December Court of Honor & Family Holiday Meal

Scouters,

We have a very rare and important Court of Honor & Family Holiday Meal planned for Thursday, December 15th at 6:00 p.m. in the Community United Methodist Church WAREHOUSE BUILDING. Not only do we have the opportunity to eat a Holiday meal in fellowship with one another BUT for the first time in six years, we have a Cub Scout receiving his Arrow of Light in his Crossing Over Ceremony. You simply do not want your Cub Scout to miss this event as it will allow them to see their FUTURE and encourage them to continue to work hard and "Do Their Best." In addition, Gavin, myself and Eric would really appreciate your attendance at this very important moment in our entire families Scouting journey! Many of you have become family to us and I can't think of a better way to celebrate than by having you join us! Finally, it will be our last gathering as your Cub Master and Assistant Cub Master as the New Pack #59 Leadership Team takes the reigns in January 2017.

Here are the Event Details:

1. Please bring your family.
2. Please have your Cub in a Dress Shirt and Tie
3. Please bring a side dish to share (we are expecting about 40 people), No Desserts needed.
4. Turkey, Ham and Dessert will be provided.
5. As a general rule, I would not bring a dish with any type of nut included as an ingredient. :)
6. If you have a kiddo with food allergies, please plan accordingly.

Rather than our normal meeting place we will meet in the Warehouse, as noted above, which is currently functioning, as a multi-purpose room for CUMC. The Warehouse is located directly behind Cornerstone Bakery.

Our final formal meeting will be this Monday, December 5th at 6:00 p.m. in our usual spot. We will be working on our December theme of Respect and Reverence.

In Gratitude,
Anessa

21 November Meeting Agenda/Citizenship-Goodwill to Others

Dear Scouters,

Continuing our theme for November on Citizenship we will be teaching the Cubs about Goodwill To Others. Personally, I believe kids at this age learn more through experiencing goodwill activities first hand than via any other method. We have a tremendous need to be teaching this very subject given our political environment at present. Making our communities better, starts with us, and Scouters should be leading the way! Thus, we will once again be building Care Packages for the Homeless during this meeting. Secondly, and just as importantly, Audrey and Brendan Gochenour have agreed to co-manage the Assistant Cub Master position! I will be discussing online training with them and hoping to receive a firm commitment from an individual who has been considering the Cub Master position. Good news all around!

A few reminders:

1. Applications and fee's are do no later than Monday, November 21st. If you need support from the Pack please contact me and I will discuss your needs with our Treasurer. 

2. I need a Youth Protection Training Certificate from every adult attending meetings or chaperoning their Cub. I can't register you without it and it will hold the entire Pack up so...GET ER DONE. www.myscouting.org. Establish and account and take the online video based test.

3. If you would like to bring items to donate, for the Care Packages mentioned above, here are the recommended items; protein or granola bars, jerky, baby wipes, lip balm, lotion, dried fruit, sunscreen, applesauce, toothpaste and toothbrushes. Smaller the better as it all has to fit into a one gallon Zip bag. Other food is fine just make sure it is not gong to get crushed and is not perishable.

4. I MAY be absent for this very meeting. In lieu of this, I asked that Keith and Sam arrive early to set up the Gathering time game for Eric. The Cubs are expecting to play the hosery/tennis ball game with their noggins and those items can be found in our exterior closet along with marbles for Brayden. The Noggin game will require either plastic bottles (partially filled with water), or empty soda pop cans. Keith, please bring one or the other and allocate one per boy. The chicken box is also in the exterior closet.

In Gratitude,

Anessa Collins

November 7th Agenda: Cubs Citizenship!

Dear Scouters,

I hope this update finds you recovering from what is traditionally a very busy month for both Parents and Cubs. Fundraisers, Halloween festivities and the culmination of fall sports, can keep us all hopping! Congratulations to Billy and Audrey, who in addition to the above activities, have both returned to school to further their education and skills. I admire your grit and determination and the Pack wishes you much success! Additional congratulations go to several of our Cubs, who were recognized by their schools for Academic Excellence, Caring Behavior, Advanced Reading Progress and many other areas.

November, especially this one, is all about Citizenship! Discussing this topic with very busy young boys requires a number of physical activities, which allow them to learn, but do not require them to sit through a lecture. Our November 7th agenda will be about our country, those who have and are currently making sacrifices to protect it, the importance of our flag and of our contributions locally, while thinking globally. In addition, we will discuss and attempt a very basic, indoor flag ceremony.

Remember, we start at 6:00 p.m so please arrive on time.

In Gratitude,
Anessa

Catapult & Conserve; 17 October Meeting Agenda

Dear Scouters,

Our Cubservation Theme for the month of October culminates with the building of a catapult from typical household items. Our goal is to teach our Cubs to reuse or re-purpose items from home,  for even further REUSE. At this meeting, you and your Cub will construct and test a catapult and for many days ahead he will continue to enjoy his efforts!

We will also be awarding Cubs their Rank Advancements and additional earned Awards!

See you Monday at our usual time and place,
Anessa, Cub Master

September 19 Meeting, Cancellation Notice

All,

I am cancelling tomorrow nights meeting. Since we spent a good portion of the weekend having fun in the hot, hot sun, working on requirements including BB Gun, Dutch Oven Cooking, Fishing, Ultimate Frisbee (which the Leaders rocked) and Archery, I feel as though we have met our Pack Meeting activity demands for the month of September. Expect to meet on Monday, October 3rd. I will produce an agenda for you to review shortly. Our theme will continue to be "CUBSERVATION." 

I am placing an order with the Roswell BSA office on WEDNESDAY. If you need anything, please text or email me right away. I will order books, as is accustom this time of year, but if you need uniform items please include sizes.

In Gratitude,
Anessa Collins

September 19th Agenda: Cubservation

Dear Scouters,

Our THEME FOR THIS ENTIRE FALL IS "CUBSERVATION." We will endeavor to find unique ways to teach your Cub how to respect the environment and follow the Outdoor Code.

Our next meeting will be on Monday, September 19th at our usual time and location. We will be CRAFTING an item from recycled materials. 

Please be sure to bring your Cub Scouts completed book from last year so I can file for their Rank Advancement!

In Gratitude,
Anessa Collins

Clocks a Ticking!

Dear Cub Scout Families,

Our first meeting of the 2016-2017 Scout Season was educational and fun! The Cubs learned how to perform First Aid on actual people, by modifying the much loved Wounded Prisoner game, chiefly used by Troops. The timing for First Aid is perfect as we prepare to head to Carlsbad for our Family Cub Scout Camp Out and Fisheree Event. We have a few deadlines approaching so here is a warning shot for you to "be prepared". Camp Dowling will provide you details when you register on their site. Dinner and Breakfast are provided by the Camp, our Pack will provide snacks and drinks. See this link for registration and details. 

http://www.conquistador-bsa.net/#!blank-4/jw54e

Family Cub Scout Camp Out and Fisheree: 
Registration closes this week for the SECOND SESSION of this event on 17 and 18 September. In order for your Cub to be recognized for his participation in the programs (archery, fishing, fitness and more) and to meet BSA participation requirements, he must be 1) Registered (from last year) or if new, this needs to be completed immediately. 2) Adults must complete an Activity Consent Form, which I will issue to you via email. 3) If you are not a member of our Pack and cannot complete your registration by September 5th, you and your Son are not able to attend this particular event. Those are the rules and paperwork takes time to process.

Our Packs annual re-chartering will begin this Fall, which means I need to collect your new applications and fee's, by our September 19th meeting. Applications will be issued to you, in person, at our, oddly scheduled, Friday, September 9th, 6:00 p.m. meeting. (We are working around Labor Day.) Each application, Adult or Cub, is $25.00. Checks should be made payable to Cub Pack 59. No cash please. In addition to completing your annual registration process, you must deliver your completed Cub Scout books to me, from last years' efforts, to receive a Rank Advancement Badge. 

Last but not least, I will be placing an order with the BSA office in Roswell for books and other materials. If you need a slide, neckerchief, hat or book please send me an email to remind me: anessa.collins@gmail.com. Shirts need to be tried on so I will need you to acquire them either online or in Roswell as the Pack is totally OUT. If items were distributed to you in our last meeting, I will send you an email with the total due to the Pack. 

In Gratitude,
Cub Master Collins

Meetings, Camping and MORE!

Scouters, New and Old,

We appreciated you joining us for our casual Kick-Off Picnic. I find this is a nice way for the Cubs and Families to get reacquainted after all of the vacationing summer seems to bring.

We have BIG plans for our first meeting in August and a Family Cub Scout Camp Out Event in September, so it is important you stay tuned to this blog and ATTEND our first meeting on

AUGUST 29TH, 6 TO 7:30 P.M. AT THE COMMUNITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, FELLOWSHIP/EDUCATION BUILDING. We will be focusing on Camping Preparedness! 

In lieu of our September, Cub Scout Family Camp Out, the above topic seems timely. Most of you are aware, I am an avid outdoors-woman and have intentionally planned our Family Camp Event for September, when monsoons have passed, day time temperatures have stabilized and the huge crowds we experience in mid-summer have dissipated. The Pack will be attending this fun event at the Dowling Aquatic Base in Carlsbad. Details are highlighted below so please read very carefully.

Registration is due by September 9th. You must register your family FOR SESSION TWO, to occur on Saturday, September 17 and Sunday, September 18th, online at: 

http://conquistador-bsa.doubleknot.com/event/cub-scout-family-camp-fish-o-ree-session-ii/1912489

Registration Fees:
$18 Per Person (Scout and Adult)
Family Rate $15 per person with 3 family members residing in same household.

Activities Include: shooting sports, personal achievement and lots of fishing! 

Dinner and Breakfast are provided by the Base. The Pack will provide drinks and light snacks (maybe dessert.)

Agenda: 
Session Two is Saturday, September 17th 
12:45 to 1:45 p.m : Check In
2-5:30: Event Rotations
6 -7:00: Dinner (Provided)
8-8:45: Campfire
10 P.M: Lights Out

Sunday, September 18th
6:30 a.m.: Reveille & Break Down
7-8:00 a.m.: Breakfast (Provided)
8:15 a.m.: Depart

All these details and more will be discussed at our upcoming meeting. In addition, I will be issuing our annual Activity Consent forms (required) and a Packing List for the Family Camp Out. 

Last but most definitely not least, your Cubs signed books are due 15 September, if you would like him to receive his Rank Advancement Badge. Review your books now, finish any remaining tasks, and get them to me!

In Gratitude,
Anessa Collins
Cub Master, Pack #59

2016-2017 Cub Pack #59 Kickoff Picnic & NEWS

Hello Current and Future Cub Scouters!

I hope you and your families have been enjoying the outdoors, together, during these beautiful mountain days.

We will launch our 2016-2017 Cub Pack #59 year with a Pack Picnic! The Cubs can get to know one another again and our new transfer Members can get to know the entire Pack. If you know someone interested in Cub Scouting, please invite their family to join us.

Additionally, at the bottom of this page, you will see a few pieces of News, so please scroll all the way down!

Here are the details:

What? Cub Pack #59 Kickoff Picnic
When? Thursday, August 4th from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m (I did not plan this on a weekend intentionally as I know many of you are taking vacations.)
Where? Sam Smith Park, Ranches of Sonterra
Directions: Take Hwy 220 toward the Spencer Theater. Take a LEFT onto Sonterra Drive where you will see a Gated Entrance marked by Flags. Travel down 1/4 mile to Altamira Drive. Take a RIGHT onto Altamira Drive. Follow Altamira until you see Sandesta Drive. Take a LEFT on Sandesta Drive and follow it's winding path down to the Bonito River, approximately 1 Mile. Cross the River and immediately take your FIRST RIGHT. You will see a ranch gate and sign saying "Sam Smith Park." The Park is private and accessible only to homeowners and their guests. Given the number of tourists and overall crowding in town, I feel this is the best option. Plus we have shade, the river, a porta pottie, BBQ grills and horseshoes to play.

You Need to:

1. Bring camping chairs to augment existing picnic tables.
2. A Boy in river play clothes and shoes. I am certain they will get muddy and wet!
3. A side dish to share (no nuts or food coloring).
4. A short tale, song or skit to perform with your Cub. (KEEP IT SIMPLE.)

The Pack will provide a main dish and drinks. We will need help cooking so Leaders should plan to arrive at 5:00 p.m. to get briquettes on and prep food handling areas.

In other NEWS

Our annual Fort Stanton Camporee, to include overnight camping, BB gun and archery events are presently on hold due to State cutbacks effecting the access and management of the Fort itself. Larry Pope, our vigilant supporter and Fort Historian may be leaving his Post due to the removal of his position within the State structure. I will keep you apprised of possible relocation of the event or simply the scheduling of a Pack-Only camp overnight-er.

As many of you know, Eric and I will be resigning both of our Scout Leadership positions as of 31 December, 2016. We are actively seeking replacements and ask that you keep your ears and eyes open for individuals who may be interested in either positions.

In Gratitude,
Anessa Collins
Cub Master, Pack #59

May Cub Scout Plans & End of Academic Year Field Trip

Dear Scouters,

I cannot believe it, but we are nearing the end of yet another school year and the conclusion of our bi-monthly Cub Pack meetings. I must be getting old because every year goes faster than the one before!
So, why not go out with some more FUN?

In May we will meet only two times. Here are the brief agenda's for those meetings. Please note, our meeting this very week is NOT ON MONDAY BUT IS INSTEAD ON TUESDAY!!!! WE WILL MEET THIS COMING TUESDAY, MAY 3RD AT OUR USUAL TIME AND LOCATION.

Agenda for Tuesday May 3rd:

We just built pinewood derby cars where we attempted to teach about fast wheels and aerodynamics. During this meeting we will build rocket ships out of balloons that will propel themselves with air across the room! We will design it, draw it and then race it! Don't miss this one!!! Eric is very excited about Coaching you and your Cubs through this endeavor!

We will also be discussing dates in June for our all day long FIELD TRIP TO HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE. We will be discussing dates (we are looking at June 4th) and sharing our itinerary of events and requirements to be covered. Due to heat at this time of year, we have decided not to camp over night. Mr. Spaniel has been a huge help in laying out our options and there is a great deal to do while on BASE! Consider this Field Trip our End of Year Party with one or two camp trips to follow in August and/or September. We always camp at Fort Stanton with the area Boy Scouts but I do not have solid dates at this time.

Our final formal meeting of the 2015-2016 academic year will be on Monday, May 16th. We will be covering FAITH and hosting a Guest Speaker followed by a theme-related mosaic cross craft project for your Cub's room. Eric, will again lead this effort. Please volunteer to have a fun physically active game for the Cubs during the first 15 minutes of the meeting so he can get setup! His number is 575.258.1392 or 575.937.8096.

I hope you and your family have had a great experience with your Cubs and I hope your Cubs have grown through Scouting!

In Gratitude,
Anessa, Cub Master, Pack #59

April Plans for Cub Pack #59

Dear Scouters,

April is filled with learning and fun and quite honestly, the quintessential Cub Scout activity: the annual Pinewood Derby Car race! Here are our plans for the month. Please take note of any preparation you and your family need to make to help your Cub RACE through this month along with his Cub Scout community.

11 April: Our first meeting in April will be focusing upon none other than Derby Cars. Please see your email for the Template I provided and be prepared to work on your Cubs car for this evening. We will bring a saw for the initial cut, if you have not already made your own. Plan to bring supplies to work on your Cubs car including sand paper of multiple grain levels, tools and or paints, depending on the phase you are in of construction. Scouters with experience will be available to you like Eric, Sam and myself.

16 April: Annual Pinewood Derby Race will occur from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m in the gymnasium of the First Baptist Church across from Cree Meadows Country Club. (Lowest elevation of building.) Leadership should plan to arrive at 0800 to setup. I asked that EACH family bring a healthy snack to share. The Collins will provide drinks for Adults and Cubs. Remember, cars have weight requirements easily found online. If you have questions please Google "pinewood derby car weight requirements" or refer to the rules I previously distributed. Three Trophies will be awarded for First, Second and Third Place across all Dens and attending Packs. The first place winner will attend Districts in Roswell, date TBA.

18 April: Plan to meet offsite, at the Cedar Creek Fitness Trail parking lot behind the Forest Service office on Mechem Drive, at our usual 6:00 p.m. time. We will take the Cubs on a 1 mile required hike and plan some outdoor activities. If you have a fun idea or device, holler! Eric will be running this meeting in my absence and would appreciate any assistance with games or activities you can muster. I will suggest a small lesson on INITIAL pocketknife safety for Wolf Cubs and a Whittling Chip Refresher for Bears and Webelos. (You must be a BEAR or WEBELO to whittle but I believe it is important to introduce pocketknife safety prior to this age.) Secondarily, a Nature Based Treasure Hunt (first Cub to find all items wins a Chicken Box prize), a potato launcher if we collective have one...etc. The hike will take us from the parking lot to Sam Tobias Unit 3. Park cars at both ends for ease.

TOS NO MAS Trash and River Clean-UP, Sponsored by the Village of Ruidoso Parks and Recreation Department will occur in April. Our Pack has participated in this event for 3 years and benefits by earning cash, contributing to our community and generating annually required BSA Service Project Hours. Expect a date as soon as I validate it with the Department but I believe it is Saturday, April 23rd.

In Gratitude,
Cub Master, Collins, Pack #59

Bouncing Into Spring: Cub Pack #59 Schedule

Cub Pack #59 Scouters,

We have a busy Spring Schedule so fasten your seat-belts for the RIDE! First, special thanks to those of you who joined us for Winter-Park Tubing and for the Feed My Starving Children Events. The adults and the Cubs had a great time at both venues, but nothing beats feeding 47 kids for one year, in under two hours! WOOOOOW! We danced, we packed food and we cheered for a Special Soul. If you have never participated in this bi-annual event, you are missing out on a tremendous experience. Service hours will be logged by me accordingly and as always, I am grateful to YOU all.

March and April meetings and events will focus on the outdoors. We will focus on being in nature, reducing litter, feeding and caring for nature and meeting those who protect it and us: our local Fire Fighters. In addition, we will be hosting our annual Pinewood Derby event and our first-ever Parent/Cub Cake Mixer. First, a few housekeeping items:

• Events and meetings are for registered Members only. If you desire to become a Member, call me, and I will get you an application.
• If you are an assigned Den Leader please keep apprised of our monthly plans so you can execute your Den's activity accordingly. If you need help, HOLLER! I will pitch in wherever needed. If you will be absent, please let me know, and I will fill in for you.
• Siblings and family members are welcome to the Pack meetings I conduct. Although this is not normal BSA procedure, I have found it improves attendance, and family bonding, in the 21 st century. However, your non-Cub kiddos or their friends need to be supervised by you, particularly during activity time. Please bring a back up activity for those who are not interested or capable of participating in the Den or Group activity. :) 
• We will be reviewing your Cubs books at our next meeting and determining a priority of activities to complete through the end of the school year. Take time now, and flag a few items you'd like to recommend the Pack tackle together. 
• Please do not bring your cell phones into meetings. Dates can be calendared at a later time and I find they distract all of us from the goal of spending time with our Cubs. 
• If you have a Cub in baseball, please get their practice schedule and lets chat about whether or not we need to switch to a different day of the week, or time, for the baseball season. Many Packs switch to Sundays.
• I would like the Pack to finalize its' decision regarding making a donation to the Boy Scout Troop for their expedition to Philmont. We will make this executive decision at our next meeting. If funds are authorized by the Pack, they will go toward backpacking grub created by myself. We have six Boys prepping to go, along with two Adults and Drivers. Our funds would serve 10 in total.

Dates/Announcements:

• We will meet on the following dates in March: 3/7, 3/21. 
• Den Leaders should plan a nature related HANDS ON activity for 3/7. The Internet has a plethora of ideas including bird and squirrel feeders, bird houses, planting herbs etc. Keep your receipts for reimbursement of supplies.
• Our Parent/Cub Cake Mixer will be on 3/21. We will have awards for the MOST SCOUT-LIKE CAKE, in Gold, Silver and Bronze level. We will eat cake and ice cream so have dinner beforehand! 
• Our Pinewood Derby will be held on 16 April from 9-12 Noon. Please plan to bring a healthy snack to share.
• Our Go See IT Field Trip to our local Fire Station will be on 19 March from 10-12. Harlan Vincent and his Team will be hosting us, discussing the life of a Fire Fighter, showing us the station and joining us for lunch in their very own LUNCH ROOM. 
• I am targeting early May for our Cub Scout hiking season to begin. Trails and weather will be good at this time. Due to baseball season, these hikes will predominately occur on Sundays after church services. Expect these hikes to take at least two hours, given travel time, hiking time and learning lessons. I will keep the actual hikes under 2 miles and be task with all the Safety related items: weather, first aid and issuance of a list of essential Items for Your Cub to bring. Hiking in Scouting is done for a PURPOSE. Expect them to learn 1) Preparations for a hike 2) Items to Pack for hike 3) Introduction to orienting a compass to a landmark and map.

In Gratitude,

Cub Master Collins OUT!

February 15th/Science Projects & Derby Car Prep!

Scout Families,

We had to cancel our February 1st meeting due to snow. Given we are only meeting twice monthly and have been blessed with decent snow,  I we will begin to complete TWO requirements per meeting, in an effort to successful meet the requirements in each Den, labeled "Den or Pack." Therefore, in addition to the science project each Den Leader already has planned, I will include a second task, planned by ME. Please expect to have roughly 20 minutes for the science effort and I will utilize the remaining time for task two!

February is all about SCIENCE. Each Den Leader will choose a fun and educational experiment for our Cubs, specific to their age and Den requirements. Our goal is to choose a requirement, rather than an elective so I have asked the Den Leaders to really review their books so we are on task to complete all we can in this calendar year.

• Mark your calendars for our upcoming Service Project with Feed My Starving Children. Here are the details of the event:

When? Friday, February 26th from 7:30-9:30 p.m. We will meet at Pizza Hut on Mechem at 6:00 for Pack Pizza, discuss the details of the event and head over to the church in caravan.

Where? Pizza Hut, then First Baptist Church across from Cree Meadows Country Club

Why? The Pack needs to generate Service Hours for our community and speaking from experience, this is a FUN family event.

• Tubing Update

We are booked at the Ruidoso Winter Park for Friday, February 19th from 3:00 to 5:00. The Owners have been kind enough to waive fee's for the Boys and will only be charging the Pack for Adults tubing. We will not be zip-lining, in case your Cub inquires! Siblings are welcome but their tickets will need to be purchased by their families. Liability Waivers will be handed out on 2/15. If we have enough interest we may hit Alto Cafe afterwards for an early supper! Gonna be fun and should not be crowded with visitors! Locals get a discount so bring your NM Valid Drivers License.

• Pinewood Derby
  

I will be handing out your Cubs cars at this meeting so make sure to come! Our local Derby is scheduled for March 26th from 9 to 1 at the First Baptist Church. Capitan's Pack will be joining us and possibly a few Girls Scouts. Cars will be distributed to your Cubs, along with race design requirements at this meeting. Den Leaders need to plan to arrive at 0800. Your friends and family are welcome to attend so spread the word! :))))

In Gratitude,

Cub Master Collins

Cub Pack #59 January 18 Meeting Plan

Scouters,

Welcome back to Cub Scouts!

2016 is going to be filled with fun and lessons for LIFE. Did I tell you, I appreciate all of you pitching in to help make IT happen, no matter what IT may be! Indeed, I do.

Our January 18 meeting is following this months Cub Scout theme of maintaining a "positive attitude" in times of trial or adversity. In coordination with this theme the Cubs will fulfill a requirement in their Den for "building a useful item." Please see your Cubs book for the actual location of the requirement as it varies in each Den: Wolf, Bear, Webelo.

Gathering Time: Executed by Eric and Sam                                                10 Minutes
            Time with Parents: Anessa                                                               The same 10 Minutes

Opening and Flags: Led by a Webelo                                                           5-10 Minutes

Requirement/Project Time:  Led by your Den Leaders: Chris/Sam/Eric     30-40 Minutes

Cub Masters Minute: Thriving in Adversity, a Lesson from Nature, Anessa

Closing and Song: Anessa                                                                             5 Minutes                                                                                                                                    

We look forward to seeing each of YOU!
Cub Master Out