Scouting for Food 2012

Saturday April 7th is the kick-off for the annual food collection drive, "Scouting For Food". Our Pack will place hangers on doors in the neighborhood behind Super Target. The hangers ask homeowners to place food donations outside 1 week later on April 14th, when our scouts will pick up the donations for delivery to the food bank.

Last year, Scouts and volunteers collected over 500,000 items of food for those in need in 484 communities served by the Mid-America Council. This community-wide drive helps reinforce the value of the Scout motto, “Doing a Good Turn Daily.”

We need all scouts and leaders to meet at 8:45 am at the north St. Columbkille school lot (by the library) on both April 7th and April 14th. Please wear class A uniforms (blues and neckerchief). If we have a lot of help we can get this done more quickly. Sibling and adult help is also welcome. Please, we need everyone to help accomplish this task!

Note: Our District (Wagon Wheel) is using a different Scouting for Food schedule than the rest of the Council, so don't get confused if you see different dates.

Though April 7th is Holy Saturday, I cannot think of a better way to conclude Lent than by collecting food donations to help those that need our prayers. Thank you for your help!

Click here to see a video about Scouting for Food in our area.

Here Comes the Pinewood Derby!

The Pinewood Derby is almost here!

Friday March 16 Weigh-in #1 6:00pm - 7:30pm (Scout Center)
Sunday March 18 Weigh-in #2 12:30pm - 1:30pm (Social Level)
Sunday March 18 Pack Meeting/Pinewood Derby 2pm (Social Level)

Notes:

• After weigh-in, cars must stay with the Pack derby committee
• Your car must be entered at one of the weigh-ins (don't forget to name your car!)
  
• Snacks will be provided at the Derby
  
• Scouts will race within each group (e.g. Tigers vs Tigers)
• Each scout will race 4 times (once on each of the 4 lanes)
• After the scouts are done, there will be an open race for anyone to enter (adults included)
• Do not put a number sticker on your car - the leaders will number the cars
• Weights, graphite, and tools will be available at the weigh-ins to help gain or lose weight (to stay under 5 oz)
• During this week, the official scale and 'measuring box' can be made available at the scout center for checking your weight and dimensions during den meetings. Contact your den leader if you would like to pre-test your car.
• The winner of each rank (Tigers, Wolves, Bears, Webelos) will advance to the District Derby, held in April. The 2nd best time in each rank will be an alternate for that Derby. (Note, ranks that have multiple dens still only yield a single 1st place).
• The complete set of Pack 359 Pinewood Derby rules was emailed out last month. If you lost your copy of rules, please contact your den leader for a replacement.
  

Remember what's important about the Derby!
1. Working together - the scout and adult should build the car together, according to the ability of the scout's age (as much as possible, especially for the younger scouts). It's about learning, not perfection :O)
2. Learning about tools - the scout should learn something about the tools and materials used
3. ! Sportsmanship ! - the scout needs to be a good sport whether he wins or loses. Please prepare your scout for the races by stressing this point. We just want everyone to have fun :O)

Don't forget there is an Open Class race following the rank races, open to all adults, siblings, etc.

If you have any questions please reply to derby.pack359@gmail.com or contact your den leader.

We need several volunteers to help set up the track on race day (at noon) and to clean up after the derby. If you can help, please email derby.pack359@gmail.com. Thanks!

See you at the Derby!