Warm Weather and the Marshmallow War

At the previous meeting our scouts democratically voted for activities they were very interested in. At the top of the list was "making marshmallow guns." TomZ procured procedures and parts and the scouts were able to realize their ambition in a culinarily-fueled crusade!

Putting their pragmatic side forward, the scouts hand-sawed PVC pipe (under close supervision, of course!), reamed the rough edges off and fit them according to instructions, manufacturing their own custom marshmallow guns. Using their own breath as the motive force of the gun, our scouts were able to propel their sugary projectiles some 20 feet!


Cubmasters Ty and Scott assisting AA in cutting his PVC pipe for his personal marshmallow gun.



Webelos leader Chad keeping a firm grip on that pipe as BA makes his first cut.



ScottW guiding JM and DC in making precision cuts



DC and BA explore alternative uses for PVC pipe. "Behold, the power!"



SJ lending his experience to JV as he finishes up his final cuts. Each Marshmallow gun used 2 feet of 1" PVC pipe cut into 7 sections.


TA helping SW with his second cut. Two caps, two T's, and two elbow fittings finish the product.



"Now who's gonna hit me? You guys think you can get me from there? Lemme see what you can do!"



"Much obliged, pardner!"


Test-firing completed, our scouts were divided into Blue and Gold Teams. After stocking up on marshmallow "ammunition" the outdoor marshmallow war commenced.



Thankfully, I wasn't SJ's first target, but I did squeeze of this shot of him.



"Alright, we stick to the plan! SS and SJ, flank right and attract their attention! VZ, BA, and JM, stay put and lay down suppressing fire..."


"He he! They won't know who hit 'em!"



No! DS, the OTHER way!



There you go! DS demonstrating the proper usage of a marshmallow-equipped firearm.



LK charging the defensive fortifications of SJ and JM.

After the Marshmallow War concluded we gathered all the spent "ammunition" for proper disposal because:

The mess you make is the mess you clean up!

Marble Belt Loop Merriment

Our scouts learned the classic marble game of Ring Taw or Ringer from TomZ and squared off against one another with their brand new bags of marbles.


VZ and SW setting up the classic "T" formation in preparation to play.


CL contemplates the results of his shot.


SJ and EH after their opening moves.


VZ and TomZ after knuckling down a shot.


DS lining up his strategic break shot against SS.


EH taking tally of his shot with CL providing moral support.


LK pleased with the outcome of this game.


This one was a special request from CL. I bet you can spot why!

American ABC's: Blue and Gold Banquet 2009

We had a good turn out for the Blue and Gold Banquet of 2009.

Our scouts created patriotic table decorations for the occasion.

In order to advance to the rank of Bear, you must first pass 3 tasks!

"You shall not pass!!!

Before you become a Bear, you must run THE GAUNTLET! Be Brave!

Almost got him! Congratulations D!

Congratulations boys for all of your hard work!

Award time! Some of the patches that were earned were titled: American ABC's, Run With The Pack & Whittling Chip.





Thank you leaders for all of your time and effort!





A presentation about the history of the Wood Badge.

A sample of Tom Z's hard work.

Tom Z. receives the highest possible award in scouts by earning his Wood Badge. Congrats!













Way to go!!

And now, food for all!

Pack 4684 Meets the UofU Basketball Team!

Our scouts recently got the chance of a life-time and exchanged high-fives with members of the University of Utah Basketball Team before they squared off against the Air Force Academy (79-54, GO UTES!!). Bringing out our best sporting spirit, the Cubs were invited to come down to the basketball court to see the view from the spotlight.



Mascot Swoop flew into the stadium, greeting the scouts first hand, followed by the refs and cheerleaders. Luka Drca and Lawrence Borha were among those who fived scouts. Webelos Scout "D" was later commented "Do I have to wash my hand? Luka touched it!"

Before the game was done the scouts cheered Swoop up to our seats where he spread team pride and made another swipe at Scout SW's awesome wig.

Our very special thanks to the University of Utah Men's Basketball Team, their administrators, and Swoop for making this an INCREDIBLE, memorable Scout outing!

Most of all, we'd like to thank our Scouts for their exemplary behavior the whole time!

Armed, but not dangerous

Our scouts recently completed their Whittling Chip under the instruction of Tom Z! The Whittling Chip, when signed by a leader and the scout, certifies a scout to bring a pocketknife to scout-sponsored events and activities (but never to school!). Putting their new knowledge to practice, the scouts carved soap-bars with plastic knives (practice, remember), creating replicas of animals, boats, and even countries!

Knives Are Not Toys!

Here's a recap of the rules of knife use in the Cub-Scouts:

• Close the blade with the palm of your hand.
• Never use a knife on something that will dull or break it.
• Be careful that you do not cut yourself or any person nearby.
• Never use a knife to strip the bark from a tree.
• Do not carve your initials into anything that does not belong to you.

In order to obtain the Whittling Chip, each scout also completed a quiz based on the Cub Scout Pocketknife Pledge:

POCKETKNIFE PLEDGE

• I understand the reason for safety rules.
• I will treat my pocketknife with the respect due a useful tool.
• I will always close my pocketknife and put it away when I'm not using it.
• I will not use my pocketknife when it might injure someone near me.
• I promise never to throw my pocketknife for any reason.
• I will use my pocketknife in a safe manner at all times.

Thus prepared, our scouts were able to receive their Pinewood Derby cars! Let the construction begin!

Photos from the Theatre...

I'm sorry it's taken so long, but here are some pics I snapped at our trip to see "Captain Bree."

Getting together before the show.
It pays to be early!

In fact....







We were so early that Mr. Layne took us on a tour of the U's campus. We took in the lovely landscape and even saw the beautiful murals in the Park Building.







Finally, it was time to go inside. The Cubmaster laid down the rules for all the boys and also explained the historical importance of theater.

He's a smart one!





Places, everyone! Once the show started, the boys really got a kick out of whole performance experience.

Best of all, there was even a song where the audience could sing along!




All in all a great trip. We've got to do this again.

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.