Scouts Learn to Play Marbles

May 19, 2014: This was the last official meeting for the Tigers Scouts. Although officially they are now wolves, they are still working on the Tiger Handbook. Today, one of the WeBeLoS joined us to teach the younger scouts how to play marbles. He showed a small portion of his marble collection and spoke about some of the marbles and where they came from. He then explain the rules of marble playing and handed a shooter to each young scout. They each paired up and practiced their new learned skill. The WeBeLo Scout had each scout keep their shooter as a souvenir. Dylan was fascinated with the game and using some marbles we had previously purchased for him, he spent one hour playing marbles with dad scout. Dad was telling Dylan how he too had a marble collection as a child and explained all the techniques he used to play and win. It was great dad/son bonding.

TIGER Scout Advances to WOLF

May 18, 2014: The ceremony started out with the distribution of achievements the scouts have works on, followed by the 'CUBOMATIC', a hidden voice that asks the scouts a question related to what they have learned. Once the response is acceptable (which it was first time around: go Tigers) little Tiger scouts go behind the curtain and come back out as Wolves. From orange neckerchiefs to yellow ones they cannot contain their smiles, and some parents cannot contain their tears. Now Wolves, parent reflect on how quickly this year passed and realize that it will be a matter of some short years and the little cubs become full grown and independent scouts. After the Award and Advancement Ceremony, we all enjoyed skits that all the scout dens put together, and of course more s'mores. Congratulations Scouts!

A Day at Camp

May 17, 2014: Spring calls for outdoor time, and how better to spend it outdoors than camping. After setting our instant tent (which I highly recommend) the fun began. The scouts played in the dark with their glow sticks, glow in the dark balloons, and sang songs as we "baked" apples with butter and brown sugar in aluminum foil on the camp fire. Our night snack was surprisingly delicious and fun to make. The fun and conversation continued until about 11:00 p.m. After putting out the fire we all headed to our tents for a restful night.

May 18, 2014: After a great night sleep, the birds manage to get us up at approximately 6:00 a.m. Relaxed and excited to start the day after our egg breakfast burrito and cleaning up, the scouts began their day with a flag ceremony at which Dylan was once again a Color Guard. With one activity after the other planned the scouts did not get a chance to say they were bored. What did we do? Emergency Preparedness, Kickball, Volleyball, Hide and Seek, Hiking, Tree Climbing, Scooter Riding, Story Telling, Cooking, S'More Eating, and Memories Making. The scouts also transitioned to the next rank; but I will cover this on another post. It was an absolutely wonderful weekend for everyone; and best of all - Technology Free!

 

Scouts Lead the American Anthem for the TCU vs. OU Basketball Game

March 1, 2014 - Our Cub Scout Pack was invited to lead the American Anthem at the TCU vs. OU Women's Basketball game. From our large pack only a few scouts attended; but those that did were some proud scouts. As Pack 1993 was being announced over the loud speakers, the scouts marched to the court, saluted the American flag, and sang with pride. Later they joined the adults and siblings at their seats to enjoy the game. Of course, the game would have not been the same without popcorn and a large souvenir cup from the TCU Team. Kaylee met one of the cheerleaders and after a short one-on-one lesson, she determined she would not be a cheerleader, ever ... flexibility may be an issue. After half time our bellies were very clear in announcing some serious food was in order; so we left and indulged way more than we should have. Final score: 76 TCU and 66 OU. Way to go Horned Frogs!

An Author Visits the Scouts

May 5, 2014: On this day we had the privilege to have the very talented author Edward Moldenhauer of the series Spin the Globe: The Incredible Adventures of Frederick von Wigglebottom visit our scouts.  His series consist of fact-based books where children have the opportunity to learn about different parts of the world through the amazing adventures of Frederick. To learn more about Mr. Ed and his books visit his site here.

Mr. Ed captured the children's attention with his age appropriate presentation and props. He read a portion of his first book Dreamtime in Alice Springs and welcomed questions and comments from the children throughout. The kids were engaged and enjoyed every moment!

Water Fun After Community Service

April 27, 2014 - What happens the day after the school carnival? The school playgrounds get very, very dirty ... and a very, very dirty playground is not the best playground for kids. So, what better service project for scouts than to clean up on a Sunday afternoon. After the scouts (boys and girls alike) spent nearly one hour picking up popped balloons, lollipop sticks, and candy wrappers, they all loaded their water guns and blasted everyone who got in their way, even adults (okay, specially adults) were soaked by the time it was time to go home. Another day of fun! 

Carnival and The Navy / USS Constitution

April 26, 2014 - This Saturday started at 8:00 a.m. at the little scouts' school to help prepare for the school carnival. After this mom scout spend over 4 hours separating and bagging carnival tickets in company of another scout mom with coffee and pleasant conversations, I headed home to get the kids ready for; of course, the school carnival. Once there, the kids had a blast, going from bounce house, to hamster ball, to games, to petting zoo, to hair painting (some of which may just have to grow out) ... a good time was had by all. Best part for me was bidding on this awesome basket with camping supplies (one of the many different themed baskets); worse part ... I was outbid. There is always next year!

Two and half hours later and a few dollars spent, I dropped off Kaylee at her friends house for a birthday party. Dylan was instructed to stay home with dad and get ready for yet another event. Shortly after I got home; which was no more than 20 minutes after I went to drop off Kaylee, we headed out to the Pack meeting. This was one amazing experience for both the scouts and the parents. We had the privilege to be part of an amazing presentation performed by some outstanding U.S. Navy Soldiers part of the USS Constitution. After a reenactment created by a sailor soldier (also an Eagle Scout) involving all scouts and parents,  a group of Explosive Ordinance Disposal Navy Soldiers demonstrated the use of a robot and the equipment they use to perform their job safely. The scouts had the opportunity to control the robot and try on some of the equipment. An amazing experience for sure!
After the Scout Pack Meeting, we picked up Kaylee and headed to eat something. This day ended with some very exhausted scouts.

A Scout Gives Back

March 24, 2014 - A scout gives back to the community; and that is exactly what they did on this sunny afternoon. Giving back to our community means many things. Today, it meant helping to clean one of the town parks to ensure other children can focus on having fun without worrying about trash. After tidying up the park area, they learned about how plants grow and planted their own seeds to grow future trees. The boys were resourceful and used biodegradable containers and empty cans as the container to start growing their trees. This is one awesome group of little scouts! They ended their meeting with some fun play time.
 

Tigers Attend the Webelos Crossover

March 22, 2014 - Can you imagine the excitement? The Webelos were showing off their years of experience as Cubs and were about to join a new journey as Boy Scouts. On this windy, chilly Saturday the parents and kids shared some laughter and shed some tears of emotion as the boys were presented with their awards and recognition. The Ceremony presented by older Boy Scouts to welcome the younger ones to their Troop was truly something to appreciate. And as I let it all soak in, I wondered what it will be like when Dylan becomes a Boy Scout ... and to think that is just a few short years away.

During this ceremony, Dylan received his Computers Belt Loop, Video Games Belt Loop, Weather Belt Loop, and Weather Academic Pin.

Pet Care

February 24, 2014 - I must say, Dylan is part of an amazing Den. The leaders go above and beyond to make the meetings special for the scouts. There is always a wow factor to the meetings. The boys have now finished all the requirements for "crossover", and they are concentrating on belt loops and electives. After the usual start - pledge, scout promise, scout law... - the scouts gave back to nature by making bird feeders to hang on trees. I am sure the birds will enjoy the bird feeders as much as the boys enjoyed making them. 

The scouts proceeded to research their amazing mascot, THE TIGER using books, magazines, and printouts. Looking through the material, they learned tiger facts that had them roaring by the time they finished the discussion. Good job Cubs!

The WOW factor - When you can't go to the vet, the vet comes to you! Dr. Woods; a veterinarian, and her rescued greyhound dog Issac came to visit the scouts. As the boys surrounded the dog (and Dr. Woods), they learned about how to properly care for pets at home, and the importance of visiting the vet on a regular basis. This part of the meeting culminated with the opportunity to pet Issac. Thank you Dr. Woods for your visit; and Issac, you are in good hands!

Blue & Gold Banquet 2014

Dylan's first Blue & Gold Banquet was a hit! The Blue & Gold Banquet is a yearly Scouting "birthday"celebration enjoyed by many scouts and their family members. The event is filled with entertainment, awards, recognitions, food, and a cake contest. This year's theme was Western. The scouts enjoyed the performance of a "Trick Cowboy" and of course barbeque style food. Many cakes were displayed for contest review and voting as well as for a silent auction. Dylan's cake was a monster mostly made by him, and for sure his pride  when he insisted that we bid on his cake at the silent auction. At the very last second we lost our bid by $1 for a total of $36. Dylan's cake won the "Most Disgusting Cake Award". I am not sure that is what he was trying to achieve, but nontheless he was happy to have won an award. Dylan also received two belt loops, two academic pins, and his Tiger badge. Congratulations Scout!