Weather and Meeting Cancellation

Remember, if Prairie Grove schools are closed due to bad weather Cub Scouts is canceled for that night.

Pack 94 Christmas Party

It's time for our annual pack Christmas party. Join us Tuesday, December 9 at 6:30 in the middle school cafeteria. We'll have games and food, and a special visitor. Each den is responsible for bringing some food:
Tigers- cookies or cupcakes
Wolves- chips or pretzels
Bears- finger sandwiches
Webelos- fruit, vegetable, or cheese and crackers

Contact Sharon with any questions. 846-1889

Cub Scout Leadership Roles, Qualifications, & Responsiblities

Here is an excellent link that explains the roles, qualifications, and responsiblities for leaders in our cub scout pack. Please look at the various duties and see if there is a particular role that you would like to do now or one you would like to prepare to serve for in the future.

Meetings Resume Sept 9, 2008--TIME CHANGE

Our regular weekly meetings will resume Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2008 at 7:00 pm at the Middle School Cafeteria. Check this site a few days before for any possible changes.

Parents Needed- Clothesline Fair

Pack 94 will have a booth at the Clothesline Fair over Labor Day weekend. We will be selling loaded baked potatoes and cold drinks. We need parent volunteers to help out. Please volunteer for one or more three hour shifts. The booth will be open from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm Saturday and Sunday, and 11:00 am to 3:00 pm on Monday. If you can't commit to a three hour shift please come and help when you can. Call Sharon for more information or to sign up 846-1889

Clothesline Fair Parade

Saturday, August 30 we will participate in the Clothesline Fair Parade through Prairie Grove. Scouts should meet near the elementary school between 8:30 and 8:45 am to ride the float. Wear a uniform if you have one, but join us even if you don't!! This is a lot of fun, and we hope to see you there.

September Family Camp

Follow this link for information about the September Family Camp in Ione.

http://www.doubleknot.com/Registration/CalendarDetail.asp?ActivityKey=226498&OrgKey=1154

This is a family camping event. Pack 94 is not participating as a group.

Ice Cream & Water Guns!

Join us for some fun! Saturday, August 9th at 6:00 p.m. we will meet at the Battlefield Park for an ice cream and water gun party. Bring your favorite water gun and get ready to have a great time. All current members of Prairie Grove Pack 94 and all boys entering 1st through 5th grades who are interested in learning more about scouting are encouraged to come.

Monthly Committee Meeting, Sunday, July 27

Don't forget the Pack's monthly committee meeting Sunday, July 27, at 1:00 pm. We will meet at Jim's Razorback Pizza, and all parents are encouraged to attend.

Community Service Project- July 17

On Thursday July 17 the boys of Prairie Grove Cub Scout Pack 94 will have the honor of helping the senior citizens of Prairie Grove by doing some yard work around the Prairie Grove Senior Center. We will work from 5:30-8:30 pm. Please come even if you can't be there at 5:30 or can't stay till 8:30. If you have work gloves and a rake, bring them. We will have water and extra tools. For more information call Sharon at 846-1889.

First Aid, Adult/Child/Infant CPR, and AED

When:
June 14, 2008 from 9am to 5pm.
July 12, 2008 from 9am to 5pm.
August 9, 2008 from 9am to 5pm.
September 13, 2008 from 9am to 5pm.

Where:
Northwest Arkansas Tontitown Training Location

Cost $75

Learn rescue breathing, choking rescue and Adult, Infant and Child CPR. You will also learn how to treat cuts, bruises, bone and muscle injuries, shock, bleeding and other first aid emergencies. This course is designed to meet OSHA guidelines for the workplace.

Upon successful completion students receive Certificates for First Aid (valid for three years) and Adult, Infant & Child CPR (valid for one year).

Every Boy Deserves A Trained Leader!

Congratulations to the 2008-2009 leadership crew for Prairie Grove Cub Scout Pack 94! Every den in our pack now has a trained leader with the exception of our Tigers. The following individuals attended and achieved "Trained" status today:

• Kelly Ewing
  
• Casey Copeland
  
• Joe Klingaman
  
• Mark Martin

Our Pack is well on the way to accomplishing the goal of a Quality Unit Award. We still need a trained Tiger Den Leader, trained Cubmaster, trained Assistant Cubmaster, and assistant leaders for the Wolf and Bear Dens.

If you would be willing to serve in an adult leadership position for our Cub Scout Pack, please contact the Charter Reprentative, Mark Martin @ 479-466-7386 for a list of duties and responsiblities of various Adult Leader opportunities.

Committee Meeting June 1

Just a reminder that the committee meeting for May was moved to Sunday, June 1, at 1:00. We'll meet at Jim's Razorback Pizza in Prairie Grove. All parents are encouraged to attend committee meetings.

Announcements for week of May 23

Due to the fact that the fourth Sunday falls in a holiday weekend, the monthly committee meeting for May will be June 1.

Training for leaders is available on Saturday, May 31. Please email with any questions.

Don't forget to meet at the cemetery on Memorial Day!!

Scouting Fact or Fiction

Statement:
Scouts cannot wear their uniform while selling hotdogs, hamburgers, pancakes, etc. as a money earning project if it is not a Council sponsored fundraiser.

Fact or Fiction:
Fiction

Comments:
Actually, the limitation on uniforms is only related to endorsement of brand names. Here is a quote from a representative at National: The problem is the perception of the public that we endorse name-brand items. Wearing uniforms while selling hamburgers, hot dogs, etc. is not a problem.

Being a Successful Scout Leader

By Darral Green, Magazine Mountain District Executive

I still consider myself a novice at scouting, even though I am an Eagle Scout. I have been to summer camps and more weekend campouts and day camps than I can remember. Some people might question my sanity, but I really enjoy serving as a District Executive. I enjoy spending time with my son and I also have fun with the other boys his age. I also enjoy doing everything I can to help the Scouting movement grow; whether it’s raising money, doing rallies, helping with
program. But, I mainly enjoy making sure everyone involved is having fun and getting the support they deserve.

Sure, there are challenges working for the council; the daily meetings, the time at camp, the challenge with helping reluctant or apathetic parents to get involved, and the storage space it takes up in my garage are all part of the commitment. But the rewards are tremendous as I try in my small way to help build boys and adults into committed, responsible, and successful people.

---

If you find yourself in a position to be a volunteer scoutmaster (sometimes, volunteer by coercion…), then what should you do to be successful in your scouting service?

1. Get Trained. Too many scout leaders start off with a vague idea of their role and mission. BSA offers what is called Fast Start Training, which is usually done monthly in your local scout district (it is also available online). This is a great way to begin. Then, every leader should have Adult Basic Training, which for scoutmasters usually involves three weeknights or a Friday night/Saturday day combination. And then attending the monthly Roundtable training will help you refine your skills and stay informed on Council and District scouting programs. There is no substitute for scout sponsored leader training.

2. Build a Strong Committee. Scoutmasters who try to run the entire program themselves typically burn out fast and are not very successful. Build a solid and committed troop committee. On a committee, you need a chair and vice chair and several specialists in areas such as advancement, equipment, fund raising, camping and the like. With a committee of 5 to 7 members, who commit to fulfill their responsibilities, the scoutmaster's job becomes to work with the boys first and foremost.

3. Plan and Calendar. Successful scoutmasters understand the need to plan and calendar events and activities. A general yearly calendar with dates for troop meetings, campouts, service projects and summer camp is important. Successful troops then plan a rolling four month calendar in more detail, and then make sure each scout's family receives a current 4 month calendar.

4. Instill Scout Spirit. One of the most important roles of a scoutmaster is to infuse his troop with Scout Spirit. He does this in a variety of ways. He should wear the scout uniform and encourage his scouts to do so as well. Scouts should repeat the scout oath, scout law and slogan at each meeting. Scouts should perform service as a troop from time to time to build teamwork and give of themselves.

5. Hold Scoutmaster Conferences. Most successful scoutmasters know that scoutmaster conferences are a key to helping boys advance. Once every month or two, the scoutmaster should meet with the scout to review his progress and his involvement in the troop. And about quarterly, that conference should happen with one or both of the scout's parents or guardians. The conference should help the boy set goals for advancement, should keep parents motivated to work with their scout, and can help focus the boy's attention.

6. Develop Scouts into Leaders. Successful scoutmasters understand and practice the concept of "shadow leadership." The boys should for the most part run the troop. Many scoutmasters take the position of electing patrol leaders from the patrol members; you may want to reserve the right to appoint the senior patrol leader (SPL) and assistant SPL. These boys form the Patrol Leaders Council (PLC), which really governs the troop. The PLC should take the lead in planning and calendaring, and should be seen as the leaders by the other scouts. The program will be most successful when the PLC takes the lead and the scoutmaster and troop committee become the resources.

Successful scouting is not easy. It takes a strong commitment to the program and to the keys of success. But by following these suggestions, a scoutmaster can be the main catalyst to a successful scout troop - one which helps boys develop into responsible, committed and successful men.

Statistics of Scouting Success

By Bryan Feather, Council Scout Executive

It is a pleasure to address the dedicated volunteers of the Westark Area Council, Boy Scouts of America. I want to thank you for your service to the youth in the Scouting programs and the difference you are making in their lives. The time, talent, and money that you spend on providing a high quality program are definitely paying off. The statistics are indeed impressive as the impact that the scouting program has is measured. In a recent study, Harris Interactive found those who were in Scouts for 5 or more years as a youth were more likely to graduate from high school than non-scouts (91% versus 87%), and more likely to graduate from college (35% versus 19%). Not only are scouts likely to achieve higher levels of education but while in school scouts have better grades. Seventy-five percent of scouts earn B’s or higher compared with sixty-two percent of non-scouts.

Scouting is truly an investment in the character of our youth as well as a contribution to their future success. Among adults who were in the Boy Scouts for 5 or more years, the average annual household income is $80,000 compared with $61,000 for non-scouts. The benefits of scouting are tangible and your participation in this program contributes to the quality of life of more than just those you are working with today. You are having a positive impact that will last for generations.

Congratulations on your participation and the successes you have already achieved. We look forward to the successes that are yet to come and we consider it an honor to serve with you in this phenomenal program.

Cub Scout Leader Training

Cub Scout Leader Training begins with the existing Fast Start Training and Youth Protection Training, continues through New Leader Essentials, and is followed by Leader Specific training for each adult's role in the unit.

Here is a brief overview of the components of the training continuum.

Fast Start Training (click for more information - new window on National site)

Fast Start training is the first step for any new volunteer and is to be delivered immediately after a new leader registers and before he or she meets with any youth member.

Basic Leader Training (click for more information - new window on National site)

The new Basic Leader Training comprises two parts: New Leader Essentials for all unit-level leaders and Leader Specific training, which is based on the leader's unit-level position.

Leader-Specific Training (click for more information - new window on National site)

These training courses include leader specific training for Cub Scout, Boy Scout, and Venturing leaders; an introduction to outdoor leader skills; and the new Wood Badge course

Fast Start and Youth Protection Training are avaliable online at the BSA Online Train Center

There will be Leader Essentials & Cub Scout Leader Position Specific Training provided by the Razorback District on May 31st. Get a jump on training for next year NOW. New Leader Essentials will take place in the morning. Leader Specific trainings will be offered in the afternoon.

When?
May 31st: 9:00 am - 3 pm

Where?
First United Methodist Church
206 W. Johnson Ave.
Springdale

Application Deadline May 28th:
Complete the registration form and turn it in by 6pm. May 28th.

Questions?
Contact Joanna James via email: jejames92@yahoo.com

Lunch will NOT be provided at this training, so please make
sure to bring one. Also bring your leader guidebook.

Prairie Grove Pack Leader Training Goals:

• Fast Start and Youth Protection within 30 days.
  
• New Leader Essentials/Specific within 3 months.
  
• Outdoor Leader Skill training within 6 months for key personel.

Sincerely,

Mark Martin
Charter Representative
American Legion Post 146

National Quality Unit Award

Prairie Grove Pack 94 is tasked with the goal of achieving the the Quality Unit Award. Please review the requirements below and think about how you can help us achieve this honor.

The Quality Unit Award recognizes outstanding packs, troops, teams, crews, and ships that conduct quality programs for their youth. All members, both youth and adults, of a pack that earns this award may wear the Quality Unit emblem (pictured to the right) on their uniforms, and a streamer may be displayed on the pack flag.

To qualify as a Quality Unit, a pack must meet all of the following conditions:

1. The Cubmaster and at least half of all den leaders must be fully trained—i.e., they have completed both Fast Start and Basic Leader Training.
   
2. The pack must have two-deep leadership, including an active, registered, and trained assistant Cubmaster as well as a registered adult who is responsible for promoting Youth Protection training.
   
3. The pack must provide at least one approved outdoor experience for its Scouts.
   
4. The pack must renew its charter on time—before the previous year's charter expires.

Additionally, the pack must meet two of the following conditions:

• The pack must provide at least nine pack meetings per year and qualify for the National Summertime Pack Award (above).
  
• The pack must have at least one active Tiger Cub den.
  
• The pack must complete at least one community service project.
  
• At least 75 percent of the Scouts must advance in rank.
  
• All Scouts subscribe to Boys' Life magazine.
  
• The pack must demonstrate positive membership growth.

Though it is possible to qualify as a Quality Unit for meeting only six of the 10 conditions above, Cub Scout leaders are encouraged to aim for all 10. These qualities have been shown to be critical indicators of successful pack operations.

Applications for the Quality Unit Award may be downloaded from the Cub Scout forms page.

If you would be willing to serve in an adult leadership position for our Cub Scout Pack, please contact the Charter Reprentative, Mark Martin @ 479-466-7386 for a list of duties and responsiblities of various Adult Leader opportunities.

Sincerely,

Mark Martin
Charter Representative
American Legion Post 146

Adult Leaders: Youth Protection Training

EVERY adult leader involved in Prairie Grove Pack 94 is required to complete the Youth Protection Training immediately! Even if you have completed this training in the past, the certificate is time limited and you must be re-certified periodically.

Child abuse is an increasingly serious, widespread problem in society, affecting every ethnic group, socioeconomic level, and geographic area. The significance of this problem is revealed by the nearly 3 million cases of child abuse reported each year in the United States. The Boy Scouts of America has developed Youth Protection training to prepare its leaders to help children who have been, or are being, abused.

In addition, the BSA has adopted a comprehensive set of policies and procedures to help ensure that Scouting continues to be safe for all participants. Background checks are required for all new leaders, and the Boy Scouts of America will not tolerate any form of child abuse in its program and will take all necessary steps to remove any offenders from membership in the BSA.

Every leader in Cub Scouting should complete Youth Protection training, which is delivered by the district or council. Parents will also find this training valuable. In addition to a thorough review of BSA Youth Protection policies, the training develops an increased awareness of Youth Protection issues.

This course is easily obtained online in a quick to accomplish manner. This course is the first and most important to help adult leaders deliver quality Scouting experiences to youth. A log-in is required, however anyone may create a user account and view the courses. If a leader has any problems or lack of access to a computer, please contact the Charter Reprentative, Mark Martin @ 479-466-7386 and special arrangements will be made to assist in completing this training. Here is the link to the BSA Online Training Center

Once you have completed this training, bring the printed certificate to be placed in your leadership portfolio held by the Charter Representative.

Sincerely,

Mark Martin
Charter Representative
American Legion Post 146

Pinewood Derby 2008

It’s Pinewood Derby time!! The derby will be held on Saturday, March 29 at the upper elementary school. The weigh in will be at 9:00 am, and the races will begin at 10:00 am. Due to time constraints, if you weigh in after the 10:00 am start you must race in the Outlaw race only.

Parents are asked to provide refreshments according to den:
Tigers- chips and dip
Wolves- finger sandwiches
Bears- chips and dip
Webelos I- finger sandwiches
Webelos II- fruit
The pack will provide drinks.

We look forward to seeing everyone on Race Day!!