Merry Christmas Pack 681

Merry Christmas to all Pack 681 families.

Please see the below Norway Boy Scout Christmas Postcard and the related story by Karen E. Johansen.



Norway Boy Scout Christmas Postcard
Karen E. Johansen
In the 1920s-30s, the Norwegian Boy Scout Council printed this Christmas card projecting Scouting as being the better and Christian way for young boys to learn lessons on becoming men. In a world that was about to be once again torn apart by war, it was the right message. When the Nazis invaded Norway, Scouting was banned, and all references to it, such as this card were burned. The Nazis had a passion for burning anything that did not agree with their message of the master race.

The reason for the survival of this card was my father. As his family fled Norway with the German Army close behind, he grabbed the few personal items he could fit into a small case. He must have thought this single card of some value. Possibly, it was his way of remembering better times, or a hope for a better future as he joined others from his homeland in a battle for a better life.

I thought I would place a copy on the internet so others might remember two very important lessons.

1. The truth can never be destroyed by flame or hate. It lives on in the hearts of man.
2. No matter how hard someone try's to destroy the truth, is always has a way of surfacing.


Collector's Comments
Hallvard Slettebø

The first/oldest advertisement of this card is from December 1926 in the "Speideren", journal of the Norwegian Boy Scout Association. The postcard was sold by the publishers Windju Simonsen in Oslo for a price of NOK 0.15 (about 2 cents) per card. Windju Simonsen issued many books for boys and girls, where Scouts were the principal characters.

Scouting in Norway, together with several other organizations, was banned on September 11, 1941 by a decree from the German occupiers. The Association's assets were confiscated and all files destroyed. Scout units were ordered to hand in all equipment and uniforms. However, quite a lot of equipment and uniforms were saved from destruction and hidden until 1945.

Norwegian Scout postcards from before WWII are generally not very scarce, and fetch prices in the range of USD 10-30. Postcards sent from Scout camps are worth more, especially those cancelled with a special Scout camp postmark.

Christmas Pack Meeting - Thursday, December 6

Our December Pack Meeting will have a Christmas theme. All dens should have a Christmas skit or song to share. We'll also expecting a special visitor. We'll wrap things up with Christmas cookies and juice. Each den should plan to bring enough Christmas cookies, juice packs, and napkins to share.

We will not have advancement at this pack meeting.

Pack Meeting
Heller Hall
Thursday, December 6, 2007
7:00pm

We look forward to seeing you all there.

Pack Meeting Moved to Heller Hall ****

Due to a prediction of inclement weather and the fire ban in VA, we have decided to move the Nov 15 pack meeting to Heller Hall.

New Location: Heller Hall
Nov 15, 7pm

Each den will provide a song or skit. We will have advancement (awards).

Scouting for Food - Nov 2007

Morning Safety Briefing Brings Smiles to All
_____________________________________________________


Collecting the Generous Donations
_____________________________________________________

Loading up the trailer
_____________________________________________________


The trailer is getting full

Scouting For Food - Great Results!

Cub Scouts promise "to help other people.."
The Scout Slogan is to Do a Good Turn Daily.

Thanks to all who contributed to Scouting For Food this and last weekend. We had exceptional results! This year, we collected 5,240 lbs of food!

I was so impressed with the energy, charity, and sense of service and obligation demonstrated by the scouts. Please join me in congratulating them on a fantastic effort!

Thanks to all who turned out to help and also please say a special prayer for all those neighbors who contributed - after all, we're just the arms and legs in this operation.

Also, please support our sponsors:
Heidelberg Bakery for providing our carbohydrates
U-Haul for providing the trailer
Sissler's Stone for providing the use of their scale

Lastly, thanks for those who helped pull this together:
Map man extraordinaire and pack coordinator: John Handley
Bagel Man, Breakfast facilitator, and faithful son: The Spollens
Breakfast crew 2: The Woods
Trailer hauler: Bob Harding
Paper Slip man and Troop coordinators: Jeff Hamilton, Daniel Bower, and Elizabeth Vaughn

Please follow the below link to see how the food will be used:
http://www.knoxfc.org/comserv.htm#foodpantry

Scouting for Food - Food Collection!

Please remember Scouting for Food Saturday am (Nov 10). We need a big turnout since we'll be collecting the food!

1. It's predicted to be cold with potential showers this Saturday. All scouts should have a rain jacket and dress appropriately. Gloves are probably a good idea.

2. Please bring your maps from last week.

3. Make sure someone in your group knows the houses you visited last week. We don't want to leave food behind.

4. We'll have a few bags to bring for folks who may have lost theirs.

5. We need more folks this week, so please come out and help us serve our community!

6. Did I mention there will be doughnuts and baked goods donated by Heidelberg Bakery? And coffee and juice? And doughnuts?

Please see below the schedule for Saturday:

Schedule for Saturday, Nov 10:

8:30am Meet at Scout House 128 S. Spring St (Do not park in scout house parking lot.)
Beverages and Doughnuts
Pick up extra bags, if you need any
8:40am Safety Briefing
8:45am Safety Skit
8:50am Depart Scout House to pick up food.
o You will need at least one vehicle to accompany you.
o Once you have collected all food from your area, return to the Scout House and unload into the trailer
o Grab Lunch

(Times below are approximate)
12:30pm Trailer will depart Scout House for weighing and then to Knox Presbyterian Church
12:45pm Trailer arrives at Knox Presbyterian Church and unloading begins
1:45pm Depart Knox Presbyterian Church
o We need lots of helpers for unloading at Knox Presbyterian Church.
o We usually form a human chain and pass the bags from person to person from the trailer into the food bank. It’s a lot of fun – don’t miss it!

This is the primary service project for the Cub Scouts each year - and community service is central to scouting. We need everyone to turn out!

You guys are the best, so I know we'll beat last years collection!

Advancement Request - Due Nov 9

Our next pack meeting is on Nov15 – the pack campfire. Den Leaders: Please send your advancement requests to Maggie Keating by 5pm on Nov 9. This is a quick turn-around, so please try to respond as soon as possible. We want all scouts to be recognized for their achievements.

pmkeating@verizon.net

The main focus for advancement will be:

Goshen – awards from Goshen and special recognition of those who attended
Bobcat – Bobcat patches for Tiger Scouts and any other scouts that are new to scouting that have achieved Bobcat
Beltloops – for summer or fall sports
Scouting for Food patches for those who participated
Bake Sale patches for those who participated

Please use the spreadsheet sent through email to report (see the example) and keep a hard copy to bring to the pack meeting. Please be prepared to assist by reading off each scout’s name and achievements at the pack meeting. Bob and/or Victor will assist in presenting the awards and adding a flair of ceremony.

Also, all dens should have a song and/or a skit for the pack meeting.

Please contact me if you have any questions at all.

Scouting for Food - Nov 3 and Nov 10

Reminder: Nov 3 and Nov 10 – Scouting for Food!

Scouting for Food is the primary service project for Pack 681 each and every year. Last year, Pack 681, together with Pack 661 and Troop 681 (Boy Scouts), collected over 5,500 pounds of food for the needy. This food goes directly to families in Fairfax County that are in need of emergency food assistance. This is a great experience for the Cub Scouts and an easy way for them to learn about giving back to their community.

We need everyone to turn out! Please save the following dates: Saturday, Nov 3 (Bag drop off) and Saturday, Nov 10 (Bag pick up). We’ll meet at the Scout House at 8:30am on both days. Please see the timeline sent through email for more details.

Bake Sale a Huge Success!!

Thanks to all those scouts and parents who participated in the bake sale. You made this sale a huge success.

Den leaders, please keep track of which scouts participated so that they can receive a patch at the next pack meeting.

Bake Sale

Here's where we stand with the bake sale shifts:

Each shift will be responsible for watching over the tables during the Mass and selling after the Mass (at least one adult must cover each table during Mass. We'll have three tables).

Shift 1: Sell after the 7:30am Mass (arrive at 8am, set up tables)
Den 6 (since Quang is picking up the donuts and Mr Harding is picking up the
tables)
Den 7

Shift 2: Sell after the 9:00am Mass (arrive at St. James at 8:45am)
Den 9
Den 4
Den 1 - with the exception of Dan Putzinger & son

Shift 3: Sell after the 10:30am Mass (arrive at St. James at 10:15am)
Handleys (veteran)
Den 5
Dan Putzinger & son

Shift 4: Sell after the 12 noon Mass (arrive at St. James at 11:45am)
Irene & David Ott (veteran)
Den 10
Den 3

We cannot leave the tables unattended during our assigned shift, so please be sure to confirm that your dens will be timely and will be covering all three tables. Last year, we had some adults and scouts pull double shifts due to no-shows - let's try to avoid that this year.

We're a little bit light on Shift 3, so if there are folks who cannot make your assigned time and can make Shift 3, please send them to that shift.

Parents can bring baked goods, but it's not mandatory - please bring them individually wrapped, ready for sale. The pack will provide 160 dozen doughnuts for sale.

Thanks to all who make the pack go. All scouts that participate will receive a patch to recognize their efforts.

Religious Awards

If there are any Scouts in your den who would like to earn the Religious Award but who did not sign up at the first pack meeting, or who have questions, please let Lou know. Those who did sign up will receive their books at school on Thursday.

Lou Lucchetti
703-920-6422

Scouting for Food - Nov 3 and Nov 10 - Save the Dates

Save the Dates: Nov 3 and Nov 10 – Scouting for Food!

Scouting for Food is the primary service project for Pack 681 each and every year. Last year, Pack 681, together with Pack 661 and Troop 681 (Boy Scouts), collected over 5,500 pounds of food for the needy. This food goes directly to families in Fairfax County that are in need of emergency food assistance. This is a great experience for the Cub Scouts and an easy way for them to learn about giving back to their community.

We need everyone to turn out! Please save the following dates: Saturday, Nov 3 (Bag drop off) and Saturday, Nov 10 (Bag pick up). We’ll meet at the Scout House at 8:30am on both days. An email will be circulating with more details.

For more information please contact Victor Bieniek at 703-206-0152 or victorbieniek@cox.net

Bake Sale This Weekend - Oct 28

Making the pack go is a responsibility of every Cub Scout. Please join us for the Pack 681 Bake Sale outside of St James Church on 10/28. The boys will learn important salesmanship, math, and customer service skills.

Den leaders are signing up for slots and den times will be reported here once they are finalized.

Fire House Meeting This Thursday - Oct 18

What: Firehouse Pack Meeting

Where: Falls Church Fire House, 6950 Little Falls Road
Arlington, VA 22213 (Between Washington St and Little Falls Rd)

When: Thursday, Oct 18, 7pm

Parking - either off Washington St or off of Little Falls St and walk up the
driveway. Please provide extra time for parking and walking to the fire
station.

This is traditionally a great event with lots of hands-on activities for the
boys. It also satisfies at least one requirement of most Cub Scout levels.

We hope to see you all there.

http://www.fallschurchvfd.org/

Fall Family Campout - Oct 13-14

You should have received an email from your den leader regarding this event. Please let Marty Freeman know if not at kerrfree@verizon.net.

Who: Scouts and All Family Members Welcome
What: Pack 681 Fall Family Camping Trip
Where: Bull Run Regional Park – Group Site B
When: October 13th and 14th
Schedule: Saturday Oct 13th
12:00 Noon Check In Starts
2:00 PM Afternoon Activity
5:00 PM Dinner (family style by Den)
6:00 PM Evening Activity
7:30 PM Campfire
Sunday Oct 14th
9:30 AM Belt Loop Activity
11:00 AM “Leave No Trace”
12:00 PM Check Out
Cost is:
$6.00 per person

More information about the park and directions can be found at:
http://www.nvrpa.org/parks/bullrun/index.php

A special welcome to our new Tiger Scouts! All Cub Scout camping trips follow a “family camping” format. All family members are welcome to attend. Sorry, no pets are allowed in the park. Each family brings their own tent and gear. Each scout must have at least one parent or guardian with them on the trip. Dens are encouraged to plan their meals together and eat together. Cub Scouts are not allowed to handle fire, matches, lighters, knives, axes, hatchets or saws. Parents, please handle these items for your scout if they are needed.

*** Alert - this weekend the forecast is cold. Please be sure that your scout packs the following:
1. Appropriate clothing
2. Warm sleeping bag and/or sleeping bag with extra blankets
3. Knit hat for sleeping (this will keep the guy warm)
4. Clean, dry long sleeve/long pants pj's or sweats

Committee Meeting - Thursday, 10/11

This is a reminder that there is a Pack 681 Committee Meeting this Thursday, Oct 11, at 7pm at Thoreau Middle School. Roundtable follows at 8pm, for all Den Leaders. I highly encourage den leaders to attend the roundtable.

Thoreau Middle School
2505 Cedar Lane Vienna, VA

Each den should have at least one leader / representative at the committee meeting. All committee members are encouraged to attend.

Thanks for supporting scouting.

First Pack Hike A Huge Success

The kick-off to the Pack 681 Cross County Hike was a great success. Participation was good and the weather cooperated. We hiked over 2 miles and all the scouts that I talked to had a great time. We're very proud of all our participants.

If anyone has a good picture to share, please send it and I will post it.

Hats off to Marty Freeman for organizing. Now it's up to the dens to sign up for individual sections. Pack 681 - 40 miles or bust!

Fall Pack Hike - Sept 30 - Kick Off the Cross County Challenge

Pack 681 Fall Challenge Hike

Who: Scouts and all Family Members Welcome

What: Hike Section 3 to the Cross County Trail

Where: Meet at Wakefield Park – Hike to Lake Accotink Dam

For directions, go to:
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/rec/wakerec.htm

When: Sunday, September 30, 2007, 1 PM to 3 PM

How: Meet at Wakefield Park between the tennis courts and the
skateboard park at 1 PM

We will hike 2.2 Miles, mostly around Lake Accotink,
ending at the Lake Accotink Dam Recreation Area.

For information on Lake Accotink, go to:
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/accotink/

What to Bring:
Everyone should have:
Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers
Water, Snack
Rain Jacket - if hint of rain

Each Den should have:
One small first aid kit
One small notepad and pencil
One compass

For more information on the Cross County Trail, visit
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/cct/

Pack 681 Will Hike the Entire Cross County Trail

Our Cubmaster has given a challenge to the Pack!

Who: The Entire Pack

What: Hike the entire Cross County Trail

Where: 40 Miles of scenic trails located right in our own back yard

When: During the 2007/2008 Pack Year

How: Three Pack Challenge Hikes: 1-3 miles each

Fall Challenge Hike: September 30, 2007
Winter Challenge Hike: February 10, 2008
Spring Challenge Hike and
Pack Celebration Picnic: May 10, 2008
Den Challenge Hikes:

Each Den is challenged to complete Two Hikes, 1-3 miles each
Scheduled by each Den Leader

Prizes: At the May 10th Picnic for the:
Scout that hikes the most miles
Den that hikes the most miles
Scout that spots the most wild animals
Den that spots the most wild animals
Scout that spots the most insects
Den that spots the most insects

For more information on the Cross County Trail, visit
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/cct/

Back To Scouting Night - Wed Sept 19, 7pm

What: Back to Scouting Night
When: Wednesday, Sept 19, 7pm
Where: Heller Hall, St. James School

The next pack meeting is our Back to Scouting Night. We’ll have the old pinewood derby track set up and other fun activities. We also hope to have the space derby track set up. Please have your scout bring his pinewood derby car and space derby rocket if he still has them. We're looking forward to seeing you all there and a few new faces, too.

Now is the time for your scout to invite his friends who are not scouts to check out Cub Scouts.

Sept 16 is Scout Day at Washington Nationals

Tickets are $3 each. Leaders and scouts receive patches.

See the link below:

http://washington.nationals.mlb.com/was/ticketing/group_scoutdays.jsp

Planning Meeting Tonight

There is a Pack 681 Planning Meeting tonight:

Thursday, Sept 6
Knecht Gym Conference Room
7pm

Agenda:
Introductions
Treasurer's Report
Walk through of plan for Back to Scouting Night
Plans for Fall Family Campout
October Fire Company Pack Meeting
Pack Cross Country Trail Hike Challenge
Calendar in Review
Leadership Review
Open Leadership Positions

The meeting is open to all parents. All commmittee members and den leaders should attend. Thanks for making the pack go!

Pack Calendar at Bottom of Blog

The current pack calendar is now displayed at the bottom of the blog. I will post any updates/changes that arise.

Aug 18 - Pack 681 Goes Golfing!

Who: Scouts and All Family Members Welcome
What: Pack 681 Mini Golf Outing
Where: Jefferson District Park and Golf Course
When: Saturday, August 18th
Schedule:
11:00 AM Family Picnic (quick and casual, bring your own food and drink)
12:00 PM Arrange Groups and Sign In
12:30 PM Mini Golf Game
2:00 PM End

Cost is:
$4.00 per scout or sibling child
$5.00 per adult

More information about the park and directions can be found at:
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/golf/jefferson/minigolf.htm

Picnic Fun

The Pack 681 Summer Picnic was great fun. Thanks to all who helped pull it off. If anyone has a good picture of the 'bean the Cubmaster with a water balloon" contest, please forward to me and I'll post it.

The next event will be on August 18. We had originally planned a bike rodeo, but we are lacking an organizer. If you can help organized an event on August 18, please let me know.

Reminder: Pack Summer Picnic

PACK 681 ANNUAL SUMMER PICNIC
SATURDAY JULY 28, 2007
11:00 AM TO 2:00 PM
CHERRY HILL PARK IN FALLS CHURCH

FOOD, GAMES & FUN !!
Pack 681 supplies hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, soda, plates & utensils
Scouts bring their favorite salad & dessert – potluck

Please call Martin Johnson (Leon's dad) (703) 534-0248 to let him know how you can help!!

The New Parktakes is Here!

Den & Patrol Leaders,

Yesterday, I received the new Parktakes magazine in the mail. Parktakes is the catalog for classes/events at Fairfax County parks and recreation centers. In it, there are some great scouting programs. Please take a moment to check it out (you can find a copy at most libraries and I believe it is on-line).

Here are some events that I can recommend:

For 2nd Year Webelos and 1st Year Boy Scouts: Orienteering at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park.

Weblos – Forester, Naturalist and Geology badge activities; Wildlife Conservation belt loop. For those scouts unable to attend Goshen, aquanaut badge is offered, too.

There are also activities for Wolves and Bears.

If you have interest, I advise registering soon, as activities fill up pretty quickly. There is a small fee that must be paid up-front, so I usually get a commitment from families first.

Story on Scout Headed to the 2007 World Scout Jamboree

I thought this was a great story:
http://www.newstimeslive.com/news/story.php?id=1059738&source=tabbox#tt

Pack 681 - Goshen

Pack 681 Visited Goshen last week. The reports indicate that fun was had by all.

Pack Summer Picnic

PACK 681 ANNUAL SUMMER PICNIC
SATURDAY JULY 28, 2007
11:00 AM TO 2:00 PM
CHERRY HILL PARK IN FALLS CHURCH

FOOD, GAMES & FUN !!
Pack 681 supplies hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, soda, plates & utensils
Scouts bring their favorite salad & dessert – potluck

Please call Martin Johnson (Leon's dad) (703) 534-0248 to let him know how you can help!!

Nice Article on Scouting

American Profile has an interesting article on Scouting. Please follow the link below:

http://www.americanprofile.com/article/22342.html

Draft 2007-2008 Calendar in Review

Leaders and committee members - I have distributed draft copies of next year's calendar based on our planning meeting for next year. Please review and let me know if there are any mistakes. Once the Rectory approves the dates, I will send out the final calendar for distribution.

Scout rescues boy from flaming bin

Deseret Morning News, Thursday, June 14, 2007 Scout rescues boy from flaming bin

Quick action by 11-year-old credited with saving boy's life By Pat ReavyDeseret Morning News
An 11-year-old Boy Scout is being called a hero after he pulled a small boy out of a burning Dumpster Tuesday, more than likely saving his life.

Scout Clayton Abrams, 11, stands by the Dumpster at his church where he pulled a 7-year-old boy from the flames Tuesday.Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret Morning News"Another minute or two and he would have been dead," said Scoutmaster Gordon Abrams, father of Scout Clayton Abrams. "I don't know how the kid survived."

Salt Lake County Sheriff's Lt. Paul Jaroscak concurred that the young boy in the Dumpster is alive today thanks to Clayton's quick action.
"For this Scout to run over there ... reaching in and grabbing him and pulling him to safety with flames coming out ... it's heroic," he said.
The incident began just before 8 p.m. Tuesday at a church near 1400 East and 4000 South. The door to a supply closet was left open and a 7-year-old boy, who was at the church while his brother was attending a Scout meeting, wandered off and found some matches.
The young boy, who has a fascination with matches to the point that his parents won't keep any in their house, began lighting some matches and burned small holes in the carpet, Gordon Abrams said. An adult walked into the room and saw what was happening, prompting the boy to jump out a window, scale a chain-link fence and run off, he said.
Damage to the church was estimated at only $180, Jaroscak said.
The people who saw the boy assumed he had run home. A few minutes later during the Abrams' Scout meeting, however, the Scouts opened a window to let fresh air in the room and started smelling smoke from outside.
That's when Clayton noticed out of the corner of his eye that smoke was coming from the Dumpster in back of the building.
"I just said, 'The Dumpster's on fire, the Dumpster's on fire,"' Clayton said.
Clayton ran outside with a few other Scouts while his father ran down the hall to call 911. It was while the young Scouts were outside, about 12 feet away from the Dumpster, that Clayton heard something he was not expecting.
"I hear this, 'Help, help, help me, somebody help me.' I thought, 'This can't be good,"' he said. "It scared me."
At that moment, Clayton, who ironically had just been working on the first-aid portion of his merit badge, said the adrenaline kicked in and he ran to the Dumpster without hesitating.
Flames were shooting 3 feet from the top, and thick black smoke was billowing out. The Dumpster had two lids — one was open and had fire shooting out, and the other was closed.
It was from the closed lid that Clayton heard faint cries for help. Despite flames coming out of the top and the fact that the metal Dumpster was very hot to the touch, Clayton said he lifted the lid with one hand and started to put his other hand inside.
"I reach in and something grabs my hand," he said. "He was red. He was screaming. It was really burning hot."
Partly from the adrenaline and partly because the child in the Dumpster was so small, Clayton was able to lift the boy out with one arm.
Clayton was not injured. Jaroscak said the 7-year-old boy suffered a first-degree burn on his arm but was otherwise unharmed. He did not suffer any smoke inhalation, he said.
Clayton credits his father for teaching him how to react to emergency situations and not be afraid. He noted that the Scouting program also taught him the danger of playing with matches. He said Wednesday he was just glad the young boy was OK.
"It felt good to save him. His brother is a really good friend of mine," he said. "I'm just glad he's not injured. It was really scary."

Campout A Big Success

What a great campout - great location, perfect weather, good food, awesome friends, good fishing, and a wonderful campfire program.

Thanks to all those who assisted with the campout - from organizing kickball, to overseeing kids at the waterfront and assisting with beltloops. You help make the pack go. Our next campout is tentatively scheduled for Oct 13-14. More details once final arrangements have been made.

I saw a lot of scout spirit this weekend - what a great way to finish out the scouting season.

Spring Family Campout - Lunga Park - New Site - Site 2

We have moved from site 3 to site 2, which is a better site for our group.

We are now at site 2. See you there!

Campout Contact Information

Lunga Park: 703.784.5270

Victor Bieniek: 703-855-8428 (cell)

Campout - A Few More Details

1. You will need an ID, such as a drivers license to enter the gate.
2. Each family will have to sign a waiver. See Bob Harding when you arrive.
3. Everyone over 16 needs a Virginia fishing license and a base license. You can get a five day Virginia Fishing license online and buy a five day base license for $2 at check in. Cub Scouts do not need a license.
4. Please bring a small amount of firewood, if you have some available. We'll need some for the campfire.
5. We have some fishing poles for those who do not own fishing poles. Please bring them if you've got them. Also, tackle and bait.

Planning Meeting This Week

What: Planning Meeting - All den leaders and committee members should attend
When: Thursday, June 7, 7:30pm - pls note different time from normal committee meetings
Where: Knecht Gym Conference Room, St. James

This meeting is open to all parents/guardians.

Spring Family Campout - Details

When: Saturday, June 9, 3pm to Sunday, June 10, 10 or 11am
Where: Lunga Park, USMC Base, Quantico, Virginia

Note: There will be a tongue-twister contest - scouts should practice a tongue-twister and be prepared to compete - winner will be determined by popular vote. As always, with skits, songs, etc., please exercise good taste in the selection of your tongue-twister.

Each den should also have a song and/or skit for the campfire program.

There will be a mandatory safety briefing. If you miss the briefing, please see Victor Bieniek or Bob Harding for a copy of the safety guidelines.

Approximate timeline:

Saturday
3pm to 5pm: Camp set up, Activities, Fishing (adults must accompany scouts)
5pm to 6pm: Dinner Prep
6pm to 7pm: Dinner
7pm to 7:30pm: Clean up
7:30pm to 8:00pm: Dutch Oven Demo and Scouts prep skits for Campfire Program
8pm to 9pm: Campfire Program
9pm: S'mores
9:30pm: Clean up and settle in
10:00pm: Lights out

Scouts need not wear scout uniforms, but should bring their uniforms (shirt & neckerchief) to wear for the campfire event.

Sunday:
Breakfast
Open fishing (adults must accompany scouts)
10-11am Break camp

Directions:

Take 95 South to Exit 148. Go west on Russell Road 6.5 miles to Lunga Park entrance sign. Turn right on J Edgar Hoover. Pull into the parking lot and check in at the office or General Store. I'm not sure if this is required of everyone or just the organizer - but be prepared to check in. You will have to pass through a security checkpoint at some point, so you can ask them if you need to stop at the office. We have group site 3 reserved. Proceed to Group Site 3. See the map at the address below:http://www.quantico.usmc-mccs.org/PDF/Lunga_Park_Directions.pdf

Note: Traffic regulations and speed limits on the base are strictly enforced.

Memorial Day Parade - A Great Day

What a great day. The crowds were out and so were the boys from Pack 681. We're so proud of the work they put into the float and their great scout spirit along the parade route.

I'd like to add that Bob Harding organized a great event again. Thanks Bob!

Memorial Day Parade - Gathering Location

Let's meet at staging area 30. The plan is for the Pack 681 Float to stage on Greenwich St, between West and Lincoln. Best thing is just to look for number 30 in the parade - that's us! We hope to see you there.

Upcoming Events

Thursday, May 24, 7:00pm Pack Meeting at Cherry Hill Park (see detailed posting below)

Sunday, May 27, 2pm, Scout House (128 S. Spring St), Construction of Pack 681 Float for Memorial Day Parade (see more info in post below)

Memorial Day, May 28, staging time and location TBD, March in the Falls Church Memorial Day Parade (see more info in post below)

Planning Meeting, June 7, 7:30pm, Conference Room next to St. James Knecht Gym. All leaders should attend and any parent wishing to have input into next season's program is welcome to attend.

June 9 -10, Spring Family Campout at Quantico (more information will be posted in the coming days)

Memorial Day Parade!

Pack 681 will construct a float and march in the Falls Church Memorial Day Parade on May 28.

We will meet at the Scout House (128 S Spring St) at 2pm on Sunday, May 27th to construct the float. Prepare to get a bit messy - no uniform required for float construction.

We will meet on Memorial Day, May 28th, at a time and staging location to be announced in a future email. Scouts should be in full uniform. Scouts should have a bottle of water.

District Dinner & Awards Honors Bob Harding

Bob Harding will be recognized for his outstanding contributions to Pack 681 at the George Mason District Dinner on May 18th, 2007.

The district will be recognizing Unit Leaders, other District Scouters, and our award winning OA members that have made significant contributions during the past year.

National Capital Area Council
George Mason District

ANNUAL DISTRICT DINNER


Come and celebrate another successful year of scouting.
Join us in honoring all those who have given generously of their time and talents
to help make their units and the George Mason District a huge success.

at
Vienna Presbyterian Church
124 Park Street
Vienna, VA.
on
May 18, 2007

6:30 p.m. gathering for fellowship
7:00 p.m. dinner (Chicken Kiev) followed by awards.

$22.00 per person
R.S.V.P. by Friday, May 12, 2007 to:

NCAC-BSA
9190 Rockville Pike
Bethesda, Md. 20814
Attn: George Mason District Dinner

*Vienna Presbyterian Church is located off of Rt. 123/Maple Ave. on Park St.*

May Pack Meeting - Cherry Hill Park

Last Pack Meeting of the Year!

Please join us for our last pack meeting for this season on Thursday, May 24, 7pm at Cherry Hill Park. We have the pavilion reserved.

At this meeting, the scouts will receive their final advancement and will “bridge” to the next level. Tiger Scouts will receive their Wolf neckerchiefs, Wolves will receive their Bear neckerchiefs, and Bears will receive their Webelo neckerchiefs.
Each den/patrol should prepare a skit or song. We hope to see everyone there!

Please note – this is a change in location from the initial calendar. We will meet at Cherry Hill Park. In case of inclement weather, please check this site for updates.

Pack Campfire This Weekend - 4/28

Please see the post below on this topic.

Summer Camps

Cub Scout summer programs are some of the most valuable that scouts will experience. This summer, scouts will have the opportunity to experience summer camp at three levels:

Please note: We need coordinators for Cub Scout Day Camp and Cub World! Without coordinators, we will not be able to participate in these programs. No previous experience is required! Please contact Victor Bieniek at victorbieniek@cox.net if you can help. Please also contact Victor if you are interested in signing up your scout for Day Camp or Cub World.

1. Cub Scout Day Camp Camp is in June 25-29 in McLean, July 9-13 at Fort Belvoir, or July 23—27 at Burke Lake Park; however, we must choose one location and attend as a Pack. Fees are $135 per scout.

Activities vary from camp to camp, but usually range from traditional Scouting games and achievement opportunities to archery and BB instruction, crafts, nature study, soccer, fishing, swimming, handicrafts, leatherwork, and camp skills. For more information on activities of a specific day camp, we’ll have to follow up with the coordinator for that camp. All of our Cub Scout Day Camps will have trained Camp Directors and Program Directors who are certified by BSA's National Camping School. Each pack MUST furnish one adult (Den Walker) for every five boys attending camp. We often do this by having each parent attend one day of the week. This is not considered to be a "staff member".

2. Cub World at Camp Snyder (Haymarket) Cub World includes tents, meals, program, staffing, and all support materials. Program includes swimming, boating, theme area programs, campfires, nature, sports, and more! Our theme is "Legends and Mysteries of Cub World". There are three-day and four-day programs offered this summer ($250/$325 for parent/leader and son). There is also a day camp the week of July 16-20 ($150). Lastly, there are parent/son weekends offered over the summer ($100 per parent/son pair).

3. Goshen – Bob Harding is coordinating Goshen is a week-long summer camp program for scouts who are currently Bears (3rd grade) or Webelos (4th grade). Goshen is a wonderful program – scouts that attend Goshen will get a jump ahead on Webelos achievements and also be much more prepared for Boy Scouts. For my older son and I, Goshen was on unforgettable experience – I highly recommend it. Bob Harding will be planning a “Goshen Promotion” event – please look for future emails from Bob on this topic.

For information on any of the above camps, please visit the council website: boyscouts-ncac.org

Pack Campfire / April Pack Meeting

Notice: Pack 681 Pack Campfire!
Where: Lacey Woods Park, 1200 N George Mason Dr, Arlington, VA 22205
When: Saturday, April 28
When: 5:30pm – 9:00pm

Details: We will start things out with a picnic in the pavilion area. The pack will provide burgers, dogs, buns, drinks, condiments, cups, plates, and utensils. All families should bring one side dish – salad, fruit, vegetable or desert. Right after the picnic, parents will sit around the campfire area and the scouts will proceed through the woods to the campfire area by den. The pack meeting will take place around the campfire with songs, skits, and advancement. Each den should prepare either a song or a skit. We will finish up with s’mores.

All families should bring one side dish. Please dress appropriately for the weather, bring a camp chair to sit in, and a flashlight for clean up and exiting.

Please contact Bob Harding for more details or if you would like to help at (703) 532-1159.

Earth Day 2007

Happy Earth Day - Apr 22!

Many local parks, the National Zoo, and the National Building Museum have Earth Day events tomorrow that are fun and teach our scouts the importance of protecting our environment. The weather is also expected to be fantastic. I hope you all enjoy Earth Day!

Spring Family Campout

New Venue!!!

Keep the “OUT” in SCOUTING: On June 9-10, Pack 681 will be camping out at Quantico - Group Site 3. More details to come soon.

Our annual Spring Family Campout. All family members are invited. Each scout must have at least one parent or guardian to attend. On Saturday, June 9, we will set up camp in the afternoon, have a few informal games and activities, cook and enjoy a nice meal (as dens or individually), and then settle in for a fun campfire program. We’ll follow up the campfire with s’mores.

On Sunday, after breakfast (as dens or individually), we’ll break camp.
This is a fun and educational event for the scouts - we hope you can all make it!

Falls Church Cleanup

The City of Falls Church is having its 19th Annual Spring Cleanup on Saturday, April 21, 2007 from 10:00am to 11:00am. Traditionally, Pack 681 Wolves have volunteered to be part of this event. Volunteers meet in front of the Community Center (223 Little Falls Street) at 10:00 and are issued orange vests and trash bags (volunteers should bring their own gloves) and then are sent out in teams to designated areas throughout the City to clean up litter. Because of their age, the Wolves will be sent to low-traffic areas for safety reasons, but a parent or other adult must nevertheless accompany them. At 11:00 the volunteers return to the Community Center, turn in their vests, get cleaned up, and then are invited to join in a "thank you" lunch held inside the Community Center. The lunch is free and has traditionally featured an abundance of delicious food donated by area restaurants.

Arrow of Light Pack Meeting

Please join us for the Arrow of Light Pack Meeting, Sunday, March 25 at 3pm in Heller Hall. The purpose of this meeting is to recognize our 2nd Year Webelo Scouts for their accomplishments. During this meeting they will bridge over to Boy Scouting. The meeting will include a special ceremony conducted by Boy Scout members of the Order of the Arrow - a Boy Scout service organization. We will also recognize outgoing Pack 681 leaders - Jeff Hamilton, Julie Cremin and Max Toch.

Space Derby Details

Space Derby
March 18
Heller Hall
See below for specific times

A few more Space Derby details:

This is the first year of Pack 681 holding a Space Derby! I will do mybest to have things run smoothly. I will need all parents to volunteer. There will be many activities while the Scouts are waiting to run theirspace ship. One of the activities is a Stomp Rocket and try to hit anasteroid. I only have 1 with 6 rockets. If you have one can you let meknow if you can bring it? Also if you have any space memorabilia, feelfree to bring it and display it to the Scouts.

We will be running an endurance race. What that means is we will windeach propeller up to a given number (e.g. 50) and see who goes thefurthest. I will have 4 winders on hand so I will need parents to helpout. Each Scout will run 3 times. Each Den will place 1st, 2nd & 3rd.

Scouts will register when they arrive. There is a registration fee of$2.00. Scouts can hold their kits or place them on a table. We willnot keep the kits after registration (like we do in the Pinewood Derby).There are no rules for the kits except one: You cannot use a propellantexcept the propeller to move the kit. You want to make the kit as lightas possible. One caution is to not make the body too thin. When therubber bands are wound up tight, it will torque the body and possiblytwist & break.

Please arrive 15 minutes before your race time to register andvolunteer.
Registration: Race:
Tigers - 3:00 3:15
Wolves - 3:45 4:00
Bears - 4:15 4:30
Web1 - 4:45 5:00
Web2 - 5:15 5:30
(times subject to change on race day!)

Thanks

Ed Digges

"Ed Digges" <ED@CPAS4YOU.COM>

Space Derby - Sunday, March 18, 3pm Heller Hall

What: Space Derby
When: Sunday, March 18, 3pm
Where: Heller Hall

Please contact Ed Digges if you did not receive your Space Derby kit. More details to come in the next few days.

Trout Fishing - March 17

Come join us at Bon Air Park for the annual " kids only" Trout Fishing! Kids 15 and under will have a chance to fish without having to compete with adults. Parents can assist little ones, but solo adult fishing is not permitted. Volunteers from Trout Unlimited will help you string your line or bait your hook! Report to the tent located near the rose garden for assistance. Bon Air Park 850 N. Lexington St., Arlington VA 22205 Saturday, March 17, 9am-1pm Kids 15 and under only FREE For more information contact Park Ranger Unit at 703-525-0168.

New Date for Blue and Gold Banquet: April 1

The Blue and Gold Banquet has been rescheduled for Sunday, April 1, 3-5 pm, in Heller Hall. We hope to see you there. As a reminder:

Please see below for the agenda and specific responsibilities:

Families should bring a dish to share as the Blue and Gold is a potluck dinner. Below are the assignments for dishes (by last name):
A - I Desserts and Breads
J - Q Side Dishes and Salads
R - Z Main Dishes

Set up: Set up begins at 2:00 p.m. Bear dens will be in charge of set up
Clean up: All attendees will assist with clean up

Program:
1) Opening Flag Ceremony (Weeblos 1)
2) Grace
3) Dinner and Individual Recognition of Adults
4) Award Ceremony - Pinewood Derby Awards
5) Cheers/Songs/Skits
6) Advancement
7) Closing Flag Ceremony (Weeblos 1)

Committee Meeting: Thursday, March 8, 7pm Thoreau Middle School

Committee Meeting Thursday, March 8, 7pm Thoreau Middle School

Please see the draft agenda below. Please let me know if you have anything to add to the agenda. Please consider sticking around after the meeting for the District Roundtable at 8pm

Draft Agenda:
Distribution of remaining Space Derby Kits
Treasurer's Report
Rescheduling of Blue and Gold
Advancement
Fishing Day
Space Derby
Arrow of Light Meeting
Summer Camp - Goshen, Cub World, Day Camp
Winding down the year
Training

Young Scout Retreat on March 10

Please see the below information on the "Young Scout Retreat (grades 1 - 5)" being held this weekend. This would be a great den activity, but I'm sure it's open to individuals, too. Contact information is below.

“Let Your Light Shine”
Through Games & Fun Activities Scouts Learn to Glorify Jesus in Their Daily Lives
When: Saturday, March 10, 2007
Where: Holy Spirit Catholic Church School, Annandale, VA Time: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM Cost: $10 in advance; $15 at the door; $ 5 leaders

Retreat includes lunch (pizza) – drinks – snacks – patch & lots more For information and registration details contact: Scott F. Douglass (703) 764-3473 sdpdtexans@verizon.net

See the link: http://www.os2bbs.com/page/youngretreat.htm

This is a reminder that the Mother/Son Game Night will take place this Saturday, March 3, at 7:30pm in Heller Hall. Come and join the fun! Bring a board game. We will have the popular Mother/Son pop quiz and bingo. There will also be some carnival games for the younger kids. Drinks, snacks, and dessert will be provided. Admission is $5 for the first mom and son and $3 for additional sons. See you there!

Dad's are needed to help with set up, operations, and clean up. There's a job for everyone, please join us.

Unfortunately, due to the severe weather today and our concern for keeping safety first, the Blue and Gold Banquet will be postponed. We will not hold the Blue and Gold Banquet today. We will send an email in the next few days with information about the new date and time for the banquet.

We hope everyone gets a chance to safely enjoy the snow today. It is beautiful out there.

Severe weather is predicted for Feb 25. Please look for an update on this site at around noon tomorrow as to whether we will go forward with the Blue and Gold Banquet.

Pack 681 2006/2007 Calendar – Updated Feb 24, 2007

February

25 Blue and Gold – Heller Hall (2pm Set-up Webelos 2) – 3:00pm (Mark Maleski)
(Space Derby Kits Distributed)

March

3 Mother/Son Game Night - Heller Hall – 7:30pm (Susan Keily)
8 Committee Meeting – Thoreau Middle School – 7:00pm (Committee Members)
8 Roundtable – Thoreau Middle School – 8:00pm (All Leaders)
17 Trout Fishing (Den or individual activity) (Irene Ott)
18 Space Derby – Cafeteria – 3:00pm (Ed Diggs)
25 Pack Meeting (Arrow of Light) – Heller Hall – 3:00pm (Web 2 Leaders)

April

TBD WELOT (Webelos Leaders)
12 Roundtable – Thoreau Middle School – 8pm (All Leaders)
19 Committee Meeting – St. James School Gym Mtg Room – 7:00pm (Committee Members)
21 Falls Church Clean-up (Wolves)
28 Pack Meeting/Campfire – Lacy Woods Park – 5:30pm – 9:00pm (Bob Harding)

May

10 Committee Meeting – Thoreau Middle School – 7:00pm (Committee Members)
10 Roundtable – Thoreau Middle School – 8:00pm (All Leaders)
12 Jamboree on the Trail (TBD)
24 Pack Meeting (last of season) – Jefferson Memorial – 7:00pm (Robert Kahr)
28 Memorial Day Parade (TBD)

June

7 Planning Meeting – St. James Gym Conf Room – 7:30pm (All Committee Members)
14 Roundtable – Thoreau Middle School – 8:00pm (All Leaders)
9-10 Spring Camp-Out – Burke Lake Park (TBD)

July

TBD Cub Scout Day Camp (TBD)
8-14 Goshen (TBD)
28 Pack Picnic – TBD (TBD)

August

18 Bike Rodeo (TBD)