Tiger Cub update -- Dec 15 2009

Hi Tiger Cub parents,

We had a MAGICAL Pack Meeting tonight! It was great to see so many of you and your sons out. We missed those who couldn't attend -- it's a busy time and lots of illnesses seem to be circulating.

This message is just to provide a status update -- where we are as 2009 comes to a close and where we'll be going in 2010.

TIGER CUB BADGE PROGRESS

So far, we've worked on four (and completed three) of the Achievements required for our scouts to earn their Tiger Cub Badges. We've completed (1) Making My Family Special, (2) Where I Live, and (5) Let's Go Outdoors.

We're working on Achievement (3) Keeping Myself Healthy and Safe. We've done the Den Go See It! by attending the UNC women's basketball game.

You can work on planning and practicing a fire drill at home to complete the Family Requirement.

For the Den Activity Requirement, each Tiger should make and decorate a Food Guide Pyramid (see pp 58-59 in the Tiger Cub Handbook). I have attached a simple outline of the food pyramid that you could print and let your scout color it. Have him find a few example pictures of healthy foods and glue them to the sheet.

Here's a fun web-based game that you may play with your Tiger to learn about the food pyramid:

http://www.mypyramid.gov/kids/kids_game.html

ACHIEVEMENTS UPDATE

You and your boys have done LOTS of work already this year. We've tried to keep up and provide lots of recognition, but I fear that I dropped the ball this month and didn't provide Ed Billings with the information for all our boys to be recognized. I apologize for that and we'll get back on track for January.

As a quick check, here are the boys who have earned but not yet received various achievement recognitions. For the BOBCAT BADGE: Aidan Crosby. For the TIGER IMMEDIATE RECOGNITION EMBLEM (totem with beads): Robert Allen, Griffin Edwards, Connor Haygood, Daniel Price, and Lucas Zinn. If these are not correct, or if I've missed anyone, please do let me know. We'll plan on awarding Aidan's Bobcat Badge at the January Pack Meeting, and the Tiger Totems and Beads at the first Den (or Team) meeting in January.

REMINDER ABOUT ACHIEVEMENT RECORD-KEEPING

As a general rule, we don't accept email status reports as "official" notification.

I do want to look at each Tiger's book with the scout when the advancements are recorded. (For our Den, the Siberian Tiger team coordinators can also fulfill this role.) At that point, I initial the "Recorded by Den Leader" space. This serves two purposes: (1) it rewards (and thereby encourages) participation in Den and Team meetings; and (2) it reinforces the impression that this is a collective endeavor rather than simply a parent-child endeavor.

We'll typically do this at Den and/or Team meetings. So, missing Den and/or Team activities will impact the schedule of a Tiger Cub's recognition at Pack meetings. The order for advancement awards are placed and the meeting agenda is drafted the week BEFORE the Pack meeting. (Advancement awards have to be picked up in person by a registered adult leader from the Pack.)

I will try to come prepared to Pack meetings with a sheet to record achievements, but I have to apologize in advance: Pack meetings are a terrible time for me to juggle handbooks and personal interaction with 20 Tigers ; ) I will try to set aside a few minutes to look with a scout at his handbook AFTER the meeting. Obviously, time doesn't permit doing this for all 20 Tiger Cubs at every Pack meeting.

We actually want the Tiger Cubs to see other scouts getting rewarded for completing requirements and participating. We want them to want to achieve in scouting. That being said, the timing isn't crucial in any way to me or the other leaders. I understand that it may be important to scouts and parents -- that's OK.

WHAT WE'LL DO IN JANUARY

As a Tiger Cub Den, our January focus will be on Tiger Cub Achievement (4) How I Tell It. I hope to have a special Den (or Team) Go See It activity lined up. Once that Achievement is completed, the boys will have completed all the requirements for their Tiger Cub Badges! I expect that many (if not all) of our scouts will be awarded their Tiger Cub Badges at the Pack's Blue and Gold Banquet in late February.

In addition, we'll all be working on the Pinewood Derby (see below).

PINEWOOD DERBY

The big Pack event for January is the Pinewood Derby. Scouts and their families carve pinewood racing cars using the kits that were provided at tonight's meeting. I did pick up several extras, so if you weren't there or left without one, please let me know and we'll work out details to get the kit to you ASAP.

The Pinewood Derby itself will be held on Saturday morning, January 30. The time is TBD, but it usually starts early and lasts until lunch time. The Pack Committee will be sending out more info in the coming weeks.

The Pack will hold two Pinewood Derby Workshops at Fitch Lumber in Carrboro. These are a great opportunity to get started, learn from experienced derby designers, and use tools that you may not have. The workshops are scheduled for Saturday, January 9, and Saturday, January 16, from 9 to 12.

For better and worse, the Derby has rules that govern the construction of the cars. Ed Billings or Win Shaw (the Derby Coordinator) will send out a rules sheet. While I was put off by the rules our first time through, I've learned that the rules do ensure fair competition. Once you've received the rules sheet, please let us know if you have any questions or need some hints. There are lots of good, experienced derby car engineers in the Pack (not us) and there's a ton of information available via Google : )

In addition to the race itself, there is a set up a weigh-in time on afternoon/evening of the Friday before (January 29). Look for more information -- as well as opportunities to volunteer to help -- in the coming weeks.

FRANKIE'S

Thanks to your scouts' hard work selling popcorn this year, the Pack will be treating itself to a party at Frankie's Fun Park on Sunday, February 14, at 1:00 PM. More details will be forthcoming, but you can expect each scout to receive entrance (that includes several Attraction Tickets as well as some Arcade Credit for games. You can find out more about the venue at:

http://www.frankiesfunpark.com/raleigh/

For now, enjoy your families and (hopefully) time away from routine. We'll be back in touch after Christmas with more information.

Stay well and have a wonderful holiday season!
Jen and Scott Singleton

Holiday Celebration Pack Meeting tomorrow night

Attention Pack 39,

I wanted to send just a brief reminder that we will be having a holiday celebration Pack Meeting tomorrow night, at the usual place and the usual time (University Methodist Church, gathering at 6:45pm).

Beyond our normal business, we will be having some holiday treats, and passing out the pinewood derby car kits for all the boys. I've also heard we may be experiencing some holiday magic from our resident magician, Laney Dale. Don't miss out!

See you tomorrow night,

Ed Billings, GRI
Broker
The Home Team
919 423-6627 (m)
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ed.billings
Website: www.buychapelhill.com

Holiday Parade for Pack 39

Cobra Den parents,

Here are the details for our participation in the Chapel Hill - Carrboro Holiday Parade from Lorenzo Mejia.

1 - Meet at Morehead Planetarium
2 - Floats line up at 8AM, scouts should be present no later than 9AM. Parade will begin at 10AM.
3 - All Scouts should wear Class A uniforms. If possible, wear lots of layers underneath the uniforms so they can be seen.
4 - Do not forget hats and gloves if required!
5 - Bring candy that the Cubs can hand out to children along the parade route
6 - Hot cocoa and donuts will be provided!

Please call me or email if questions.

Lorenzo Mejia
119 Summergate Circle
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
Daytime: 919-338-2183
Cell: 973-722-2804
lorenzo@the-mejias.com

Our Cub Master, Ed Billings, asked the Den Leaders to remind everyone that the parade is a rain-or-shine event. Right now, the forecast looks like cloudy and cold (near freezing) with a high probability of snow. The parade will go on, but feel free to use your best judgement in deciding you and your son's participation : )

We will NOT be meeting as a Den or as Tiger Teams after the event. I will send more details on completing Tiger Cub Requirement 3.

Hope your week goes well!

Scott Singleton

sfsingleton@me.com

919.619.4337

Den & Go See... Chapel Hill Police Station & Recognition

This was such a fun activity for the kids. They had a blast...

And lots of questions for the officers!

Checking out Officer Flowers' "Police Interceptor"

So many tempting gadgets and buttons to push!

"You're under arrest!!"

Congratulations to all the boys who earned their Immediate Recognition Award!

Notes from Pack 39 meeting

Hi Tiger Cub parents,

We had a terrific Pack meeting last night. Although we missed the SAR dogs, there was lots of activity!

We wanted to congratulate and thank your boys for their help with the flag ceremonies. The scouts did a terrific job! We'd also like to thank all the moms and dads for their help, but would like to specially recognize Jim Baxley (aka Jay's dad) and Bret Johnson (aka Keir's dad) for their help getting the color guard and flags to-and-from the stage.

The boys looked great in their uniforms last night. We think everyone looked squared away and we want to thank you for your efforts and attention to detail.

We'd also like to congratulate the boys for their high-class behavior. All the scouts were quiet and (mostly) still and respectful during the hour-long meeting. I know that those are not easy feats for first-grade boys. Please do pass along our praise to your sons!

Congratulations are also due to ALL the Tiger cubs for their efforts so far in the Pack, Den and Team activities. We are so proud to see all the boys earn their Bobcat badges and their Tiger immediate recognition emblems. Keep up the good work, moms, dads and scouts!

Wow -- what can we say about popcorn sales? All the boys and families put forth truly remarkable efforts in this fund-raising activity. We had 100% participation for the Den. We had more than half of the Pack's awards for $500 sales. AND we had the Pack's top seller in Matthew Hoogervorst. Well done to all the boys -- but especially to Matthew!

Finally, we wanted to pass along our thanks to Jason Barile (aka Dylan's dad) for saving Peter Baldwin's beads. We have to admit that the plastic lanyards used to hold those beads on the Tiger paw emblem are problematic and that knots come undone. I note that in the picture of the emblem (see appended), the lowest bead on each thread is stabilized by passing the lanyard around and back through the bead. You may want to try this. You are also welcome to substitute yarn or leather or anything else that works. If you've found a clever solution, please do share it with the rest of us so we won't spend all our time in uniform chasing beads on the floor : )

Thanks again -- and happy Thanksgiving to all!
Jen and Scott Singleton

Tuesday night Pack meeting: Frankie vs. Hannah

Attention Pack 39:

A quick reminder that tomorrow night's Pack meeting (Tuesday Nov 24^th), will be held at our normal location, University Methodist Church. Gathering starts at 6:45pm. A few key notes:

• Have your scout bring 1 can of food to donate to the IFC shelter. We will have the food delivered to the shelter for Thanksgiving.
• Our theme this month is "Cub Scout Salute" where we will talk about heroes. Have your scout be prepared to say who one of their heroes is and why. I will be calling on individual scouts throughout the meeting.
• Unfortunately the rescue dogs I had scheduled for this meeting had to cancel. I will be rescheduling the dogs.
• We will be announcing our popcorn results, and awarding the Nintendo DSI to the top Pack 39 salesman. Will Pack 39 be going to Frankie's or be forced to watch Hannah Montana's new movie? Come to the meeting and find out…

I'm looking forward to seeing everyone that can attend tomorrow night.

Pack 39 Cub Master

Tiger Cub update

Hi Tiger Cub parents,

We had a great Den meeting and Go See It! activity with the Chapel Hill Police on Saturday afternoon. It was great to see so many of you out -- especially at this hectic time of year!

This message serves to update you on several ongoing activities as well as to remind you of several upcoming activities.

ADVANCEMENTS

You should have received notification that our iWork.com record-tracking document was updated for the scouts' advancement activities through Saturday's Den meeting.

The Den has now completed the "Den" and "Go-See-It" parts of Tiger Cub Badge Requirements 1, 2 and 5. If your scout has any unchecked boxes on the sheet titled "Tiger Badge", that means that you'll need to work on those together (or that your scout hasn't presented his handbook to me or another Team coordinator for recording).

All of the scouts attending Saturday's Den meeting received their Immediate Recognition Emblems as well as beads for completing their badge requirements. Congratulations!

If you couldn't attend Saturday, we'll have more recognition ceremonies at upcoming Den and Team meetings.

PACK MEETING

Our next Pack meeting will be held this Tuesday, November 24 at University United Methodist Church. As usual, the gathering begins at 6:45 pm, with meeting start at 7:00 pm sharp.

The big events at this meeting will include a review of popcorn sales (and prizes) and an Arrow of Light ceremony. The Arrow of Light is the highest achievement that a cub scout can earn, and the only uniform patch that can be carried forward from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts.

The Tiger Cubs will also conduct the flag ceremonies to open and close the meeting. I have attached a "script" for the ceremony. We'll "rehearse" briefly just before the Pack meeting begins. If you're scout would like to participate, please have him on site by 6:45 and dressed perfectly! Scouts with untucked shirts, flipped hats or neckerchiefs over collars won't be selected for participation in this important ceremony that honors our nation's flag.

Unfortunately, the Search-and-Rescue dogs will not be able to attend our meeting -- their handler was called out for another service. We hope to have them at the December meeting.

IMPORTANT: All popcorn money is due to John Eble at Tuesday's Pack Meeting. If you have any outstanding debts, please do collect those and turn them in to John before or after the meeting.

NEXT DEN ACTIVITY

Our next Den activity will be a Go See It! activity as part of Tiger Cub Badge Requirement 3g -- watch a sport and learn its rules.

We are planning to attend the UNC Women's Basketball game vs. St. John's University on Sunday, December 6, at 4:30 pm. We will plan to meet at 4:00 pm for a brief Den meeting before attending the game together. We hope that they will announce our participation at the game.

IMPORTANT: In order to secure group ticket prices ($4 per ticket), I'll need to get a firm count ASAP. May I please ask you to RSVP with the number of tickets you'll need for the game (typically 2 tickets -- one for the scout and one for the parent)?

Thanks for your enthusiastic participation -- we look forward to seeing you on Tuesday!

Your Den Leader

Tiger Cub Den Meeting - Saturday at 1:45 PM

Hi Tiger Cub parents,

We know many of you are still in recuperation mode from the Yorktown trip, but it's time for our next event on the calendar!

We will meet as a Den (i.e., both teams together) this Saturday at 1:45 PM at the Chapel Hill Police Station (828 Martin Luther King Blvd). We'll be completing some of the activities for Tiger Cub Badge requirement 2 - Where I Live. In particular, we'll be taking care of 2G - Go See It Activity: Visit a police station or a fire station. Ask someone who works there how he or she helps people in your community.

We'll also talk about flag ceremonies -- in preparation for conducting the flag ceremony at the November Pack meeting!

At home, you can be working on 2F - Family Activity: Look at a map of your community with your adult partner. You may also work on the Citizenship Character Connection that's part of requirement 2.

Please have your scout dressed in his class A uniform. We'd like to see those shirts tucked in and those neckerchiefs on straight. Some day soon we'll be conducting a uniform inspection that includes a report card -- be prepared!

Please have your scout bring his handbook. This will make a great opportunity for us to catch up on the scouts' activities and achievements.

Finally, may we please ask you to REPLY with your plans for attendance (yes or no)?

Thanks -- and see you Saturday!
Your Den Leaders

Tiger Cub update

Hi Tiger Cub parents,

This is just a quick update for November.

First, we will NOT have a Tiger Cub activity this weekend. I think there was a discrepancy between the schedule document and the Google calendar. I am still looking into how we might complete our Go-See-It activity. We may try to incorporate an activity into our trip to Charleston. I will email again this weekend or early next week with more details.

That leads us into the trip to the USS Yorktown in Charleston, SC. More than half our Den will be on that trip. We'll be leaving next Friday afternoon/evening in preparation for assembling on the Yorktown Saturday morning. All attendees should see a lot of information coming out this weekend or early next week. This will include the ship's "plan of the day" for our visit (this will come out on Thursday), a FAQ, a packing list, options for dinner on Friday and brunch on Sunday, and information for family members who won't be sleeping on board.

Our next Pack meeting will be Tuesday, November 24. There will be a presentation on rescue dogs (including a performance by the dogs : ) and an update on the popcorn sales. We'll also have awards and advancements for all who have earned them.

May I please ask for any updates on your scout's achievements toward the Bobcat badge? I don't usually use email for this activity (as I've expressed : ) but I'd like to recognize all the boys who have earned their Bobcats and I don't know for sure when I can look at handbooks. Please let me know any updates to your scout's achievements by 10:00 PM ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9. The Pack's advancement chair will be going to the Raleigh scout shop on Wednesday morning.

We've had a great fund raising effort with the popcorn sale. The Tiger Cubs had 100% participation -- every scout sold some popcorn -- and that's the most important thing. At the November Pack meeting we'll talk about the Pack sales goal, individual prizes, and the like. For those who have ordered popcorn for delivery, we'll be seeing additional information from the Popcorn Kernel coming out soon. I believe that the product will be available for pick up from the Kernel's house starting Sunday, November 15. He is hoping to have final money returned at the November 24 Pack meeting.

We also had a great (albeit damp : ) camping trip. We had a geocache treasure hunt, walking tacos, a campfire with ghost stories and jokes, a demonstration by the park rangers, and our Big Sweep clean up. I think that all who went had a wonderful time. I was so impressed to see more than half the den in attendance! For those who couldn't attend -- we missed you and hope to see you at the next event.

We hope that everyone is doing well and look forward to seeing you at the next scouting event.

Please let us know if you need anything.

Cheers,

Your Den Leader

Congratulations Tiger Cubs!

Congratulations

to all Tiger cubs who received their Bobcat Badge and

Immediate Regognition Emblem at the October Pack Meeting!

Way To Go Boys!!

Cub Scout popcorn forms and money

Hi Tiger Cub parents,

At Tuesday night's pack meeting, our Popcorn Kernel, John Eble, gave us the official deadline for getting in the popcorn order forms and Show-and-Sell money. That deadline is October 31.

I'd be willing to bet that scrambling at the last minute on Halloween evening is NOT what you'd consider a good idea : )

So, if you do have popcorn money, popcorn, or forms to turn in, please do let John (jeble [at] rambus [dot] com) or me know ASAP. We can make arrangements to accept your turn-ins. I will be at the Friday night pizza dinner and the weekend campout. If necessary, I can accept money and forms (and, to a limited-by-camping-gear extent, popcorn).

Please do let us know if have any questions or need anything.

Please do get everything turned in completely and on time -- this is so important for John, as he is dealing with a lot of forms and money. (John, please do accept our gratitude for all that you're doing to help with this fund raiser -- we don't know how you manage it, but we are so grateful!)

This Weekend's Pack 39 Events: Directions and Details

Hi Tiger Cub parents,

Please see the appended info from Cub Master Ed Billings.

For those who will be joining the Pizza and Ice Cream dinner on Friday: please do remember that the cost is $10 per family, independent of family size. Siblings are welcome. But an RSVP is required.

For those who will be joining the potluck dinner Saturday night, regarding the side dish: this does NOT need to be a warm, heated or freshly cooked item. Just bring something to share that your family enjoys -- it can be straight out of a box or bag, cold, or whatever. The joy is in the outdoor fellowship : )

Please do let us know if you have any questions.

We look forward to seeing you all for lots of fun this weekend!

All,

Here are directions to this weekend's Pack 39 events. Festivities begin this Friday at 6pm, for a hay ride and pizza party at Maple View Agriculture Center. We will begin with the hay ride, which will occur at 6pm. We will then follow with Pizza and Ice Cream. Parents, during the hayride we can discuss camping gear for those attending the camping trip on Saturday.

Class B uniforms (e.g., our pack 39 t-shirts or other scout t-shirt) are fine for both of these events.

Directions to Maple View Agriculture Center:

From south Chapel Hill, Carrboro or Pittsboro Area
Take Highway 54 Bypass West. Just past Carrboro Plaza, turn right at the stop light onto Old Fayetteville Road. At the first stop light, continue straight onto Old Highway 86. In approximately 1 mile turn left at stop light onto Dairyland Road. The entrance to Maple View Agricultural Center is a little over 4 miles on the right, approximately one half mile past the Maple View Farm Country Store.

From north Chapel Hill Area
Follow Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd (aka Historic Airport Road / NC Highway 86) to the intersection with Homestead Road (near Orange United Methodist Church). Turn west on Homestead Road and follow to the intersection of Homestead Road and Old Highway 86 at Calvander. Go straight through the intersection. The road becomes Dairyland Road. The entrance to Maple View Agricultural Center is a little over 4 miles on the right, approximately one half mile past the Maple View Farm Country Store.

Here is a link to their website: http://www.mapleviewagcenter.com/

Camping, Saturday & Sunday October 24-25:

As reviewed at our Pack meeting, we will meet at Jordan Lake's Vista Point campground at 12 noon on Saturday. Plan on either having lunch prior to coming out toJordan Lake, or having a picnic lunch. We will be camping at group camp sites 1&2. A map is attached.

Please do plan on providing your own snacks and breakfast items for Sunday AM. The pack will be providing "walking tacos" for dinner, as well as smores for dessert.Families are asked to bring a side dish to contribute to the pot luck on Saturday evening. Please bring your own plates and cutlery. Activities will be planned for Saturday, and on Sunday we will have a ranger visit us in the morning, and then we will conduct a "big sweep" clean up operation prior to breaking camp.

As always with this camping event, if you can only come out for part of the day on Saturday, please do not hesitate to attend.

Thanks,

Ed Billings

WOW -- Pack Meeting (and other topics)

Hi Tiger Cub parents,

Wow! That was an amazing showing at the Pack meeting. Your scouts are awesome!

"Tigerpalooza" had a nice ring to it -- although tongue in cheek, it does show how much the Pack leadership is aware of what we're doing.

I have a couple of quick thoughts to share. The first set of thoughts was inspired by several parents' questions over the past few days. I thought I should share my response with you all.

REGARDING ACHIEVEMENTS AND ADVANCEMENTS

I do NOT quiz the scouts! I accept the parents' (aka "Akela") signature as "proof" that the scout worked on the requirement. However, as a rule, I don't accept email status reports as "official".

I do want to look at each Tiger's book with the scout when the advancements are recorded. (For our Den, the Siberian Tiger team coordinators can also fulfill this role.) At that point, I initial the "Recorded by Den Leader" space. This serves two purposes: (1) it rewards (and thereby encourages) participation in Den and Team meetings; and (2) it reinforces the impression that this is a collective endeavor rather than simply a parent-child endeavor.

We'll typically do this at Den and/or Team meetings. So, missing Den and/or Team activities will impact the schedule of a Tiger Cub's recognition at Pack meetings. The order for advancement awards are placed and the meeting agenda is drafted the week BEFORE the Pack meeting. (Advancement awards have to be picked up in person by a
registered adult leader from the Pack.)

I will try to come prepared to Pack meetings with a sheet to record achievements, but I have to apologize in advance: Pack meetings are a terrible time for me to juggle handbooks and personal interaction with 20 Tigers ; ) I will try to set aside a few minutes to look with a scout at his handbook AFTER the meeting. Obviously, time doesn't permit doing this for all 20 Tiger Cubs at every Pack meeting.

We actually want the Tiger Cubs to see other scouts getting rewarded for completing requirements and participating. We want them to want to achieve in scouting. That being said, the timing isn't crucial in any way to me or the other leaders. I understand that it may be important to scouts and parents -- that's OK.

UNIFORMS

The second set of thoughts has to do with uniforms. First, let me say how wonderful it is to see every scout in full uniform at the meetings. Even our newest additions were in full Class A. Everyone is to be congratulated and praised for that effort!

That being said, I'd like to ask your help in impressing on our Tiger Cubs the importance of respecting the uniform. How can we do that? I can think of two important ways.

The first is to wear a complete uniform and to wear it properly. Tonight, I noticed untucked shirts and neckerchiefs not neatly tucked under shirt collars. Are these crimes? Absolutely not! We can all think of many things that deserve our attention more richly. However, I think it's important for our Tiger Cubs to understand the importance (and the history) of the uniform and to wear it proudly. One way to do that is to take an extra minute to get the details just so. If you
help your Tiger do these things (and insist even when he wants that shirt untucked), he'll quickly get the clear but unspoken message that his uniform and appearance have value. Indeed, they are special!

A related issue is treating the uniform with respect. The biggest problem that our boys have is that they're first graders -- therefore, they're fidgeters! They like to turn their caps sideways or inside out. They like to do silly things with their neckerchiefs. Again, these aren't crimes : ) But I would like to ask your help in supporting my message to the boys that their uniforms are special and deserve to be treated that way.

As we go along, we can use the "uniform is special" mantra to help with discipline and positive behavior. I'm introducing that idea now: when you're in uniform, which is special, your behavior is also special. We want to "act like scouts" when we're in the scouting uniform.

Thanks for your enthusiastic participation and sharing your sons with us. They are indeed awesome and joys to be around!

Pack Meeting this Tuesday (tomorrow)

Hi Tiger Cub parents,

Please see the reminder from Cub Master Ed Billings:

All,

Just a brief reminder that our "A Camping we will go!" Pack meeting will be held this Tuesday October 20^th at University Methodist Church. Gathering begins at 6:45pm, with meeting start at 7pm sharp. A few key reminders:

• If you are new to Pack 39, or if your automotive information has changed (insurance or vehicle), be sure to bring your policy card so that we can record it for our tour permit. I'll explain what all of this means at the meeting.

• We will be going over details for this weekend's hay ride and camping trip to Jordan Lake.

• If you are attending the USS Yorktown trip, I will need a check for $60 per overnight camper tomorrow night. Make the check out to Pack 39. We must turn in funds to the Yorktown on Wednesday, so I must have the fees in on Tuesday, no exceptions.

• Just say no to Hannah! John Eble will be providing us with a popcorn update, so be prepared for a big sales push as our popcorn sales season is quickly coming to a close.

I'm looking forward to seeing all our Pack 39 campers!

Pack Meeting and other updates

Hi Tiger Cub parents!

This is just a reminder and update.

OCTOBER PACK MEETING

First, we'll have our October Pack Meeting this Tuesday, October 20. Our theme will be "A Camping We Will Go". We will meet in the fellowship hall at University Methodist church, in class A uniform, as usual.

Fellowship hall is located in the basement of the church on the east side (to the right if you're facing the church from the rear). The best entrance is on the rear of the church near the east (right-hand) end. Head up the church driveway and then around behind the church into the parking lot. From the parking lot, you'll go down a few concrete steps to a glass door. Enter and go down one flight of stairs. Fellowship hall is immediately to your right at the bottom of the stairs.

UUMC has a small parking lot behind it -- typically, there is space for perhaps 12 cars. Unless you're arriving really early, I recommend finding alternate parking. Occasionally, a space will open up on Franklin St. nearby. Typically, however, the nearest parking lot is the Town of Chapel Hill's Rosemary St. Parking Deck. I believe that it costs $0.50 per half hour.

Gathering for our Pack meeting begins at 6:45 pm, and we will start promptly at 7:00 pm. The meetings usual last 50 to 60 minutes.

Here is a map of the church, the location of fellowship hall (see star) and the nearest "guaranteed" parking (Rosemary St. Deck; see triangle).

http://www.quikmaps.com/show/115072

TIGER CUB ADVANCEMENTS

We've now had both Tiger Team meetings for October and we've recorded achievements for all the Tiger Cubs who've attended. That reminds me to ask you to join me in thanking our Siberian Tiger team coordinators for their leadership and overall efforts with the Siberian Tiger team.

Here are the Tiger Cubs who will recognized at the Pack meeting (you may have seen these details in the iWork.com document):

Five scouts will be recognized at the Pack meeting for earning their Tiger Immediate Recognition Emblem (or "totem").

Ten scouts well be recognized for earning their Bobcat Badges PLUS Tiger totems!

Congratulations to all the Tigers for their outstanding efforts so far! If your Tiger isn't receiving an advancement award this meeting, please don't worry. All the Tigers will have the opportunity to be recognized throughout the year. Just keep helping them complete the requirements and make certain to attend Den and/or Team meetings where leaders will record their achievements. If you have any questions or suggestions, please let us know.

YORKTOWN TRIP PAYMENTS ARE DUE

For those attending the Yorktown trip: please remember to bring your $60 fee per camper to the Pack meeting. You can bring a check made out to "Pack 39" and give it to me at the meeting.

Also, as of Ed Billings's email last week, only 10 rooms had been reserved out of our block, which is less then we were expecting. The block of rooms expires on Wednesday October 21st, so don't delay.

If you have changed your mind and are not planning on attending, please email pack39events [at] gmail [dot] com to let Ed know as he has people on a wait list.

POPCORN

What would an October message be without a popcorn update?

So far, we seem to be doing great! We have several amazing sales totals already for some of the Tiger Cubs!

If, like our son, your Tiger hasn't reached his goal yet, just keep plugging away. There's still time to complete some more sales. And don't forget the online sales option -- especially for those out-of-town relatives who might like to support your Tiger.

We have had two terrific Den sales events. Between the Tri-Delt sorority sale and the Lowe's Foods sales, we've had 16 Tiger Cubs working a total of 20 hours selling popcorn. Incredibly, we worked together to sell more than $1100 worth of popcorn at those two events!

If you've picked up popcorn (from either John Eble or me), please read John's message below. We do need to hear from you ASAP if you have any product left that won't be sold. Likewise, if you feel like you could sell some more product, please do let us know.

Hi Pack39 Parents,

I am sending this e-mail out to the parents who picked up some product directly from me to discuss some logistics (in this e-mail I am only talking about the product you picked up and not the final order forms which are also due at the end of the month). We have about two weeks of popcorn sales left, and we have some upcoming den events this weekend at local outlets.

If you have sold or anticipate selling all your popcorn, then that is great. The pack needs to pay for the show and sell product by the end of the month, so it would be wonderful to get payment from you at the upcoming pack meeting on October 20^th just for the portion that you picked up. If that is too soon, I will make sure I am available at my home or office so we can meet up between then and the end of the month.

If you feel like you will not be able to sell all the popcorn and you want to turn some in, I would prefer to get any returns *this week*. The reason being I want the dens to have as much product as possible when they are in front of Lowe's Foods and Lowe's Hardware this weekend. It will also give me a fuller idea of how much we have left over and how aggressive we need to be these last weeks in finding other outlets.

If I don't hear back from you, say by the end of the Friday, then I will assume that you have sold or will sell all the product given to you.

Thanks for all your assistance and enthusiasm in helping the boys and supporting the Pack!

Best regards,

John

Thanks for all your effort and support! We're thoroughly enjoying getting to know you and your Tiger Cubs.

See you Tuesday!