PACK/DEN ACTIVITIES

Chuck Wagon Dinner
York Adams Area Council

The weather is getting to that “perfect point” where no one wants to be inside.  Have the boys plan and make their own chuck wagon dinners.  From the little research I’ve done, seems that just about any kind of outdoor cooking qualified as chuck wagon cooking—the better the food, the happier the cowpoke, though!  This event could occupy a whole den meeting—even an extra-long meeting.

Indian Nation Council

Storytelling

Storytelling is a good way for den leaders to introduce the theme for the next month.  Depending on the theme, this could be done with a true story from nature or an incident from the life of a famous person, a myth or an Indian legend.  A story can set the scene for a special outing or trip.  It can meet a special need such as a behavior problem, allowing you to get the point across without actually pointing out one particular boy or incident.  One of the best reasons for telling stories is because they are fun and boys enjoy them.  Here are a few tips to help you become a good storyteller:

1. TELL the story, DON'T READ IT if possible.

2. Try to imagine yourself in the story so you can really feel it.

3. Decide on a catchy line for a beginning to create interest.

4. Practice telling the story.

5. Don't make the story too long. Having it short and to the point will keep the boys interest.

6. Keep eye contact while telling your story.

7. Speak clearly.  Use simple language.  Don't be afraid to use different voices for the characters or to make sounds.

8. When you've finished, its time for you to start listening. Discuss the story with the boys.  A few simple questions will help get them going.

Cub Scout World Conservation Award

Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts who have participated in either a den or pack conservation project and have completed certain requirements can earn the World Conservation Award.  This is an international award, which also can be earned by Boy Scouts and Explorers who complete different requirements. The patch is a temporary patch and is worn centered on the right shirt pocket of the uniform.

Wolf Cub Scouts do the Wolf Conservation achievement and complete all the projects in two of the following electives: No. 13 (Birds), No. 15 (Grow Something), No. 19 (Fishing); and take part in a den or pack conservation project.

Bear Cub Scouts do the Bear achievement No. 5 (Sharing Your World With Wildlife) and complete all projects in the following electives:  No. 2 (Weather), elective (Nature Crafts) or No. 15 (Water and Soil Conservation), and take part in a den or pack conservation project.

Webelos Scouts earn the Forester, Naturalist, and Outdoorsman activity badges in addition to taking part in a den or pack conservation project.

Applications may be picked up at the Scout Service Center.

Subject: Water

We all know that water is important but I've never seen it written down like this before.  75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated. (Likely applies to half world pop.) 

In 37% of Americans, the thirst mechanism is so weak that it is often mistaken for hunger.

Even MILD dehydration will slow down one's metabolism as much as 3%.

One glass of water shuts down midnight hunger pangs for almost 100% of the dieters studied in a U-Washington study.

Lack of water, the #1 trigger of daytime fatigue.

Preliminary research indicates that 8-10 glasses of water a day could significantly ease back and joint pain for up to 80% of sufferers.

A mere 2% drop in body water can trigger fuzzy short-term memory, trouble with basic  math, and difficulty focusing on the computer screen or on a printed page.

Drinking 5 glasses of water daily decreases the risk of colon cancer by 45%, plus it can slash the risk of breast cancer by 79%, and one is 50% less likely to develop bladder cancer.

Are you drinking the amount of water you should every day?

Explore a Tree
Circle 10 Council

Blindfold boys, one at a time, and ask them to explore a tree.  Ask them to think about how it smells, feels, etc. Is the bark rough or smooth?  Are the leaves damp or dry?  While one boy is doing this, the other observe by sight, things about the tree such as color, height, etc.  After all have explored, let them compare the results.  Help them identify the tree.

Compass Tie Slide
Heart of America Council

Materials:

Toy Compass

10" Suede Cord

Low Temp. Hot Glue Gun

3 Pony Beads

4" Pipe Cleaner

1. Hot glue suede cord all around compass.  Leave both ends hanging from the compass.  Cut ends into a point to make stringing pony beads easier.  Slide both ends into one pony bead and push it all the way to the compass. String one pony bead onto each end.  Tie knot to secure. Trim.

2. Hot glue a 4" piece of pipe cleaner on to back of compass to twist into a neckerchief slide.