Cub Scout Pack 196

Webelos I, Den 2 recently had the distinct pleasure to host several servicemen from the Willow Grove Naval Air Station at their den meeting. The visitors demonstrated the proper way to fold the American flag. The visit made it into the Willow Grove Naval Air Station Newsletter!

"NAS JRB Willow Grove Supports Local Cub Scouts with Flag Folding Demo

Aviation Electronics Technician 3rd Class Robert Powers and Lance Cpl. Kevin Martin of the Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department here demonstrated the proper procedures in folding the American flag to Cub Scout Pack 68, Bedminster, Pa. The history of the flag, combined with folding, raising, lowering and retiring the flag, are essential in the scouts’ pursuit of their citizenship in the world badge.

U.S. Navy photo by Aviation Electronics Technician 3rd Class Samuel Simeon."

Here's the article as it appeared in the WGNAS Newsletter (click on image for a larger view).

To read the entire Will Grove Naval Air Station Newsletter, download it here.

Several of the boys: Aidan C., Joseph P., Nicky P., Brandon T., Joshua T., and Garrett L., went to High Performance Gymnastics in Chalfont, PA to participate in a Gymnastics Belt Loop workshop. Carter L. and Patrick C. were also present, but did not participate in the activities (but had a great time watching)! Check out a few pictures from the event.

The boys stretched, watched several demonstrations by the very skilled boys and girls at high Performance, and then went through a series of exercises and activities.

Some favorites were the rings, pommel horse, tumbling mat, and of course, the HUGE trampoline! It really takes some strength to do those things! If anyone has the chance, we highly recommend the facilities at High Performance Gymnastics (http://highperformancegymnastics.com/)

On Monday December 1st, several scouts visited the Bucks County courthouse to learn a bit about local government for the Citizen badge.

Ann Machesic conducted a wonderful tour where the boys were able to see "behind the scenes", learn how the judicial system works, and even sit in the jury box!

We've also heard from several sources that the boys were VERY WELL BEHAVED and represented Pack 196 well. Great job boys!

On Thursday November 20th, Pack 196 held their monthly Pack Meeting; and it was a blast!

We kicked things off (after the opening prayer of course) with a fantastic flag presentation by the Wolf Den. The guys did a great job of marching in and planting the US Flag and our Pack Flag in their bases; we've got some real pros there!

After the flag presentation, we moved on to some skits by the Webelos II Den. They had a soft drink skit that ended quite badly when the 'soda' turned out to be the leftovers from some pets (ewwww)! The second skit involved a reporter getting a great story. The boys got quite a few laughs from everyone - a super representation for their Den and fun for the whole Pack.

Moving on, we then presented awards to the boys. Since this was the first awards ceremony since last year, there were a TON of things to hand out! No wonder it takes so much money to maitain a Pack - there were dozens of beads, belt loops, and pins handed out; not to mention a few patches. The boys have really been busy - and we love to recognize their accomplishments.

Finally we wrapped up the meeting with the "Reptile Guy" (real name Leonard Knapp). Mr. Knapp put together a fabulous program showing the kids many things; amphibious turtles, tortoises, lizards, legless lizards, alligator, and several snakes. The boys sat quietly and listened intently to everything Mr. Knapp had to say. It was quite a show - and we'd like to have Mr. Knapp back again for a longer period!

Be sure to check out some of the pictures from the meeting.

The kids had a wonderful (and damp) time at the 2nd Fall Cub Day this year at Camp Kirby. The kids were all able to stay together as part of a larger group called Den 1 for the days activities.

The boys were great - in attendance were: Brendan Frankowski, Thomas Geiger, Keith Martish, David Scavuzzo, Garrett Larson, Aidan Courts, Nick Polichetti, Joe Polichetti, and Joshua Humphreys.

I'd also like to thank the parents who helped keep the kids going. Special thanks to CJ Polichetti for taking over the duty of teaching the Flag Football activity all day!

The kids followed a fun schedule:

• (9:00) Opening Ceremony
• (9:15) Ultimate Frisbee
• (10:10) Music
• (11:05) Soccer
• (12:00) Lunch
• (1:00) Flag Football
• (1:50) Marbles
• (2:40) Closing Ceremony

Instead of a "normal" den meeting this Thursday, we met at the Perkasie Fire House to take part in their annual Fire Prevention Awareness Open House. There was a great turnout of Pack 196 Tigers, Wolves, Bears, and Webelos. The kids were able to use a firehose, get in firetrucks, talk to policemen, meet National Guardsmen, and much, much more. It was a great time for everyone. Of course the hot dogs and sodas helped! Check out a few of the pictures we took.

The Webelos went to a great program geared toward preparing the boys for the Boy Scout program. Learning to cook, and camp for themselves and work on the badges and belt loops for the Webelos program. This weekend the boys worked on the Naturalist and Geologist badges. The belt loops worked on were Geologist, Wildlife Conservation, Golf and Ultimate. Of course credit for the outdoorsman was earned as well.

All three Webelos dens camped together and had an awesome time! Check out the slideshow.

We've acquired a new, all aluminum, 3 lane, 35 ft. Pinewood Derby track. This track is heavy duty aircraft grade aluminum that doesn't bend, warp, or deteriorate. In addition to the superior track construction, the system also features an innovative stopping system that should be very friendly to our scouts' cars. You can check out all the details at the vendors website: www.besttrack.com.

In addition to the track itself, we've also got a new large lane display and timer system. The timing system is from NewBold Products. The software is GrandPrix Race Manager and should help us run an efficient, fair race!

National Public Lands Day (NPLD) is the nation's largest hands-on volunteer effort to improve and enhance the public lands Americans enjoy. On September 27, several of our boys participated in the event at Nockamixon State Park by planting shrubs and trees. After some initial confusion caused by the Park Service not being in the location they instructed us to meet at, we got underway at the Tohickon Boat Launch. The day was overcast, misty, but lots of fun for everyone. The boys were covered in mud and smiles. From 9:30 am to noon our boys planted over 25 trees and numerous shrubs.

A huge thanks to everyone who was able to participate - we're looking at something special for the boys who were able to make it! Check out the slideshow.