December 15, 2009
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December 2009
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- Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all of us at InsaneScouter !!!
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Panning For Gold Relay RaceHome > Resources > Ceremonies > Flag Closing
Prepare to get wet! Divide the little miners into 2or more teams. You will need the following:•One small empty wading pool/bucket per team.Mark a fill line on each pool/bucket.•One wading pool in the middle with water in it.•One foil pie tin per team. Put several small holesin the bottom so that water will run out.Each team of miners will dip their pie tins in thewater, and run to their empty pool/bucket, dumpingthe water into their pool/bucket. After a minerempties the...
Keeping FitHome > Resources > Ceremonies > Flag Opening
Cub Scouts, I hold in my hand a pocketknife. This is a valuable toolbecause it can be used for many useful things. It is a dependable tool aslong as the blade is kept sharp and free from rust and the working parts arein good condition. But, if it is neglected and becomes dull and rusty, it canbe a dangerous tool. The same principle can be applied to ourselves. Wehave a body, which when kept in good condition, will serve us...
Physical FitnessHome > Resources > Activities > Games
Cub 1: To keep your body strong and healthy, is more valuable than being wealthy.Cub 2: When you are fit, you feel so good, and try to do the things you should.Cub 3: It helps you lend a helping hand, to needy folks around the land.Cub 4: Eating the right foods is always wise, and everyone needs exercise.Cub 5: Stand on tip toes, one, two, three. Come on and practice; run with me!Cub 6: Scouting builds young boys into men,...
Treasure HuntHome > Resources > Ceremonies > Flag Opening
To get the little miners on the move, let’s have atreasure hunt. Divide the little miners into teams.Have clues on different colors of paper. Have teammembers answer a question about mining or geology.Make the questions be multiple choice questions.A correct answer gives them the next location of thetreasure. At each location, have some sort of trinketsthere for the team. We don’t want to discouragethem. The final treasure could be a 100 Grand candybar, a small chest full of Hershey Treasure...
Olympic OpeningHome > Resources > Ceremonies > Flag Closing
At the start of each Olympics, every athlete promises to play fairlyand obey all of the Olympic rules. One athlete from the host countrytakes this oath at the Opening Ceremonies on behalf of all athletes.The oath was written by Baron de Coubertin, and became a part ofour Modern Olympic Games in 1920. The chosen athlete holds acorner of the Olympic Flag while repeating the oath:“In the name of all competitors, I promise that we shall take partin these Olympic Games,...
Save it for UsHome > Resources > Activities > Games
The next time you’re outside, pause a moment to look at the old trees. They have shelteredcountless generations of wildlife and have withstood years of extreme weather and the abuses ofman. They’ve seen children playing at their roots and climbing in their branches. They’ve heardthe conversations of war and peace of the men gathered in their generous shade.Listen to the brook as it whispers of its secret travels nurturing the earth along the way. Lookinto it and see the insects,...
Hammer ThrowHome > Resources > Ceremonies > Flag Opening
Materials needed: 1 tennis ball and 1 pair of panty hose with the legs cut off.Play: Put the tennis ball into the stocking, cut the leg off first, then have the boyshold the end of the stocking and throw as far as they can....
Twig CeremonyHome > Resources > Ceremonies > Flag Closing
Equipment: A single twig and a bundle of twigs.Scouters, I hold in my hand several twigs. You can see thatone twig alone is easy to break (demonstrate by breaking asingle twig in two), but when I put several twigs together, theyare almost impossible to break (make an unsuccessful effort tobreak the bundle of twigs). There is strength in numbers. As anation of people working together to preserve our freedom andheritage, we can keep our country strong.Please rise for the Pledge...
Happy FacesHome > Resources > Activities > Games
1st Cub: I think there were 1,000 smiles here tonight, but did you know...2nd Cub: A smile costs nothing,3rd Cub: But creates much.4th Cub: It happens in a flash, but the memory sometimes lasts forever.5th Cub: It cannot be bought, begged, borrowed or stolen,6th Cub: But it is of no earthly good to anyone unless it is given away.7th Cub: So, if in your hurry and rush you meet someone whois too weary to give you a smile, leave one...
What's in the BagHome > Resources > Activities > Skits
Materials needed: pillow case, assorted sports items (golf ball, tennis ball, Frisbee, ping pongball, base ball mitt, etc.), paper, pencils, timerPlay: Fill the pillow case with assorted sports items. Using the timer, allow each person 15seconds to reach inside and feel what is in there. Each person then writes down what he thinks isin the bag. Remind the players to be specific – don’t just say “ballâ€, but say “golf ball†or “basketballâ€.Don’t share findings with other players. The person...
Fun Bearing TorutHome > Resources > Ceremonies > Flag Opening
Now it happened that there was a mining camp in Colorado where more than an average numberof the miners were bald. An enterprising hair tonic salesman from Kentucky decided to takeadvantage of this golden opportunity, so he made the trip north. It was a rainy summer evening.The salesman was headed towards the mining camp with four bottles of hair tonic under his arm.As he was crossing one of the trout streams, which lead to the Arkansas River, the salesmanslipped and...
Declaration of Dependence on NatureHome > Resources > Activities > Skits
Cub #1: I am part of nature.Cub #2: I have an affect on everything that lives.Cub #3: I am bound together with all living things in the air, inthe land, and in the water.Cub #4: My life depends upon nature, upon its balance, upon itsresources and upon the continuity of both.Cub #5: To destroy nature is to destroy myself.Cub #6: As a member of the human race, I am responsible forits survival.Cub #7: I am a part of nature, and...
Gold is Where Ya Find ItHome > Resources > Activities > Games
Props- Pie tins, old flannel shirts, old hats, maybe a shovel, a large gold cardboard heart withdouble-stick tape on one side! All boys put on old shirts and hats except for one that stays in fulluniform.One boy dressed in a flannel shirt comes out on stage and uses the pie tin as if panning for gold.After a moment, another walks out and asks “Hey, Find any gold?†The reply is “NO!†and thesecond boy bends down and begins to pan...
Blowin' In The WindHome > Resources > Ceremonies > Flag Opening
Materials needed: A fan, artificialleaves (craft store), 2child size plastic rakes, anda watch with a second hand.Scatter the leaves on the ground. Divide theboys into two groups. The object of the gameis to be the team with the most leaves in itspile (designate a spot for each team). Aim thefan so it blows on the leaves. Give each teama rake. Each boy will have 30 seconds to rakeas many leaves as he can into his pile. Choosebefore hand whether the...
Magic Flag CeremonyHome > Resources > Activities > Games
Hogwarts is where you learn about magicScouts is where we learn to do our bestWhile we play with tricks and make believe potionsOur lives are instilled with unbelievable good notionsWe don’t need a wand or a spell...to remember our duty to God and Country, to tellSo please, levitate yourself uprightAnd join us at this magical sightPlease join us in the Pledge of Allegiance....
Farmer SaysHome > Resources > Activities > Skits
Play this game like “Simon says†except say“Farmer ______ says or I planted _____.â€The farmer stands at the front and calls out thenames of vegetables. When the farmer says Iplanted “cornâ€, the Cub Scouts grab their ears.For “onions†they pretend to rub their eyes; for“carrots†they touch their nose and draw theirhand out in air; for “potatoes†they pretend todig at the ground; for “broccoli†they put theirhands on their heads. Add other vegetables andsymbols. If the Cub Scout gets...
The Sap Keeps RunninHome > Resources > Ceremonies > Flag Opening
8 people --1 narrator, 2 birds, 4 trees, and the Cubmaster or Pack Committee ChairHave the 4 “trees†form a line and hold their arms up with sticks to be branches. Have the 2“birds†off stage to the side. Put narrator out front to the side.Narrator: For this skit, we are going to need a volunteer from the audience. (even if the Cubmasteror chairperson does not raise his/her hand pick one of them anyway. As he/she comes up,tell him/her to...
I promiseHome > Resources > Activities > Songs
Equipment: A balloon for each with part of the promise on a noteinside each one.Cub #1: (Pop balloon and read) “I, (name) promiseâ€Cub #2: (Pop balloon and read) “To do my best:Cub #3: (Pop balloon and read) “To do my duty to Godâ€Cub #4: (Pop balloon and read) “And my countryâ€Cub #5: (Pop balloon and read) “To help other people andâ€Cub #6: (Pop balloon and read) “To obey the law of the pack:Cub #7: (Pop balloon and read) “the Cub...
SwimmingHome > Resources > Activities > Games
SwimmingTune: Sailing, SailingSwimming, swimming in my swimming-poolWhen days are hot when days are cold, in my swimming poolBreast stroke, side stroke, fancy diving too.Don’t you wish you never had anything else to do, but . . .Actions:Swimming,                               swimming swimming actionIn my swimming pool            trace outline of an imaginary poolDays are hot                            wipe hand across foreheadDays are cold                          shiverBreaststroke                           pretend to do the breaststrokeSidestroke                              pretend to do the sidestrokeFancy diving                           pretend you are going to diveRepeat the...
Feather RaceHome > Resources > Activities > Skits
Materials needed: Large package of feathers,large mixing bowl, 2 plastic containers, and 2spoons.          Divide the boys into teams. Place the feathersinto the mixing bowl and put the plasticcontainers at the other end of the room. Whenyou say “go†a person from each team will diptheir spoon into the bowl of feathers. They willthen walk down to the plastic container as fastas they can, keeping as many feathers on thespoon as possible and dropping them into thecontainer. They will then run back...
Robin WoodHome > Resources > Activities > Games
Gather a few logs and sticks and stack them like they are in a fire pit. Find, a robin hood typehat, and possibly a bow for effect. You need someone to be an MC, and someone to be the robber.The others could be actors posed in the background, or posed as scenery.While the MC is speaking, “Tonight we are pleased to be performing the greatestshow on earth, we need your cooperation, we need everyone’s concentration. . .†the robber sneaks...
Plants Know-HowHome > Resources > Activities > Songs
Help the Cub Scouts learnthe names of trees andbushes in the area andwhat their leaves look like.Collect various samples ofleaves, flowers, or seedsfrom trees or bushes, oruse paper cutouts. This canbe a matching game that iswritten down; the boy whogets the most correct answers is the winner. Itcan also be done in teams. The leader holds upa name of a plant, or a sample of a leaf. Eachteam responds with an appropriate answer(name of tree, or chooses a leaf depending...
Ants Go MarchingHome > Resources > Activities > Skits
The ants go marching 1by 1 hurrah, hurrahThe ants go marching 1by 1 hurrah, hurrahThe ants go marching 1by 1 the little one stops to suck his thumbCHORUS:And they all go marching DOWN (where) to the Ground (why) to get out of the rain, BOOM,Boom, boom, boom, boom.2 the little one stops to tie his shoe3 scratch his knee4 close the door5 take a dive6 pick up sticks7 count to eleven8 roller-skate9 pass some time10 start all over again!!...
Fun StuffHome > Resources > The Outdoors > Cooking > Desserts
Cub # 1: I know a person who thinks he’s an owlCub # 2: Who?Cub # 1: Now I know two.Cub # 1: How many birds can carry a big basket?Cub # 2: I don’t know. How many.Cub # 1: Toucan!Cub # 1: Why was the little bird punished at school?Cub # 2: Why was he?Cub # 1: He was caught peeping during a test.Cub # 1: What do you get when you cross a cuckoo clock bird with an...
Salt Water TaffyHome > Resources > Activities > Games
Ingredients:1 cup sugar3/4 cup light corn syrup2/3 cup water1 Tablespoon cornstarch2 Tablespoons butter1 teaspoon salt2 teaspoons vanillaButter a square pan 8†x 8†x 2â€. In a 2 quart sauce pan, combine sugar, syrup, cornstarch, butterand salt. Cook over medium heat stirring constantly. Cook until it reaches 256° on a candythermometer (or until it reaches hard ball stage).Remove from heat then stir in vanilla. Pour into buttered pan. When cool enough to handlebutter clean hands. Pull back and forth until...
Invisible Ink PictionaryHome > Resources > Activities > Songs
Materials needed: 3 x 5 index cards, whitecrayon, white paperPlay: Write some simple words on 3x5 indexcards – one word per card. Use words pertainingto magic, such as: magic hat, wand, star,rabbit, broom, etc. Using a white crayon, havethe boy draw the word on a white sheet of paper.The other boys try to guess the word....
Oh Mister MagicianHome > Resources > Activities > Pre-Openings
Tune: On Top of Old SmokeyOh, Mister MagicianCome do us some tricks.Take some of your foam ballsAnd turn them to sticks.Take eggs from an earBreak them into your hat.Wave your magic wandTurn them into a bat....
Jumping ropeHome > Resources > The Outdoors > Cooking > Desserts
rope skillsare fun for everyone while promotingthe value of physical activityand teamwork. This is a groupversion of jumping rope to try.A fairly long, substantial rope isturned by two people, one at eachend. The remainder line up andfollow each other, in quick succession,to skip, jumping one, two, orthree skips and then joining the endof the queue again. A more complicatedvariation is to use two ropes.(Dutch Ropes), the turners hold arope in each hand and turn the ropesalternately. It is quite a...
Vanishing White Chocolate GhostsHome > Resources > Activities > Games
1 – 12 oz package white chocolate chips ordipping chocolate12 popsicle sticks24 red hot candiesPour chips into a sealable bag and seal.Microwave for 1 to 2 minutes, kneading thebag every 30 seconds. Watch closely thechocolate burns fast in the microwave. Orplace the bag in a pot of simmering waterunit chips melt. Line a cookie sheet withwaxed paper and place the popsicle sticks onthe paper leaving 2†between them. Whenthe bag of melted chips feels warm but nothot, snip a hole...
Smaug's TreasureHome > Resources > Activities > Pre-Openings
Materials needed: beanbag or handkerchiefPlay: One person is chosen as Smaug. Smaugstands guard over the treasure (a beanbag,handkerchief, etc.) The group forms a circlearound him and tries to steal the treasure withoutbeing tagged. If a person is touched bySmaug, he is instantly frozen in place until theend of the game. The person who successfullysnatches the treasure becomes Smaug...
Three StepHome > Resources > The Outdoors > Cooking > Dinner
Group Size: 5 or more. Equipment: A large enclosed area, and 3 soft balls (nerfor foam balls work best). Goal: To eliminate all the other players, by hitting them below thewaist with the balls. Play: When someone is hit they must immediately sit down where they areand can not move from that spot. However, if a ball comes where they can catch it, they attemptto hit one of the players who are still standing, if that person is hit (below...
Bugs on a LeafHome > Resources > Activities > Games
Ingredients:LettuceCan of Peach HalvesRaisinsMaraschino CherriesCarrotPlace a peach half on a lettuce-lined plate. Usefor the raisins for the eyes and cherry stems forantennae, and a half a maraschino cherry slicefor the mouth. Use a vegetable peeler to peel wide strips from a carrot. Roll up each strip andfasten with a toothpick. Put curls into a bowl of ice water for a few minutes to make them crisp.Remove wooden picks and use carrot curls for legs....
Magic Sticks
Materials needed: two sticksPlay: The leader holds two sticks. He is holdingthe sticks crossed or uncrossed. He says“These sticks are crossed.†or “These sticks areuncrossed.†The leader then passes the stickaround and each person tries to figure it out.The solution is: the sticks are crossed if theplayer’s legs are crossed....
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When I teach the Fireman 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 S...
Thank You to those that Support Us
Hello Everyone, yes it is PackTrainerSteve. Â Happy Holidays Everyone. Â 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. Â Without your suppo...
Knights’ 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. ...
Who has your back??
Who has your back? Â 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. Â Fortunately, this year one of the other Fathers in my Den volunteer...
Why should you train!!
There are many reasons that come to mind, besides BSA is going to require it soon. Â The chief one is that we want the best scouting experience for the scouts we are guiding. Â Luckily, the group of leaders I work with is great because we work...
To Train or Not to Train
Hello from PackTrainerSteve, This post is for New Leaders looking for resources and direction. Â Are you asking the question "Do I really need to be trained?" Â The answer is Yes, Yes, Yes!!!!! First, you need to at least complete You...
To 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. Â Yes, I had to attend a couple of not so fun, but really good for your sessions and the t...
KampSpace
I have a new website called KampSpace.com which is a travel site for the outdoor explorer such as those who do road trips, go camping, and travel in RV's. The site itself does or will include listings for campgrounds, trails, attractions, lodging, re...
10 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. Â There Is Treasure To Be Found Wh...
The Evening before PowWow
The evening before PowWow and it has me thinking. Â A year ago I attended my first PowWow and it was eye-opening. Â This one I am looking forward to learning more things I can bring back to my Den and the Adult Leaders in the Pack. Â I do...
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Show #45 Cold Weather Injuries and First Aid
In this show, we talk about Cold Weather First Aid/Injuries. Jerry discusses the major cold-weather injuries, prevention, symptoms, and treatment, that you may run into during your Cold weather camping...
15 Dec 2009 | 9:08 pm
Trail Cooking & The Outdoors
Odds and Ends
Various links to things to check out…some of these have been posted on our Twitter page and as well on our Facebook page. New section in The Bargain Bin, 2 colors...
15 Dec 2009 | 7:24 pm
BSA Cracker Barrel
First Look at the BSA’s 100th Anniversary Float
The Boy Scouts of America and parades go together like New Year’s Day and the Rose Bowl. In January, all four unite in a moment you can’t miss. To celebrate the BSA’s...
15 Dec 2009 | 5:59 am
Scoutmaster Minute
Three Keys for Success in life...
I heard an inspirational message from Lou Holtz, former great Football Coach. He took great pride in teaching young men to be outstanding athletes, citizens, and gentlemen. He shares three keys to...
14 Dec 2009 | 10:17 pm
Hour A Week
An Hour A Week? #206
#206-You Can Sleep While I Drive New popcorn commissions, our December Roundtable, Pinewood and Space derbies, rain gutter regattas, the BSA 100th anniversary kick-off, and feedback on tap for tonight. Links: Trails End Popcorn...
14 Dec 2009 | 9:44 pm
BSA Cracker Barrel
National 100th Anniversary Audiocast Kick-Off Rally recording available
People from all 50 states and several countries tuned in to the National 100th Anniversary Audiocast Kick-Off Rally last Thursday. In all, 50,000 Scouts, Scouters, alumni, and parents were...
14 Dec 2009 | 5:52 am
KISMIF
Scouting Mag on Facebook
Scouting Magazine now has its own Facebook page. Check it out here or read more about it here. Posted in CUB SCOUTS, Magazines, Tech ...
13 Dec 2009 | 6:30 pm
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Meet national scout chiefGreenwood Index JournalThe Blue Ridge Council invites scouts and their families to meet the national chief scout executive, Robert "Bob†Mazzuca, head of the Boy Scouts of...
15 Dec 2009 | 9:28 pm
Four Local Webelos Scouts Awarded the Arrow of Light - Putnam County News and Recorder (subscription)
Four Local Webelos Scouts Awarded the Arrow of LightPutnam County News and Recorder (subscription)Andrew, Josh, Nicolas, and Seth performed community service projects and began preparing to transition to Boy Scouting...
15 Dec 2009 | 5:20 pm
Four Local Webelos Scouts Awarded the Arrow of Light - Putnam County News and Recorder (subscription)
Four Local Webelos Scouts Awarded the Arrow of LightPutnam County News and Recorder (subscription)Cold Spring Pack 137 is pleased to announce that four Senior Webelos have earned the highest award...
15 Dec 2009 | 5:20 pm
Mornings unPHILtered - Local Boy Scouts buy camp area in Sylvania (Statesboro Herald)
Host Phil Boyum welcomed Statesboro City Councilman Will Britt to Tuesday's “Mornings unPHILtered†show...
15 Dec 2009 | 5:00 pm
West Caldwell Boy Scouts hold annual Christmas tree sale (The Progress)
WEST CALDWELL TWP. – The Boy Scouts of Troop 9 in West Caldwell are selling Christmas trees, wreaths and grave covers during the month of December, from 9 a.m. to...
15 Dec 2009 | 4:27 pm
Santa and Scouts Help a School in Need (ABC 4 Salt Lake City)
Salt Lake City, UT (ABC 4 News) Instead of a sleigh - Santa is using a Cessna. Today Santa and a handful of Boy Scouts made an early Christmas delivery......
15 Dec 2009 | 3:43 pm
Santa and Scouts Help a School in Need (ABC 4 Salt Lake City)
Salt Lake City, UT (ABC 4 News) Instead of a sleigh - Santa is using a Cessna. And Santa has a lot of help - six boy scouts and a...
15 Dec 2009 | 3:36 pm
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John Fitzgerald, 9, Christian Nanson, 11, and other members of Pack 100 and Troop 100 were swimming in Nebraska's Platte River when Christian spotted a baby floating facedown in the water. Listen as they describe how they saved the baby in a true story of Scouts in Action...
20 Jun 2008 | 1:57 pm
He saved the boy from the riptide!
As Todd Staszak, 15, was bodyboarding at Hatteras, N.C., he heard cries for help. A man was trying to save his son and his son's friend as a powerful riptide pulled the boys away from shore. Listen as Todd and others describe how he rescued the boys in a true story of Scouts in Action...
29 May 2008 | 9:34 am
He saved his friends from the oncoming car!
As Trevor Robinson, 18, and four friends were walking across the parking lot of their school in Carmichael, Calif., a car traveling almost 30 miles an hour rounded a corner and headed straight for them. Listen as Trevor and others describe how he saved his friends' lives in a true story of Scouts in Action...
23 Apr 2008 | 8:42 am
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Holiday Spirit
Christmas and Hanukkah are, for most people, the most joyful holidays of the year. The holiday parties, the exchange of gifts, and the brilliant lights of the Christmas trees make a guy glad to be alive at this season.
Sometimes we forget that these holidays are really religious festivals. It's well to remember that the real holiday spirit is cast by the Star of Bethlehem and the Hanukkah candles, reminding us of the miracles in times past.
In the 12th point of the Scout Law, we say that a Scout is reverent. That doesn't mean that he has to go around all the time with a long face or with hands folded in prayer. It means that he does his duty to God, which includes doing things for God's other creatures. We'll be doing that later this month with our troop Good Turn.
Now remembering that a Scout is reverent, let's close with the Scout benediction.
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