Editor’s Comments: 

Our thanks to Dave Lyons for putting this issue of Baloo’s Bugle together and sharing it with Scouters from around the world. 

Focus:  

"Over hill, Over dale, We will hit the Outdoor Trail, As the Cub Scouts go hiking around." This is the place to be to take a close-up look at nature. A field trip to the Forest Service or to a state, national, or local park will enhance the boys' imaginations as they participate in various kinds of hikes during the month -- alphabet hikes, crayon hikes, inch hikes, or one of the many others described in the Cub Scout Leader How To Book. Even the back yard can stir the imagination with a micro-hike! Hiking is a great way to find adventurous ways to complete Cub Scout outdoor achievements, electives, and activity pins. The pack's big outing could be a joint adventure with a local Boy Scout troop.   Source: Cub Scout Program Helps --  If you don’t have a copy, buy one from local Scout Service Center this fall!!

Get Outside – It’s July!!

Find a blade of grass and use it as a whistle.

Make chains out of clover or dandelions.

Make mud pies.

Collect twigs or rocks and make critters.

Collect dried weeds with interesting flowers to make a bouquet.

Some of the purposes of Cub Scouting developed through this month’s theme are:

ü       Spiritual Growth, Boys will find wonder around them and enjoy the beauty of nature and the great outdoors.

ü       Fun and Adventure, Boys will learn that spending time with their Pack and Den is fun and exploring nature leads to exciting times.

ü       Sportsmanship and Fitness, Leaders will stress the importance of warming up and stretching muscles before boys take on any physical activities.

The core value highlighted this month is:

ü       Health and Fitness, Boys will understand the importance of a personal commitment to the well being of their mind and body.

Can you think of others???

Getting Cub Scouts camping and hiking – when I was I Cub Scout in 1957 this was not done.  Even when my son joined in 1988 – you could not get a tour permit approved for a pack camping trip.  Now BSA has us all doing camping, hiking and other outdoor activities with our Packs.  Before setting out though – please look over the Cub Scout Outdoor Program Guidelines.  These are available in brochure form as BSA Bin item 13-631.  Bin items are provided free from BSA National to councils. So ask your District Exec or Local Council for a copy!

Last night was my daughter Darby’s High School Baccalaureate, tonight is Senior Prom, and next week is Graduation.  Then on May 31 we fly out to Philmont, so she can begin working on the PTC Staff as a Youth Group Leader.  What a study in contrasts!  If you see her at PTC (She has the really long, really pretty, really curly hair and the really big smile) say Hello!  -- Dave