Planning Ahead...

Esteemed Parents and Cubs,

As I've mentioned before, the Den will be attending the Youth Theater at the U 11:00 am showing of "Captain Bree and Her Lady Pirates" Saturday, 11-22-08.

Think about it...A uniformed outing to a theatrical performance? This is going to be great!

Anyhow, in order to ensure that sufficient funding can be allocated for this trip, I ask that our Cubs RSVP me to confirm their attendance.
Sadly, stake funding will only cover Scouts and Leaders.
So any extra kids or parents shall have to cover their own admission.
Sorry for the inconvenience.

As usual, please contact me with any questions, comments or concerns.

Wait, "Whatter?"...

Howdy, readers.
In an effort to streamline our correspondence and post announcements quickly and efficiently, I've set up a Twitter account for our Den Blog.

With this, I'll be able to shoot out quick announcements to the Den family without having to take up a whole blog post to do it.
How 'bout them apples?

"So where are these announcements," you ask?
On the blog, they'll be posted directly under the wolf/bear image under "Twitter Updates" in the upper right-hand corner. Easy-peasy.

With Twitter, I'll be posting announcements on our upcoming events, meetings and activities along with my usual e-mail regimen.

As always, feedback is solicited and welcomed to make sure I'm doing my part in making your boy's scouting experience the best it can be.
So drop me an e-mail if you've got something to say!

See you next meeting.
Tom Z.

Meeting the new Cubmaster...(10-25-08)

This past Saturday, the Pack gathered for its monthly meeting.

While not filled with the awards, jokes and fun of our usual get-togethers, this Pack Meeting marked a special occasion for the mighty 4684.

For during this gathering, we were introduced to our new Cubmaster.
He is a veteran of scouting, having earned both his Arrow of Light and his Eagle Scout ranks. He is also a recipient of the BSA Heroism award for using his scouting skills to save a life when he was young.
OK, not too shabby. ;-)

As leaders, we are taught the importance of leading by example. It is an important motivational tool for Cubs, especially since they are at the beginning of their life-long scouting trek.

Well, the new Boss recounted to them his early adventures in scouting and the importance of staying on the path, living the values and never giving up.
Good stuff.


Along with an inspirational lecture, Mr. Scott brought all the loot he had acquired and earned during his tenure as a scout.

This was some cool stuff. It was like a snapshot in time.





Finally, it was time to give out the awards earned by our boys.


Chess belt loops, anyone?
Boy, were they exited to get this one!




Finally, our two newest boys had been working hard all month long to earn their Bobcat Badges. I was proud to give it to them.

J.V. was beaming in his brand new neckerchief and slide.








And L.K. got an unexpected honor when he also received the Recruiting tab along with his Bobcat. Way to go!









Finally, the Cubmaster gave his final thoughts on the importance of scouting in a young man's life and why we should do our best in everything we're a pert of . Very nice.

Take a Bowl on the Pitch!!! (10-11-08)

It's always fun to watch the boys try something new.
At this Den Meeting, we had the chance to try our hands at the distinguished art of Cricket.

Needless to say, we were anything but eloquent and artistic. But the boys tried their best and had a lot of fun experimenting with this new sport and testing their mettle in one of the most widespread sports across the world.


They all did great, just take a look...

As with most new things, we started off with a little training and basic instruction on how the game is played.







Add in a little demonstration from the Chief and myself and soon they were off to the races!







The guys got a real kick out of having to coordinate their fielding and coverage...








But they all agreed that batting was the best part of the game!








Yeah, aiming was a learned skill for the majority of the Cubs.


But once they got it down there was no stopping them.




Just take a look at this smash from L.K. into the field.
Not too shabby for their first time, eh?

Chess!

It's not just for nerds!

Our den learned how to play chess last weekend, and I am personally very impressed by their efforts. They played well and fairly, and everyone put in 100%.







The rules are explained...











And the games begin!










L.W. helps the boys with their game!











Everyone cooperated so well. Those who were experiences were helping those who didn't know how to play well yet!









By the end, I hope that all of the boys feel more comfortable with the game of chess!

Tall Tales!

A couple weeks ago, the boys worked on some of their advancements, specifically the one regarding the telling of Tall Tales. We went over what Tall Tales are all about, and after Leader T. Z. gave an example, the boys were invited up to tell their own! They were a little shy about it, but I think T.Z. mentioned them possibly getting another chance in the future...




T.Z. tells his Tall Tale about his time in the army!












D.S. was the only boy to stand up and give his own rendition that day! He did an excellent job.












Additionally, it should be noted that our den has been given the NATIONAL DEN AWARD! Congratulations, boys! You've all worked very hard, and now it can be displayed proudly on our flat!

GREEK FESTIVAL!

As you all know, last week we went to the Greek Festival for a dose of world culture! A whole bunch of people showed up to help the effort, and so the field trip went off without a catch. It was a wonderful experience and we especially thank all the parents for lending a hand, and to the boys for behaving so well.





We got started early in the morning to caravan down.











We were so prompt, in fact, that we had to wait a little while to be let inside!










Once there, while some of our parents waited in line for food, the rest of us enjoyed the Greek culture museum.























Then we moved on to the highlight of the trip: THE FOOD!











































As we tried an assortment of exotic and delicious Greek dishes, a dance troupe performed in the background.

























By the end of the dancing, not much food was left!











Finally, on our way out, we were said goodbye to by a very well-done pig!





Again, thank you so much everyone! We look forward to seeing you on Saturday, where along with the Faith in God exercises, we'll be aiming for the Music Beltloop!

RECRUITMENT

It's that time of the year again: recruitment time! The Scouts went out and posted a whole bunch of fliers around the upper campus housing area, hoping to get some new members for the den!






The Den Chief helps the boys post up one of our fliers!














...And so does the C.A. who was nice enough to come along with us and open up all of the Shoreline buildings.











With his help, posting was a breeze, and hopefully tons of people saw our fliers!

Sept. Field Trip: Time to start planning ahead....

Esteemed Cubs and Parents,

For our September field trip, it is my plan to take our Den to the Salt Lake City Greek Festival on Saturday, September 6th.

Diversity is such a big part of scouting. And by giving them a chance to taste different foods, view folk dances and celebrate another culture's identity, I believe that our Cubs will have their horizons broadened as to just how big the world can be.

Needless to say, this is going to be a big undertaking for us. The festival may be congested and traffic will certainly be an obstacle due to a 10k run. Even so, I think we can pull this off with a little planning.

To beat the crowds, it is my plan to have the Den at the festival when it opens at 10:00 am.
As such, I'd like to assemble everyone at the LDS Church Building on Capecchi Drive at 9:00 am and then carpool to the site. Once there, we'll spend 1-2 hours taking in the fun and then return to the church for pick-ups. Nice and easy.

OK, here's the tricky part. To help keep track of our boys amidst the throng of folks, I'd like at least five adults to help act as chaperons.
For now, I'll accept volunteers. (Never fear, I'll start begging next week.)

Finally, every scout in attendance is going to need a completed consent form.
Sorry, no exceptions.

Guys, I really think we can make this work. Best of all, it might make a lasting impression on our boys and help them enjoy different world cultures.

We've got a whole week to plan. Please e-mail me with any questions, comments or concerns. And thank you so much for your continued support of Cub Scouting.

Building the Den!!!

Howdy Folks!

Our next den meeting will be held at the Shoreline Ridge playground this Saturday (8-30-08) at 10 am.

For our activity, the boys and leaders will be conducting our annual recruitment drive and distributing fliers to all the living areas included in our Den. That means Shoreline Ridge, Medical Towers, Heritage Commons and the University East Village!

After all the leg-work is done, we'll find a shady spot in the plaza to enjoy some popsicles, sing songs and tell stories.

Simple, yet elegant! I hope to see all our boys there. (At least, all the Cubs that aren't off doing something cooler with their family! ;-)

8/23/08 - END OF SUMMER BBQ

Last Saturday was the End of Summer BBQ for our den! A lot of kids were out of town for the last hurrah of summer, but those who were hear came by the M.T.'s and learned to make foil dinners.






There's the group putting together their dinners!











Which were then put on the grill.









Everyone really enjoyed their meal!










And afterward, there was plenty of time to play and pose for a couple of photographs!










Thanks for showing up, everyone! I hope you had a great summer, and we look forward to seeing you all this fall!

8/16/08 - FRISBEE

A couple Saturdays ago, the boys learned to play ultimate Frisbee! It was a small group, but everyone did great and had a lot of fun, even playing a game against the adults!

Unfortunately, pictures are a little scarce for this meeting because my camera died only a few minutes in. Sorry everyone!





The boys all lined up to learn how to catch frisbees...











....And soon enough they had really caught on!

End of Summer BBQ!!!

Dear Parents and Cubs,

I had hoped to plan our "End of Summer" event for this weekend. But seeing that a plethora of pre-scheduled activities blocks our path, the Den Leadership and I have moved our Summer BBQ to this Wednesday (8-20-08) at 6:30 pm.

We will be meeting at the Medical Towers Playground for some fun, food and fellowship!
The meal will be a low-cost potluck style, so each family should bring:

- Their own meat,
- Their own plates, cups and flatware,
- A side dish to share,
- And a two-liter of whatever to share.

The W's have eagerly volunteered the use of their grill for the event.
(Maybe someone else could too?.......C's?.....Pretty please?)

In keeping with the fine traditions of the BSA, no Cub get-together is complete without some training!
The boys will prepare some tinfoil dinners, which will expose them to outdoor cooking and being safe around fire.
This will cover Wolf Requirement 8e and Bear Requirement 9g.

I hope this announcement isn't too late. It would make a great end to a fun Summer.
Be sure to bring the whole family!

Building Our Faith...(8-9-08)

This past Saturday, our guys got together for their Faith in God lesson presented by ADL L.W.
The lecture was very uplifting and included a little homework assignment for the boys, too.

Afterward, the boys exercised their craft muscles and made Paratroopers using coffee filters, string, scotch tape and plastic toy soldiers. They were really into it.

Check it out:


Before the lesson started, the boys were awarded their Den Doodle beads and updated their strings.

Here's J.W. and J.W.2 showing off their new exchanges.









S.W. meticulously arranged his beads by color. His string looked really neat.











D.S. used the time before the lesson to enjoy the shade!









Once the lesson began, the boys gave Mr. Layne the quiet respect he deserved and paid attention to his words.

The class was uplifting.




But once it was over, jump school was in session!


The upper rim of the amphitheater served as the perfect proving ground for our parachutists.








J.M. went for the high ground to give his jumper maximum air time.








S.W. thought it was such a good idea, he jumped right alongside him!








D.S. had a little technical difficulty with his paratrooper. I tried to tell him that the order was chute-string-man, but he insisted upon chute-man-string. Oh well.






Paratroopers learn to have faith in their equipment before they ever step out of an aircraft. As such, they know for certain their chute will open when they exit.

The practice of having faith in God is a comfort every scout should nurture and develop. That way they'll never feel alone when life's little obstacles get in their way. And that way, they'll be certain that God will be there when times get tough.

See you next week!