Den Meeting October 18, 2010

Yeah!  I got time to do one before the end of the week :)

This week we started working on our Citizen badge. This is a requirement in order for the boys to get their Webelos badge.  We also are working on getting the United States Heritage Award.  This is an award that I found where when the boys complete it, they will receive a patch.  It shows that they have an understanding of the United States just as what we will be learning with Citizen.  I thought this would be a cool incentive for the boys to receive.

For Citizen, we worked on requirement 1, 3, and 8.  For 8, they will be receiving their Citizenship belt loop if they have not already earned it.

The boys need to be thinking about a den service project that they would like to do.  It can be as simple as picking a time and day and going to pick up trash somewhere.  I just want each boy to give an idea of what they want to do.  I want their suggestions at the next den meeting.

Also, for homework, they were given a chart.  They are to list jobs that they are to do around the house.  With this chart, they are to chart their progress for one week.  I will expect this to be shown to me at the next den meeting.  I am also wanting the boys to actually do this.  I have had some stuff turned in to me that is obviously not in their handwriting.  I need proof that the boys are completing this and not the parents.

Since we have a 2 week break from den meetings (because of Halloween Party and Pack meeting), if the boys would like to complete the next homework assignment during this time, they can.  For this portion they will need to make a poster showing things they can do to be a good citizen.  When they complete this, they will present it to the den.

Important dates and other information:

October 25th – Halloween Party – Start time will be 6:30! Each boy needs to bring in a bag of candy for the goodie bags that will be given out in the end.  We will also be doing the Twister Hopscotch game for our part of the party.  I need parent volunteers to help me.  I need probably at least 2 at all times, if you would like to rotate.  I also will need someone to walk around with the boys.  This will be exactly like last time as far as rotating from game to game.  Also, if anyone has an additional Twister Hopscotch game, please let me know.  Or even a regular Twister.  That way we can split the group up then after so long, they can switch games.

November 1st – Pack Meeting -  We will be doing the opening flag ceremony.

November 6th – Scouting For Food Bag Drop off. After we drop off bags, we will also go around and do a show and sale.  Please let me know who will and will not be going, that way I know on how many to plan for.

November 13th – Scouting for Food Back Pick up and Roller Skating.  We will be picking up bags that morning and then going roller skating in the afternoon.  The pack will only be paying for the boys that helped with Scouting For Food.  If you do not help, you will need to pay for your boys to go.

November 15th – Art Fair.  This will be during den meeting times.  The boys that need to do an original art piece (not one done at school) to submit.  Please refer to the Artist activity badge that way the boys can incorporate the requirements in their artwork to help with them getting their activity badge.

As always, if you have any problems or concerns, please let me know.

Parent Letters

I just wanted to let everyone know that I have been slacking with the parent letters that I was trying to do every week.  It just seems to always be something.

I know that a few have been missing meetings so I do want to make sure they get caught up.  Tomorrow night we are going to start the Citizen activity pin.  This will possibly take 2 to 3 meetings to complete.  If anyone is going to miss, please let me know so we can get your son caught up this item. 

Next Monday, the 25th, we will be having our Halloween party so I need to know which boys along with their siblings.  I need to let them know that they have enough refreshments for everyone.

Then the following Monday, we will be having our Pack Meeting.  I do realize that they are out of school that day but we will see be having our pack meeting.  If anyone is going to miss, please let me know.  The boys will be doing the opening so part of their achievements is to do this so we need to make sure all boys are there.

Webelo-ree

Just wanted to let everyone know about food costs for this weekend.  If you attended the webelo-ree, the cost was $5 a person.  Thanks to Paul and Mike for doing that for us.

Zoo Trip

After looking the weekends and trying to figure out a good date for the rescheduled zoo trip, I think we are going to have to postpone it until the spring when it gets warm again.  I want to make sure we can get as many to go and we have so many activities for the next two months, it is hard.  Plus I know that some people do attend church on Sundays so I wanted to make sure to not schedule it then.  Also, if someone wants to do something different, just let me know.  For the boys that are not coming to Webelo-ree this weekend, this is going to be a trip you must really try to go to.  This is the final thing that most of you need to finish Naturalist.  The boys that are going camping this weekend will be completing theirs this weekend.  Also, if someone would like to do something different besides the zoo, let me know.  For the requirement, they need to visit a nature center, zoo, or natural history museum.  I am open to any suggestions that you may have.

Zoo Trip

I wanted to get everyone’s input about the zoo trip.  I had it scheduled for the 20th but due to Leader training, I will most likely need to change this.    At this time, with all the activities, going on, it looks like we will need to either move it to a Sunday or possibly do it October 30th instead.  I just wanted to get everyone’s input and see how they felt about the date change.  I had also invited the other dens if they would like to go so if we do change the date, I need to do it sooner than later.

Parent Letter

Sorry that I didn't get the parent letter out for last week.  Things got hectic and I wasn't able to.  If anyone missed last Monday and wants to know what we completed, please email me and I can let you know.  We worked on the other half of Naturalist and I can let you know what exactly to do on the sheet that I have given to them.  Once that is completed and we go on our trip to the Zoo (or Natural History Museum), the boys will have completed Naturalist. 

Once again, I need to get a head count of who is interested in going to the Webelo-Ree this weekend.  So far I have only heard from 2 about whether or not they are attending.  Just keep in mind, if you cant not attend, the boys will have an opportunity to go this coming April and this time next year before they bring to Boy Scouts.  I know some people had some scheduling issues and wasn't sure if they could.  If you can’t, it is not a big deal.  I have already put down plans in my den meetings to do some of the pins that they will be completing at Webelo-Ree.

Webelo-Ree

I wanted to get with everyone and see who is going to be signing up for the Webelo-Ree for next weekend.  We need to figure out how many will be coming from the dens in order to make some plans.  Please let me know ASAP if you will be attending or not.