HAPPY HOLIDAYS

WE MEET AGAIN:

JANUARY 11TH!

No Meeting Monday

No meeting Monday, November 23rd

Happy Thanksgiving!

Popcorn Pickup and Scouting For Food

Popcorn will be delivered to the unit Friday. We will start distribution on Saturday. This is what you need to know:

1. Pickup will be at the Boy Scout Trailer not where the Cub Scouts meet. This is the building in the parking lot where the pumpkin patch was.

2. Bring you copy of your order form to verify that you pick-up the correct order. We kept only numbers of items per scout. We (the Pack) did not retain the knowledge of which customer ordered what item.

3. Pick up time will begin at 9am and run until 11am.

4. If you have questions contact Chris Fain at chrisfain91@gmail.com or 334-322-1643.

Scouting For Food
 
Here is what you need to know:

1.  You will meet at the Boy Scout trailer at 9am. This is an excellent time to pick up your popcorn orders.  Chris Fain will be leading the campaign his contact information is above.  Please be to the Scout trailer by 850am so that you can leave on time and handle the activity.

2. Scouts should be in Class A's (that's the blue shirt with their patches on it) so that the are 1) Identifiable as Cub Scouts and 2) they are identifiable as Cub Scouts. 

3. Why is this important? The neighborhood you will be retrieving food from is expecting Cub Scouts to be roaming the neighborhood. They are not expecting a pack of unidentifiable boys tromping through their yards.

This is an excellent service project for the boys and helps them start a lifetime of giving back to those who need just a little bit of help.

Pumpkin Decorating Contest

Monday 26 October is Pack 8's next Pack Meeting. In the spirit of Halloween, we will host a pumpkin decorating contest.  Here are the details on the contest:

1. Pumpkins can be painted or carved
2. NO FIRE!
3. Contest is for bragging rights only, show off your Cub Scout and Family Talent.
4. Entries will be assigned a number when submitted.
5. Judging will be conducted prior to the meetings start. Come early to turn in your entry and vote.

I know a great place to purchase a good quality pumpkin for a great cause. Stop by the Troop/Pack 8 Pumpkin Patch this weekend and get a great pumpkin to show off your skills.

Medical Forms for Camping

We need a medical form for all people attending any camp out. For this weekend at Cub Carnival we need one for each parent and child who is attending.  You can find the form at this link BSA Medical Form.

Complete sections A and B. Bring with you and turn them into Chris Fain or Craig Spraggins.

Cub Carnival

Ok so the week that Pack 8 attends Cub Carnival is here.  I know you all are itching for information so I'm going to help you.

Let's start with Friday:  Between the hours of 4:00pm and 6:30pm I (Craig, Cub Master) and Chris

Fain will have the trailer beside the Pumpkin Patch. Bring your camping items that you want hauled down to the campsite.  This should not include any clothing or food items. You need to bring those yourself.  Keep it light as it can be a hike into the campsite.  We can talk about this as you drop your gear off.

Saturday: You need to locate the parking area at Camp Tuk.  Use the this LINK (Directions to Tuk) to open a Google Map that has directions from St. James UMC to Camp Tuk.  There will be someone in the parking lot to instruct you as to which campsite we are located at.  I will have the trailer there before High Noon!

All the other information you may want to know that we have been given is listed below.  If you want to fish you will have to bring your own gear. Council will provide bait (worms). 

                                               2015 Cub Carnival Schedule

Please drive slowly as you enter the parking lot!!!

Saturday

10:00- 12:00 p.m.        Registration – shuttles run until 12 00 p.m.

***** Only one vehicle per pack in the campsite to help shuttle in gear. Vehicle must remain parked in camp or in parking lot!

Program Schedule:

12:30                    Opening ceremony at flag pole behind dining hall

1:00- 4:00            *Cuboree

**4:30- 6:00        Dinner

6:15                      Costume contest in activity field

6:30- 9:00            Carnival

9:00- until           Go back to your campsite!

                             

Sunday

**7:00- 7:30        Breakfast

7:30                      Shuttles begin running

** Two seating’s are required.

* New cuboree format

Pack Leaders, parent and Scout reminders:

·          Always use the Buddy System at all times here at Camp Tukabatchee.

·          No open toed shoes allowed, must have boots or tennis shoes.

·          Must have earned Wittlin’ Chip to have a knife. NO fixed blade knives allowed in camp.

·          Parents, please stay with your children during the Carnival, help us watch them.

·          Please teach them to respect these campsites. We are guest here! No climbing gateways or tearing up fire rings. NO breaking tree limbs or cutting live trees.

·          Don’t litter…..if you see litter, please pick it up and put it in the trash.

·          The campfire ring is for wood; please don’t throw your trash in the fire ring. Teach the boys that all trash goes in the trash cans.

·          Please set all your trash bags out by the road at the end of camp!

·          NO portable heaters or fires in your tent!

What to Bring:                                                                                   

Required:                                                                                         

·          Tent                                                                                        

·          Waterproof ground cloth                                         

·          Sleeping bag or blanket                                                           

·          Flashlight & batteries                                                                              

·          Pillows                                                                                    

·          Closed toe shoes                                                     

Think About:                                                                                         

·          Air mattress or pad                                                 

·          Chairs (camping)                                                    

·          Bug spray & sunscreen                                                        

·          Snacks/drinks                                                                         

·          Jackets                                                                                    

·          Camera                                                                                   

·          Hat/cap                                                                                                                   

·          Poncho/raincoat                                                                      

·          Toothpaste/toothbrush            

Helpful Hints:        

·          Load all your packs’ gear on one truck and/or trailer prior to arriving at camp.                             

·          We will be running shuttles to the campsites for your camping gear.

·          No ATV’s or golf carts in camp!

·          No Pets!

·          Please be at opening (12:30 P.M.) on time to ensure we start on time.

Orders are due TODAY!

Pumpkin Patch Calendar

Alright this is the momement you've been waiting for.  Right here in this post is the link to the calendar where you and your family can sign-up to work the magical pumpkin patch and if you are lucky maybe just maybe the great pumpkin will show!

PUMPKIN CALENDAR

Please email me at spragsc@gmail.com or Mike Mann at microntwo@earthlink.net to be added to a time slot.  Please provide at least 2 options for slots in order of preference.

Don't forget that tomorrow Saturday 17 October 2015 at 3pm we need as many hands as possible to unload the truck.

Pumpkins!!!!!

It's that time of year again. What time is that you ask? Well it's PUMPKIN TIME!!!!  Pack 8 and Troop 8 are teaming together for the 2nd annual Troop/Pack 8 Pumpkin Patch. Check out the questions and answers below for more information.

Q: Where is the Pumpkin Patch?
A: The patch sits on the grassy patch on the corner of the St. James UMC's property which is bound by Ryan Road and Vaughn Road.

Q: When does the Patch appear?
A: The Patch will magically appear Saturday 17 October around 3pm, you don't want to miss it.

Q: When does the Patch disappear?
A: The Patch will go back to its magical storage location after 31 October.

Q: What is the purpose of this Magical Pumpkin Patch?
A: The Troop and Pack sell pumpkins as a fund raiser to offset expenses for each Scout who along with their family participates in the selling of these magical pumpkins.

Q: How can the Scouts and Families participate?
A: There will be an online calendar in a few days to sign-up for time slots to manage the magical patch.

Q: How long must a Scout and/or Family manage the magical patch?
A: The magical patch must me managed/watched 8 hours a day. Therefore there will be 2 shifts daily. Each shift is 4 hours long.

Q: What times are the shifts?
A:  Shift 1 is from 11am - 3pm and shift 2 is from 3pm - 7pm.

Q: What days are the shifts available?
A: Shifts will start on Sunday 18 October and run through 31 October. This includes Weekdays and Weekends.  Everyday has to be covered.

Q: Wait you said it appears on 17 October, is there not shift then?
A: No shifts on 17 October, but we need all hands available to ensure that the Patch appears in the right location. (We will be unloading pumpkins from 3pm until it is finished)

Q: Can Scouts/Families get credit for 17 October?
A: Why of course anyone working the arrival gets credit of 1 shift.

Q: Will the Great Pumpkin visit the patch?
A: The only way to find out is to sign-up and manage the magical patch. Who knows what will happen when you blend boys and outside, it's usually Magic!

So be on the look out for a follow-up post that has the link to the calendar.  Sign-up and work the shifts available. Last year we earned enough to pay for each Scout who worked to attend the McWane Center Event (we spent the night at the McWane Center in Birmingham with multiple day access).

If you have any questions, please contact your den leader.

No Meeting!

No meeting Monday, October 12th

Auburn AG Discovery Day

This is a great event that is free and only 20 minutes from St. James UMC.

Ag Discovery Adventure

October 10, 2015 — 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Hosted by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station and Auburn University’s College of Agriculture, Ag Discovery Adventure will offer adults and children entertaining and enlightening hands-on activities and presentations that will showcase agricultural technology and illustrate the key role agriculture plays in every aspect of our lives. They will explore the multi-faceted world of agriculture, from crop and animal production to home gardening to buzzwords like sustainability and bioenergy.


Here's a link to directions from St. James UMC: Directions to AG Discovery Adventure

P.R.A.Y. Religious Emblem Class 2015

Friend in Scouting,

Starting October 18th First United Methodist Church, Montgomery, will be sponsoring the P.R.A.Y. series of classes for local youth.  Successful completion of these classes allows a Scout to receive and wear a religious medallion (Boy or Girl).  To complete this course the boys and girls are to have a meeting with the pastor of their church.  If the child is not a member of First United Methodist, we will help to make arrangements with your church or provide a pastor for you.  These classes are open to all  protestant youth regardless of their church affiliation.

Protestant churches associated with this particular program are:  Methodist, A.M.E, C.M.E, Baptist,Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Church of Christ (Christian Scientist), Episcopal, Lutheran, Presbyterian, United Church of Christ, United Pentecostal and Independent Christian Churches.  If you have questions regarding your faith and the program please contact Dale Alexander (information below).

Here is some important information for all of you: Grade Groups:

1st-3rd Grade:  God and Me.  5 Sundays @ 1:30, starting the week of October 18th and ending the 15th of November.

4th-6th Grade:  God and Family. 7 Sundays @ 1:30, starting the week of October 18th and ending the 6th of December.  For those attending Arrow of Light Camporee, arrangements will be made to accommodate.  There is an extra week in the schedule due to Thanksgiving School Break, this will be discussed during the first class.

6th-8th Grade:  God and Church. 7 Sundays @ 1:30, starting the week of October 18th @ 1:30 and ending on the 6th of December.  There is an extra week in the schedule due to Thanksgiving School Break, this will be discussed during the first class.

9th-12th Grade: God and Life.  If there is interest the class would start on October 18th @ 1:30 and run as required.  This course is a directed study and requires a commitment to read the Bible daily for 3 months to complete the course.  Please contact Dale Alexander for more information.

If a child were to finish all 4 of the courses (one for each grade group) he/she will be able to wear a "Four Star Pin" along with the God and Life medallion.  The cost to the children is $5 for the book and is due at the first class.  All other required materials will be provided.  There is an additional charge for the medallion and patches.  They cannot be ordered until the children have completed the course.  Those items will be discussed during the first meeting on October 18th @ 1:30.

Please contact Dale Alexander (dale.alexander.76@gmail.com  or 334.279.3880) to register for the course.  Please do so before October 12th so that I can order the appropriate number of books and ensure we have enough teachers.  If you would like to help out that is also appreciated.

You can also visit http://www.tukabatcheepack307.org/#!pray/cl0g for more information.

YIS

Cub Carnival

Pack 8 is attending the second weekend (October 24th). Parents you can attend the earlier session if that works for you but you will be paired with other units.

This is an overnight event so pack according.  We will be allowed 1 vehicle in the campsite. This truck usually has the trailer attached to it.  More to come on that.

Signup nights are 28 September (already passed) and 5 October.  Flyer above has prices.

BSA Medical Forms:

Parents, it is a requirement of the Pack by BSA to have a medical form for all Scouts on hand.  Additionally, if anyone (adult or youth) attend a campout, a BSA medical form must be on hand or provided.

Here is the link BSA MEDICAL FORM that will send you to the fill-able form.  For Cub Scouts, Sections A and B is all that is required.

All Scouts, Parents, and other individuals who wish to attend the Cub Carnival or other Pack Excursion will be required to have a medical form turned in to the Pack.

Popcorn Sales

All orders are due: 

OCTOBER 19, 2015

Pack 8 Campout

Saturday 19 September 2015 after Bobcat Day or before if your Den Leader has notified you of an event, Pack 8 will be camping at the beautify Camp Tukabatchee. Chris Fain is planning to arrive around 3. If you have not received direction from your Den Leader then plan to arrive after 3.

DIRECTIONS TO CAMP TUKABATCHEE

If you are unsure of where Camp Tuk is located please click the link above.

We will be camping in Campsite 3 - Bear.

What you will need:

• Tent
• Ground Cloth - to go under tent
• Sleeping Bag
• Clothes - check the weather a pack appropriately. It is always wise to change underwear and socks before bed. Sweaty undergarments can actually keep you colder than fresh clothing when sleeping.
• Sunscreen and Bug Repellent
• Hat - just because
• Snacks - we will be providing Dinner and SMORES but you may want something else for a snack.
• Water Bottle - you need this always
• A Do Your Best Attitude!!!!

We are going to enjoy a nice evening in the woods with our Scouts. This is a laid back event. Games maybe played, fun will be had and yes skits will be performed.  Don't worry if your Den Leader is not attending we will work something out so all boys participate and have fun.

Bobcat Day

Bobcat Day is this Saturday 19 September 2015 at Camp Dexter Hobbs.  Sign-in begins at 0800 and the events are scheduled to start at 0845.

What will you need:

1.  Clothes - shorts and t-shirts are appropriate. You do not need to wear their uniform. Closed toes shoes are a must (tennis shoes are a great).

2. Sunscreen - bring what you like.

3. Bug Spray - don't think it should be an issue but you never know.

4. Hat - you want to keep your dome covered as this is out in an open field most of the time.

5. Water Bottle - it is essential to stay hydrated. A dehydrated Scout is not a Happy Scout.

6.  Rocket - bring your rocket you got at sign-up to launch.

7.  Food - If you didn't pay for lunch or have specific needs, please bring something for you and your Scout to eat. You may also want to pack snacks if your Scout needs a boost in the middle of the afternoon.

Camp Dexter Hobbs - This camp is set back off of Autauga County Road 40, that's North of Prattville a piece but not near Birmingham. See it's over Yonder!  So if you click HERE then you should get a Google Map leading you from St. James UMC to Camp Dexter Hobbs. Take the route the leads up I-65.

Here's a nice aerial shot of the lovely Camp Dexter Hobbs. You can see it has some good open space.

So again to make sure you have directions for those who have never visited please click on the link below for directions from St. James UMC to Camp Dexter Hobbs.

DIRECTION TO CAMP DEXTER HOBBS!

Pack 8 Cub Scouts