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!

Tiger Cubs' popcorn sales events update

Good morning, Tiger Cub parents!

Thanks to all who responded and/or completed the online "polls" -- those helped us make a plan (and eased my anxiety level markedly : )

Here is an overview of our plans -- including who's participating -- in the events. We'll be sending out more details to those who are participating ASAP.

Tri-Delt Sales Event (Wed 10/14)

First, for the Tri-Delt sorority sales event. By looking at the logistics of the setup at the Tri-Delt House, I think that 6 Tigers (and parents) is about all that can be readily accommodated. With that limitation in mind, we looked at who was available for each event (Wed vs Sun), who responded most quickly, and then who might need a boost in sales opportunities. Using those criteria, these are the boys and families who will be participating.

[names redacted]

PLEASE: if you're on this list and can NOT participate, please let me know. If I've overlooked (or misinterpreted) a preference, please let me know.

Lowe's Foods Sales Event (Sun 10/18)

Second, we'll also be selling at Lowe's Foods in Chatham on Sunday. I have attached a sales schedule based on the preferences you entered. We'd like to have two Tiger Cubs (and parents) for each hour continuously during the sales period.

Here are the participating scouts (families):

[names redacted]

You will note that we are on the table several times -- to fill in the "gaps". We'd be happy to give up a spot (or two : )

AGAIN: if you're on this list and can NOT participate, please let me know. If I've overlooked (or misinterpreted) a preference, please let me know.

Thanks for your prompt attention and help in getting this organized!

Tiger Cubs update

Hi Tiger Den parents:

This is just a quick update.

The Bengal Tiger Team had its first team meeting yesterday afternoon -- we had a great hike and meeting! The Siberian Tiger Team will be meeting this Sunday, October 18, at 4:00 pm. You will be hearing from the Hankins family with details.

A PLEA:

With the Popcorn Kernel's help, we planned a Tiger Den sales event at Lowe's Foods this Sunday, October 18. A user-friendly online response system was generated. To date, the response rate has been underwhelming to say the least.

If you haven't already done so, may we PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE ask you to consider responding to our request for info here:

http://doodle.com/p5d2y2ahdtqii9wx

Please do note that you are indicating your Tiger's availability to sell popcorn for a one-hour time block. We hope to pair scouts up so that two Tigers and two parents can work together.

As it stands, we have barely enough to cover more than about one hour. We understand that not everyone can (or wants to) participate -- it's the rate of response that's troubling. We'd really like to hear from everyone.

A REQUEST:

May I please ask each Tiger's parents for an update on their popcorn sales? Is your Tiger enjoying it? Approximately how much has been sold (total = show-n-sell product + orders to be delivered + online orders)? How much actual product (if any) do you have left?

THREE REMINDERS:

First, please remember that payment for the USS Yorktown (Charleston) trip is due NO LATER THAN the October 20 Pack Meeting. Ed Billings (the Pack's Cub Master) has sent responses to everyone indicating their place. Please plan to have checks made out to "Pack 39" in hand (or to me) by the Pack Meeting. (Also, if you haven't done so, please book your hotel room(s) using the link sent out by Ed.)

Second, please remember that our pizza dinner (prelude to the camping trip) is also coming up soon. If you have not done so, please RSVP to pack39events[at]gmail[dot]com. Remember to RSVP for events separately: one event and one family per message. (In other words, send separate emails for the pizza dinner and the camping trip.)

Third, please do be working with your Tiger on his requirements for the Bobcat badge. I was able to check off several Tigers at the team meeting on Sunday. The boys will earn some badges at the October Pack Meeting.

Hope this finds you well -- have a great week!

Popcorn information

Hi Tiger Den parents,

It's your Den Leaders again with MORE info about the popcorn sales : ) Several great questions have come up, so I thought I should answer for everyone.

HOW DO I GET MY ORDERS IN?

At this point, your Tiger has been out working the neighborhood -- and maybe even the halls and cubicles at work -- and has lots of popcorn orders. So, how do you place the orders?

In order to place the orders, all you'll do is to turn in your order form to the Popcorn Kernel (name redacted) at the end of October. The order forms are due NO LATER THAN October 31, but they can be turned in earlier (e.g., at the October Pack meeting). The ordered product can be picked up (and delivered by your Tiger) on November 14. You
may want to review my email message "Scouting Popcorn Sale" on September 25 -- see especially slide 8 of the attachment for key dates.

It's important that the order forms turned in ONLY indicate product that needs to be ordered for delivery. If you've sold your show-and-sell product, keep track of that separately. (If you need a "clean" order sheet, please see the PDF attached to my email "Even more popcorn info" sent on September 29.)

WHAT DO I DO WITH SHOW-AND-SELL PRODUCT THAT WE HAVE NOT SOLD?

At this point, your Tiger has been out selling but has tapped out the market in your neighborhood. You have some product left over. So, what do you do with it?

First, let me say that show-and-sell product is YOUR responsibility : ) When the Popcorn Kernel or I gave you the product, we made careful notes about what you took. That serves as a contract between you and either the Kernel or me. Whatever you do, do NOT turn in or give product to ANYONE other than the Kernel or me.

You SHOULD turn in your money and unsold product to the Kernel or me. We will "check" you back in and make sure that your record adds up -- namely, that the combination of product and money that you turn in matches the value of the product checked out to you.

A good time to check in unsold product would be just before our Den sales events (at the Tri Delt house and Lowe's Foods). That way, we can use that product during the sales.

I hope this helps! Please let us know if you have any questions.

Cheers,
Your Den Leaders

Tiger Cub Den update

Hi Tiger Den parents!

This is just a status update and reminder of all that is going on : )

MONTHLY THEMES

It's now October and that means that it's time for camping! Our monthly Pack theme is "A Camping We Will Go!" which nicely matches our Pack trip to Jordan Lake on Saturday, October 24. (And don't forget about the pizza party the evening before : ) If you haven't done so, please RSVP to [email redacted]

In thematic continuity, this month our Den will be working on the Requirements for our "Let's Go Outdoors" achievement toward our Tiger Cub Badges (see Team Meetings below).

TIGER CUB TEAM MEETINGS

This month will be the first that we meet as Teams and NOT as a complete Den.

BOTH teams will be working on the SAME thing -- Achievement 5 (Let's Go Outdoors) for the Tiger Cub Badge. Specifically, we will be working on Requirement 5D -- Den Activity -- With a crayon or colored pencil and a piece of paper, make a leaf rubbing; and on Requirement 5G -- Go See It Activity-- Take a hike with your den.

The Bengal Tiger Team will meet this Sunday, October 11, at 2:00 PM at the NC Botanical Garden. The Singletons (Team coordinators) will be sending more info to members of the Bengal Tiger Team.

The Siberian Tiger Team will meet next Sunday, October 18, at 4:00 PM at Umstead Park. The Hankins (Team coordinators) will be sending more info to members of the Bengal Tiger Team.

Tiger Cubs should wear Class A uniforms (that's the full deal) and bring their handbooks (see Achievements and Advancements below).

If you can't attend your scout's Team meeting, that's OK -- just attend the other Team's meeting (same Den, same content). Please do let both coordinators know of the switch.

You can be working on Requirement 5F -- Family Activity -- Go outside and watch the weather and the "Faith" Character Connection at home.

TIGER CUB ACHIEVEMENT AND ADVANCEMENT

Speaking of requirements and achievements. I do want to remind you that we've also been working on the Bobcat Badge Requirements, the Immediate Recognition Emblem Requirements, and the requirements for Achievement 1 of the Tiger Cub Badge.

All the boys who participated in our very first Den meeting (at the UNC Farm) have fulfilled the requirements for the Immediate Recognition Emblem. If you weren't there -- for any reason -- you can make this up on your own.

Our work toward Tiger Cub Badge Achievement 1 will result in the awarding of totems (beads) for the scouts' Immediate Recognition Emblems. Again, we worked on these requirements at our first Den meeting.

The only outstanding requirements is for you (the parent) to sign and date your scout's handbook on the "Akela's OK" lines.

Please do be working on the Bobcat Badge requirements with your Tiger. Formally, we can't earn other achievements until we've earned those badges : )

Please have your Tiger bring his handbook to the next Team Meeting. We'd like each scout to show his signed handbook to a Den Leader or Team Coordinator. The leader will note the achievements so that your scout can be recognized at our next Pack meeting.

TIGER CUB DEN POPCORN SALES

As you know, all the scouts in the Pack are selling popcorn! We have two upcoming opportunities to sell popcorn as a team. We think these will be wonderful opportunities for collaboration and team building!

First, the Den will be selling at the Tri-Delt sorority house on Franklin St in downtown Chapel Hill. This event will be at approximately 6:15 - 6:45 PM NEXT Wednesday, October 14. I'll be sending out more refined details soon.

Second, the Den will be having a Show-and-Sell event at Lowe's Foods (in Chatham) on Sunday, October 18, between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM. The idea is that we'll have a table that will be manned by two Tiger Cubs (and their parents) every hour.

How do I participate?

I'm glad that you asked! We want to give everyone a chance to participate who wants to. With 20 Tigers, that probably means that not everyone can do both. We've created two on-line surveys to ascertain who is available for which activity -- and when. We'll also use the information to create a schedule for the Lowe's Foods table.

Please visit each of the following web sites (using the Doodle survey site):

[web site URLs redacted - contact Den leader for info]

The first link allows you to indicate which of the Den sales events you can participate in. You can choose either the Tri-Delt or Lowe's Foods events OR BOTH. If you feel like your scout has already done PLENTY of selling and would volunteer to give up a spot, please indicate that using the comment section. If you feel your neighborhood has you at a disadvantage for door-to-door selling and you need a little extra opportunity, again, let us know in the comments. (Our neighborhood has at least 5 cub scouts and 1 boy scout: a pretty competitive marketplace : )

The second link allows you to indicate what time(s) you'd prefer to be at the Lowe's Foods table. You can use "YES" to indicate your preferred times. You can use "IF NEED BE" to indicate second-choice times. You can use the comments section to indicate if your scout has a preference for working with another Tiger or for any info for us to take into account.

Participation at both events will be limited. We'll offer spots on a first-come-first-served basis, but with an eye to maximizing every scout's participation -- we'd like every Tiger to participate in AT LEAST one of these events.

Hope everyone is having a great week and we look forward to seeing at least some you starting this Sunday afternoon.

Thanks!

Den Leaders