Sometimes we get too busy. That seems to be the case this year. I sat back and looked at all of the events we have scheduled and my goodness we are planning on doing a lot. We have rescheduled the arboretum clean up to December 11th since so many folks had conflicts. Please try to make it from 10-noon as we provide service to our community. Bring a lunch and we will provide the drinks.

Now is the time to start thinking about Summer Camp. Right after the holidays, the limited number of available spots get taken. Act now to reserve your scout’s summer camp. It’s only $50 for the week. Reservations can be made thru the council office for only $10. It is very rewarding for your scout to attend. Remember how many awards the boys received at our September pack meeting from summer camp. Our pack generally tries to attend together during the first session at Izaack Walton League Park; however you can attend whichever session your schedule permits.

It is also time to gear all of our scouts toward making rank. Arrow of Light is scheduled for March. All other rank should be planned for April/May.

Space Derby tomorrow will be raced under a revised format as to not take all of your day. Please get a race schedule before you leave tonight.

Please also sign the release form for the parade float.

Please stay up to date by accessing our pack web site regularly. Make sure you make me and your den leaders aware of any changes in your address, phone, e-mail, etc, as we endeavor to keep you informed.

We have had a very exciting beginning to our year. We have had over 21 boys join our pack so far this year. Thanks to all of the fantastic recruiting efforts some of our folks have made; especially, Frances Wiley and Patricia Shands who spent many hours behind the scenes preparing packets for potential new scouts. We want to make sure that we make these new boys and families feel welcome.

A special thanks to Mary Betz and John and Melanie Blake who have stepped up to lead the Tiger cubs this year. Also, Glen Walker has taken over den leadership of the Wolf den with assistance from Kurtis Crake and under the guidance of Keith Armistead (former Tiger Leader). I am certain that all of the Tigers and all of the Wolves will have a ROARING and HOWLING good time. Your dens as well as the pack will benefit from your leadership. Some of the more experienced scouters will let you know that a leadership position is “only one hour a week”!

The Pack Committee strives to provide you all with the best scouting experience possible. Please help out when and where you can by becoming an active member on the pack committee. This committee paves the road that the pack travels on; everything from what to eat, where to camp, how much to spend …etc.

Please stay up to date by accessing our pack web site regularly. Make sure you make me and your den leaders aware of any changes in your address, phone, e-mail, etc, as we endeavor to keep you informed.

God Bless,
Bobby D.

We were able to once again achieve the National Summertime Pack Award by having at least one planned activity in each of the summer months. The pack had so many activities planned, that it was almost like we had not had a summer break.

Remember that the primary focus of Cub Scouting is to develop good moral character. This is obtained at a level each boy can understand as he works toward his rank. He will be encouraged to learn more about his faith in God, his government and his family. He will also build friendships with other boys in the pack. Another important part of Cub Scouting is that the curriculum reinforces what the boys will need to successfully complete the VA SOLs….All this while having fun!

So buckle up and get ready for a fun ride as we begin our new scouting year. Please stay in touch with all that will be happening by regularly visiting www.pack320.com. Let your boys go there by themselves and look at all the pictures. They may even see themselves.

Thank you all for allowing me the privilege of being Cubmaster of such a great Pack. I am honored to be involved in such a professional group that is so caring and dedicated to their children as well as the children of others. Without the outstanding support and countless hours of many of the parents, Pack 320 would not exist as we know it.

Bobby D.

Be on the lookout for a surprise uniform inspection. Make sure all those patches are in the right spot, hats, neckerchiefs and slides are correct and shirts tucked in. Be sure shoes are tied and you are properly groomed. We will just pop in on meetings one night and immediately recognize those that pass inspection with an award.

Our Pack still needs folks to step forward to take on the fundraising positions. As stated earlier this is vital to our Pack’s ability to do activities as those mentioned above at no cost for the scout. We collected $42.00 per scout this year and budgeted about $200.00 to be spent on each boy. I urge you to please consider this opportunity.

Things are really getting busy this time of year. Some of us have begun our spring sports and some are doing spring clean-up in the yard and house. Our pack has also come out of its winter shell. We have many exciting events planned as the weather turns warmer. Please make sure you keep up to date via the website or by contacting the leadership about upcoming events.

I am in desperate need of volunteers. Unfortunately we are all busy people. I will compare what is on my plate any day with what any of you are doing. If I sound abrupt, that is my point. Pack 320 has recently enjoyed some very prosperous years. However, we have come to a point where we need folks to step up to continue our great success and even take us beyond where we are today. As boys move on to Boy Scouts their parents go with them. This means we have to turn over the reigns to other younger scouts’ parents. Our immediate need is a few people that would be dedicated to our popcorn fundraiser next fall. It is hard work but distributed among a few folks the burden gets much easier. The better news is it only lasts from late August to late November. Our entire program counts on these funds to operate. We also need a camp director and a special events coordinator to take Yvette’s place. Please do not hesitate to get involved. Folks that have done these jobs are willing to share with you their experience. Once they move on, we will have to re-learn everything.

On February 7th Erika Owens and Sherri Morrison where recognized at the Elizabeth District Dinner. Erika was awarded with the Cubber of the Year Award and Sherri received the Spark Plug Award. The Cubber award is to recognize leaders that have been registered for a minimum of two years and have provided outstanding leadership in the pack. The sparkplug award is for leaders that have been registered for one year that have gone beyond the normal expectations of duty. Congratulate them on this achievement.

The District Pinewood Derby is to be held March 6th at Greenbrier Mall. Even if you are not racing, come out and support your friends. Scouts in uniform will get to eat at Piccadilly for 99¢.

Many more fun and exciting events have been scheduled for our pack. Please keep up to date with our pack calendar (which is regularly changed) to make sure you do not miss out.

On April 19th, we will have a very special Arrow of Light Ceremony during our Pack Meeting. You will not want to miss this exciting and memorable time honoring our Webelos II scouts.

Please remind boys that haven’t earned their rank badges to really work extra hard at home over the next two months and get those achievements signed off. Then get them recorded by the den leaders so they can get their awards. Remind them to “Do Your Best”.

Bobby D.

The Pinewood Derby was a huge success thanks to Shawn O’Keefe and his talented crew. The following boys will represent our pack in the District Race held March 6, 2004 at Greenbrier Mall beginning at 9:00:

Tigers

1st Evan Foster
2nd Zach Armstrong
3rd Alex Walker

Wolves

1st Nicholas Boinay
2nd Javier Martinez
3rd Justin Phillips

Bears

1st Daniel Shands
2nd Heath Winger
3rd Trevor Steiner

Webelos I

1st Benjamin Boinay
2nd Andre Deane
3rd Colton Winger

Webelos II

1st Kevin Craven
2nd Kyle Dye

Other results

The fastest cars in the pack were

1st Benjamin Boinay – Webelos I
2nd Nicholas Boinay – Wolves
3rd Daniel Shands – Bears
4th Evan Foster – Tigers
5th Kevin Craven – Webelos II

Open Limited Winners

1st Jory Morrison
2nd Makeeda Jordan
3rd Max Weekly

A special thanks to Grace Boinay and Leona
O’Keefe for coordinating the lunch and all the
goodies.

The University of Scouting is scheduled for February 28th at Hickory High School. I only have
2 folks registered at this time. Please see the council website or get with me for a list of available classes. Registration ends February 14th. All fees for registered leaders are paid by the pack.

Bobby D.

Wow how time flies. Looking back over the past few months I realize that we have had some extraordinary accomplishments. Most recently was the decoration of the Christmas parade float, the Admirals hockey game, the parade and rechartering our unit. All of this including what each individual den has been working on has lead to a busy start.

The excitement is far from over. We have some important things coming up soon. The Pinewood Derby is next month. Be sure to get a car from Mr. O’Keefe. Siblings and adults can purchase cars for $3 each to race in the open limited (5 oz.) or open unlimited races. We will have a PWD workshop on 1/9 during regular meeting times to get your cars ready for race day and provide helpful hints to increase speed. The University of Scouting is at the end of February. Please see the council website or get with me for a list of available classes. Registration is paid for by the pack and ends in mid January.

I know that we have a very blessed Pack. I hear about some of the things other packs are going through. Some even find it difficult to gather boys for a regular den meeting. We are very fortunate to have great leaders and parents that are willing to volunteer when they are needed. At the parade for instance, we were the envy of many scouts as they watched us go by on the route. I have received many complements from other pack leaders on how wonderful the float was and “how organized”? we were. Thank you for all you do to support scouting.

May God watch over you and your family and bless you mightily during this Christmas season.

Bobby D.

Our Fall Family camp was a great success. We had 85 people in attendance during our campfire program. Thank you all for coming. Special thanks to those who were volunteered to participate in the belt loop programs and all the cooking and cleaning. Without folks pitching in to lend a hand, we would never be able to have events like this.

Recharter day is December 6th. We need all dues and fees and applications turned in to the committee or myself no later than December 5thv (except for those whom we have made arrangements with). If we do not have these items, your son will not be registered.

Our popcorn sales have been tremendous. Jeanne Craven and family have done an outstanding job this year in support of our fundraiser. Thank her for all of her hard work and long hours making this the best year ever for our pack. All leaders look forward to getting a pie next month. We need someone to organize popcorn sales next year. Please see me.

December 4th is the Chesapeake Christmas Parade. WE HAVE SECURED A TRACTOR AND TRAILER (FLATBED) to support our float. Plan on decorating the float on Wednesday, December 3rd and Thursday, December 4th in the Church parking lot. We will not have any den meetings until after the parade so please keep in touch as more info will follow, as it becomes available.

Calendar changes: 12/12 the Church is not available, leaders, either cancel meetings, meet in homes, or have a field trip (don’t forget tour permits from Erika); 12/19 Pack meeting with Wolf skit and Christmas party at the church.

I pray everyone has a very safe, very happy Thanksgiving,

Bobby D.

The October issue of Scouting Magazine has an article in which scout leaders wrote in to ask and answer questions. The segment is called Front Line Stuff. It may be beneficial for all to read. I know I picked up a few pointers. One of the segments talks about what one leader learned at Pow-Wow. Many folks don’t know what Pow-Wow is in scouts. It is an all day training session for adults. It is usually held in the winter at Hickory High School. Last year it was postponed due to a snow storm and rescheduling of school days, so we missed out. It is also referred to as the University of Scouting. Classes will be offered in almost anything you can imagine having to do with scouts. You can sign up for six different classes. Please try to attend this year. It is currently scheduled for January 31, 2004.

Thank you Tom Nimitz, Shawn O’Keefe, Keith Armistead, Steve Kroll, Walter Burnell, Patricia Shands and Craig Wallen for attending school night on October 9th. Your dedication to recruit scouts is very much appreciated. Our pack has 19 new scouts.

Four scouts and their folks attended the Flight 2003 Camporall in Manteo, NC on October 11th. Thanks to Paul Boinay and some of the Webelos we had the most outrageous windsock at the camp. The boys participated in all kinds of activities and demonstrations including a rock climbing wall, playing with and identifying different kinds of fish, flying kites and getting camo painted by a Navy SEAL.

Reminders

• No meetings next week.
• We will be having our fall family camp November 8, please sign up to attend.
• Chesapeake Holiday Parade is December 4th. Plan on getting our float ready.

Bobby D.

“We have come to a point in our countries history where character does count. Being able to have a belief in God, to be able to determine our own membership standards, and provide citizenship training. These three things alone are less and less available in the general world of what is regularly available to our children. Our program makes a big difference in the life of a boy.” (Bill Deeny, Scout Executive)

Welcome Back to Scouting. I hope every one weathered the storm and came out in good shape. I also hope that if you still have no power that it will be restored to you soon. If the Pack can assist you in any way, please do not hesitate to ask.

We enjoyed a very busy summer this year. We earned our Summertime Pack Award and had five boys earn individual awards by attending at least one Pack activity in each of the summer months. We had a very good turn out for Cub Scout Day Camp and a few Webelos attended Webelos Resident Camp. Please join me in thanking Paul Boinay, Sherry Morrison, Kelly Cunningham, Yvette Eagle and Leona O’Keefe, all who dedicated an entire week of their summer to be camp leaders.

We have to hit the ground running to keep up with all that is going on this year. Please make sure you get updated copies of the calendar and/or visit the website www.pack320.com regularly for updates.

Some immediate things to make you aware of are:
• We need some folks to step up to take over awards for this year and popcorn kernel for next. Training is available. See me if you can help.
• Flight 2003 Camporall 10/10-10/12 visit www.tidewaterbsa.com for a leader’s guide that will assist you in planning your trip. Please fill out the sign up sheet to attend.
• Flight 2003 Photo contest deadline is 10/8 see page 21 of your passport for details.
• Flight 2003 patches are in at the scout store. Let leaders know what your patch needs are so we can get them. Leaders let me know, I have a master list for all patches earned.
• One Flight 2003 requirement is to build a model airplane. There will be a model airplane display at the Camporall where scouts can display their models.
• Marketing contest award. Win a basketball. See flyer for details.
• Recruiter patches available for free. See flyer for details.
• 10/4 adopt a spot clean up 10a-noon.
• 10/18 Tiger Day at Pipsico. See me for details
• Many popcorn show and sells, see calendar

• Father-son cake bake, what a blast!
• June graduation picnic, remember the rain!
• The two ice cream gutter sundaes
• Space derby and helicopter demo
• CVN76 tour
• VA Air and Space Museum
• Adopt-A-Spot clean up
• Arboretum service project

Wow looking back, we had a busy summer schedule.

By the time most of you receive this, your pack committee has already been busy coming up with a budget and planning the event calendar for the next scouting year.

We will begin our regular den meetings on Friday, Sept 5 at 7:30. This year’s fees and dues are $53.00 or $62.00 with Boy’s Life subscription. Please come prepared to pay. If special circumstances exist, please see Erika, Craig or myself to make arrangements.

Did some one say POPCORN? This is a crucial fundraising event for our pack as well as scouting overall. Each boy must participate to the fullest extent possible. Jeanne Craven is our Popcorn Kernel again this year. She has also been very busy attending meetings and training courses. She has scheduled our first show-n-sell on 8/23 at Lowe’s from 9-3pm. Please email her at fundraising@pack320.com to schedule a time for you and your scout to be there.

Don’t forget to check our website WWW.pack320.com for event information, updated calendars and cool pictures.

I will be out of town for the first two den meetings. The pack committee or your den leaders will be able to address all of your concerns. I look forward to seeing you all soon.

Respectfully,

Thank you all for allowing me the privilege of being Cubmaster of such a great Pack. I am honored to be involved in such a professional a group that is so caring and dedicated to their children as well as the children of others. With out the outstanding support and countless hours of many of the parents, Pack 320 would not exist as we know it.

Mark your calendars now to be involved in the start up sessions for the next scouting year. August 16 is budget planning and August 27 is year planning. Every one is welcome to participate.