Category Archives: Opportunity

Earth Day Service Project

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Join Pack 843 as we participate in Oakdale’s Earth Day Celebration by collecting
trash throughout the town. On April 22nd we will gather promptly at 9 AM at the
center of town to get gloves, vests and trash bags. Each Scout must have a parent
partner in order to participate in this event. After collecting trash for a couple of
hours, lunch will be provided at noon at the Oakdale Community Center.
Scouts will receive three hours of service time for volunteering at this event.
Please sign up by April15th to participate. Access the sign up
here: http://pack843.org/sign-ups/

If you need further information regarding this event, please contact Jon Spink at
jon.spink@gmail.com.

Volunteer Opportunities

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As a volunteer run organization, Pack 843 depends on our parents and guardians to help out in many areas throughout the year. Looking forward to the 2021-22 Scouting season, we have several key positions that need to be filled for the Pack to run efficiently.

These positions include:

* Popcorn Kernel
* Assistant Popcorn Kernel
* Resident Camp Coordinator
* Webmaster
* Summertime Activities Coordinator

Below you will find a brief description of each position and the approximate hours per month. I encourage each of you to read over the descriptions, and to consider if you could become a part of our Pack 843 Leadership Team by agreeing to take on one of these positions. We are lucky as we currently have experienced people in each of these positions who are willing to train and assist their successor.

If you would like more information, or are interested in taking on one of these volunteer positions, you can contact Deb Whitewood, Assistant Cubmaster, at whitewoodD@msn.com.

Popcorn Kernel
September through November
8 hours/month for inventory/reconciliation of spreadsheet
8 hours/month to count/deposit funds
8 hours/month of organizing/tracking/promoting show-and-sells

  • Plan and conduct show-and-sells and walk-about sales (includes marketing and calls)
  • Keep sign up sheet on Pack website up to date
  • Provide Scouts with the materials to perform their sales activities
  • Determine awards and market those awards to the Scouts
  • Provide sales training to the Scouts, typically in the form of a simple document and perhaps a skit at the Pack meeting that kicks off the fundraiser
  • If applicable, meet with the others in the district to find out when, where, how much, and what we get back.
  • Coordinate the product distribution to the Scouts, securing a drop-off/distribution point (typically the fire station)
  • Keep track of the sales, funds and prizes, as well as the history of those sales so that trends and long-term (multi-year) prizes can be tracked and awarded
  • Work with the Treasurer to ensure proper review, reconciliation and disposition of the collected funds
  • Place orders as necessary with the popcorn vendors
  • Store popcorn and keep accurate inventory/records (count money weekly, etc)
  • Delegate tasks as needed to Assistant Kernels

Assistant Popcorn Kernel
September through November
4 hours/month for inventory/reconciliation of spreadsheet
4 hours/month to count/deposit funds
4 hours/month of organizing/tracking/promoting show-and-sells

  • Assist Popcorn Kernel as needed
  • Help to keep track of inventory/records, show-and-sells, and cash flow
  • Help with set up/shut down of show-and-sells
  • Help with weekly money counts/deposits

Resident Camp Coordinator
5 hours per month (April/May/June)
1-2 hours per month (other months)

  • Learn how to get registered for camps through a simple but very time-sensitive process.
  • Identify and communicate the various camping opportunities available at the various rank levels, in line with the Pack culture as coordinated with Pack leadership
  • Contact the camping office (for the district), get camping slots, keep track of the deposits, and most importantly, keep the kids going to camp.
  • Get current camp’s information and maps
  • Assist and/or make recommendations in determining how transportation should be handled
  • Ensure that required paperwork is completed and returned to district/camps on a timely basis
  • Work with Treasurer and Committee to determine camping allowance awards and how to best apply those awards
  • Determine appropriate parent-to-scout ratio, based upon camp and Pack requirements and the rank level
  • Keep the OUTING in scOUTING!
  • Provide written information about camp to those attending, and/or call those signed up prior to camp.  This is to ensure that everyone is aware of the date and what to bring.
  • Handle questions from parents about the camp.
  • Collect health forms prior to leaving for camp. 

Webmaster
1 hour per month

  • Maintain a Pack website (Pack843.org) that also acts as a repository for pictures, program notes and other pack documentation.
  • Work with the Cubmaster, Committee Chair and Assistant Cubmaster(s) to ensure that the website reflects the Pack culture and history
  • Work with the other Pack leadership to ensure that the website meets their practical needs, and the pack’s general communication needs.

Summertime Activity Coordinator
1 hour per month (March, April & May for planning)
1 hour per month (June, July & August)

  • Set up three events for the summer (one each month)
  • Identify and communicate to the Pack the various outing opportunities available at the various rank levels in line with the Pack culture as coordinated with Pack Leadership
  • Work with Pack adults to have a Lead for each event
  • Assist and/or make recommendations in determining how transportation should be handled
  • Ensure that required paperwork is complete if necessary and returned on a timely basis
  • Keep the OUTING in scOUTING!
  • Provide written information about those attending, email/call those signed up prior to events. This is to ensure that everyone is aware of the date and what to bring.
  • Handle questions from parents about the events
  • Collect health forms prior to leaving for events if needed.
  • Act as point of contact to outside agencies when organizing events.






Family Opportunity: Pack Family Campout 7/31-8/2

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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.)

  • Please remember to bring all necessary medications to the campsite. Parents are responsible for securing medications safely and administering them to their Scout. Refrigeration of medications is available with Deb Whitewood, please contact her in advance. 
  • Alcohol is strictly forbidden at any BSA function. Secondly, alcoholic beverages are not allowed in PA State Parks. Please do not bring any alcoholic beverages on this campout.
  • Ice and fishing bait are available for purchase at the beach concession stand which is a short drive from the campsite.
  • Knives are optional. Scouts may only use knives or have them in their possession if they have achieved their Whittling Chip.
  • Adults who will be actively fishing are required to have a fishing license. Scouts do not need a license to fish. Deb Whitewood will have fishing gear available for Scouts who would like to try fishing. Fishing licenses can be obtained online at https://www.pa.wildlifelicense.com/start.php
  • It is strongly suggested to make advance reservations for kayaks/canoes if you plan on boating on Saturday (from 1:30-4PM) or Sunday (from 10AM-12:30PM).

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

Quick March Hoagie Run

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hoagies!We had a successful Hoagie sale in February with over $2000 going  directly into scout accounts.   Given that success, we will be doing another Hoagie sale with delivery at the March 15th den meeting.

Hoagies will again be $7.00. Use this sheet to record sales.

Orders can be dropped off at the Blue and Gold Banquet on February 26th and at the March 8th Den meeting.  Please submit ONLY the summary sheet with ONE check for the total.  This makes the accounting and order filling more manageable.

If you have any questions or need to get me the Hoagie orders outside of the two dates given, you can contact me at 412.56.3591.

Yours Truly,

Anu Gupta
Hoagie Honcho

I’m also looking for someone to take over this role for next year, so if you love Hoagies like I do, please let me know.

Hoagie Pickup Wednesday

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hoagie_clipartImportant!  Wednesday, 2/1/17 – Hoagies MUST to be picked up at the Den Meeting at Elementary School.  If you cannot be there to pick up your order you will need to find someone to pick up your order for you.  I do NOT have the space to keep your hoagies for you.

You may call me at 412-526-3591 or message me through scoutbook.  — Anu Gupta – Hoagie Honcho

Hoagie Sale!

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hoagies!We are kicking off the first Hoagie sales for 2017.  This fundraiser is designed exclusively for the Cub Scouts’ personal account.  For every hoagie sold, the Scout will earn $3.50.  This money will be deposited directly into their scout account.  These funds can be utilized for Day or Resident Camp, Pack Dues, or any other scout-related activities throughout the year.

This year we are getting our hoagies from Shop n Save in Heidelberg.   Everyone I talked to said these hoagies were REALLY good!  They are 12” hoagies.  We can offer a choice of Deluxe Italian, Ham, Roast Beef, or Turkey, at $7.00.  Each hoagie comes with lettuce, tomato and dressing packaged separately.  PLEASE ASK FOR MONEY AT THE TIME OF ORDERING.

Print these TWO forms for hoagie sales:   and Hoagie Summary Sheet. The order form is for taking orders and the Summary Sheet is the sheet to return with one check made payable to “Pack 843”.

Important Dates:

When can I start selling?  

  • TODAY!

When and where can I turn in my form and check?  

  • Tuesday, 1/17/17 – Committee Meeting at Zion Lutheran Church
  • Wednesday, 1/18/17 – Den Meeting at South Fayette Elementary School
  • Saturday 1/21/17 Pinewood Derby Weigh-ins at Zion Lutheran Church

Where and when do I pick up my order?

  • Wednesday, 2/1/17 – Hoagies MUST to be picked up at the Den Meeting at Elementary School.  If you cannot be there to pick up your order you will need to find someone to pick up your order for you.  I do NOT have the space to keep your hoagies for you.

You may call me at 412-526-3591 or message me through scoutbook.

Anu Gupta – Hoagie Honcho

Webelos Overnighter

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CampsiteAll  Webelos I and II are invited to
the Frontier District Webelos Overnighter!

Thursday, June 23rd at the Frontier District Day Camp

Activities Include:

  • Wave Pool visit (weather permitting) from 3:00-6:00 pm
  • Dinner will be provided. 6:00-7:00 p.m.
  • Special Guest will be performing 7:00 p.m.
  • Pitch tents, build campfires, sing songs, and have mountain pies as a treat.
    Breakfast on Friday 7:00 a.m.

Cost : $7.00 per person. (Wave Pool cost not included.)

Registrations are REQUIRED!!!  Register and pay on Wednesday of Day Camp at the headquarters.  No reservations accepted after close of Day Camp on Wednesday!

What to Bring: Tent, Sleeping Gear, Clothes for Friday, Swim gear, camp chair, snack and water bottle.
We could also use: Portable Fireplaces, Firewood, and Pie Irons

Grab your gear and Register Today!

Webelos do not have to attend Day Camp to participate in the overnighter.

Another Hoagie Sale

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hoagies!We are having another Hoagie Sale.  This fundraiser is designed exclusively for the Cub Scouts’ personal account.  For every hoagie sold, the Scout will earn $3.00.  This money will be deposited directly into their scout account.  These funds can be utilized for Day or Resident Camp, Pack Dues, or any other scout-related activities throughout the year.

This year we are getting our hoagies from Shop n Save in Heidelberg.   Everyone I talked to said these hoagies were REALLY good!  They are 12” hoagies.  We can offer a choice of Deluxe Italian, Ham, Roast Beef, or Turkey, at $6.50.  Each hoagie comes with lettuce, tomato and dressing packaged separately.  PLEASE ASK FOR MONEY AT THE TIME OF ORDERING. These are two forms you will need:  Order Form Sheet and Hoagie Summary Sheet. The order form is for taking orders and the Summary Sheet is the sheet to return with one check made payable to Pack 843.

Important Dates: 

When can I start selling?  TODAY!

When and where can I turn in my form and check?  

Wednesday, 4/6/16 – Orders and Money collected at Den Meeting at South Fayette Elementary School

Where and when do I pick up my order?

Wednesday, 4/20/16 – Hoagies MUST to be picked up at the Den Meeting at Elementary School.  If you cannot be there to pick up your order you will need to find someone to pick up your order for you.  I do NOT have the space to keep your hoagies for you.

Camperships Available

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Every year, Pack 843 sets aside money to help boys attend Resident Camp or Summer Camp with the Pack.

IF you have a boy who would like to attend camp, but you have been reluctant because of the financial concerns,
OR you have signed up for camp already, but are worried about meeting the financial burden,
THEN we would like to help.  Please send an email with the scout’s name and some information about your situation to:  campership@pack843.org.  Your name will be kept confidential.

See these individual posts for details about Resident Camp (registration due by March 15th) and Day Camp (registration due by April 30th).  We’d like to help make this a summer for your scout to remember!

Last Call for Hoagie Orders

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Your last chance to turn in hoagie orders is this Saturday, 1/30/2015 – Orders and Money collected 9 am – 11 am at Starbucks, off Bridgeville exit.

Remember to bring the correct payment, and a copy of the Turn-In Sheet.

Where and when do I pick up my order?

Wednesday, 2/3/2015 – Hoagies MUST to be picked up at the Den Meeting at Elementary School.  If you cannot be there to pick up your order you will need to find someone to pick up your order for you.  We do NOT have the space to keep your hoagies for you.

Questions can be directed to Karen at 412-780-9757.