Sunday, December 9, 2012

USAF Band Night

A great night of music with the USAF Band of Liberty. Thank you, Scouts, for all your hard work in making this a great Wakefield tradition.  Click below for some pictures courtesy of George Smith.

Monday, November 12, 2012

Cub Scouts "Turn for Troops"


Woodcraft, on Montvale Avenue in Woburn, hosted their annual "Turn for Troops" event for Veterans Day.  Our Scouts used a lathe to turn a hand-crafted wooden pen that was donated to our service members.  The Scouts used the pens to write postcard notes to the soldiers to thank them for their service.

As an extra bonus, the portable saw mill truck was there and we saw the process of turning felled trees into boards.  Pretty cool!

Click below for some pictures of the Webelos 2 den making their pens.

Veterans Day at Dutton Center

Our Cubs paid a visit to the Dutton Center for Veterans Day today.  We led the seniors in the Pledge of Allegiance and the Cub Scout Promise and Law, and then led a patriotic singalong.   It's always great to see the joy on their faces brought by our boys.

Click below for some pictures of our visit.

Sunday, October 21, 2012

October Pack Meeting

Our October Pack Meeting featured a visit from Wakefield's Fire Prevention Officer, Captain Thomas Purcell. Thanks, Captain, for talking with our boys about fire safety and prevention.

Click here for some photos of the meeting.



Thursday, October 11, 2012

Camping this weekend!

Our fall overnight camping event is this weekend, Saturday, October 13 to Sunday October 14, at the Stearns Pond campsite at the Harold Parker State Forest. This is a new site for us, but it's just up the road from the Sudden Pond site we've used in the past. It's sure to be a great time!

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

We are in need of two things from anyone that can help:

  • 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. It's always great when we can get the boys out onto the water. 
  • We will need some fold-up tables for the food. Please let us know if you can bring one. 
Where? 

  • Stearns 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 on "Directions" on the right hand sidebar for directions and a map. 
  • The campsite is labelled "NA1" on the attached map of Harold Parker. Also attached is a sketch of the campsite tent areas. The "F" is where we'll have our campfire circle. This is a new campsite for us and there will probably be some confusion. We'll have greeters there to help you out. Fortunately the sites are all easily accessible from roads, and there is plenty of parking. 
  • You can see come pictures of the campsite here: https://picasaweb.google.com/108801195631126844544/StearnsPondCampsite# 


When? 

  • Arrival is anytime after noon on Saturday; come whenever your schedule allows. When you arrive, please check in with one of the leaders. Please unload your car and then move it back to the parking area on the main road. 
  • 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. If you choose to bring cooking equipment, we ask that you allow enough time so that your food is ready at meal time (schedule is below). 
  • We ask for your help in making this a community experience; breaking into little groups on the side really isn't the Scouting way. 
  • Breakfast on Sunday is also potluck. 
  • Whatever you plan on bringing, please consult the list (sent via email) and 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 - Group activity/game. 
  • 4:00 pm - Pack Hike/Nature Scavenger Hunt. 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".

Please contact your den leader for more information. See you at camp!

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Stearns Pond, Harold Parker State Forest


Stearns Pond is in Harold Parker State Forest on the border of North Reading and Middleton, Mass.  The campsite is close to the Visitor Center/Ranger Station.

From Wakefield, proceed through the 129 rotary and follow Haverhill Street through Reading. Follow Haverhill Street until North Reading Center.  After  crossing Route 62, go straight for approximately 1.5 miles, and take a right onto Marblehead Street at the blinking yellow light.   Follow Marblehead Street for about 1.7 miles, and turn left onto Salem Street -- you will 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.

Salem Street becomes Middleton Road; you will be turning right at Gate 4, or continuing to the Visitor Center and entering at Gate 3.

Total drive time about 20 minutes.


View Larger Map


The campsites are strung out along the shore of the pond.    If you enter at Gate 4, you will be coming in from the right of this map.



Click here to see some pictures of the campsite: Campsite Pictures

Sunday, September 30, 2012

Show and Sell 2012

Thanks to everyone that helped make our Show and Sell such a terrific success!  Check out some pictures of the fun by clicking below.



Saturday, September 22, 2012

September Pack Meeting


We kicked off the year in grand style this week, with our September Pack meeting.  Here are some shots from the festivities courtesy of George Smith.  Thanks!

Remember that next weekend is our Popcorn Show-and-Sell.   Please let your den leaders know what times your scout is available.



Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Webelos water slide!

Our Webelos 1 den kicked off the Scouting year in grand style, with a huge, home-made water slide. So cool!  Check out the pictures below.



Welcome back!

We hope everyone had a fun summer and is ready to start the new school year.  Our Cub Scouting year gets underway with our annual "Fall Roundup" next Thursday, September 13, at the Greenwood Union Church.  Pack Leaders will be there from 6:30 - 8:00 pm to welcome new and returning Scouts and answer any questions you might have.  Stop in whenever it fits your schedule. The registration fee for the year is $45, and $40 for additional siblings.

While it's not required for returning Scouts to come to the Roundup, we strongly encourage it -- it's much easier to do the paperwork in that setting than at a Pack Meeting, and it's always nice to see friends again and say "hi".  If your Scout is returning to the Pack but you cannot make the Roundup, please contact your den leader or respond to this email.  If you registered in the spring, you're all set, but feel free to come by to say hi anyway.  

Our leaders have worked over the summer to update our Parent Handbook, which hopefully will be the ultimate reference for you as a parent in the Pack.  You can download it from the "Join" link on the right.  The Handbook has information on uniforms, pack policies and procedures, contact information, and lots of other goodies.  But if you find that something useful is missing, please let us know and we'll add it.

We've also updated the Pack calendar with the schedule of Pack events for the year.  Click on "Calendar" on the right.  This does not include den meetings and den activities, only the Pack activities -- Pack meetings, campouts, sleepovers, etc.

Here are some highlights for the the first part of the year:
  • We will participate in the town's Civil War observance, Saturday, September 15 on the Town Common.
  • The first Pack Meeting is Thursday, September 20, 6:30 - 8 pm at the Greenwood Union Church.
  • Popcorn Show and Sell, Saturday September 29, at locations around town.  We will have more information at the Pack Meeting.
  • A day trip to SOAR 2012, on the Charles River, Sunday October 7. Check it out at http://soar2012.org
  • Family Camping Overnight at Stearns Pond at Harold Parker State Forest, October 13-14. This is a new campsite for us, just up the road from Sudden Pond.
See you on the 13th... welcome Back!

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Parent Guide updated for 2012

Our Parent Guide has been updated for the coming Scouting year.  You can download the PDF by clicking on the link in the sidebar on the right, or by clicking here: Parent Guide 2012

Please contact the Cubmaster or your den leader if you have any questions.

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Paw Sox sleepover a bit hit!

A great time was had by all at the Paw Sox sleepover last week.  Despite the threat of thunderstorms -- ever see the tarp over the field on a bright sunny day? -- no rain got in our way and everyone had a blast.

Click on the photo below for the photo gallery. If anyone has any pictures to add, please send them in!

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Webelos take on the Ridge Trail

Four Webelos 2 scouts hiked the challenging Ridge Trail at Breakheart this weekend.  They found a geocache, met a new, slinky friend, and took in the views from Castle Rock.  Afterwards, they made their own campfire and cooked up hot dogs and s'mores. Everyone had a great time!

Click on the photo below for more pictures from their adventure.


Saturday, June 2, 2012

Mother Nature cancels camping plans


We are sorry to say that our camping overnight is cancelled.  The most important things are safety and that the boys have fun. What's fun (or safe) about camping out in a thunderstorm?   The last time we had to cancel a camping trip was 2006, so it's been a good run.   We'll try again in the fall.

Our next Pack activity is the Spring Roundup on Thursday, 5:30-7:30 on the lower common. We're looking forward to seeing as many of you as possible, if only for a little bit.   Of course, the Paw Sox sleepover is coming up at the end of the month.  We should be distributing the tickets fairly soon.

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Upcoming Pack Events

We're entering the home stretch on our Cub Scout year but we still have quite a few fun activities coming up in the next month or two.  We'll be sending out details on each of these events in separate emails, but we wanted to get the dates on your calendars in the meantime.

Friday, May 18 at 6pm is the Blue and Gold Banquet, our annual celebration of Scouting and recognition of the boy's accomplishments.   This is where the boys will be presented with their rank badges and "cross over" the bridge to the next level of Scouting.  This banquet is a pot-luck supper and we have some great entertainment lined up for the evening. Note that this is on a Friday, not a Thursday like our regular Pack Meetings, and starts 30 minutes earlier, at 6 pm, to give us time for dinner. 

Monday, May 21 is the Memorial Day service project at Lakeside cemetery, where we will be helping to put flags on the graves of Wakefield's veterans. We will be meeting at the Lakeside Cemetery on North Avenue at 4:00 pm.   For those who cannot make this date, you can help on Friday the 25th at Forest Glen Cemetery on Lowell Street (4:00 pm) as in years past.

Monday, May 28 is the Memorial Day parade.  Our Pack participates in this important observance every year, so if you're in town for the Memorial Day weekend, please make plans for your Scout to march in the parade.

Saturday, June 2 to Sunday, June 3 is our spring camping overnight, this time at Camp Nihan in the Breakheart Reservation in Saugus.  As with previous camping overnights, arrival will be anytime in the afternoon on Saturday the 2nd and we'll be up and out by 11 am on Sunday.

Thursday, June 7 is our Spring Roundup night. We're trying something different this year, and having a town-wide outdoor event on the common, together with Pack 712. It's sure to be a lot of fun.

And, of course, Saturday, June 23 is the Paw Sox sleepover. 

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Pinewood Derby Dreams

WCAT produced a documentary about our 2012 Pinewood Derby. Enjoy!

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Ecotarium Sleepover

A great time was had by all, as we explored the cosmos, designed Mars landers and toured the museum's exhibits. Click below for the photo gallery.

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Ecotarium

The Ecotarium is located at 222 Harrington Way, in Worcester, Massachusetts. Take the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) to Exit 11. At the end of the ramp, turn left onto Route 122 North (Grafton Street). Follow for approximately three miles. Turn right onto Plantation Street at Rice Square. Follow for about one mile. At the second traffic light, turn right onto Franklin Street. Take the second right onto Harrington Way. EcoTarium is on the left after a baseball field.

View Larger Map

Thursday, February 9, 2012

January Pack Meeting

Our January Pack meeting featured a visit by Sensei Rick Alford of the Defensive Edge school. He talked with the boys about bullying and different ways to handle it, and ended with a little demonstration of some of the moves he teaches to his students. Thanks, Sensei Rick!

Click below for some pictures, courtesy of George Smith.

Monday, January 23, 2012

It's Pinewood Derby Time!

It's Pinewood Derby Time!  We will be distributing the car kits at Thursday's Pack Meeting and we'll be off to the races!

The rules we'll be using have been distributed via email and can be found here.  Please read them.  Note that a new rule on modifications to the leading edge of the car has been added; See Rule 5 under "Car Construction Rules". Your input on changes for next year is most welcome but we ask everyone to "Do Your Best" to abide by these rules for this year. 

Remember that the Pinewood Derby is a vehicle (pun intended!) for teaching the Cub Scout Values of honesty, perseverance, resourcefulness and a positive attitude.

We're happy to announce that the popular "Open Division" from last year will be brought back, for siblings and parents that want to make their own car.  We'll weigh them before the race but there won't be any "tune up" facilities.  If you are entering a car in the Open Division, bring that car to the church on race day when your Scout races.

We are also introducing a "Most Creative" award category this year.  The Scouts will vote on the most creative car in their den, and the leaders will vote on an overall Pack winner from those cars.

Schedule of events
  • Saturday, January 28th: Pinewood Derby Workshop at the Milinazzo's home. See below.
  • Friday, March 2: Weigh-In, 6:30 - 8 pm at the Greenwood Union Church.   The Scouts' cars are checked for weight and size according to the rules, assigned a number 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.
  • Saturday, March 3: Race Day!  Races will be held by dens, according to the following schedule.  Of course, everyone is welcome to come at any time to watch other dens race:
    • Tigers: 9:00 am
    • Wolves: 10:00 am
    • Bears: 10:30 am
    • Webelos 1: 11:00 am
    • Webelos 2: 11:45 pm
    • Open: 12:15 pm
  • Saturday, March 17: District Finals. The winner of each Den's race will represent our Pack at the Flintlock District Finals, which are held at the Concord Scout House in Concord, Mass.  Yes, this is the day of the Ecotarium sleepover but the races are held in the morning, so you won't miss anything. 
Pinewood Derby Workshop and Car Design Tips

If you want some help getting started, need some tools, or just some extra design tips, please come to our Pinewood Derby Workshop on Saturday, January 28th, at the Milinazzo's home, 20 Myrtle Ave in Greenwood, from 1 to 3 pm.   A signup sheet will be available at the Pack meeting, or you can RSVP by responding to this email.

Some other great resources for ideas, tips or tricks are:

Please contact your den leader if you have any questions.  See you at the Races!