We had a wet but wonderful Pack Family Campout at the end of July with twelve families camping at Raccoon Creek State Park Sioux Group Camping Area. The Scouts enjoyed learning how to build their tents, cooking their own meals, hiking to the Mineral Springs, kayaking and swimming at the lake, and playing games with each other.
Despite the limitations presented by the COVID-19 virus, the Scouts and their families enjoyed some safe socialization and relaxing time in nature. Feedback from this trip was so positive that we are planning another Pack Family Campout in mid-September.
Let me start by saying a HUGE THANK YOU to Mike Guerra for being the Cubmaster for Pack 843 during these last 5 months. We wish him and his family all the best as they move back to Texas. We will miss you!
However, that means that we need YOUto step up and help our Pack move forward. We cannot have a Pack without someone on the roster as Cubmaster and at least one (if not 2) Assistant Cubmasters. This is a MUST for this Pack to continue.
It is also Popcorn time. We still need 1 – 2 parents to run the popcorn fundraiser this year. Popcorn sales will be very different this year and without someone to volunteer as popcorn kernel, we will only be having scout online sales. Popcorn Kernel training is available now. Popcorn order for show-n-sell has to be in by the first week of August.
Recap: The Pack needs the following positions filled by August 15th:
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.
(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.
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.
We are looking forward to meeting Saturday, June 27th at Boys Home Park to recognize the scouts with their awards and advancements earned this past year! In order comply with the latest Covid-19 guidance, we are breaking the celebration into three separate events. Lions/Tigers/Bears/Webelos:10-11 and Wolves 11:15-12:30. We are asking everyone to sign-up by going to signups or following this link so we can plan accordingly: http://pack843.org/sign-ups/?sheet_id=159 . Each scout is allowed at least 2 guests (not including the scout), we will accommodate additional guests based on sign-ups.
The plan is to hand out awards, have a snack, and an outdoor activity we can do while socially distanced. If your family would prefer to attend virtually or if your scout requires a gluten free snack option, please let your den leader know. It has been a difficult year for everyone and I would like to thank you for your patience with us while we worked through it together. I will follow-up later with some activities we would like to organize this summer – so stay tuned!
Reminder that our first Virtual Pack meeting is this Wednesday at 6:30pm! We will start with opening and announcements before the Wild World of Animals introduces us to some of their animal friends. You should have received zoom meeting information in your email already. If you have not received it please contact your den leader or myself for further information.
Also, congrats to Arjun Yadav for placing first among Bears and second overall in the District Pinewood Derby. We also want to congratulate Vedha Gandhi and Andrew Pittman for placing among their respective ranks. Great job to everyone that participated, you made Pack 843 proud!
Our next pack meeting will be next Wednesday, May 20th at 6:30 pm. It will be a virtual Zoom meeting that will include a presentation by Wild World of Animals. They will be introducing us to several different animals followed by a Q&A session. The meeting information will be distributed next week via a Scoutbook email. If you do not receive emails from Scoutbook then please let your den leader know.
Also our June pack meeting will be Saturday, June 27th. Further details will be forthcoming but the plan is for advancements to be awarded during this meeting so please plan to attend!
Finally, we are looking for volunteers to serve in the pack leadership. If you want more information, please reply to this email or your den leader. There are different roles that can adjust to your availability and interests.
I hope this finds you and your family well all things considered. As we continue to navigate the current Covid-19 restrictions, it is our first priority to assist scouting families when possible. If there is a need such as grocery donations or outdoor chores please let us know and we will do our best to address them.
There will be no further den meetings at the school until it is reopened in the fall, so stay tuned to messages from den leaders about alternative activities at the den level. There will be some sort of pack activity this month, the specifics will be communicated within the next week.
Finally, Scouts should strive to help others at all times. We encourage all families that are able to participate in the #GivingTuesdayNow campaign to support the causes of your choice. Should you elect to donate to our regional governing body of scouting, Laurel Highlands Council, they can be made at the following link: https://app.mobilecause.com/form/hAGC5g?vid=7z07o They are maintaining campsites and supporting the pack leadership with ideas & training.
The early bird registration deadline for both Resident Camp & Day Camp have been extended to Wednesday, April 15th. The scouts really enjoy the activities each camp offers so I would ask parents to seriously consider attending one of them.
Below is information related to Day Camp. On March 13th I sent a similar email with Resident Camp information. If you have questions please contact Deekota Yadav deekota.yadav@gmail.com or Jon Sperry hughnin@gmail.com for Resident Camp or Susan Lewandowski (slewando00@gmail.com) for Day Camp. Any adults planning to attend must complete background checks and take Youth Protection training. This does take time, so if your scout has a desire to attend either one I would encourage you to start that process soon.
Day Camp 2020
Is your scout exited to go to camp, but is not ready for or cannot make it to the Resident Camp?
Then maybe Day Camp is for them!- Come Join us! June 24 th , June 25 th and June 26 th at Settler’s Cabin From 8am- 4pm
EST. Below is the announcement for this year’s camp.
https://www.lhcscouting.org/daycamp or https://scoutingevent.com/527-2020DayCamp#
Day Camp 2020- SPACE EXPLORATION
The Laurel Highlands Council is proud to announce it’s day camp time:
Cub Scout Day Camp is three days of exciting fun, exciting program activities and adventure at a location close to
home with no overnight stay. Day Camp is an introductory outdoor program for Tigers, Cub Scouts, and Webelos
with little camping experience. Programs are run by highly trained volunteers and are inspected and accredited
annually by the Laurel Highlands Council.
Our 2020 summer theme, Space Exploration, will run throughout the daily program of challenge, adventure,
creativity, and learning. Both daytime and evening “twilight” camp opportunities are available. Scouts, families, dens,
and packs can attend any camp that fits their schedule provided they have the required adult leadership. They are
also welcome to attend more than one-day camp as each one is a little different.
2020 Costs Paid in full by 4/1/2020 Paid in full by 5/1/2020 Paid in full
5/2/2020 or after
Scout $65 $75 $90
Sibling $55 $55 $55
Adult $15 $15 $15
In order to avoid late fees, unit payments must be received at one of the council service centers by the
payment dates listed above.
All Scouts, Siblings (participating and non-participating), and Adults will need to complete medical forms A&B. This
form can be found to the right in the attachments section.
Your camp T-Shirt will be your ticket. All adults, Scouts, and participants are expected to wear their shirts daily. All
registrations include one t-shirt but extra shirts may be purchased for $10.
Please consult your local day camp leader’s guides for additional information.
Trading posts will be open at all camps to purchase fun items and scout materials.
All adults will also need to present proof of completion of BSA youth protection training as well as their PA
state police, childline and either the PA affidavit for those who have lived in the state for more than 10 years
or the FBI clearance for those who have lived out of state.
The parents are asked to stay with the child- if you cannot but the scout wants to go, let me know depending on how
many scouts there are, we may be able to work something out between the different parents.
Please let me know if you have any questions or if you have registered already! I am excited to participate in this.
Susan Lewandowski- slewando00@gmail.com
Early Bird Price is due April 1st no later – See letter below for all camp information, camp forms and camp prices. Please contact Deekota Yadav deekota.yadav@gmail.com or Jon Sperry hughnin@gmail.com if you have any questions (after you read the information below).
Camp Information:
Deekota Yadav and Jon Sperry, your camp coordinators, are preparing for pack camp this summer. We encourage you and your scout to attend, as it’s very enriching for the scout. Research has shown that scouts who participate in camp tend to stay in scouts. We have attended the last 2 years and our son keeps asking when we are going back. Please read over the below info and let’s all start preparing for summer camp!!
Camp Address:
2690 Dinner Bell Five Forks Rd., Farmington, PA 15437
CUB AND WEBELOS SCOUT PACK CAMP 2020
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, archery, swimming, fishing, boating, campfires, climbing, and more. Webelos Scouts get to do even more! Reminder that your scout will advance to the next rank in MAY (prior to camp). The Webelos level for camping will be an option for any scout that is currently a Bear or a Webelos.
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.
**DATES**
Pack Camp – Perfect for families with multiple Scouts, Pack Camp provides a program for all age groups in the pack at the same time. Age groups will be divided up to receive age-specific programs and activities while at camp. Our session include an option for Webelos and Arrow of Light Scouts to come a day early July 30th for extra Webelos focus programs such as a hike to one of Heritage Reservation’s two Scouts BSA resident camps – Camp Liberty or Camp Freedom.
* 2020 Pack Camp 4- July 31-Aug 3 (Fri.-Mon.)*
* Session includes the option for Webelos to arrive on Thursday July 30th for an extra day of Webelos specific programs. Adults attending for the extra day will have to fully register with the BSA because the session is longer than 72-hours. In the past, the extra day has included BMX biking, and extra time wall climbing, shooting pellet guns, boating and fishing.
**COST**
3 Day Camp Friday-Sunday
Cub Scouts/Webelos – July 30-Aug 3
Cub Scout – early bird special pricing paid on or before April 1st, 2020 $289
Cub Scout – April 2-June 1 2019 $309
Late payments received after June 2nd – $329
4 Day Camp Thursday-Sunday (Option available for Webelos only)
Webelos w/extra night arriving Thursday July 30
Webelos – July 30-Aug 3
Webelos – early bird pricing paid on or before April 1, 2020 $392
The price of camp includes Scout with 1 adult, all meals and camp learning materials. They have tents on platforms but as we have in the past most campers bring their own tents. More than one parent may attend resident camp for an additional cost but both parents MUST have paperwork and clearances complete prior to camp date. If both parents want to attend the fee for an extra adult is as follows:
Cub Scout 3night camp – July 31-August 3
Early bird price before April 1st – $98
Regular price after April 1st thru June 1st- $108
Webelos 4night camp- July 30-August 3
Early Bird price before April 1st- $133
Regular price after April 1st thru June 1st- $143
You may use your scout account to pay the full or partial cost of camp. I will attach Scout account forms that need to be completed given to your Den leader, Deekota Yadav or Jon Sperry no later than April 1st if you want to take advantage of the early bird pricing. I have attached the scout account withdrawal form.
We understand the cost of the camp may make it difficult to attend for some families. There are several options if you need help with the cost of camp. Option 1: If you need financial assistance to attend resident Summer Camp, Laurel Highlands Council has Camperships available, Learn More – Please do not delay – LCH Campership Applications are due March 1, 2020. Option 2: If you applied to Option 1 and participated in selling popcorn and Hoagies and still need a little help, our Pack has some funds available. Please talk to Karen Billingham for more information on funds available for summer camp. This is the LCH campership application https://scoutingevent.com/attachment/BSA527/document_15135581560_3640.pdf
At camp we adults are not allowed in the kids bathrooms/showers and the kids are not allowed in the adult bathroom/showers for any reason and will result in being asked to leave. Also, as with ALL Scout functions, absolutely no alcohol is allowed at any time. You and your scout will be required to leave if you have any alcohol at camp. This year I am told there will be some private bathrooms/showers available and those bathrooms can be occupied by the scout and their parent.
***Each adult attending camp with their scout will need to complete the following clearances and forms:
Background Clearances
Each adult attending camp needs to complete three background clearances this year. Fortunately, they are easy to obtain online. 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:
https://epatch.state.pa.us/
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, you can use this PDF file: Volunteer verification form for adult attending camp requires notarizing:
I will also need a copy of the front and back of the health insurance card for each adult(s) and scout attending camp.
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
** Disclaimer***-I do NOT have a printer you will need to print all the required paperwork and submit them to me no later than June 2nd, 2020. You can mail or drop off all required clearances, certificates, medical forms to my address at 2003 Berkley Ridge Drive, McDonald, PA 15057 or you can bring them to any Scout Den meeting or Pack meeting and give them to Karen.
Pre-Camp Swim Test (for adults and cub scouts) –Our mandatory yearly swim test will be at the South Fayette Middle School Pool one evening in May the cost is $5 per person. For both adult and child to participate in aquatic activities at camp you must take the swim test to determine your swim level at camp. If you can’t attend the swim test before we leave then you will have to complete it at camp in the lake on our first day (trust me, it is easier to take the test in the pool).
The test for advanced swimmer level is:
3 lengths of the pool using any swim stroke on your stomach or side (without touching the sides of the pool)
1 length of the pool on your back
5 minutes treading water
The test for beginner swimmer level is:
1 length of the pool (without touching the sides of the pool)
3 minutes treading water
Mandatory Parents Meeting
We will be having a mandatory parents meeting on Monday May 11, 2020 at 6:30pm-7:30pm at the South Fayette elementary school library. If you can’t attend please let me know.
Below is the latest information, we will continue to communicate updates as we receive them.
Because the school has cancelled after-school activities through mid April, any den meetings that were to occur at the school are also cancelled. Your den leader may communicate opportunities to meet outside of the school, but that decision is up to each den leader individually.
The March pack meeting planned for the ice rink has been postponed. We hope to reschedule for the summer and will follow-up once a date is determined.
As of today, the deadline for applications and payment to Resident Camp and Day Camp are still due by April 1 to get the cheapest rate. These are two of the biggest opportunities that scouts offers and I would ask parents to consider attending. Additional information on each of these opportunities will be communicated in separate emails today and tomorrow.
Any concerns or additional questions please feel free to reach out to me at guerraemail11@gmail.com. Thank you, Michael Guerra
