new birth of freedom council Archives

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.

Hooked on Scouting

By Michael Fedor | August 15, 2017

Do you have a boy in grades K-5 in Cumberland Valley, East Pennsboro, Mechanicsburg, West Shore, Camp Hill, or even the Carlisle School Districts of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania? Ever consider getting him hooked on scouting?

Are you looking for a program in the 2017-18 school year that will give him positive relationships with peers, exposure to strong role models, and opportunities to earn awards and recognition to build positive self esteem?

Are you looking for a fun activity you can do together on a weekly or monthly basis to get out of the house?

Are you looking to learn new skills as a parent and meet new friends and families from your area?

Does your boy love adventure and to try new things?

Does he have friends participating in scouts?

Did you or a spouse or partner participate in scouts when you were young?

Then scouting may be just the program you are looking for. Join us for a Parent Information and Sign up Night on Thursday, September 7, 2017. You will have an opportunity to meet the parents who lead the pack, ask questions about time commitments and cost, understand the diverse opportunities we offer throughout the program year (community service, hiking, camping, competitions, sports and games, family friendly events, field trips just to name a few).

Get Hooked

As a special incentive, every new scout who completes enrollment paperwork and is fully paid in dues by September 30 will receive a free rod and reel fishing combo courtesy of Bass Pro Shops and the New Birth of Freedom Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

Help your son discover new abilities, make new friends, and explore new worlds. Build an Adventure with Cub Scouts.

Harrisburg Senators Scout Night

The Harrisburg Senators will host their Scout Night Sleepover at Metro Bank Park. Scouts will be able to participate in a pre-game parade, enjoy the game, camp overnight in the outfield after the game, receive an exclusive Harrisburg Senators Scout patch along with a food voucher for a hot dog, chips and a drink. Enjoy a movie on the giant video scoreboard and breakfast in the morning before heading home.

The “Sleepover” packaged includes: Box Seat, Scout Patch, Hot Dog, Chips, Soft Drink and Breakfast

The “Game Only” packaged includes: Box Seat and Scout Patch

What to Bring

Scout Uniform – Scouts may wear their CLASS B activity uniform (T-shirt) for the weekend. Leaders can wear either class A or B.
If you are sleeping over night, you will need your own tent, flashlight and sleeping bags, pillows, camp chairs, etc. Please note, the park does not allow tent pegs or stakes of any kind, your tent must be free-standing.
All gear will be kept in your vehicle until after the game. Pack light, or use a trolley/wagon for your gear, it is a long walk to the field.
The park provides water/juice during the movie, but you might want to bring a small cooler with drinks and snacks for over the night.
TIP: Frozen wash cloths work great on hot nights!
REMEMBER: Tent stakes are not permitted on the ball field. Make sure your tent is free standing, without the use of stakes.

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