Newsletter : September, 2006
Greetings ALL: We are off to a great new, Scouting year. It's exciting to see the enthusiasm so far. We have MANY new families and it's a great opportunity to get to know them, as well as, reunite with old ones.
I want to thank you all for continuing your participation in Scouting, our parish ministry. If you are not returning, please just let us know.
DUES
Please remember, annual dues are due. Please try to have them in by the end of September. Dues are $85 per Scout. This amount covers registration fees, Boys Life and most Pack events as well.
Please make checks payable to "Pack 229". You may place them in the Scout folder in the school office. For further assistance, please contact James Bass, our Treasurer.
MEDICAL FORMS
Class I Medical Records are required for each Scout. Please turn in the form to the Cubmaster or Kate Denefe, our Pack medic. All information provided is strictly confidential.
FAMILY CENTER
Please DO NOT play with, use or move any Mother's Day Out materials or toys. There are no exceptions. The MDO materials don't belong to Pack 229. We are not allowed to use or play with them and have already received a couple of concerns. Please help us ensure our reputation as good stewards of our Parish.
NEW PARENTS
There's always a lot of information to try and get to new parents. Unlike some youth programs, Scouting requires a little more upfront understanding. However, we hope that's not a deterrent. The leaders of Pack 229, will always try and assist the parents as best we can. In addition, we've put a host of information available at your fingertips.
The two best sources of information for parents is the Pack 229 Parents Handbook and the Pack website (pack229.org). New parents should consider the handbook required reading. It will begin to answer many questions you may have. Likewise, there is additional information on the website, not specifically in the handbook. 'Frequently Asked Questions', documents and forms are all located in the Resources section of the website. There are a number of FAQs that will be of great value too.
Please remember, that participation is crucial for a successful Pack. The leaders alone cannot run this program, it takes us all.
EVENT COORDINATORS
This year, all Pack events, Pinewood Derby, Blue & Gold, Campouts, etc. will be run by committees and a committee chair. Given the number of events the Pack has each year, it's necessary to ask each family to assist in atleast one event a year. Please be giving of your time, as best you can, and help where you can.
SERVICE PROJECT COORDINATOR
We have a leadership role that desperately needs filled. The newly created Service Coordinator will be responsible for coordinating the Pack service projects for the year. This is a relatively easy role which can be handled on off-hours.
This person is primarily responsible for the scheduling of service such as 'Flag Patrol', Coffee & Donuts at the family center, Christmas caroling, etc.
We desperately need SOMEONE! Please prayerfully consider this very worthwhile role for our ministry and our Parish. Service at Pack 229
OUTREACH
Many Packs need help! Two ongoing outreach projects need YOUR help!
Beginning Sep. 19th, a box will be present at all den and pack meetings for uniform donations. Many Pack families throughout the Council cannot afford to purchase uniforms for their Scouts. Your donations are greatly appreciated.
Beginning Sep. 19th, a jar will be present at all den and pack meetings for our "Cubscout Quarters".
For more information on either program, please see Service at Pack 229
SCOUT POPCORN
Annual dues only cover part of the real costs of our Pack. Last year, our commission from the popcorn sales completely covered all event and incidental costs. Families weren't asked to pay for one single event, which is one-of-a-kind in all but a very few Packs; even the campouts were free. In previous years, families paid for campouts as well as most events like the Pinewood Derby.
The Raingutter Regatta alone cost over $450; kits, patches and medals. This is one of the smallest events. Campouts, where food is included, can run over $1,500.
As we approach the 'Take Order' campaign, I ask you all to please participate. Your son will learn some valuable life lessons and your pack will benefit. Also, don't forget, the boys receive prices of their choosing based one their sales. Trophies are given to the top sellers.
Lastly, we are still in need of a Popcorn Kernel. The Kernel is the coordinator for this program. The Kernel is the acting head of the Popcorn Committee. We cannot run a popcorn sales campaign without a Kernel.
COUNCIL & DISTRICT EVENTS
All Council and District events were added to the Pack calendar. However, in an effort to reduce the number of emails we all receive from ScoutTrack, you will NOT receive emails about thse events.
To view upcoming Disctrict and Council events, such as, Cub Adventure Days, please logon to ScoutTrack and view the calendar. For assistance with ScoutTrack, please contract your Den Leader.
UNIFORMS
If you are in need of information or assistance with your son's Class-A uniform, please look at the Uniform FAQ. We ask that all Scouts proudly wear their uniform to all Den and Pack meetings.
If you are in need of sewing assistance, MANY leaders use Ida Blackburn (). Ida has been sewing Scout uniforms for MANY years and does so for a very reasonable fee. You will ALWAYS be satisfied with her work.
We are working to have additional Class-B shirts printed. The T-Shirts are a GREAT way to show your 'Pack Mentality' Adults are a meer $7 and children $5. New Socuts receive one shirt free (we are currently out of mediums). The Class-B is also approved Spirit Day dress!
RAINGUTTER REGATTA
The Raingutter Regatta was a complete success. It looks like the Tiger den had a lot of fun and perhaps next year, we should consider bringing towels for the Wolf Den Leaders.
For winners, check the RaceTime for Regatta.
FALL CAMPOUT
The campout is scheduled, in the works and quickly approaching. Please slot off the weekend of Nov. 3rd - 5th for the Family Fall Campout. We ask that families register for the campout so we can purchase accordingly.
