Tonight we had an in-person court of honor and I got my Scout rank and 5 merit badges that I got online over the summer working with virtual merit badge counselors. We did a socially distanced mask wearing ceremony outside. We made s’mores at the fire ring and it started to rain so we went home. My mom and sister in 1158G took photos of me for this because I’m now 5 merit badge ahead of my sister and the same rank as her. Mom is calling this sibling rivalry… in a good way. I love having more merit badges than her.
In April, Pack 873 teamed up with the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District to educate our neighbors about water runoff and the local watershed. As part of our Conservation Good Turn project we provided educational material to hundreds of households in the Canterbury Woods, Long Branch, Red Fox Forest, Oak Hill, Willow Woods, and Stone Haven communities. So far we have labeled almost 300 sewer drains with “No Dumping” markers. In July we participated in Trash The Trash Day and in August we hosted another day of drain labeling and trash pick-up in local parks. These two events generated about 6 large trash bags of garbage from our local watershed. Additionally, we turned both of these events into food drives for local food pantries, filling two minivans with food.
To start our last week of Cub-A-Day fun – We are going to get in touch with our artistic side again.
Draw or paint a picture, make a PowerPoint type slide, or create some other project that highlights your favorite part of the summer. Once it’s dry or ready – Take a photo and post it for everyone to see and then keep it safe in your memory box from Week 1.
Webelos can work on Art Explosion Requirement 3 with this project.
TUESDAY
It’s Taste Something Tuesday! Hydration is key for everyone, especially Cubs Scouts on the go!
Water is the best way to be hydrated, but have you tried infusing water with different fruits? Try it out with your favorite berry or citrus fruit. How does it taste? You can also use melons or cucumbers for a different flavor.
It’s Wander Around Wednesday!
If you haven’t yet – Ask a family member to download the “iNaturalist” app and then take a hike and “capture” 5 plants and/or animals you’re not familiar with.
Share with your den and/or pack about the new species you learned about.
If you are unable to download the app, take photos of the species and research online to identify them.
THURSDAY
It’s Do Something Thoughtful Thursday!
Leave a note here and tell our program staff what your FAVORITE Cub-A-Day activity was. Make sure you put your best memories into your memory box!
FRIDAY
It’s Family Fun Friday!
Watch a movie as a family. School gets going again soon, so get the last few bits of summer fun while you can!
SATURDAY
It’s Safety Saturday! Each rank has different requirements for the Emergency Preparedness Award – Take a look at which requirements your family has completed, and what you have left to do.
Finish up any outstanding items and submit them to your den leader – You’ll be better ready for any emergencies that arise, and you can earn a cool pin to show off your new skills.
At the start of the COVID-19 shut down, Cub Scout Pack 42 started a program using 3D printers owned by a handful of our Scout families to print ear relief bands and face shields for health care workers. This fall, we have shifted gears and are now printing a combination of these items for local teachers who are returning to in person educating at the start of this school year for at risk students. Our Pack has raised funds for this project and through the generosity of our families we have been able to fully fund printing efforts. To date we have provided 670 items to health care workers and are working towards a minimum of 300 face shields and 300 ear relief bands for teachers.
Theaters are an important art venue and provide all sorts of entertainment.
This week we are going to make hand puppets – You can use a sock, a paper lunch bag, paint, markers, or any other materials you’d like (and the adults in your house approve) to design a puppet for your hand.
PS – You’ll need it later this week!
TUESDAY
It’s Taste Something Tuesday! Fruits and vegetables are important for a balanced diet. Dietitians agree the more color you have on your plate, the healthier the meal.
So today, put together a colorful lunch, using at least one “new to you” fruit or vegetable. Post a photo of what you try and how it was!
WEDNESDAY
It’s Wander Around Wednesday!
Pick a town, county, or state park you have not been to. Plan and take a hike/walk at that park. Don’t forget your Cub Scout hiking essentials!!
THURSDAY
It’s Do Something Thoughtful Thursday!
Take some time and listen to a new style of music.
Did you enjoy it? How did it make you feel?
Write down your thoughts and feelings and share this new music with your family, den, or pack.
Webelos – If you can find a live music broadcast, or a recording, you can satisfy Maestro Requirement 1(a).
FRIDAY
It’s Family Fun Friday!
Put on a puppet show with your sock puppets from Monday. Share it with your den or extended family on Zoom or in person, if your unit is meeting together.
This can fulfill Tiger Theater Requirements 1 & 3, and Wolves Howling at the Moon Requirement 2.
SATURDAY
It’s Safety Saturday!
Talk with your family about what to do during severe weather in your area – We see thunderstorms with heavy rain, hail, and high winds during the summer and can get heavy snow and ice during the winter.What other types of serious weather can we get in the National Capital Area Council?
The Leave No Trace Trainer course teaches Scouts and Scouters the 7 principles of Leave No Trace (LNT) at more than a basic level. This next step on learning outdoor ethics gives each of its participants and teachers a new and refreshing view that goes more in depth than the simpler, half day session that is available on a high adventure trip. The class helps its students better understand why LNT is important, how they can implement its teachings, and how to pass on the knowledge that they have learned to their home Units, Crews, Ships, and communities.
The course is traditionally taught in an outdoor environment, over the course of a weekend. However, due to restrictions with the current COVID-19 pandemic, a different approach was offered: an online Trainer course. The course was completed over the course of a week, from the homes of the participants and instructors over Zoom calls. This way, each of the participants could safely learn the material and still be trained in a timely manner.
While the experience lacked the luster of an outdoor setting, I still enjoyed the course. The spread of the information over several days allowed the messages to really sink in with me, and with the reduced group size I felt a close connection to both my fellow participants and the instructors that taught us. With this class I was able to broaden and strengthen my knowledge of LNT and its importance for protecting the natural environment.
LNT is an important part of Scouting that can be easily overlooked or forgotten. Learning to take care of the environment, for both ourselves and those who come after us, helps preserve the beauty and experiences people seek in the outdoors. With the new information acquired from this class, I am confident in bringing the material to my unit as an older Scout, to my OA Chapter as the Camping Promotions Chairman, and to everyone that I continue to meet in the future as a Leave No Trace Trainer. I continue to aim to protect the outdoors and improve the enjoyment of people- Scouts, Scouters, and the general public- while in nature.
Tonight we had an in-person court of honor and I got my Scout rank and 5 merit badges that I got online over the summer working with virtual merit badge counselors. We did a socially distanced mask wearing ceremony outside. We made s’mores at the fire ring and it started to rain so we went home. My mom and sister in 1158G took photos of me for this because I’m now 5 merit badge ahead of my sister and the same rank as her. Mom is calling this sibling rivalry… in a good way. I love having more merit badges than her.
