Sunday, March 12 at 3pm, Fairview Park, Lafayette Pavilion
We need scouts to help out community retire flags that are old, worn, or otherwise ready to be retired from service. This is one way that Pack 843 helps out in the community! Please join us for the ceremony, during which we will honor and burn the flags being retired. All scouts and families are invited to join us for this important event!
Pack 843 Families,
We are getting excited about our upcoming Pack Family Campout at Raccoon Creek State Park. The campout will be held July 31 through August 2 at the Sioux Group B Camping site. (You can join us for one night or both.) This is a primitive camping site with vault toilets and water nearby. There is plenty of room for families to set up tents and for the Scouts to play. There are no showers on site, but there are shower facilities at the beach where we will spend time on Saturday and Sunday. There is no cost associated with this campout as the Pack is covering the costs of the campsite.
We are setting up a fun schedule of events which will include a 1.2 mile hike on the Mineral Springs Loop, star gazing, swimming, fishing, boating, a scavenger hunt, crafts, Dutch oven and campfire cooking, games and much more. We will work on some advancement requirements on this trip and you are encouraged to view the attachment which details some of this information.
We understand that this is a difficult time as we all experience the limitations that surround the COVID-19 virus. The prevailing thought is that camping is a minimal risk activity, on par with going to the grocery store, but less risky than going to the doctor or to an outdoor restaurant. We will be discussing with the Scouts the need for social distance and cleanliness. We will be requiring all Scouts and family members to have a mask available to use if the 6’ social distance cannot be maintained. Hand sanitizer will be available in multiple locations. Finally we plan to have the restrooms and water spout sanitized every 1-2 hours by a team of parent volunteers.
In order to mitigate concerns regarding COVID-19, all families will bring their own food and prepare their own meals, with the exception of the dinner on Saturday. We will have tin foil pockets for dinner that evening which adult leaders will assist the Scouts in preparing in a sanitary manner. If you would prefer to prepare your family’s own dinner meal on Saturday, please let Deb Whitewood know so that we don’t over purchase the food items.
We understand that some Scouts and their families would prefer to not camp overnight, yet would like to join us for the activities on Saturday. We suggest meeting us at the campsite on Saturday morning no later than 9:30 AM so that you can join us for the hike, or at noon for lunch (pack your own) and the lake activities in the afternoon. Please wear closed toed shoes and bring a water bottle and small backpack for this hike.
If you have any questions, please contact Deb Whitewood at whitewoodD@msn.com. If your family would like to camp, but does not have a tent or other equipment, please contact Deb Whitewood at the email address above. Deb has plenty of equipment to lend out.
A few notes:
(None of these forms need to be signed by a doctor.)
The phone number is (724) 899-4130. The address is 430 Raccoon Park Rd, Clinton, PA 15026.
If you have not already signed up to camp with us, please email Deekota Yadav at deekota.yadav@gmail.com or signup on the Pack website at http://pack843.org/sign-ups/.
We need an accurate head count in order to provide the dinner on Saturday. Also email Deekota if you would like to join us only for the Saturday activities. Let her know if you are coming at 9:30 AM or at noon, and if you are staying for dinner.
Sincerely,
Deb Whitewood & Deekota Yadav
The final Pack Meeting of the year will be the Spring Picnic on Sunday, May 20th. This will be held at Boys Home Park from 3 to 6 PM.
Activities will include advancement awards, crossover to the next rank, games and events.
The main course and drinks will be provided. All families are asked to bring one item as follows:
Please sign up using the Picnic Sign Up Page so that we can have an idea of how many people will be expected.
Questions email Deekota Yadav at deekota.yadav@gmail.com
Pack 843 will be marching in the Bridgeville Memorial Day parade on May 28, 2018. If you are interested in marching in this parade, please e-mail Rob Robitaille at rrobitaille@gmail.com so he will know how many kids will be there. (He buys candy for the kids to pass out during the parade and needs to know how much candy is needed). The pack will be meeting on Station Street by the American Legion Post at about 9:15am on the 28th.
The pack has participated in this parade for the past several years. The boys really enjoy it. If you are in town Memorial Day weekend, please try to take the time for your son to participate in the parade.
Any adult leaders are invited to participate as well. Uniform shirts are required for the adults and children for the parade.
If you have any questions regarding the parade email Rob Robitaille at rrobitaille@gmail.com
The Pack 843 Raingutter Regatta will be held during our April Pack Meeting, at 7:00 on Friday April 20th at the pavilion behind Zion Lutheran Church. It is outside so dress appropriately. All the boat kits for the Raingutter Regatta have been distributed to the den leaders. If you did not get a boat kit yet, you should contact your den leader.The rules are the same as last year, and are available on the “resources” page or directly from this link. In summary: Make the boat look like the one on the box — no box or cup sails are allowed. Decorate the boat the way you want, and we will have a vote for Best In Show. During the race, two boys will go head-to-head, using their own wind power to move their boat.
Cub and Webelos Scout Resident Camp is the ultimate Cub Scout camping experience! Scouts, the leaders, and parents/guardians stay overnight for three days at Laurel Highlands Council’s Cub Scout Resident Camp – Camp Independence at Heritage Reservation. Activities include many of the favorites from day camp like BB guns and archery and also include swimming, boating, campfires, climbing, and more. Webelos Scouts get to do even more!
At resident camps, Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts camp overnight. Every year, the resident camp has a different theme and different adventures. This year’s theme is Wild West!
CAMP INDEPENDENCE
Located at Heritage Reservation in Farmington, PA and opened in 1991, Camp Independence is the ultimate adventure for Cub Scouts, Webelos Scouts, and their families. From our incredible staff to the 270-acre Lake Courage, to Ft. Washington, the ship, or Webelos Discovery Area, Camp Independence has adventure around every turn.
This year resident camp for “CUBSCOUT SESSION” is June 17th through June 20rd (Sun through Wed)
This year resident camp for “WEBELOS SESSION” is June 20th though June 23rd (Wed through Sat).
Just look at it in regard to the kids’ current ranks or grades as of today.
The cost for camp is $215 for a kid and $120 for adult (early bird is $200 for a kid and $110 for an adult). So if both parents wanted to go with one kid, the early bird cost would be $420.
A few items that require your attention are listed below. The pre-camp process is going to be a little more burdensome than in years past because the council now has a much stricter clearance process for all adults attending camp.
Early bird payment is due in full by March 23, 2018. Give check/scout withdrawl form to Deekota.
Medical Forms (A and B pages only)
The medical forms that need to be completed for each adult and boy attending camp can be found at:
https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/healthsafety/pdf/680-001_ab.pdf
I will also need a copy of the front and back of the health insurance card for each adult and boy attending camp.
Please email copies of the completed forms (medical form parts A and B; front and back of insurance card; and supplemental form) for each adult and boy to Deekota Yadav ( deekota.yadav@gmail.com ).
I would like to have all completed forms back by May 1, 2018.
Background Clearances
Each adult attending camp needs to complete three background clearances this year. Fortunately, they are easy to obtain on line. As noted below, this process will only be burdensome if you have lived in PA for less than 10 years.
You need the following clearances:
1.State Police Record Check: You can use this link to obtain on line:
2.Child Abuse History Report. You can use this link to obtain on line:
https://www.compass.state.pa.us/cwis/public/home
3.Volunteer Verification. If you have lived in Pa for at least ten years, just complete the attached form. If you have lived in Pa for less than 10 years, you will need an FBI fingerprint check. You can use this link to obtain one:
https://www.pa.cogentid.com/index.htm(select the department of human services link)
Youth Protection Training
Each adult attending camp must complete the BSA Youth Protection Training. This can be done on line and takes about 30 minutes or less. The website is:
http://www.scouting.org/Training/Adult.aspx
You will have to create an account in order to complete the training. You can print out a certificate at the end of the training.
Please email copies of the completed forms (state police, abuse, volunteer verification and youth protection training) for each adult to Deekota Yadav (deekota.yadav@gmail.com)
I would like to have all completed forms back by May 1, 2018. If you are already an adult leader for the pack or another organization, you may already have these clearances. If so, I will need copies.
Mandatory Parents Meeting
We will be having a mandatory parents meeting before the trip. Deekota will be setting this up and letting us know. If you cannot attend the meeting, you will need to contact Deekota to go over a few issues prior to camp.
Pre-Camp Swim Test (for adults and cubscouts)
We are in the process of scheduling the test with South Fayette Middle school and will let you know as soon as we have confirmed a date.
A reminder for those who registered for the Blue and Gold Banquet that it is this Sunday, Feb. 26th at 3:00 at the Fairview Fire Dept. Sunset Room. Be sure to bring a cake to enter in the cake contest!
Cake contest details: Each Scout and an adult partner are challenged to bake and decorate a Scout themed cake. Some examples are camping, achievement activities, good deeds, etc. There will be ribbons for 1st, 2nd & 3rd place. The entire cake, including decorations, must be edible. No paper, toothpicks etc. Only the thing it sits on doesn’t have to be edible (but that can’t be part of the decoration). After the competition, the cakes will be served for desert so we would like as many participants as possible. Judging will be done by the visiting Scout Masters.
The deadline to make reservations for the Blue and Gold Banquet is almost here! Reservation forms and payment must be made by February 16th. That means you CAN drop them off at the front desk during the next den meeting (Feb. 15th), or mail them now.
The reservation form is on the bottom of this flyer.
More details from the original post:
On February 26th, all Pack 843 Cub Scouts and their immediate families are invited to attend our annual Blue and Gold Banquet, our yearly celebration of Cub Scouting! The event will begin with a buffet dinner, after which we will be recognizing the achievements and advancements within the Pack, as well as celebrating the Webelos II scouts crossing over into Boy Scouting. The event takes place Sunday February 26th from 3 to 6 PM at Fairview VFD Banquet Hall.
All boys are also invited to participate in the Cake Contest*.
Scouts must be in full uniform for this event.
Ticket prices are as follows:
$11.00 for adults and non-scouts 3 or older
$7.00 for Cub/Boy Scouts (of any Pack or Troop)
Pack 843 Webelos II scouts and children under 3 are FREE
To purchase tickets, complete the reservation form at the bottom of this flyer and include a check for the proper amount made payable to “Pack 843”. Then:
Turn it in at a pack event (den meeting)
OR return it by mail to: Jeff Morneweck | 109 Campbell Ave. | Cuddy, PA 15031
OR give it to your den leader to forward to Jeff
Flyers and scout account withdrawal forms will be available at the front desk during the den meeting on Wednesday.
* Cake contest details: Each Scout and an adult partner are challenged to bake and decorate a Scout themed cake. Some examples are camping, achievement activities, good deeds, etc. There will be ribbons for 1st, 2nd & 3rd place. The entire cake, including decorations, must be edible. No paper, toothpicks etc. Only the thing it sits on doesn’t have to be edible (but that can’t be part of the decoration). After the competition, the cakes will be served for desert so we would like as many participants as possible. Judging will be done by the visiting Scout Masters and dignitaries.
Pack 843 Pinewood Derby races are this Saturday, January 28rd at the Zion Lutheran Church. Times are set by den level:
Scout cars were required to go through the weigh-in last weekend to be eligible for the race. The full set of rules is available in the “Resources” section of the website. Scout should attend the race in uniform.
It’s going to be a busy week, so make sure you are ready!
Wednesday there are den meetings at the SF Elementary School.
Saturday (Jan 21st) is the Pinewood Derby Weight-In, at Zion Lutheran Church from 10 Am to Noon. All scouts who want to race on the 28th need to bring their cars to the Weigh-In!
At the the meeting or at the Weigh-In, we will be accepting Hoagie Orders. Saturday is the LAST date to turn them in! Remember you need two forms for hoagie sales: and Hoagie Summary Sheet. Please bring the full payment in one check made out to Pack 843.
At the meeting or the Weigh-In you can also turn in reservations for the Blue and Gold Banquet, being held February 26th at Fairview Firehall Sunset Room. All the information about the Blue and Gold is in this post.
Wolf Den 3 is continuing to collect food for the food bank as part of their Wolf Service Project. If you would like to contribute, you can bring non-perishable items to the Saturday Weigh-In.