PACK/DEN ACTIVITIES

Heart of America Council

Cardboard Masks

Mask making is quite an ancient art.  For thousands of years masks have been used to create an illusion of mystery, comedy, majesty, and the supernatural.  To some Africans, Eskimos, and American Indians, certain ceremonial masks were considered works of art.  In Japan, metal masks were once used as face guards during battle.  In Italy, hunters used masks to protect their faces from poking twigs and branches.

Today most masks are used just for fun.  A mask not only changes the wearer’s appearance but it can instantly change his personality.

Really shy Cub Scouts will ramble on talking and mimicking freely because they feel hidden and secure behind a mask.

Special things should be considered when designing a mask.  It must be comfortable to wear (not too hot and not too heavy) a mouth hole should be provided so that speech is easily heard, arid vision should not be drastically blocked. If a Cub Scout can’t see well through the mask, he is likely to trip or stumble on everything.  And don’t forget the mirror! The Cub Scout must look at himself wearing mask to understand the character he is going to be.

Aluminum Foil Masks and Hats

Aluminum foil is an interesting material that can be used in costuming.  One of these masks, hats or props can be made from a single roll of aluminum foil  The foil masks also reflect the gleam from lights.

The Cub Scouts can make their own aluminum foil masks or hats.  It takes less than an hour. Rabbits, kittens owls, and clowns are all easy to make.  Robots, with foil, covered boxes for bodies, and space men are naturals for foil masks.

Aluminum Masks (basic):

Inflate large balloon to size mask desired.  For children, 10 — 12 inches in diameter.  For adults, 12—16 inches in diameter.  Tear 25 foot roll of foil into sheets 3 feet in length.  (8 sheets of foil)  Place balloon, blowing spout up, on first sheet of foil.  Shape foil up around balloon.  Place balloon on next sheet so foil will shape up over uncovered portion of balloon.  Repeat with third sheet.  Wad up one sheet of foil into ball for nose.  Fasten into position with cellophane tape.  Mold next sheet of foil over center of balloon and over ball, shaping to form nose.  Bring remainder of foil over balloon, smoothing neatly into place.  Crimp or tuck in edges of foil at top to form head opening (7 to 9 inches in diameter).  Do not tuck in edges before this step or mask will not hold together properly.  Let air out of balloon and remove it from mask.  Cut out eyes and mouth with scissors.

Did You Know ? ? ?
Heart of America Council

1930 - Cub scout program was launched with 5,102 boys registered at the end of the year.

Uniform explanation - Blue for truth, loyalty and the sky above. Gold for sunlight, cheer and happiness.

English Cub program based on Kipling’s book, “Jungle Book”.  American program based on Indian Lore.

Boys’ Life magazine was started by an 18 year old publisher in Providence, RI. The July 1913 issue was the first official magazine of’ the Boy Scouts of America.  In 1913 Norman Rockwell was hired to do the drawings and covers.

In 1913 a Leaders’ Magazine called “Scouting” was published semimonthly.

Congress granted the Boy Scouts of America a Federal Charter.

Cub Scout program launched in England during the 1st World War.  Due to lack of’ manpower, women were cub-masters. That was the 1st time women became members of the Boy Scout program.