ocus: “Seventy-six trombones led the big parade!” Does anyone have a clue what this means? Well maybe it’s time we brought it back! But whether we do that or just move forward with this new-fangled modern band stuff, this month’s theme gives the boys a chance to explore sound waves—that they make themselves. Give them a chance to explore how different objects can make different “nice sounds.” Let them experience changing a cacophony of noises into something that isn’t. And to you, the leaders, I say, “Sit back, relax, and enjoy!”

ANNOUNCEMENTS

In August of this year I started seeing a periodonist. Although I have always seen a dentist every 6 months he never did anything about some bad bad pockets I have developed over the years. Luckily that dentist dropped off our insurance plan, and our family started seeing another, who in turn sent me to see a periodonist since he was hoping my teeth could be saved. YIKES!!! In August, Dr. Hammond started an 8 – 10 week process of scaling my teeth and gums. Then we had to let me have a couple of weeks to heal up. After those few weeks we found my gums didn’t respond 100% to the scaling. On October 31 I went in for a 5-hour surgery on 8 different gum surfaces in my mouth and a tooth extraction. Here it is December 8, 2002, and I am 10 pounds lighter and not completely healed. There was a complication during my surgery, so my healing up process is taking longer because of that. Here’s another little note: I started becoming fit in April of this year, weight watchers’ and a fitness center, and with my latest 10 pound loss I am almost underweight, which isn’t so good either. SHEESH!!

Meanwhile we are still have a very serious family problem going on (not with anyone’s health) and I continue to ask for your prayers for a happy ending to this trouble.

For those of you who asked, I love driving my Highlander that Jim got for me in September. It is a 2003, Vintage Gold. Not too many miles on it yet, I haven’t been driving too much yet.

I pray that everyone has a wonderful safe blessed Holiday. Now on to: Baloo’s Bugle--

TIGERS

Achievement 5

There is so much to do and learn outdoors! You can have fun exploring nature and looking at trees, flowers, and animals. You can walk, run, play games, and ride a bike. It’s even fun to sit outside!

Let's Go Outdoors

5F
Go outside and watch the weather

Family activity

You can listen to a weather report on the radio or television. But it’s more fun to tell what the weather is like by going outside and using your five senses to observe what the weather for yourself. Your five senses are seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, and touching. Some people can’t use all five senses fully, such as people who are sight impaired or hearing impaired. Often, people who can’t use one of their senses have learned to use their other four senses very well.

5F Go outside and observe the weather. Use your senses to help you describe what the weather is like.

What do you see? Is it sunny? Is it dark? Do you see stars, clouds, sunshine, rain, or a rainbow?
What do you hear? Do you hear thunder, rain, or the blowing wind? Maybe you hear traffic noise, children playing, or birds singing. How does the weather affect noises like these?
What do you smell? Do you smell flowers or freshly cut grass? Maybe you smell the aroma of someone cooking or the odor of farm animals. The air and wind bring these smells to your nose.
What do you taste? If the wind is blowing across a dusty place, you may get dust in your mouth. Does the air taste like dirt? Does it taste like salt?
What can you feel? Is it cold or warm? Do you feel the wind blowing? Do you feel rain or snow?

5D
With a crayon or colored pencil and a piece of paper, make a leaf rubbing.

5G
Take a hike with your den.

PRAYERS & POEMS FOR SCOUTERS

Heart of America Council

Because Cubs often look up to their leaders, we need to be aware of the example we set:

WAYS OF REINFORCING VALUES

1. Do, rather than just talk about.

2. Use new methods, new ideas.

3. Use other than your own suggestions.

4. Provide opportunity for discussion and participation.

5. Encourage communication.

6. Encourage expression.

7. Develop a more mature understanding of the meaning of honor.

8. Show more understanding of the worth of individuals.

9. Learn the meaning of helping people, sharing, and giving of one’s

self, rather than just things or money.

10. Develop an awareness of the need for service. Accept service as a

personal and group responsibility.

11. Show feelings of responsibility to community, state and nation.

12. Develop an understanding of the United States in relation to the rest of

the world.

13. Have pride in our country and its heritage.

14. Show an understanding of our country’s basic ideals.

15. Recognize and appreciate the differences of all human beings.

16. Develop an interest in and concern for others.

17. Extend kindness, consideration and involvement beyond your immediate

circle of family and friends.

18. Use an understanding of self as a basis for understanding others.

11 Rules For Being Human
Heart of America Council

1. You will receive a body. You may like it or hate it, but it will be yours the entire period this time around.

2. You will learn lessons. You are enrolled in a full-time informal school called LIFE. Each day in this school you will have the opportunity to learn lessons. You may like the lessons or think them irrelevant and stupid.

3. There are no mistakes, only lessons. Growth is a process of trial and error; experimentation. The “failed” experiments are as much a part of the process as the experiment that ultimately “works”.

4. A lesson is repeated until learned. A lesson will be presented to you in various forms until you have learned it. When you have learned it, you can then go on to the next lesson.

5. Learning lessons does not end. There is no part of life that does not contain its lessons. If you are alive, there are lessons to be learned.

6. “There” is no better than “here”. When your “there” has become a “here,” you will simply obtain another “there” that will again look better than “here.”

7. Others are merely mirrors of you. You cannot love or hate something about another person unless it reflects something you love or hate about yourself.

8. What you make of your life is up to you. You have all the tools and resources you need. What you do with them is up to you. The choice is yours.

9. Your answers lie inside you. The answers to Life’s questions lie inside you. All you need do is look, listen and trust.

10. You will forget all this.

11. You can remember it whenever you want.

Why I’m A Leader
Heart of America Council

I’m not a Cub Scout Leader for the easy hours, high pay,

parents’ gratitude, power or prestige.

I’m a leader because I want the world for your son and mine, to

be a world he can shape and help shape; a world of love and laughter, where he can show compassion.

I want him to be able to look at the stars, a sunrise, a sunset, the work and world of man -- and feel their beauty inside himself.

I want to help him to learn to finish anything he starts and do it well and to guide him to know his worth with a deeper understanding of himself.

I want to help shape men who have strength of character and are sensitive to the needs of others.

I want them to be the best they can be.

I’m giving of myself and my time. I reap rewards far beyond what I give. I receive for my children and future generations a better world.

I am a Cub Scout Leader because I care.

A Little Boy

By Ron Brown, Eagle District,,

Alamo Area Council San Antonio, TX

When I was a child, I spake as a child,

And acted in childish ways;

When I grew up, I put away

The trappings of childhood days.

But then, without asking permission,

A little boy entered my life,

And noisily garnered attention

From me and his mother, My wife;

And magically, that little boy

Got me to sit on the floor,

To play with the toys of my childhood,

That I had abandoned before.

So that little boy has a playmate

Who's grown up and taller than he,

And I have this sneaking suspicion

A little boy still dwells in me!

So, I got my son to join Cub Scouts,

Ostensibly for his own sake,

And we do achievements together,

(Though Pinewood cars I mostly make)!

When we go to Den and Pack meetings,

His friends think that I'm a great dad,

'Cause I volunteered as a leader;

(I downplay how much fun I've had!)

I know, God chose to make me a person'

My folks helped with guidance they gave;

My wife made me husband and father,

And my boss turned me into a slave - -

But my little boy made me a Scouter,

Like his friends wish their dads did for them,

And that little boy deep down inside me knows

That I also do it for him!

PRE-OPENING

Name That Tune
York Adams Area Council

Borrow as many cassette players as you can and on different cassettes tape short pieces of different songs (like the ones that have midi files on the Pow-Wow CD). Label the cassettes 1 through ?? and note what song tape is on each one. Have people walk from one player to another to listen to the different “wordless” pieces to see how many songs they can identify.

Strike Up The Band
York Adams Area Council

How many different words can anyone find in the theme phrase “Strike Up The Band”? Hand out sheets of paper with the phrase at the top. Ask each den to work together to see how many words it can make from the letters in the phrase.

IMPROMPTU KAZOO ZOO
York Adams Area Council

Have supplies (combs and waxed paper pieces) for the boys to use when they come in. Set aside a band practice area and have one of the parents or the Den Chief act as a conductor for the practice session. Make sure the conductor encourages and makes it lots of goofy fun so the boys don’t lose interest.

WHAT INSTUMENT IS IT
York Adams Area Council

Have lettered or numbered pictures of different band instruments on display and give the boys papers with the names of the different instruments that are pictured. (You might even throw in a couple names for which there aren’t pictures.) Have them work together, using their collective knowledge, to figure out what all of the instruments are. Make sure to include some no-brainers and well as some challenges.

NAME THAT TONE
York Adams Area Council

Similar to the pictures, but certainly more challenging, come up with recorded samples from different instruments. If you have internet access, you can find websites with midi files of different instruments’ sounds. Have the boys work together and discuss which instrument plays has sound. (You can also try using an electronic keyboard that synthesizes different instruments, although they’re fidelity is usually not great.) Again have sheets listing the different instruments and have them identify which instrument plays “Sound A,” Sound B,” etc.

OPENING

Our Cub Scout Band
York Adams Area Council

Leader: With tonight’s theme we’re going to be hearing a lot of noise—music they call it. Noise that comes with having a great time as we “Strike Up the Band.” Let’s hear from some experts, though, on just what makes up a Cub Scout Band…

Cub #1: B is for Boys who are joined in this group,

They call themselves Cub Scouts—they’re a Pack, not a Troop.

Cub #2: A is for Allegiance, that all Cub Scouts know,

For Country or Queen, they’ll trust and follow.

Cub #3: N is for Never, will they do any less,Than working their hardest and doing their best.

Cub #4: D is for Dynamic, the Cub Scouts you’ll hear,Are full of real energy, fun, and good cheer.

Cub #5: So join with us now as we strike up the band,We’re set to have the best times, throughout all the land.

Leader: To get things started with tonight’s bandstand of fun, let’s join together in singing a song that was written by one of the most well known musicians in America.

Stars and Stripes Forever
York Adams Are Council

Setup: You might want to play “Stars and Stripes Forever” in the background as the color guard brings forward the flags. Also, you can have some of the boys in the Den begin reciting the lyrics to the march before the color guard advances. The lyrics are provided below. You will want to time this so that it all works together (“in concert” as they say!). (In practicing it, I was able to say the words in a shorter time than the music plays.)

Leader/Narrator: Welcome to a night of sound and wonder! Tonight we celebrate music and to begin our program, we will hear the sounds and words of The Official March of the United States of America, “Stars and Stripes Forever, written by John Philip Sousa, American composer, conductor and patriot. Please stand for the presentation of the colors.

(Begin music and reciting the lyrics.)

Stars and Stripes Forever
by John Philip Sousa

Let martial note in triumph float
And liberty extend its mighty hand
A flag appears 'mid thunderous cheers,
The banner of the Western land.
The emblem of the brave and true
Its folds protect no tyrant crew;
The red and white and starry blue
Is freedom's shield and hope.

Other nations may deem their flags the best
And cheer them with fervid elation
But the flag of the North and South and West
Is the flag of flags, the flag of Freedom's nation.

Hurrah for the flag of the free!
May it wave as our standard forever,
The gem of the land and the sea,
The banner of the right.
Let despots remember the day
When our fathers with mighty endeavor
Proclaimed as they marched to the fray
That by their might and by their right
It waves forever.

Let eagle shriek from lofty peak
The never-ending watchword of our land;
Let summer breeze waft through the trees
The echo of the chorus grand.
Sing out for liberty and light,
Sing out for freedom and the right.
Sing out for Union and its might,
O patriotic sons.

Other nations may deem their flags the best
And cheer them with fervid elation,
But the flag of the North and South and West
Is the flag of flags, the flag of Freedom's nation.

Hurrah for the flag of the free.
May it wave as our standard forever
The gem of the land and the sea,
The banner of the right.
Let despots remember the day
When our fathers with might endeavor
Proclaimed as they marched to the fray,
That by their might and by their right
It waves forever.

AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION

The Wonderful Cellar Band
York Adams Area Council

Divide the group into five smaller groups and assign each group one of the words listed below. Read the story. After each of the words is read pause for the group to make the appropriate response.

Dusty Old Cellar "Cree-eek, Ah-Choo"
Jug "Boop, Boop"
Trash Can "Crash-Bam"
Saw "Whaang, Whaang "
Hat Box "Rat-a-tat-tat "

Once upon a time, as many stories begin, in a dusty old Cellar there lived a group of very good, very old and very out-dated friends. There was an empty glass Jug, a rusty Saw, two beat-up Trash Cans and a faded old Hat BOX. Now these old friends had been in the dusty old Cellar for a very long time, and except for being moved about from time to time, they were left alone to rust or turn to dust. Needless to say, they were very lonely.

One day, the empty glass Jug, in a deep low voice said, "It's too quiet here. I wish something would happen." "Now really, Jug," said the rusty Saw, "What could possibly happen here?" "Why," said the faded old Hat Box, "I've been sitting on this Cellar shelf for 20 years and all I've seen are two mice and a Daddy-Long-Legs spider." This empty glass Jug is just getting older and emptier," said the beat-up Trash Cans. "Don't pay him any mind."

Suddenly there was the sound of footsteps on the Cellar stairs. Four young boys, all dressed alike, came cautiously down the Cellar steps. They were talking in hushed voices. "Are they twins?" asked the faded old Hat Box. "I think they're pygmies!" said the rusty Saw in a lofty voice. "Nonsense," said the empty glass Jug. "They're Cub Scouts," said the beat-up Trash Cans. By now, the old friends were very curious and excited. The listened as the boys talked.

"Boy, it's spooky down here in this dusty old Cellar," said Jim. "Don't be a 'fraidy cat," said Mike. "Aw heck, let's go," said Jack. "No, wait," said Bill. "I've got an idea. We have to do a stunt for our Den Meeting, don't we?"

"Yeah, that's right," the other three chorused. "Well," said Bill, "Let's have a band ... a Cellar band!" "A band!" they yelped. "Sure," said Bill. "I'll play that rusty Saw _. Jim, you take that empty glass Jug. Mike that faded old Hat Box will make a neat drum. And Jack, those beat-up Trash Can __ lids will be swell cymbals.

Well, of course, you know the rest. Den Three made new friends with old friends, right there in the dusty old Cellar, with an empty glass Jug, a rusty Saw, a faded old Hat Box and two beat-up Trash Cans, and for all we know, they may be playing together still!

SKIT

Balloon Orchestra
York Adams Area Council

The players in the orchestra each hold a balloon. They blow up their balloons in unison, then let out the air in a squeak at a time to the rhythm of some easily recognized rhythm such as “Blue Danube” or “Jingle Bells”. To end the skit all fill their balloons with air and let go at the directors signal.

Musical Genius
York Adams Area Council

The announcer makes a flowery introduction about how fortunate the audience is to have this opportunity to hear the splendid vocal group about to perform. After the introduction, the group marches on stage and lines up across the front. The announcer states that their first number will be the appealing ballad "The Little Lost Sheep." Following a short musical introduction, singers open their mouths and produce a long, loud "Baa-a-a."

Howling Dogs
York Adams Area Council

Setting: “Father” is sitting in his easy chair, relaxing, and reading the evening paper. “Son” is setting up his music to begin practicing his musical instrument (doesn’t matter what one). The pet “dogs” are lying about relaxing.

Players: One “father, one “son,” and several pet “dogs.”

Son: Listen to this new piece I learned today, Dad. (Begins playing and the sound is horrific. The dogs begin howling to the awful noise.)

Father: (Grimaces at the clatter and howling.) That fine son, just fine. Are there any other pieces you know?

Son: Sure, Dad. (Plays another piece with the same noisy reaction.)

Father: (Grimacing all the more at the noise.) Just lovely, Son. Why not practice that piece you learned last week?

Son: Okay, Dad. (Again the noise and the howling. This can continue for several iterations, with the father trying to find something the son plays well enough that the dogs don’t go bonkers.)

Father: (Slams down the paper and stands up irritably.) Son, can’t you play a song that the dogs don’t know?!

PACK/DEN ACTIVITIES

Personal Kazoos
York Adams Area Council

Materials:

• Comb (one per boy)

• Wax paper sheet (one per boy)

Directions: Now don’t ask me how to really describe how to do this, because it’s a trial-and-error process. But the wax paper has to be a little more than twice the size of the comb. Fold the paper in half and slip the comb into the folded paper so that the comb teeth point “out” of the fold. Hold the ends of the comb/paper (kazoo) and place gently against lips. Hum into the kazoo to set up vibrations. Kazoo to your heart’s content (or until the Den Leader goes crazy!).

Other Make-It-Yourself Instruments
York Adams Area Council

There are many different “homemade instrument ideas” out there. In the back of this section are some ideas from the following websites:

http://www.iit.edu/~smile/ph9416.html,

http://www.philtulga.com/HomemadeMusic.html,

http://suite101.com/article.cfm/music_education/5804

There are many other sites, too numerous to list, but I searched on the keywords “homemade instruments” to find these sites. One other “must visit” site for musical instruments is http://mudcat.org/kids/. Lots and lots of ideas there!

Instrument Slide
York Adams Area Council

Materials:

• Plastic musical instrument, approximately 1-1/2 inches

• 1 ¼ inch wooden square

• sheet music

• ¾ PVC ring

Equipment:

• Craft glue

• Hot glue/gun

Directions:

Using a good copier machine, copy some music sheets down to “really small size.” (If you can copy the sheets cleanly so that the whole sheet is about 1/8^th normal size that would be good.)

Cut the sheet music to cover the top of the wooden square, glue with craft glue in place

Using Hot glue, mount the instrument onto the sheet music.

Mount the PVC ring to the back of the wooden square.

Have A “Den” Concert
York Adams Area Council

A few (actually many) years ago, when my son was in Cub Scouts, his den held a music concert for the parents and other special guests. They used the event to cover lots of ground, including making up their own invitations, planning a party, fixing refreshments, etc. As far as the actual concert, that was icing on the cake—the boys got so much from just pulling the event together. And the concert was what you’d expect, but it gave the parents and friends a chance to build up the boys’ self confidence and gave the boys a chance to “strut their stuff.”

Attend A Local Band/Music Performance
York Adams Area Council

With the many local music groups, concert halls, schools, etc., in our area, there is always an opportunity to take the boys for an evening of educational entertainment. One place to go for upcoming events in the area is WITF’s website for its monthly magazine, “Central PA.” Go to: http://www.centralpa.org/events.html.

Marching Band/Instruments Demonstration
York Adams Area Council

Call up one of the local high schools and see if the band leader can arrange for several of the band members to visit and put on a demonstration. If you can get the times to work out, they can also be there to help start or end the Pack Meeting.

Create A Pack Marching Band
York Adams Area Council

I bet I am one of a very few people who attended a high school that has never had a real marching band. But just because it didn’t have a “real” one, that doesn’t mean we didn’t have a pseudo marching band—our kazoo and pots ‘n pans marching band. Soooo, why not get the boys together, have them bring in their own combs, pots, pans, etc. and you supply the waxed paper

STUNTS AND APPLAUSES

Drum Major Batons
York Adams Area Council

Use a thin (1/8-inch) dowel about 5 inches long. Glue a colorful pony bead to one end and, with sandpaper, narrow the other end slightly. Add streamer made from strands of ribbon and color the pole with fancy, bright colors.

Applauses
York Adams Area Council

Trumpet: da-da-da-da-dada-da-da-CHARGE!

Band Practice Cheer: Tell everyone that on the count of 3 they are to play their own band instrument until the conductor gives the “stop playing” signal. Give examples, such as drum, bugle, trumpet, flute, trombone, etc. Count to 3 and conduct the band for a few seconds.

Baton Throwing Cheer: Have everyone hold their invisible batons in their hands and on your signal toss them into the air and then try to catch them.

Marching Band Cheer: Use the Band Practice Cheer, but have everyone march in place while playing.

Drum: On legs make a rat-a-tat sound 3 or 4 times, then hit the stomach two times and say "Boom, Boom".

Flute: Pretend to be playing the flute and give two big toots.

Violin Applause: Hold left hand extended as if holding violin, with head tipped a little as if holding instrument under chin. With right hand make the bow go across the strings as you say in a loud scratchy voice, "Squeek-eek-eek, Squawk-awk-awk", "Squeek-eek-eek, Squawk-awk-awk"

Guitar Applause: Hold left hand to side as.if holding neck of a guitar, cup right hand with thumb extended up and move it up and down as if on the strings while moving the fingers on the left hand as if changing keys while saying in a musical voice Wtrum-um-um, Strum-urn-urn, Strum-urn-a

Harp Applause: Hold both hands extended in front of you and move the fingers on both hands while you pull them toward yourself and say,, in a soft musical voice "Pluck-uck-uck, Pluck-uck-uck" (3 times)

Triangle Applause: Hold left hand in front of you as if holding the triangle, while holding.the right hand as if you're holding the small rod. Then make motion as if striking it while saying in a high ringing voice, "Ring-ing-ing, Ring-ing-ing"

Orchestra Applause: This one can be a lot of fun because it is a combination of all the above four. Divide your group into four groups with each group doing a different instrument as described above. When you, the orchestra director gives the signal they all do their sounds at once.

ADVANCEMENT CEREMONIES

Radio Station, C.U.B.S.
York Adams Area Council

Cubmaster: This is radio station C.U.B.S. signing on the air with an evening of fun and achievement for all you boys out there in radioland. Tonight we have selected several of our listeners for special awards. They have become Bobcat members of our station C.U.B.S. Fan Club. If the following boys will come to the station with their parents, we will present them with their awards. (Presents Bobcat badges to parents).

Asst. CM: This is station C.U.B.S. Mobile Control out on the Cub Scout trail. We have spotted several of our Cub Scouts who found their lucky number, 12, for the 12 Wolf achievements. Several have also collected the 10 electives needed for gold and silver arrow points. Will (Call boys' names) and their parents come to the station to claim their awards? (Present Wolf badges and arrow points.)

Cubmaster: Station C.U.B.S. asks the question: Have you earned your Bear achievements (name boys)? We know you have. Come in with your parents and allow us to present your awards (make presentation).

Visiting the studio with us tonight are (names boys). These boys have been working hard on Webelos activity badges and are being honored by having their awards presented on the air from station C.U.B.S. (Ask boys and parents to come forward and make presentation).

CC: And now for the highlight of this evening's broadcast. We take great pleasure in announcing the top of this month's Hit Parade - the boys who have earned Cub Scouting's top award - the Arrow of Light Award. The names of these boys have been added to the gold record of Cub Scouting (Call boys and parents forward to present awards).

Cubmaster: And now this is station C.U.B.S. signing off the air and inviting your to tune in at Pack ____ on your radio dial.

Band of Advancement
York Adams Area Council

SETUP: You could copy pictures for each of the musical instruments to which the ceremony refers and have these pictures posted in the front of the room. I offer my apologies to the real musicians of the world. I am trying to write a ceremony here, not create the most harmonious band—anyway, is that what you’d want from a group of 1^st to 5^th graders? I think it’s better that they’re able to just make lots of noise for now—too soon they’ll have to rein in their enthusiasm one way or another!

BAND CONDUCTOR (maybe in top hat and tails or with one of those big batons): Have you ever seen a marching band? The drum major leading the group? The trumpets and tubas; clarinets and flutes; drums and trombones. A band has many instruments—all of them combining together to make for some great music. It works the same way with Cub Scouting. Let’s put together our Cub Scout Band…

Let’s start with our Tiger Cub section. They will be our piccolos. Theirs is usually a high-pitched sound of fun and excitement. Why just this past month the sounds of laughter and squeals of good times were heard as they worked on their latest Tiger activities. Let’s see what all the noise was about.

[Call up the Tigers and their partners.]

Okay, Tigers, just what was it you were doing this month that was like music to your ears?

[Interview Tigers about their latest Big Idea escapades. Finish off by handing them their Tiger beads and let them return to their seats.]

BAND CONDUCTOR: What kind of a band would it be without the wonderful, mellow sounds from our next section, the Bobcats. These are our own band’s Clarinets. Like the clarinet, the Bobcat brings a special sound to the band. The clarinet is a woodwind instrument, as you might know—and that definitely puts me in mind of our Bobcats—they are so full of energy like the wind. Just as Mozart was the first composer to use the clarinet in a symphony, the following boys are the first to achieve the rank of Bobcat this new calendar year.

[Call up the Bobcat recipients and their parents to receive the badges. Have parents award the badges and let them return to their seats.]

BAND CONDUCTOR: Our band’s next instrument is as fitting as the others for the level to which it’s applied. For what instrument can be at moment quiet, mellow, and pensive, while in the next be blaring with joy and excitement. I refer to, of course both the trumpet and the Wolf Cub.

[Call up the Wolf recipients and their parents to receive the badges. Have parents award the badges and let them return to their seats.]

BAND CONDUCTOR: A little more “toned down” and “older,” our next band group can still be just as fun and free flowing as the Wolves’ trumpets. These are our Bear Cubs—the trombones of our band. You can just picture the light flashing off the brass of the trombones as the slide moves back and forth And, yes, it also might just sound a little more brassy than the trumpet, too—these guys are getting older and are starting to reach out a little more than their Wolf Cub brothers.

[Call up the Bear recipients and their parents to receive the badges. Have parents award the badges and let them return to their seats.]

BAND CONDUCTOR: The band continues to grow as we add our next instrument, the saxophone of the Webelos Activity Badges. Now here’s an instrument with some sound. And just as the sax brings a certain amount of pizzazz to the band, so do our Webelos Scouts bring that same kind of pizzazz to the Pack—they do us proud for working so diligently to complete their activity badges.

[Call off Webelos Scouts who have earned Activity Badges. Hand out awards and have boys return to their seats.]

BAND CONDUCTOR: As our band nears completion, we notice a certain lack of pounding rhythm—wonder what it’s missing? The drums of course—that solid resounding pum-pum-pum that comes from the Webelos rank. Tonight we add a little bit of bass and rhythm to our band as we recognize the Scouts who have attained the rank Webelos.

[Call off Webelos Scouts who have earned the Webelos Badge. Hand out awards and have boys return to their seats.]

BAND CONDUCTOR: There is no sound that spells “finale” quite like the clash of the symbols. They may not sound off too often, but when they do, everyone stands up and takes note. And that’s how it is with our Webelos Scouts who have completed the requirements for the most honored and highest award in Cub Scouting—the Arrow of Light Award.

[Call off Webelos Scouts who have earned the Arrow of Light. Hand out awards and have boys return to their seats.]

To close out our awards ceremony, we will listen to a short piece written to honor all of our band “pieces.” This piece is for you. [At this point, have a short Sousa piece to play.]

SONGS

No songs for this month! The boys should be busy playing wonderful music with their instruments! (Hey, that was an easy way out! Whew.)

GAMES

NAME THAT TUNE
York Adams Area Council

Have titles of songs that the boys should know printed on separate slips of paper all in a paper bag or hat. The first player pulls a slip out without showing it to anyone else and tries to hum the song. The first person in the group to guess the song goes next. This continues until they’re all hummed out or until they’ve gone through all of the songs. To help you get the song titles list going, here are some really common, familiar ones:

• Alouette

• Amazing Grace

• Animal Fair

• Announcements! Announcements! Announcements!

• Auld Lang Syne

• Aunt Rhody

• Bananas, Coconuts and Grapes

• BINGO

• Camptown Races

• Christmas Time (Jingle Bells)

• Clementine

• Down in the Valley

• Edelweiss

• Five-hundred Miles

• Froggie Went A-courting

• Battle Hymn of the Republic

• God Bless America

• Frere Jacques

• Goodnight Ladies

• Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes

• He's Got The Whole world In His Hands

• Hole In My Bucket

• Home on the Range

• How Much Is That Doggie in the Window?

• If I Had a hammer

• If You're Happy and you Know It

• I Love the Mountains

• Inch Worm

• It's a Small World

• I've Been Working On The Railroad

• John Browns Body

• Kum Ba Yah [Come By Here]

• Michael Row the Boat

• My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean

• My Hat It Has Three Corners

• Oh Shenandoah

• Oh! Susanna

• Old MacDonald

• On Top of Old Smoky

• Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer

• Row, Row, Row

• She'll Be Comin' 'Round the Mountain

• Skip to My Lou

• Swing Low Sweet Chariot

• Take Me Out to the Ball Game

• Taps

• The Ants Go Marching

• The Bear Went Over the Mountain

• The Grand Old Duke of York

• The More We Get Together

• The Saints Go Marching In

• This Old Man

• Three Blind Mice

• Yankee Doodle

• You are My Sunshine

NAME THAT INSTRUMENT
York Adams Area Council

Assign each boy a number so that they go in the numbered order. Have each boy decide what instrument he is and then each, in turn, acts out the instrument. Point out that it’s okay to repeat an instrument type. Here are some instrument ideas to throw out at them:

Silly Symphony
York Adams Area Council

Nature game, outdoors.

Equipment: The Outdoors.

Formation: semi-circle.

The purpose of this game is to discover the beautiful sounds that can be created by the natural objects in our environment.

Each player is given 10 - 15 minutes to find objects in nature that make a noise when banged together, or blown on, or rubbed together. Players bring back their 'instruments' and a conductor is chosen, who organizes the group into a semi-circular orchestra.

Each musician is allowed to 'tune' is instrument, so the rest of the group can hear the different sounds. If a player can play more than one instrument at the same time, he is welcome to do so.

The conductor can then choose a familiar tune with an easy rhythm, and lead his orchestra in song. Let the players make requests for songs they would like to play; give musicians the opportunity to work on 'solos' that they can perform for everyone.

YELLOW JELL-O
York Adams Area Council

Gather Beavers into a close group. Tell them that they have been changed into a bowl of banana Jell-O (or any flavor you like). Pretend you are shaking the bowl. Begin slowly waving your hands as if you were conducting an orchestra. Jiggle quickly and vibrate the Jell-O more. Beavers are encouraged to act exactly the way Jell-O would. Stop shaking the Jell-O. Usually Jell-O will shake for awhile until it slows down to a stop. Naturally, if you leave your Jell-O out in the sun, it will begin to melt away all over the ground.

CUB GRUB

LICORICE PAN FLUTES
York Adams Area Council

Cut hollow licorice tubes to different lengths (only cutting one end) and attach them together by heating the edges and sticking them together with scotch tape. Show the boys how to blow into them to make sounds. Have the boys work together to make “beautiful music.” Then they can eat their instruments.

MUSIC NOTES
York Adams Area Council

You’ll need thin pretzel sticks and gum drops. Stick the pretzel sticks into the gumdrops to form notes. You can lay out these notes onto a tray that has the staffs shown using licorice strings that form a simple song (like Mary Had A Little Lamb) and ask the boys to guess what the song is.

CLOSING CEREMONY

WEBELOS

Readyman

Sudden illness or accidental injury can strike anyone at anyplace at any time. The first person on the scene needs to be prepared to give basic emergency First Aid.

Thiscan sometimes mean the difference between life and death for the victum. If you know first aid, you can care for yourselfand others when emergencies arise.

First Aid is not taking the place of professional medical help. It is doing the things that must be done until the professional help arises. As a Webelos leader, you need to set the example by being trained in basic First Aid. You can then enlist the support of a local Scoutmaster or the Red Cross in obtaining leadership for teaching your Webelos scouts the requirements for the Readyman Activity Badge.

Everyone Should Know E.D.I.T.H.

“FIRE,” is a terrifying word. Heavy smoke and confusion usually follow that cry. E.D.I.T.H. (Exit Drills in the Home) means being prepared and knowing what to do in case a fire does occur. It can make the difference between life and death. Your family should be familiar with the following escape procedures:

1. Make sure everyone sleeps with their bedroom door closed at night. A closed door can delay the spread of fire and keep out deadly gases and smoke for a few minutes needed to escape.

2. Draw a floor plan of your home and mark an escape route from each room in the house. Pay particular attention to the bedrooms, since nighttime fires are usually the most serious.

3. Very young children and elderly persons should receive careful consideration when mapping out family escape plans. Both groups need special assistance in escaping from home fires.

4. Determine ways in which any member of the family can sound an alarm. It is likely that fire may block hallways and prevent you from reaching other bedrooms. Pound on a wall, yell, use a whistle, or use any other method that will awaken members of the family who are asleep.

5. Instruct family members not to waste time getting dressed or collecting prized possessions. Speed is essential in escaping fire.

6. Make sure every family member knows how to test a door. If panels or knob are warm, keep the door closed and use an alternate escape route. If the door is not warm, brace your foot and hip against the door and open it cautiously to prevent super heated air from blowing it open. If no hot air or smoke greets you, it probably is safe to pass through.

7. If you are forced to remain in a room, stay near a slightly open window. Place towels or clothes in the door cracks. To reach the other side of a smoke filled room, crawl with your head about 18 inches above the floor. Hang a sheet outside the window to signal for help.

8. Decide on a meeting place outside the house where everyone will assemble as soon as they are outside. Once you have made your escape, never go back inside.

9. Call the Fire Department as soon as possible. Speak clearly and plainly, making sure to give your name and address.

10. Hold a practice drill once you have set up escape routes, and then repeat drills periodically. If hitches develop in the escape plan, these can be ironed out during drills. Children find them to be fun, and it’s well worth the time to know that your family has a better than average chance of surviving.

* THIS INFORMATION OBTAINED FROM THE OLATHE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

E. D. I. T. H.- EXIT DRILLS IN THE HOME

Showman

SHOWMAN

HURRY HURRY HURRY - STEP RIGHT THIS WAY FOLKS, IT’S SHOWTIME! Does that bring a flood of old memories back to you? Everyone loves a show and most all boys have a generous chunk of ham in them and want nothing better than a chance to let it out. If you don’t give them a chance under controlled conditions, they will take it when you least expect it or want it.

The Showman activity badge gives them a chance to let out the hidden, barely Shakespear, Jerry Lewis, Leonardo the Great or what ever happens to be their style. it also allows them to express themselves musically be it kazoo or Steinway. Providing the entertainment for the pack meeting will be a challenge gladly met by Webelos Scout boys and the sillier the better!

This badge covers most of the field of entertainment and acquaints the boys with ways of putting on various shows or skits. Making the props also can be used as part of the Craftsman badge. Skits and Costumes are covered elsewhere in this book so look them up and use the ideas presented which are usually proven and tested ideas.

Every conscientious leader of boys is working to further develop the whole boy physically, emotionally, spiritually, and mentally so he will be prepared to take his place as a well-adjusted member of his social group. The Showman badge offers the opportunity for a boy to develop his creativity and broaden his base of aptitudes.

Suggested Den Activities

Invite a high school drama teacher in to explain and demonstrate make-up techniques. Ask a Shrine Clown to give a talk on clowning and give a demonstration. Write a puppet play and make the puppets act it out. Put on an advancement ceremony for your pack meeting.

Talk about sound effects and let the boys try some of them. Write a one-act play for pack meeting. Discuss stage directions and what they mean. Use a tape recorder to tape the boys’ voices and let them hear how they sound.

• Go see a school play as a den and have the boys discuss it.

• Write and film a short movie and show it to parents at a pack meeting.

• Make a puppet stage and use it for your puppet show.

These are just a few of the many ideas you can use to put on your big show. Let the boys’ talent out and stand back. As they say in show biz - BREAKALEG

Don’t forget that we have brought back the Internet Patch for Scouts, yes Cubs can earn this patch, as a temporary one. http://usscouts.org/internetscoutpatch-earnit.asp

POW WOW’s Across Our Nation

REGIONS

CENTRAL

SOUTHERN

Istrouma Area Council
Theme: Leaderfest (formerly University of Scouting & PowWow)
Episcopal School, Woodland Ridge Boulevard, Baton Rouge, LA
Saturday, Jan. 25, 2003
8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Early Registration Savings! look on website www.iac-bsa.org beginning in September for program

Last Frontier Council
Theme:You are the STRONGEST Link
Location: Rose State College, Midwest City, OK, (east side of Oklahoma City, off I-40 and Sooner Road)
Time: January 18, 2003 (unofficial) 8:00 - 4:30
Early Registration Savings!: (Not yet announced, but typically comes to 20-25%)

Greater Alabama Council
Pow Wow Name/Theme: UoS theme has not been decided. 2003
Location: Samford University, Homewood, AL
Date: Saturday, 1 March 2003
Time:7:30 - 8:50 registration, 4:00 - 4:30 closing ceremony
Early Registration Savings!: none

WESTERN

Council: Desert Pacific
Name/Theme: Victory Lane of Scouting
Location: Horizon Christian School (Tentative)
Date: March 1, 2003
Time: Probably 8-2 or 8-3
Registration: Not yet known.
http://www.bsadpc.org/events/powwow03/flyer[1].doc

NORTHEAST

Hudson Valley Councils University Of Scouting
Hudson Valley Council and Rip Van Winkle Council
Location: TBD - somewhere in the Mid-Hudson Valley of New York State
Date: March 1, 2003
Time: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Website: www.hvus.org

Web Sites

A Dear Online Scouting Friend Earl Bateman in Canada helped me out many years ago by putting Baloo’s Bugle online before we found our home at USSSP. Check out Earl’s site and say Hi

http://www.kwic.com/5thalliancebpsa/links.htm