Cub Scout Pack 722 Wakefield Massachusetts

Jan Pack Meeting

2012-02-09T17:56:00.000-08:00

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.

It's Pinewood Derby Time!

2012-01-23T09:38:00.000-08:00

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!

December 17, 2011

2011-12-17T07:40:00.000-08:00

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.

Cubs help at the Band of Liberty Concert

2011-12-05T14:00:00.000-08:00

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.

November 18, 2011

2011-11-18T08:43:00.000-08:00

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.

Veterans Day 2011

2011-11-13T17:36:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-12T04:53:00.001-08:00

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!

Sudden Pond Camping was a blast!

2011-10-10T12:47:00.000-07:00

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

Sudden Pond Camping this Weekend!

2011-10-05T09:01:00.001-07:00

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. 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. 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.

Fall Registration Roundup this Thursday

2011-09-13T19:08:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-13T19:07:00.000-07:00

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.

Parent Handbook available

2011-09-06T15:36:00.001-07:00

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!

Red Sox Game and Color Guard

2011-08-07T11:17:00.000-07:00

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.

Spring Signup Night this Thursday, June 2

2011-05-31T04:37:00.000-07:00

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.

Cub Scout Memorial Day Observance, Friday and Monday

2011-05-23T18:09:00.000-07:00

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.

Sudden Pond camping a great time for all

2011-05-19T05:20:00.000-07:00

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.

Spring Camping Next Weekend!

2011-05-07T17:31:00.000-07:00

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.

Bear Den Archery

2011-05-02T13:14:00.002-07:00

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!

Sudden Pond Campground, Harold Parker State Forest

2011-04-20T13:56:00.000-07:00

Sudden Pond is in Harold Parker State Forest on the border of North Reading and Middleton, Mass.

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.

From Salem Street, you will be turning right at Gate 7. If you're setting your GPS, the closest street address to the gate is the Forest Riding Academy, 33 Salem Street, North Reading, MA 01864-1513. 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

Spring Cleanup

2011-04-16T08:23:00.000-07:00

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

Spring Cleanup Service Project this Saturday

2011-04-14T09:34:00.000-07:00

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!

USS Salem Sleepover

2011-04-09T18:21:00.000-07:00

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

USS Salem Overnight Adventure this weekend

2011-04-02T07:54:00.000-07:00

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

USS Salem

2011-04-02T07:39:00.000-07:00

The USS Salem is located at the United States Naval Shipbuilding Museum in Quincy, Massachusetts. From Wakefield, take I -93 south to exit 12 (Route 3A/Neponset/Quincy). Go across the Neponset River Bridge, staying to the left, onto Quincy Shore Drive. Go to the end of Quincy Shore Drive to Sea Street. Turn right on Sea Street. At the next traffic light take a left onto Southern Artery. Stay on Southern Artery until the intersection with Washington Street (Route 3A). Go left at the lights onto Route 3A south. Approximately one mile south you will come to a rotary. Look to your right for Harbor Express and USS Salem signs. Proceed through the main entrance (daily MTBA parking is $2, overnight $6, paid at admissions office) and go to the end of the pier. Board USS Salem by the gangway.

View Larger Map

Recycle Raingutter Regatta

2011-03-31T18:27:00.000-07:00

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?!