Saturday, December 17, 2011

December 17, 2011

At our December Pack meeting, Webelos Scout Eli was presented with his God and Family medal that he worked so hard on. Great job, Eli! Our Wolf den performed the hilarious "Two Suckers on a Stick" sketch. And finally, our top Popcorn sellers got to "pie" an adult of their choice... what a riot! The adults were such good sports and the kids got a great laugh out of it.... they earned it!

Click on the photo below to check out the album. Thanks to George Smith for the photos.


Monday, December 5, 2011

Cubs help at the Band of Liberty Concert

Cubs from Pack 722 helped out at this weekend's US Air Force Band of Liberty jazz band concert at the Galvin Middle School. The boys did a great job... and everyone experienced an incredible night of music.

The Scouts of Wakefield help to put on this show every year as as "thank you" to Wakefield for their support. We hope everyone enjoyed it as much as we did!

Thanks to George Smith for the photos; click the image below to see the gallery.

Friday, November 18, 2011

November 18, 2011

Our November Pack meeting featured a visit by Eugene Adams who has served in the US Navy and is currently active in the US Coast Guard. He spoke with the boys about the importance of our Veterans and shared some great stories. Also this month we recognized many Tigers and Webelos for their advancement achievements. Great work, Scouts!

Thanks to George Smith for the photos. Just click the image below.


Sunday, November 13, 2011

Veterans Day 2011

Click below for a great album of photos of the Veterans Day parade, courtesy of George Smith. Thanks!


Saturday, November 12, 2011


Thanks to all our Scouts that participated in the Veterans Day observance yesterday.  We're thankful for our veterans and happy to honor their service.  Great job, guys!

Monday, October 10, 2011

Sudden Pond Camping was a blast!

What a great weekend for camping! And what a great turnout! George Smith took some great photos, click below to see the album.

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Sudden Pond Camping this Weekend!

Our fall overnight camping event is Saturday, October 8 to Sunday October 9, at the Sudden Pond campsite at the Harold Parker State Forest.  We had such a great time there in the spring that the committee thought it would be nice to go back.  It's a beautiful site and close to home.

Please RSVP if you plan on attending, and please include your contribution for dinner on Saturday (see below).

Also, if you have a canoe or kayak, and would consider bringing it to the camp-out, please let us know by responding to this email.  The boys had a great time in the spring getting out on the water.

Where?

Sudden Pond Campsite at Harold Parker State Forest, North Reading, Massachusetts.  Driving time from Wakefield is 15-20 minutes.  Directions to the site -- along with some pictures of the site -- are posted on our website.  Click here for directions and a map.

Some pictures from our last visit are on our website, check them out here.

When?

Arrival is anytime after noon on Saturday; come whenever your schedule allows.   When you arrive, please check in with Ben or Jeff. We know folks have soccer games, etc on Saturday so if you'd like to come early to set up your tent and then leave for your game, feel free to do so.

You should have lunch before arriving at camp, as it will not be provided.

What to Eat?

The dinner on Saturday is a potluck. You can either bring something that's already prepared, or cook it on-site. There are several families that like to cook in dutch ovens, or on charcoal grills.  The campsite has some fire rings with grates if you want to go that route.  The pack provides drinks (bottled water and juice boxes) and all the paper goods.  Breakfast on Sunday is light -- continental, if you will.  Feel free to bring something if you like.

Whatever you plan on bringing, please respond with an RSVP so we don't have too much of one thing.

The Schedule


The schedule for Saturday is as follows:
  • 1:00 - 3:00 pm:  Arrival, Setup, Fishing
  • 3:00 pm - Pack Hike/Nature Scavenger Hunt
  • 4:30 pm - Group activity/game.  We will need parent volunteers to help set up dinner at this time.
  • 5:30 pm - Dinner
  • 7:00 pm - Cleanup, Dens practice skits
  • 8:00 pm - Campfire. Skits, songs, the works.
  • 10:00 pm - Lights out for Cubs.   We ask for your cooperation at this time in making sure the boys are in bed. 
Sunday morning after breakfast we will go on a hike. Usually everyone is packed up and on their way home by mid-morning, but we do have use of the campground until 12 noon.

We encourage Scouts to sleep over, of course, but we understand that some of the little guys might be overwhelmed.  It's OK to come on Saturday for the activities and go home to sleep.

Please Note:
  • BSA regulations mandate that a child can not sleep in a tent with an adult that is not his parent or legal guardian.  Webelos are permitted to sleep in tents (with other Webelos) without an adult.
  • Alcoholic beverages are not allowed on BSA-sanctioned overnight trips.
  • Due to the proximity of the campsite to the water, children must be supervised at all times.  We are  counting on you, the parents, to keep your children safe.
What to Bring:
  •     Sleeping Bag, pad and pillow
  •     Tent. The Pack has some to lend; contact the Cubmaster if you'd like to borrow one.  There is no cabin at this site.
  •     Flashlight
  •     Rain coat or poncho
  •     Toothbrush, toothpaste
  •     Winter hat and mittens/gloves
  •     Change of clothes
  •     Chair for Fire-side
  •     Fishing pole and tackle
  •     Mini First Aid kit
  •     Bug Spray

Finally...

Everyone must be aware of our Pack pocketknife policy:

As for toilet facilities, the camp has porta-potties.  You may want to bring a small bottle of hand sanitizer.

Given our past experience, the weather always seems to rear its ugly head, but somehow, it usually ends up working out.  So unless there's a major storm,  the overnighter is on, "rain or shine".

If you need any more information, please call your den leader or respond to this email.  On the weekend of the camp-out, you can reach Jeff via cell phone at 781-258-3298.

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Fall Registration Roundup this Thursday

Our Fall Registration Roundup will be held this Thursday, September 15, from 6:30 to 8:00 pm at the Greenwood Union Church, located at the corner of Main and Oak streets in Greenwood. You can drop in whenever it suits your schedule.

Designed for boys in grades one through five, the Cub Scout program teaches boys about community, family, self and the outdoors through a set of fun, organized activities. Pack leaders will be available at the Registration Night to answer your questions and to show off some of the fun activities that Scouts do.

While it's not required for returning Scouts to do the paperwork, we encourage you to come to the signup night if you can. Pack leaders will be there to answer any questions or address concerns that you might have. See you then!

Den Numbers for 2011

The den numbers for 2011-12 are as follows:

  • Webelos 2 - Den 4
  • Webelos 1 - Den 5
  • Bear - Den 1
  • Wolf - Den 2
  • Tigers - Den 3 and Den 6
Each den carries the same number from year-to-year.  Tigers pick up the number from the previous year's Webelos 2 den.

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Parent Handbook available

The 2011-2012 version of the Pack 722 Parent Handbook is available for download. Click here to get the PDF.

If you find something is missing, or this document doesn't answer a question you have about the Pack, please let us know. We intend for this document to be the quintessential reference for all things Pack 722!

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Red Sox Game and Color Guard

Pack 722 had a great time at Fenway Park watching the Red Sox play the Royals on a beautiful summer night. We saw a great game that included a David Ortiz grand slam!

Then, a week later, our Pack was chosen to be the Color Guard prior to the Red Sox-Yankees game on August 6, 2011. Five scouts, one from each den, represented the Pack by marching the colors into center field for the national anthem. The even met Wally and tried on a World Series ring before the game. And to top it off, the Sox crushed the Yankees!

Click on the image below to see pictures from both games.



Here is a video of the pregame ceremony (lacking in zoom, however). David Ortiz says "hi" and salutes at the 0:45 mark.

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Spring Signup Night this Thursday, June 2

We will hold our annual Spring Registration night on Thursday, June 2nd from 6:30 to 8 pm at the Greenwood Union Church, located at the corner of Main and Oak streets in Greenwood. You can drop in whenever it suits your schedule.

Designed for boys in grades one through five, the Cub Scout program teaches boys about community, family, self and the outdoors through a set of fun, organized activities.  Pack leaders will be available at the Registration Night to answer your questions and to show off some of the fun activities that Scouts do. 

While it's not required for returning Scouts to do the paperwork,  we encourage you to come to the signup night if you can.  Pack leaders will be there to answer any questions or address concerns that you might have.   It is also a great opportunity to offer suggestions or ideas for activities for next year, as we will be putting next year's program together over the summer.

The registration fee is $45, or $40 for additional siblings.  If you can't make it on Thursday, the registration fee can be given to your den leader, or sent to Jeff at 8 Robert Street, Wakefield.   Please make checks payable to Pack 722.   For more information contact Jeff Crump by email at jeffrey (dot) crump (at) gmail.com or by phone at 781-258-3298.   Of course, we will also have our Fall Roundup in September.

One of two Cub Scout packs in Wakefield, Pack 722 serves boys from all parts of Wakefield with the exception of the Dolbeare school. Boys from Dolbeare are encouraged to join Pack 712, which meets at the Wakefield-Lynnfield Methodist Church on Vernon Street.  Pack 712 will be having their Spring Registration on June 6.  For more information, please contact Kevin Scheeler at kscheeler (at) gmail.com or by phone at 781-439-0704.

Monday, May 23, 2011

Cub Scout Memorial Day Observance, Friday and Monday

Good citizenship is a core value of Cub Scouting, and Pack 722 will be participating in Wakefield's Memorial Day observance in two ways.

This Friday, May 27, we will be helping to place flags on veterans graves at the Forest Glade cemetery.  Meet at the entrance to the cemetery at 4 pm.  The veterans in charge will give out flags, assign you to a portion of the cemetery and teach the boys the proper way to plant the flag.  It's often helpful to bring a long screwdriver to make a hole for the flag.  Please have your Scout wear at least his Pack 722 t-shirt and hat, although full uniform is always appropriate.   Forest Glade is on Lowell Street, between Vernon and Salem. 

On Monday, May 30 we will be marching in the Memorial Day parade. Meet at the Galvin Middle School parking lot no later than 12:45; the parade leaves for the Common promptly at 1 pm.   The ceremony at the Common usually lasts about 30 minutes and wraps up around 2 pm.   Scouts must be in full uniform.

Please make every effort to attend - it's the least we can do to honor those who have served our country.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Sudden Pond camping a great time for all

We had a great time camping at Sudden Pond last weekend. Thanks to Mr. Butler and Mr. Root for bringing their canoes! The catfish were biting and the weather held up. What's not to like? Check out the photos in our photo gallery by clicking the image below.

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Spring Camping Next Weekend!

We have two big Pack events coming up in the next few weeks. Next weekend, May 14th-15th, is our Spring Camping overnighter. And our annual end-of-the-year celebration, the Blue and Gold Banquet, will be held on Thursday, May 19.

This note is about the camping trip next weekend. We are trying out a new location this time -- Sudden Pond at the Harold Parker State Forest. This campsite has been used for many years by the Cub Scout packs from North Reading. It's a beautiful site and close to home.


Where?

Sudden Pond Campsite at Harold Parker State Forest, North Reading, Massachusetts. Driving time from Wakefield is 15-20 minutes. Directions to the site -- along with some pictures of the site -- are posted on our website. Click here for directions and a map.


When:

Arrival is between 1 pm and 3 pm on Saturday; come whenever your schedule allows. When you arrive, please check in with James, Ben, or Jeff. Please unload your car and then move it back to the parking area on the main road. We need to keep the number of vehicles at the site to a minimum.

You should have lunch before arriving at camp, as it will not be provided.

The schedule for Saturday is as follows:
  • 1:00 - 3:00 pm: Arrival, Setup, Fishing
  • 3:00 pm - Pack Hike/Nature Scavenger Hunt
  • 4:30 pm - Group activity/game. We will need parent volunteers to help set up dinner at this time.
  • 5:30 pm - Dinner
  • 7:00 pm - Cleanup, Dens practice skits
  • 8:00 pm - Campfire. Skits, songs, the works.
  • 10:00 pm - Lights out for Cubs. We ask for your cooperation at this time in making sure the boys are in bed.

Sunday morning we'll have a light breakfast and go on a hike. Usually everyone is packed up and on their way home by mid-morning, but we do have use of the campground until 12 noon.

We encourage Scouts to sleep over, of course, but we understand that some of the little guys might be overwhelmed. It's OK to come on Saturday for the activities and go home to sleep.


Please Note:

  • BSA regulations mandate that a child can not sleep in a tent with an adult that is not his parent or legal guardian. Webelos are permitted to sleep in tents (with other Webelos) without an adult.
  • Alcoholic beverages are not allowed on BSA-sanctioned overnight trips.
  • Due to the proximity of the campsite to the water, children must be supervised at all times. We are counting on you, the parents, to keep your children safe.

What to Bring:
  • Sleeping Bag, pad and pillow
  • Tent. The Pack has some to lend; contact the Cubmaster if you'd like to borrow one. There is no cabin at this site.
  • Flashlight
  • Rain coat or poncho
  • Toothbrush, toothpaste
  • Winter hat and mittens/gloves
  • Change of clothes
  • Chair for Fire-side
  • Fishing pole and tackle
  • Mini First Aid kit
  • Bug Spray
Everyone must be aware of our Pack pocketknife policy. As for toilet facilities, the camp has porta-potties. You may want to bring a small bottle of hand sanitizer.

Given our past experience, the weather always seems to rear its ugly head, but somehow, it usually ends up working out. So unless there's a major storm, the overnighter is on, "rain or shine".

Please contact your Den leader or Jeff Crump if you have any questions.

Monday, May 2, 2011

Bear Den Archery

The Bears spent Saturday afternoon at the archery range at Camp Sayre. We learned how to handle equipment and shot countless arrows at the targets. Great fun!

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Sudden Pond Campground, Harold Parker State Forest

Sudden Pond is in Harold Parker State Forest on the border of North Reading and North Andover, MA

From Wakefield, proceed through the 129 rotary and follow Haverhill Street through Reading to North Reading Center. Go straight through the light for approximately 1.5 miles, and take a right at the blinking yellow light onto Marblehead Street. Follow Marblehead Street for about 1.5 miles, and turn left onto Salem Street -- you should see a small brown sign on the Right pointing Left to Harold Parker State Forest.  If you pass a sign that indicates the border of North Reading and Middleton, you've gone too far.

From Salem Street, you will be turning right at Gate 7. If you're setting your GPS or an App like WAZE, the closest street address to the gate is the Forest Riding Academy, 33 Salem Street, North Reading, MA 01864-1513, or Sudden Pond Fire Road, North Reading, MA  Turn right at Gate 7 and follow the road to the campsite, which will be on your right.

Total drive time about 20 minutes.


View Sudden Pond, Harold Parker in a larger map




Saturday, April 16, 2011

Spring Cleanup

Thanks to everyone that helped out with the Spring Cleanup today. What a great turnout! Sure, it was a bit breezy but everyone had fun... and made a difference in our community. Way to go, Cubs!

Check out some pictures by clicking on the image below.

Spring Cleanup

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Spring Cleanup Service Project this Saturday

Our annual Spring Cleaning service project will be held this Saturday, April 16. Meet at the Greenwood Union Church at 9 am. We will pick up litter and trash from around the church, and then walk over to the Greenwood School and clean up around there, too. We should be done about 10:30 am.

Bring work gloves if you have them. Plastic grocery bags are helpful too -- the boys pick up into the smaller bags and dump them into the larger ones the pack will provide.

This is a great way for our Cub Scouts to "give goodwill", and at the same time, practice protecting our environment. Both are important core values of Scouting so we value your participation.

Here are some pictures from previous years... see you Saturday!





Saturday, April 9, 2011

USS Salem Sleepover

Click below to see photos from our overnight adventure on the USS Salem. A great time was had by all!

Saturday, April 2, 2011

USS Salem Overnight Adventure this weekend

It's here!   The long-awaited USS Salem overnight adventure is this coming weekend, April 9-10.   Click here for directions.   Below is the schedule of events, but if you want more detail, see this PDF document.

Very important: If you will be arriving late (especially after 3 pm), please let Jeff know by email (jeffrey (dot) crump (at) gmail (dot) com) or cell phone (781-258-3298)    We need to know because they lock the gates when the museum closes to the public.  Call Jeff on Saturday for any emergencies.

Cub Scouts are strongly encouraged to wear their uniforms on Saturday.

Things to bring:
  • Sleeping bag and pillow
  • Flashlight, toothbrush
  • Change of clothes for Sunday
  • Winter cap and warm pajamas as we've heard it can get cold in the berths.
  • Keep an eye on the weather and bring an appropriate jacket/raincoat.
Schedule:

Saturday April 9
  • 1:00 Arrival/Registration
  • 1:30 Fire Drill/Safety Briefing
  • 1:45 Group Orientation
  • 2:00 Ships Tour
  • 3:00 Activities/Training Rotation
  • 6:15 Dinner
  • 6:45 Mess Clean up
  • 7:00 Free Time
  • 7:30 Movies
  • 10:00 Report to Berthing
  • 10:30 Lights Out
Sunday April 10
  • 7:00 Reveille
  • 7:15 Berthing Area clean up
  • 7:30 Breakfast
  • 8:00 Mess clean up
  • 8:15 Scavenger Hunt
  • 9:20 Boston Harbor Cruise (1 1/2 hours)
  • 11:00 Departure

    Thursday, March 31, 2011

    Recycle Raingutter Regatta

    The Bears learned a little about the how-and-why of recycling... then put their creativity to the test making sailboats out of whatever they could find. The boys experimented with different designs and had a great time trying to get their boats to fly down the gutter. Who brought the mop?!

    Friday, March 18, 2011

    Bear Den Hovercrafts

    The Bear den had a great time making hovercrafts at a recent den meeting. What's the MPG on these things, anyway?



    Camp Sayre

    Camp Sayre is in the Blue Hills Reservation in Milton, Mass. From Wakefield, take I-93 south through Boston, continuing on 93 at the Braintree Split. Take Exit 3, Ponkapoag Trail towards Houghton's Pond. Turn right at Blue Hill River Road, then right at Hillside Street. Just after the State Police station, bear left onto Unquity Road. The camp is roughly 1.3 miles down the road on your left-hand side.
    A Pack representative will meet you in the parking area to direct you to our camp site. 


    View Larger Map

    Friday, March 11, 2011

    Parent Meeting Recap

    Thanks to everyone who attended the Parents Meeting last night.  We're happy that everyone sees the value in volunteering for the Pack. As Ben mentioned, it's a great way to model responsibility and character for our children, and have fun in the process.  

    We'll be in touch with everyone that expressed interest in helping out. We're still looking for some "back office" help with the Committee Chair roles;  this will become a more urgent need in the fall so please consider it.

    Click here to see the presentation from last night.  Please feel free to contact Jeff or Ben with any questions or comments -- or, simply, to ask what you can do. Thanks!

    Thursday, March 10, 2011

    Pinewood Derby Winners

    Congratulations to all our Scouts that participated in last weekend's Pinewood Derby. The cars were awesome, and everyone had a great time.   Thanks to everyone that pitched in and made the day so much fun.

    Congratulations to our Den Race winners. These Scouts will represent our Pack at the District Race in Concord on March 19:

    • Tiger: Ian B.
    • Wolf: Jonathan D.
    • Bear: Quinn B.
    • Webelos 1: Jacob B.
    • Webelos 2: Ryan S.

    Great job, guys!

    Tuesday, February 8, 2011

    Pinewood Derby Time!

    The Pinewood Derby is coming!  It's time to get ready to race.

    The rules we'll be using are can be found here.  They are the same rules used by the District, please read them.  Your input on changes for next year is most welcome but we ask all to Do Your Best to abide by these rules for this year.

    Weigh-In is on Friday, March 4, from 6:30 - 8:00 pm at the Greenwood Union Church.   The Scouts' cars are checked for weight and size according to the rules, and kept overnight at the church.   Some tools, graphite and other tune-up items will be available but if you have your own you are encouraged to bring them.

    The Race will be held on Saturday, March 5.   Each den will race amongst themselves according the following schedule:
    • Tigers: 9:00 am
    • Wolves: 9:30 am
    • Bears: 10:00 am
    • Webelos 1: 11:00 am
    • Webelos 2: 11:30am
    • Family Race: 12:00 noon
    The winner of each Den's race will represent our Pack at the Flintlock District Finals, which are to be held on Saturday, March 19 at the Concord Scout House in Concord, Mass.  The Finals are really a lot of fun - last year, some 35 Packs were represented.

    If you're not sure about what to do, or if you're lacking tools, please contact your den leader.  Scouts can "buddy up" to work on their cars together and your den leader can match you up.

    Here are some templates that you can use to inspire your Scout's design. Simply trace the forms onto the wood and you're on your way.

    Some other great resources for ideas, tips or tricks are:
    Have fun with your Scout as he makes his car!

    Thursday, February 3, 2011

    Sunday, February 6: Scout Sunday, Cub Olympics

    Sunday, February 6th  is Scout Sunday.  The Boy Scouts of America annually celebrates its founding on February 8, 1910;  Scout Sunday was added to celebration in the 1940s.   The Scout Sunday tradition was started to make people in houses of worship aware of Scouting, and to allow Scouts to live out their "Duty to God".  These values strengthen youth character in their family, community and faith.

    This year all three Catholic churches in Wakefield will be participating in the tradition:

    • St. Florence Parish: Scouts will attend the 10AM Mass and sit together. The Scouts will be sponsoring coffee/pastries afterwards.
    • Most Blessed Sacrament Parish: Scouts will attend the 9AM Mass, and will serve coffee, etc. afterwards.
    • St. Joseph’s Parish: Scouts will attend the 11AM Mass.
    • First Parish Congregational will be celebrating Scout Sunday the following week, February 13th, at the 10:30 am service.
    If your family attends Mass at any of these churches, please have your Scout in full uniform (but no hats) at church at least 5-10 minutes before Mass.  Scouts will be processing in and sitting together.

    Also...  this Sunday, February 6 is the annual Cub Scout Olympics at the Minuteman Regional High School in Lexington.  The boys always have a great time and it's a lot of fun for everyone.   The games start with opening ceremonies at 12:30 and will be over by 3 pm (so you'll be home in time for the Super Bowl).  Scouts should wear their Pack 722 tee shirt or their uniform shirt -- no hats or neckerchiefs, please.  Please check with your den leader to arrange car pools.

    Directions can be found on our website:  http://www.pack722wakefield.com/2010/11/cub-scout-olympics-at-minuteman.html

    Saturday, January 15, 2011

    Pack Olympics

    Our annual Pack Olympics was held at our January Pack meeting. Check out these great pictures! The boys had a great time and we're all ready for the District Olympics in February. Game on!

    Thursday, January 13, 2011

    Pack Meeting tonight is on

    Despite the snow day,  our Pack Meeting tonight is not canceled.   We're still on for 6:30 pm at the Greenwood Union Church.

    At this meeting, we will be having our annual Pack Olympics, in preparation for the Cub Scout Olympics in February.  Because the boys will be quite active this time, uniforms are not required -- there's no sense in losing hats and neckerchief slides if you can avoid it!

    We will be distributing the Pinewood Derby cars and popcorn prizes at this meeting.   This year's Pinewood Derby will have a new feature -- an "open" division where each family can, if they wish, race a car against other (non-Scout) cars.  We'll have more details at the Pack Meeting.

    Finally, as mentioned earlier, we will be collecting donations to the Pack's contribution to the Tom Nestor scholarship fund. We will also have a card for all Pack families to sign.  


    See you there

    Friday, January 7, 2011

    Tom Nestor Scholarship

    Tom Nestor, an Eagle Scout from Wakefield's Troop 701, tragically passed away last month in a skiing accident.  Many of our boys met him last year when he came to a Pack Meeting to teach the boys about proper handling of the American flag.   Tom was an exemplary Scout and a terrific young man.  In his memory, the Tom Nestor Scholarship has been started has been started under the auspices of the Wakefield Citizen's Scholarship Foundation (CSF). 

    Our Pack will be making a donation and we ask all of you to consider donating as well.  We will be collecting donations at our Pack Meeting next week -- no amount is too small.  We will also have a sympathy card available for all Cub Scout families to sign.

    There will also be a fundraiser for Tom's Scholarship at Kelly's Roast Beef in Saugus (Route 1 at Lynn Fells Parkway) on Monday of next week, January 10. With the attached coupon, 25 percent of your purchase will be donated to the Scholarship fund.  Please consider attending -- it's a "dinner out" for a good cause.

    Monday, January 3, 2011

    Christmas Caroling

    Christmas Caroling at the Harborside Nursing Home was a lot of fun, and got us all into the Christmas spirit. Some of our sisters and their fellow Girl Scouts joined us, too. It was great to see the smiles on the faces of the residents!