The Weekly Newsletter of Cub Scout Pack 97    

February 2, 2009

Pinewood Derby Cutting Party

This week is our Pinewood Derby Cutting party.  We were able to borrow an additional saw – so hopefully we should be able to get through all the cars prior to the end of our regular meeting time.  Remember, we will be starting the cutting at 6pm and will run throughout the regular den meeting.  This party allows you to have your son draw his basic design onto the block of wood, bring it to the party, and have the major cuts made for him.  We will also have an open race for siblings and parents if you would like to show off your own creativity – please feel free to bring your car in as well.  We do have several extra cars we purchased – if you would like to purchase an additional one or enter one in the open race they are available for $4 each.

Schiele Museum & Planetarium

Saturday, February 7th we will be going to the the Schiele Museum and Planetarium.  Scouts will be paid for by the pack. Parents and Siblings will be $5 per person.  Please plan to arrive between 10:15 – 10:45am.  We will enter the building as a group @ 10:45am.  The Planetarium Show begins promptly @ 11:00am (1/2 hour long) and then we will be free to view the rest of the museum at our leisure.  For directions and additional information, please visit their website at http://www.schielemuseum.org  

Blue & Gold Banquet

Our Blue & Gold Banquet is scheduled for Friday, February 20th at 6:30pm at the Indian Trail VFW.  We will have a sign up sheet beginning this week.  It is extremely important that everyone sign up and RSVP no later than our meeting on February 10th to allow time for us to plan seating, food and activities.  This is a very special night for your scout as he will be earning his rank badge which he has been working on throughout the year.  Therefore, if you would like to invite special guests, we encourage you to do so!  Please just make sure you also write their name on the sign up sheet since we are preparing special tables and seating assignments for the banquet.

Father & Son Cake Bake

Though part of our Blue & Banquet – I thought this special item needed its own heading and information section!  As I was searching the internet for cake ideas, I discovered that in several packs across the country they include a Father & Son Cake Bake as part of their Blue & Gold Banquet each year and our committee thought it would be great way to get our scouts (and you fathers) involved, too! This is an annual celebration of the birthday of scouting – what better way to celebrate than by baking a cake?!?  

So, get out your bake pans, frosting, candy, etc and prepare to bake!  There are only a few simple rules, which you will find listed below.  Winners will be chosen and all cakes will be served after the competition.  We look forward to seeing and eating your creative masterpieces! 

1.   All cakes should relate to the following theme:  “My favorite thing about Cub Scouts!”

2.      The primary/largest portion of the cake must be cake/brownie/cookie or other baked good. You may use a cake mix, or make one from scratch. You may use pre-made icing or mixes.  The primary piece(s) of the cake must be made, not purchased

3.      You may use non-edible decorations on your cake; however, they must all be visible and easily removable for serving.  Please watch for choking hazards. Do not embed hard items like candy inside the cake. Small edible items are OK as long as they are visible.

4.      Absolutely no female or family baking expert may help with the cake. This also includes answering questions. The cake must be baked and decorated by the scout and his dad (or male helper - this may be a Grandfather, other relative, family friend, neighbor or mentor).  Dad should be there to assist and handle the oven part, and they should work together, but let the boys lead the way and have fun creating something wonderful!

5.      The scout and his dad must do all the shopping, preparation, baking and decorating by themselves. THEY MUST ALSO CLEAN THE KITCHEN WHEN THEY’RE DONE – NO MESS FOR MOM TO CLEAN UP!

6.      Have fun!!!

Other Pinewood Derby Details

We will be following the rules set by our council, which can be found here:  http://www.unioncountyscouts.com/Derbyrules(1).doc  

1.       First Weigh-In: March 3rd.  All cars need to be weighed in and checked in prior to the derby.  This first weigh in allows you to check the weight of your car and see if any modifications need to be made to stay under the maximum 5oz weight.  If you are satisfied with your car at this time – you may also go ahead and turn it in; or you can wait until the second weigh in date to re-weigh it and turn it in.

2.       Second Weigh-In: March 10th.  During the second and final weigh-in, all cars must be turned in to be included in the derby.

3.       Pack 97 Pinewood Derby: Saturday, March 14th.  This will be held at Christ Community Church.  Winners from our derby will automatically qualify for the District Pinewood Derby.

4.       District Pinewood Derby: Saturday, April 18th.  District has finalized their date as April 18th and it will take place at Wingate University.  There is also an open race to qualify for the District Derby.  Any scout can take their car, pay a $3 entrance fee and be included in the open race.  Only open race winners and Pack winners qualify for the District Derby.  Only winners from the District Pinewood Derby will qualify for the Council Pinewood Derby. 

5.       Council Pinewood Derby: May 2nd.  Time and location also to be determined

Rays Splash Planet

Saturday, March 7th we will be going to Rays Splash Planet from 11am-1pm.  Scouts will be paid for by the pack. Parents are free and siblings will be $6 each.  Please keep in mind that proper swim attire is required by all participants in the water on the day of our visit.  Driving directions, rules and policies for children and chaperones can be found on line at www.rayssplashplanet.com. 

Myrtle Beach Trip

It’s also time to start planning for our “big” event of the year and this year we are fortunate enough to be able to enjoy 2 special activities!  We will be Sleeping with the Sharks on Friday, April 24th and then enjoying a special scout event at Medieval Times on Saturday April 25th.  Due to payment deadlines for each activity; registration and payment must be received to us by March 20th.  We should have more information as we get closer, however, in order to start planning your schedule – here’s what we know so far.

Sleeping with the Sharks at Ripley’s Aquarium:  Count sharks instead of sheep!  We will spend the night sleeping in the shark tunnel!  Welcome/Check-in is at 8pm.  There are several activities planned which include a Scavenger Hunt, Classroom Program, Light snack, and designing a T-shirt or pillow case.  Dinner is not included, so please eat prior to checking in.  Saturday morning there will be a light breakfast at 6:30am and the program ends at 7:45am.  Everyone should bring a sleeping bag/pillow and t-shirt or pillow case for crafts.  Scouts are paid for by the pack.  The cost for Parents and siblings is $55/person.  For additional information on the Aquarium, the program and directions, visit the website at http://www.ripleysaquarium.com/sleepwithsharks.php

Medieval Times:  From Sharks, we’ll be traveling back in time!  Doors to Medieval Times will open at 9:45am.  The Scout Recognition will begin at 11am and the Show and Meal will begin at 11:30am.  This program should end at approximately 1:15pm.  Scouts will be paid for by the pack.  The cost for Registered Leaders and siblings/kids under 12 will be $20.97.  The cost for Parents and siblings/kids 13 yrs and over will be $27.46.  For additional information on Medieval Times and directions, please visit their website at  http://www.medievaltimes.com/index.php

Bridging Ceremony

Our Bridging Ceremony is scheduled for the weekend of May 8th-10th at Optimist Park in Monroe. This is the culmination of our scout year and where are scouts either progress in rank within the pack or as Webelos transition into Boy Scouts.  This is an extremely important event for your scout and one you will not want to miss!  We will have more information as we get closer to the event, though wanted to make everyone marks their calendars now! 

Remaining Popcorn

And last, but not least in this very full newsletter….. we have distributed all our popcorn and have the following items remaining.  Please let Brannen or Amy know if you would like to purchase any of the following:

1 tin: Caramel Corn w/peanuts $9 (circle)

3 tins: Caramel Corn light  $16 (elipse)

3 tins: Caramel Corn w/nuts. $16 (tree)

3 tins: Trail Mix $20

Calendar of Upcoming events:

2/03/09 Tuesday              Pinewood Derby Cutting Party (Starts at 6pm – continues through den meetings

2/07/09 Saturday             Schiele Museum @ 10:45am

  http://www.schielemuseum.org/pdf/SMNH_Maps_Directions.pdf

2/10/09 Tuesday              Beltloops/achievements due to leaders/Adrienne to receive at Blue & Gold Banquet

2/19/09 Thursday             Roundtable

2/20/09 Friday                 Blue & Gold Banquet @ 6:30pm at the Indian Trail VFW

3/03/09 Tuesday              Den Meeting & 1ST Weigh in for Pinewood Derby

3/07/09 Saturday             Ray’s Splash Planet @ 11:00AM – 1:00pm

  www.rayssplashplanet.com

3/10/09 Tuesday              2nd Weigh in for Pinewood Derby

3/14/09 Saturday             Pack Pinewood Derby

3/19/09 Thursday             Roundtable (Leaders & Committee Members)

3/20/09 Friday                 Deadline to sign up and pay for Sleeping with the Sharks & Medieval Times

3/24/09 Tuesday              Beltloops/achievements due to leaders/Adrienne

3/26/09 Thursday             Bridging Ceremony Volunteer Meeting

3/31/09 Tuesday              Pack Meeting

4/03/09 Friday                 Movie Night      

4/16/09 Thursday             Roundtable (Leaders & Committee Members)

4/18/09 Saturday             District Pinewood Derby         

4/24/09 Friday                 Sleeping with the Sharks

4/25/09 Saturday             Medieval Times

4/28/09 Tuesday              Final Belt Loops & Achievements due to leaders/Adrienne before Bridging Ceremony

4/30/09 Thursday             Bridging Ceremony Volunteer Meeting

5/02/09 Saturday             Council Pinewood Derby

5/05/09 Tuesday              “Thank You” Project for Christ Community Church

5/08/09 – 5/10/09             Bridging Ceremony @ Optimist Park in Monroe

5/16/09 Saturday             Proposed VFW Community Service Project Presentation

5/23/09 Saturday             Bush Race – Lowes Motor Speedway