We wanted to share a few thoughts as we start our 2019/2020 scouting year.
Pack meetings
Our first pack meeting of the scouting year will be September 18th from 6:30pm – 7:30pm at the Epping American Legion. Our monthly meetings will be the 3rd Wednesday of the month at the Epping Elementary School. Any changes will be discussed and advertised via email, scoutbook and facebook. September is all about discussing the summer, recapping what we accomplished, discussing the upcoming year and then an activity. We’ll have an open ceremony, closing ceremony and some songs/skits in between.
Pack website
Our website located at https://pack136epping.org has seen a few changes over the last few weeks. You’ll now be able to see the pack meeting agenda, location and announcements quickly and easily from your phone. We also have added in a suggestion page – this is critical! Please post your ideas, thoughts, suggestions, gripes and complaints. Your input to the scouting program is critical. Without parents, we don’t exist.
Pinewood Derby
New this year – it’s going to be run by you. We have learned a great deal over the last 2 years and feel that parental/guardian participation is key. There are all kinds of jobs that we can use help on. Setting up the track, trial runs of equipment, weigh station, pit stall repairs, runners, food & beverage and more. It’s a great opportunity to give back to the pack and help each other out, it’s also an easier time investment! Don’t worry, you’ll have all the help you need.
Fundraising
We are currently have 2 fundraisers underway:
Trails End Popcorn
Yankee Candle
If you have any questions please reach out to fundraising@pack136epping.org
Leaders
Happy to announce that Russ Raymond has assumed the role as Cubmaster, and Paul Hodgon as Assistant Cubmaster!
It’s been discussed all last year and now we are upon the time of losing 3-4 leaders as our boys cross over to Boy Scouts at the end of the scouting year. The pack only exists by the participation of parents. You and your scout need volunteers for the pack committee member,den leaders and assistant leaders. Whatever your time permits, the pack could use your donation of time and energy. Having curiosity about what it takes is a great first step. You won’t be alone on taking on some responsibility. All the leaders were in your shoes at one point and will provide all the help you need to give back to our scouts experience. You can fill out your leadership application on our website, join the leadership ranks today.
Membership
I’m thrilled to share that the scouting program in Epping and throughout NH and New England is one of the strongest in the country. All numbers are up, matter of fact our pack has already added 2 new scouts and we have not even started the recruitment. We are going to be at the EES on the first day of school meeting parents to explain the program and sign up prospects. If your scout has any friends that would like to learn about scouting, invite them to a pack meeting. New this year – you are able to pay for your membership dues with credit card/Apple Pay/Samsung or Android pay. Would you like to join the pack today as a scout or a leader? Let’s go!
Girls in scouting? Family Scouting
First off, it’s not ‘girls in scouting’ it’s a continual (started with addition of Lions) movement of shifting focus to providing family scouting. First and foremost, this does nothing to take away from the boys. Cub Scouts will not be co-ed . This is a chance for girls who are interested in going the cub scout path have that opportunity. Boys will be in boys only dens, girls in girl only dens. The pack meeting is an opportunity for all dens (boys and girls) to meet together and celebrate their accomplishments.
If you have any thoughts or questions, please reach out to cubmaster@pack136epping.org