Welcome Back!

We hope everyone had a great holiday and you are excited to return to scouting!  Den meetings resume this week even though Shiloh is still on Intersession.  Our Blue and Gold Banquet is now only a month away and these next few weeks of den meetings should be very busy with finishing requirements in order to earn their Rank by the banquet.  If you were unable to attend the Christmas Party – we have popcorn prizes; any awards earned and Pack gifts to be distributed. Please plan to stop by the kitchen area this week and pick these items up from Amy.

Second Installment of Dues

Please remember that our second installment for dues of $65 is due and needs to be paid no later than January 12^th.  If you have any questions; please see Amy or Anthony.

Church Playground Equipment

Effectively immediately – there is to be ABSOLUTELY NO ONE allowed in or on the playground equipment at ALL TIMES.  Due to concerns over liability issues should someone become hurt, the age range at which the equipment is approved for and the cost associated with purchasing and maintaining this equipment – it needs to be strictly off limits to all scouts and siblings.  This includes if you arrive early, finish your den meeting early, during den meetings, for siblings, etc.  We have promised the church and daycare that we will no longer access this equipment and if we need to post an adult at each gate entrance to ensure this happens we will.   Please explain to your children that the area within the fence is off limits and we will make announcements at both the pack and den level as well. 

Leave No Trace

In addition to enforcing this policy while camping; it needs to be strictly enforced at each and every den meeting.  We have received some feedback that appears some of our dens are not following this within the meeting rooms and the facility.   Please be sure to put everything back where you found it when you arrive and/or clean it up and make it better than when you arrived.  If you meet in a room where there are toys; be sure the toys are put away.  If you find a full trash can in the room you are meeting in; empty the trash when you leave.  If you are doing art projects; be sure to use the broom and/or vacuum when you are done.  Leave no trace you were in the rooms!

Scout Dismissal

No scout should be dismissed from his den meeting unless released directly to a parent.  All den leaders should open the door to their meeting room when they have completed their meeting and parents should make direct contact with the den leader to pick up the scout.  Enforcing this policy should provide for a smoother dismissal and make it easier to monitor the playground equipment.

Pack Event

Our next scheduled event is a Movie Night originally scheduled for Friday the 15^th at the church.  However, we are thinking instead of moving this to the Matthews 10 (depending on movie timing and available selection).  We should have more details next week!

Winterplace Skiing Events

Each Winter our Council runs 2 family skiing events at Winterplace, West Virginia.  The dates this year are Sunday, January 24^th or Sunday, February 21^st.  We do not plan to attend this as a Pack event; though if you would like to go on your own you are encouraged to do so.  The fee is $49 per participant and you would be responsible for all fees (including your scout). 

For additional information and everything included for the fee; please review the council flyer at:  http://www.centralnccouncilbsa.com/Winterplace%20%2710%20Skiing%20flyer.pdf

The registration form can be found at:

http://www.centralnccouncilbsa.com/WNTERPLACE%20RENTAL%20FORM%202010.pdf

Calendar overview of upcoming events:

1/5                   Tuesday                        Den Meetings resume

1/12                 Tuesday                        Den Meeting & Second Pack Fee Installment Due

1/15 or 1/16       Friday or Saturday         Movie Night or Afternoon

1/16                  Saturday                       Pow Wow (for Leaders)

1/19                  Tuesday                        Pack Meeting

1/24                  Sunday                         Winterplace Skiing (non-pack event)

2/7                    Sunday                         Scout Sunday

2/21                  Sunday                         Winterplace Skiing (non-pack event)

2/26                  Friday                           Blue & Gold Banquet at IT VFW

 

Don’t forget your 24/7 access to Pack 97 info and photos at www.pack97scouts.com   If you have any photos you would like added to the site, please send them to me.

  

As always, if you have any questions or suggestions, please do not hesitate to contact me or Anthony

 

See you Tuesday night!

 

Amy