This site is intended to provide an single location for information on Pack 331 up coming activities, as well as serve up some great memories of past events.
Below you will find details of current events in the Latest News section. There is a Calendar of Events to the right also. There are also photo sections! Be sure to click on the "See all ## pictures" at the bottom right of each album! Not all the pictures are displayed on this first page.
All parents will be set up as members of this site so that you receive automatic emails when this site is updated.
Pack Committee Needs
Pack Families,
We are now planning for the next Cub Scout year and we need your help. We are needing many of you to take over vital adult leadership positions in support of the pack so we can keep the program running and vital to the Church and our community. Without your help, we will struggle to present a cohesive and exciting program for your sons. Please consider volunteering so we can keep Pack 331 going strong next year.
The following positions are currently open for the 2012-13 Pack year:
Cub Master - this is the lead adult 'cub scout'. The Cub Master is the face of the pack to the youth. He/she is in charge of leading the pack meetings and helping execute the annual plan for the boys.
Committee Positions:
Pack Committee Chair
Treasurer
Advancement Chair
Public Relations Chair
Outing Chair
Membership/Registration Chair
The pack committee is responsible for the operation of the pack in support of the Cub Master and the boys. Think of the committee as the behind the scenes team that keeps everything organized, funded and moving forward.
Parents, we need to move quickly so we can have the committee set up and ready to go to plan the next year for our youth. Please let me know by April 15th what position you feel you can play in support of the pack.
Thanks for your consideration and I look forward to working with all of you as we continue to support the young men in our pack.
Cathy Martin
Pack 331 Charter Organization Representative
cmarti9921@gmail.com 901-497-0108
KIA KIMA
Parents and Cub Scouts!
It is that time of year again! The flowers are blooming, the weather is warming, and visions of Scout Camp fill our minds with joy! Webelos, Cubs, and Parents find themselves distracted by thoughts of Leathercraft, Canoeing, BB Guns, Chow Hall food, and of course......the slide and "Blob"! It's a great way to work on advancement and activities and an all around GREAT time. This is my 4th year and I wouldn't miss it for the world.
The Pack has reserved the first session this year June 2 - 5th (Saturday - Tues) at Kia Kima Scout Camp in Hardy AR. We'll leave in the morning on that Saturday and be home by early afternoon on Tues. This is a great time for camp as it usually doesn't interfere with family vacations and other summer activities.
If you're excited and want to know more about Kia Kima, you can go to Kiakima.com and peruse the site, BUT....if you want to go, the only thing you have to do is send an email to me (Shep Shirley.....at wtss@dimsumracing.com). I process all registration, payments to the Council and deadlines. I am your helpful 331 Kia Kima Representative and will guide the pack thru the process of going to camp from now till the time we get home.
If you are like me, you don't have a lot of time to peruse a website, then just call me with questions 901-219-3102. If I don't answer, I'm either flying or sleeping, but I will get back to you. Check the FAQ's below for more information. If you've been to Kia Kima before, then you probably just need to email me and tell me how many you're bringing this year....you know the drill.
This is the important part: I need to know if your child will be attending camp, NLT March 14th.
I know you're probably thinking: "This guy can't be serious, it's only a week to give him notice". Well, the truth is that my dates got switched in my calendar, and I got an eerie feeling and checked it today.
The good news is this: you only need to let me know by Mar 14th by email. (wtss@dimsumracing.com) I will then forward the information to the council and the pack will write a bulk check to pay the deposit. You then bring the $30.00 deposit to the 20 March Pack meeting to reimburse the pack. It's that simple. Any parent or scout that's gone before will only need about 45 seconds before they email me in the affirmative because they know how AWESOME Kia Kima is. We get more and more every year. This is a long email...If you know the drill....send the email and read the rest later. If you don't have enough information to make a decision, keep reading.
What Happens Next:
14 Mar: Deadline to let me know if you're going by email (wtss@dimsumracing.com)
20 Mar: Bring your $30 deposit to the Pack Meeting for each Scout attending.
30 Mar: If you are an adult attending, and haven't taken the Youth Protection course online last year (its good for two years) expect instructions on how to go online and complete this 25 minute course. Unfortunately, it's a sign of the times, and is Pack policy that every parent going complete this training.
Early April: Schedule a physical for yourself and your Scout(s). I will send out the forms. Walgreens used to do them for free. Often times your Physician will just endorse it. A physical is only good for a year, so if you did one last year, you need to do another. I will forward the PDF file to those that indicate interest.
Late April/early May: I'll organize at least two optional swim tests. (Very Highly Encouraged) so the Pack does not have to have one done in Camp. This is more important than you might initially think. If you want to spell water at Kia Kima then you have to be swim tested.....in advance, or at the most inconvenient time at camp. Last year's rumour was that the folks that waited actually tested with Michael Phelps who was there with his son. The Staff wanted to make sure he could swim.
13 May: Additional $50.00 Per Scout and Adult attending camp. If for some reason haven't responded by then, then you will owe $80 per Scout and $50.00 Per Adult.
15 May: Start getting excited. Sign up for group items to bring to camp like oranges, paper towels, etc.
2 June: Leave for Kia Kima. Final $50.00/Scout and $30.00/Adult due prior to departure. Total cost: $130/Scout, $80/Parent, experience/priceless.
EMAIL ME RIGHT NOW TO LET ME KNOW YOU WANT TO GO. I'VE CLEANED OUT MY INBOX TO PREPARE FOR THE ONSLAUGHT OF CONFIRMATIONS: (Wtss@dimsumsracing.com)
FAQ's:
1. Are you completely unorganized? Is that why we are getting this notice with a short deadline?
No...not completely....I just mis-marked my calendar for my initial email. I have done this (Kia Kima organizing) before and am fully versed.
2. Is the deposit non-refundable?
Yes and no. Technically yes, but every year, someone signed up has to withdraw and someone else didn't sign up by the deadline. When we can, we trade spots and no one's the wiser. If you withdraw, and no one else signs up, then the pack is out the money and we'll have to collect.
3. I noticed you said that if we didn't sign up my Mar 14th, we could sign up by 13 May. Should I do this instead so I don't have to risk a deposit? Why should I commit now?
It is possible to sign up by 13 May. We discourage this for a few reasons: First, there are some steps leading up to camp such as swim test, Youth Protection Training, and the like. It's my job to help the pack jump through these flaming hoops. Signing up now helps me help you. We don't like to cram in all the steps at the last minute. Additionally, I will feed you information on important things to bring and what to expect. Most importantly, it gives us a good idea on how many are attending. We have "dibs" right now on the most righteous campsite at Kia Kima (Bob White). We need to let the Council know we will be utilizing it properly. If we don't show a representative initial commitment near it's occupancy, then we may loose it. If you're "IFFY" on whether you can attend...let me know in the email....we'll work something out.
4. Where do I sleep and eat at Kia Kima. Do I need a Tent? I don't know how to cook Camp Food.
The wonderful thing about Kia Kima, is that all the drudgery is taken care of. First off, we stay in platform tents equipped with cots especially constructed by the camp for the Kia Kima experience, you will need your own sleeping bag. A "state of the art" dining hall provides 3 squares a day complete with live music and enthusiastic servers. You won't have to do any "Camp Dishes" in a bucket....but you may have to clear a table of half-eaten PB&J's and wipe it down with a bleach-water filled sponge twice while at Camp.
5. What other equipment will I need?
Other than a sleeping bag, the other items are minimal and really depend on what level of comfort you want at camp. I will make specific recommendations on things to bring as we get closer....specifically bug spray and tick repellent.
6. Whaaa???? Did he say "Ticks"....aren't they dangerous to your health? I'm not into bugs, I don't want to go.
If you follow the Pack's recommendations, they are really a non-issue. We have non-toxic, extremely effective, inexpensive solutions to make the bugs and ticks non-existant....seriously. If you don't follow these easy simple precautions, you'll be picking ticks off your son in places you'll only mention at his rehearsal dinner.
7. What's the weather like? Is it hot?
Are you kidding me? It's Hardy Arkansas at the beginning of Summer. It will be hot, but it's managable. You'll adjust to it about the time we leave....Again, this is really a non-issue and is not a reason not to enjoy Kia Kima with your son.
8. Do Moms go to Kia Kima?
Yep! Every year we have quite a few Moms who come to camp.....and love it.
9. Can I bring a sibling who's not a Cub or Webelo?
Yes....they will have a great time, but will not be signed up for official activities...but there is plenty for them to do. The cost for them I believe is $80.00 and not the $130.00. If this is the case for you, let me know and I will find out.
10. Does a parent have to attend with a Scout? Can they attend unaccompanied?
Traditionally, at least one parent is there at the camp with the scout. Sometimes one parent is there for the weekend and the other is there for Monday and Tuesday....They tag team Sunday night. Mainly this is because of the age of the Scouts and homesickness issues, and issues regarding Youth Protection. It is however, not impossible to send an unaccompanied scout. The best thing is to talk to another parent that's going that won't mind being a surrogate parent for the scout in question. This isn't a show-stopper, but will be handled on a case-by case basis.
11. Is there any financial assistance available?
There are provisions for this if it's needed. Let either Leo or I know and it can be handled in a discreet manner.
12. I'm a Den Leader/Asst. Den Leader/ CubMaster.....surely he knows I'm going...I go every year.....do I need to sign up now?
Yes....click here now! (wtss@dimsumracing.com) I'm surprised you read this far.
13. You seem wordy....am I going to be barraged with useless spam if I show interest. I'm not sure I want to give you my email address. Can I just call you and tell you I'm going?
I promise to only email you with information you need. We all get enough junk in our inbox we never have time to read. I'll try to send you only timely stuff that you can take action on. If it's something that has to do with the internet, I'll provide a link. If it's a form to fill out...I'll provide the .PDF. I'll provide maps, address etc. I'll use Kia Kima in the subject line and only send it to you if you've let me know you want to go. My job is to do the tedious work. Your job is to come and have fun. That's why I ask that you email me with your interest....then I'll have your email address. I want you to go, so if you just call me and tell me you want to go....I'll put you on the list...but I will ask for your email address over the phone.
I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO YOUR EMAIL!
I LOVE KIA KIMA! HOOOOOOOOORRRRRRAAAAAHHHH!
Pinewood Derby Information and Rules
Pinewood Derby Information
Contact: John Burke 569-8479
Friday, January 20, 2012 - 6:00pm -8:00pm - Inspection and Weigh-in - all you need to do is bring your car,get it inspected, weighed, and turned in. Come anytime during thistime period. Then you can leave. (You will be able to make MINOR changes to meet requirements - please bringyour own tools). You will leave your car after it has met inspectionrequirements. We will return all cars after the finals and awardsat the pack meeting.
Saturday, January 21, 2011 - 9:00am- 12:00pm - Den Heats - all cars will race at least once in each lane.
The heats will be in the following order. Specific den heat times will be sent out in January.
Tiger Den
Wolf Den
Bear Den
Webelos I Den
Webelos II Den
Outlaw (for any of the Dads,Moms, brothers or sisters that want to build a car to race)
Tuesday January 24, 2011 - 6:30pm -Race Finals - Top 3 cars from each den (outlaw not included) will race for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in the Pack.
In addition to the awards for the fastest cars of each heat and the fastest cars in the Pack, we will award the best car in the following design categories:
Most Original Design
Best Wedge Shape
Most Creative
Sportiest Looking
Most Scout Oriented
Best Car Not a Car
Most Patriotic
Most Futuristic
Most Humerous
Here is a review of the General Rules.
a)Thecar must be newly built for the current Cub Scouting Year
b)The car must be constructed from the parts contained in the official B.S.A.Grand Prix Pinewood Derby Kit provided by Pack 331 during the current CubScouting year. Cars constructed during another year or from otherkits, such as Pinecar, are not allowed
c)The motion of the car may not be mechanically aided in any way or use thetracks starting mechanism for assistance.
d)The car must pass inspection during the Weigh-in and inspection on Friday
Size
a)The overall length of the car shall not exceed 7 inches
b)The overall width of the car shall not exceed 2-3/4 inches
c)The car body mush clear the ground by a minimum of 3/8 inch
d)The minimum width between the wheels must be at least 13/4" to ensureclearance of the center guide rail of the track
e)Wheel base must be 4 3/8" (matches wheel base grooves in pine blockof wood)
Weight
a)The weight of the car shall not exceed 5 ounces as determined by the officialscales at race check-in line
b)The use of additional weight is allowed. Additional weight must benon-movable and securely attached to the car
Car Body
a)The body of the car must be made from the block of wood provided in thekit.
b)Extra details such as fenders, steering wheel, and driver may be addedas long as the car meets the size and weight rules. All parts andmaterials must be attached securely to the car
Wheels & Axles
a)Only official wheels and axles provided in the kit are allowed
b)The wheels may be lightly sanded to remove mold flashing. Any furtheralterations to the wheels affecting their rolling diameter, track contact,width, or overall shape are not allowed.
c)The axles may be files and polished to remove metal burrs. The axlenails shall be firmly fastened to the car body. Direction of rolldoes not matter.
d)The use of hubcaps, bearings, washers, sleeves, or bushings are not allowed
e)The car shall not ride on any type of springs or suspension
f)It must be obvious to the judges that the wheels, axle nails, and axlegrooves from the kit are being used.
Lubrication
a)Only graphite powder may be used to lubricate the wheels and axles.
b)No "wet" lube allowed (grease, oil, etc)
Dad & Lad Cake Bake - Nov 15, 6:30pm
Rules for the 2011 Cake Bake!
- The Dad and Lad Cake Bake is an event for a Dad and his Scout to bake and decorate a cake. This is not an event for Mom to help. If there is not a Dad available, the Scout may work with a grandfather, uncle, older brother or neighbor.
- Cake mixes and purchased frosting are allowed. No premade/purchased cakes will be allowed (i.e., Don't buy one from the grocery store). You can make the cake from scratch.
- The entire cake and its decorations must be edible. (Hint: You may use candy or vegetables for decorations.)
- Cakes must be submitted on Tuesday 11/15 by 6:45pm. Scouts should plan to arrive at the meeting at 6:30pm.
- All cakes will be assigned a unique number and category for judging. Tables will be designated for each category. Categories include the following:
- Scouting
- Patriotic
- Sports
- Transportation (vehicles, roads, planes, trains, etc.)
- Cartoon/TV/Movie
- Animal/Nature
- The cakes will be judged by the Scouts. Scouts will vote for their favorite in each category. Scouts will also vote for their overall favorite. Medals will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in each of the 6 categories.
- Scouts must take their cake home after the meeting.
- We will also be collecting food for the Incarnation Project Outreach Food Pantry. Please bring what you can.
Popcorn Fundraiser
Hello Scouts and Parents,
We launched our popcorn sale at the last den meeting. Many were able to attend, but some did not. Here are the details:
1) We see Trails End Popcorn to raise money for our pack and the Chickasaw Council. 32% of all sales are returned to our pack. We need this money to break even on our budget.
2) We want each scout to sell at least $100 of popcorn. Scouts that sell at least $100 will be eligible for our pack prizes. We will have a drawing at the November pack meeting for those scouts selling $100. We have 2 Lego sets and 1 Zyclone Blaster to give away.
3) Our selling period ends 10/31. We will have everyone turn in order forms soon thereafter.
4) You can sell one of 2 ways: online sales and take order sales.
5) Online sales are performed at this website: www.trails-end.com. It takes a couple minutes to set up an online account and start selling online.
6) For the take order sales, you will be able to pick up a blank order form at our Pack Bulletin Board in the Incarnation Fellowship Hall by this weekend.
7) Scouts are also eligible for Council prizes, which are listed at www.trails-end.com.
I hope everyone participates! Please let me know if you have questions.
Thanks
Leo Old
232-4415 (note: this is a new phone number for me)
Religious Emblems
UPDATES:
Workbooks must be completed by December 1st.
I am working to schedule our visit with Father Parham the week of December 5th.
The Scouting Celebration at which the emblems will be awarded will be on Sunday, January 29th, 2012 at St. Frances of Assisi Church in Cordova at 2:30pm.
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The Scouting Religious Emblem program is a wonderful opportunity to assist Scouts in their faith development. These programs are built around the interaction between the Scout and his family and are not intended to be a Den activity. However, encouragement of the program within the Den will help to promote the blessings of life-long faith development for the Scout.
One way that Cub Scouts can show their Duty to God is to earn the religious emblem of their faith and to wear the emblem on their uniform. Religious emblems are very special. When your Cub Scout wears his religious emblem on his uniform, it tells who he is and what he believes. It shows his duty to God. We would be very proud if our Cub Scouts earned their religious emblems.
Eligibility
Earning a religious emblem will help satisfy specific achievements:
· PPart of Wolf Achievement #11 – DUTY TO GOD, Scouts can earn the Religious Emblem of Faith.
· PPart of Bear Achievement #2 - GOD, Scouts can earn the Religious Emblem of their faith.
· PPart of Webelos Achievement #8 - FAITH, Scouts can earn the Religious Emblem of their faith.
Catholic Tiger and Wolf scouts are eligible to earn the Light of Christ Emblem (Grades 1 - 2).
Catholic Bear and Webelos scouts are eligible to earn the Parvuli Dei Emblem (Grades 3 - 5).
These emblems can be earned in either year, but please note, it can only be earned once.
Protestant Tiger, Wolf and Bear scouts are eligible to earn the God and Me emblem (Grades 1 - 3) (if not previously earned) and Webelos scouts are eligible to earn the God and Family Emblem (Grades 4&5).
Background
The intent of the activity is to have the scout develop an awareness of God's love for each of His created beings and to develop an understanding of his own identity as a member of a family, a member of a community and as a member of the Family of God. Each family should make their own decision regarding the timing associated with earning this emblem; it is not a requirement of the den in any given year.
Earning The Emblem
Scouts must complete the appropriate Activity book in order to be eligible to earn the emblem. The Light of Christ and Parvuli Dei books are provided on this website under the Files section. Simply download the PDF file and print out the book. If you need the God and Me or God and Family workbooks, please send an email to jdacus3@comcast.net requesting one.
Work on these books is intended to be an activity between the scout and his parents as is not meant to be a den activity. Once the book has been completed, the scout completes and signs the application form in the booklet and then he and his parent/guardian meet with their religious leader to go over the book together.
Light of Christ and Parvuli Dei – Fr. Parham will met with the scouts in early December to review their work. It is a group meeting. The scout's application form is signed by the parent, Den Leader, Cubmaster and Pastor and is then submitted to the Catholic Committee on Scouting for processing. The Diocese will order the appropriate religious medal for your scout.
God and Me and God and Family – You will need to arrange a meeting with your own religious leader to review the work. Your religious leader should be familiar with the process. Also, your Church is responsible for ordering the appropriate religious medal. It needs to be available for presentation no later than January 1st, 2012.
Please let John Dacus know which scouts are interested in earning their Religious Emblems no later than Sept 31. Send an email to jdacus3@comcast.net with the scout’s name, den, and emblem he wishes to earn.
Award and Emblem
Once the scout has earned the award, he receives the Medal to be worn on his uniform on special occasions. These are pins and they tend to fall off and get lost. In addition, the scout is also eligible to wear the religious knot patch on his uniform when he earns his first religious emblem. Since there are several levels of religious emblems to be earned, the scout also earns a device pin to be worn on the religious knot patch with each emblem that he earns. Additional 'device pins' can be earned by both Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts as they continue to earn the appropriate religious emblems of their faith.
Schedule
Meetings with Fr. Parham will be scheduled for early December. Please encourage your scouts to complete their books by the end of November so that they are ready to meet with Fr. Parham. The Religious Emblems Medals will be awarded during the Scout Mass, typically in January. As soon as that date is known, I will inform you. The Religious Knot Patch and device pin will be presented at the Blue and Gold Banquet.
Getting Started
1. Each scout must have the Activity Book for the Emblem of their faith.
2. Notify John Dacus of any scout who is interested in participating. (jdacus3@comcast.net)
3. The scout and Akela (parent/guardian) complete the activity book together.
4. Light of Christ & Parvuli Dei - interviews are schedule with Fr. Parham in January.
5. God and Me/God and Family - contact John Dacus for further details.
6. Awards will be presented in March.
Additional Information
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. You can also get additional information at the following web address:
National Committee on Scouting Light of Christ
National Committee on Scouting Parvuli Dei
God & Me, God & Family
The Religious Emblem activity is a wonderful project for the scout and parent and I hope that you would encourage your scouts to participate.
Peace,
John
John Dacus
Pack 331 Assistant Cub Master
New Sign Up Process for Pack Events!
We are trying out a new website to track participation in pack events called SignUpGenius.com. If you are planning to attend the Redbirds event, Grizzlies event, or Graceland event, there is now a website for you to go to and sign up. This will allow us to track who is planning to attend.
There is a new section on the website, under the calendar, called Event Sign Ups. This section contains links to the websites for each event. Please check this great tool out, and if you plan to attend one of these events, be sure to sign up!