Another great Pack 618 event last night.

I thought everyone had an awesome time playing kickball and dancing. We sent a very nice warm welcome to our new Scouts and their families and showed them this is how Pack 618 rolls!

Thank you to everyone who helped to make it a huge success. This is what makes Pack 618 so special to be a part of as everyone just dives in to help out.

However, I can't stop thinking about Brett in that pink underwear (I just threw up in my mouth). I can't wait to see that picture on the Pack 618 website.

Finally, special thanks to Amanda Cramer (aka. French Fry) who made the night one for the memory books.

Thanks.

Rich...

Hello Pack 618,

For Tiger, Wolf and Bear scouts (but NOT Webelos!) who are interested in science, technology, engineering or math (STEM), our District is sponsoring a special activity on September 27 from 1-4 pm.   Courses will be taught by Boy Scouts who are currently attending the CREST academy.  There is a $10 fee, and the link for registration and more information is here.

This is a district event, so it is entirely optional, but boys who do attend will earn a belt loop of their choosing and the first portion of the NOVA award.

I've been asked to help with the music belt loop so I'll be attending on the 27th, but I don't know much more about the event at this time.   Please address any questions todtcweberg@aol.com.

Thanks,

--brett

If you have not yet registered your meal preference for tomorrow's kickball meeting, please do so now. You can do so by clicking here.

Pack meeting starts with flags at 6 pm.   Webelos can eat dinner and play minigolf during the Tiger/Wolf/Bear game.  Tigers/wolves/bears can eat before the meeting or after their game.  

Tigers, Wolves and Webelos1 wear yellow pack shirts, Bears and Phoenix wear white shirts so we can tell the teams apart.  New scouts will receive their shirts at the meeting, and we will have additional shirts (including adult sizes) for sale.

Everybody plays (even parents!), so be sure to wear comfortable clothing and shoes.

Casey's Sportsworld is on the southwest corner of 40th Street and Union Hills.  Here's a map.

See you all tomorrow!

Hey Den Leaders,

If you have any scouts who are new to our pack, please let Rich, Scott or Brett know so we can have t-shirts ready for them at kickball.

Also, please be sure that new scouts are receiving emails from Brett.  We had a lot of folks contact us once and then disappear this year, so I'm not sure who has actually showed up and who hasn't, and it's possible that his list is incomplete.

Thanks,

Hello Pack 618,

Reminder that our September Pack Meeting and kickball tournament is this Friday, September 12, at Casey's Sports World near Union Hills and 40th Street.  There is more information on our website.

If you plan to eat dinner at the meeting, please sign up for a hot dog or pizza meal so we can get an accurate count for food.  Both meals come with chips and a drink for $5. Please select your meal preference here.

Dress code:  

* Tigers, Wolves and Webelos I wear yellow pack shirts (Tigers and new scouts will receive their new shirts that night)

* Bears and Webelos II wear white t-shirts of some sort (so we can tell the teams apart).   

* Remember to wear appropriate footwear! (Parents too

Hey everyone,

Our district is sponsoring Basic Adult Leader Outdoor (BALOO) training on September 27th.   If you want to camp as a den, at least one person attending must have completed this class.

See more information below.

Greetings Cub Leaders,

We are excited to announce that we will be holding a Four Peaks District BALOO Training coming up on Saturday Sept. 27^th at the LDS Larkspur Building in Scottsdale.

Please remember, in order to go camping, at least one leader must be in attendance with being BALOO Trained.

Please see the link below.

http://www.grandcanyonbsa.org/event/1602865

Steve

Steve Pomerantz  |  Four Peaks Sr. District Executive
BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICAGrand Canyon Council

2969 North Greenfield Road
Phoenix, AZ   85016-7715

Hey Den Leaders,

If you have any new scouts that were not with our pack last year, we need to be sure that we have signed registration forms.  Several have sent them, but several have not, and we suspect many of you have new den members that we haven't heard from.

The form is attached.  Please have a parent sign and email back to Brett Carlson (brett.carlson@gmail.com).  We do not need the original.

Scouts who were with our pack last year do NOT need to re-register

Den Leaders, 

Signup for Baden Powell University (formerly Pow Wow) on November 15 is now open.   See additional information about courses and registration in the link below.

This is a great opportunity to sharpen your scout leader skills.  You will get tons of ideas for games, skits, outings, advancement, etc etc etc.   

And it's required if you want to earn your leader knot.

I'm sure we'll have a group that will carpool.   It's always a fun experience, and you'll learn a lot as well.

Greetings! Are you a brand new leader who needs help with the basics? An experienced Scouter who wants to hone specific skills?  Baden-Powell University is Grand Canyon Council's premier Scout leader supplemental training. It is a day of classes for Cub Scout to Venturing leaders. There are many specialized classes for every individual Scouting position, even committees. Baden-Powell University combines the best of Pow Wow and University of Scouting into one exciting event located at Gilbert High School. Register online at http://www.grandcanyonbsa.org/event/1587415. Every class is open to any participant, so this is a wonderful opportunity to increase your knowledge on any Scouting topic. We look forward to seeing you there, on November 15th! Every boy deserves a trained leader and every leader deserves training opportunities like this! Baden-Powell University Staff

                                                 ATTENTION NEW SCOUTS

The new Cub Scout Overnighter is open for registration.  This is a great introduction to Scouts for all new scouts, families and leaders.  Please follow the link below for more details

http://www.grandcanyonbsa.org/event/1556568

Here's the map for R-C

Hello Family Campers!   I know this is long, but it has a lot of important information so please read.  Let me know if you have any questions at all.  You can call or text me at 480.241.8219 if you need to reach me en route.

Directions:  Camp R-C is just over two hours away on Highway 260 east of Payson, near mile marker 271.5.   It's about 2 miles past Camp Tontozona on the right hand side of the road.  Last time I was there, construction forced all traffic into the westbound lane just before the turn.  It's pretty well marked even during construction, so just watch for the signs.  The camp is on the south (right hand) side of the road.   Proceed down the gravel road to sites 7 & 8, as noted below, and check in as soon as you arrive.  If you get to the "Christopher Creek Loop" turnoff, you went too far.  See the attached map for more information. Watch out for photo radar as you pass through Star Valley unless you want to spend a Saturday in traffic school.

You can arrive any time after noon on Friday.  I plan to pull my boys from school at lunchtime, which will put us into camp around 2 pm. Lots of you are arriving later on Friday, or on Saturday.  We are technically supposed to be out of camp by noon on Sunday but Ranger Larry usually lets people stay later if they want to.

Weather:  Right now the forecast for Kohl's Ranch (just a few miles away) is for highs around 90, lows around 60 and a good chance of thunderstorms.  Plan for the weather, and for the mud that will inevitably follow a good storm (i.e., shoes that can get muddy, tarp or mat for outside the tent, extra garbage bags to keep bedding dry, towels, etc.).  If you are unsure of what to pack, please don't hesitate to email me!

Campsites:  Our pack will be in the Cougar (#7) and Javelina (#8) sites, which are adjoining and are very close to the creek.  Many of us camped there in June and I think it's the best location in the camp.  If those sites are filling up, you can use the Arts and Crafts area or the Bear (#9) site as overflow.   We have a large group of Boy Scouts from Troop 616 joining us on Saturday, they will be camping in the Lion (#10) site.  See the attached map.

Camp terrain is rugged, and we will be camping at the bottom of a hill near the creek.   Please bring appropriate footwear for you and your son, and get ready to do some cardio!

It is likely that there will be bugs.   Please bring repellent.

Geocache:  ***We are creating a pack geocache on Saturday's hike, so every boy should bring a small trinket to place in the cache.   Items should be small and not be food or candy so they don't attract critters.  Good items in the past have included coins (especially foreign or unusual coins), small toys (dominoes, dice, Pokemon cards, etc.) or other items of interest to young boys. 

Uniforms are not required for this trip.  If you have a yellow Class B shirt, please wear it on Saturday.  If you don't have your yellow pack shirt yet, just wear yellow/gold (Go Devils!) or any other bright color.  Brightly colored clothing is highly recommended for the entire trip so you can see the boys in the forest!

Fire restrictions in the national forest have been lifted, so we can have campfires in the sites.  Be sure to practice good fire safety (fires in established firepits, water readily available, do not leave warm coals unattended).  We can forage for wood but we can't use power tools to cut it, so I usually bring a bundle or two of firewood with me.  Please watch the boys around fires:  "What goes in the fire, stays in the fire."

Stuff to Bring:  I am attaching a camping list that was compiled by a former cubmaster.  You do not need to bring every item on this list, it's just intended as a checklist to help you remember stuff that you don't want to forget. 

Stuff Not to Bring:  BSA rules prohibit RVs, pets, alcohol, and projectile launchers of any kind (firearms, airsoft, archery, BB guns, slingshots, etc) on BSA property. Those caught with contraband may be asked to leave the property.  

Electronics: This is a really good opportunity to interact with your friends and family away from video games, text messages and other distractions.  Boys should leave all electronics in the car. Mobile phone service is improving over past years, but it's still not great, especially in our low campsites, so plan to be off grid for the weekend.  Nothing ruins a campout faster than a bunch of people texting, Facebooking, web surfing, etc. So if you really must text your cousin or check the news from Kiev, please do so discretely. 

Cost:  The cost for camping is $30 per family.  That includes Saturday night dinner.  Please plan to pay when you check in.

It is very important that everybody checks in immediately upon arrival (even if you arrive late), and that everybody attends the safety briefing.  More information on checkin and safety will be forthcoming.

Fishing:

***Note that the rules have changed in 2014, and everyone ten and older now needs a fishing license, even for catching crawfish!  I’ve never seen a game warden in camp, but the fine is steep if you get caught  breaking the law, so I wouldn’t risk it.  Kids 9 and under do not need a license.   You  no longer need to purchase a separate trout stamp or multi-pole stamp.

You can get a license online here, or at any sporting goods store.  If you forget a license, you can get one at Walmart in Fountain Hills or Payson en route to camp. Youth licenses are only $5, adult licenses are $37. All licenses now last for a full 12 months, and they include trout, urban fishing and multi-pole privileges, so it's a pretty good deal.

Don't forget a fishing pole! One of the most popular free-time activities is crawfish catching. A simple stick or pole (we used a piece of PVC one year) with 5-8 feet of fishing line and a hook will work, or you can use a regular fishing pole. I just tie a swivel leader to the end of the line and then use a small trident hook for holding the bait.

More important than the pole, though, is a net with a long handle (maybe 3 feet long) and a fine mesh that doesn’t allow the crawdads to slip through. Think butterfly net (or pool skimmer!) rather than a traditional fish net. Once the crawfish grabs the bait, you can hoist them out of the water and catch them in the net; most times the bait will still be on your hook.

The best bait I saw last year was bacon, but crawfish aren't fussy; anything greasy will work.  I usually bring a bag of Old Wisconsin Jerky Bites to use as bait. If you happen to have a crawfish trap, you can use it at family camping. Christian Bagley and I will be cooking up a batch of crawfish for dinner on Saturday, so if you have LIVE crawfish on Saturday afternoon, please bring them to us!

There is also a fishing pond with bass and sunfish. We need to share the pond with other scouts, though, so please practice catch and release, and only catch fish with bait. No snagging! It was too dry for trout in the creek this past summer, but hopefully the recent rains will have the water level back up again.  If you want to catch trout, I recommend getting up early before the kids start tromping through the creek looking for crawdads.  In the past, we've caught trout on #8 hooks with salmon eggs or Powerbait.

One more thing -- I've just been told that there is water (including modern rest rooms and hot showers) in the main part of the camp, but the water is off in the campsites.   So be sure to bring plenty of water for washing, drinking, brushing teeth, etc., or bring a larger container to carry water from the mess hall back to camp.

Shelter / Bedding __Tent __Sleeping bag __Ground cloth/tarp __Sheets/blankets __Extra stakes __Pillow __Shade tarp/poles/rope/stakes __Air mattress/sleeping pad/cot/tarp __Axe or hammer __Air pump __Mat for tent entrance __Repair kit for air mattress __Dust pan/brush __Utility bags for storage __Portable Table(s) Cooking __Large water jug & water bucket __Potholders/oven mitts __Coolers/ice __Pots and frying pans with lids __Thermos __Soap for outside of pots and pans __Stove with fuel/propane __Cook utensils-spatula, knife, spoon __Matches/lighter __Tongs __Charcoal/firewood/buddy burner __Skewers/grill forks __Dutch oven/tin can stove/box oven/etc __Can opener/bottle opener __Campfire grill/BBQ grill __Folding table __Fire starters/newspaper __Dutch oven __Tablecloth/thumb tacks/clips __Pie irons __Plates & bowls/paper plates & bowls __Mugs/paper cups __Silverware/plastic silverware __Mixing bowl __Measuring cups __Cutting board __Heavy-duty aluminum foil __Ziplock bags __Paper towels __Napkins __Trash bags __Dish pan __Dish soap __Dish rags/towels __Clothes pins __Scrub pad/brillo __Cooking oil/Pam spray __Seasonings/sugar/condiments __Containers for food storage __Potato peeler Clothes / Personal __Shoes/boots __Shower shoes/flip flops __Jeans/pant/belt __Towels/washcloth __Shorts __Soap in plastic case/shampoo __T-shirts __Tooth brush/tooth paste __Socks/extra socks __ Deodorant __Hat __Comb/brush __Bandana __Razor __Sweatshirt/jacket __Feminine products __Underwear __Toilet paper __Sleep clothes __Shower bag or 5 gallon bucket __Rain gear __Camping shower/shower pump __Swim suit/towel __Other personal items __Laundry bag __Personal medications--take extra Miscellaneous __Sunscreen/chapstick __Flashlight/batteries __Lantern with fuel/mantles __Pocket knife __Extra batteries/bulbs __Plastic grocery bags __Compass __Binoculars __Bug repellant/candles __Rope/clothes line __Whistle __Canteen/water bottle/coffee pot __Water filters/purification/treatment __Bungi cords/straps __Camera/battery/film/video (see photo jigsaw puzzles) __Cards/games/toys/golf __Books/magazines (a Kindle would be better) __Duct tape/electrical tape __Candles __Notepad/pen __Maps/directions __Reservations info./confirmation __Cell phone/charger & 2-way radios/walkie talkies __Misc. tools __Backpack/fanny pack __Small shovel __Fishing gear/license/bait __Safety pins __Radio __Money/ID/credit card/quarters __Musical instruments/song books __Bikes/helmets __Camp chairs __Travel alarm clock __Sunglasses __Work gloves __Hammock __Umbrella __First aid kit __Hand wipes __Tissues __Drinks/snacks __Saw/axe __Small sewing kit __Park map/guidebooks/trail maps __Fire extinguisher __Lantern pole or hanger __Hot chocolate/tea bags/coffee __Collapsible drying rack __Scissors __Popcorn __Watch __Marshmallows, Graham crackers, Hershey bars (Smores) __Tell someone of your plans - give details of where you are going and when   you expect to return, give directions and possible alternative roads that you may take, provide cell phone numbers, vehicle description and license plate numbers, hand-held radio channel and codes that you will use, and provide local authority phone numbers (State Police, Game & Fish Commission, Sheriff Dept, etc.) for the county or area that you will be in. Basic First Aid **The following list is only a suggestion of some of the supplies you should consider for your first aid kit. You should personalize your kit to meet your needs, activities and situations. The key to a good first aid kit is its usability. What supplies to include and how much of each item should be based upon your individual needs. __Personal medications __Triangular bandages __Roll bandages __Misc. Band Aides/bandages __Adhesive tape __Anti-acids (Tums, Rolaides) __Antiseptic wipes __Antibiotic cream __Sterile gauze pads __Aspirin/Ibuprofen/Tylenol/Naproxin __Cotton swabs __Hydrogen Peroxide __Tweezers __Ace bandages __Safety pins __Sunburn lotion __Scissors __Burn ointment __Bee sting kit __Snake bit kit __Sinus medications __Eye drops __Tissues __Poison ivy cream/cleansers __Bug repellant __Heat/cold packs __Sunscreen __Small flashlight __Notepad/pen __Latex gloves __Sterile compresses __Antibacterial soap __Splinting materials __Thermometer __Personal information/contact person __Coins for emergency phone calls __Feminine products __Antibiotic soap __Ipecac __Butterfly bandages __Razor blades __Twine __Plastic bags __Mole skin for blisters __Small bottle of water __Road flares __Blanket __First aid manual __Other personal needs __Nail clippers __Small mirror *Take a First Aid class and a CPR class -- keep current on this information *Keep supplies in a well marked, durable, waterproof container *Keep the contents organized *Know how to use everything in your first aid kit *Inspect content often, re-supply as needed *Keep readily available at all times

Again, let me know if there are any questions!

--brett

Hello Pack 618,

Our pack committee is committed to providing a fun and safe environment for all of our Cub Scouts.  We are always looking for ways where we can improve the experience for all of the boys.  Our last pack camping trip we identified many opportunities we have to improve safety while camping.

To that end, the pack has taken several steps to make these improvements and we want to initiate some steps prior to the camping trip this weekend.  We have purchased whistles for all of our scouts and siblings to be used while camping, walkie talkies and an air horn.  We will distribute the whistles to all kids once they arrive at camp and we will stress the importance of only using these for emergencies  -- they are not a toy but a safety device.  Please help us impress on the importance of only using the whistles in a true emergency.

During the camping trip, we will have a safety meeting for all of our campers.  Once you arrive at camp, we will let you know our designated meeting area and time so that we can complete a safety talk for all of our families.  We will cover personal safety, weather safety, fire safety and what to do should we have a lost scout. 

For all of you coming to camp, we would also like you to review the following information with your family prior to arriving at camp.  We are all passionate about keeping our scouts safe, healthy and having a good time.  Please join us in helping to educate everyone on staying safe at camp.

Yours in Scouting,

Blake Kite

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 

Safety Handout

(This is specific to our family camping trip this weekend at R-C)

For the Kids…

Don’t get lost

·        Stay with the group.  If you need to go somewhere away from the group, take a buddy.  

·        Wear a whistle.  Do not blow it unless there’s an emergency.

·        If you do get lost, stay where you are and don’t move. If you continue to walk, you may end up further away from camp. 

·        Everyone, I mean everyone will be looking for you!  You are so important that the whole pack wont stop until you are found. 

·        Blow your whistle and stay put.  That will help us find you.

Thunderstorms 

·        30 seconds from the flash to the bang – seek shelter

·        Get in your car or go into the R-C dining hall; the outhouse or your tent does not offer protection because they are not grounded

·        Move out of wide-open spaces where you are the tallest object. 

·        Move away from tall objects like trees or light poles;

Wild Animals: Not too many wild animals at R-C but there are some.

·        Please keep food secured and “smellable” items out of tents.  

·        Don’t approach “tame” wild animals as they may have rabies.

·        Be careful where you put your hands and feet.

Fire Safety

·        What goes in the fire stays in the fire

·        Maintain a 5 gallon bucket of water and a shovel next to fire

·        Ensure fire is completely out (no coals, cold to the touch)

Knives: No large sheath knives.  Tigers and Wolves may not use knives at all.  Bears and Webelos may use knives only if they are carrying their Whittlin' Chip cards.

Parents…

Alcohol and Drugs: Sorry, you can’t have any alcohol or drugs on cub scout campouts. 

Parking: Please drop off your gear and head back up to the parking area above the dining hall.  Please back in so we can evacuate quickly in the event of a fire.