Upcoming Den 4 Activites

Hello Den 4,

Quick update for all.  As you know, all our boys have earned their Webelos Badge!  Our next step is our Compass Points Emblem and Arrow of Light Award.

To keep our boys moving forward, we just completed the Readyman Activity Badge today, which focused on First Aid.  Thank you to Mr. O'Rourke for his help 2 weeks ago.  He brought in his CPR dummy, and taught the boys a lot of things about First Aid.

As part of the Arrow of Light, we need an activity from the "Mental Skills Group." To achieve this, for next Tuesday, we are working on the Scholar Activity.  Its very possible that your son has completed many of these items at school.  Please be sure to review this activity with your son, and check off any of the items he has completed in school before he shows up to the Den Meeting.

In our Den meeting, we will work on item 8 - CHESS.  If you have a chess board, please have your Webelos Scout bring it with him to the Den Meeting.  You might also review the game with your son in advance of the Den Meeting.

Another item we are working on is helping them get their Compass Point Emblem.  Some of our boys have already earned the Emblem and will receive it at our next Pack Meeting.  To earn the Emblem requires the following...

1.  Webelos Badge (All our boys have this)

2.  The 3 Activity Badges earned for Webelos (Fitness, Citizen, and Athlete - All our boys have this)

3.  4 More Activity Badges earned - This can be any 4 more badges.  For our boys that have attended different camps, such as the summer weekly Cub Camp, or Camp Karankas Webelos Camp or Cub Camp, they have already achieved the 4 additional pins.  The Readyman just completed counts towards these 4 badges.

This brings up Webelos Camp!  This camp is July 9th to 12th, and I intend to go to this event, and have as many Webelos as we can go with me, including both Web I's and Web II's (our boys will be Web II's when this event occurs).

I've emailed the camp contact to find out what activity badges they are having at the camp.  This camp is a great way for your Webelos to have fun, meet other Webelos, get their Aquanot, and do a lot of other exciting events.  The swimming at camp was a ton of fun with plenty of supervision, and our 3 Webelos that attended the last camp had a blast!

For additional information about Webelos Camp, visit http://www.bacbsa.org/event/1702937.

I'll be promoting this event with your boys at each of our next meetings to get them excited about it.  If for some reason your son cannot go due to other circumstances, please let me know.

REMEMBER TO BRING THAT CHESS SET!  Here is What we are working on for their Chess Belt Loop and Pin.

Thanks,

Robert M. Bragg

Den 4 - Webelos Den Leader

UPCOMING CAMPING TRIPS

Hello Webelos - Den 4 Akelas,

------------------------------------
We have 2 upcoming Camping Trips you need to plan for.

First is Native American Weekend at Camp Karankawa (http://www.bacbsa.org/camp-karankawa/48574).  Please let me know if you are, or are not going.  I've got the following confirmed.

For details about the camping trip, visit...

http://www.bacbsa.org/camp-karankawa/events-2014/native-american-weekend-2014/54093

Lucas Bragg and Family - Yes
Ryan Nix and Family - Yes
Ryley Fussel - No
Tristan Mitchel - No
Caiden Grosenheider - No
Caleb Allen - Unknown
Johnathan Lanier - Unknown
Ryan O'Rourke - Unknown

-------------------------------------
The second camping trip is JUST FOR WEBELOS.  The Webelos II have invited us to attend their Webelos Only camping trip planned for Friday, Dec. 5th to Sunday, Dec. 7.  The destination is still in the works.

This trip is only for the Webelos and their leaders.  Based on the number of boys going will determine how many adults we need.  The goal of this camping trip is to get the boys familiar with camping by themselves, and handling everything in the campground on their own.  I'll be working with Jason (Webelos II leader) to plan everything.

Please RSVP if your boy can attend, so we can determine how many adults are needed.  Also, let me know if you can/can't volunteer to go just in case we will need you.

DEN MEETING UPDATES FOR 11.4.14 AND 11.11.14, NATIVE AMERICAN WEEKEND 11.14.14

UPDATE 11.4.14

Hello Den 4 Akelas,

My Assistant Den Leader is working the late shift tonight, so he isn't available.  Can a parent commit to staying with us the entire den meeting so we have our 2 deep leadership?

Also, next Tuesday, 11.11.14, I'd like for us to meet at a local Gym in Dickinson.  The owner is my personal trainer, and he said he could give the boys a tour of his gym, let them do some exercises and see a circuit class in the works.  It'll tie perfectly into our Athlete Pin that they are working on.  We will meet there at the normal time - 6:30 pm.

His gym is called Hustle and Muscle, and its located on the west side of Dickinson on 517, just past Cemetery Road.  The address is:

7915 FM 517 Rd W, Dickinson, TX 77539

You can check out his gym at http://www.hustlemuscle.com/

Also, remember, the 2 required pins for their Webelos Badge is the Fitness and Citizen badges, while the Athlete is our chosen 3rd pin they must earn.  We've been working on the Citizen and Athlete in our Den Meeting.  The Fitness Pin must be worked on at home, as your Cub Scout must track the food he eats.  Be sure you have him do the Fitness items at home.  Congrats to Ryley for already turning in all his Fitness items.

Always have your Cub bring his Webelos book to the den meeting.  We use it often in the meeting, and on the last Den Meeting of the month, before the Pack meeting, I'm collecting the books, so I can sign them and update them, and return them at the Pack Meeting.  If I don't collect them, I won't be able to review and sign them.

November 14, 2014 is Native American Weekend at Camp Karankawa.  I'd love for all our Den 4 Webelos to make this camping trip.  I've been told by others that this is one of the most fun of all the camping events.  Learn more about it by visiting  http://www.bacbsa.org/event/1606792.  Also, if you plan to go, or not go, please let me know.

So...please reply back to this email and confirm you received it, understand it, and if you are going to Camp Karankawa. Thanks, and I'll see you Tonight at the church, and at Hustle and Muscle Gym in Dickinson next Tuesday.

You can view this on our blog at www.pack696Den4.blogspot.com.

Graduation May 20th - Bear Update

Hello Den 4!

A quick update for you on what's happening.  Next Tuesday, May 20th, is our graduation!  That's right...our Bear's are graduating to become Webelos!  Each Bear needs to bring me $5.00 for their Boat Kit.  If a sibling wants a kit, I need $5.00 for each Sibling.  If the Bear shows up for Raingutter Regata, then you will receive a refund of your $5.00.

Over the past couple of Den Meetings, we have focused on their electives.  My goal is every Bear should have completed at least 30 bear elective requirements.  This will earn him 1 gold arrow and 2 silver arrows at our Graduation on May 20th.

Please review each of the electives in the back of the book, starting on page 180.  Mark what your bear has done, count up each requirement, and let me know what he has completed.  You can use page 290 as a way to track what he has done.

Here is what we did on Tuesday, 5/6/14.

  Elective 5 - Requirements c

  Elective 6 - Requirements a,b (for mos of our cubs), c, d (we did paper airplanes), e, f

Also, I want all our boys to get their World Conservation Award Patch.  I sent out an email about this Award about 3 weeks ago, to make sure you are helping your Cub do his electives.  To get the award, your Cub must complete ALL requirements of 2 of the following 3 electives:

  Elective 2 - Weather

  Elective 12 - Nature Crafts

  Elective 15 - Water and Soil Conservation

In our Den meeting yesterday, we completed all of the items for Elective 2 - Weather (except for the recording of data your Cub needs to do at home).  NOTE - I am going on good faith that each of our Cubs WILL COMPLETE ALL THE REQUIREMENTS in either Elective 12 or Elective 15, to earn their Patch.  However, I still need you to email me and confirm your Cub has completed all the requirements for 2 of the 3 electives.

When acquiring their Bear Badge, the Cubs did 12 different Achievements (2,3,4,7,8,9,11,12, 14,16,19,21).  In addition, to help them get their World Conservation Award, they did Achievement 5, which wasn't recquired for their Bear Badge.  As a result, the 4 requirements from Achievement 5 count as elective requirements for an arrow point.

So...here are the totals I have for Arrow Head requirements so far that we have done in the Den Meeting...

Elective 5 and 6 (5/6/14) - 7 total requirements

Elective 2 (5/13/14) - 6 total requirements (For those that didn't attend yesterday's Den meeting, please help your Cub finish this Elective)

Achievement 5 - 4 total requirements

-----------

Total Requirements in Den Meetings - 17 total requirements

Total Requirements your Bear needs to complete this week outside of the Den Meeting for 1 gold, 2 silver arrow heads on May 20th - 13 total requirements

Please Email me on Monday, May 19th and confirm what your Cub has completed.  I'm asking Julie to proceed with picking these items up, however, I do need to confirm with you that the items are complete.  In addition, if your Cub needs more Silver Arrows (10 requirements completed per Silver Arrow), please let me know. Thx.

Robert Bragg

Den 4 Bear Leader

832.534.0625

WEBELOS CAMP UPDATE

Hello Future and Current Webelos,

I have an update for our Webelos camping trip.  If you haven't read the previous post on the blog, be sure to check it out.  I'm using our Den4 Blog as a way to keep everyone updated on our upcoming Webelos Resident Camping Trip.  Visit the Blog at www.pack696den4.blogspot.com.

Here are a few things I've been reading about that I want to share...

1. Den 4 is going to do ONE of the Program Options.  That way we all stay together as a Den for all the activities.  I'm researching the two different Program Options.  The difference is simple...Program 1 has the forester and Naturalist while Program 2 has the Readyman and Showman.  Once I review both Programs, I'll let you know which one our Den will participate in.  That way you can choose the correct option when you sign up for camp.
2. I've been talking to Jason Lawrence, our current Webelos Den Leader (future Webelos II Leader).  He and I are coordinating our efforts in hopes that all our Webelos can make this trip.  We will be using THIS BLOG as a way to add notes and send out updates.  Be sure to check it often.
3. Be sure to review the Webelos Camp Guide.  You can get your copy by Clicking Here.  This guide lays out all the requirements, and what you should pack for the trip.
4. Per the CAMP GUIDE, each Webelos Cub should bring an adult.  This is highly recommended in the Camp Guide.  Since our boys are not yet Boy Scouts, and are not yet on their own for camping trips, the Webelos Camp Guide highly recommends a family adult with each Webelos Cub.  Note...this trip is for Webelos only...no siblings.
5. IF YOUR WEBELOS CUB WANTS TO ATTEND, BUT YOU CAN'T ATTEND WITH HIM, please connect with me at robertmbragg@gmail.com and let me know (this is for all Webelos...including Jason's Den).  We must have a certain number of adults to meet the requirements.    
6. Each adult that attends MUST have face to face Youth Protection Training.  I think all of our Akela's already have this, but if not, we will get you trained.  I'm certified for Face to Face so we can set up a time for the training.  On Thursday at the 7 pm roundtable at the Faith Lutheran Church in Dickinson, there will be a FACE TO FACE training.  Make it if you can so you can get your training.   
7. Also, at least 1 adult must have the HAZARDOUS WEATHER TRAINING CERTIFICATE.  It just makes sense to me that we should all go ahead and acquire this certificate, since it can be done online.  The process is easy.  Login to the website at www.myscouting.org.  If you don't have an account yet, its very easy to set one up.  Once in your account, click on the E-learning link on the left.  That's where you will find the training.  Take the Hazardous Weather (as well as any other training you'd like) and print your certificate when done. The training takes about 30 minutes or so.
8. Each Cub in our Den has earned their Whittling Chip, so he may bring his pocket knife.  However, he must follow all the rules he learned, or his knife may be taken away and returned after camp is over.

I'll keep you updated with more information as I acquire it.  Thanks!

Robert M. Bragg

Den 4 Leader

832.534.0625

robertmbragg@gmail.com

WEBELOS CAMP IS COMING IN JUNE!!!

Hello Den 4 Bears -- Soon to Be Webelos!

As you know, your Cubs are earning their Bear Badge on Tuesday!  Then, in May, they graduate and become Webelos...their final step to becoming a full blown Boy Scout!

Webelos Camp is their first time to have a camp specifically for them.  Its a 4 day event starting the afternoon of June 27th and running through the morning of June 30th at Camp Karankawa.

As a Webelos Den Leader, I am actually taking my required OWLS training on May 24-25, so I can be prepared for our Webelos Camping Trip.

Please start making plans now for the Webelos trip, and read the email below for details.  Please let me know if you are planning to attend so I can be prepared for the trip.

Thanks,

Robert M. Bragg

Den 4 Leader

------------------------

On Friday, April 25, 2014 3:47 PM, Bay Area Council <BayAreaCouncil@scouting.org> wrote:

Well Hello There!

I am writing this letter in hopes that you, as the parent/guardian of a Webelos, will read the following and realize what Camp Karankawa’s Webelos Resident Camp can offer to your Scout.

That’s right, Webelos Resident Camp! It’s the perfect hybrid program for any Webelos Scout. It’s not Cub Camp where Scouts go home every day, and it’s not Boy Scout Resident Camp, where Scouts are here for a whole week without their parents. 

It’s a four-day program that offers the boys a chance to come to camp with a Boy Scout program atmosphere.  We will provide older scouts as Patrol Leaders that will lead the group to their various activities, help them learn to work as patrols and attend flag ceremonies while enjoying all meals served in the dining hall, just like Boy Scout Camp!

Camp runs from the afternoon of June 27th through the morning of June 30th. 

What’s the program being offered? Great question. We are running two programs, you pick which one works better for your Scout.

Program 1
Aquanaut
Sportsman
Handyman
Outdoorsman
Geologist
Forester
Naturalist

Program 2
Aquanaut
Sportsman
Handyman
Outdoorsman
Geologist
Readyman
Showman

During the four days your Scout will be doing projects, taking hikes, playing sports, swimming, putting on shows, singing at campfire and finding out about our natural landscape. 

Despite the warm weather, Scouts and parents alike have a great time at this non-rushed, fun-driven camp. Sign up today for only $95 per youth and $55 per adult.

Registration is at http://www.bacbsa.org/programs/camp-karankawa/camp-k-2014/webelos-camp-2014/52591

We had an amazing, exciting time last summer and are looking to an even better camp this summer!

We are excited to see you for the first time, or can’t wait for you to join us again.

--

Thanks,

 

Robert M. Bragg

LICENSED TEXAS REALTOR

Bayou Realtors, Inc.

Office: (281) 337-4557
Direct: (832) 534-0625
Fax: (281) 337-4773

Service to Bragg About!!

Do you have a friend that is buying or selling a home? Refer them to me, and I'll give them the personal touch and expert service that they deserve.

CAMPING TO LAKE SOMERVILLE

Hello Den 4!

 

Plans for Somerville are getting finalized. We hope you can make the camping trip. I think this will be one of our best outings yet! With all the training that our leaders have received lately, we are ready to implement a lot of fun stuff for our kids. For details, visit the Pack Blog at www.cubpack696.blogspot.com.

 

I'll DO MY BEST to leave home by 4:30 after the kids get home from school so we can get to the camp site and have the banner up to identify where the camp sites are located. Travel time shows to be 2.5 hours from Dickinson to the Park (Houston traffic might slow you down). Will anyone be there earlier in the day? If so, I can hand off the banner and flags to you.

 

Joe is going to have a biking event for the Cubs. Please have your Cub bring a bike, or a scooter if they don't have a bike. If you are having difficulty carrying a bike, let me know. I have a bike rack and many of our Akelas have trucks that can carry a bike. Also, your cub needs to bring a helmet, as its required. In addition, elbow pads and knee pads are definitely suggested. If you have a truck and can help carry bikes, please let us know. Giving Good Will is part of the Cub Scout Law of the Pack! We appreciate any help you can give.

 

Please have your Cub bring his Class A uniform for our Flag Ceremonies. The Cubs who wear their Class A's can be on Color Guard Duty for the ceremony. After the ceremony, they can take off their Class A, hang it in your car, and wear their Cub Scout t-shirt. Also, I am bringing material for us to make our own Den 4 flag this weekend.

 

Friday is a free day to get your campsite set up once you arrive. Sunday is also a free day, as its pack up day. Here is a quick view at what's happening on Saturday (note the schedule can and probably will change as the day unfolds)...

 

SATURDAY EVETS

 

8:00 am - Family Breakfast

9:30 am - Flag Ceremony (Need volunteer?)

10:00 am - Gather for Fishing or Biking (Joe leads)

Noon - Family Lunch

1:30 pm - Gather for Fishing or Biking (Joe leads)

4:00 pm - Cubs work on skits, flags, etc for campfire (Need volunteer?)

5:00 pm - Gather for Evening Hike (Robert leads)

6:00 pm - Flag Ceremony (Need volunteer?)

6:30 pm - Family Dinner

8:30 pm - Campfire and Cracker Barrel (All Leaders)

10:00 pm - Quiet time

 

Other camp activities can fall into place as they become available.

 

5:00 pm Hike Details - The families will go on a hike. However, with a twist...each scout will have an eye patch and an arm in a sling. This will allow them to see what its like to live with an impairment. After the hike, they will keep the impairments through the closing flag ceremony and dinner and will not remove them until we gather at the campfire. That means they will wear them for about 3 hours or so. At the campfire, the scouts will remove the impairments and discuss the challenges and experiences they had, and how they need to be aware of others that have impairments.

 

For the campfire, Den 4 put together the following...

 

1. 8:30 pm, Start the fire and start the Dutch Ovens with Dump Cake.

 

2. Sing Songs - Be loud to get attention of all cubs to join the fire.

 

3. Den Cheer - Den 4 has their cheer ready!

 

4. Cubs talk about their impairments.

 

5. Skits/Jokes/Spooky Stories - Dens can work on this Saturday. I'll bring a book of skits and stories. It doesn't have to be by Den if we don't have enough Cubs. Also the Leaders and Akelas need to do a skit  and tell some stories to get the Cubs in the groove. ;-)

 

6. 9:30 ish - Cracker Barrel and hang out time - During this time the Cubs can make smores and eat Dump Cake. Make sure you bring stuff for smores. I'll be cooking the dump cake in my Dutch oven

 

7. Roses and Thorns - By this time, the fire is starting to die down. The boys talk about something they didn't like (thorns), and finish with something they did like (roses). Its boy time.

 

8. Leader Minute - This is for any of the Leaders that want to say something ;-) The leader can finish the night with a profound statement or two about cub scouting, what the boys did for the day, etc. More than one leader can talk.

 

9. Quiet Time - Probably around 9:30 to 10:00 pm or so by now. By this time, the fire dies down, and its off to sleep. If the Cubs stay up, which I'm sure they will want to do, then they have to stay quite and not add to the fire. The key is to get them to wind down and get to bed. When the fire is out, they will be cold and want to get under cover. ;-)

 

Sunday Morning, we can have another flag ceremony after breakfast. I'll take the flags home, so I'll have the closing ceremony after my family finishes packing to leave.

 

It will be cold! Bring warm blankets, electric heaters, etc. I think our boys can earn their polar bear patch if it freezes overnight!!

 

If you don't have a tent, let me know. We can figure something out! Please come join us. If equipment is the problem, then no problem. Call me, text me, or email me! 832.534.0625. robertmbragg@yahoo.com.

 

THIS WILL BE ONE ROCKING CAMP OUT!

 

Robert M. Bragg

Pack 696

Den 4 Wolf Den Leader