Stamp Collecting Rec 3i

Show an example of a first day cover:

My Grandmother started me in stamp collecting when I was very young (pre-cub scouts).  One of my favorite additions to my collection was the First Day Covers commemorating Norman Rockwell in 1979.  This collection contains 19 of Norman Rockwell's scouting works of art.  You can see by the postmark that this collection came from Monrovia-Liberia (West Africa).

A First Day of Issue Cover or First Day Cover is a postage stamp on a cover, postal card or stamped envelope franked on the first day the issue is authorized for use[1] within the country or territory of the stamp-issuing authority. Sometimes the issue is made from a temporary or permanent foreign or overseas office. There will usually be a first day of issue postmark, frequently a pictorial cancellation, indicating the city and date where the item was first issued, and "first day of issue" is often used to refer to this postmark. Depending on the policy of the nation issuing the stamp, official first day postmarks may sometimes be applied to covers weeks or months after the date indicated. Wikipedia

Stamp Collecting Merit Badge

Cub Scout Sports Pin: Bowling

Earn the Bowling belt loop and complete five of the following requirements:

1. Read about the history of the sport of bowling. Tell your den or an adult family member about what you learned.
2. Explain to your den or an adult family member the meaning of the following terms: strike, spare, split, miss, and foul. Show their symbols for scoring.
3. Demonstrate proper stance, delivery, balance, and follow-through to your leader or adult partner.
4. Try different types of delivery and hand positions and see which work best for you.
5. Score a complete game using a score sheet and the proper symbols, or explain the symbols and scoring on a computer-generated score sheet.
6. Play at least four games and chart your progress. Figure out your average score.
7. Compete in a Scout, family, school, or community bowling tournament.
8. Take bowling lessons.
9. Attend a parent, high school, college, or professional bowling competition.
10. Visit a bowling alley and learn about the care and maintenance of the bowling lanes, pins, and racks.

Cub Scouts Sports Belt Loop: Bowling

Complete these three requirements:

1. Explain to your leader or adult partner the rules of courtesy and safety for bowling.
2. Show how to pick out a ball of proper weight and with finger holes that fit your hand.
3. Play a complete game with your family or den.

Whiting Campground - Mapleton, UT

View Whitings Campground - Mapleton UT in a larger map

Winter Camping - Staying Dry and Warm

While camping in cold weather there are three rules to follow...

1. Stay Dry!
2. Stay Dry!
3. Don't Get Wet!

When camping in cold weather, being wet can drop your body temperature down extremely fast.  

One way to stay dry and warm while winter camping is to dress in layers.  Layering is  a combination of clothes to regulate your body temperature. Layers are broken down into three categories. Inner, Mid, and Outer.

Inner layer - non cotton clothing that fits closely to your skin. A good example is Under Armor. (cotton will keep you warm unless there is any moister from water or sweat)

Mid Layer - this layer needs to stay in close contact to the inner layer but not be baggy. I usually use a fleece jacket for my mid layer.

Outer Layer - this layer also needs to not be baggy and should be rugged to withstand the elements.

Below are some examples of the three categories - Stay Dry and Warm!

Inner Layer

Outer Layer

Mid Layer

Coin Collecting Merit Badge: Req 1

Understand how coins are made and where the active U.S. Mint facilities are located.

View United States Mints in a larger map

Personal Fitness Worksheet: Req 7

Your fitness program should be individualized to fit your own starting levels based on your fitness test.  The goal is not to push yourself so hard that you are not enjoying life. The goal is to become more Aerobic, Stronger, Flexible and improve your Body Composition through the next 12 weeks.  It takes time for your body to improve itself... despite how much we wish things would happen overnight.

Track your progression with the following printable Fitness Measurements Spreadsheet.

Cub Scout Sports Pin: Bicycling

Earn the Bicycling belt loop, complete requirement 1 below, and do four additional requirements:

1. Make a chart to record at least 10 hours of bicycling. (Required)
2. Participate in a pack, den, or community bike rodeo.
3. Demonstrate how to repair a flat tire on a bicycle.
4. Make a poster illustrating different types of early bikes and show it to your den.
5. Give a demonstration to your den or pack on the proper use of safety equipment and gear.
6. With the help of a parent or adult partner, register or reregister your bicycle.
7. Go on a “bicycle hike” with your family or den. Obey traffic rules related to bicycling.
8. Repair or restore a nonfunctioning bicycle to a safe condition. Include the installation of all proper safety devices.
9. Visit a bicycle race or exhibition.
10. Help set up a bike rodeo or bike competition for your pack.

Cub Scout Sports Belt Loop: Bicycling

Complete these three requirements:

1. Explain the rules of safe bicycling to your den leader or adult partner.
2. Demonstrate how to wear the proper safety equipment for bicycling.
3. Show how to ride a bike safely. Ride for at least half an hour with an adult partner, family, or den.

Dentistry Merit Badge: Req 3

Arrange for a visit with a dentist. Before you go, ask whether your visit can include a dental examination and a plaque-control demonstration. Afterward, ask questions about things you want to know. Then tell your counselor what the dentist does during a checkup examination.

This morning I visited my Dentist. Happy to report that this is my 3rd cavity free checkup.
The following are items that occurred during my dental examination:

• I was greeted by the receptionist and told to have a seat for a moment
• A dental hygienist took me back to the examination room where she took some x-rays of my teeth
• After the x-rays, the dental hygienist cleaned my teeth of any plaque that had built up and then flossed my teeth
• Next she polished my teeth and called the Dentist over to take a look
• The Dentist completed a few simple tests of my mouth and tongue and reviewed my x-rays
• After examining my teeth that had prior work on them he gave me some advice on how to take better care of my teeth (yes... I need to floss better...)

Make sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day.

February Pack Planning

You might be saying to yourself... "It's still January! Why am a seeing February's pack planning?"  The most memorable and enjoyable meetings are those that are planned in advance. February's core value is Resourcefulness.   Have activities for the Cub Scouts that will help them understand resourcefulness in different situations.

February is also usually the month to hold your Blue and Gold Banquet.  Involve your Pack Committee now in the planning.  Some items that should be considered for your banquet: Where will we hold it, What will we eat, Who will decorate, What will make it fun and memorable?

Download the February Pack Planner Here

Bear: Achievement 10b

Have a family fun night at home 

Our family usually has a family fun night each Monday. It is a wonderful time to go around and see what everyone has planned for the remaining days of the week. We usually play a game, have dessert, and have a religious based discussion. Sometimes all three happen all at the same time. Currently our favorite game to play as a family is Uno.

The list of games and activities that you could do at your family fun night is endless.  You do not necessarily need to play a board game or card game.  The focus is to just have fun! 

Please comment on some of your favorite things to do with your family.

Totin' Chip

This certification grants a Scout the right to carry and use woods tools. The Scout must show his Scout leader, or someone designated by his leader, that he understands his responsibility to do the following:

1. Read and understand woods tools use and safety rules from the Boy Scout Handbook.
2. Demonstrate proper handling, care, and use of the pocket knife, ax, and saw.
3. Use knife, ax, and saw as tools, not playthings.
4. Respect all safety rules to protect others.
5. Respect property. Cut living and dead trees only with permission and good reason.
6. Subscribe to the Outdoor Code.

The Scout's "Totin' Rights" can be taken from him if he fails in his responsibility.

Warnings are given to the Scout in the action of cutting a corner off of their totin' chip card. When all four corners have been cut, the Scout's rights should be taken.

Be safe and smart when  a blade of any kind is in your possession.

Tiger Cubs: Elective 6

Along with your adult partner, teach a song to your family or to your den and sing it together.

 

Tiger Cub Songs:

• Iv'e Got That Tiger Cub Spirits
• The Tiger Went Over The Mountain
• Hail To Tigers
• Tiger Cub Song

Songs: I've Got That Tiger Cub Spirit

I’ve got that Tiger Cub spirit
Up in my head, up in my head, up in my head,
I’ve got that Tiger Cub spirit
Up in my head
Up in my head to stay.
Additional verses:
Replace “up in my head” with
 Deep in my heart
 Down in my feet
 All over me

Songs: The Tiger Went Over The Mountain

(Tune:  For He’s a Jolly good Fellow)

The Tiger went over the mountain,
The Tiger went over the mountain,
The Tiger went over the mountain
To see what he could see.
And all that he could see,
And all that he could see,
Was the other side of the mountain,
The other side of the mountain,
The other side of the mountain
Was all that he could see.

Songs: Hail To Tigers

(Tune:  On Wisconsin)

Hail to Tigers!  Hail to tigers!
Best game of them all.
We’re a band of jolly Tiger Cubs.
Listen to our call--
Rah!  Rah!  Rah!
Ever onward, ever forward
Bring fun to all!
Here’s to the game of Tiger Cubs,
Best of all!

Songs: Tiger Cub Song

(Tune:  Frere Jacques)

Tiger Cubs have fun,
Tiger Cubs have fun,
Search and Discover,
Discover and Share,
Always on the go,
Helping us to grow,
Tiger Cubs
Tiger Cubs.

Wolf Requirement 3b

Tell four ways to stop the spread of colds.

1. If you have a cold, stay away from other people.
2. Get lots of rest.
3. Turn your head away from others when you sneeze or cough. Cover your mouth and nose.
4. Wash your hands often, and always wash them after you sneeze.

Cub Scouts Sports Pin - Basketball

BASKETBALL

Earn the Basketball belt loop and complete five of the following requirements:

1. Compete in a pack or community basketball tournament.
2. Demonstrate effective passing using the chest pass, bounce pass, over-the-head pass, and baseball pass.
3. Successfully demonstrate the set shot and jump shot shooting styles.

Cub Scout Sports Belt Loop - Basketball

BASKETBALL

Complete these three requirements:

1. 1. Explain the rules of basketball to your leader or adult partner.
   2. Spend at least 30 minutes practicing basketball skills.
   3. Participate in a basketball game.

Pinewood Derby Inspection

When it comes time for the big race, there will be a large amount of excitement! Not only from the boys, but the whole family will be buzzing for the race to start.  One very important (and time consuming) part is the inspection and weigh in of all participants.  Our suggestion is to have this take place the night before Pack Meeting.  Do not let the weigh in consume the whole night before.  Have a designated time such as 7:00pm to 8:00pm and enlist your whole Cub Scout Committee along with your Den Chiefs.  The night before is also a great time to set up all pennants, the track, and your chairs.  After each car has been inspected, no one should come in contact with the cars until it is time to start their engines.

Types of Sleeping Bags

A sleeping bag is basically a blanket that you can close yourself in (usually with a zipper). It functions as your bed when you are camping. The sleeping bags primary purpose is to provide you with warmth and protection from the elements. Sleeping under the stars can be wonderful if the weather cooperates, we recommend that you use a tent along with your sleeping bag (unless you plan on using a bivy for your sleeping bag while backpacking).

Temperature Ratings:

Tenderfoot 12b - Frostbite and Sunburn

Being a scout, you will need to brave the elements while camping or hiking.  Your skin, if exposed to the elements, may be in danger of getting frostbite or sunburned.   And yes, you are able to get sunburned in the winter.  The best thing to do is make sure that your skin is protected.

Planning A Pinewood Derby

Most units will do their Pinewood Derby this month.  The following are a few items to consider when planning your derby.

January 2013 Pack Planning

January's Theme: Positive Attitude

This is a perfect theme to coincide with New Years Resolutions. As we follow the points of the Scout Law... It reminds us to always have a positive attitude and to be helpful, friendly, kind, and cheerful.  As CubScouts we are reminded to be positive with the motto - DO YOUR BEST!

Cub Leaders: The following is the January pack planning guide provided by National.  This is not a complete step by step resource but it does get the ball rolling with the creativity on your part as a Cub Leader.

Remember you don't have to be perfect...just "DO YOUR BEST!"

Happy New Year 2013

2012 was a great year for ScouterLife!  Not only was the website born, but we already have more than 250 posts on topics for both Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts.  In 2013 we hope to double our 2012 statistics.  We are looking forward to the many hikes, campouts, cookouts, videos, merit badges, rank advancements, belt loops, knots, patrol meetings, court of honors, and pack meetings this year.  We wish you and yours a very Happy and Prosperous New Year!