September 2009
Cub Scout Pockets
Pockets contain many special things-items from the boys' collections, maybe; or important phone numbers, or a note home. Pockets, like boys, have special qualities. This is a good month to start exploring both. Get a good start on the year and work on your Bobcat rank if you haven't already, or pair up and work together with someone who hasn't. This theme presents a wonderful opportunity for the boys to start their own collections of neckerchief slides and patches, or the infinite variety of common items that people collect for fun such as sports cards and comic books. This is also a great time to try to earn the Collection Belt loop and Pin.
Introducing:
On Sept 1st, the Cub Scouts welcomed two new members to the Den: Cole and Lucas. Welcome to the Pack Boys!!
What did I miss?
Wolves: At the Wolf Den meeting the Cubs worked on Elective 4e, and played a game of sharpshooter marbles. Marbles is a great game you can carry in your pocket. This was also a chance for some of the boys to earn their marbles belt loop if they hadn't recieved one already.
Bears: In the Bear Den Meeting, the Cubs worked on Achievement 9B, and created some delicious "Pocket Snacks". The boys enjoyed creating the snacks and working on an achievement at the same time.
How to make Pocket Snacks:
Ingredients: Wheat Bread, cheese slices, finely chopped lettuce
Take a piece of bread, a cheese slice, and lettuce and lay the cheese on the open piece of bread. Put the lettuce on one half of the cheese. Fold the bread over. To seal the edges, press a fork along the sides of the bread. Now enjoy your "Pocket Snack"!
What Can I work on at home?
Families can work on additional achievements and electives that support this months theme, such as:
Wolves:
Achievement 10: Family Fun: Families may enjoy working on a collection together. Gather leaves or rocks on a walk; collect postcards or brochures from places you visit. Bring your collection to a Den meeting.
Elective 4: Play a Game: Marbles is a game you can carry in your pocket.
Bears:
- Achievement 8e: The Past is Exciting and Important: Boys can explore the history of their community.
- Achievement 11e: Be Ready: Families can plan escape routes and practice in case of emergency.
- Elective 22b: Collecting Things: Mount and display a collection of objects.
How do I earn the Collecting Belt Loop and Pin?
Belt Loop Requirements:
Begin a collection of at least 10 items that all have something in common. Labe the items and title your collection.
Display your collection at a pack or den meeting.
Visit a show or museum that displays different collections.
Academics Pin- Earn the Collecting belt loop, and complete 5 of the following requirements:
- Give a talk about your collection to someone other than your family. Give a description of your collection, including a short history. Explain how you got started and why you decided to collect what you do.
- Show how you preserve and display your collection. Explain any special precautions you must take including handling, cleaning, and storage. Note precautions for dampness, sunlight, or other weather conditions.
- Read a book about what you collect.
- Start a new collection of at least 20 items. Label the items and title your collection.
- Define numismatics and philately.
- Join a club of collectors who share your hobby. This club may be a group of your friends.
- Find out if there is a career that involves what you collect. Find out what kind of subjects you need to study to prepare for such a career.
- If you collect coins or stamps, make a list of different countries in your collection. Explain how to identify each country's issues. Make a list of "clues" that help you identify the origin.
- With an adult partner, visit an online auction and look for items to collect. What does it tell you about rarity and value of the things you collect?
- Use a computer to catalog, organize, and keep track of your collection.
- Help a friend get started on a collection of his or her own.
