Cub Scout Pack 359

Mahoney Ice Skating Sun Jan 29 (Sunday)

2012-01-23T21:24:00.003-06:00

Hey Cubs!

We'll meet at the Mahoney craft center (ask at the entry booth for directions) at 2pm. The craft center closes at 4pm. We'll then meet at the activity center for ice skating at 3:30pm. We'll start with a safety discussion and then skate. Scouts can earn their ice skating belt loop by attending.

Currently the forecast for Sunday is mid 30s, so ice skating (hopefully) should be good-to-go! But please check your email before leaving for Mahoney.

Remember:

1. The ice rink is a covered, but outside rink. Please dress accordingly. The rink is adjacent to the indoor activity center though, so warming up is easy.

2. If you don't know where the craft center is, just ask at the park entrance booth - they'll tell you the directions.

3. If driving conditions or the condition of the ice rink isn't satisfactory then we will cancel via email. Check your email before you leave for Mahoney!

4. Of course parents should skate with their scout, if necessary.

5. Here is the google map to Mahoney, if you are not familiar:

http://goo.gl/bfOV4

6. You can purchase ceramics and leather products to paint and work at the craft center for a reasonable price. Here are the costs:

Craft Center is open 11-4

Skating is open 11-6

Costs:

Park Entry – Daily $4 (you can purchase an annual pass for your vehicle for a bit more)

Entrance to the Activity center AND Skating - $2

Skate Rental - $3

Leather craft and pottery items range from $3 to $18 average, you can spend more on bigger pottery items.

Hope to see you there!

Winter Lock-in on 1/13 (Friday)

2012-01-07T09:01:00.003-06:00

Join us for the Winter Lock-in on Friday, January 13th at 7:00 pm in the Social Level. Families are invited for the Pack Meeting and a movie with popcorn. Scouts (and adults) are invited to stay the night. (Please eat dinner before arriving.)

IMPORTANT: scouts that participated in a religious emblem program (e.g. Light of Christ, Parvuli Dei) should bring their completed booklet to this lock-in for Mr. Denne to sign as 'completed'. If you cannot attend this lock-in then please contact Rick Denne at rick.denne@cox.net to schedule a time to stop by his home for the signature. Thank you!

Agenda:

7pm Pack meeting (awards, etc)
7:30pm Scout activity
8pm Movie (with popcorn)
10pm Lights out
7am Donuts
8am Leave for home

Things to bring if you are staying overnight:

sleeping bag
air mattress or pad, something to sleep on
pajamas
toothbrush/toothpaste
pillow
flashlight
earplugs (snoring defense for adults)

Since this is an overnight event, Class A uniforms (blues and neckerchief) are not necessary – the yellow pack t-shirts are ok for the Lock-in on Friday. Also, a parent must stay with their scout if they are sleeping in the Social Level.

Again, only scouts can stay overnight, not their siblings, so that our group doesn't get unmanageable :O) Thanks for your understanding...

Please Join Us for the December Pack Meeting

2011-11-28T21:34:00.002-06:00

The whole family is invited to the Pack meeting on Monday, December 5th at 7pm in the Social Level. The meeting will start promptly at 7:00 pm, so please arrive a little early if possible.

Our Webelos IIs will receive their Arrow of Light, the highest award in cub scouting. Venture Crew 483 will participate in the memorable ceremony.
Awards and belt loops will be presented to scouts
Someone special will visit our pack, with a surprise for all...

Hope to see you there!

Join us for the November Pack Meeting

2011-11-07T21:08:00.001-06:00

The whole family is invited to the Pack meeting on Monday, November 14th at 7pm in the Social Level. Come see what your scout has been up to for the last month.

Other items of interest:

Popcorn awards will be presented to scouts that participated in the Popcorn fundraiser
Dens that had every scout sell at least $100 of popcorn will all get to "pie" their selected leader. (Our Popcorn Kernel is still tabulating the sales at this time, so we don't know if any dens qualified.)
Awards and belt loops will be presented to scouts
Coloring for the younger siblings
And a game and treat too

Hope to see you there!

Fall Family Camp Out, Fri Oct 7

2011-09-26T22:54:00.003-05:00

Are you ready for some good, old fashioned fun?! The Pack Fall Family Camp Out is almost here! Join us on Friday, October 7th at Walnut Creek Lake Recreation Area. We arrive at 5pm on Friday and will leave by about 9am Saturday morning. Don't forget that this is also our Pack Meeting for October. You don't want to miss the scouts performing skits and the fun campfire songs (also our new Bobcats will be awarded their patches). The entire family is invited for all the fun. Join us for our cookout, games, and treats – rain or shine. Food and drinks will be provided by the pack. All are invited to camp overnight, but if you cannot stay overnight please join us for the pack meeting and campfire...

Google map to the tent camping site at Walnut Creek: map

(Walnut Creek Lake Recreation Area is located near 96th and Schram, south of Highway 370.)

Please, remember this is Nebraska in October - the weather is *very* unpredictable (70F? 40F? Who knows!) So Be Prepared and bring some heavier coats and blankets just to be safe.

If you would like to camp, but do not have a tent, please contact your den leader or email rick.denne@cox.net. Several families have extra tents and would be happy to help you out.

Family Fun Festival

2011-09-14T09:38:00.001-05:00

ALL SHIFTS are FULL! Thank you everyone!

Please do not reply to this email; please email rick.denne@cox.net.

As in past years, Pack 359 will run a booth at the St. Columbkille Family Fun Festival on September 18th from 10:30am-6:30pm. Wolves, Bears, and Webelos are expected to work at the booth for 1 hr. Tigers are not required, but are encouraged to come with a parent and help out with the fun. Please have your scout wear their class A uniform. Adult volunteers are also required, since we need 2 scouts + 1 adult at the booth.

Our booth should be located in the parking lot near the corner of 84th and Cornhusker (near the dunk tank). Also, make sure you give yourself extra time to park, since the festival can get very crowded.

Please remember that St. Columbkille allows our pack to meet in the church building; this is our time to support their efforts!

current schedule (names abbreviated):

Schedule:

10:30-11:30

[Scout1] JK

[Scout2] LL

[Adult1] LK

[Adult2] AL

11:30-12:30

[Scout1] MM

[Scout2] TH

[Adult1] MM

[Adult2] LH

12:30-1:30

[Scout1] AW

[Scout2] JQ

[Adult1] DW

[Adult2] LQ

1:30-2:30

[Scout1] NM

[Scout2] KM

[Adult1] BM

[Adult2] X

2:30-3:30

[Scout1] JS

[Scout2] KC

[Adult1] ES

[Adult2] RC

3:30-4:30

[Scout1] ND

[Scout2] GD

[Adult1] RD

[Adult2] X

4:30-5:30

[Scout1] ML

[Scout2] LR

[Adult1] TL

[Adult2] TR

5:30-6:30

[Scout1] BF

[Scout2] MC

[Adult1] AF

[Adult2] JC

Please email your requested shift times to rick.denne@cox.net. Thanks again for your help!

Join us for the September Pack Meeting

2011-09-12T20:16:00.003-05:00

The whole family is invited to the Pack meeting on Monday, September 19th at 7pm in the Social Level.

We have a lot to cover this meeting:

Summer awards (patches, belt loops, etc.)
Popcorn fundraiser kick-off!
Annual scout registration ($50 per scout, +$10 for new scout, +$10 for Boys Life, +$10 Class B T-shirt)
Upcoming events (Family Fun Festival, Fall Family Campout, Vala's Pumpkin Patch)

Parents, please bring your checkbook - we really want to get our scouts registered early this year. Thanks!

1st Pack Meeting of the Year

2011-08-18T20:30:00.004-05:00

Welcome back, scout families! We kick off our scouting year with the first Pack meeting on Monday, August 29th at 7pm in the Social Level. (Pack meetings are for ALL cub scouts, 1st - 5th grade.) This meeting will have some info for kids coming to check out our Pack, but will mostly be a fun time: Wildlife Encounters will visit with lots of cool and exotic animals. Don't miss it!

To see where St. Columbkille is located, click here. The Social Level is the lower level, below the church; enter from the south doors.

Papillion Days Parade June 18th

2011-06-04T11:24:00.004-05:00

Please join us for our June event, the Papillion Days Parade on Saturday, June 18th. The scouts get to ride on our float and do the "parade wave". Please arrive at the Scout Center at 1pm. The parade lineup is at 1:30pm and the parade starts at 2pm. We will keep the scouts cool in the scout center, watching Looney Tunes. Parents need to meet our group at the end of the parade at Triangle Park on East Halleck St and South Monroe. Scouts should be in full uniform and don't forget sunblock (it's always a hot day). We will have water on hand. See you then!

Additionally, our Pack will have a 'Raingutter Regatta' in July (think pinewood derby with boats, but a LOT less work) at our "Summer Splash". An email will be be sent in the near future with the info about the July event.

Mother's Day Pancake Breakfast May 8th - ALL HANDS

2011-04-29T21:00:00.008-05:00

IMPORTANT - do not reply to this email - Google's reply feature is not working. Instead, please email rick.denne@cox.net.

Sunday, May 8th (1 week away), is Mother's Day and the last pancake breakfast for this school year. We need everyone's help (all dens) to support this breakfast, since everyone has plans for the day. And this is the busiest pancake breakfast for the Knights, so we need more scouts and parents there than the typical breakfast. Please sign up your scout for at least 1 slot. If everyone pitches in, then it will be easy!

Leaders and parents, please let me know if you can be there too, since our scouts will need some supervision. Check out www.cubpack359.com for the updated schedule.

Open slots are listed in bold red below.
Shift 1
7:30 AM-9:00 am
Scouts: GD ND EM NM KM
Adults: RD SM BM A4

Shift 2
9:00 AM-10:00 AM
Scouts: MA JS BF ZG KC
Adults: RA ES AF TG RC

Shift 3
10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Scouts: LL LW SW BH AE
Adults: HL DW FH RE

Shift 4:
11:00 AM-12:30 PM
Scouts: JM JQ ACo ACa S5
Adults: NM JQ DC SC

Please email rick.denne@cox.net with your desired slot(s).

Thanks for your support... The Knights are counting on us :O)

Scouting for Food Apr 2/ Apr 9

2011-03-22T22:04:00.002-05:00

Saturday April 2nd 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 9th, when our scouts will pick up the donations for delivery to the food bank.

Last year, Scouts and volunteers collected over 381,000 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 2nd and April 9th. Please wear scout uniforms. 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! Thanks...

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

Here comes the Pinewood Derby!

2011-03-08T21:21:00.003-06:00

The Pinewood Derby is almost here!

Friday March 18 Weigh-in #1 6:00pm - 7:30pm (Scout Center)
Sunday March 20 Weigh-in #2 12:30pm - 1:30pm (Social Level)
Sunday March 20 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 rick.denne@cox.net 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 rick.denne@cox.net. Thanks!

See you at the Derby!

Mahoney Ice Skating Sun Jan 30

2011-01-20T21:17:00.004-06:00

Hey Cubs!

We'll meet at the Mahoney craft center (ask at the entry booth for directions) at 2pm. The craft center closes at 4pm. We'll then meet at the activity center for ice skating at 3:30pm. We'll start with a safety discussion and then skate. Scouts can earn their ice skating belt loop by attending.

Remember:
1. The ice rink is a covered, but outside rink. Please dress accordingly. The rink is adjacent to the indoor activity center though, so warming up is easy.

2. If you don't know where the craft center is, just ask at the park entrance booth - they'll tell you the directions.

3. If driving conditions or the condition of the ice rink isn't satisfactory then we will cancel via email. Check your email before you leave for Mahoney!

4. Of course parents should skate with their scout, if necessary.

5. Here is the google map to Mahoney, if you are not familiar:
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&saddr=41.138847,-96.043167&daddr=28500+W+Park+Hwy,+Ashland,+NE+68003+(Mahoney+State+Park)&hl=en&geocode=%3BFQracQIdg1FC-iGzEATwh17i0Q&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=0&sz=11&sll=41.100569,-96.176376&sspn=0.230254,0.4422&ie=UTF8&z=11

6. You can purchase ceramics and leather products to paint and work at the craft center for a reasonable price. Here are the costs:
Craft Center is open 11-4
Skating is open 11-6

Costs:
Park Entry – Daily $4 (you can purchase an annual pass for your vehicle for a bit more)
Entrance to the Activity center AND Skating - $2
Skate Rental - $3

Leather craft and pottery items range from $3 to $18 average, you can spend more on bigger pottery items.

Winter Lock-in on 1/14 (Friday)

2011-01-08T09:35:00.004-06:00

Join us for the Winter Lock-in on Friday, January 14th at 7:00 pm in the Social Level. Families are invited for the Pack Meeting and a movie with treats. Scouts (and adults) are invited to stay the night. (We are skipping the pizza this year to save some money, so please eat dinner before arriving. Thank you for your understanding.)

Agenda:

7pm Pack meeting (awards, etc)
7:30pm Scout activity
8pm Movie (with popcorn)
10pm Lights out
7am Donuts
8am Leave for home

Things to bring if you are staying overnight:

sleeping bag
air mattress or pad, something to sleep on
pajamas
toothbrush/toothpaste
pillow
flashlight
earplugs (snoring defense for adults)

Since this is an overnight event, Class A uniforms (blues and neckerchief) are not necessary – the yellow pack t-shirts are fine for the Lock-in on Friday. Also, a parent must stay with their scout if they are sleeping in the Social Level.

Again, only scouts can stay overnight, not their siblings, so that our group doesn't get unmanageable :O) Thanks for your understanding...

Join us for the December Pack Meeting

2010-12-01T00:08:00.002-06:00

The whole family is invited to the Pack meeting on Monday, December 6th at 7pm in the Social Level. The meeting will start promptly at 7:00 pm, so please arrive a little early if possible.

Other items of interest:

Our Webelos IIs will receive their Arrow of Light, a major award in scouting. Venture Crew 483 will participate in the memorable ceremony.
Coloring for the younger siblings
Awards and belt loops will be presented to scouts
Someone special will visit our pack, with a surprise for all...
As discussed at last month's Pack meeting we will be collecting $12 from some families to cover a Boys' Life subscription per a Mid America Council mandate; please bring your checkbook. Thank you for your support.

Hope to see you there!

Join us for the November Pack Meeting

2010-11-02T21:25:00.003-05:00

The whole family is invited to the Pack meeting on Monday, November 8th at 7pm in the Social Level. Come see what your scout has been up to for the last month.

Other items of interest:

Popcorn awards will be presented to scouts that participated in the Popcorn fundraiser
Dens that had every scout sell at least $100 of popcorn will all get to "pie" their selected leader. (Our Popcorn Kernel is still tabulating the sales at this time, so we don't know if any dens qualified.)
Awards and belt loops will be presented to scouts
Coloring for the younger siblings
And a game and treat too

Hope to see you there!

Pack 359 Trip to Vala's Pumpkin Patch!

2010-10-13T23:28:00.003-05:00

One of the best nights of the year! Join us on Friday, October 22nd for a fun night at Vala’s pumpkin patch in Gretna. Arrive anytime during the day and enter via the Group Admissions entry. Scouts and leaders (including Den Chiefs) are 1/2 price admission - just give your name to the employee. At the campfire we will collect $6 for each scout/leader that attends (less than half the cost of admission). All other family members must pay full price, $12.75 per person (2 and under are free).

We apologize for the change in cost to you for this event (previously it was free to scouts/leaders), but recently the Mid-America Council unexpectedly increased the fees that the Pack must pay to register each scout. As a result, our Pack must cut back on costs. More info on this will be provided at the November pack meeting.

Dinner is provided by the Pack: hot dogs, pop, chips, condiments, and roasted marshmallows too. (Trust us, this saves you a lot of money!) We will have a campfire for our group - admissions should tell you which one. After dinner, you are free to roam all night long! (Vala's is open until 10 p.m.)

Uniforms are not necessary, please just wear Pack T-shirts. If you have not received your pack t-shirt and have paid your registration fees, please email Jim Astuto at jastuto@cox.net.

IMPORTANT! You will receive an e-vite very soon; please follow the link to R.S.V.P. (even if you cannot attend) no later than October 17th so that we can estimate how much food we require. Please include the number of adults and the number of children attending. Thank you!

For more Vala's info including directions to their location, visit http://www.valaspumpkinpatch.com

[updated schedule] After-Mass Popcorn Sales

2010-09-27T06:34:00.014-05:00

[This schedule will continue to be updated as people sign up for slots...]

As stated during our Popcorn Kick-Off (at the last pack meeting), our pack will be selling popcorn following all masses during the October 2/3rd weekend (blitz weekend). Any scout that participates in the mass sales will get an equal share of the total sales credit that occurs during the after-mass sales. If you don’t have much time to sell on your own this is a GREAT way to get some credit and help out the pack (these sales will count toward the scout incentives). Scouts should, as with all popcorn sales, wear their ‘class A’ (blues) uniform, neckerchief, and a smile. Leaders will make sure popcorn product is on hand. Adults should manage the money as much as possible, as sometimes the sales can be quick. Thanks to St. Columbkille for granting us permission to sell to the home crowd…

To sign up for a slot, please email rick.denne@cox.net.

Sat 5:00 service, Be there 5:45 - 6:30
Adults: (1) Natalya M (2) Mark N (3) Teresa W
Scouts: (1) Joey M (2) Broden N (3) Luke W (4) Sam W

Sat 6:30 service, Be there 7:15 - 8:00
Adults: (1) Ryan C (2) Laura E (3) Aline L
Scouts: (1) Kyler C (2) Sam E (3) Luke L (4) Mark C

Sun 7:30 service, Be there 8:15 - 9:00
Adults: (1) Roger A (2) Will K (3) Tim G
Scouts: (1) Michael A (2) John K (3) Ben K (4) Sam K (5) Zach G

Sun 9:00 service, Be there 9:45 - 10:30
Adults: (1) Michelle G (2) Anne P
Scouts: (1) Patrick G (2) Nick P (3) Aidan C (4) Alex E

Sun 10:30 service, Be there 11:15 - 12:00
Adults: (1) Lynne Q (2) Kevin M (3) Brian M
Scouts: (1) Jared Q (2) Noah M (3) Sean M (4) Nathan M (5) Luke N

Sun 12:00 service, Be there 12:45 - 1:30
Adults: (1) Anthony F (2) Fran H (3) Sheilah S
Scouts: (1) Ben F (2) Blake H (3) Alex E (4) Quinn S (5) Ean M

Sun 5:00 service, Be there 5:45 - 6:30
Adults: (1) Rick D (2) Eric S (3) Lee K
Scouts: (1) Nate D (2) Griffen D (3) James S (4) James K

Join us for the September Pack Meeting

2010-09-07T07:35:00.002-05:00

The whole family is invited to the Pack meeting on Monday, September 13th at 7pm in the Social Level.

We have a lot to cover this meeting:

Summer awards (patches, belt loops, etc.)
Popcorn fundraiser kick-off!
Annual scout registration ($35 per scout, $30 if you have multiple scouts)
Upcoming events (Family Fun Festival, Pack Campout, Vala's)

Parents, please bring your checkbook - we really want to get our scouts registered early this year. Thanks!

Patriot Day
A special event at the Sumtur Amphitheater (just south of Papillion La Vista South HS) will honor 9/11 this Saturday at 9 AM (gates open at 8 AM). This event is free.

Come to the Aug 24th Pack Meeting/Open House

2010-08-17T22:48:00.003-05:00

Please join us for the first pack meeting of the year, on Tuesday, August 24th at 7 p.m. in the St. Columbkille Social Level. (The Social Level is located directly beneath the church with an entrance on the south side of the building.) The highlight of the meeting: Amazing Arthur the magician will be there to entertain you! This meeting is all fun and no boring information (just to ease you back into the swing of the school year).
As always, families are encouraged to attend. This is also our Open House; scouts are welcome to bring friends interested in joining our pack.

New scouts do not need to worry about uniforms just yet; plenty of time for that in the next month.

This year's pack schedule is now online in the calendar found on www.cubpack359.com. Check it out!

Ice Cream Social on August 15th

2010-08-04T22:33:00.002-05:00

Please join us for the first event of the year: our annual ice cream social on Sunday August 15th, from 3pm - 4:30pm at the recently refurbished park in Halleck Park, across the street from Papio Fun Park. Meet the new scouts or catch up with friends from last year. Families are welcome to join us and please bring along any friends that may be interested in joining scouts too!

See you there!

Summer Splash at Schwer July 21

2010-07-04T07:36:00.003-05:00

Come join the Pack for summer fun on Wednesday, July 21st at the Schwer Splash Pad from 5pm - 8pm. The water park is located west of Super Target and includes a pavilion. So bring the family and your swim suits! More info on the water park can be found here:
http://www.papillion.org/public_works_parks_splashpad.cfm

The Pack will provide dinner (hot dogs, chips, pop) and dessert (flavor ice). For those that need a break from the water fun, we'll also have some games set up.

And after we're done with dinner, we'll race our first annual Raingutter Regatta! Each scout can get a free kit that includes the supplies to build their boat. At the race, the scout will blow on the boat's sail to propel their craft down the gutter. 2 tracks will allow 2 scouts to race head-to-head. Building the boats should be much easier than building the pinewood derby cars. Hopefully this race will be a lot of fun. Scouts can pick up their regatta kits at either the Denne or George households (email rick.denne@cox.net for more info).

See you at the Summer Splash!

2010-06-12T10:34:00.002-05:00

Please join us for our June event, the Papillion Days Parade on Saturday, June 19th. (This also counts toward the summertime pack award for the scouts.) The scouts get to ride on our float and do the "parade wave". If you are planning on your scout riding on the float in the parade please reply to this email to let me know (so we have enough room for everyone).

Please arrive at the Scout Center (June 19th) at 1pm. You can drop off your scout at the school's north parking lot (things may be a bit congested on the side streets by then). The parade lineup is at 1:30pm and the parade starts at 2pm. We will keep the scouts cool in the scout center, watching Looney Tunes.

Scouts should be in uniform and don't forget sunblock (it's always a hot day). We will have water on hand. See you then!

Additionally, our Pack will have a 'Raingutter Regatta' in July (think pinewood derby with boats, but a LOT less work). We will hand out the kits at the parade (we will get the kits to those scouts who cannot be at the parade). An email will be be sent in the near future with the info about the July picnic.

La Vista Days Parade May 29th

2010-05-21T14:17:00.002-05:00

Our pack has been invited to participate in the La Vista Days parade, Memorial Day weekend; we will continue to participate in the Papillion Days Parade (June 19). So, now you can pick a parade that works for your family! (or, go to both)

Meet at the Scout Center at noon on Saturday, May 29th. We will then, as a group, drive to the line-up position at 96th and Granville Pkwy in La Vista. Scouts should wear their uniforms and bring sunblock. We will provide water for the scouts. Scouts will ride on our float in the parade while adult leaders walk and hand out tattoos. This our first year in the LV parade; it should be fun!

Last Pack Meeting of the Year - May 18th

2010-05-06T21:49:00.003-05:00

Come join us for the last Pack meeting of the year, with a bit of fun. Meet at Papio Greens at 7pm on Tuesday, May 18th for a short meeting and then some putt-putt. The entire family can come and play, paid for by the Pack. We'll have prizes and treats, too!
If the weather prevents us from playing outside we'll meet in the Social Level - please watch your email for updates.

IMPORTANT: Please RSVP to rick.denne@cox.net (do not reply to this email) with the number of adults and kids coming to Papio Greens so that we have an accurate number to give to the management.

HELP: Are there any avid golfers in the Pack? We're in need of a few that can teach interested scouts how to swing a club at the driving range, and possibly help them earn their golf belt loop. Please contact rick.denne@cox.net if you can help. Thanks!

Papio Greens is located by Canoyer Nursery, on 66th between Cornhusker and 370: click for map (Directions from 72nd and Cornhusker)

Now is the time to sign up for camps - some are close to registration deadlines!

With camps just around the corner, we need everyone to fill out and turn in a health form for all scouts, adults, and siblings attending any of the camps. If you can fill out a form ahead of time, please use this link here. Please fill out only Parts A & C. You can enter info digitally and save it for future updates. Please bring your form to the pack meeting. Email or call with any questions...

Mother's Day Pancake Breakfast - ALL HANDS

2010-04-26T20:13:00.004-05:00

IMPORTANT - do not reply to this email - Google's reply feature is not working. Instead, please email rick.denne@cox.net.

Sunday, May 9th (2 weeks away), is Mother's Day and the last pancake breakfast for this school year. We need everyone's help (all dens) to support this breakfast, since everyone has plans for the day. And this is the busiest pancake breakfast for the Knights, so we need more scouts and parents there than the typical breakfast. Please sign up your scout for at least 1 slot. If everyone pitches in, then it will be easy!

Leaders and parents, please let me know if you can be there too, since our scouts will need some supervision.

Open slots are listed in bold red below. We really need help with Shift 4!
Shift 1
7:30 AM-9:00 am
Scouts: SD NM SW ND S5
Adults: JA BM TW RD

Shift 2
9:00 AM-10:00 AM
Scouts: ZG JS MA KC DG
Adults: TG JS RA RC

Shift 3
10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Scouts: AM JR NR LL MS
Adults: JR AL A3 A4

Shift 4:
11:00 AM-12:30 PM
Scouts: S1 S2 S3 S4 S5
Adults: A1 A2 A3 A4

Please email rick.denne@cox.net with your desired slot(s).

Thanks for your support... The Knights are counting on us :O)

Apr 19th Pack Meeting (Cake Bake) and more

2010-04-12T21:42:00.003-05:00

The whole family is invited to the Pack meeting on Monday, April 19th at 7pm in the Social Level. This Pack meeting is our annual Feller's Cake Bake. Rules and category assignments were sent out in a previous email. Your scout must create a cake within his assigned category. (If you have questions, please contact your den leader.)

Reminder: Cakes should be delivered to the social level by 6:45 PM on April 19. The judging will be done at this time.

Also, we will be registering scouts for all camps at the pack meeting (see earlier post for camp info, on www.cubpack359.com). Please bring your checkbooks and calendars. (This includes the late registration for the Cabela's Day Camp.)

Scouting for Food Part II
Please meet at 8:45am this Saturday (April 17) in the St. Columbkille north parking lot by the library to help pick up the food donations. If we have another good group then the pick up will completed quickly.

Hope to see you there!

Scouting for Food, Apr 10th and 17th

2010-04-02T18:30:00.004-05:00

Saturday April 10th is the kick-off for the annual food collection drive, "Scouting For Food". Our Pack will place bag hangers on doors in the neighborhood behind Super Target. The hangers ask homeowners to place food donations outside 1 week later on April 17th, when our scouts will pick up the donations for delivery to the food bank. (In past years we only put out hangers, but this year due to our increased size we will handle both the drop off and the pick up.)

Last year, Scouts and volunteers collected over 381,000 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 10th and April 17th. Please wear scout uniforms. 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! Thanks...

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

Summer Camps are the BEST Part of Cub Scouting

2010-04-02T08:22:00.005-05:00

Celebrate Scouting's 100th anniversary by attending camp this year!

Our den leaders have selected camp dates for each den. Please add this to your calendar now so your scout won't miss the fun. Camps vary with each rank but they are all tons of fun. Prices below are after our Centennial Quality Unit Award discount (this is one reason we sell popcorn!). A change in Council policy this year means that our discount can only be applied to a single camp - the Cabela's Day Camp. All other camps have regular costs listed. If, however, we are able to reuse the discount for other camps, you will be refunded the difference.

Below are the current plans for Pack 359's various camps. If you have questions or comments please talk to your den leader or reply to this email. Our goal is to have EVERY scout attend a camp this summer. Camp is where you create memories...

Scouts are registered for camp as a group, please do not register on your own. Your den leaders will have registration forms at your next den or pack meeting and will collect registration fees at that time (checks to be made out to Pack 359).

Cabela’s Day Camp, Chalco Hills Omaha, May 15
This camp is for ALL cub scouts and the entire family. Cabela's gives away many prizes and it was a lot of fun last year. No overnight, just a day camp. Cost is $28 per scout. The cost includes 1 adult attendee, t-shirt, patch, lanyard, and lunch for both. Since this camp is only about a month away we need to get registration in soon. (siblings are $15, additional adults are $5)

Camps by rank to follow. These camps are all overnight, with only the Webelos staying 2 nights (all others are a single night). IMPORTANT: your scout will attend the next rank camp since most camps take place after school ends and scouts automatically advance to the next rank. i.e. today's Tigers will be Wolves, Wolves will be Bears, Bears will be Webelos Is.

Wolves – Camp Wakonda, Bellevue, May 21-22 (1 night)
An adult must accompany the scout to camp. This is a great first camp after your first year in scouting; it's just in Bellevue's Fontenelle Forest (where we had our campfire in October). Cost is $45 for a scout and $30 for an adult. Cost include two meals, t-shirt, patch, and lanyard

Bears – Camp Eagle, Fremont, June 11-12 (1 night)
An adult must accompany the scout to camp. This camp is about 1 hour away from Omaha and is the real deal. Your scout will learn archery and BB gun, swim, and have a blast. Cost is $45 for a scout and $30 for an adult. Cost include two meals, t-shirt, patch, and lanyard.

Webelos I/IIs – Camp Cedars, Fremont, July 23-25 (2 nights)
Also just outside Fremont, this camp takes place at the Boy Scout facility and is a real challenge for the boys - but they love it. Your scout will have the opportunity to go horseback riding, rockwall climbing, and get a taste of being a Boy Scout. Cost is $85 for a scout and $65 for an adult. Adults are welcome to attend but not required; den leaders will be there to guide the scouts. Cost include six meals, t-shirt, patch, and lanyard.

Here comes the Pinewood Derby!

2010-03-12T09:11:00.003-06:00

Welcome to Derby Week!

Friday March 19 Weigh-in #1 6:00pm - 7:30pm (Scout Center)
Sunday March 21 Weigh-in #2 12:30pm - 1:30pm (Social Level)
Sunday March 21 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
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).

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 this email 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 reply to this email. Thanks!

See you at the Derby!

Blue & Gold Banquet - Feb 20th

2010-01-29T20:09:00.003-06:00

The Blue & Gold Banquet (Saturday, Feb. 20st, 6:30pm, in the Social Level) is quickly approaching!

Please remember to R.S.V.P. to the invitation (email stacy.denne@cox.net) that you should have received from your scout (if you attended the Winter Lock-in) or in the mail. Also, please include the number of adults and children attending the event. We appreciate your timely reply, as this info will help with planning.

Remember, the whole family, including grandparents, is invited to the banquet. We will witness the Webelos II scouts as they cross over into the Boy Scout troop, as well as honor some of the special people in our pack. We will also recap some of the events of the year...

This year we will enjoy a sit-down dinner, provided entirely by the Pack, including:

Fried chicken
Drinks (pop and juice boxes)
Cake
Condiments, dressings
Salad
Bread
Side dishes

We look forward to a great meal and a fun night!

Winter Lock-in on 1/15

2010-01-06T19:06:00.003-06:00

Join us for the Winter Lock-in on Friday, January 15th at 6:30 pm in the Social Level. Families are invited for pizza, the Pack Meeting, and a movie. Scouts (and adults) are invited to stay the night.

Agenda:

6:30pm Arrive at the Social Level for pizza
7pm Pack meeting (awards, etc)
7:30pm Scout activity
8pm Movie (with popcorn)
10pm Lights out
7am Donuts
8am Leave for home

Things to bring if you are staying overnight:

sleeping bag
air mattress or pad, something to sleep on
pajamas
toothbrush/toothpaste
pillow
flashlight
earplugs (snoring defense for adults)

Again, only scouts can stay overnight, not their siblings, so that our group doesn't get unmanageable :O) Thanks for your understanding...

Mahoney Ice Skating Sun Jan 3

2009-12-29T09:38:00.001-06:00

Hey Cubs!
As Mr. Denne mentioned at the last Pack Meeting, we are still having our trip to Mahoney this Sunday, January 3rd.

We'll meet at the Mahoney craft center (ask at the entry booth for directions) at 2pm. The craft center closes at 4pm. We'll then meet at the activity center for ice skating at 3:30pm. We'll start with a safety discussion and then skate. Scouts can earn their ice skating belt loop by attending.

Remember:
1. The ice rink is a covered, but outside rink. Please dress accordingly (forecast is 20F). The rink is adjacent to the indoor activity center though, so warming up is easy.

2. If you don't know where the craft center is, just ask at the park entrance booth - they'll tell you the directions.

3. Driving conditions sound like they'll be okay. I will call Saturday for ice rink condition (it was good today). If either condition changes or we need to cancel I will call to let you know. Check your email before you leave for Mahoney!

4. Of course parents should skate with their scout, if necessary

5. Here is the google map to Mahoney, if you are not familiar:
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&saddr=41.138847,-96.043167&daddr=28500+W+Park+Hwy,+Ashland,+NE+68003+(Mahoney+State+Park)&hl=en&geocode=%3BFQracQIdg1FC-iGzEATwh17i0Q&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=0&sz=11&sll=41.100569,-96.176376&sspn=0.230254,0.4422&ie=UTF8&z=11

6. You can purchase ceramics and leather products to paint and work at the craft center for a reasonable price. Here are the costs:
Craft Center is open 11-4 on the 3rd
Skating is open 11-6 on the 3rd

Costs:
Park Entry – Daily $4
Entrance to the Activity center AND Skating - $2
Skate Rental - $3

Leather craft and pottery items range from $3 to $18 average, you can spend more on bigger pottery items.

Please reply to this email so we can get a head count.

Jim Astuto

Join us for the December Pack Meeting

2009-12-07T22:35:00.001-06:00

The whole family is invited to the Pack meeting on Monday, December 14th at 7pm in the Social Level. The meeting will start promptly at 7:00 pm, so please arrive a little early if possible.

Other items of interest:

Our Webelos IIs will receive their Arrow of Light, a major award in scouting. Venture Crew 483 will participate in the memorable ceremony.
Coloring for the younger siblings
Awards and belt loops will be presented to scouts
Someone special will visit our pack, with a surprise for all...

Hope to see you there!

November Pack Meeting Rescheduled for Monday 11/16

2009-11-06T19:20:00.002-06:00

Sorry for the late change, but due to an 'over-booked' Social Level we need to switch our November Pack Meeting from Tuesday 11/17 to Monday 11/16, still at 7pm. We hope everyone can still make the meeting!

As usual, families are encouraged to attend. This month we will be handing out popcorn sale incentives, scout awards, and, if any dens met their goals, maybe even throwing pies at unlucky leaders :o)

Vala's is RESCHEDULED for Monday (10/26)

2009-10-23T09:01:00.002-05:00

Due to a poor weather forecast (some forecasts now show 40F, 6 mph wind, and 50% rain) and the recent wave of flu that has affected our families, the leaders have decided to reschedule our Vala's night. It will now take place on Monday (10/26) - current forecast is a high of 58F with no rain. We will not have a Party Barn on Monday, but will have an area with 2 campfires instead.

We will still have the same 'eating' shifts at the campfire: Tigers/Bears 5:30-6:30, Wolves/Webelos 6:30-7:30.

I apologize to those who cannot make the event on Monday due to conflicts. If you have an after school event or Religious Education please consider coming out to Vala's afterward.

IMPORTANT: Please reply to this email so that the leaders know you have received word of the rescheduled event. Leaders will be calling those that do not reply this afternoon. Thanks!

Pack 359 Trip to Vala's Pumpkin Patch!

2009-10-14T11:44:00.006-05:00

One of the best nights of the year! Join us on Friday, October 23th for a fun night at the pumpkin patch. Arrive anytime during the day and enter via the Group Admissions entry. Scouts and leaders (including Den Chiefs) are free admission (paid by the Pack) - just give your name to the employee. All other family members pay a discounted price, $11.25 per person (2 and under are free).

And dinner is provided by the Pack: hot dogs, pop, chips, condiments, and roasted marshmallows too. (Trust us, this saves you a lot of money!) We will have a campfire at a Party Barn (new this year) for our group - admissions should tell you which one. Due to the size of our Pack, we ask that you show up for dinner at these times: Tigers/Bears 5:30-6:30, Wolves/Webelos 6:30-7:30. Of course, if you absolutely cannot make your time or if you have scouts in more than 1 den then just pick a shift. But we cannot have *everyone* at dinner at the same time :O). Otherwise, you are free to roam all night long! (Vala's is open until 10 p.m.)

IMPORTANT! We need all scout families to R.S.V.P. to Rick Denne no later than October 16th so that we can estimate how much food we require. Please include the number of adults and the number of children attending. Thank you!

For more Vala's info, visit http://www.valaspumpkinpatch.com

Campfire, but NO OVERNIGHT

2009-10-09T07:17:00.004-05:00

Due to the forecast (29F, snow, 15+mph winds) that keeps getting worse for the overnight, the leaders have decided to keep the cookout and campfire but cancel the overnight portion of our event. Too many kids are already sick this week and the dropping temperature will be too low in the morning for most cub scouts. Since we no longer need time to setup camp, here is the new schedule:

5:30-6:30 Craft/Game/Hike
6:30-7:00 Dinner
7:00-8:00 Pack meeting @ stage
8:00-8:30 S'mores @campsite
Note the 5:30pm start time...

Please, if you did RSVP to say that you were planning on camping, reply to this email to let me know you received word that we have changed the plan. Otherwise, I will attempt to call you this afternoon.

Thanks! Please be patient with us as we are adapting the plans on the fly...
Rick

Fall Family Campout October 9th

2009-09-24T06:28:00.003-05:00

Are you ready for some good, old fashioned fun?! The Pack Fall Campout is almost here! Join us on Friday, October 9th at Camp Wakonda in Bellevue (near Fontenelle Forest). Don't forget that this is also our Pack Meeting for October. You don't want to miss the scouts performing skits and the fun campfire songs. The entire family is invited for all the fun. Join our cookout, games, and treats – rain or shine. Food and drinks will be provided by the pack. All are invited to camp overnight, but if you cannot stay overnight please join us for the pack meeting and campfire...

Please email rick.denne@cox.net to RSVP to this event! We need a headcount to help with food purchases. (Please list those attending and ages, also specify who may be camping overnight...)

Purpose:Build friendship among the scouts and parents

Who: Scouts and Families (and siblings)!

When: Friday, October 9th @ 5 p.m.

Where: Target shelter @ Camp Wakonda

(Bellevue, just south of Fontenelle Forest)

Directions to Camp:
CAMP WAKONDA – Take Cornhusker rd east toward Bellevue. Go east as the street name changes to Harvell Rd, keep going past Ft. Crook Rd and Galvin Rd. Turn left on Lincoln Rd go north until Bellevue Blvd S is on the right and Lorraine is on the left. Camp Wakonda sign shows to take a right. Continue on Bellevue Blvd S. until Forest Dr. Camp Wakonda sign shows to take a left. Follow Forest Dr. until the end of the road. Signs will be posted in the parking lot to point you toward the campsite.
Google map link is here.

Please, remember this is Nebraska in October - the weather is *very* unpredictable (70F? 40F? Who knows!) So Be Prepared and bring some heavier coats and blankets just to be safe.
If you would like to camp, but do not have a tent please contact your den leader or email rick.denne@cox.net. Several families have extra tents and would be happy to help you out.

Suggested items to bring:

tent
sleeping bag
pillow
flashlight
bug spray
pack t-shirt (uniforms are unnecessary)
(any t-shirt is fine if you don't have the pack t-shirt)
appropriate clothes (sweatshirt, jeans)
rain gear (just in case)
snacks
medications
camera

Optional items:

camp chair
canteen
football, Frisbee
lantern
air mattress or cot
first aid kit
"substitute food" if your child has food allergies

Please no TVs, radios, alcohol, or weapons (excepting a scout approved pocketknife for those scouts who have a Whittling Chip)

Tentative Schedule:
5pm Arrival/setup
6pm Games
7pm Cookout
8pm Campfire (hot dogs)/Pack Meeting/S'mores/Skits, songs
10pm Lights out
------
8am Donuts & coffee
9am Nature hike

We hope to see YOU there!

2009 Family Fun Festival

2009-09-10T23:09:00.009-05:00

As in past years, Pack 359 will run a booth at the St. Columbkille Family Fun Festival on September 20th from 10:30am-6:30pm. Wolves, Bears, and Webelos are expected to work at the booth for 1 hr. Tigers are not required, but are encouraged to come with a parent and help out with the fun. Please have your scout wear their uniform. Adult volunteers are also required, since we need 2 scouts + 1 adult at the booth. In past years we ran 2 booths, this year only 1 booth.

Our booth should be located in the parking lot near the corner of 84th and Cornhusker (near the dunk tank). Also, make sure you give yourself extra time to park, since the festival can get very crowded.

Please remember that St. Columbkille allows our pack to meet in the church building; this is our time to support their efforts!

current schedule (names abbreviated):

Start	End	Scout 1	Scout 2	Adult 1	Adult 2
10:30	11:30	JS	LL	JS	AL
11:30	12:30	JK	BF	LK	TF
12:30	1:30	JS	BH	JS	FH
1:30	2:30	SS	MA	MS	RA
2:30	3:30	NM	KC	BM	RC
3:30	4:30	CD	ND	RD	X
4:30	5:30	ME	SE	LE	X
5:30	6:30	MC	DC	JC	X

Please email your requested shift times to rick.denne@cox.net. Thanks again for your help!

Join us for the September Pack Meeting

2009-09-04T07:17:00.003-05:00

The whole family is invited to the Pack meeting on Tuesday, September 15th at 7pm in the Social Level.

We have a lot to cover this meeting:

Summer awards (patches, belt loops, etc.)
Popcorn fundraiser kick-off!
Annual scout registration ($35 per scout, $30 if you have multiple scouts)
Upcoming events (Family Fun Festival on 9/20, Pack Campout, Vala's)

Parents, please bring your checkbook - we really want to get our scouts registered early this year. Thanks!

Scout Sale
Also, Canfields is giving a 10% discount on all scout items September 8th-20th; don't miss this one if you need uniforms, books, etc.

Uniform Day
Please have your scout honor our country's military, police officers, and firefighters by wearing their scout uniform on Friday, September 11th. This is an official BSA event.

Come to the Aug 25th Pack Meeting/Open House

2009-08-14T06:07:00.001-05:00

Please join us for the first pack meeting of the year, on Tuesday, August 25th at 7 p.m. in the St. Columbkille Social Level. The highlight of the meeting: Amazing Arthur the magician will be there to entertain you! This meeting is all fun and no boring information (just to ease you back into the swing of the school year).
As always, families are encouraged to attend. This is also our Open House; scouts are welcome to bring friends interested in joining our pack.

This year's pack schedule is now online in the calendar found on www.cubpack359.com. Check it out!

Ice Cream Social on Sun Aug 16th

2009-08-02T07:40:00.002-05:00

Please join us for the first event of the year: our annual ice cream social on Sunday August 16th, from 3pm - 4:30pm at the Papillion City Park pavilion (84th and Lincoln, by the Boy Scouts' Log Cabin). Meet the new scouts or catch up with friends from last year. Families are welcome to join us and please bring along any friends that may be interested in joining scouts too!

See the marker on the map here for the location (just south of the Papio creek, on the west side of 84th street).

See you there!

Too Cold For Pool Party - Plan B

2009-07-16T22:03:00.004-05:00

Due to the fact that it will be 60F at 10am on Saturday, and the water at the Papio Pool may be about the same temperature, we've decided to nix the pool party. If this was Boy Scouts we'd say, "tough it out", but this is a family event :O)

So... instead let's meet at Halleck, at the new playground just across the street from Papio Fun Park. It's a very nice playground the kids will love. And bring your yard games, footballs, frisbees, etc. so we can still have some fun on a nice Autumn morning. Who would have ever thought it would be too cold in July in Nebraska?!?

We'll still provide drinks and treats. Hope to see you at the playground at 10am-12pm on Saturday...

Annual Pool Party July 18

2009-06-22T07:42:00.003-05:00

Join us on Saturday, July 18th, from 10am-12pm for our annual Pack 359 Pool Party at the Papillion Pool (near Papio Fun Park). The whole family is invited! Snacks will be provided. This event is required for your scout to earn his Summertime Pack Award...

Please RSVP and include the number of adults and the number of children so that we can plan accordingly. Thanks.

See you there!

Papillion Days Parade June 20th

2009-06-10T06:26:00.002-05:00

Please join us for our June event, the Papillion Days Parade on Saturday, June 20th. (This also counts toward the summertime pack award for the scouts.) The scouts get to ride on our float and do the "parade wave". If you are planning on your scout riding on the float in the parade please reply to this email to let me know (so we have enough room for everyone).

Please arrive at the Scout Center (June 20th) at 1pm. You can drop off your scout at the school's north parking lot (things may be a bit congested on the side streets by then). The parade lineup is at 1:30pm and the parade starts at 2pm.

Scouts should be in uniform and don't forget sunblock (it's always a hot day). We will have water on hand. See you then!

Mother's Day Pancake Breakfast May 10 - ALL DENS

2009-05-03T08:24:00.003-05:00

Next Sunday, May 10th, is Mother's Day and the last pancake breakfast for this school year. We need everyone's help (all dens) to support this breakfast since everyone has plans for the day. And this is the busiest pancake breakfast for the Knights, so we need more scouts and parents there than the typical breakfast. Please sign up your scout for at least 1 slot. If everyone pitches in, then it will be easy!

Leaders and parents, please let me know if you can be there too, since our scouts will need some supervision.

7:30-9:00 (first slot is setup)
9:00-10:00
10:00-11:00
11:00-12:30 (last slot is cleanup)

Please email rick.denne@cox.net with your desired slot(s).

Thanks for your support... The Knights are counting on us :O)

Spring Cleaning Day at the Scout Center, May 9th 2pm

2009-05-01T07:04:00.002-05:00

Spring Cleaning Day at the Scout Center!

Saturday, May 9 2:00-5:00pm

As was mentioned at the last Pack meeting, our Scout Center is in need of a deep cleaning. Let's all come together to help make the place shine! St. Columbkille allows us to use these facilities but it is our responsibility to keep it clean (no custodial services provided). The Girl Scouts will also be there to help clean up...

We know schedules are busy, but if you can spare one hour the end result will be great! Please sign up for a 1 hour time slot listed below.

2:00-3:00

3:00-4:00

4:00-5:00

To sign up to help, please email stacy.denne@cox.net

What to bring: The Center doesn't have much so please bring your own cleaning supplies (Mr. clean, Windex, Lysol cleaners, etc.), rags, buckets, mops, vacuums, carpet cleaning machines and anything else you can think that would make the place sparkle!

Thanks for your help! You can make a difference!

Feller's Cake Bake Rules - April 14th

2009-04-01T07:35:00.004-05:00

We will have our annual “Feller’s Cake Bake” at our April 14th Pack meeting.
A major change this year to our cake bake... after much leader and parent input we have decided to drop the auction portion but retain the cake judging. In the past, most scouts wanted to take home their cake but many would get outbid in the auction, leaving the scout less-than-thrilled. Hopefully this change will make the event fun for everyone.

Remember, scouts usually have a cooking requirement to fulfill at all scout levels, which this cake bake will satisfy.
Please, the point of this exercise (as with the Pinewood Derby) is to teach the scouts 3 things:
1. New skills (baking, decorating)
2. Working together - the scout and adult should bake the cake together (as much as possible, especially for the younger scouts). It's about learning, not perfection :O)
3. ! Sportsmanship ! - the scout needs to be a good sport whether he wins or loses. Please prepare your scout by stressing this point. We just want everyone to have fun :O)

The rules are as follows:
1. Cakes should be delivered to the social level by 6:45 PM on April 14. The judging will be done at this time.
2. Cakes must be made by a Cub Scout or Webelos Scout & an older male. (This may be a father, grandfather, uncle, big brother or neighbor.)
3. Cake & icing mixes may be used. The cake should be a minimum of two layers.
4. No female assistance is allowed. (If this rule is a problem, please contact your den leader to arrange a "surrogate" male - especially for our military families.)
5. The entire creation must be edible, including all decorations, to be eligible to win a prize.
6. Cakes should be on a disposable plate or tray.
7. Please come up with a title (The Rocket, Enjoying Nature, etc.) & include it on a small card attached to the cake plate. Cakes will be numbered for judging – do not write your name on your card.
8. Prizes will be awarded, based on adult judges’ votes, in the following categories:
• Animal Theme
• Scouting (Nature/Camping/Pinewood Derby) Theme
• Patriotic Theme
• Miscellaneous Theme
The scout must announce the theme of his cake at delivery time.
9. The scouts will vote for their favorite cake. A prize will be awarded for “Scouts Choice” as well.
10. Most importantly: Cakes MUST be homemade; no purchased cakes can be entered.

If you have any questions or concerns with these rules please email rick.denne@cox.net.

Scouting For Food March 28th

2009-03-17T21:05:00.003-05:00

Saturday March 28th is the kick-off for the annual food collection drive, "Scouting For Food". Our Pack will place paper hangers on doors in the neighborhood behind Super Target. The hangers ask homeowners to place food donations outside 1 week later, when the Boy Scouts of Troop 359 will pick up the donations.

Last year, Scouts and volunteers collected over 381,000 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). Please wear scout uniforms. If we have a lot of help we can get this done in about an hour. Sibling and adult help is also welcome. Please, we need everyone to help accomplish this task! Thanks...

Here comes the Pinewood Derby!

2009-03-15T17:28:00.005-05:00

Welcome to Derby Week!

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

Notes:

After weigh-in, cars must stay with the Pack derby committee
Snacks will be provided
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' are available at the scout center for checking your weight and dimensions. Contact your den leader if you would like to stop in the scout center and pre-test your car.

Remember what's important about the Derby!
1. Working together - the scout and adult should build the car together (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.

We need one volunteer to help with the weigh-ins and 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 reply to this email. Thanks!

See you at the Derby!

Pinewood Derby Workshop on 2/22

2009-02-11T07:39:00.002-06:00

Join us on Sunday, February 22nd from 1 pm - 4 pm at the Scout Center for our annual Pinewood Derby Workshop. Pack families will provide various power tools (sanding station, band saw, scroll saw, etc.) for use in crafting your car. If you have a power tool or a shop vac that you can bring to the event please email rick.denne@cox.net to let me know. An email with the official derby rules is also on the way. Thanks!

The Blue & Gold Banquet is on February 21st

2009-02-10T20:52:00.003-06:00

The Blue & Gold Banquet (Saturday, Feb. 21st, 6:30pm, in the Social Level) is quickly approaching!

Please remember to R.S.V.P. to the invitation (email stacy.denne@cox.net) that you should have received from your scout (if you attended the Winter Lock-in) or in the mail. Also, please include the number of adults and children attending the event. We appreciate your timely reply, as this info will help with planning.

Remember, the whole family, including grandparents, is invited to the banquet. We will witness the Webelos II scouts as they cross over into the Boy Scout troop, as well as honor some of the special people in our pack. We will also recap some of the events of the year...

This year we will enjoy a sit-down dinner, with a little help from our families. The Pack will provide:

Fried chicken
Drinks (pop and juice boxes)
Cake
Condiments, dressings

We need families to bring side dishes, according to the rank of their scout:

Tigers - Salads (fruit salad or lettuce salad) or veggies (casseroles, relish tray)
Wolves - Potato dishes (mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, potato casserole)
Bears/Webelos - Breads/rolls

If your family has more than one scout in different ranks, please just pick one category. Please bring enough items to feed about 10 people. We appreciate your help and look forward to a great meal and a fun night!

More info on the Winter Lock-in, Friday 1/23

2009-01-18T19:33:00.004-06:00

Join us for the Winter Lock-in on Friday, January 23rd at 6:30 pm in the Social Level. Families are invited for pizza, the Pack Meeting, and a movie. Scouts (and adults) are invited to stay the night.

Agenda:

6:30pm Arrive at the Social Level for pizza
7pm Pack meeting (awards, show'n'tell)
7:30pm Scout activity
8pm Movie (with popcorn)
10pm Lights out
7am Donuts
8am Leave for home (wedding needs the space soon after)

Things to bring if you are staying overnight:

sleeping bag
air mattress (recommended)
pajamas
toothbrush/toothpaste
pillow
flashlight

Again, only scouts can stay overnight, not their siblings, so that our group doesn't get unmanageable :O) Thanks for your understanding...

Join us for the Winter Lock-in!

2009-01-12T20:58:00.001-06:00

Join us for the December Pack Meeting

2008-12-02T21:40:00.003-06:00

The whole family is invited to the Pack meeting on Tuesday, December 9th at 7pm in the Social Level. (The meeting is early this month to avoid conflicts with Christmas events in the Social Level.) The meeting will start promptly at 7:00 pm, so please arrive a little early if possible.

Other items of interest:

Our Webelos IIs will receive their Arrow of Light, a major award in scouting. Venture Crew 483 will participate in the memorable ceremony.
Coloring for the younger siblings
Awards and belt loops will be presented to scouts
Someone special will visit our pack, with a surprise for all...

Hope to see you there!

Join us for the November Pack Meeting

2008-11-11T22:41:00.002-06:00

The whole family is invited to the Pack meeting on Tuesday, November 18th at 7pm in the Social Level. Come see what your scout has been up to for the last month.

Other items of interest:

Popcorn awards will be presented to scouts that participated in the Popcorn fundraiser
The Wolf, Webelos I, and Webelos II dens will all get to "pie" their selected leader, since every scout in those dens sold at least $100 of popcorn!
Awards and belt loops will be presented to scouts
Patches will be handed out to scouts that attended the Vala's Pumpkin Patch event
Coloring for the younger siblings
And a game and treat too

The Wolves of Den 7 need your help!
To fulfill requirements for the Citizenship belt loop, they are sponsoring a Pack food drive for the needy in our area. Please bring one or more of the items listed below to the pack meeting. All scouts who participate in the drive will be entered in a prize drawing! Den 7 will be there to collect your donations. Any questions can be answered by Den Leader Stacy Denne (email stacy.denne@cox.net). Thank you for your support!

Soups
Canned pasta
Ramen noodles
Peanut butter and jelly
Paper products (toilet paper, paper towels, etc.)

See you next Tuesday!

A Fun Night at Vala's

2008-10-18T08:40:00.002-05:00

Thanks to everyone who attended the Pack 359 event at Vala's last night. I think everyone had a great time on a cool, autumn night. It was nice to see so many scouts and families: 25 of our 35 scouts were able to join us!
Vala's patches will be handed out at the November pack meeting to scouts who attended.

Thanks again!

Update on Vala's Info

2008-10-11T08:14:00.003-05:00

I received word from Vala's that you can arrive earlier than 5 p.m. on Friday, October 17th if you wish. The park gets quite crowded as the night goes on, so if you get there earlier it shouldn't be so bad. Thanks...

Pack 359 Trip to Vala's Pumpkin Patch!

2008-10-07T21:16:00.003-05:00

One of the best nights of the year! Join us on Friday, October 17th for a fun night at the pumpkin patch. Arrive no earlier than 5 p.m. and enter via the Group Admissions entry. Scouts and leaders (including Den Chiefs) are free admission (paid by the Pack) - just give your name to the employee. All other family members pay regular price, $12 per person (2 and under are free).

And dinner is provided by the Pack: hot dogs, pop, chips, condiments, and roasted marshmallows too. (Trust us, this saves you a lot of money!) We will have a campfire for our group - admissions should tell you which one. Dinner is at 6:30 pm. Otherwise, you are free to roam all night long! (Vala's is open until 10 p.m.)

IMPORTANT! We need all scout families to R.S.V.P. to Rick Denne no later than October 10th so that we can estimate how much food we require. Please include the number of adults and the number of children attending. Thank you!

For more Vala's info, visit http://www.valaspumpkinpatch.com

Fall Family Campout Oct 3rd

2008-09-25T23:35:00.007-05:00

Are you ready for some good, old fashioned fun?! The Pack Fall Campout is almost here! Join us on Friday, October 3rd at Camp Wakonda in Bellevue (near Fontenelle Forest). Don't forget that this is also our Pack Meeting for October. You don't want to miss the scouts performing skits and the fun campfire songs. The entire family is invited for all the fun. Join our cookout, games, and treats – rain or shine. Food and drinks will be provided by the pack. All are invited to camp overnight, but if you cannot stay overnight please join us for the pack meeting and campfire...

Please email rick.denne@cox.net to RSVP to this event! We need a headcount to help with food purchases. (Please list those attending and ages, also specify who may be camping overnight...)

Purpose:Build friendship among the scouts and parents

Who: Scouts and Families (and siblings)!

When: Friday, October 3rd @ 5 p.m.

Where: Target shelter @ Camp Wakonda

tent
sleeping bag
pillow
flashlight
bug spray
pack t-shirt (uniforms are unnecessary)
(any t-shirt is fine if you don't have the pack t-shirt)
appropriate clothes (sweatshirt, jeans)
rain gear (just in case)
snacks
medications
camera

Optional items:

camp chair
canteen
football, Frisbee
lantern
air mattress or cot
first aid kit
"substitute food" if your child has food allergies

We Need Your Help for Festival!

2008-09-18T21:31:00.003-05:00

We still have many shifts to fill at the Festival on Sunday (9/21). Please, if you can help or if you can take on extra shifts contact me at rick.denne@cox.net. Remember, this is our "thank you" to St. Columbkille so please support this effort. Thanks everyone!

Family Fun Festival

2008-09-14T20:39:00.005-05:00

As in past years, Pack 359 will run 2 booths at the St. Columbkille Family Fun Festival on September 21st (next Sunday) from 10:30am-6:30pm. Wolves, Bears, and Webelos are expected to work at the booth for 1-2 hrs. Tigers are not required, but are encouraged to come with a parent and help out with the fun. Please have your scout wear their uniform. Adult volunteers are also required, since we need 2 scouts + 1 adult at each booth.

Our booths should be located in the parking lot near the corner of 84th and Cornhusker (near the dunk tank). Also, make sure you give yourself extra time to park, since the festival can get very crowded.

Please remember that St. Columbkille allows our pack to meet in the church building; this is our time to support their efforts!

current schedule (names abbreviated):

Start	End	Scout 1	Scout 2	Scout 3	Scout 4	Adult 1	Adult 2
10:30	11:30	CD	ND	CM		RD	SD
11:30	12:30	CD	ND	CM		RD	SD
12:30	1:30
1:30	2:30
2:30	3:30
3:30	4:30
4:30	5:30
5:30	6:30

Please email your requested shift times to rick.denne@cox.net. Thanks again for your help!

Join us for the September Pack Meeting

2008-09-08T22:47:00.004-05:00

The whole family is invited to the Pack meeting on Tuesday, September 16th at 7pm in the Social Level.

We have a lot to cover this meeting:

Summer awards (belt loops, etc.)
Popcorn sales info
Annual scout registration
Upcoming events (Family Fun Festival, Pack Campout, Vala's)

But to take the edge off, we will also have an artist at the meeting for face painting :O) And we'll also have a Webelos I skit and some treats, too.

Parents, please bring your checkbook - we really want to get our scouts registered early this year. Thanks!

Also, Canfields is giving a 10% discount on all scout items through 9/14; don't miss this one if you need uniforms, books, etc.

Den Meetings to Start the Week of 9/1

2008-08-22T23:09:00.002-05:00

Den meetings are to start the week of 9/1, with the exception of Monday meetings due to labor day. Here is the current schedule, with all of the den meetings taking place at the Scout Center (below Sacred Heart Preschool):

DAY	TIME	LOCATION	Den
Mondays	6:30-7:30PM	Scout Center, front room	Wolves
Mondays	7:30-8:30PM	Scout Center, front room	Webelos I
Tuesdays	6:30-7:30PM	Scout Center, front room	Bears
Tuesdays	6:30-7:30PM	Scout Center, back room	Tigers
Thursdays	6:30-7:30PM	Scout Center, front room	Webelos II

IMPORTANT: The Tigers were scheduled for Tuesdays at 6:30 pm as a placeholder only. Once the group is assembled, they can pick from other times that are available (e.g. Mon at 6:30pm, Back Room).

The Wolves (2nd G) and Webelos Is (4th G) will not meet on 9/1 due to Labor Day.

Don't forget that the first Pack meeting is on next Tuesday, August 26th at 7 p.m. in the Social Level!

Come to the Aug 26 Pack Meeting/Open House

2008-08-11T23:33:00.004-05:00

Please join us for the first pack meeting of the year, on Tuesday, August 26th at 7 p.m. in the St. Columbkille Social Level. The highlight of the meeting: Amazing Arthur the magician will be there to entertain you! Plus, the kids can enjoy ice cream sundaes. This meeting is all fun and no boring information (just to ease you back into the swing of the school year).
As always, families are encouraged to attend. This is also our Open House; scouts are welcome to bring friends interested in joining our pack.

This year's pack schedule is now online in the calendar found on www.cubpack359.com. Check it out! One major change this year: the pack pinewood derby has been moved from January to March to avoid building cars over the holidays.

FYI: the Bear scouts (3rd graders) are responsible for covering the August 24th Knights of Columbus pancake breakfast. Your den leaders will be contacting you soon for help with this event...

Lost & Found

2008-08-11T08:13:00.001-05:00

There were 2 items left at the Papio Pool after the Pack swim party in July: an MTV Beach towel and a red baseball t-shirt. If you are missing one of these items, please contact Rick Denne. Thank you.

Popcorn Kernel Wanted

2008-08-06T14:56:00.004-05:00

We need your help! My wife and I have discussed this and have decided that we have too much on our plate for either of us to be Popcorn Kernel (PK, the person in charge of our annual popcorn sale) this year. So, I am asking for someone to step forward...

There is a popcorn kickoff meeting on Aug 21, but sales do not begin until September (pre orders due 9/10, etc.). The sale lasts for about a month. This job entails managing our inventory, getting more popcorn if we run out, holding the money, and briefing the scouts.

Since John Guhl was the PK last year, I'm sure he can give guidance. And I (and other leaders) will help as much as possible, we just need someone to take the helm. Also, a couple of people could share this responsibility.

Please consider helping because this is extremely important to our Pack. Click here to email me if you can help...

Thanks,
Rick Denne
Pack 359 Cubmaster

Ice Cream Social on Sun Aug 10th

2008-07-29T22:43:00.003-05:00

Please join us for the first event of the year: our annual ice cream social on Sunday August 10th, from 2pm - 4pm at the Halleck Park duck pond pavilion. Meet the new scouts or catch up with friends from last year. Families are welcome to join us...

Check out this event on the calendar or click here for more details.

Please RSVP for Pool Party

2008-07-23T10:18:00.001-05:00

Please RSVP to rick.denne@cox.net if you will attend the Pack 359 Pool Party on Saturday, July 26th from 10am-12pm at the Papio Pool (next to Papio Fun Park). Please include the number of adults and the number of children. The entire family is invited...

Pack 359 Pool Party July 26

2008-07-06T12:52:00.003-05:00

Please join us for the annual Pack 359 Pool Party on Saturday, July 26th from 10am-12pm at the Papio Pool (next to Papio Fun Park). Snacks and drinks will be provided. The entire family is invited to come and enjoy some swimming and games. Hope to see you there!

For more info see the calendar item here.

Little Sioux Fundraiser - Pancake Feed

2008-06-24T22:21:00.000-05:00

Please join us in honor of the four boys whose lives were claimed when a tornado hit the Little Sioux Scout Camp on Wednesday, June 11, 2008. All profits will donated to the Boy Scouts to help rebuild the Little Sioux Scout Camp.
Pancake Feed
$6.00 per person
TIME: 8:00AM - 1:00PM
DATE: JUNE 29, 2008

11690 S. 216th Street
Gretna NE 68028
AMERICAN LEGION
Post 216

Phone: 402-332-4441
E-mail: GretnaLegion@cox.net
Public is Welcome

Breakfast Menu
• Pancakes
• Scrambled eggs
• Bacon
• Sausage
• Juice, coffee & tea

Please Volunteer for Shepherds Fireworks Sales

2008-06-19T08:28:00.003-05:00

The St. Columbkille Shepherds organization, which supports our pinewood derby and religious emblems program, has asked for volunteers to help sell fireworks.

Adults: anyone familiar with running a cash register is highly desired. Please email Rick Denne to volunteer for this position.

Scouts (with adult escort) can volunteer to work anytime from June 25 - July 2, 9am-10pm. (The Shepherds recommended not having scouts help the last couple of days due to the hectic pace.) The scouts can help stock shelves or bag fireworks for customers.

Since the Shepherds did not provide a schedule with available slots, the scouts are free to go anytime they choose. I ask that you let me know when you plan on going so that I can let the Shepherds know as well. Please email Rick Denne with your desired work time(s).

Important: scouts should not wear uniforms when volunteering with the Shepherds.

Please try to find some time to help out the Shepherds, since they contribute their money to our Pack each year; money which comes from this fireworks sale!

Thanks...

Memorial Service TONIGHT 7pm @ Durham Scout Center

2008-06-12T16:49:00.001-05:00

From the MAC website:
The life changing events at Little Sioux last night cause us to reflect on how precious life is and we can strive to teach and protect our children, but bad things still happen.

Please join us in a candle light vigil at the Durham Scout Center, tonight at 7:00pm as we gather in spirit to remember Sam, Aaron, Josh and Ben, and pray for the speedy recovery for the other boys injured in last nights tragic storm.

I also understand that there is overflow parking on the North side of Maple. Hope to see you at 5:30pm mass and/or the memorial service...

Little Sioux Tragedy - Please come to 5:30pm Mass

2008-06-12T12:15:00.004-05:00

Due to the tragedy at Little Sioux, I would encourage you and your scout(s) to attend the 5:30pm mass today (Jun 12). Please wear uniforms if you can and join us as we pray for the scouts and their families. Thanks...

Prayers for the Scouts at Little Sioux

2008-06-11T22:47:00.002-05:00

I would ask that everyone in Pack 359 take a moment to say a prayer for the Boy Scouts and adult leaders who were at Little Sioux when the tornado hit tonight, as well as their families. While we were somewhat lucky in the metro area, they endured a horrific storm. Let's hope it's the last time we have to hear about something like this...

Rick Denne

Papio Days Parade Info

2008-06-10T23:10:00.003-05:00

Please come join us Friday at 6pm at the Scout Center for float assembly. We really need your help! We worked hard last Friday but still have some more work to do...

Also, if you are planning on your scout riding on the float in the parade please email rick.denne@cox.net to let me know (so we have enough room for everyone).

Please arrive at the Scout Center on Saturday (June 14th) at 1pm. You can drop off your scout at the school's north parking lot (things may be a bit congested on the side streets by then). The parade lineup is at 1:30pm and the parade starts at 2pm.

Don't forget - all scouts attending the parade get to play free putt-putt at Papio Fun Park right after the parade!

Still Need Help for Float Construction

2008-06-03T21:52:00.002-05:00

HELP!
So far I have heard from only 2 people saying they can come help build our float on Friday at 5 p.m. at the Scout Center.

If we cannot find more help then we may have to skip making a float this year. Please do your best to come help (and have some pizza too). Please email rick.denne@cox.net if you can help!

For more info, click here.

Papio Days Parade Float Construction

2008-05-31T23:09:00.003-05:00

We hope that everyone is enjoying the summer so far. Please come join us to create our parade float for the June 14th Papillion Days Parade.

Where: Scout Center
When: Friday, June 6th 5pm
Pizza will be served!

We need to build our float pieces so we can assemble the float the following weekend for the parade. Please come help! Email rick.denne@cox.net if you will attend. Thanks!

And don't forget to mark you calendars for the parade too! 1:30pm lineup with a Wagon Wheel District event to follow at the Papio Fun Park (putt-putt).

Dues Payments

2008-05-13T20:44:00.002-05:00

Due to a mistake on my part, scout dues were not deposited last fall when they should have been. I am notifying you now that payments will be deposited shortly. Since most dues were $25 I don't think this will cause anyone's account to be inadvertently overdrafted, but I wanted to alert everyone just in case.

Sorry for the confusion...
Rick Denne

Raptor Recovery at Last Pack Meeting on May 20

2008-05-13T20:40:00.002-05:00

The whole family is invited to our last pack meeting of the school year, next Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the Social Level. Raptor Recovery will be there with 2 birds, so it will definitely be a fun night!

Also, if you know any boys interested in becoming a cub scout next fall, please invite them to come check us out at the pack meeting.

See you there!

Fri Cookout Canceled

2008-05-01T10:29:00.002-05:00

Due to lack of attendance and conflicts (1st communion) the Prospective Leader Cookout (Friday, 6pm) has been canceled.

Please, if anyone is available to help the Pack in any manner in 2008/2009, contact me at rick.denne@cox.net (if you haven't already done so). I will be happy to find you a position that suits your needs. Thanks!

Please Join Us for a Prospective Leader Cookout on May 2nd

2008-04-23T22:22:00.002-05:00

We need your help to make our Pack even better!  If you are interested in helping out a little or a lot,
please come to the Denne house on Friday, May 2nd @ 6pm for a Pack-sponsored cookout.  
Please RSVP by April 29 by email: rick.denne@cox.net.
We have plenty of different types of positions available for 2008/2009
and a new incentive program (see below)

Pack 359 Leader Incentive Program

In order to increase volunteer participation in our Pack, a new incentive program is available to any adults interested in serving our scouts. In addition to St. Columbkille service hours, serving as a scout leader at any level will now earn various discounts for the 2008/2009 school year (listed below). The Pack committee will vote on any unforeseen issues and can end the program at any time.

Remember, the purpose of this program is to recruit new leadership! We need your help to improve our organization. Plus, you get to spend quality time with your scout…

Committee Leaders

[Treasurer, Secretary, Committee Chairman, Advancement, Blue & Gold, Pinewood Derby, Popcorn, Scouting For Food, Recruitment/Liaison (School/Troop), Public Relations (Photo)]

Free pack events for you (Vala's)

Assistant Leaders

[Assistant Cubmaster, Assistant Den Leaders]

Free pack events for you (Vala's)

Your summer camp registration is paid, up to $20

Leaders

[Cubmaster, Den leaders]

Free pack events for you (Vala's)

Your summer camp registration is paid, up to $20

You receive up to $20 discount toward your scout’s summer camp registration (1x per year)

Plus for New Leaders - $20 toward adult uniform (reimbursed)

April Pack Meeting is Next Week!

2008-04-16T08:13:00.003-05:00

On Tuesday, April 22nd we will have our monthly Pack meeting in the Social Level at 7pm. And this will be a big one!

First, we have many important advancements for Tigers, Wolves, and Bears. Don't miss your scout being awarded the badge they've worked all year to earn!

Second, the theme this month is Magic, and the Bears will be putting on a short magic show.

And third, this meeting is our annual "Fellers" Cake Auction! Please see the earlier posting here for the info. (If you cannot see the link then go to www.cubpack359.com and view the posting from April 2nd for details.) Don't forget that the cakes need to be at the social level no later than 6:45pm! Please support our pack by baking a cake :O)

As usual, the whole family (plus grandparents) is invited to attend. Since this will be a busy meeting, we will be starting promptly at 7pm. See you there!

Last Call for Strategic Air & Space Museum Overnight!

2008-04-04T22:04:00.004-05:00

If you are interested in attending the overnight at the museum, you have 1 week left! You need to be signed up and have your payment to Rick Denne by April 11th.

IMPORTANT Since we will be traveling outside the metro, all driving participants must add their info to a Tour Permit. I am counting on Den Leaders to coordinate this with their parents. We need to get this form to council by 4/11 also. The Tour Permit is here. We should also make sure that all scouts have a Health Form with them at this event, just in case. The Health Form is here.

Check out the calendar for more info... Hope to see you there!

April Pack Meeting is the Cake Bake Auction

2008-04-02T20:47:00.002-05:00

On April 22nd, Pack 359 will again have our annual Cake Bake Auction. Each scout should prepare a cake according the rules.
For the rules, please see CakeBakeRules2008.pdf at http://groups.google.com/group/pack359/files
or click here.

Proceeds from the auction benefit the Pack, which helps pay for our events. Please remember to invite the whole family, including grandparents. It will be a fun night!

Scouting For Food - This Saturday (3/29)

2008-03-25T20:38:00.003-05:00

Please Help! We need all scouts and leaders to meet at 8:45 am at the north Columbkille school lot (by the library) as we will be passing out donation bags to our assigned neighborhood (behind Target). If we have a lot of help we can get this done in about an hour. Sibling and adult help is also welcome. The Boy Scout troop will be picking up the donations 1 week later.

Please, we need everyone to help accomplish this task! Thanks...

REMINDER: Pack Meeting Tonight (Tue) at 7 pm

2008-03-25T09:30:00.002-05:00

Please join us at the March Pack Meeting tonight (Mar 25) at 7 pm in the Social Level... Hope to see you there!

[updated] Campout at the Strategic Air & Space Museum (again!)

2008-03-04T14:04:00.001-06:00

I apologize for misinformation, but the previous version of this post incorrectly showed the date as April 4th when the actual date is April 18th. Thanks to Jim A. for finding this error and sorry for the mix up.

[This date has been confirmed and I've been told that it will not be canceled this time.]

As announced at the Blue & Gold Banquet, our Pack will be camping out at the Strategic Air & Space Museum on April 18th. Cost is $20 per scout and $10 per adult. Tiger cubs should have an accompanying adult. The night will be full of fun and education. We'll be sleeping under the SR-71 too (also confirmed).
Please email rick.denne@cox.net to add your name to the list - after April 11th we cannot change our number attending!This should be fun!for more info, click here.

Do you have pictures for a B&G Slideshow?

2008-02-18T21:26:00.003-06:00

I am putting together a quick slideshow for the Blue & Gold banquet. If anyone has any digital pictures of any scouting event, from August through this month, please send them to rick.denne@cox.net. I'll do my best to get them in the slideshow :O)

Thanks!

Please R.S.V.P. to Blue & Gold Invitation

2008-02-15T13:45:00.002-06:00

The Blue & Gold Banquet (Feb. 23rd, 6:30pm) is quickly approaching! Please remember to R.S.V.P. to the invitation that you should have received in the mail last week. Also, include the number of adults and children attending the event. We appreciate your timely reply, as this info will help with planning. Thanks!

This Sunday is Scout Sunday!

2008-01-29T20:28:00.001-06:00

Please have your scout wear his uniform to church this Sunday, February 3rd:
"Scout Sunday tradition was started to make people in church aware of Scouting, and to allow Scouts to live out parts of what is pledged each week."

For St. Columbkille Parishoners, Pack 359 scouts who earned their religious emblems (Light of Christ, Parvuli Dei) will receive their award following the noon mass. For more info on Scout Sunday in the Catholic Church, click here.

IMPORTANT Pinewood Derby Info

2008-01-15T20:51:00.001-06:00

The Derby is almost here!

(at the Social Level)
Friday Weigh-in 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Sunday Weigh-in 12:30pm - 1:30pm
Sunday Pack Meeting/Pinewood Derby 2pm

Notes:

After weigh-in, cars must stay in the Social Level
Snacks will be provided during the races
Scouts will race within each group (e.g. Tigers vs Tigers)
Each scout will race 4 times (once on each of the 4 tracks)
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)

REMINDER: Religious Emblem Interviews on Jan 26

2008-01-15T20:47:00.000-06:00

Just a reminder that the Light of Christ and Parvuli Dei Deacon interviews will take place in the St. Columbkille Steinhausen center on Saturday, January 26, 2008 from 2-3:30PM. Please bring your scout(s) in full uniform with all books completed and signed off, plus any banners for the Parvuli Dei candidates. We will ensure they are hung in the church foyer the following Sunday at Scout Sunday (12:00PM Mass on February 3rd).

Believe It or Not - Overnight at Museum Canceled

2008-01-07T10:25:00.001-06:00

I just receieved an email from the Strategic Air & Space Museum that our overnight has been canceled. (great timing, right? just after i send out the info to the Pack!) Feb 8th does not meet the minimum number of kids attending (75) since only one other group registered. This is very frustrating to me and i apologize to you and your kids. I will work with the Museum to try to reschedule for a different date and then will present it to the Pack.

Again, sorry for the change in plans...

Rick Denne

Campout at the Strategic Air & Space Museum

2008-01-06T20:44:00.001-06:00

As announced at the December pack meeting, our Pack will be camping out at the Strategic Air & Space Museum on Feb 8th. Cost is $20 per scout and $10 per adult. Tiger cubs should have an accompanying adult. The night will be full of fun and education. We'll be sleeping under the SR-71 too.
Please email rick.denne@cox.net to add your name to the list - after Feb 1st we cannot change our number attending!

This should be fun!

for more info, click here.

Pinewood Derby Workshop Location Changed to Scout Center

2008-01-04T14:05:00.000-06:00

Due to a parish scheduling conflict the Pinewood Derby Workshop location has been moved from the Social Level to the Scout Center. The workshop will still take place Friday (1/4) at 6:30pm. A scroll saw and sanding station will be available.

Pinewood Derby Workshop

2008-01-02T08:22:00.000-06:00

Just a reminder that the Pinewood Derby Workshop is this Friday (Jan 4) at 6:30pm in the Social Level. Power tools will be available for use in crafting your scout's car. Check out the calendar on our website for other Derby dates (www.cubpack359.com).

December Pack Meeting - Families are Invited!

2007-12-15T11:37:00.000-06:00

Please bring the whole family to this month's Pack Meeting, which will be held on Tuesday, December 18th at 7 p.m. in the Social Level.

For more details: click here.

Come see what your Scout has been up to lately :O) Refreshments will be provided...

Parent Survey and Volunteer Form

2007-11-21T07:23:00.000-06:00

At the November Pack meeting a parent survey and volunteer form was handed out to all parents. If you could not attend, please fill out this form and return to John Guhl or Rick Denne. Please email John Guhl or Rick Denne for addresses if you wish to mail your form. You may also scan and email the form directly. Email addresses can be found on the right side of the website.

We are doing our best to improve your Pack. Please help us by taking the time to fill out the survey. And please also consider volunteering for a position with our organization. We need your help!

Thanks!