Pack 1714

Every year Pack 1714 celebrates the Boy Scouts of America’s birthday. The cubmaster tells the story of how the Boy Scouts of America was started by William Boyce. The scouts listened to the story before the some surprisingly fun activities. The den leaders had a different plan to make it more memorable for the scouts. There was a popcorn relay race and a balloon relay.

For the popcorn relay, the scouts had to work together to get the cup on each others foot and fill it with popcorn. The one traveling had to make sure they did not spill the popcorn and try to fill the popcorn bucket. The teams were close until one fill the bucket to the top with popcorn. It was a messy game with popcorn everywhere, but the scouts enjoyed it. The next race was the balloon relay. Each scout needed to pop the balloon on a chair. Again, each scout took their turn. The younger scouts had a challenging time popping the balloon. Luckily there were a few parents and den leaders to help them out. After the games, everyone ate some birthday cake, and made sure the place was clean. Let’s hope the next birthday celebration was epic like this one was.

The December meeting had a little more meaning this year. The scouts made gifts to give to others. They helped to make bookmarks. They personalized them in a heartwarming way that anyone would want to keep it forever. They also made potpourri sachets that could go anywhere that needed to smell fresh. This was a great way for the scouts to think of others during the holiday season. Of course there were other ways to give back to each other….. with a pie in the face.

The December would not be the same until some adults had a whip cream pie in the face. The scouts with popcorn sales $500 or more was able to choose which scout leader, sibling or fellow scout to get pied in the face. It is always the highlight for any scout who worked extra hard to help the Pack reach the yearly goal. For this rare occasion, one of the mom’s did get a pie in the face. She was a good sport about it too. Let’s hope next year the pack keeps giving to those who appreciate the thoughtful gifts, and keep raising money to continue the fun exploring outdoors.

The October pack meeting was special. Pack 1714 returned to their favorite natural park to host a pack meeting. The scouts had one job to do. They needed to have a skit ready for all to hear. The bravest of all the dens to start the skits was the Lion Den. The newest member razzle and dazzled every one with their “Knock, Knock” jokes. Each one told their joke and everyone laughed. The rest of the dens told their favorite skits from years past. The adults were even part of it with their skit about the radio mysteriously flipping stations. One of the den leaders definitely stole the show with his voice imitating a gangster.

After the skits, the scouts indulge themselves with smores. Once the smores were finish, the flag retirement ceremony commenced. The Scoutmaster, MC, gave the scouts his rendition on why the flag was so important to our country and what it means to respect it. He told the scouts the story of one of his siblings being away from their family with their spouse. He also told them how hard it was for his family. The story did have a happy ending, but knowing the men and women are dedicating their lives to protect what the flag stands for. The scouts were able to say the pledge for the flag and retired it respectfully that night.

At the end with a year full of adventures, the Scouts complete the exciting part of their journey with the den and the pack. They get to walk across the bridge welcoming the next adventure of growth. Each Scout watch their den and other dens cross the bridge, getting recognized for their achievement. This year, to show Pack 1714 is thrifty, the Scouts turn in their neckerchiefs to receive new ones as they are promoted from one den to another. The goal is to reuse the neckerchiefs for next year’s promotion.

After ceremony, the Scouts enjoyed an inflatable obstacle course and Kona Ice. The shoes came off and all Scouts were taking their turns to see who was quick enough to get through. Some of the adults decide to join in on the fun to see if they can make it to the end. The flavored ice help to keep everyone cool and reenergize for another of the obstacle course. The year was a success and the Scouts are ready to complete the journey again.

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