Swan Creek Family Fall Camporee

Last weekend we had a blast at the Fall Family camp out. There were over 600 people who help us celebrate 100 years of scouting. The boys participated in many activities. Some new and some old. They were able to use the archery range, cut logs, learn to lash and start fires. We made W0mp Biscuits, rope, road soap box cars and much more. One of my favorites was learning from the Frontiers Men, re-enactors. They taught us about how they started fires, made tools and utensils and demonstrated how to use some of their weapons. The boys also enjoyed climbing out the rock wall that was new this year. At the campfire the crowd was more enthusiastic than normal. Perhaps because they were
cold, wet and trying to stay warm.

More updates...

For the last two weeks we have been working on a few of our achievement activities. Last week we started with portions pertaining to exercise. We had the boys do the standing broad jump. Each jumped 4 times and we compared their results. We talked about consistency and variation. We also came up with ways to measure lengths with when you do not have a tape measure. We used standard sheets of notebook paper, 8 1/2" x 11" and a dollar bill, ~6", to measure. The last bit wasn't in the book but, we through it in a no additional cost. We also were entertained by all of "their" versions of a push up. Quite amusing if you ask me. We also started talking about what makes America great. We discussed people who currently serve and who have served our country. The boys came up with ways that they can serve the community as well. We have been sending home activities to work on at home. They can also bring them to work on for the first few minutes of each meeting. I will add the "assignments" to the right-hand side of the blog so you can see what they should be working on.

Week One is behind us...

We successfully completed our first den and pack meetings last week. We currently have 5 boys in the den and are waiting to hear back from 2 more families. At our first den meeting the boys worked on their den flag and started to brain storm ideas for a den cheer. We also started to go over the Bobcat Trial for the new boys in the den. They are required to earn their Bobcat Rank prior to moving on to the Bear with the other. They can do so in the first section of the Bear Book.

On Thursday night we had our first Pack meeting of the year. The pack was visited by the Traveling Reptile Guy (not his official title but, it gets the point across). He taught the boys about reptiles and the importance of being a responsible pet owner. He also gave us examples of what are good and bad reptiles to own at home.

Summer 2010

This summer there were a few optunites for the boys of Den 4. On June 12th, a few scout families partisipated in Gibsonburg's Annual Exploring Fishing for kids. The boys rotated through 4 training courses and each brought home a fishing pole as a prize. That evening Pack 209 took part in the Mudhens Sleepover. Dispite the 2 hour delay and down poor we all had a nice time. Unfortunately the Hens blew a lead ended with a loss. In June and July the boys had the oppertunity to spend a week at Camp Miakonda for Day Camp. Kenton and Caleb both had a great experience and can't wait to return next year. Finally in July the pack had it's annual Swim night at the Perrysburg Pool. We can't wait to see what the 2010-2011 year has to offer the scouts.

Memorial Day Parade

Pack 209

Den 4This year our theme was wheels. The boys decorated bikes, skates, scooters, etc...

Crossover at Pioneer

This spring we ended the year, as the one before, at Camp Pioneer Scout Reservation for our annuall Crossover. Crossover is a special ceremony where the boys "graduate" from one rank to the next. We were proud to have all seven of our wolves earn their rank and look forward to all of them continuing next year on their path towards the rank of bear. Four of scouts participated in this year's event. The weather was great for the BB gun and archery ranges, and various relay races. The overall attendance was nearly 200 for the event and dinner. After eating we headed to the crossover ceremony. Please click below to view the slide show from the event.

Crossover Slide Show

Song and Skit Night

During April's pack meeting we had a song and skit night. Each den had to perform in front of the pack. Den 4 had been working on the Music belt loop with the help of Mr. Brogan, Mary's grandfather. For the past several weeks he had been attending our meetings with several of the instruments that he plays. The final part of the award was to learn a song by heart and perform it in front of a group. To complete the award Mr. Brogan taught the boys, "This Land is My Land," and accompanied us with his banjo.

Oak Openings Spring Campout

On Saturday several families from Pack 209 headed to Oak Openings for our spring campout. We meet at Springbrook Camping area, which is always a wonderful spot to set up camp. From there we went to Mallard lake where we spent some time fishing. Caleb and I each caught a small bluegill. One of the guys near us caught a 20+" catfish when we arrived but, we were not that lucky. After fishing we went geocaching off of Grindle Road. We hiked about 3/4 a mile along the path before we found our treasure. On our way, Mr. Peake pointed out fresh deer tracks and trees rubbed by the deer's antlers. While it was a bit chilly in the wind, we had a nice day in the park. After hiking we headed back to camp to cook dinner and have a few snacks. We all enjoyed the Mrs. Peake's white chocolate, peanut and crassin popcorn. I can't wait to get the recipe.

Challenger Space Center

During March's pack meeting we had a volunteer from the Challenger Space Center visit Pack 209. The boys, and parents, learned a lot of facts about our solar system and universe. We also split into dens and had a few challenges. We guessed how big the moon was in comparison to the earth (1/4th the size) and made rockets to shoot across the room.

100 Years Blue and Gold Banquet

Den 4

On Friday night, Pack 209 celbrated 100 years of scouting in America at their annual Blue and Gold Banquet. Since this was such a special year, all the den's were excited about the event. Each den participated in annual Table decoration competition where, we had special awards this year associated with the 100 year anniversary. Our den received the award for the Best Scouting Theme. The boys were very proud to received a ribbon for their hard work. The prize ribbon can be placed on our den's flag and will be carried over year after year until the boys move on to Boy Scouts. In addition to the table decorations, individual boys and parents competed in a cake decoration competition. Many of them celebrating the 100 years of scouting theme. After dinner each boy received awards for their activities and accomplishments over the last 3 months. All of our boys received patches for the Pinewood Derby and Raingutter Regatta. Many also received belt loops for Citizenship, Computers and Map & Compass. We had a few boys who worked towards some sport belt loops as well. For those who are involved with organized sports, be sure to check with your den leaders on how you can work towards belt loops while participating with your team. After the awards, we were entertained by a yoyo man who amazed the families with his talents. Unfortunately, two of our scouts were unable to make the event due to illness. We hope Caleb and Marty are feeling better.

Photo Album

Blue and Gold Decorations

Over the last two weeks we have been working on our Blue and Gold table decorations. The boys have enjoyed the "craft" time. Specail thanks to those, including my parents, who came out this week to helpout. We have a few more steps to completed but, we are in good shape to finish by next week. Below is a sample of some finished designs.

Team Work

This week we learned about keeping our Environment clean as we began to work through Achievement 7. We also continued to work on Achievement 5, working with tools. Between lessons we participated in a Team building exercise where we have had to try to help each other unwind our human knot. We struggled and first but, were able to get unwound. After our first success we completed the task again without talking. That was more of a challenge; however, the boys came through.

Pinewood Derby 2010

2010 Wolves from Ft. Meig's and Frank Elementary

This weekend the boys participated in Pack 209's 2010 Pinwood Derby. I was amazed at how
well the boys did this year. The races were very close, only an average 0.11 seconds per race sperated the top 12 wolf racers. The boys also behaved wonderfully. Many of the adult leaders commented on the dramatic change over last year. We had two winners in Den 4: Matthew won 3rd place with a combined time of 23.046 seconds over the 7 races (avg. 3.29), Marty won the Cubby Award in his first pinewood derby. The top 3 spots in Den 4 went to: Matthew, Caleb (3.32), Drake & Kenton tied (3.33). Very close!. Below you can watch one of the close races between the boys from Den 4. (Nicholas- Lane 2, Matthew-3 Kenton-4). Besure to check out more the photo album for more photos and videos from the derby.

Pinewood Derby Photo Album & Videos

Special thanks to all the leaders and parents who made the pinewood derby a huge success this year. We are truely bless to have dedicated parents who invest so much time and energy for our boys.

December Pack Meeting

In December we had our pack meeting at Frank Elementry for the 2nd year in a row. During the meeting the top 3 popcorn sellers took turns smashing cream pies in the Scout Master's face. This was the 2nd year that Caleb had the honors to start the event. We also had a vistor from the North who met with each of the boys to see whether they've been naughty or nice. Finally there was a competition between the dens to build card houses. Den 4, with the help of Mr. Purvis, built a respectfull 3 1/2 story structure.

Supporting The Salvation Army

In mid December some of the boys helped the Salvation Army by ringing a kettle bell at Krogers in Perrysburg. The boys enjoyed taking turns ringing the bell and singing carols.