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2015 Scouting For Food

posted Oct 25, 2015, 2:42 PM by Webmaster Pack 1545   [ updated Nov 15, 2015, 3:18 PM ]

   

Scouting for Food is an annual food collection orchestrated by Scouts from National Capital Area Council. Local Scouts distribute plastic bags to homes across the region and return to pick up the bags one week later, now filled with food. Collected food is distributed to needy families throughout the community.

Cub Scout packs, Boy Scout troops, Venturing crews and Sea Scout ships throughout the Council will be distributing Scouting for Food donation bags in local neighborhoods. They return to collect those bags one week later.

Our pack has been assigned neighborhood areas along Rolling Road near our chartered organization, Rolling Valley Elementary School.  

When and Where

  • Bag Distribution: Saturday, November 7
  • Food Collection:  Saturday, November 14
For both activities we will meet in the parking lot of Rolling Valley Elementary School at 9am to go over the instructions and safety rules, choose drivers, and assign specific zones to each den.

What's Needed

According to our friends at Capital Area Food Bank, some of the most highly needed items are:

  • Non-perishable food items
  • Canned protein (tuna, salmon, chicken, peanut butter)
  • Soups & stews (beef stew, chili, meat-based soups)
  • 100% fruit juices (all sizes)
  • Grains (pasta, whole grain pasta, rice, brown rice, boxed macaroni & cheese)
  • Cereals (multi grain, low sugar such as cheerios, cornflakes, raisin bran, grape nuts, oatmeal)
  • Canned vegetables
  • Canned fruits
  • Condiments
  • Hygiene products (diapers, toilet paper, tissues, soap, toothpaste)

Safety Guidelines

  • Distribute bags to residences only:
    • NO businesses
    • NO housing areas with controlled access
    • NO places with posted rules prohibiting solicitation
  • Youth members should ALWAYS stay in sight of the adult in charge.
  • NEVER enter anyone's home under any circumstances.
  • Politely decline any cash contributions as this violates National BSA policy.
  • Adults need not go door-to-door with the Scouts. They should be close by to keep an eye on all activity.
  • All youth members and adult leaders should wear their Scout uniform during Scouting for Food activities.
In The News

2015 Raingutter Regatta

posted Oct 10, 2015, 3:50 PM by Webmaster Pack 1545   [ updated Oct 25, 2015, 2:37 PM ]


Float Your Boat!

  WHEN:    Sunday, October 25 1pm-4pm

  WHERE:  Rolling Valley Elementary School
                  (Rear 
Parking Lot)

  FEE:        None

  UNIFORM:  T-Shirts


Official Raingutter Regatta Rules 

The rules for the Raingutter Regatta are fairly simple. The boys build boats from standard BSA kits supplied by the pack. Please follow the assembly directions on the package and allow the boys to decorate in any manner they choose. The actual race will involve a set of raingutters or water-filled tracks. The boys blow air on the sails of the boat with a straw to move them through the water.

Races will be run using a double-elimination bracket. We will try to start with scouts of the same rank racing each other, but as the bracket advances, scouts of all ranks will be racing against one another. Trophies will be awarded for first, second, and third place in the Pack, and there will one Best-In-Show award based on popular vote. 

Construction rules
  • The boat must be newly built for the current Cub Scouting year. 
  • As much as practical, the boat should be substantially built by the Scout with parental supervision.  
  • Boats must be made from the official BSA Raingutter Regatta Trimaran Boat Kit. 
  • All parts (2 outriggers, polymer hull, mast, sail and 4 screws) provided in the kit must be used in the boat construction. 
  • NO part substitutions are allowed!  Additional parts, decals, paint, and glue are permitted. 
  • Only boats with dried paint, decorations, glue (adhesives) will be allowed to compete. 
Outrigger Rules: 
  • The Outriggers must be no longer than 7" or shorter than 6 ½". 
  • The finished boat must be 3-1/4" wide, which is the dimension of the molded hull. 
  • The outriggers must be solid and not split into multiple parts and must be evenly placed. 
  • The outriggers should be cut on the leading edge as shown in the enclosed instructions. 
  • The mast may not be higher than 7” from the deck, nor shorter than 6” from the deck. 
  • The boat requires no keel or rudder and none may be added.  
Sail Rules: 
  • Must use the sail provided in the kit. It may be trimmed, but cannot be enlarged or added to, but may be decorated. 
  • The sail may only be attached to the mast by glue (this is highly recommended), no mechanical fasteners will be allowed 
  • The sail may not be in contact with any part of the boat except the mast. 
  • No CUP or BOX sails will be accepted. It should look like the boat on the box.  
  • The mast hole is molded into the top of the plastic hull and is the only placement allowed for the mast. 
  • No mast placement deviations will be allowed and no modifications to the hole are allowed. 
  • The mast MUST BE perpendicular (90 degrees) to the hull, angling the mast in any direction is not allowed.  
  • Details such as figures, decals and paint are allowed as long as these details are securely glued or fastened to the boat. 
Race Rules:
  • Two boys will race against each other at a time.
  • Each boat must start with the back of the boat touching the end of the rain gutter; the boy must hold it there by hand.
  • When the starter says go, the boys will propel the boats by blowing on the sail.
  • Boys may not use their faces, lips, hats, nose or other body parts to move the boat — just their lung power! 
  • If a boy does so, he will be given a warning and the race rerun if that boy wins.  
  • If a boat gets broken during a race, the results stand. The race may be rerun if the judges find a reason that merits it.

2015 Fall Family Camp Out (POSTPONED!)

posted Apr 29, 2014, 5:43 PM by Webmaster Pack 1545   [ updated Oct 9, 2015, 4:40 PM ]


Message From The Cubmaster

Hello Pack 1545!

The campout scheduled for this weekend is now postponed due to the upcoming bad weather. We will look at options for rescheduling and post that information as soon as possible.

Thank you for your patience and flexibility!  If you have any follow-up questions, please contact me or your den leaders.

Yours in Scouting,

Cub Master Paul

Camp Out!

  

  WHEN:    To be rescheduled

  WHERE:  Pohick Bay Regional Park, 6501 Pohick Bay Dr, Lorton, VA

  FEE:        Scouts and daytime visitors attend free
                  Others $6 per night or $20 max per family 

  UNIFORM:  Class A shirts for ceremonies, Pack t-shirts for all other activities

  FOOD:     Each family is responsible for its own meals except for:
                 
SUNDAY PANCAKE BREAKFAST
                 (Pack 1545 will provide pancakes/sausages/juice/milk)

  FORMS:  The campout permission form, info/packing list, and map are attached.

The Pack 1545 Fall Family Campout will be on a Saturday and Sunday (exact date TBA) at Pohick Bay Regional Park. All members of your family are invited to join us.  A pancake breakfast will be provided on Sunday morning. There is an option to set up camp early on Friday night if you wish. 

Remember, you can always just come for the day on Saturday and enjoy the activities; you do not have to sleep overnight. Also, if you have other activities, such as sporting events, you are welcome to come and go from the campout as needed for your schedule. Pohick Bay regional Park is about a 25 minute drive from RVES.  Don't forget to bring some materials for S’mores on Saturday night!

  SAFETY RULES:

  • All scouts must be in the presence of another pack member at all times.
  • Tiger scouts must be accompanied by a parent/guardian at all times.
  • Tiger/Wolf/Bear scouts must sleep in a tent with their own parent/guardian.
  • No scout can sleep in a tent with an adult who is not a relative or legal guardian.
  • No scout can carry or use a pocketknife without first earning his Whittling Chit.
  • No cub scout can carry or use axes, sheath (non-folding) knives or knives with a long (>4") blade. 
  • No scout can start or tend a campfire without permission from a scout leader.
SUGGESTED GEAR: Tent, sleeping bag/blankets, rubber/foam sleeping mat, ground cloth, sunblock, rain gear, jacket or fleece, change of underwear and socks, extra pair of sneakers or boots, t-shirt/shorts/pants, toothbrush/toothpaste, washcloth, soap, flashlight with extra batteries, cast iron cooking gear, bowls/cups/utensils/plates/mugs/napkins, cleaning materials, water bottle/canteen, insect repellent, camp chair, camera, lantern, charcoal, sports gear.

2015 Popcorn Sales

posted Sep 15, 2013, 9:54 PM by Webmaster Pack 1545   [ updated Oct 25, 2015, 2:41 PM ]

Face it parents: we grew up in a different time. As kids, nothing was handed to us. We either worked or helped to earn our rewards: money, an activity with friends, or something we wanted. Scouting still believes in and stands for the core value of earning!

Benefits to Your Scout and Family:

  • Teaches Scouts the value & process of setting and working toward goals
  • Gives Scouts a strong sense of accomplishment through recognition
  • Enhances communication, leadership skills and confidence in your Scout
  • Scouts can earn valuable rewards including gift cards and prizes
  • Scouts can earn their way to summer camp or other scout activities   

Ways to Sell:


Storefront Sales
  • Storefront Sales make up a big part of our popcorn program. 
  • We've obtained permission from local businesses to set up a sales table.  
  • Different Scouts work at the table in shifts (always under adult supervision). 
  • We'd like for all the pack's scouts to work at least one storefront sales shift.  


Take Orders

  • The scout with his Akela goes door to door with a Take Order Form. 
  • The customer writes their order on the form and the Scout collects the money.
  • The scout processes the order and delivers the popcorn to the customer in a few weeks.


Selling at Work

  • Mom and/or Dad take an order form to their work.
  • Fellow co-workers write their order on the order form.
  • Mom and/or Dad collect the money and deliver product in a few weeks.
    (It is best to collect the money upfront when possible)


Project Popcorn Patch

Parent Action Items

Pack 1545's Popcorn Campaign is underway! We need you and your Scout's support during our storefront sales.


Storefront Sales Events

Sat, November 21
Giant #0229
Saratoga Shopping Ctr.
8074 Rolling Rd.
Springfield, VA 22153

(map)  Signup



Questions?

Contact our "Popcorn Kernel"
popcorn@pack1545.org

Hyperlinked GPS Word Search Cue Sheet

posted Aug 15, 2013, 4:08 PM by Webmaster Pack 1545   [ updated Aug 27, 2013, 7:49 PM ]

Here's a hyperlinked version of the GPS Word Search Cue Sheet. Just click a lat, long combination to view the location in Google Maps.

Phrase One Degrees, Minutes, Seconds Format Decimal Degrees Format
Record Word Here Latitude, Longitude Latitude, Longitude Hint
   38°46'9.47"N,  77°13'54.22"W 38.7692972, -77.2317278 This is the front.
   38°46'7.50"N,  77°13'51.23"W 38.76875, -77.2308972 This ate nine.
   38°46'5.88"N,  77°13'47.43"W 38.7683, -77.2298417 This lights the way.
   38°46'7.84"N,  77°13'47.34"W 38.7688444, -77.2298167 This is close to home.
   38°46'6.48"N,  77°13'48.59"W 38.7684667, -77.2301639 This keeps the place clean.
   38°46'6.94"N,  77°13'48.97"W 38.7685944, -77.2302694 Some use ropes, but this one uses chains.
Phrase Two Degrees, Minutes, Seconds Format Decimal Degrees Format
Record Word Here Latitude, Longitude Latitude, Longitude Hint
   38°46'8.67"N,  77°13'49.24"W 38.769075, -77.2303444 I made a basket at summer camp.
   38°46'9.68"N,  77°13'49.77"W 38.7693556, -77.2304917 Go to the end of the bus line.
   38°46'8.61"N,  77°13'50.95"W 38.7690583, -77.2308194 This is underneath a triangle.
   38°46'9.96"N,  77°13'53.51"W 38.7694333, -77.2315306 Is anybody hungry?
   38°46'10.97"N,  77°13'54.47"W 38.7697139, -77.2317972 You might see the chicken here.
   38°46'9.47"N,  77°13'54.22"W 38.7692972, -77.2317278 This is the front.
   38°46'9.08"N,  77°13'53.72"W 38.7691889, -77.2315889 This goes up and down.
   38°46'8.97"N,  77°13'56.25"W 38.7691583, -77.2322917 This is the middle one of five.
Phrase Three Degrees, Minutes, Seconds Format Decimal Degrees Format
Record Word Here Latitude, Longitude Latitude, Longitude Hint
   38°46'10.97"N,  77°13'54.47"W 38.7697139, -77.2317972 You might see the chicken here.
   38°46'11.33"N,  77°13'54.00"W 38.7698139, -77.2316667 This is a good place to stop.
   38°46'9.08"N,  77°13'53.72"W 38.7691889, -77.2315889 This goes up and down.
   38°46'8.97"N,  77°13'56.25"W 38.7691583, -77.2322917 This is the middle one of five.
   38°46'9.96"N,  77°13'53.51"W 38.7694333, -77.2315306 Is anybody hungry?
   38°46'9.17"N,  77°13'51.58"W 38.7692139, -77.2309944 Thank you very mulch.
   38°46'8.18"N,  77°13'46.69"W 38.7689389, -77.2296361 You can be king of this.
Phrase Four Degrees, Minutes, Seconds Format Decimal Degrees Format
Record Word Here Latitude, Longitude Latitude, Longitude Hint
   38°46'6.55"N,  77°13'46.86"W 38.7684861, -77.2296833 Only walkers go through here.
   38°46'5.68"N,  77°13'47.82"W 38.7682444, -77.22995 This is big and blue.
   38°46'6.40"N,  77°13'53.04"W 38.7684444, -77.2314 This is really in the corner.
   38°46'9.17"N,  77°13'51.58"W 38.7692139, -77.2309944 Thank you very mulch.
   38°46'9.45"N,  77°13'50.51"W 38.7692917, -77.2306972 It's on an island, but there's no water.
   38°46'7.50"N,  77°13'51.23"W 38.76875, -77.2308972 This ate nine.
Phrase Five Degrees, Minutes, Seconds Format Decimal Degrees Format
Record Word Here Latitude, Longitude Latitude, Longitude Hint
   38°46'7.99"N,  77°13'51.23"W 38.7688861, -77.2308972 Pick up sticks.
   38°46'9.47"N,  77°13'54.22"W 38.7692972, -77.2317278 This is the front.
   38°46'9.08"N,  77°13'53.72"W 38.7691889, -77.2315889 This goes up and down.
   38°46'8.09"N,  77°13'56.86"W 38.7689139, -77.2324611 Use this when things really get hot.
   38°46'10.97"N,  77°13'54.47"W 38.7697139, -77.2317972 You might see the chicken here.
   38°46'6.62"N,  77°13'55.37"W 38.7685056, -77.2320472 This is a nutty place.
   38°46'8.50"N,  77°13'55.04"W 38.7690278, -77.2319556 This thing can be a real gusher!

Don't miss the GPS Word Search!

posted Aug 13, 2013, 7:02 PM by Webmaster Pack 1545   [ updated Sep 25, 2015, 6:54 PM ]

geography

What: Cub Scout Pack 1545 GPS Word Search

When: Thursday, August 15, 7:00 – 8:00 pm

Where: RVES school yard

Here’s how the GPS Word Search will work. We’ll place signs showing a single word on or near “landmarks” located on the RVES property. We’ll give you a set of GPS coordinates and hints to follow. Find the landmark at each coordinate on the route and write down the word on the object’s sign to discover a phrase or message. It’s kind of like a high tech scavenger hunt.

Coordinates will be provided as a combination of latitude (the east-west bands that run around the globe) and longitude (the north-south bands). You can plug the latitude and longitude into a GPS (Global Positioning System) enabled device and use the device to locate the object. This is easier than it sounds, if you have a smart phone with a map app (an iPhone or Android), then you have everything that you need to participate. (Of course if you have a dedicated handheld GPS device then that will work too.)

I won’t go into much of the technical nitty gritty, but latitude and longitude will be provided in both degrees, minutes, seconds format and in decimal degrees format so that you’ll have whichever your device needs. (If you’re using a smart phone then you’ll most likely use the decimal degree format.) For example, a coordinate on your route sheet might look like this:

Degrees, Minutes, Seconds Format
Latitude, Longitude

Decimal Degrees Format

Latitude, Longitude

Hint

38°46'5.47"N, 77°13'48.62"W

38.768186, -77.230172

This is a diamond in the rough.

If you’re using an iPhone, you could go to the map app and type the decimal degrees latitude and longitude (including the comma) into the search box, and would get a result similar to this one from google maps. From that you would know to go to the lower ball field and look for a sign.

All landmarks will be on the school property, you won’t need to go past the sidewalk or fences. You may need to cross the parking lot, so please watch out for cars.

Because this activity involves technology, there will be glitches. One that we’ve already discovered is that the Google Map App on the iPhone doesn’t work for this. Instead of showing you the landmark, it shows you the house at the nearest street address. But the Apple Map App on the iPhone works fine. There will be other glitches; we’ll deal with them as they arise.

If your Scout finds this activity intriguing, then they may be interested in checking out the Geography and Map and Compass belt loops.

Don't miss the Bodacious Kickball Bash!

posted Jul 16, 2013, 4:23 PM by Webmaster Pack 1545   [ updated Sep 25, 2015, 6:54 PM ]

kickball belt loop
Pack 1545's annual kickball bash will be held this Thursday, July 18, from 6:00-7:30 pm at the RVES playground. We’ll organize multiple kickball games (depending on participation), then finish the evening with popsicles! 

This event is open to Pack 1545 members and sibling, as well as anyone in the neighborhood who may be interested in learning more about Cub Scouting. If you have a neighbor who you think may be interested, please invite them to attend! 

We’ll wear our Class B uniforms to this event.

Scouts who have not already earned the kickball loop can do so at this event. Click here for the requirements.

Come to the 2013 Rain Gutter Regatta!

posted Jul 12, 2013, 3:12 PM by Webmaster Pack 1545   [ updated Sep 25, 2015, 6:54 PM ]

Raingutter Regatta Trimaran Boat Kit
  • What: Build a model boat and come race your creation at the Pack 1545 rain gutter regatta 
  • Where:  Village West Pool (7008 Elkton Dr. Springfield, VA 22152) 
  • When:  Saturday, August 3, 11:30 – 2:30 
  • Notes: 
    • Model boat kits are available for pick up. Pack members, please check your email for details on where to pick up a boat kit. 
    • Extra boat kits (e.g., for siblings) can be purchased at the Northern Virginia scout shop (5234 Port Royal Road, Springfield, VA  22151) or online: http://www.scoutstuff.org/regatta-trimaran-kit.html .  Please note that we are using the new Trimaran boat kit design this year. 
    • Wear your Class B t-shirts 
    • Bring your swim suit to enjoy the pool 
    • Pizza will be served 
    • Please invite others interested in learning and having fun with scouting.  If you're interested in joining Pack 1545, or want to know more about our activities, please send an email to info@pack1545.org

Pack 1545's 2013 Summer Program

posted Jun 7, 2013, 2:07 AM by Webmaster Pack 1545   [ updated Sep 25, 2015, 6:55 PM ]

ANNOUNCING THRILLING THURSDAYS!!

Pack 1545 Thrilling Thursdays

This summer we're going to hold a series of pack-wide events that are open to members, their families, and anyone who's interested in the pack or scouting - everyone is welcome! The events and dates are listed below. Some of the dates are listed as tentative, we’ll update the information and our calendar as soon as the details are firmed up. We'll also add additional details as each event approaches, so check back in for updates!

  • Thursday, June 13 – Last Pack Meeting of the school year – RVES
  • Thursday June 27 – No event, we’ll be at summer camp!
  • Thursday July 4 – Fairfax Fourth of July Parade (tentative)
  • Thursday July 18 – Kickball Bash! – RVES
  • Saturday August 3 – Rain Gutter Regatta – Village West Pool (tentative)
  • Thursday August 15 – Compass Treasure Hunt - RVES

IT’S TIME FOR A WILD WEST ADVENTURE!!

posted Mar 13, 2013, 6:09 PM by Webmaster Pack 1545   [ updated Sep 25, 2015, 6:53 PM ]

2013 SUMMER DAY CAMP
NCAC Day Camp 2013


 WHEN:      June 24th – June 28th
 WHERE:  Occoquan Regional Park, Lorton, VA
 FEE:  $165  Early Bird Registration (on or before April 16)**
   $185  April 17 - May 17
   $205  After May 17

Cub Scout Day Camp is a great opportunity for Cub Scouts to experience all that camp has to offer, and come home each night to tell their family all about it. Boys in grade 1 (as of June 1, 2013) through Webelos are eligible to attend day camp. Boys will receive a camp t-shirt, water bottle, craft supplies, and all the goodies needed for a week of fun. One adult (Den Walker) is needed for every five boys to escort the adventurers through camp. Upcoming Tiger Cub adult partners must attend camp with their Tiger.

Activities vary from camp to camp, but usually range from traditional Scouting games and achievement opportunities to archery and BB instruction, crafts, nature study, soccer, fishing, swimming, handicrafts, leatherwork, and camp skills. Some activities will vary from camp to camp depending on local and state laws. Dedicated family members, Scout leaders, and other adults can turn out to assist volunteer camp staff members. All of our Cub Scout Day Camps will have trained Camp Directors and Program Directors who are certified by BSA's National Camping School. Each Day Camp location is inspected and certified by a Day Camp Visitation team approved by BSA.

 **Pack 1545’s goal is to get all scouts who want to attend day camp registered and paid before April 16, 2013 so we can all get the early bird fee of $165.00. That means we need all appropriate forms and payment by April 10, 2013.  

Interested scouts or questions, please contact your Den Leader or the 2013 Day Camp Coordinator, at dcc@pack1545.org, ASAP!! 

Forms and registration instructions are attached below.


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