Thursday, February 5, 2015

Service & Conservation Projects


Consider these when looking for a service project.  This list was found in 
Pack 98 Service Project Committee Guide, which seems to be no longer available online.
1.  Does it serve a real need?
2.  Is it within the boys’ ability and understanding?
3.  Does it show dignity and privacy of the people being helped?
4.  Does it make the best use of time and money being spent?
5.  Is it a project that the boys are interested in?
6.  Can it be supervised adequately?
Here is a 1- page list of World Conservation Projects
Here is the HUGE list of Cub Scout Service & Conservation Projects

Food Drive Scavenger Hunt

Things you will need:
 * a limit of your choice:  time limit, neighborhood/street limit, # bags limit,       1 per item limit
 * boxes or strong bags for food
 * list of items to collect:    filled form (page 3)  Or, make your own list.  Call the local food bank to see what they are most in need of, and give those items the most points on the list
 * pencils for groups and stations
 * maps of the neighborhood streets (highlight ahead of time which streets each car will cover)
 * enough vehicles to carry participants (3-4 boys + 2 adults, one of whom is Child Protection trained)
 * methods and items to weigh & measure
 * certificates or awards for: heaviest, bulkiest, most items, most points
 * return stations: 1) Record number items, 2) measure bulk, 3) weigh, 4) record points, 5) leave for item separation
 * 2 volunteers per station:  one to gather info (weigh, measure, etc.) and one for recording results
 * A truck, trailer, or empty van that will take all the food items to the local food bank


Instructions:
*  Explain the rules of the game, as well as what categories will be awarded
*  Separate cubs or kids into groups of 3-4 (or if you have all vans, 5-6)*   Give each group the items they need: 2 adults (one Child Protection trained) w/car, map, bags/boxes, scavenger list, pencil
*  Remind them of their limit and send them out
*  When they return with the collected, have them rotate through the stations, then help at the end with separating
*  Gather for awards
*  Refreshments! for a job well done

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

Pay It Forward

Rachel Hawley, from Utah County, invented an idea on a service project  "You've Been Served".  "I thought of the idea when someone BOO'd us [for Halloween]."  It the same thing, but in services. 

Her scouts love it!  Here are the links to the poem and instructions and the picture for the door.

You can pass off One Faith In God, and in Bears you can pass off 9f 9A and 9D. 

Tuesday, January 6, 2015

Humpty Dumpty Derby

Titled on THIS BLOG by a mom named Heidi (click here to learn more) as The most fun ever at a Pinewood Derby! 

"The entire goal of the evening was to break as many eggs as possible, and over the course of the runs down the track, bumpers were removed and track sections dropped to encourage just that.  There were no weight requirements for the cars, and the kids were able to be as creative as they wanted with the egg conveyance device."

Expense:      No need to hire or rent an expensive track.  Total  budget cutter for a total blast!
Time:            It's about fun and creativity, rather than speed.  No    weigh-in time.  No rule regulation check.  Only one run per car means a quicker derby.
Fun Factor:  No hurt feelings.  No "unfair".  No super-competitive. No one cares if the boy did it or the dad.  All that's left is fun, ooh's, and laughter as the raw eggs free fall to the tarp at ground level!!

Raingutter Noodle Boats

NOODLE BOATS

Made from a pool noodle, shiskabob skewers, and parchment paper. 
Decorate THAT!
(Thank you, Yvonne Russell from Orem)

Cubanapolis

A Cubanapolis is such a fun pack activity for the whole family. It can be done any time of the year, because it can be done indoors or outdoors. (For instructions, click the highlighted "Cubanapolis" above.) The boys (with their family ... not necessarily strictly done by the boy, as with the Pinewood Derby) create a vehicle from a box, paint it, then race wearing it, while their families act as their pit crews and their cheerleaders. Watching the race is, itself, a hoot!

Easy Car Derby Slide

Go to AkelasCouncil.blogspot.com for instructions to this easy neckerchief slide that your cubs can make themselves.  Other neckerchief slide instructions available at the same blogspot, as well.