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.