Three Things Needed For Fire
When I teach the Firem'n Chit to Scouts one of the things I teach them is there are three things needed to have a fire. If even one of the things is missing it is impossible for a fire to exist. Do you know what the three things are? When I ask the Scouts I get answers that include water, dirt, large cleared out area, an adult, wood, shovel, matches, a fire pit, etc. Well... [More]
By: Scott Robertson On: 2009-12-14Thank You to those that Support Us
Hello Everyone, yes it is PackTrainerSteve. Happy Holidays Everyone. I just wanted to take a moment and say thanks to all of those that allow us to take the time away from family to train and to be better leaders. Without your support we couldn't have the time to be the best leaders for the Scouts we are responsible for. Always remember without you we couldn't be the best leaders for the Scouts.Yours In Scouting,... [More]
By: Steve O'Connor On: 2009-12-11Knights Roasters
As a change of pace, I am posting a craft project today on how to make some really cool hot dog roasting sticks. I did not create this craft but came across it on a mailing list and thought I would share.Materials Wire coat hangers 1” diameter sticks Sandpaper Wood glue Drill bits Sharpies Tools Hammers Hand drills Awls Pencils Rulers Vices Wire cutters/nippers Miter boxes Saws Method Use wire cutters to clip the twisty part off coat hangers. Use hammers to pound coat hangers on one end. Leave the other end bent so... [More]
By: Scott Robertson On: 2009-12-10Who has your back??
Who has your back? Who is your back up in case you can't be at the meeting?I found out the hard way you need to have additional leaders to take up when you are not there. Fortunately, this year one of the other Fathers in my Den volunteered even before I had to ask. Why do I mention this, a motivated and interested leader is an important and sometimes rare asset. I will talk about... [More]
By: Steve O'Connor On: 2009-11-27Why should you train!!
There are many reasons that come to mind, besides BSA is going to require it soon. The chief one is that we want the best scouting experience for the scouts we are guiding. Luckly, the group of leaders I work with is great because we work together and share knowledge and experiences to make life for everyone easier and to deliver the best possible program to the Scouts we work with.Sharing the responsibility of advising... [More]
By: Steve O'Connor On: 2009-11-27To Train or Not to Train
Hello from PackTrainerSteve,This post is for New Leaders looking for resources and direction. Are you asking the question "Do I really need to be trained?" The answer is Yes, Yes, Yes!!!!!First, you need to at least complete Youth Protection Training. It is best to do it in a Live training session if possible, but you can also do it online. The important thing is to DO IT!Second, complete your leader specific training. This will give... [More]
By: Steve O'Connor On: 2009-11-13To PowWow or Not to PowWow
Hello Again from PackTrainerSteveWell attended PowWow last week or Cub Scout College and learned a whole lot of good stuff to take back to the Pack and Den. Yes, I had to attend a couple of not so fun, but really good for you sessions and the trainers were great. Now you are probably saying please stop with the do more training speech. I take advantage of most of the training opportunities offered because it... [More]
By: Steve O'Connor On: 2009-11-1310 tips to getting kids outside
Here are ten tips for ways to get your kids outside Lets Eat Outside Who can resist a picnic? A hunk of bread with warm water - mmmm... No matter what it is it just tastes better outside. There Is Treasure To Be Found What is more fun then to find something? You can find stuff just by walking around and keeping your eyes open, or by using something like a metal detector. You can... [More]
By: Scott Robertson On: 2009-11-06The Evening before PowWow
The evening before PowWow and it has me thinking. A year ago I attended my first PowWow and it was eye opening. This one I am looking forward to learning more things I can bring back to my Den and the Adult Leaders in the Pack. I do have to learn some serious stuff, but also signed up for the fun stuff the Cub Scouts will enjoy. Well I will have an update in the... [More]
By: Steve O'Connor On: 2009-11-06Cub Scout Den Leaders: Keeping in Touch with Parents
Hello Cub Scouters,How often are you communicating with your Cub Scouts and parents. Do you send out reminder emails for upcoming meetings and Pack events? Email works great to remind everyone what is going on, but Den Leaders still need to pick up the phone and ask the families that have a responsibilities for the next meetings are they comfortable with it. Even if they say "we have it under control" or yes, ask again.... [More]
By: Steve O'Connor On: 2009-10-24