October 19, 2009 Den Meeting

October 19, 2009

Dear Den 1 Bear Parents,

Today we completed requirement a, b, f or g, for Achievement 18, Jot It Down. We completed making a list of things to do for tomorrow, writing two letters to relatives or friends, and either writing a story about something you did with your family or about activities in your den.

Requirement 18c should be completed at home in the next 2 weeks. The boys are to keep a daily record in their journal that they were given. The journals are due November 9, 2009. They will be added to their section of the den scrapbook.

We also worked on a song that we will be doing for the pack meeting on November 2. If you need a copy of it, please email me.

As a reminder, each week a different boy will be selected to be Denner (requirement 24b). Along with being a denner for that den meeting, the boy (along with the help of his parents) will plan a future den meeting (as to fulfill requirement 24c). Each boy will pick a requirement left in the book that we still need to do (if you need a list of what we still need to work on, email me carissa.grayson@gmail.com or give me a call 540-812-4159 or 540-842-3033). Once they pick a requirement or achievement to work on, they will need to present it to me (or the parents can email it to me at anytime). When it is approved, it will go on the agenda for the next meeting. This will help teach the boys independent and leadership skills that they will need as they move closer to Boy Scouts.

Instead of randomly selecting at the den meetings the denner of the week, I went ahead and we randomly did it to put it on the schedule so the boys can go ahead and look at what they would like to play for their den meeting.

Denner and Upcoming Schedule

October 19, 2009 – Ben

October 26, 2009 - Halloween Party

November 2, 2009 – Pack Meeting (Song)

November 9, 2009 – Reese

November 16, 2009 – Jacob

November 23 & 30, 2009 – No Den meetings

December 7^th, 2009 – Pack Meeting

December 14^th, 2009 – Evan

December 21&28^, 2009 – No den meetings

January 4, 2010 – Pack Meeting

January 11, 2010 – Luke

January 18, 2010 – Cooper

These dates may be changed but you will be notified if there is.

October 10, 2009 Den Meeting

October 10, 2009

Dear Den 1 Bear Parents,

Today we completed Achievement 4, Tall Tales. We had each boy tell what folklore is, list 5 stories that they know and point out on a map where the stories originated from. They also told what their favorite story was and completed a Folklore Match Game.

Starting next week and continuing every den meeting, we will have a different boy serve as the Denner (requirement 24b). The Denner helps out with den activities and shows leadership skills in order to help everyone get through our achievements. His responsibilities are determined by the activities that go on for that den meeting which may include helping set up the den meeting and clean up after; helping with games, ceremonies, tricks, and puzzles; leading a song. He should also help keep the boys focused on the task that we may be completed at that time. We will be choosing the boys at random so that each boy will get a chance to be denner in order to fill that requirement.

Along with being a denner for that den meeting, the boy (along with the help of his parents) will plan a future den meeting (as to fulfill requirement 24c). Each boy will pick a requirement left in the book that we still need to do (if you need a list of what we still need to work on, email me carissa.grayson@gmail.com or give me a call 540-812-4159 or 540-842-3033). Once they pick a requirement or achievement to work on, they will need to present it to me. When it is approved, it will go on the agenda for the next meeting. This will help teach the boys independent and leadership skills that they will need as they move closer to Boy Scouts.

Upcoming Dates

October 19, 2009 – Den Meeting

October 26, 2009 – Den Meeting

November 2, 2009 – Pack Meeting

September 28, 2009 Den Meeting

September 28, 2009

Dear Den 1 Bear Parents,

Today we completed requirement b, e, and j for Achievement 3, What Makes America Special?. We completed the Character Connection for Citizenship; we had the boys tell about two famous Americans, and discussed when Virginia was admitted to the Union. We also discussed Virginia’s state bird, its flower, the symbols on the state flag.

If time allowed, we completed c for Achievement 16, Building Muscles. They competed with the other boys in the den in the crab relay, gorilla relay, 30 yard dash, and the kangaroo relay.

There has been a website setup for our den. The site has our calendar of events as well as other information. There will also be a copy of the parent information letters on there just in case you miss a den meeting and would like to know what we did. The site is password protected so please keep the letter as a confidential document and discard of properly, if needed. The website is http://pack198den1.myscoutlink.com. The password into the site is den0910.

Next week will be our pack meeting on October 5, 2009. We are scheduled to bring baked goods for the raffle. I will send out a reminder this weekend for anyone who may forget.

For our next den meeting on October 12, 2009, I ask that all the boys share the information about what we discussed on the state, with an adult, who should then sign the boy’s book. I am also asking for everyone to bring their books on this date so that I can check them for any achievements that the boys have worked on their own.

Upcoming Dates

October 3, 2009 - Concession stand at CUMC. Still need volunteers for all time slots.

October 5, 2009 – Pack meeting. Den is to bring baked goods for raffle.

October 12, 2009 – Den Meeting at 7pm.

September 21, 2009 Den Meeting

September 21, 2009

Dear Den 1 Bear Parents,

Today we completed requirement c for Achievement 8, The Past is Exciting and Important. We filled out the information pages on the boys so that they can have their own section in the scrapbook that we will be working on during this next year.

We also completed a requirement for Achievement 16, Building Muscles. We had the boys do physical fitness stretching exercises, and then curl-ups, push-ups, standing long jump, and softball throw. We created a record of each boy’s numbers for the den scrapbook. We will repeat these activities in future meetings to measure progress when we need a physical activity.

This Thursday, September 24, 2009, the Culpeper Museum of History (803 South Main Street) is having an open house from 6pm – 7:30 pm. The theme is “Native Americans.” If any scouts would like to attend, going to this event will fulfill Achievement 3d, Find out where places of historical interest are locating in or near you town or city, 8e, Find out some history about your community, 10a, Go on a day trip or evening out with members of your family, elective 24a and c, which deal with learning about American Indians.

For our next den meeting on September 28^th, please have your son complete the family history chart for us to add to our den scrapbook which will fulfill Achievement 8d. Also, with your help, I would like to boys to find out about two famous Americans (Achievement 3b) to discuss at the next den meeting.

Upcoming Dates

September 28, 2009 – Den Meeting

October 3, 2009 – Concession Stand @ CUMC

October 5, 2009 – Pack Meeting (Den is to bring baked goods for raffle)

Enter the 2009 Boy’s Life Reading Contest

This is a great contest and way for your Cub Scout to receive another badge. Once they send in their report, a badge will be sent back to your home. Say Yes to Reading!!! The details of the contest are as follows according to boyslife.org

Write a one-page report titled “The Best Book I Read This Year” and enter it in the Boys’ Life 2009 “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 on this page. (And, yes, the patch is a temporary insignia, so it can be worn on the 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, 2009 and must include entry information and a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

September 2009 Theme: Cub Scout Pockets

September 2009

Cub Scout Pockets

Pockets contain many special things-items from the boys' collections, maybe; or important phone numbers, or a note home. Pockets, like boys, have special qualities. This is a good month to start exploring both. Get a good start on the year and work on your Bobcat rank if you haven't already, or pair up and work together with someone who hasn't. This theme presents a wonderful opportunity for the boys to start their own collections of neckerchief slides and patches, or the infinite variety of common items that people collect for fun such as sports cards and comic books. This is also a great time to try to earn the Collection Belt loop and Pin.

What did I miss?

In the Den Meeting, the Cubs worked on Achievement 9B, and created some delicious "Pocket Snacks". The boys enjoyed creating the snacks and working on an achievement at the same time.

How to make Pocket Snacks:

Ingredients: pita bread, lunch meats, cheese slices, finely chopped lettuce

Take a piece of bread, a slice of lunchmeat a cheese slice, and lettuce and lay the cheese inside the pita. Put the lettuce and now enjoy your "Pocket Snack"!

What Can I work on at home?

Families can work on additional achievements and electives that support this months theme, such as:

Achievement 8e: The Past is Exciting and Important: Boys can explore the history of their community.

Achievement 11e: Be Ready: Families can plan escape routes and practice in case of emergency.

Elective 22b: Collecting Things: Mount and display a collection of objects.

How do I earn the Collecting Belt Loop and Pin?

Belt Loop Requirements:

1. Begin a collection of at least 10 items that all have something in common. Labe the items and title your collection.
2. Display your collection at a pack or den meeting.
3. Visit a show or museum that displays different collections.

Academics Pin- Earn the Collecting belt loop, and complete 5 of the following requirements:

1. Give a talk about your collection to someone other than your family. Give a description of your collection, including a short history. Explain how you got started and why you decided to collect what you do.
2. Show how you preserve and display your collection. Explain any special precautions you must take including handling, cleaning, and storage. Note precautions for dampness, sunlight, or other weather conditions.
3. Read a book about what you collect.
4. Start a new collection of at least 20 items. Label the items and title your collection.
5. Define numismatics and philately.
6. Join a club of collectors who share your hobby. This club may be a group of your friends.
7. Find out if there is a career that involves what you collect. Find out what kind of subjects you need to study to prepare for such a career.
8. If you collect coins or stamps, make a list of different countries in your collection. Explain how to identify each country's issues. Make a list of "clues" that help you identify the origin.
9. With an adult partner, visit an online auction and look for items to collect. What does it tell you about rarity and value of the things you collect?
10. Use a computer to catalog, organize, and keep track of your collection.
11. Help a friend get started on a collection of his or her own.

September 2009

 

Hello!

My name is Carissa Grayson and I’m excited to be the new leader for Den 1!  I am looking forward to working with the Bear Scouts and their families this year!  I would like to tell you a little bit about myself.

I have lived in Virginia since 1992, when my family moved here when I was 13.  I grew up in Spotsylvania County where I graduated from Courtland High School in 1997.  I have been married to my husband, Jay, since April 2004.  I am a stay at home mom to my 3 kids, Ryan, a fellow Bear Scout, Evan, who is 5, and Brynlee, who is 10 months. 

Communication

I want to make sure that I am accessible at all times to all families.  My home phone number is 540-812-4159, my cell is 540-842-3033, and my email address is carissa.grayson@gmail.com.

Achievements

There are 12 achievements that the boys are required to complete this year to ear their Bear badge.  We plan to cover quite a few of them but, a bulk of the responsibility will be with the scout and his Akela working at home.  Arrow points (electives) can be earned at any time but cannot be worn until he has earned his Bear badge.

Achievements are described on pages 24 and 25 and arrow points are described on page 180, of the Bear book.

Help Wanted

I am currently looking for anyone who is interested in becoming an Assistant Den Leader.  Also, as always, any parent volunteers would be appreciated for different activities.

Conclusion

I would like to thank, in advance, for your time, efforts, and patience.  I look forward to a fun and rewarding year with the boys.