Newsletter October 2008

Historic: We consider this item to be historic and as such it may no longer be appropriate for todays Scouts. Please refer to your local scouting policies and use your best judgment.

Seeds of Kindness

As we take a look at kindness we need to realize that it is something that comes from within that we manifest outward in what we say and what we do. When we say that someone is kind, we don't usually mean they are kind to themselves but that they are kind to others. So what we see is that kindness involves our relationships.

 

Whats New Crafts
Precious Moments Skits / Songs / Stories / Cheers / Applauses
Scoutmaster Minute
Pack Meeting In Action
Games Quotes
Ceremonies Fuzzy And Scout's Hidden Corner
Food Activities    InsaneScouter Moment

Please feel free to share this newsletter with your Scouting friends!!

 


Whats New & Please Help

Check out the hundreds of new pages on InsaneScouter.

You wll also notice we have a new site sponsor - ClassB.com has replaced ScoutData.com... check both of them out they both offer great services to Scouts.

There is a new feature I think all of you should check out. A virtual Flat Stanley Scout project. The basic idea is you take the Stanley Scout image and have your Scouts do something with him such as maybe take him to a museum or camping and then you post text about what happens and photos of it happening. In return another group will pick up where you left off and do something else with the stanley adding to his adventure. Thie is a great opportunity for your Scouts to become pen pals with other Scouts from around the world, but also to learn about different cultures. You learn more and get started here http://insanescouter.org/users/stanley/index.php. You will need a free membership account to participate, but anyone can watch the adventures unfold.

Don't forget to rate pages, by login and then clicking on the 5 starts under the title. 1 Star means you didn't like it and 5 stars means it was awesome. Also help us improve our content by leaving your comments and reviews at the bottom of each page. Again to do both these things you will need to be logged in.

Next months newsletter is "Christmas Blizzard". The newsletter runs 1 month ahead so that you have time to plan and prepare for your meetings. If you have anything that is useful for this Christmas theme please email it to me to be included im the newsletter and on the site.

I am also looking for content to add to the website relating to Leave No Trace, Girl Scouts / Guides, and Religion. If you have anything please send it on.

Lastly if you are interested in becoming a InsaneScouter team member please drop me a note s we can talk. Team members help with a variety of tasks including putting this newsletter together, marketing the site, improving the site, and tossing out there to help guide InsaneScouters future.


Precious Moments 

 

THE WORLD NEEDS

A little more kindness and a little less creed,
A little more giving and a little less greed;
A little more smile and a little less frown,
A little less kicking a man when he's down;
A little more "we" and a little less "I,"
A little more laugh and a little less cry;
A few more flowers on the pathway of life,
And fewer on graves at the end of the strife.

--Unknown

 

BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE

If you have a tender message,
Or a loving word to say,
Do not wait till you forget it,
But whisper it today;

The tender word unspoken,
The letter never sent,
The long forgotten messages,
The wealth of love unspent--

For these some hearts are breaking,
For these some loved ones wait;
So show them that you care for them
Before it is too late.

--F. Sweet

DROP A PEBBLE IN THE WATER

Drop a pebble in the water: just a splash, and it is gone;
But there's half-a-hundred ripples circling on and on and on,
Spreading, spreading from the center, flowing on out to the sea.
And there is no way of telling where the end is going to be.
Drop a pebble in the water: in a minute you forget,
But there's little waves a-flowing, and there's ripples circling yet,
And those little waves a-flowing to a great big wave have grown;
You've disturbed a mighty river just by dropping in a stone.
Drop an unkind word, or careless: in a minute it is gone;
But there's half-a-hundred ripples circling on and on and on.
They keep spreading, spreading, spreading from the center as they go,
And there is no way to stop them, once you've started them to flow.
Drop an unkind word, or careless: in a minute you forget;
But there's little waves a-flowing, and there's ripples circling yet,
And perhaps in some sad heart a mighty wave of tears you've stirred,
And disturbed a life was happy ere you dropped that unkind word.
Drop a word of cheer and kindness: just a flash and it is gone;
But there's half-a-hundred ripples circling on and on and on,
Bearing hope and joy and comfort on each splashing, dashing wave
Till you wouldn't believe the volume of the one kind word you gave.
Drop a word of cheer and kindness: in a minute you forget;
But there's gladness still a-swelling, and there's joy a circling yet,
And you've rolled a wave of comfort whose sweet music can be heard
Over miles and miles of water just by dropping one kind word.

-- J.W. Foley

 


 

Scoutmaster MInute

Cubmaster's Closing Minute

"I will do my best!" Do these words sound like there is a job that has to be done? Yes, it does...

Good Turn Closing Thought

Most of us are happiest when we are doing something for others. Think, for a moment of a time when you were helpful to someone.

The Knot That Tells A Story

Scouts, if your rank is between Second Class and Life, take a look at your badge of rank. What do all those badges have in common?


Scouts in Action

*** I came across this online and thought it fit perfect***

 

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (MI) 

Rangers, Scouts And  Others Rescue Seriously Ill Hiker

 

On the afternoon of July 26th,  North Manitou Island ranger Luke Hunter received a cell phone call from a hiker  reporting that a man was unconscious and having a seizure about six miles from  the ranger station on the west side of this 15,000-acre Lake Michigan island.  The reporting party, Trent Faulkner, a solo hiker not affiliated with the group,  said that the victim had been actively seizing and vomiting for over three  hours. Hunter, a medical first responder, gave the caller some first aid  directions, then notified park dispatcher Tom Davison, who requested assistance  from the Coast Guard Air Station at Traverse City. Davison also notified ranger  Pat Reimann, who was on backcountry patrol on the island about four miles from  the scene. A Coast Guard HH65-C Dolphin helicopter flew to the island. The crew  was unable to locate the victim from the air, though, so flew to the ranger  station to pick up Hunter. They soon found the victim, but couldn’t land due to  thick forest cover. Finding a clearing along the west shore, the helicopter  landed and dropped off Hunter and a Coast Guard rescue swimmer, who ran about a  mile to the victim, 42 year-old Richard Nielson of Grosse Isle, Michigan.  Nielson was unconscious and was being assisted by Faulkner, some Boy Scouts who  were hiking with Nielson, and another group of passing hikers. Hunter and the  rescue swimmer began treatment and applied oxygen and were preparing to carry  Nielson out just as Reimann arrived. One of the hikers identified himself as an  Eagle Scout and suggested building a litter to carry Nielson, so a makeshift  stretcher using hiking sticks and clothing was built by the Scouts and Nielson  was carried a half-mile through the brush to the waiting helicopter.  Nielson was flown to Munson Medical Center in Traverse City, where he was  admitted, treated, and released. Faulkner later had this to say about the  rescue:  “I was impressed with how a group of different people were able to  form a team and work efficiently. The Coast Guard swimmer was the leader and  primary caregiver. The rangers knew the lay of the land and provided accurate  directions (they were absolutely correct about the bushwhack being the most  efficient way to get to the open field). The Eagle Scout had the leadership  skills to step up and recommend building the litter (I also credit the swimmer  for being open to the idea). The rangers, swimmer, and the college kids did all  the carrying.†  Faulkner and the other hikers who assisted in the  rescue were later presented with National Park Service search and rescue award  pins and letters of commendation from the park superintendent. [Submitted by  Larry Johnson, Chief Ranger]

 


Games

Checker Relay

Scouts race up and down the hall in relay fashion, with a pile of 6 checkers balanced on the back of one hand.

Clodhopper Race

A series of pieces of paper are placed in a circle after a team member is blindfolded.

Count to Ten

All players stand on one line except one player who is it. "It" stands with his back to the other players on a goal line about 30 to 35 feet from the starting line.

Tissue Paper Relay

Give each player a drinking straw.  Divide the den into two teams.  Give the first player on each team a square of tissue paper.

Presents Pantomime

Each boy thinks of a present he would like to give a make-believe friend (or a real friend) and then decides how to act out

The Secret Friend

Ask children to write down a name and a surname of each person on separate leaflets and to curtail them so that one won't be able to see what is written.

A Story About The Friend

Suggest children to choose someone from their friends and tell about him, without mentioning his name.

Magic Hospital

Divide children into small groups and ask them to visualize, that they are doctors working in magic hospital where laziness, cunnings, greediness...


Ceremonies

Cub Scouts Means…

Arrangements: 8 Cub Scouts hold cards spelling out CUB SCOUT and read the lines written on the back of the cards.

Goodwill Opening

And the angel said, “Peace on earth, goodwill toward men.†Cub Scouts give goodwill by being thoughtful and kind

Building A Better World

1ST Take a B for brotherhood Boosting for each others good.

The Fourth Bead, A Den Ceremony

Personnel: Den Leader, advancing Cub Scout Equipment: Bead from Immediate Recognition Kit Den Leader:..

Goodwill Enlightens the World

Setting: Place a world globe on a table.  Place candles around the globe, one for each rank to be given out.

Goodwill Closing Ceremony

Set Up:  8 Cub Scouts each with a sign with one of the letters on front.  The words are written on the back in large print.

Patriotic Closing

Boys are holding up card with flags of different countries.  Boys are wearing costumes from other countries.

Turkey Opening

Have a card with each letter on it. As boys hold their card have them say the following: T - is for the Thanks we give at this special time of year.

Thanksgiving Opening

Cast:  8 Cub Scouts (with signs), Den Chief...

Family Thanksgiving

ARRANGEMENT: Cub Scouts cant' cards spelling THANKSGIVING.

Cub Scout Thanksgiving

T Stands for the Time our den leaders gladly give;

A Cub Scout's Thanksgiving Prayer

O, Heavenly Father, we ask for your blessing For loved ones and friends that are near. We thank you for food and for love and for life And the spirit of Scouting that's here.

Thanksgiving Poem Closing

I would give thanks for many things On this Thanksgiving Day. Thanks for all the blessings

Thanksgiving Match-Up

1. One action done in the morning...


Food Activities

Pumpkin Cake

What you need: 1/2 cup water 4 eggs 1-3/4 cups molasses 1 cup vegetable oil 1 cup of cooked pumpkin 1 cup brown sugar 2 cups whole wheat flower 1 tsp. nutmeg 1/2 tsp. cloves 1 tsp salt 1-1/2 tsp. baking soda 2 tsps.

Applesauce Cinnamon Dough

1/2 cup cinnamon 1/2 cup applesauce 1 plastic zip lock sandwich bag Pour cinnamon and applesauce into zip lock bag.

 


Crafts

Cups of Kindness 

Perfect for VBS, Summer Camp, Daycare, or Home By Lenora Murdock Cups of Kindness are crafts that make great gifts.

Making a Chain of Kindness

Crafts can help promote good hand-eye coordination, use of imagination, cooperation with others, and direction following.

Fox and Food

Materials: Handkerchief, stick, beanbag or other distinctive object. Objective: Fox is to guard its food while predators try to steal it. How to Play:

Corn Painting

raw corn-on-the-cob stiff wires (a couple of inches long) acrylic fabric paint cotton fabric Break corncob into 2 inch pieces...

Turkey Napkin Holder

9" Lightweight paper plate Poster paint (red, yellow, golden orange, brown) small paint brush scrap red or orange construction paper scissors marker tape...

Corn Print Place Mats

Ear of corn Kitchen Knife Plastic Corn Cob Holders Fabric Paints Paper Plates Cloth Place Mats Break an uncooked ear of corn into 2 1/2 inch lengths...

Stuffed Turkey

Scissors Pencil Crayons or markers Facial tissue. Color the turkey any colors you like. Wild turkeys have feathers in shades of brown...

Thanksgiving Roots

4 paperwhite narcissus bulbs 6" ceramic pot (There should be no hole in the bottom because the bulbs will grow in a bed of pebbles and water.)

Indian Headbands

8x11 construction paper scissors glue Cut a few pieces of construction paper lengthwise, into 3 pieces.

Placemats

8x11 construction Paper scissors glue ruler Fold one piece of construction paper in half, lenghthwise. Use the pencil and ruler to draw lines every 1 inch along folded edge.

Cornocoppia

sugar cones peanuts raisins candy corn assorted dried fruits cheerios...

Paper Turkey

Objectives: Making a simple turkey decoration using items from around the house and yard.

Autumn Soap Bars

These colorful soap bars are the perfect way to add a seasonal touch to your bathroom decor.

Fall Memory Box

What you'll need: Shoe box with lid Liquitex Basics Gesso Red and yellow acrylic paint Large paintbrush Construction paper...

Pressed Placemat

A Fall placemat filled with beautiful Fall leaves. What you'll need: 2 Sheets of clear Contact paper, place mat size Scissors Leave...

Harvest Linens

Stamped with potato-print acorns and leaves, these linens lend a child's imprint to an autumn table or a holiday feast.

Gourd Turkey Centerpiece

At the first Thanksgiving, turkey was actually a side dish, taking second billing to venison.

Thanksgiving Wreath

YOU WILL NEED: A grapevine wreath (available at craft stores) Real or artificial fall leaves Acorns Berries Wide ribbon Craft glue

Clip-On Turkeys

What you'll need:   Construction paper Pencil Scissors Yellow pipe cleaners Glue Wiggle eyes...

Pipe Cleaners “Give Thanks†Art

What you'll need:   Wire cutters 1 red bumpy pipe cleaner (chenille stem) 1 orange bumpy pipe cleaner...

Acorns

Materials Needed: Straw Twine Old plastic or plastic drop cloth Set of clothing for each child.

Thanksgiving Tablecloth

Materials: White tablecloth Fabric paint in autumn colors Paintbrush...

Autumn Bowl

Materials: Empty butter or margarine tub Paintbrush Scissors Glue Calico or autumn-colored fabric...

Thanksgiving Hand Wreath

Materials: Construction paper or felt in fall colors Poster board Scissors Glue Brown buttons or nuts Ribbon


Skits / Songs / Stories / Applauses

Gift Giving

Tune: I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing I'd like to give the world a gift, that all men will be free.

When You're Helping And You Know It

Tune: If You're Happy And You Know It When you're helping and you know it lend a hand

Joy To The Cubs

Tune: Joy To The World Joy to the world, our Cubs are here.  Let all the pack rejoice.

Grand Applause

While sitting, stomp feet three times, slap legs three times and stand up and yell HURRAH!

Shine Your Halo

Children open palm and move in a circular motion over their head.

Run-Ons

Why is a star in the heavens like a hole in the roof?
Because it’s a sky-light!

What wear armor and goes around on tip-toes?
A Silent Knight

A Gift of Goodwill

Personnel: Den Chief & 8 Cubs Setting: A group of 8 Cub Scouts are gathered around.

Turkey Contest

Four guys dressed up like turkeys waiting for the Best Turkey Contest with one turkey really strutting his stuff.

The Biggest Turkey

Cast: Box or suitable covering, Person in Box, Announcer, Victim, regular and serving spoons, stick and log, paper and book, rubber chicken, small cue card

Turkey in the Straw

Oh, as I was a goin' down the road, With a tired team and a heavy load, I cracked my whip and leader sprung,
I says good-day to the wagon tongue.

Ten Little Settlers

10 SETTLERS (the play opens with the 1st settler on stage)


  Pack Meeting In Action

 

Gathering Activity: Seed-Planting relay- You’ll need an even number of players, ample supply of paper cups, ample supply of seeds (use popcorn kernels or candies.

 

In turn, each boy follows a line drawn on the floor by placing the heel of one foot against the toe of the other (heel to toe). About every three feet he must stop and place a seed in a paper cup which are spaced out every 1 ½ feet or so. When he reaches the end of the line he runs back and tags the next person who “plants†his seeds in the same manner

 

Better World Opening : 11 Scouts, each holding a card with the letter in the front and their line on the back. Each speaker holds up his card and says his line. Last line delivered by all.

B for Brotherhood, being part of this Cub Scout Brotherhood

E for Everybody to share in earth’s riches everywhere

T for Trustfulness, trusting more and fearing less

T for teamwork, for joining hands to make things better

E for equal Chance for each person to Advance

R for Real Respect in spite of race, color, or religion

W for Will to Work for Peace in all the Land

O is for Opportunity to keep our speech and actions free

R for Reverence, for a guiding Spirit

L for Love to Spread around when need and bitterness are found

D for Dignity of a man devoted to a better Plan

There you have it- that’s how you build a better World

 

Songs:

Cub Scouts Whistle While they Work

Tune: Whitle While You Work
submitted by Russell K Green

 

Cub Scouts whistle while they work!
Whistle
They pitch right in, and laugh, and grin,
And whistle while they work.

Cub Scouts hum a merry tune!
Hum
They hum all day at work and play,
They hum a merry tune.

Before they join the Scouts,
They have to know the rule,
Of being courteous and kind
In both their home and school.

Cub Scouts whistle while they work!
Whistle
They do their bit, they never quit,
Cub Scouts whistle while they work.

HE'S GOT THE WHOLE WORLD IN HIS HANDS

He's got the whole world in His hands,
He's got the whole world in His hands
He's got the whole wide world in His hands,
He's got the whole world in His hands.

1. He's got the Terrific Tigers...
2. He's got the Wonderful Wolfs...
3. He's got the Brave Little Bears...
4. He's got the super duper Webelos...
5. He's got the lazy lazy Leaders...
6. He's got you and me, Brother...

Good Turn Cheer: Stand up and turn around. Grand: Everyone is sitting down in their chairs. All stomp their feet three times loudly, then slap leg three times, then clap hands 3 times. Then stand up all together and shout "Ra, Ra, Ra!"
 

CLOSING ACTING PARTS IN LIFE

CUBMASTER: Fellows, our lives are made up of many different acts or parts. As young boys, you act the part of a Webelos, or a Cub. In school you act the part of a student. At home you act the part of a son. Whatever part you act, do what is right and do your best so you too someday may be a good parent, and a good citizen just like all the adults around you today.

See you all next month.

CLOSING - AMERICA'S ANSWER

America needs men with a concern for the common good -- men who have the understanding and insight to help solve her problems and those of the changing world around us. she needs citizens of integrity who value their great heritage and who are determined to pass on to others an enduring faith in the ideals and methods of our free society.

How does a boy come to know and to appreciate his heritage as a citizen of this nation? How does his sense of responsibility and his concern for others unfold?

Begin with him when he is a Cub Scout as he promises with all the solemnity of an 8-year old "to do my duty to God and my country..." Watch the pride and loving care with which he handles the flag as he is taught to fold it. He may not fully understand all that it stands for, but someday he will... with help.

Observe him later as he stands tall, alert and proud in his kaki uniform as the flag is lowered at Scout camp.He is living everyday experiences as a good citizen and showing concern for the needs of others. He is growing and practicing the fundamentals of citizenship. All of this time he is under the friendly guidance and companionship of men who care about him.

Now he is grown tall.. in high school.. an Explorer. He ponders the words of the Explorer Code. There is conviction in his voice as he says: "I will treasure my American heritage and will do all I can to preserve and enrich it."

And so this young American comes to manhood. He has grown through his Scouting experiences and though the influences of many men and women who have helped him. He has a job and a family and is making himself count in his community. He is a citizen of a great nation. He understands his heritage and cheerfully accepts his future obligations to all men.

He has been a Scout. He is America's answer!

 

 


Fuzzy And Scout's Hidden Corner

 

 Greetings all its Fuzzy and Scout from the UK with another thrilling adventure for you. For those of you who may not know. Fuzzy is a 8 and Scout is 9 they are bear cubs (well actually teddy bears), they live with Baloo in the UK.

 

"So Scout, did you want to go or not? I can ask Scott if he will watch you while Fuzzy and I go to this training." Baloo asks.

Scout looks at Fuzzy, with a puzzled look on his face. "Why are you going, there will only be adults talking about boring stuff."

"Because I will get to be the vicitim on the climbing wall again."

"Oh!" Scout exclaims. "Can I stay with Scott again?" he asks Baloo.

Baloo goes to the computer and asks Scott if he would mind watching Scout while he is at camp. Scott of course didn't mind. Scout run off to start packing. Just as Scout is to meet up with Scott he looks at Fuzzy with sad eyes. Fuzzy looks at Scout being they are so close Fuzzy know instantly what was up. Fuzzy digs into his bag and pulls out his special salmon pillow. He hands the pillow to Scout. Scout looks down at it. Scout shakes his head.

"How will you get by with out Mr Salmon?" he asks.

"I don't know.... " the little cub stutters.

Without saying a word Scout runs back to his room and returns with his hand behind his back. He pulls out his Mrs Salmon pillow and hands it to his brother. Scout wore a big smile across his face. Fuzzy look up at Scout, sees the Mrs Salmon pillow and smiles. The cubs give each other a brotherly hug.

"I am so proud of you boys. You found a way to solve each others problems. You two are so sweet and kind." says Baloo as he bear hugs both.

"Can't breath - can't breath" they compain at the same time. Baloo lets them go.

There is knock at the door. "That will be Scott" Baloo says, "Scout you all packed?". Baloo opens the door and the Cubs attack Scott as he tickles them. They wrestle and tickle for a little while. But all to soon it was time for Baloo and Fuzzy to leave. Scott offered to help Scout with his bag. But Scout shook his head and put his backpack on his back. They followed Baloo and Fuzzy out.

 


InsaneScouter Moment

An Indian chief was watching his two sons practice with their bows and arrows. The older son was very strong and, when seeing his father was watching, shot an arrow over the trees with all his strength and out of sight. He was very proud of himself. The little son took his small bow and arrow and made a mark on a tree and hit the mark with his arrow from only a short distance away. The Chief came up and hugged the little son with enthusiasm and pride. The older son asked, "was I not stronger, father?" The Chief said, "Yes, but your little brother set a goal and hit his mark. This is the most important task in life."

I challenge you and your Scouts to do random acts of kindness and then email me what they do, I would like to include it in the next newsletter.


Thank you for subscribing to the InsaneScouter newsletter. Please feel free to pass this newsletter on to your friends and encourage them to subscribe to this newsletter by becoming a free member. To get a free membership register here. To unsubscribe login to your account, go to the user control panel, click on "Manage Newsletter Subscription" and uncheck the check box.

 

Materials found on InsaneScouter'.org is © 1998 - 2025, but may be reproduced and used for anything consistent with the Scouting and Guiding programs. Unless otherwise noted on the page. If you believe we are republishing your copyrighted material without permission, please Contact Us including the url to have it removed or your copyright information added. All opinions expressed on these pages are those of the original authors. All holdings are subject to this Disclaimer.

Please be advised that InsaneScouter is NOT affiliated with any Scouting or Guiding Organization including Boy Scouts of America.

Scouting resources for Den Leaders, Cubmasters, Scoutmasters, Girl Guides, Girl Scout, Cub Scout, Venturing, Exploring, Beavers, Joey, Boy Scout Leaders