Do your best Archives - Cub Scout Pack 279

Be a Giraffe!

By Matt Weitzel | June 3, 2018

The giraffe can teach us a lot about responsibility. First of all, it stands tall – and when the giraffe is out on the African plains, there’s no doubt where he stands. Each of us should also stand tall, and make sure that whatever we do is something we can be proud of – so stand tall! The giraffe is adaptable – willing to bend his long neck and stretch out his legs when he needs water. So be willing to bend – to adapt to change or follow a needed “Plan B.” The giraffe is willing to stick his neck out to accomplish something – like eating the best leaves high in the tree. And we should also be willing to stick our necks out – to reach the highest goals and take responsibility for all that we do. So, do your best and be a giraffe!

Cub Scout Pack 279 is Gold Again!

By Michael Fedor | February 27, 2018

We are gold once again.

That’s right, Cub Scout Pack 279 of Mechanicsburg, Hampden Township, Cumberland County was award the Gold Level designation – the highest a pack can achieve – in the Journey to Excellence program for 2017. This marks at least the 7th consecutive year in a row that our Cub Scout Pack has achieved this honor, if not longer (still researching with Council).

Scouting’s Journey to Excellence is the Boy Scouts of America’s “planning, performance, and recognition program designed to encourage and reward the success of our units, districts and councils.” It is designed to encourage excellence in providing a high quality program at all levels of the Boy Scouts.

Cub Scout Pack 279 qualified for Gold Level designation due to our commitment to planning, budgeting, programming that generates widespread participation from dens and parents alike. We plan and complete many hours of community service each year in our community. We also see a high level of year-over-year return of scouts back to our program as well as nearly 100% advancement by scouts to the next rank by the end of the scout year. All of this contributes to our ability to receive the BSA highest rank in the Journey to Excellence program.

And as an aside, 100% of Pack 279 subscribes to Boy’s Life, the scouting magazine, which also gets us a special designation on our unit patches.

Parents as well as scouts have a role in continuing to make Cub Scout Pack 279 a Gold Level unit. Participate in events, provide feedback as to their quality and appropriateness, and plan future events. Study your scout handbook of your rank, work hard to earn your loops, and work diligently towards advancement. All of these are positive ways our scouts and parents contribute to Pack 279 being a high quality program.

So thank you for your continued commitment to scouting and to bringing excellence to our program. We couldn’t have done it without you.

Santa & the Scout Law

By Matt Weitzel | December 20, 2017

With the holidays upon us, I thought tonight we would try to answer an age-old question regarding Santa Claus: Is it possible that Santa Claus was a Boy Scout? Let’s take a look at how The Old Man stacks up against the Scout Law;

Trustworthy – He shows up every year, just like he promises.
Loyal – He’s very dedicated to his craft and his mission.
Helpful – Saves many Dads from last-minute shopping. Dads are notorious for leaving things to the last minute, just ask a mom.
Friendly – How many people would let millions of kids sit on their lap and listen to what they want? …And smile while doing it?
Courteous – He always says “Thank You” for the billions of calories he gets in milk and cookies each year.
Kind – Delivering gifts to children is a great act of kindness. Except for the drum sets. …That’s not too kind, at least to the parents.
Obedient – We tried to emailed Mrs. Claus on this one. No reply, but seeing he’s been married for all those years, I’m going to bet he does what she tells him.
Cheerful – Ho ho ho! Need I say more?
Thrifty – Makes his own toys and saves a bundle on shipping costs.
Brave – Would you get in a magic sleigh pulled by flying reindeer?
Clean – Not sure how he does it, but that red suit looks great even after the millionth chimney has been gone down.
Reverent – Does his thing on a very special night for his religion and represents the spirit of the day.

So yes, it looks like Santa Claus may have indeed been a Boy Scout. This time of year no matter what holiday you celebrate, remember that doing your best every day and living the Scout Oath and Law is what really makes each of you a Boy Scout.

Binoculars

By Matt Weitzel | September 21, 2017

Did you know that you can look through either end of a pair of binoculars? If you look through the wrong end, everything is very tiny and distant. You don’t see things the way they should be seen. The binoculars make the view look worse instead of better. But if you use them the right way you see things as they are supposed to be seen. In fact, you even get a better perspective of how things look, things look closer and clearer.

As we take this year’s scouting journey, think about how you look at achievements and badges, people and things in everyday life. Do you see them distorted and distant or do you see them in the best possible light? Remember, “Look well and “Do your best”!

Aim for the Stars

By Matt Weitzel | June 4, 2017

The words “Aim for the Starts” have an important meaning to Cub Scouts. Think of Thomas Edison who tried and failed hundreds of times before he perfected the electric light bulb. He never quit trying. A Cub Scout who tries to do his best and keeps trying is preparing himself for greater responsibilities when he becomes a man. What you do and how well you do it becomes your launching pad to “aim for the stars”

Tag: Do your best