Sunday, April 28, 2013

Why A 5 Day Cub Camp?

I get this question a lot actually, mostly by people who don't feel comfortable asking this question in a group setting. Let me tell you, Roundtable is the perfect place to ask this question. But I hope this entry can quell some of your concerns.

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The Purpose of Cub Scout Day Camp

·      To provide a superb outdoor experience for Cub and Webelos Scouts

·      To strengthen the operation of Dens with Teamwork, Leadership, and Cub Scout skills

·      To provide advancement opportunities for Cub and Webelos Scouts in a local camp setting

·      To achieve Scouting’s ideals of character development, citizenship, and personal fitness


What Makes (5 Day) Cub Scout Day Camp Special?



One of the most appeal features of Cub Scouting is the outdoor programing. Day Camp is an experience that boys will remember when thinking back on their Scouting experiences. Points to consider:



·      An individual unit can’t create the same camp experience that District or Council wide camps do. Boys have the opportunity to meet new people from other parts of the District and participate in programming that is not otherwise available to the Pack or Den.

·      A five day program offers the following advantages that one day programs do not- the chance to form friendships and learn teamwork during skills instruction, den skits and yells throughout the multiple day Cub Scout camp experience.

·      We provide an enthusiastic trained staff to train you in different Scouting skills, whether for fun or learning.

·      Day Camp leaders are trained leaders and our camp will follow the standards and guidelines set forth by the National Office of the Boy Scouts of America.
We follow strict health and safety standards, and provide emergency intervention at our first aid station as needed to attend to the bumps, bruises, and minor medical needs during your Cub Scout Day Camp experience.

Personally, my favorite Cub Scout experiences were at Cub Camp. In my council back home it was the norm. I loved every minute of it. I always looked forward to going back next year. The friendships formed lasting though Boy Scouts, and the desire to collect and do more than I did last year was a source of great fun and motivation. 

Cub Camp is the perfect staple to any Pack's summer program, where the kids are excited about Scouting and need something to get them through until the Fall. Or it may give them something to look forward to next year. Every year is also different, offering different activities and awards for the Scouts to earn. It also gives their parents a great chance to interact with their boys outdoors and in a safe and familiar camp setting.

So remember to sign up today! It will be a fantastic experience that you will want to repeat next year. Don't miss out on all the fun! A Galactic Trek awaits!   

*That's me with the green hat^
Day Camp 1999






*Again, me with the green hat only backwards, same year.







                                                                               

Thursday, April 25, 2013

What is NOVA?

Some people have asked me "What is the NOVA program?" and why is your camp focused around it? Well paraphrasing the words of my good friend Gilligan, just sit right back and you'll hear a tale.

NOVA is a fairly new initiative that incorporates learning with cool activities using STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics). The aims of the STEM/NOVA program are to entice Scouts into these fields, as well as showcase how our world revolves around these principles. Don't worry, it's not all just classroom. Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts have an assortment of belt loops and merit badges they can earn, and may not even realize how STEM plays into them. There are a lot of fun experiments that Scouts can do to make learning about science, technology, engineering and mathematics a ton of fun!

Because this is a Cub Scout blog, here are the listed here:

  • Astronomy
  • Badminton
  • Baseball
  • BB Shooting
  • Bicycling
  • Fishing
  • Geography
  • Geology
  • Map and Compass
  • Photography
  • Science
  • Softball
  • Ultimate
  • Weather
  • Wildlife Conservation




There is a lot more to the NOVA awards than simple belt loops and pins though. There are many things a Scout can do to earn his NOVA badge and related pi pins (shown below)

      
I like to think of this award as earning the "Superhero of Science" badge.


I hope this article has been of encouragement to you. Don't forget to register for Cub Camp! Do it today and I promise you, it will be an experience you and your Scout will never forget!

Sunday, April 21, 2013

Camp Open House and Camporee

Hey everyone! Hope you all had a lot of fun at the one house this past weekend. Despite the cold (remember to get your polar bear badge at the Scout Shop!) everyone had smiles on their faces. The trainers were great as well. If anyone has pictures they'd like to show off, send them over! Don't forget:

May 4- Council Pinewood Derby

May 11 Camp Open House at Little Sioux.

Check back for more Cub events! Also don't forget to register for Soaring Eagle Cub Scout Day Camp, June 10-14!

Sunday, April 14, 2013

District Derby

Fantastic turn out for our first District Derby in years! Congratulations to all the Scouts who finished 1-6 in their ranks! 99 Scouts from 25 Packs came to race their cars today. We had a lot of fun and hope that you all come back next year. Here are some pictures from race day. Remember there is a council race on May 4th at CLAAS of America. Check out the council we page for more information.















Saturday, April 13, 2013

Scouting For Food

Just stopped by a HyVee truck that was overstuffed! Way to go Scouts!

Friday, April 12, 2013

Cub Camp Update!

Good day Cub Scouts and Scouters! Please take note of some very important updates concerning Cub Day Camp on June 10-14.

Here is the link to register for the Soaring Eagle Cub Camp

Make sure you download the Medical Form A and B for registration

Check in starts at 7:30am Monday, June 10th at the Durham Scout Center at 12401 West Maple

Don't forget to download the Leader's Guide for more information about what to bring and what to expect. If you need a copy or if it not available online please email Christopher Comella for a copy.

If you would like to volunteer and help out with Cub Camp this year, please email Christopher for more information.

There will be periodic updates about Cub Camp throughout the next couple of months, so come back weekly and read up about all the fun you and your Scout will experience!