Sight as many animals as they can and make a list of what they saw and what it was doing.

Shadow Hike – Walk only in the shadows. This may require some jumping. (Don’t try this at noon when the shadows are the shortest).

Smell Hike – Sniff your way around the block. Write down the odors that you recognize. How did the smells make you feel?

Color Hike – Choose a color and hike only towards that color objects for as long as you can. How far can you make it?

Sound Hike – Listen to the sounds as you hike. Write down the sounds that you recognize.

NATURE CRAFTS AND IDEAS:

Capital Area Council

1..      Collect, mount and name as many seeds as can be found.

2..      Collect, mount and name twigs from as many trees as possible.

3..      Collect, mount and name leaves from as many trees, shrubs and flowers.

4..      Collect feathers, mount and identify or use in picture making.

5..      Make and paint totem poles out of rocks.

6..      Paint rocks to resemble animals--i.e. turtle, ladybug, beetle, etc.

7..      Paint rocks for paperweights.

8..      Dye sand with food coloring and use to create pictures.

9..      Make Plaster of Paris molds of animal tracks.

10..  Use Plaster of Paris in dish gardens to create pools or planting areas.

11..  Make star charts.

12..  Learn circumpolar constellations and mythology.

13..  Go on a star gaze (a strong beamed flashlight helps as pointer).

14..  Make a pin hole constellation from tin can or milk carton... shine light in the inside to reflect stars against wall.

15..  Make cloud charts with cotton.

16..  Make simple barometers.

17..  Paint and draw with ink made from berry juices.

18..  Recognize edible plants and berries.

19..  Weave mats out of grasses and reeds.

20..  Make an insect net out of coat hanger, stocking hose, or cheesecloth.

21..  Carve or paint shelf fungus.

22..  Go on a bug hunt with hand-made boxes and jars.

23..  Carve simple nametags, whistles, and letter openers.

24..  Study different soils, collect, plant, test, and grow things

25..  Play tree tag--only safe when touching certain type of tree.

26..  Make terrariums out of wild plants found.

BALL CATCHERS

Utah National Parks

Here is a good way to recycle your old plastic laundry detergent bottles or plastic milk jugs, and
 have lots of fun afterwards.

NOTE: The plastic bottles can be hard to cut, so have help available for that step.

Materials:

2 Plastic milk jugs or laundry detergent jugs

Sharp scissors

Colored electrical tape or paint markers

Small rubber ball or tennis ball or socks

 

Directions:

P Rinse the milk or detergent jugs well before starting. (You will not be able to get the jug completely clean until the bottom is removed)

P Use the sharp scissors to cut the milk carton or detergent jug.

P First cut off the bottom, then cut a U shape under the handle.  (I usually do not cut the U shape under the handle.  CD)

P Make sure you don't cut into the handle so you can hold onto the jug while catching the ball.

P After cutting the bottom off, thoroughly wash and dry the jug.

P Use the colored electrical tape or paint markers to decorate the jugs.

P Have fun playing catch and toss.

BALLOON LAUNCHER

Utah National Parks

Materials:

Scissors

Plastic lid (e.g. from butter or cottage cheese container top)

Push/pull squirt cap (e.g. from dishwashing liquid bottle top)

Glue

Round balloon

Directions:

ü  In the center of the plastic lid, cut a round  hole ¾ inch in diameter.

ü  With the lid’s  writing facing up, center the squirt cap over  the hole and glue into place.  Use enough  glue so that no air can escape.

ü  Allow glue to dry completely.

ü  Blow up a round balloon  and slip the opening of the balloon over the opening of the closed squirt cap.

ü  Place your creation on a smooth surface.

ü  Lift the squirt cap opening so that air escapes from the  balloon.

ü  Your launcher will glide effortlessly!

OUTDOOR CLOCK

Capital Area Council

Materials:

12 x 12” cardboard

empty thread spool

glue

pencil

Directions

ü  Glue spool to center of cardboard and

ü  Glue the pencil in the hole of the spool, pointy end up.

ü  Choose a sunny day and take the clock outside at 9:00 AM

ü  Place the clock in a sunny spot and the pencil will cast a shadow.

ü  Mark where the pencil point ends.

ü  Do the same at 10:00, 11:00, etc.

ü  You can do this every hour until it gets dark.

ü  The next day check that it does the same thing.

ü  You have made a sundial

WINDSOCK

Capital Area Council

Materials:

1 - 9"x12" piece fun foam

Several ribbon pieces 13” long

1 - piece of ribbon 24" long

Glue

Directions

ü  Cut foam in half length-wise.

ü  Glue 13" ribbons on one long end with a 1/2 inch between pieces.

ü  Glue short ends together to form the windsock.

ü  Glue 24" ribbon on the inside of foam at the top for hanging.

ü  You can decorate with anything you want, i.e.: sequins, pom-poms, silk flowers, beads, lace, markers.

Recycled Wind Sock

Capital Area Council

Here is a fun way to utilize "trash" to make a festive craft that also reminds us to appreciate the clean, fresh air that we breathe.

Materials:

Plastic tub with lid (butter, whip cream)

Old party streamers/Crepe paper

Old Ribbon

Used, clean plastic bags

Directions

P Cut the bottom of the plastic tub out, and

P Cut the center out of the lid, leaving the outer ring.

P Cut 3-foot streamers from the crepe paper, ribbon and plastic bags.

P Arrange them around the rim of the tub so that they hang down over the edge. (You can also attach bells or metal washers to the ends of the ribbon for sound effects!)

P Snap the lid over the rim of the tub to hold the streamers in place.

P Tuck the 2 ends of a piece of ribbon under the lid, so that it forms a hanger.

P Hang your wind sock in the breeze!

Recipe for a Rainbow

Capital Area Council

Materials:

Bowl of fresh water,

small mirror,

piece of white paper,

direct sunlight.

Directions

ü  Prop up the mirror in the bowl of water so that it lies mostly underwater and reflects sunlight. 

ü  Hold the paper above the mirror so the reflected sunlight hits it. 

ü  Hold the paper steady. 

ü  You should see the colors of the rainbow appear on it. 

ü  Do not look at the reflected sunlight in the mirror.  It could damage your eyes.

Kite Neckerchief Slide

Capital Area Council

Materials:

Clean, unused foam meat tray (or Fun Foam)

Toothpick

Yarn

Slide Ring (1" long, 3/4" Diameter PVC pipe)

Glue

Directions

Cut kite shape from a foam meat tray.

Tie two toothpicks together crosswise and glue.

Cut point off picks to proper length for kite, and glue on kite.

For tail, knot yarn and glue in place.

Glue on slide ring.

Owl Neckerchief Slide

Capital Area Council

Materials:

1 - “tree cookie”—a ¼ to ½” thick slice of about 2” in diameter branch. 

Acorn caps

Orange Bump Chenille

Marker

Ring (PVC pipe, drapery ring, your favorite)

Glue

Directions

·         Glue on 2 acorn caps onto the tree cookie facing outward for eyes. 

·         Use marker for center of eyes. 

·         Glue on one bump of orange bump chenille folded in half for beak. 

·         Glue a ring on the back.

TIN CAN LANTERN

Utah National Parks

Materials:

Large tin cans, label removed

Markers

Towel

Hammers

Nails

Small screw-in hook

Stick or wooden dowel (about 20" long)

Coat hanger (for hanging loop)

Votive candle

Directions:

P Fill cans with water and freeze for two days.  (The ice keeps the sides from collapsing  while hammering.)

P On the outside of the  can, have Cubs draw a pattern for the  lantern holes.

P Place can on its side on top of  a towel and use the nail tips to hammer in  holes according to the design.

P Make two  holes near the top on opposite sides for stringing a handle.

P Remove any ice chunks  from can.

P Screw hook into one end of stick or dowel then string length of wire through  hook.

P Thread wire through handle holes  made in can.

P Crimp closed until secure.

P Use  melted wax to stick votive to bottom of can. 

P Use a long match or spaghetti noodle to  light.

BUBBLE CONE

Utah National Parks

Here is a sample of what you can find at

http://www.zurqui.co.cr/crinfocus/bubble/bubble.html 

If you go there the steps are completely illustrated.

Materials:

Plain white paper (2 sheets each)

Masking tape

Scissors

Directions:

«  Roll two sheets of paper into a tight cone or tube.

«  Small end can be a closed point, large end should measure about 1 ½ inches.

«  Tape edge closed with masking tape.

«  Place tape about 3 inches from pointed end.

«  Cut the mouth or small end of the cone so there is an opening approximately 1 cm. In diameter.

«  Look down the opening of the tube and judge the distance to where there are various layers of paper.

«  Cut down to this level and then start cutting around the tube, making the final cut where you started.

«  Edge should be smooth and cone should stand upright.

«  Trim to make adjustments if necessary.

For completely illustrate instructions go to http://www.zurqui.co.cr/crinfocus/bubble/tube.html

MONSTER BUBBLES

Utah National Parks

Materials:

6 cups water (Distilled is best)

3/4 cup corn syrup (Karo Light)

2 cups Joy (or Dawn) dish washing liquid

Directions:

«  Mix together.

«  Let set 4 hours (to let bubbles settle), then enjoy.

How to use cone and bubbles:

ü  Fill a shallow dish with Monster Bubbles.

ü  First dip: dip cone for 30 seconds.

ü  Other dips: 2 sec.

ü  Begin blowing downward and move slowly up as bubble grows.

ü  When the bubble is the size you want, you can separate it from the cone by rapidly flipping the cone up or down.

For more formulas for bubble mix and tricks with bubbles go to http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/explore/bubbles.htm

BOOMERANG

Utah National Parks

 

Here’s how to make your own returning boomerang out of cardboard. Give it a whirl!

Materials:

Cardboard measuring 8" x 11"

Color markers

Scissors

White glue or stapler

Directions:

After you assemble the materials go to -http://www.nationalgeographic.com/ngkids/trythis/try11.html

And get the blade patterns and all the details on building this boomerang.

When you are ready to fly it, follow the tips below.

«  Find an open area outdoors away from other people.

«  With your arm raised, hold your boomerang vertically (pointing up) by one of its blades so the curved tips bend toward you.

«  Throw the boomerang with a quick snap of your wrist using just a little force.

«  Throw it like you would a baseball.

«  Adjust the folds and practice your throw to make the boomerang fly better.

Tie Slide - Life Preserver

Capital Area Council

Materials:

White 1 ½  round plastic buckle (from a fabric notions department),

Red acrylic paint.

Instructions: 

Use paint to make rope lines around the life preserver. 

Let dry before threading scarf through the buckle.

Rocks, Shells and Fossil Prints

Capital Area Council

Mix:

1/2 cup cornstarch

1/2 cup salt

3/4 cup flour

Add:

Warm water to make into a dough  ball

ü  The dough can be rolled, formed or used to press shells, rocks or other natural found objects into. 

ü  Let the dough air dry, turning each day until dry or microwave one minute on each side. 

ü  It may be necessary to adjust the microwave time according to the thickness of the dough and microwave temperature. 

ü  Dry dough can be painted with tempera

Make Your Own Fossils

Capital Area Council

The paleontologist uses this technique in reconstructing the shells of long-dead animals.  Casts are especially useful in working with fossil footprints

Materials

Small cardboard box,

Clay,

Plaster and water,

Small snail or clam shell.

Directions

1)         Cover the bottom of the box with modeling clay to a depth of several inches.  This represents the soft mud found on the ancient sea floor.

2)         Press the shell firmly into the clay.  Lift out carefully so a clear imprint remains, making a mold.

3)         Mix a small amount of plaster with water in paper cup.  Stir with a spoon until thick, and then pour over the mold.

4)         After the plaster has dried, carefully remove it from the mold.  This is now a cast of the original shell.

5)         Compare the original shell with the plaster cast.  Notice that even some of the more delicate markings have been preserved.  Compare your cast to some real fossilized stones.

 

VINEGAR ROCKET-LAUNCHER

Capital Area Council

                

Materials:

Quart plastic soda bottle

Water

Vinegar

Baking Soda

Paper towel

Cork

Thumbtack

Ribbon steamers

Directions

1.       Put ½ cup of water and ½ cup of vinegar into a quart plastic soda bottle.

2.       Put a teaspoon of baking soda on a 4” x 4” piece of paper toweling.

3.       Roll up the paper and twist the ends to keep the baking soda inside.

4.       Outside, where you’ll have plenty of altitude available, drop the paper into the bottom of the bottle and put the cork on as tightly as you can.

5.       Eventually The cork shoots skyward with a loud pop!

What is Happening

«  The liquid slowly soaks through the paper toweling.

«  Then the baking soda reacts with vinegar to produce carbon dioxide gas.

«  As more gas forms, pressure builds up inside the bottle.

«  You can’t have an accurate countdown, so just stand back wait.

«  Eventually the pressure causes the cork to shoot skyward with a loud pop!

MORE  GAMES  AND  ACTIVITIES  

 Sam Houston Area Council

 

From the Cub Scout Leader How-To Book –

ü  -How to Hold a Summer Celebration, page 6-18 to 6-20

ü  -How to Hold a Pack Picnic, pages 6-22 to 6-23

 

ADVANCEMENT IDEAS

From Program Helps via

www.cubroundtable.com

Tigers –
Elect. 2, 9, 29, 37, 38

Wolf-
Ach 8A, 8E, 10C
Elect. 11C, 16A, 17B, 18A, 23G

Bear –
Ach 12, 24D
Elect. 18, 25A

Alice, Golden Empire Council

Swimming, Baseball, Camping and Fishing activities offer opportunities for advancement and Sports Belt Loops & Pins.  If there is a Pack campout or Campfire, check pg. 3, Program Helps for guidelines.  Turn in attendance for 3 Pack summer activities for the Summertime Activity Award. Good Turn for America projects could also be done this month.

Tiger Cub Achievements:
Ach. #2f, g – explore the community, use maps while on family trip, visit police or fire station; Ach. #3Fb – plan and practice what to do if lost, Review Hug A Tree program; Ach. #3G – learn rules, attend game or sport; Ach.#5 – outdoor activities;

Tiger Cub Electives:
Elect. #9 – make a new friend; Elect.#11 – Good Turn project to help flooding victims, homeless kids; Elect. #15 – if you do a chalk art project; Elect.#22 – den or family picnic; Elect. #25 – make and share snack with family or den; Elect. #29 – safety in the sun;  Elect. #33 – cleanup treasure hunt while doing a service project in a local park or neighborhood; Elect. #35 – fun outdoors; Elect. #37 – bike ride; Elect. #38 – bike repair; Elect. #40 – water fun;

Wolf Achievements:
Ach. #1 – Feats of Skill, esp. #1h, i - swimming; Ach. #4f – visit important community site with family; Ach. #6 – if you make a collection during summer vacation; Ach. #7d – if you do a cleanup project; Ach. #8e – outdoor cooking; Ach. #9d,e – know and practice good street and bike safety; Ach. #10 – family fun;

Wolf Electives:
Elect. #4 – summer games; Elect. #6a, b – visit the library, participate in a summer reading program; Elect. #7 – stilts, puddle jumpers and foot racers; Elect. #8b – if you use a wheelbarrow helping an adult or doing a cleanup project; Elect. #16 – prepare family for emergencies, make a first aid kit; Elect.#17b – tie hiking boots securely before a hike;  Elect.#18 –outdoor adventures, esp. #18f – two summertime pack events for award; Elect. #19 – fishing;  Elect. #12a – if you have a chalk art contest; Elect. #20b – safe boating; #20c, n- archery, BB gun shooting at day camp, #20f – roller skating; #20g – bowling; #20h, i – sprint start, standing long jump; #20k – soccer; #20l – baseball, softball; #20o – den outdoor fitness activities; Elect. #23 – Camping

Bear Achievements:
Ach.#3d – visit historical site with family or den;  Ach.#4c – choose a tall tale to share at a den or pack campfire; Ach. #6g – den or pack Good Turn cleanup project; Ach.#8c – if you add pictures or report about den/pack activities or Good Turn project to scrapbook;  Ach.#8f – keep a 2 week journal, perhaps on family vacation; Ach. #9e – make trail food for a hike; Ach.#9g – outdoor cooking; Ach. #10a – family day trip; Ach.#11- Be Ready, esp. #11b – water accident;  Ach. #12 – camping, outdoor family activities (go over safety rules);  Ach. #14 – bike safety and maintenance;  Ach. #16 – Building Muscles;  Ach.#18c, f, g – write about den or personal activities;  Ach. #22b, c – learn how to use knots during summer activities, esp. the rescue knot, and how to store ropes; Ach. #23 – sports played or watched during the summer; Ach. #24c – plan and conduct a den activity;

Bear Electives:
Elective #5 – boats, safety on water;  Elect. #7a – make a cubmobile or scooter;  Elect. #9a – if you have a den or pack chalk art competition; Elect. #12 – nature crafts and sun prints, waterscope for pond study; Elect.#18 – backyard gym or golf; Elect.#19 – swimming; Elect. #20a – archery at Day Camp; Elect.#20d – track events; Elect.#20e –roller skating; Elect.#20f – earn Sports pins; Elect.#22b – if you make a collection during vacation;  Elect.#23 – Maps – use on summer trips; Elect.#25 – Camping.

Webelos Activity Pins:
Assigned pins are Naturalist and Forester – many requirements could be done during family, den or pack summer activities. Readyman activities are excellent preparation for summer activities, and Aquanaut could be done during swimming. Some Traveler requirements can be done during summer travel.  During den or family camping and hiking activities, boys can work on Outdoorsman.

GAMES

Marshmallow Shooter:

Alice, Golden Empire Council

Materials:

38 inches of ½ “ PVC pipe, cut into: 6-5 inch pieces, 1-8 inch piece;

2- elbow bend PVC connectors

2 – T-shaped PVC connectors

2 – end caps

PVC cutter

Miniature Marshmallows

Instructions:

·         First cut the pieces.

·         Lay out the pieces as shown below and then just connect each piece.

·         Sand the mouthpiece end so you won’t get cut – that’s the top piece that is uncapped. 

·         DON’T glue the pieces together! You can also decorate your shooter, using colored tape, stickers, acrylic paint or magazine cut-outs and watered down glue – but be sure not to glue the connection points together – in case you have to clean out sticky miniature marshmallows.

 

Some tips: 

ü  Don't eat your ammo.

ü  Pick up the marshmallows when you're done - they're very likely bad for animals. If the marshmallows get wet, the sugar makes a big mess.

ü  If you don’t have a PVC cutter, just get a piece of nylon string about 2 foot long loop it around the pipe and alternately pull each end back and forth the friction and abrasiveness of the string will make a smooth cut, just be careful to keep straight.

ü  Try shooting various ways – you might even adapt your shooter to shoot two directions at once!

Capture the Moon

Alice, Golden Empire Council

This is a variation on Flashlight Tag, but using a soccer ball as the “moon” that must be captured.

Equipment:

Soccer ball

Flashlight

Open area and a dark night

How to Play:

ü  One player is the “astronaut” and stands near the soccer ball “moon,” while other players run and hide when he yells “Blast Off!”

ü  He counts to 29 (for the lunar cycle), then yells “Full Moon” and turns the flashlight on the soccer ball. 

ü  Players try to grab the “moon.” 

ü  The astronaut can turn off the flashlight between tags, and try to sneak up to the hiding players. 

ü  Any player caught in the “light of the moon” (flashlight) is out. 

ü  Winner is either the first to grab the ball without being caught in the flashlight beam, or the last one left. 

ü  He then becomes the new astronaut.

Outdoor Nature Hunt

Capital Area Council

Directions

P Make up a list such as the one below for each boy.

P Boys can hunt in pairs in your backyard or in the park.

P See which pair can find the most within a limited amount of time.

A Sample List

Something alive that flies

A cup of wet sand

A worm

A cup of pink water

Five maple leaves

Three rocks at least two inches in diameter

A piece of string

A dandelion

 

Swinging Comets

Alice, Golden Empire Council

This is great fun to play in the dark – it makes use of the way our eyes work – we actually see a comet “tail” behind the swinging ball. I remember playing with this homemade toy – it was fun even without glow in the dark paint!  Alice

Materials:

Tennis Ball

Acrylic paint (optional)

Glow in the Dark Paint

Craft Knife (ADULT only)

Heavy duty string (for added fun, look for Glow in the Dark string at Craft stores)

Tacky Glue

A Dark Night and Open Space

Directions:

·         Decorate the ball with acrylic paint and/or cover the dry ball with glow in the dark paint.

·         Let dry.

·         Adult cuts a half-inch slit in the ball.

·         Take a 30 inch length of string, fold in half and double knot.

·         Squeeze the ball so the slit will open up, and insert the knot end of the string into the hole.

·         Add a squirt of tacky glue to secure the string. 

How to play:

Hold onto the looped string and swing your “comet” around, or have a contest to see who can toss their comet the farthest. (If the glow fades, just use a flashlight or make a quick trip into the house to renew the glow in the dark)

CLASSIC GAMES

Utah National Parks

This is a great time to play all those outdoor games we remember as a kid and also some new ones to teach the group. Make up new twists to keep everyone interested.  Really have FUN with them!

P Kick the Can

P Capture the Flag

P Kickball

P Sardines

P Red Rover

P Tag (Any variation, make up your own!)

P Hide n Seek (variations: chain, flashlight)

P Rock Paper Scissors tournament

MOSQUITO BITES

Utah National Parks

?   “IT” pursues the other players and tries to touch one of them.

?   When one has been touched, he must keep his hand on the spot where he was touched and pursue the others.

?   His hand cannot be freed from this spot until he has tagged someone else.

?   The idea is to tag players in inconvenient places - knee, ankle, elbow, etc.

SUMMER VACATION

Utah National Parks

This is usually a pack event,
but variations can make it usable for dens.

For teams of eight players this is played like a relay race with the following variations:

# 1:        has a flat tire, so he hops on his right foot.

# 2:        has a flat tire, so he hops on his left foot.

# 3:        can only go in reverse so he goes backwards.

# 4:        has water in gas and goes two steps forward and one step backward.

# 5:        must be cranked every fourth step, so he stops and cranks himself.

# 6:        won't go, so

# 7:        pushes him.

# 8:        runs fine.

Team to finish first wins.

Find The Leader 

Sam Houston Area Council

This game is a big hit with younger players
but it can be just as entertaining with a
group of adults.

Players: At least 4 (best with 6 or more.)

The Object: To guess who’s leading the group.

How to play:

«  One player, the guesser, goes to another area out of hearing range while the remaining players sit in a circle and select a leader (quietly!)

«  The leader then initiates a series of motions – hand movements, claps, foot stomps, and so on – which the other players copy.

«  The guesser is then called back to watch the group.

«  The leader must change the movements every five to twenty seconds.

«  The followers try not to give away the leader with their eyes.

«  The guesser gets three tries to identify the right person. Change leaders and play again.

Light – No Light 

Sam Houston Area Council

Equipment: Flashlight

ü  Players line up across one end of a large, open, wooded playing area, while one player stands at the other end holding a flashlight.

ü  The object of the game is to be the first player to move from one end of the playing area to the other, past the person holding the flashlight.

ü  The player with the flashlight stands with his back to the other players. Every 5 seconds, he turns around and shines the light to scan the area for 3 seconds. If a moving player gets caught by the light beam, he must return to the start. Stationery players remain where they are.

ü  The first person to successfully move past the person with the flashlight becomes the light for the next round.

Variation:
The player with the flashlight keeps the flashlight on, and continually scans the playing area. Advancing players dress in dark clothes. If caught in a beam of light, a player must return to the start.

 

Lighthouse 

Sam Houston Area Council

«  One of the players is the lighthouse, parked at one end of the hall. Half the group are rocks and they are spaced around the floor, with a gap between each of them. The rest of the group are ships that have to make their way, blindfolded, through the rock to the lighthouse.

«  On “Go,” the lighthouse goes “Woo-Woo” to guide the ships. The rocks go “Swish-Swish,” very gently, to warn the approaching ships of danger, and the ships are supposed to sail between the rocks to the lighthouse beyond.

«  If a ship hits a rock it sinks and stays where it is.

«  When all the ships arrive at the lighthouse, the two halves of the group switch sides: the rocks become ships and the ships become rocks and they have a replay.

The Frog Hop 

Sam Houston Area Council

ü  Draw a finish line about 25’ from the start and line the players up about 3’ apart.

ü  At “Go” they race by jumping first to the right, then to the left, then straight ahead.

ü  This procedure is followed until someone crosses the finish line.

Natures Sounds 

Sam Houston Area Council

The group sits quietly in a clearing in the woods. Each person listens, writing down all of the nature sounds he hears - the wind, birds, insects, leaves rustling, etc. (each sound must be specifically identified). After a 5 or 10 minute time limit, each player reads his list. The longest correct list wins the game.

Birds On A Telephone Line 

Sam Houston Area Council

ü  Divide into two teams.

ü  String a clothesline from one side to the other at shoulder height of the average person.

ü  Clip 20 or more round topped clothespins onto the line. (The pins are the birds and the clothesline is the telephone line)

ü  On signal, the first person in each team runs to the line, removes a pin with his teeth (no hands), brings it back to his team and drops it in a sack.

ü  The first team finished wins.

Log Rolling 

Sam Houston Area Council

«  Tape two oatmeal boxes together to make a log or use a large mailing tube.

«  Use dowel or yardsticks to roll it.

«  Form relay teams and have a relay race pushing the log across the room, around a chair and back to the starting line.

Shadow Stomp Game 

Sam Houston Area Council

This game is like a game of tag, but a bit different. In this game,

“It” must stomp on the other players’ shadows instead of tagging him.

What’s In The Picnic Basket?

Sam Houston Area Council

 (A quiet game for after all that running around)

Players: 2 or more

Sit in a circle or around a picnic table. The game begins by imagining you have a very large picnic basket. The first player recites the sentence “I’m going on a picnic and I’m bringing _________.” The player must fill in the blank with an appropriate word that begins with the letter A, such as “apples” or “American cheese.”

The second player must repeat the sentence just as the first player said it and add an item that begins with B. For example, “I’m going on a picnic and I’m bringing apples and bread.”

The game continues around and around with each player repeating the complete list of items and then adding something with the next letter of the alphabet.

As the list becomes longer it is more difficult to remember. (If players agree beforehand, the letter X and other difficult letters like Q and Z, can be left off the list or the items for those letters can be chosen by the group.)

If a player makes a mistake, he is “out.” The winner is the last person left, providing he can repeat the whole basketful of items without a mistake.

A simpler version of this game would not require alphabetizing. Instead, kids can pack the picnic basket with any appropriate item. When a player misses an item, the next player starts the list over. Players are out of the game after making three mistakes. The last player remaining is the winner.

Moonball 

Sam Houston Area Council

Materials: Beach ball

P Players form a circle.

P Toss the ball into the circle and see how long the group can keep the ball in the air (count the number of hits).

P If the ball hits the ground, start again and try to improve your record.

Problem solving – When the ball hits the ground, ask the group what they think will help them do better. Have them try some of their suggestions.

Fox And Geese 

Sam Houston Area Council

Fox and Geese games originated in
northern Europe during the Viking Age.

Fox and Geese is a chase game that is played on a circle rather than in one. Eight or more players are needed. One is the fox and the rest are the geese.

To prepare for the game, a circle is drawn (at least 30 feet in diameter) and cut into 8 or 10 equal pieces, like the spokes of a wagon wheel. This can be done in the snow, in the sand or with chalk on a black-top or playground surface.

The player chosen to be the fox begins the game in the center of the circle (his den) and the geese pass along the spokes and rim of the wheel. When a player thinks he has a chance, he can run up the spoke toward the den to tease the fox into chasing him.

At the signal, the fox starts chasing the geese. All the players must stay on the lines at all times. Should two geese meet, they may maneuver carefully around each other but they must not step off the lines. When the fox catches up with a goose, he tags the goose that then joins the fox in hunting the other geese. The last goose left is the winner and becomes the fox for the next round.

SEMICIRCLE SOCCER

(A Semi-cooperative Game)

Utah National Parks

The idea for this game came from a game called Konta Wai in Papua, New Guinea.

In Konta Wai, two semicircles of about five players each stand facing each other about 12 feet apart. The fruit of a local tree is thrown, lifted like a hockey puck, or batted back and forth between the semicircles with the use of sticks. The main object of the game is to try to prevent the fruit from passing through one's own semicircle of players. Semicircle Soccer takes off from here and adds a few new wrinkles.

To play:

«  First form two separate semicircles, of four or five players each by linking arms around the next person's waist.

«  Semicircles begin by facing each other and kicking a sponge soccer ball back and forth.

«  The objective of each team is to prevent the other team from kicking the ball through its semicircle.

«  However, both semicircles are mobile.

«  They can move at will and can kick the ball from anywhere on the play space.

«  They can even attempt to get around behind the other semicircle in order to kick the ball through their unit in a rear attack.

«  Additional semicircles and balls can be added for more action.

GET WET!

Utah National Parks

Squirt-Tac-Toe

·         Make a tic-tac-toe board on the sidewalk with sticks or chalk.

·         Each player use a water squirter to make the X's and O's.

·         Work quickly, because when an X or O dries up, it doesn't count!

·         The hotter the day, the quicker you have to be.

Marathon Melt

·         Divide into pairs.

·         Everyone has to keep one hand behind his back.

·         Each pair gets one ice cube.

·         See which pair can find a way to melt the ice cube first!

Clap and Splat

·         Toss a water balloon straight up, and see how many times you can clap before catching it.

·         Take turns. If you drop the balloon and it doesn't break, you get to go again.

·         If the balloon breaks, you're out.

·         The person who can clap the most times and make a successful catch wins.

Soapy Toes

·         Fill a kiddy pool with soapy water.

·         Dump in a bunch of marbles.

·         Set up chairs around the pool and dip in your feet.

·         See who can fish out the most marbles with his toes!

Wet Potato

·         Pass around a bucket of water while music plays.

·         When the music stops, whoever has the bucket dumps it on his head!

Save the Soda

·         Each player gets 3 sponges and an empty 2- liter soda bottle.

·         Set up the bottles on the ground.

·         Each player tries to protect his own bottle while trying to knock down the other players' bottles with the sponges.

·         The player with the last standing bottle wins!

Rainy Relay

·         Try to pour water from your paper cup into a partner's cup.

·         The trick? You both have to hold the cups on your heads!

Balloon Bombs

·         Players stand in a circle, an arm's length apart.

·         Start passing water balloons quickly around the circle (You may have to toss them).

·         If a balloon breaks, the last person who touched it has to sit down, and play continues over his head.

·         The last person standing wins.

POOL GAMES

Utah National Parks

If you want more water games, see last month's issue for "H2Ohhhh!!" I do not think any pf these are repeats.  CD

Tug-Of-War

ü  Play in water that is chest deep for Cub Scouts.

ü  If playing with adults, divide them equally between the teams.

ü  Use a sturdy rope, with a colored ribbon tied to the center of the rope.

ü  Anchor a float or other permanent marker to show the center of the play area.

ü  Play like standard tug-of-war with the winner being the team that pulls the other team past the center float.

Duck Tag

ü  This tag game is fun for even the nonswimmers because it does not require special skills and can help them feel comfortable in the water.

ü  Play in water no higher than waist deep and in an area with a level bottom.

ü  Play like regular tag, except that a player is safe if he ducks completely under water when “it” tries to tag him.

ü  A player does not have to stay under water more than two seconds, and then can safely come up without being tagged.

ü  “It” must go after someone else when his quarry ducks under water.

Dodge Ball

ü  Play in waist to chest-deep water.

ü  Divide players into two teams.

ü  One team forms a large circle, and the other team gets inside.

ü  The circle players try to hit their opponents with a beach ball or soft foam or rubber ball.

ü  Score one point for each hit.

ü  The inside players are allowed to swim in any direction or go under water to avoid being hit, but cannot leave the circle.

ü  Outside players cannot advance forward to hit a player.

ü  At the end of a specified time, teams change places.

Sharks And Whales

ü  Play in waist to chest-deep water.

ü  Divide group into two teams, the “sharks” and the “whales.”

ü   The teams line up facing each other about 10 feet apart.

ü  Behind each other is its home base – the side of the pool or a rope tied to buoys, or other designated area.

ü  When the leader calls “sharks” they swim or run after the whales, trying to tag them before they reach their base.

ü  If a whale is caught, he must join the sharks for the next round.

ü  Leaders should alternate the calls of “sharks” and “whales”.

ü  The team with the most players after a specified time is the winner.

Paddlewheel Push

ü  To play this water game you will need at least one foam or plastic kickboard but more boards will allow more boys to play at the same time.

ü  Pair off, trying to match basic size and strength of the boys.

ü  Play in waist deep water.

ü  Opponents grasp opposite ends of a kickboard.

ü  On signal, both boys start kicking, trying to force the opponent backward.

ü  Boys should not stand and shove the board, but should swim and kick legs to move forward.

Memory Game

Capital Area Council

This is a good one in which to involve the parents and siblings and is especially easy to play on a hike or while

you are resting after lunch.

Materials Needed:              None

Directions:

1)         One person starts the game by saying: “As I was traveling through the woods, I placed an apple in my bag. (or anything that begins with the letter A).

2)         The next player says “As I was traveling through the woods, I placed an apple and a balloon in my bag.”

3)         Each additional player must repeat what was named and add to it something from the next letter of the alphabet. Mistakes make it funny!

Outdoors Alphabet Game

Capital Area Council

Divide the den into two teams and give each a paper and pencil.  Set a timer for six minutes and ask the boys to write down items in the outdoors that begin with each of the letters of the alphabet.

CUB GRUB

Want more S'Mores recipes and ideas??

http://www.hersheys.com/smores/

S’mores 

Sam Houston Area Council

The word “S’More” means ‘some more’ because that’s what everyone says after they eat one.

Ingredients

3 sections of a Hershey’s chocolate bar,

1 graham cracker rectangle broken into two squares along the dotted line,

a marshmallow,

a marshmallow roasting stick

Ingredients

ü  Put the chocolate on 1 square of the graham cracker.

ü  Keep the other cracker piece ready for the top.

ü  Place the marshmallow on the end of your stick.

ü  Carefully roast the marshmallow over the fire by holding it about 2 inches above the fire, rotating it until it is golden brown. (Adult supervision needed.)

ü  With help from an adult or a buddy, grasp the marshmallow between the graham cracker with chocolate and the other cracker piece.

ü  Gently squish the marshmallow so that the chocolate will melt.

ü  Be careful – it will be hot. This can be tricky, especially if it’s dark!

ü  Let it cool before you take a bite.

S’more Yummy Variations Of S’mores 

Sam Houston Area Council

P Stuff your chocolate inside the marshmallow before roasting then squeeze the marshmallow between the two cracker pieces.

P Sliced bananas and a roasted marshmallow between coconut cookies

P Peanut butter, jelly and a roasted marshmallow between graham crackers

P Apple slices, peanut butter, chocolate and a roaster marshmallow between graham crackers

P Strawberry slices and roasted marshmallow between shortbread cookies

P Mint-flavored chocolate and a roasted marshmallow between graham crackers

P A peanut butter cup and a roasted marshmallow between graham crackers

P Put your marshmallow and chocolate between fudge striped cookies rather than graham crackers

S’more Cones 

Sam Houston Area Council

Ingredients

Sugar cone,

caramel cube,

15 chocolate chips,

large marshmallow,

drinking glass

 

Directions

ü  Place the cone in the drinking glass with the pointy end down.

ü  Put the caramel and the chocolate chips in the bottom of the cone.

ü  Microwave on high for 15 seconds.

ü  Add the marshmallow and microwave another 15 seconds.

S’more On A Stick 

Sam Houston Area Council

Ingredients

3 marshmallows,

popsicle stick,

chocolate – chips or bar,

crushed graham crackers

Directions

P Put three marshmallows on a popsicle stick,

P Place on a plate in the microwave,

P Heat only long enough to soften slightly,

P Let cool for a couple of minutes.

P Melt 2 ½ cups chocolate on the stove or in the microwave in a bowl.

P Roll the marshmallows in the melted chocolate.

P Sprinkle with crushed graham crackers.

P Place on waxed paper and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Peanut Butter S'mores

San Gabriel Valley, Long Beach, & Verdugo Hills Councils

Ingredients:

ü  2 pkgs chocolate covered peanut butter cups - 16 ounces

ü  8 graham cracker squares

ü  4 large marshmallows

Instructions:

Place 1 peanut butter cup on each of 4 crackers. 

Spear marshmallows on long fork or clean stick;

Toast them over campfire coals or over grill on low heat.

Set a toasted marshmallow on top of each peanut butter cup

Top each with cracker. 

Press together and hold for a few seconds to melt chocolate.

Roll Up S’Mores

Alice, Golden Empire Council

Ingredients:

Chocolate Chips

Mini Marshmallows

8” flour tortilla

Aluminum Foil

Directions:

ü  Spoon two Tablespoons of chocolate chips and 12 mini marshmallows onto the center of the flour tortilla.

ü  Roll up like a burrito, wrap in the foil.

ü  On campfire coals, heat for 4 minutes, turning halfway. 

ü  On a grill, double the time to 8 minutes total. 

ü  When the foil is cool enough to hold, fold down foil on one end and enjoy!

BAKED S’MORES

Utah National Parks

Ingredients:

1 box favorite brownie mix

1 pkg graham crackers

1 ½ cup mini marshmallows

Directions:

ü  In a 9x13 baking pan, layer graham crackers.

ü  Mix brownies according to direction on package.

ü  Pour brownie batter over graham cracker layer,

ü  Bake as directed on package.

ü  Immediately remove from oven and sprinkle marshmallows over top.

ü  Place back into warm oven for about one minute or until marshmallows are soft.

CHOCOLATE GRAHAM WHIPPED CREAM SANDWICHES

Utah National Parks

These are so good!

Ingredients:

Chocolate graham crackers (not chocolate covered)

Non fat whipped topping

Directions:

ü  Break graham cracker in half.

ü  Put 2 Tbs of whipped topping on one half.

ü  Top with other half.

ü  Put in freezer to freeze for 2 hours.

Solar Plum Fruit Leather

Celebrate the Summer sun by using solar power to make fruit leather.  Try substituting other fruits such as apricots, but add a little lemon or pineapple juice to keep light colors from going brown.

Ingredients:

2 pounds of fresh plums

¼ cup light corn syrup

Saucepan

Blender

Plastic Wrap

Directions:

ü  Slice the plums thinly; discard pits and place in large saucepan.

ü  Add the corn syrup and bring to a boil for 3 minutes.

ü  Pour this mixture into a blender and blend until smooth.

ü  Set aside to cool.

ü  Cover cookie sheets with clear plastic wrap

ü  Pour the strained puree to ¼” thickness.

ü  Let dry in the sun (can take up to 2 days in the sun).

ü  Your Fruit Leather is done when it pulls off the plastic easily.

Shubert the Frog 

Alice, Golden Empire Council

 

Ingredients:

Lime Sherbet

Green decorating gel (or a strip of green fruit leather or even lime peel)

Junior mints

Green Gummy Ring Candy

Small green plate

 

Instructions:

«  Set a scoop of sherbet (or any green ice cream) on a small green paper plate trimmed to resemble a lily pad.

«  Cut one green gummy ring candy into quarters and place under the sherbet to make frog feet.

«  Set a Junior Mint and half a gummy ring in place for each eye at the top and back of the sherbet scoop.

«  Finally, add a mouth and nostrils with decorator gel or one of the options.

This would be a great treat after spending time looking for frogs and pond creatures! Alice

WATERMELON ICE

Utah National Parks

Ingredients:

2 cups watermelon

½ cup whipped topping

Directions:

ü  Remove seeds from about 2 cups of watermelon.

ü  Place watermelon in blender and grind it up.

ü  Chill. Fold in whipped topping and mix well.

ü  Tastes sort of like watermelon sherbet.

Colorful Popsicles (Red, White, Blue)

Sam Houston Area Council

Ingredients

2 cups blue Powerade, Gatorade or Kool-Aid – something blue

12 5 ounce cups

1 cup frozen whipped topping

1 cup vanilla yogurt

12 craft sticks

2 cups cran-raspberry juice

Directions

ü  To begin, divide the blue juice between the twelve cups.

ü  Place the cups in the freezer until the juice is almost frozen (30-45 minutes).

ü  Mix together whipped topping and yogurt and then divide this among the twelve cups.

ü  Return the cups to the freezer for another 45 minutes.

ü  Use the cran-raspberry juice for the last layer and place them back in the freezer until solid.

ü  To remove the pops from cups, run warm water over the outside of each cup. Makes twelve popsicles.

Spoon Fudge

Capital Area Council

Serving Size          16

Ingredients:

1- Gallon size ZipLoc (tm) plastic bag

1 lb. powdered sugar

1 cube butter (1/4 lb.)

1- 3oz. cube of cream cheese

1/2 tsp. vanilla

1/4 to 1/2 cup of cocoa

Directions

1.       Place all the ingredients in the Ziploc bag and squeeze out all the air.

2.       Squish and smoosh the bag until all the ingredients are well mixed and there is a creamy consistency.

3.       Add a favorite flavor & stuff ( raisins, peanut butter, etc)

4.       Take a spoon and enjoy

PACK O’ PUNCH SLUSHEE

Utah National Parks

Ingredients:

1 pkg. unsweetened drink mix (any flavor)

1 cup sugar

1 cup water

Ice

Directions:

ü  Get out your blender!

ü  Add drink mix, sugar and 1/2 cup water.

ü  Blend well to dissolve sugar.

ü  Fill blender with ice and remaining water.

ü  Blend until smooth.

ü  Try Hawaiian style and add 1 scoop vanilla ice cream in bottom of cup!

ROLL AROUND ICE CREAM

Utah National Parks

Ingredients:

1 cup milk

1 cup heavy cream

1/3 cup sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

1 clean empty 1 lb. coffee can with lid

1 clean empty 3 lb. coffee can with lid

Ice cubes

Rock or table salt

Directions:

ü  Mix the milk, cream, sugar and vanilla.

ü  Pour into the 1 lb. coffee can and put the lid on.

ü  Seal with duct tape.

ü  Place the small can inside the 3 lb. can

ü  Fill the large can with ice and salt.

ü  Duct tape the lid.

ü  Wrap a towel around the can because it will get very cold.

ü  Give the can to two Scouts and have them roll it back and forth on the floor for at least 20 minutes.

ü  If the ice melts, unseal the large can and add ice and salt.

ü  After 20 minutes have passed unseal the small can.

ü  Inside will be delicious vanilla ice cream!

Ice Cream In A Ziploc Bag 

Sam Houston Area Council

Ingredients

1 gallon freezer Ziploc bag

1 quart freezer Ziploc bag (heavy duty)

4 cups ice

¼ cup rock salt

1 cup whole milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 tablespoons sugar

Directions

1.       Pour the milk, vanilla extract, and sugar into the small Ziploc bag.

2.       Squeeze as much air out as possible and seal the bag carefully.

3.       Place the small Ziploc bag down into the large bag.

4.       Put the ice and salt with the small bag inside of the big bag.

5.       Seal the large bag tightly.

Seedless Watermelon Ice Cream Cake

Great Salt Lake Council

Ingredients:

1/2 to 1 Gallon Lime Sherbet

1/2 to 1 Gallon Raspberry or Strawberry Sherbet

1 Metal Bowl (amount of Sherbet depends on what size bowl you use)

Freezer

Directions

ü  Take the lime sherbet and soften just enough to work with and spread it around the edges of the metal bowl until sides are completely covered about 1/2” thick.

ü  Freeze for about 45 minutes or until firm.

ü  When frozen take the pink sherbet and soften just enough to be able to fill in the rest of the bowl.

ü  Freeze for 45 minutes or until firm.

ü  When frozen or when you’re ready to serve remove cake by filling sink with just enough hot water so that when you set the bowl in the water it will not go over the sides of the bowl.

ü  Let sit for about 1 minute and then tip bowl onto a plate. Slice like a watermelon.

WEBELOS

Webelos Activity Pin Ceremony

Capital Area Council

Purpose: To recognize Webelos Scout(s) who have earned activity pins.

Props: Poster made to look like the Webelos colors with activity pins and cards attached.

Tonight we have the privilege of recognizing Webelos Scouts that have earned the _______ activity pin (and the _______ activity pin) since the last Pack meeting.

As you can see from our Pack's Webelos colors,
that __#__ Webelos Scouts have earned their pins.

Would Webelos Scout/s ____ (Name/Names) ______ and his/their parents please come forward? _____

(Name of the 1^st Scout) ____ I see that you have earned the ___ (name activity pin) _____pin, would you like to share one thing that you did to earn this pin? I would like to give this to your parent/s and ask that they pin it to your colors.

FORESTER

OUTDOOR GROUP

Capital Area Council

Be sure to check out www.iplifeoftheforest.com ,the International Paper site, to obtain FREE materials for helping you with Forester.  I received my copies very fast.  The posters and activity materials are great.  International Paper did a great job.  Thank you so much.  CD

Den Activities

«  Collect leaves for identification. Boys could mount them or make leaf prints.

«  Bring a log to den meeting or find a tree stump and have the boys count the annual rings to determine the age of the tree. See if they can tell something about the kind of weather -dry or wet spells -- through which the tree lived by looking at the rings.

«  Visit a lumberyard or saw mill, nursery, or tree farm. A local lumber dealer can help the boys by furnishing wood samples for their collections.

«  Check the local forester about advice on planting projects and seedlings.

«  Plant a tree.

«  Make a tree survey in your area.

«  Ask a fireman or forest ranger to tell the boys about wildfire and how to control it.

«  Teach the boys to measure tree diameter and height.

«  Check with a local conservationist for advice on planting project and seedlings.

«  For a long-term project, adopt a tree and keep a diary on it. Measure its girth, estimate its height, record when it buds, when it loses its leaves, and other interesting things.

«  Make a tree identification kit for your den from strips of bark, leaves or needles and cones or seeds.

«  Ask the County or State Parks Department if your den can plant trees. The parks will provide the trees and designate where to plant them.

«  Teach the boys the Outdoor Code

«  Make a collection of leaf prints.

«  Take a hike to identify trees

«  Grow a tree from seed to plant

«  Visit a tree farm or nursery

IDEAS FOR PACK MEETING:

P Exhibit: Forest plants; poster of tree's life history; leaf prints.

P Demonstrate-. Tree planting methods; show samples of woods.

We often forget how important trees are in our lives.
Trees:

ü  Provide fuel, furniture, paper, wax, cork, oils, gums, rubber, syrup, nuts, and fruits.

ü  Give shade, beauty, and relief for the drabness of concrete.

ü  Make it cooler in the summer with their shade and warmer in the winter by serving as a windbreak.

ü  Provide homes and shelter for birds, which in turn help reduce insect pests.

ü  Make an area more attractive and appealing and so it increases property values.

ü  Screen impurities, trap the dust in the air.

ü  Help prevent soil erosion.

ü  Provide a barrier that helps screen out noise. Properly placed, they can reduce traffic noise up to 60%.

ü  Put oxygen in the air.

ü  Produce humidity and cut the smog.

ü  Are our principal air conditioners. The cooling effect of a healthy tree is equivalent to 10 room-size air conditioners operating 20 hours a day.

ü  In state and national forest, provide recreational retreat for millions of people.

IN GENERAL, TREES

P Provide fuel, furniture, paper, wax, cork, oils, gums, rubber, syrup, nuts, and fruits.

P Give shade, beauty, and relief from the drabness of concrete.

P Make it cooler in the summer with their shade and warmer in the winter by serving as a windbreak.

P Provide homes and shelters for birds, who in turn help reduce insect pests.

P Make an area more attractive and appealing and so it increases property values.

P Screen impurities, trap the dust in the air.

P Help prevent soil erosion.

P Provide a barrier that screens out noise.

P Put oxygen in the air.

Smokey's Pledge

I promise that:

I will not play with matches.

I will tell people who smoke to use an ashtray.

I will see that campfires are in a clear place, at least 5 feet from anything else that will burn.

I will not leave a campfire until it has been put out with water

I will tell all my friends to always be careful with fire.

HOW TO PLANT A SHADE TREE

1.       Select the tree and decide when and where to plant it.

2.       Protect the root from drying. Unpack a bare-root tree immediately and place it in a bucket of water or thin mud. Do not plant with packing material attached to roots.

3.       Dig a hole large enough to hold the entire root system without crowding.