CUBMASTER'S MINUTES

Cubstruction Cubmaster’s Minute
Sam Houston Area Council

This month’s theme of Cubstruction is about building things.  Anything worthwhile building takes some thoughtful planning, so that we know what materials we need, what rules we have to follow and when we need to get it done.  While you’re building something useful, you are also building your skills.  So, what you had a tough time doing this time won’t be as hard the next time.  You’re not only building cool stuff, but you’re building your own personal toolbox of skills that you will carry with you for the rest of your life. 

Builders
Greater St. Louis Area Council

Isn't it strange that princes and kings,
and clowns that caper in sawdust rings,
and common people like you and me,
are all of us builders of eternity.To each is given a bag of tools,
a shapeless mass and a book of rules,
and each must make, ere this life is flown,
a stumbling block or a stepping stone.

Cubstruction (Engineering) Cubmaster’s Minute
(Or a Webelos Leader’s Den Meeting Closing Thought)
Great Salt Lake Council

When you were Bear Scouts, you learned about tools and how to use and take care of them.  Then you learned how to build models and boats, go carts and a waterwheel.  The Webelos Scouts can work on four different technology activity badges, one of which is the “engineer”. Why should you learn how to do these things at your age?  As you grow older, and become a scout, you may work on your engineering merit badge.Engineering is the profession that puts scientific knowledge to practical use.  Engineers have a direct role in creating modern technology—the tools, materials, techniques, and power sources that make our lives easier.  Take for instance the building of Hoover Dam.  It not only brought about flood control of the Colorado River, but supplies domestic and irrigation water down stream.  The Damalso provides hydroelectric power to the Pacific Southwest and created a reservoir, which is one ofthe world’s largest artificial lakes--Lake Mead.There are many branches of engineering.  So, study hard, do your science and math homework and you will prepare yourselves for a great future.

Pocketknife Closing
Baltimore Area Council

Cub Scouts, I hold in my hand a pocketknife.  This is a valuable tool because it can be used for many useful things. It is a dependable tool as long as the blade is kept sharp and free from rust and the working parts are in good condition. But, if it is neglected and becomes dull and rusty, it can be a dangerous tool. The same principle applies to us. We have a body, which when kept in good condition, will serve us well. But if we fail to take care of ourselves, we can become rusty and dull like a neglected pocketknife. Do your best to keep fit

Closing Ceremony
Baltimore Area Council

Props: Nice wooden objectShow the boys something made of wood. Point out its beauty and fine points.The wood carver did not learn to do this overnight It takes patience and hard work to learn how to carve well and make something beautiful. In the same way, you cannot learn to be adults over night You are learning a little more each day to make you better Cub Scouts, Scouts and adults.

Block of Wood
Baltimore Area Council

Hold up a nicely finished wooden item. As the wood is shaped, assembled, sanded, finished, and adorned with the final details of a fine finished piece of furniture, so our Cub Scouts grow through experiencing the many trails Cub Scouting has to offer. And soon, almost before we know it, the boy has grown and developed until he is ready to advance into the Boy Scouting program. Before our eyes, a boy has turned into a well-adjusted young man.But a boy doesn’t become a finished product all by himself. He needs challenge and direction. Our den leaders, assistants, and other pack leaders provide this help for our boys. They help to carve and shape the future of young men. Parents provide vital support to help put the finishing touches on their sons.Thanks so much to all of you who have reached out to help the boys in our Pack along the way to become all they can be.

Pinewood Derby Closing Thought
Baltimore Area Council

At the end of our pinewood derby night, I would like to say that we were all winners here tonight. 

• Dad has more respect for his son whether he was a humble winner or graceful loser. 
• Mom was proud of her son whether she gave him a hug of congratulations or comfort. 
• Each boy gained a better knowledge of competition; how to win, how to lose, how to be happy for a friend who is taking home the trophy he wanted. 
• The leaders, in the pride they felt, knowing each of their boys had done his best. 

Building the car helped bring families together and cheering for our den members helped bring the den closer together.  No, there are only winners here tonight.  Thank you all for helping to make the pack go and Cub Scouts grow.  Good night and CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF US WINNERS!