Fall is in the air, and in Texas, it just means it’s a little less hot! All of our scouts have started back to school, and it’s time to get back together for den and pack meetings. We have a fantastic and fun-filled program planned for this scout year, and we hope to see everyone back for another year.  

September is a big month for scouting and for our Pack. This is the time of year when we heavily promote the fun and excitement of Cub Scouting and encourage our school mates and our neighbors to join our wonderful Pack. I challenge each of our scouts to bring two friends, who are not currently scouts, to our Join Scouting Night on September 1 at Groves Elementary. Let them come and experience the same fun you have being a Cub Scout in our Pack.

Also, don’t forget to check out all of the upcoming events for our scouts below.

If you are interested in learning more about scouting and our Pack, be sure to drop me a line. We would love to have you join us! 

Until next month,

- Ronnie Rhodes, Cubmaster Pack 418

Go Scouts!

Join Us		Scouting is a year-round program. If you are new to scouting, take a few moments to browse our wonderful website to learn more about scouting. If you have any questions or are interested in joining Cub Scouts, just let the Cubmaster know at Cubmaster@Pack418.org.
Join Scouting Night		This year our fall recruiting event for incoming and prospective scouts to learn more about scouting and to join our Pack is September 1, 2010 from 6:30pm-7:30pm at Groves Elementary.
		Come see what scouting has to offer. We will be playing some games and demonstrating the fun things scouts do throughout the year. The Cubmaster will be on hand to answer any questions you may have about scouting.
		All of our Pack’s current scouts are also invited and encouraged to attend!
		If you cannot make this event, you can still join scouting. Just let the Cubmaster know at Cubmaster@Pack418.org if you are interested in learning more about scouting or want to join our Pack.
Pack and BSA Dues		The Pack 418 dues for the 2010-2011 program year are $130*. Our program year runs from September 2010 through August 2011, and the dues cover Pack operational expenses including scout recognitions, derby kits, special guest presentations, and our annual Blue & Gold celebration.
		We need all returning scouts to make a minimum dues payment of $40* no later than September 18, 2010. The remaining $90 in dues need to be paid no later than December 1, 2010. (See Poptober announcement below to find out how you can earn your dues.)
		SPECIAL DEAL!!! For just $10 more, you can get one of our Pack’s new Scouting’s 100 Year Celebration t-shirts (Class ’B') if you make your minimum dues payment by September 18. Your can order as many of the Celebration t-shirts as you like for only $10 each. After September 18, the Celebration t-shirts increase to $20 each (order deadline for $20 t-shirts is September 30, 2010).
		* 1.) Scouts are provided an opportunity to earn a large portion of their Pack dues; 2.) Boys new to Cub Scouting or without a current BSA registration will pay an additional $5 to cover a prorated BSA registration fee.
		Exciting News! This year our Pack is enhancing the Poptoper Fundraising event by offering new incentives to our scouts! Come to the September 17 Pack meeting to get all the details and see the great prizes.
Did You Know?		To fund your scout through an entire year of scouting in our Pack is not cheap. In fact, the dues ($40) we collect in September only cover a little less than a third of our total expenses. That’s right! Less than a third of our program expenses. The biggest part of our expenses occur from January to May. This includes Pinewood Derby, Blue & Gold Banquet, Raingutter Regatta, Arrow of Light Ceremony, and Graduation. In addition, the bulk of our scout’s recognitions (pins, patches, beltloops) are handed out during these months.
		Our scouts can use the Poptober Fundraising to help offset the costs of Pack dues and other scouting expenses. Be sure to come to the September Pack meeting to learn how you can earn your Pack dues through fundraising.
Bike Rodeo		Join us for a Bike Rodeo on Saturday, September 18, 2010 at the Groves Elementary parking lot. We’ll kick of the rodeo at 9:00am. Come for a morning of fun and work on your Bicycle belt loop or pin. Be sure to bring your helmet!
Cuboree		Woo Hoo! It’s almost time for Cuboree!
		For those of us who have been to Cuboree, there is nothing more to say. For those who have never been, just ask a scout who has been. You will hear the most fun thing to do at Cuboree is BBs, Archery, The Cave, Fort Farrington, Sir Dees Castle, Cub World, The Nature Center, and let’s not forget, the Pirate Ships!
		This year Cuboree will be held October 8-10, 2010 at Camp Wisdom in Duncanville. For more information about this year’s Cuboree, click here.
		For directions to Camp Wisdom, click here. (Yes, these are the correct directions. Don’t try to get to Camp Wisdom by taking Camp Wisdom Road. It will take you somewhere, but not to Camp Wisdom.)
		Please sign up through our Pack by contacting Sonya at sonya.rhodes@pack418.org. Sign-up and fees for Cuboree are due by the September Pack Meeting.
		While camping at Cuboree is not required, you are absolutely welcome to camp with the Pack. If you are new to camping (or even an experienced camper), you might want to check out the Camping Checklist posted on our website. Also, for those who think camping is one of those “thingies” you pull behind your car, well Boy Scout camps like Camp Wisdom just don’t accommodate that kind of camping. So, plan on bringing a tent for your crew instead.
Tiger Night		Tiger Night is a special event for Tiger Cubs only. We encourage all Tiger Cubs and their adult partners to attend.
		This year’s Tiger Night, “Escape to Tiger Island”, is on November 5, 2010 at Myers Park in McKinney. Fill out the registration form and turn in with payment to Sonya at the September Pack meeting. For directions to Myers Park, click here.
Next Pack Meeting		Our next Pack Meeting is on Friday, September 17, 2010 starting promptly at 7:00pm at Groves Elementary. We hope to see all of our scouts at this meeting. We also extend the invitation to anyone who may be interested in scouting to visit this meeting to see what Cub Scouting is all about.