CUB SCOUT PACK 268 NEWS & INFO
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6/7/08 | 6/24/08
  
7/1/08
  
Parade Info 2008
  
As promised, last Monday, I and some Troop 110 members along with Leonard, attended the parade meeting. The troop and pack are asked to help carry parade banners. They need a total of 32 volunteers to carry 16 banners, 2 for each banner (scouts, parents, leaders, and siblings are all welcomed). There are other positions available such as picking up after horses, walking the big balloons, and general clean up. (To carry the balloons you must be 18 years old) In additions to the parade help, Mission Peak has reserved a spot to march in the parade (Skip Phair is the coordinator, the spot is 18). They are asking all scouts and leaders to wear the Class A uniform. IF you are helping in the parade, they ask the scouts and registered leaders/parents to wear their Class A (or B) as well. They want all parade volunteers to come early and sign in between 7:30 and 8:30AM. The parade itself will begin at 10AM sharp. Also, please do not park in the staging or parade area as you will be ticketed and towed. There will be free public transportation for parade volunteers and spectators from the designated parking lots to the parade area. I have attached information regarding the parade and parking, please read. See on Friday-
  
YIS,
  
John Gillen, Assistant Cubmaster
  
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6/24/08
  
Manditory parent/leader meeting this Sunday, 29th. Please plain to attend, Thank you!!!
  
I hope all of you are enjoying the summer break. There will be a parent/leader meeting this Sunday, 2PM. Locations yet to be determined. We will be focusing once again on Youth Protection and the Two Deep leadership requirement, discussing the garage sale, and the upcoming 4th of July parade at Centerville. I want all parents and registered leaders to be present---this is mandatory. I have called Bill Fournell, who is a trained instructor in Youth Protection, to instruct us on Youth Protection and the Two Deep concept. I feel there are still members in the pack who are in the "clouds" in understanding the concept of Two Deep and why it is important. Please if you do not understand a topic do not be afraid to ask. After the meeting, I want the leaders and committee members to remain to discuss the leadership of the pack--short meeting. I understand this a late notice, summer break is here, and 4th of July is approaching fast but protecting our youth is too important to ignore and take it for granted any longer. Please remember, everyone in the pack is valued and respected and your concerns are taken seriously.
  
Since we will be discussing sensitive issues regarding Youth Protection, having the kids around is not recommended. If you can, please keep your kids home. If the kids have to come, we will need to find a place and a none pack member to watch and entertain the kids. Thank you!!!
  
YIS,
  
John Gillen, Assistant Cubmaster
  
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6/7/08
  
Reminder about the training this Wednesday, 11th
  
Just sending a friendly reminder to you of this Wednesday's (11th) training at the Contempo Clubhouse, 7PM. The address is 32300 Meteor Drive, Union City, 94587. Scouts and siblings are welcomed to come but make sure they bring their bathing suits and a towel because the pool will be open. Also, you are welcomed and encouraged to bring your favorite snack to share for all. See you there-
  
YIS,
  
John Gillen, Assistant Cubmaster
  
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6/7/08
  
Pack Calendar and Fundraiser
  
We will need to create a pack calendar for school year 08 - 09 very soon. I had given Tinella the pack planning packet from council to aid in creating the calendar, planning our meetings and events for next school year. We need to pick a date to get the calendar together and complete this task have it posted on website.
  
We need to pick a date and location for the fundraiser. I know we will be doing a garage sale but need to set a date, place, and time to do it.
  
Last, the 4th of July parade will be held in Centerville (Fremont). The parade coordinators are looking for volunteers to help in the parade and maybe be in it. I need a list of names of those interested by the 11th. There will be meeting on the 30th of June, 6:30PM, held at the Masonic Home in Fremont to discuss the details and jobs needed. Troop 110 is participating as they have for many years. I hope you can too-
  
YIS,
  
John Gillen, Assistant Cubmaster
  
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6/1/08
  
Reminder: Pack Meeting This Friday, Searles, 7PM
  
All, just sending a friendly reminder, we are having a pack meeting this Friday, 6th, 7PM, at Searles. This will be a recruiting night and need all our scouts and leaders to be in full uniform. Once everyone shows, we will take the meeting to Mr. Chans house to discuss the pack and scouting in general to our prospective members, and have some eats and fun (and prizes too). See you on Friday-
  
YIS,
  
John Gillen, Assistant Cubmaster
  
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6/1/08
  
Adult Training for Troop 110 and Pack 268
  
I have been in contact with David Libby (District Training Chair) regarding training for Youth Protection and Fast Start. June 11th, Wednesday, seems to be the magical date for the training. I have spoken in private with some of you regarding this subject and there is interest just needed a date. Both classes can be done online and but offering it in a real class environment has it's merits. Please keep in mind, the training will need to be renewed every three years. The classes will be offered at the Contempo Clubhouse off of Meteor Drive, (32300 Meteor Drive, Union City, 94587), next to Contempo Park, Union City. Probably should start class at 7PM (half hour to an hour). David has requested a head count since he will need to make sure he has enough cards for all. We have new and old members in need of this training (includes myself), please let me know if you are planning on attending. I have the TV and VCR. Thank you-
  
YIS,
  
John Gillen, Scoutmaster, Troop 110
  
----- Original Message -----
  
From: David Libby<mailto:davel15@hotmail.com>
To: John Gillen<mailto:4gillens@msn.com>
Sent: Friday, May 30, 2008 1:48 PM
Subject: RE: Adult Training for Troop 110 and Pack 268
  
John
  
My schedule will allow me to attend the June 11th meeting. I will need a TV and VCR to show the material. Will you want me to do both Fast Start and Youth Protection to all or will be splitting them into two different groups? As soon as practical can I get a head count so I can have enough cards for everyone?
  
Yis
  
David Libby
  
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6/1/08
  
Important: Swimming pool open during the adult training on the 11th.
  
I was just reminded Troop 110 is opening the swimming pool for the scouts and siblings at the clubhouse on the 11th. You are invited to bring your scout and their siblings to the class for a fun evening in the pool while you are being trained. As mentioned, the training should take no more than 1 hour to complete for both (or hour and a half tops). I figure we can begin the class at 7PM and complete by 8PM. Thanks-
  
John Gillen
  
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5/26/08
  
Reminders
  
I hope all of you had a great Memorial Day and weekend, I did, but as always, too short. I just wanted to remind you about next Saturday, 31st. There will be another opportunity for those who did not get a chance to plant flags and honor our veterans by removing the flags planted at the Golden Gate National Cementery in San Bruno last Saturday. We will meet at the Bakers Square parking lot at 8AM. The parking lot is located at the corner of Sneath Lane and Interstate 280 (West side of freeway, next to the Unocal 76 service station). I will bring donuts and juice. Everyone is welcomed to participate, however, all scouts and leaders must wear their full class A uniform. If you participated in planting the flags last Saturday at the San Bruno site and participate in removing the flags, you will receive a patch and pin. Otherwise, you will only receive the patch. Remember you will be honoring our fallen veterans and doing a community service which is what scouting is all about, giving back.
  
Please mark your calendars, June 6th, Friday, will be a recruiting night. Allen and Angela T. distributed the flyers to three UC elementary schools last week---thank you, guys!! The meeting will begin at 7PM and be located at Searles. However, once everyone has arrived (7:30 - 7:45PM), we will take the meeting to Bruce C. house for a barbaque and presentation and Q & A for our prospective members. I hope to have a great turn out for this event. It would be fitting if all our scouts and leaders wore their full uniforms. We will also have a visitor from council to discuss the Cubscouts summer camp.
  
Last, June 14th and 15th, is the pack graduation and camp out. The event will be held at the Lake Chabot Regional Park, Puma Point Group Camp ground. The camp ground will open at 2PM, on the 14th. I have a limited amount of parking permits---please plan to carpool. We will be sharing our camp ground with Troop 110's newest scouts from the Prowling Panthers. Not to worry, they will be making their own meals as part of their rank requirements. However, we will be sharing parking permits with them. I have purchased total of 10 permits (maximum allowed). As I have told the troop members, if you are staying overnight, please plan and try to carpool. One more item, as their way of thanking the pack for sharing the campground, they will be intertaining us with a skit and song.
  
Please, all scouts finish up your ranks as the graduation is approaching. Chrisitine will need all completed ranks turned in two weeks before the ceremony. She needs the time to prepare and pick up the patches. Thank you-
  
YIS,
  
John Gillen, Assistant Cubmaster
  
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5/23/08
  
Memorial Day Flag Decoration
  
I am forwarding this email from Bruce addressed to the troop for the upcoming flag planting at the San Bruno site on the 24th. Below are the details of where the troop is meeting (Note at San Bruno). The pack is welcome to join the troop since I have registered both units for flag planting and removal. I would recommend you arrive early since parking lot will fill up quickly. I will not be attending the 24th event since I have another commitment that day. However, I will be attending the 31st event, the removal of the flags, you are welcomed to attend too. The meeting location will be the same, however, the time will be 8AM since the removal of the flags will commence at 9AM with no cerermony prior. If you decide to attend both flag planting and removal, you can receive a patch and pin. If you do one or the other, you will receive the patch only. This a great way to honor our veterans and earn some service hours at both events. I will be picking the patches (and pins) on the 31st.
  
Have a great Memorial Day Weekend. See you next weekend-
  
Yours In Scouting,
  
John Gillen, Assistant Cubmaster
  
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Hello Troop:
  
This coming Memorial Day weekend, the troop will be placing American flags at the graves of our honored veterans at the Golden Gate National Cemetery in San Bruno on 5/24/08. We will meet in the parking lot of Baker's square restaurant at the corner of Sneath Lane and interstate 280. The restaurant is on the west side of the freeway, next to the Unocal 76 Service station. The meeting time is 7:30 am, Saturday morning. Scouts and adult leaders should wear their class A uniforms, except for Merit Badge sashes. There is a ceremony at the Cemetery prior to placing the flags. We are normally finished with the event by mid-morning.
  
This is always a worthwhile event, and it also counts for service hours.
  
Bruce Chan
Assistant Scoutmaster
  
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5/20/08
  
Flag Planting on the 24th / Removing on the 31st.
  
This weekend and next are going to be busy. I have registered the Pack for the 31st AND the 24th for the San Bruno Site. For the SF site, I canceled but not to fret. You can participate in either site. The registration is for the patches only. The only stipulation is the scouts and registered leaders have to wear their full uniforms while planting the flages or removing them the following weekend. I will be attending the 31st event since I have another commitment on the 24th and need to be ready for it. Christine O and Jordan O have expressed interest in planting flags at the SF site on the 24th and want to attend the Exploratorium afterwards (free to all uniformed scouts)---your welcome to join them. As I told Christine, the SF site may have extra patches for those who dropped in at the last minute and participated. Three years ago, I took my youngest son to the SF site by mistake and participated anyway---we had fun. I was able to purchase patches at the booth that day--they had extras. Also, please remember, you can participate on the 24th and the 31st. IF you do, you can receive a pin and the patch (San Bruno Site only).
  
I do want to apologize for the last minute changes. I would have been nice to if we had done this as a group. For next year, lets make sure this happens.
  
I have included the information on both events. For the San Bruno, use the link
http://www.pacsky.org/registration/calendardetail.asp?orgkey=192&ActivityKey=279733.
For the SF site, see this PDF.
  
The Boy Scout Slogan, Do A Good Turn Daily
  
YIS,
  
John Gillen
  
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5/19/08
  
Greetings
  
It brought me great pleasure to see you all and an honor to welcome our new Webelos scout Vineet (and Raj his dad).
  
What a blessing to have Bruce & John as our leaders.....double blessings!
  
Congrats, Congrats, Congrats to Jennifer & Danny on their upcoming wedding this coming Sat. and their dedication to the Pack of bringing Quentin to the meeting a week out from their big day. If there is anything we as a Pack can do to assist with the wedding pls. don't hesitate to ask.
  
Per info. from BSA conveyed by Bruce & John please find listed dates & participants for upcoming events.
  
Flag Ceremony (5/24) Cemetery in Daly City - Attendees as of May 16th, Roland & Brandon, Raj & Vineet, Christine & Jordan, Mike & Mikey, Tinella & Hudson (& Taylor), John G. & Austin (per Bruce).
  
Recruiting Night (6/6) Searles Elem. School - per flyers we will meet at Searles for ceremonial opening and proceed to Bruce's house for a camp fire with dessert or hot dogs on the grill. Maybe even some type of fun activities (please submit ideas & suggestions, keep in mind there will be prospective scouts in our midst so think inclusive).
  
Pack 268 Graduation Camp Out (6/14-6/15) - Camp site check-in 6/14 at 2:00pm & check-out 6/15, 12noon. Dinner Friday night (hopefully) prepared by our Webelos scouts with a menu of grilled hamburgers and hotdog's, salads, chips/salsa, fruit, Gatorade, water and smores for evening snack. Adults agreed to bring extra goodies for the grill; salmon, steaks, sausage, chicken, etc.
  
Breakfast - Pancakes & Bacon (Tinella volunteered to help other adult volunteers cook...hint, hint).
  
ITEMS NEEDED FOR GRADUATION MEALS: foil, grilling utensils (Jennifer & Danny), paper cups, paper plates, paper towels, cutlery, pots/pans (Jennifer & Danny), matches or fire starters (Tinella), charcoal (Tinella), syrup & pancake mix (Tinella), bacon, griddles for pancakes/bacon, camping stoves (Bruce Chan), spatula's, cooler (2 large), dish liquid, sponges, plastic bowls for mixing, lanterns, toilet paper, water jugs, ice, Tang for breakfast.
  
Fundraiser (6/21-6/22) - Mike Denney's house, Garage Sale & Hotdog, Bake, Lemonade Sale, etc. and whatever else you want to sale.
  
Adult Training - John will have a trainer render adult leader training for us. As of Friday, 5/16 we have several adults in need of some sort of leadership training: Angela, Danny, Gary, Jennifer, Leonard, Raj, & Velma
  
*** Please feel free to add any pertinent additions or suggestions ***
  
LOCATIONS & ADDITIONAL DETAILS DISCLOSED AS THEY BECOME AVAILABLE.
  
Per your request I am in the process of putting together the Pack calendar for 2009 which I will provide as it is completed.
  
Yours In Scouting,
  
Tinella Coats
Committee Chair
  
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5/18/08
  
Important please read: Memorial Day Flag Planting, I made an error.
  
It was brought to my attention the flyer I sent you was for the San Francisco site not the San Bruno site. Furthermore, I had registered the pack for the San Francisco site thinking I was registering for the San Bruno site. I do apologize for the error. As it stands, I have missed the dead line for pre-registration for the San Bruno site for the 24th (for patches only). The San Francisco site is another half hour drive and it's starting time is 9AM which San Bruno begins at 10AM (However, the SF site is much smaller than the San Bruno site). There will be another opportunity to participate and honor our veterans by removing the flags at the San Bruno site on the following weekend, 31st. This qualifies for a patch and service hours too. I can register the pack for the 31st on Monday, 19th, and cancel the San Francisco event for the 24th. I am involved with a Eagle court of honor on the 24th at 1PM and would prefer to participate on the 31st instead. Many families that attended last Friday's pack meeting voiced they may not be able to attend due to family commitments. Therefore, I believe the 31st is a better choice and should cancel the San Francisco event. I have included the link to the San Bruno event. Please read and let me know, thank you for your understanding-
  
https://www.doubleknot.com/openrosters/ViewOrgPageLink.asp LinkKey=11226&orgkey=192
  
YIS,
  
John Gillen, Assistant Cubmaster
  
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5/10/08
  
Ohlone Radio Station Tour
  
Den-1 has just finished setting up a tour for the Ohlone radio station.We need this to satisfy an advancement requirement and would like to invite the rest of the pack to participate if you would like. The tour will be on Monday the 12th (sorry weekdays only) and starts promptly at 4:30. Late arrivals will have to catch up with the rest of the group. Parking is two dollars and they suggest using change in the day pass machines. Due to the scattered parking and availability I am asking all who will attend to meet at the Amphitheater at the smith center on the Ohlone campus. I also am asking all to access the Ohlone website and look at the campus map for directions because I don't yet know how to attach and send with this. Also the radio station is on the second floor by the outdoor elevator at the smith center.
  
Look forward to seeing you all there. Thanks
  
Allen T. Den-1
  
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5/4/08
  
Regarding District Dinner---Corrections
  
I forwarded an email to everyone last week regarding pre-registration for the District Dinner. I was supposed to send it in on behalf of the pack and not to have individual members submitting the form. I will take care of the pre-registration. So far I have received 6 responses but will list 12. FYI: Each table will seat 8 comfortably and pre registration is $2 cheaper. Important, for those who have registered, please let me know as soon as you can.
  
Now, I need to make a correction to the last email naming Tinella's as the winner. Most of you have noticed already, the subject line of the email named Tinella as the winner---this in error. No one knows, accept for 3 selected council members, who are the winners. I sincerely apologize for not catching the error before I forwarded it. I hope this does not change your mind about attending the dinner. How the process works is by nominating member or members of particular unit. This is done by sending in a nomination form for each nominee by members of the unit or outside the unit, even the unit commissioner. There our hundreds of nominations collected and reviewed by the 3 members of council but only a limited number of candidates, 20 to 30, are accepted each year. Kind of like how a resume' is screened, looking for the perfect candidate's]. All the members of our pack are eligible and deserve to be recognized, but unfortunately, only one in our unit was accepted this year. Again, I do not know who won and apologize for any convenience this may have caused you, especially to Tinella.
  
Remember, the dinner is next Saturday, 10th. Additional information is below. If you have not done so, please do not send in the registration form. I will send it in on behalf of the pack. I hope we have good representation of the pack this year, last year we did not.
  
YIS,
  
John Gillen, Assistant Cubmaster, Pack 268
  
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5/2/08
  
District Dinner - IMPORTANT - Please read!!!
  
Below is information regarding the district dinner on the 10th. As you know, one of our leaders is being recognized this year for their contributions to scouting and the pack. I would like to see a 90% or better turn out of Pack 268's staff and parent volunteers. The link below is for dinner registration. Please down load the registration and send it in. Also, it has been recommended we make a center piece for the table and bring in a collage of pack pictures of all our events these past years. We have some really creative members in the pack, can we put this together in a week? I have pictures and so do many of you. Keep the dialogue moving!!!
  
YIS,
  
John Gillen, Assistant Cubmaster
  
----- Original Message -----
  
From: Steve Armstrong<mailto:starmstr@comcast.net>
To: John Gillen <mailto:4gillens@msn.com> ; Bruce Chan <mailto:bacla@sbcglobal.net>
Sent: Friday, May 02, 2008 3:48 PM
  
John and Bruce,
  
Here's a hotlink to the Dinner registration form:
  
http://www.sfbac.org/files/images/ScoutsDistrictDinnerFlyer042108.pdf
  
This year's Dinner will be held from 6 pm - 8:30 pm on May 10th at the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church at 38451 Fremont Blvd. (across from Washington High School).
  
The menu includes salad, Tri-Tip, baked potato, jello/fruit plate, cake and ice cream, punch and coffee. All of this for only $10 per person. Seating will be in tables of 8, and you can reserve your tables today by filling out and returning the flyer that can be accessed by clicking on the hotlink above or by retrieving it from the Mission Peak page on the www.sfbac.org website.
  
Please return your reservation forms per the instructions on the form and send an email to me at starmstr@comcast.net so we can have an idea of how many people will be attending and have enough food for everyone. We can have a vegetarian option available if we know in advance, so indicate how many vegetarian dinners you need in the email to me.
  
Please bring pictures and other items from your unit showing your Scouting activities over the past year to share with the group. You are also welcome to make a table centerpiece for your table as well.
  
We look forward to seeing you and members of Pack 268 and Troop 110 at the Dinner.
  
Steve Armstrong
District Commissioner
  
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5/1/08
  
TRAIL TREKKER HIKE
  
We will have a Trail Trekker Hike on Sunday (5/4/08), and NO pack meeting on Friday night (5/2/08). Wolf and Bear Scouts will be able to work on advancements during the Sunday hike, either during lunch or right after the hike.
  
We will meet at Searles School on Sunday morning at 8:30. All hikers should bring a sack lunch and plenty of water (or a gatorade/ powerade). We will caravan out to Sunol Regional Park (just under 30 minute drive), and start out on our adventure!
  
Make sure that you wear good shoes, closed-toe, plus good socks. A light jacket or sweater should be worn as well. Class B yellow tee-shirts should also be worn.
  
Little Yosemite is a really cool place, lots of boulders and trees, plus wildlife. The actual hiking time is about 2-1/2 hours roundtrip - allowing for a slower pace for younger Scouts.
  
Some of you are going to the A's Game, but if you aren't - join the rest of pack on the hike! Beautiful scenery, fresh air - and lots of fun.
  
Bruce Chan
Cubmaster
  
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4/27/08
  
Cubmasters Minutes
  
A lot has happen to the pack in the past few weeks, leadership changes, bridging, pack and den activities. On April 11th, the pack held a Blue and Gold event at Searles with near 100% attendance consisting of scouts their families and friends, who came to honor the scouts, leaders, and volunteers for their efforts. We had six scouts receive their Bobcat badge, one scout complete his Tiger Rank, another complete his Bear rank, another complete his Arrow Of Light of award, and many completed belt loops, sports pins, and activity badges, all where acknowledged for their hard work. Every scout in the pack did not go empty handed, each one had participated in many of the pack events, completed requirements, and performed community service. All of our leaders were awarded for their efforts in the making the pack grow and go.
  
April 12th, the pack attended a district level Pinewood Derby held at Hobby Town USA, in Fremont. Only four scouts in all attended the event, the bulk from Pack 268. Patches awarded for those who attended.
  
April 18th, the packs 263 and 174, held their Pinewood Derby event at St Anne's Catholic Church Parish Hall in Union City. Packs 263 and 174 requested the use of Pack 268's track. In appreciation for the use of the track, Packs 263 and 174 invited 268 to the event. With time to spare, the final winners of all the packs competed with awesome sportsmanship. Stanley T. took first place and Geordan S took 2nd place, both overall---congratulation guys!!! Jonathon S. came close in taking third place overall---great job in doing your best, Jonathon!!! I want to thank the boys and parents for coming out that night to represent the pack, who competed, and who honored the opposing team---thank you so much!!!
  
April 19th, Pack 268, attended as guests on Canoe Day at Quarry Lakes in Fremont hosted by Troop 110. Three scouts along with their families from the pack attended and had a great time learning how to canoe. The weather was not so favorable though. The wind was fierce and strong, making it very difficult to maneuver the canoes around lake but all came back safe with very sore arms and backs. Afterwards, all the scouts and families where treated with hamburgers and hotdogs. A brief ceremony was held honoring the former scoutmaster, Bruce C. of Troop 110, and former cubmaster, John G., of Pack 268. During the ceremony, both leaders officially switched leadership roles and were honored and welcomed by the members of both units.
  
April 25th, Pack 268 held a bridging ceremony for Rahul M. at Searles. Troop 176, Rahul chose to bridge to, came and performed the ceremony. Many scouts attended, both the pack and troop, to honor Rahul. Afterwards, Tiger cubs from Pack 268, performed by singing the song they did not get to sing at the Blue and Gold. Both parents and scouts did a great job. Refreshments where served by Rahul's family and pack members. I wish Rahul all the best in his scouting future.
  
Pack 268 just signed on a new scout. His name is Vineet S. He is a fourth grader at Challenger School. Welcome to the pack, Vineet!!!
  
Heads up, next Sunday, the 4th, Boy Scout Day with the Oakland A's. All scouts are welcomed to attend. Game starts at 1:05PM. There will be pre-game parade around the field for uniformed scouts and leaders. You need to line up at the B lot at 11:30AM and be in FULL uniform. A commemorative patch will be handed out that day to all uniformed scouts and leaders who participate. This is a great experience and a great way to spend an afternoon. It is too late to preorder discounted group tickets. However, I believe tickets can be purchased at the door. Pack 273 has invited us to attend the parade and game with them but I have not heard back. Anyway, if you are interested in attended I would encourage you to go.
  
Yours In Scouting,
  
John Gillen, former Cubmaster, Pack 268
  
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4/25/08
  
Friday Pack Meeting
  
Mr. Gillen and I have traded places, and I am looking forward to being the Cubmaster and having lots of great fun and adventure with you all! Friday night (4/25/08), right after the bridging ceremony and other Pack activities, the Pack is invited to join Troop 110 for a fire-roasted dessert at my house (see Members area for my address). The Boy Scouts will be working on cooking Merit Badge and will be making peach cobblers and other goodies in cast iron Dutch ovens.
  
It'll be outside, so bring a warm coat. Hot chocolate will also be served. There will be a campfire.
  
Mr. Gillen will be standing in for me on Friday night at the Pack meeting since I will be at the Troop meeting standing in for him (he is now the Scoutmaster of Troop 110). This is simply because the meeting was scheduled for my house, and I ought to be there to take care of set-up stuff, various requests, etc...
  
See you all Friday night!
  
Bruce Chan
Cubmaster
  
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4/20/08
  
Mission Peak District Dinner
  
I was just informed by our commissioner, Steve A., that one leader from Pack 268 is receiving an award from the MP (Mission Peak) district. The award and recipient, along with other deserving recipents from other troops and packs, will be announced and honored at the District Dinner on May 10th. The core leadership of pack 268 needs to be present, this includes Tinella, Christine, Roland, Allen, Jennifer, Mike D., Bruce, myself, and Murad. It would be fitting if the parents of pack 268 attended also to honor the leaders for the sacrifices they made over the year[s]. Pack 268 has been blessed with so many dedicated parents and they should be thanked for their time and efforts. One last note, the district dinner happens once a year and is a great way to meet and see other leaders in the MP district.
  
The cost is $10 per person, the menu is Tri Tip. The date is May 10th, Saturday evening, beginning at 6:30PM. The Dinner will be at Prince of Peace Church, 38451 Fremont Blvd, across the street from Washington High School.
  
Yours In Scouting,
  
John Gillen, Assistant Cubmaster, Pack 268

4/20/08
  
Thank you Pack 268 for two great years!!!
  
I just wanted to thank you for 2 great years being your cubmaster. The experience I have gained being your leader is priceless and will never be forgotten nor wasted. As you know last Saturday, the 18th, at Quarry Lakes, Bruce and I traded leadership roles, I am now the scout master for Troop 110 and Bruce will be cubmaster for Pack 268. However, I will be his assistant cubmaster filling in when he needs me. I can insure you Bruce is an exceptional experienced leader who will take Pack 268 to a new an exciting level. He has over 7 years of experience with leader ship roles as a den leader, Webelos den leader, scout master, assistant cubmaster, and now your cubmaster. This summer he will be on the Brown Sea staff as an instructor. For those who do not know, Brown Sea is an annual, BSA sponsored week long leadership training camp for boy scouts, 13 to 18, First Class rank and over, with the sole objective of teaching them how to be leaders. My older son has attended and my youngest will attend this summer. Believe me Brown Sea does change these boys into men. I also attended such a camp (JLT, Junior Leadership Training) when I was a boy scout.
  
My dream and hope is too see the pack remain strong and healthy for another 40 years, continuing the objective of fostering our young boys in becoming responsible adults and leaders. I will miss being your cubmaster but look forward to the challenges of scoutmaster. Thank you again for the opportunity-
  
Yours In Scouting,
  
John Gillen, Assistant Cubmaster, Pack 268
  
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4/17/08
  
Pinewood Derby with Pack 263----Directions to the Hall
  
As promised, below is the St. Anne's Church address. This church is in Union City not Fremont as first thought. I do apologize for any convenience I may have caused. I do hope you can make this great event and remember you can come at anytime between 6:30PM to 9PM. I will be there throughout the event. You are welcomed and encouraged to bring your favorite refreshment to share. Our winners are being challenged to race theirs.
  
St Anne's Church
32223 Cabello St
Union City, CA 94587
(510) 471-7766
  
The church is located on the same street as troop 110 meeting site, just on the other side of Dyer.
  
Yours In Scouting, John Gillen
  
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4/16/08
  
Important---Reminders & This Weeks Activities
  
Just sending you some reminders regarding this weeks activities. This Friday, 18th, is Packs 263 and 174 Pinewood Derby event happening at St Anne's Hall in Fremont. I will send out directions soon so please be checking your email frequently. The event will begin at 7PM, check in is 6:30PM. The event will end around 9:30PM. Both packs are sending a challenge to our top winners to race theirs at the end. I would like to see a big turn out from our pack.
  
This Saturday, 19th, is Canoe Day at Quarry Lakes hosted by Troop 110. Bruce C and I will be trading places as leaders for the troop and pack, lunch will be provided, and all can enjoy a canoe trip around the lake, or walk, or fish (A State Fishing License required for 16 and older and park fee of $4 to fish at the lakes).
  
Also, mark you calendars. May 4th, Sunday, Pack 268 is invited to join Pack 273 in the As pre-game parade. My two boys participated in this event when they where cubscouts and had a blast. You will receive a commemorative patch for participation plus be on camera and walk around the field and watch an As game afterwards. The only prerequisite is you have to be in full uniform (no exceptions) this includes the adult leaders. More information to follow. I believe all scouts and their families will receive discounted tickets for the game.
  
Our next pack meeting will be Friday, 25th, at Searles, 7PM. We will be bridging Rahul M. to Troop 176. It would be nice if all pack members came celebrated his walk from cubscouts to boyscouts. Since the boys did not get a chance to perform their skits/songs at the Blue and Gold, I would like to see the scouts perform at the pack meeting before and after the bridging. I expect a great turn out for this. Rahul, will need to invite his family, friends, teachers, and Troop 176 members.
  
There are few families who have not turned in their pack dues and membership fees. I need those members to do so soon. The cost is for this year is $82.75. You can make a check out to "Pack 268". The patches, awards, crafts, some outdoor events, cost money. Fundraisers are a big help but do not completely cover our costs. Which reminds me, we need to have another fundraiser. I had proposed another garage sell for the spring. Last year we made over $600. We can do the same again this year. Need to set a weekend and do it---anyone interested?
  
We need all scouts and leaders to submit a copy of their medical forms to the pack for filing. These are important for all campout and outdoor activities including pack and den meetings.
  
Spring recruiting is approaching quickly. We need to form tiger den for next school year. I was given a recruiters packet from one of our leaders. I need to recruit a pack member to head this up. It will mean creating flyers (template included in packet just adding recruiting date, time, and place), getting approvals from the council and school district, and distributing them to the kindergarten classes this spring. We will need a couple hundred flyers printed and distribute them to three elementary schools in Union City. I will mentor someone to do this.
  
Last, I need all families who have not done so to send your Friends of Scouting pledges before the end of this month--remember any amount will be appreciated and you can also spread out the payments. Also, if employer has a gift matching program, that gets added as well. We need to meet our goal in order to receive the specials and discounts for the rest of the year--we are just few hundred dollars away. I want to thank those who have already given A BIG THANKS!!! Your generosity will not go unrewarded. Ultimately, we keep the scouting program alive and healthy for another year.
  
YIS,
  
John Gillen, Cubmaster, Pack 268

4/16/08
  
Pack268, Wolf/Bear Den, This Friday 4/18, No Meeting
  
Thanks for the great turnout for the Blue and Gold, congratulations to all the Wolves and Bears for working on your awards and achievements!
  
FYI, there will be no Wolf/Bear meeting this Friday 4/18.
  
If you are interested, there will be a Pinewood Derby Race at St. Anne's this Friday for Packs 263 and 174 at 630pm.
  
Also, Saturday is the Canoe Day with Troop 110 at Quarry Lakes in Fremont from 10a-1p if you are interested in going.
  
It's $5 per car for parking. (see the attached flyer).
  
Finally, reminder for Mom & Son Camp, it's coming up for 4/25-4/27.
  
Let me know if any of you are planning on going...Brandon and mom will be going.
  
I think you can still register online at the SFBAC website.
  
Otherwise those not going and still in town on 4/25, let's have our next meeting NEXT Friday at Searles on 4/25 at 630p.
  
I will email the next meeting agenda sometime next week.
  
Yours in Scouting,
  
Roland Wong
Pack268 Wolf/Bear Den Leader
  
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4/13/08
  
Pack Graduation---Important---Please Read
  
I just wanted to bring everyone up to date to the what is happening with the pack graduation this coming June. I called the East Bay Regional Parks to reserve a group camp ground for graduation on the 14th and 15th of June (sorry, could not include Friday). As expected, most all of the desirable locations where taken from late May through June including the Sunol site. I did managed to find a camp ground that will be suitable for everyone and not so "wild". The camp name is Puma Point and is located at the Anthony Chabot Campground nestled within the RV and Family camping. There are showers, flushing toliets, potable water, and chemical type toilets in and around our site. We will be close to the Ranger Station---+ or - . Lake Chabot is about a mile walk and I believe can be seen from our camp ground. The charge for our site is $33 more than last years but I understand it is worth it---this includes 5 overnight parking permits ($6 additional up to 10 max). I am planning on taking a ride up to look at the site next Sunday. We have to send in our payment by the 24th of this month or we will loose the site. FYI: As of last Thursday, Garin Park and Coyote Hills had sites open in June but there are no flushing toilets or showers, only chemical toilets, potable water, but the mosquitoes at Coyote Hills can be ruthless especially in the evening and mourning. The upside is both sites, Garin and Coyote, are close to home. I will need feedback from everyone as soon as possible-
  
Thanks,
  
John Gillen, Cubmaster, Pack 268
  
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4/6/08
  
Cubmaster Minutes
  
Last Friday, 4th, at 7PM the pack held a meeting at Searles. We had a great turn out. Most of the the Tigers, Bears, Wolves, and Webelos along with the leaders, parents, two former pack members, and two leaders of Mission Peak district attended the meeting. Most of our scouts came in full uniform with hand book in hand----thank you guys, you looked impressive with you red vests!!! The two leaders from MP, John P. and Tim B. (MP District Executive), came to present to us the Friends of Scouting. I want to thank them both for taking time out of their busy days to give the presentation. The Scouting program offers the boys a path to becoming great leaders, adults, and citizens but cannot exist without adult involvement and donations both time and money. We have currently donated $930 and just $270 away from our goal. There are some families still in decision. I strongly encourage you to help the scouting program---I donated too. Please give whatever you can. Remember, you can give all at once or do it in installments. Thank you in advance for your help.
  
After the presentation, the scouts reassembled to their varies dens to finish up and or hand in completed achievements to our Advancement Chair, Christine O. Arjun G., a 2007 graduate of Pack 268 and member of Troop 176, attended our meeting to help me with the Webelos. He has expressed interest in becoming Pack 268's den chief and currently being mentored by Glenn G. a former den chief for Pack 273, a graduate of Pack 268, member of Troop 110, and Eagle candidate. Like to congratulate Arjun G. for achieving rank of First Class in boy scouts. He is just two ranks away from Eagle---boys scouts highest rank. Allen C, who has also filled in many times to help me with meetings is also a graduate from Pack 268, is a member of Troop 110, and Eagle candidate. These are just a few boys who have benefited from scouting (Pack 268) and now giving back. Thank you!!
  
Next Friday, 11th, is our Blue and Gold. I expect all our scouts and their families to attend this once a year ceremony. All the boys (and adults) will receive awards for their hard work these past months. Keep in mind, some of our quest will include members of the Union City government. Let us show them how alive and well Pack 268 is.
  
By the way, we did not get a chance to work on the skits and songs, so I hope we will be ready by the Blue and Gold.
  
Reminder, next Saturday, 12th, is the District level Pinewood Derby held at the Hobby Town USA in the Fremont HUB. There is a cost of $3 to cover the cost of the patch. The event will begin at 10AM and end whenever. Scouts should be in uniform and have a working pinewood car. Adults and silblings are also welcomed to participate.
  
Reminder, this coming Thursday, 10th, is the cubscout roundtable at the Gallaudet LDS church located at Gallaudet and Walnut Ave in Fremont. The meeting will start at 7PM and end around 9PM. All leaders and adults are encouraged to attend, this is a great way to meet other leaders and gain some scouting knowledge---you do not have attend the whole 2 hours.
  
Last, we need on file medical forms I and II from every scout in the pack. This has not been enforced and should be for obvious reasons. All registered adult leaders should also have medical forms on file with the pack. Adults 40 and over, will need to renew every year---sorry BSA rules.
  
Yours In Scouting,
  
John Gillen, Cubmaster, Pack 268
  
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4/5/08
  
Important: Blue and Gold Center Piece Painting
  
For those scouts who made a clay center piece for the blue and gold banquet, I need you to come by and paint your creation before the B&G. This should take no more than an hour to do. You can drop by house on Sunday, April 6th, between 1 to 2:30PM to paint, or next week after 7PM. However, Wednesday is the last day since I will need time to shellac the clay figures. FYI: The shellac is needed to add strength to the clay.
  
One scout has already completed painting his center piece. You can contact me either by email (4gillens@msn.com) or phone number (see Members area). Sorry for the late notice. Thanks-
  
Yours In Scouting,
  
John Gillen  
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4/1/08
  
Pack 268, Wolf/Bear Den3 Meeting #6, PACK Meeting, Friday April 4, 700pm
  
Attached is the agenda for the next Wolf/Bear Den meeting to be held this Friday at Searles.
  
Note: This will be a full Pack meeting instead.
  
We will discuss Blue & Gold plans, Friends of Scouting, work on skits/songs for the Blue & Gold.
  
Looks like it will be a busy month for April:
  
4/04 - Pack meeting.
4/10 - Cubscouts Roundtable.
4/11 - Blue & Gold, Part 1 (Part 2 TBD).
4/18 - Pinewood Derby at St. Anne's with Packs 174 and 263.
4/19 - Canoes at Quarry Lakes with Troop 110.
4/25 - Regular Den meeting at Searles
  
Reminder to Vilma: please bring your camera so I can download the Police Dept visit photos...
  
See you all this Friday.
  
Yours in Scouting
  
Roland Wong
Wolf/Bear Den Leader
  
4/1/08
  
Pack 268, Wolf/Bear Den Meeting #5, THURSDAY March 27, Follow-Up, and MUD JAM
  
Last Thursday we had our Wolves/Bears den meeting at John Gillen's home along with the Webelos.
  
Den 3 Scouts in attendance (100%, thank you!):
  
Wolf - Aaron S.
Wolf - Brandon W.
Bear - Jonathan A.
Bear - Hector C.
  
We opened with a modified flag ceremony with Brandon leading the Pledge of Allegiance and the Cub Scout Promise. Then we had a snack of pizza, pizza, and pizza.
  
Next the boys worked on the clay centerpieces for the Blue & Gold along with the Webelos...nice muddy FUN! Speaking of mud... Photos from the February Monster MUD Jam are attached, sorry it took so long! Also apologies for the out of focus...I think my camera was waterlogged/frozen (yet we were all smiling!)
  
I was able to sign-off on some belt loops and pins and handed over the paperwork to Christine. (Christine please note also, Brandon has completed his Bobcat Trail as well.)
  
Chess Belt Loop: Aaron, Brandon, Hector, Jonathan
Citizenship Belt Loop and Pin: Hector
Collecting Belt Loop: Brandon, Hector (pin also)
Communicating Belt Loop and Pin: Hector
Computers Belt Loop: Brandon, Hector (pin also)
Language and Culture Belt Loop: Aaron, Brandon, Hector
Baseball Belt Loop: Aaron (pin also), Brandon, Hector (pin also)
Basketball Belt Loop: Aaron (pin also), Brandon
Bicycling Belt Loop: Hector, Jonathan (pin also)
  
PLEASE NOTE: Next meeting will be FRIDAY, April 4 at Searles, it's a PACK meeting.
  
The next meeting agenda will be sent in a separate email.
  
Yours in Scouting
  
Roland Wong
Wolf/Bear Den Leader
  
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3/30/08
  
Important Reminders and Changes
  
There are important reminders and changes that need to be address as soon as possible. Next Friday, April 4th, will be a regular pack meeting, 7PM, at Searles. I would like to have everyone present for this meeting since we will be working on finalizing the Blue and Gold, handing in completed achievements to our Advancement Chair, Christine O., completing any partials that scouts may have, working on skits, and listening to a 15 minute presentation from Friends Of Scouting. Remember, you can send in your FOS pledge at any time or give it to the presenter. Our FOS goal is $1200.00.
  
For those who do not know, the following Friday, 11th, will be the Blue and Gold, part 1. Part 2, the date to be announced, will be the Arrow of Light ceremony for Rahul M. It would be nice if everyone from the pack attended this ceremony to support and congratulate Rahul for achieving cubscouting's highest award. The ceremony should last no more than a half hour and will be held at Searles in April. Rahul will need to decide on a troop to bridge to by then and will need to invite them to the ceremony.
  
Regarding the Blue and Gold, we would like to begin this event at 6:30PM which means setting up at 6PM if possible. If the school will not allow us to set up at 6PM, then the event will begin at 7PM. We have to be out of the school by 9PM, preferably before. The Blue and Gold committee has come up with a plan so that we will end at 8:30PM. It will be an accelerated program and require everyone's cooperation. This Friday's meeting is a great opportunity to discuss the details. Maybe prudent if we had a rehearsal sometime before the 11th?
  
Also, the pack is in need of a another fundraiser. Last year April the pack held two fundraisers, garage sale and hot dog stand. The pack raised over $600 profit. With prices going up now, people more than ever will be looking for bargains and garage sales are a great resource. I have things I would like to donate as I know most of you do as well. I know there are other ideas of raising money but this is one good one. We should start thinking about it and planning it soon.
  
April 12th , there is Pinewood Derby event being held at the Hobby Town USA in Fremont. This is open to all cubscouts and Webelos and their families. The event will begin at 10AM and end at 12 noon.
  
Reminder: Our top winners have been challenged to race the top winners from Packs 263 and 174 on April 18th, Friday, at St. Annes hall in Fremont. This includes the scouts, parents, and siblings. However, this will only happen if there is ample time since the hall is only available for 3 hours and the fact that both packs our having their Pinewood Derby that night. There is hope since the number of scouts participating is much lower than last year. By the way, this is not exclusive to our top winners and their families but everyone who wants to attend can. I will send out directions soon, the event will begin at 6:30PM. FYI: I will be there since our track will be used in the event.
  
On the 19th, Saturday, Troop 110 is holding a canoe day at Quarry Lakes in Fremont---10AM?. All scouts are welcomed to participate. FYI: This will be the day I and Bruce switch roles as leaders.
  
Last, a week from next Thursday, 10th, is cubscout roundtable at 7PM at the LDS church on 810 Walnut (at Gallaudet) in Fremont. This is a great opportunity to gain knowledge and friends. The meeting is over at 9PM but you are not obligated to stay the full time.
  
See you at Fridays meeting-
  
Yours In Scouting,
  
John Gillen, Cubmaster, Pack 268

3/30/08
  
Last Friday's Meeting
  
Last Friday, 28th, the Webelos den and Bears and Wolves den joined forces at my house to make Mexican style center pieces for the Blue and Gold. This satisfied a requirement for the Webelos Craftmen badge. Unfortunately, we ran out time to work on requirements for the Webelos badge. The Bears and Wolves turned in completed belt loops and completed some requirements towards their rank. It was a very productive evening. Next meeting, we will paint the center pieces, complete any partials on activity badges, and if time permits, work on the Webelos badge. After the pack meeting, we may have to continue the den meeting at my house (the painting may have to be done at my house anyway). Webelos scouts, please finish up the, Citizen, Engineer, Communicator, and Craftmen badges by next meeting, 4th. Also, you need to begin memorizing the boy scout oath and law. This is in your handbook under the Webelos badge chapter. Hope all of you had great Spring break. Please wear your full uniforms and bring your handbooks. Those scouts who come in full uniform and bring in their handbook ready to go will receive an award. See you at the next meeting
  
Yours In Scouting, John Gillen
  
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3/25/08
  
Pack 268, Wolf/Bear Den Meeting, THURSDAY March 27, 700pm
  
Attached is the agenda for the next Wolf/Bear Den meeting to be held this THURSDAY at John Gillen's home.This meeting will focus on getting achievements and advancements signed off.
  
Please review the Belt Loop handouts I have provided.You will need to have them signed-off and turned-in by this Thursday's meeting to get them in time for the Blue and Gold celebration. The theme for this month is "Litter to Glitter" (Conservation and Recycling).
  
I will be bringing Pizza and Mr. Gillen will be providing refreshments.
  
Reminder to Vilma: please bring your camera so I can download the Police Dept visit photos...
  
See you all this THURSDAY.

Yours in Scouting
  
Roland Wong, Wolf/Bear Den Leader
  
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3/23/08
  
Blue and Gold Info
  
Our Blue and Gold committee has been unable to function this past month due to the flu. Therefore, the date, April 4th, maybe changing to either the 11th or the 19th. Yes, the 19th is a Saturday. Troop 110 is holding a canoe event that day at Quarry Lakes. The idea is we would join the troop while holding the B&G event. After the B&G, the Webelos scouts will be able to canoe with an adult. The only requirement is you must know how to swim. I am not sure if the cubscouts are allowed to be in the canoe I think the Webelos are only allowed.
  
IF the B&G is rescheduled, the 4th will be a regular pack meeting. I have a FOS representative coming that day to present the Friends of Scouting campaign to our pack. I sent out information and pledge card to each pack family by US mail in the beginning of this month. I hope all of you have had a chance to review and think about it. You may send in your pledge now or wait to give it to the presenter on the 4th. I need all of our pack families to attend the 4th. Remember, all the money goes to benefit the scouting programs in the Bay Area. Any amount you pledge is greatly appreciated and if we meet our goal of $1200, we will receive discounts to summer camp and other activities for this year.
  
To all the dens leaders, you will need to submit to our advancement chair, Christine O., any completed badges, pin, belt loops, arrow points, etc by the end of this month. You may bring it by this Thursday to my house or give it to Christine directly.
  
Hope all are having a great Easter weekend and break-
  
Yours In Scouting,
  
John Gillen
  
3/23/08
  
Webelos Den Meeting Change This Week
  
Due to the Spring Break this week, the den meeting scheduled for this coming Friday, 28th, is being changed to Thursday, 27th. The meeting place will be at my house, 7-9:30 PM. We will work on the Webelos Badge requirements and also use the time to finish up any activity badges. The Blue and Gold banquet is approaching quickly and I would be nice if all our Webelos scouts receive at least one or two activity badges and or Webelos Badge. I need all scouts to please wear your FULL uniform and BRING your handbook. Review the Webelos Badge requirements in your hand book, pages 48 thru 59. It would be nice if working memorizing the Boy Scout Oath and Law.
  
Scouts: You can work on activity badges requirements at home but the requirements can only be signed off by me or another trained leader. I do encourage you do work a head of time. You may also contact me to make an appointment to have your requirements signed off outside of the den meetings. However, I do require a 24 hour notice.
  
A few scouts, Mike D. and Micheal C. have not been attending meetings in the past few weeks. You both are falling behind and need to catch up with the den. Please try to attend the this week's meeting.
  
Hope all of you had a great Easter weekend and enjoying the long break. See you on Thursday.
  
Yours In Scouting,
  
John Gillen
  
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3/22/08
  
Pack 268, Wolf/Bear Den Meeting #4, March 21, Follow-Up
  
Greetings fellow Scouters
  
We had our fourth Wolf/Bear Den meeting Friday 3/21 at Searles. Here's a brief summary of how it went.
  
Scouts in attendance:
  
Wolf - Aaron S.
Wolf - Brandon W.
Bear - Jonathan A.
  
After the opening flag ceremony and Pledge of Allegiance with the Webelos and announcements from Mr. Gillen, we started our activities geared towards March's theme of "Litter to Glitter".
  
First activity was to read and discuss the "Outdoor Code" (Bears) and the importance of following it to conserve/preserve the natural environment. This goes along with the "Leave No Trace" pledge from last week.
  
Next we played the quiz game "Recycle Run" and had some fun answering the questions about the importance of recycling, Earth Day, and the U.S. government's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
  
Then we discussed the MyPyramid Plan of Nutrition (Wolf Achievement 8a). We talked about the importance of having a healthy balanced diet, and not too much candy, chips, and sugary drinks, and being more active. You can check it out yourself at www.MyPyramid.gov
  
Finally, the scouts learned how to play chess to meet their requirements for the Chess Belt Loop.
  
Currently the scouts are working on the following Belt Loops (parents, please remember to sign off on them before turning them in:
  
Basketball, Baseball, Bicycling, Chess (done today), Citizenship, Collecting, Communicating, Computers, Heritages, Language and Culture, Wildlife Conservation
  
Thank you to Leonard and Winfred for help supervising and for bringing in snacks and refreshments.
  
I do encourage all the parents to sign-off items as Akela in the books before bringing them in for me to sign off...it will speed things up for everyone.
  
PLEASE NOTE: Next meeting will be THURSDAY, March 27 at John Gillen's house. (Searles is closed for the week).
  
The next meeting agenda will be sent in a separate email.
  
Yours in Scouting
  
Roland Wong
Wolf/Bear Den Leader
  
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3/20/08
  
Pack 268, Wolf/Bear Den Meeting, Friday March 21, 630pm
  
Greetings fellow Scouters,
  
Attached is the agenda for the next Wolf/Bear Den meeting to be held this Friday at Searles at 630pm.
  
This meeting will focus on getting achievements and advancements signed off as well as coming up with a skit for the Blue and Gold.
  
(John, can you help out and point me in the right direction for some good ideas???)
  
The theme for this month is "Litter to Glitter" (Conservation and Recycling).
  
Monica and Winfred, if there are any snacks left from last week, let me know and please bring them, I will also bring some myself.
  
Reminder to Vilma, please bring your camera so I can download the Police Dept visit photos...
  
See you all this Friday.
  
Yours in Scouting
  
Roland Wong
Wolf/Bear Den Leader
  
3/20/08
  
Pack 268, Wolf/Bear Den Meeting #3, March 14, Follow-Up
  
We had our third Wolf/Bear Den meeting last Friday 3/14 at Searles. Here's a brief summary of how it went.
  
Scouts in attendance:
Wolf - Aaron S.
Wolf - Brandon W.
Bear - Hector C.
  
After the opening ceremony with the Webelos and announcements from Mr. Gillen, we started our activities geared towards March's theme of "Litter to Glitter".
  
First activity was to recite the "Leave No Trace" pledge and talk about the importance of following it while in the outdoors, while on hikes, etc.
  
Next we discussed the recent trip to the Tri-CED recycling facility and the importance of recycling, as well as all the cool stuff we saw there (Bear Achievement 6c). We also talked about the visit to the Union City Police Department, and each scout wrote a thank you letter to Officer Wu and Leon. (Bear Achievement 18e).
  
Finally, the scouts worked on creating their soda bottle animals, ...we had some wild looking animals!
  
Thank you to Monica and Winfred for bringing in snacks and refreshments. Also, thank you to Monica for bringing in extra materials for the soda bottle animals. Thanks to Aaron's dad Winfred for helping to supervise the boys this time around. (Still looking for an assistant den leader....)
  
I did have some time to sign off achievements in some of the books. I do encourage all the parents to sign-off items as Akela in the books before bringing them in for me to sign off...it will speed things up for everyone. PLEASE NOTE: Have all Belt Loop achievements signed off by this Friday, so we can turn them in, in time to get the awards at the Blue and Gold Banquet.
  
Next meeting will be Friday March 21 at Searles. Jonathan's dad, Leonard, will be bringing in peanut butter sandwiches. I will bring some in some drinks. We will also need to start working on our den's skit for the Blue and Gold banquet.
  
Yours in Scouting
  
Roland Wong
Wolf/Bear Den Leader
  
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3/19/08

Reminder, Den Meetings this Friday, March 21
  
This Friday, 21st, at Searles, 7PM, we will have a Webelos den meeting. We will work on five requirements (Please be prepared to work on 1,4,5,12, and 16) for the Communicator Activity badge. However, seven requirements are needed to finish the badge. For those who are ambitious and want to complete the Communicator badge at the den meeting are welcome to pick and work on two other requirements prior to the meeting. I hope all the Webelos have or will have finished the Engineer badge by next den meeting---one Webelos scout has finished it. You may come early and work on the Engineer badge but the meeting will be focusing on the next badge, Communicator. You can also call me for an appointment during the week to meet with me to sign off requirments, only if you are ready to have me sign off requirements. Please remember, only the Webelos den leader or cubmaster or assistant cubmaster, or den chief can sign you off on the requirements. For our game, we will be working on requirement #1.
  
Our last meeting, held on Friday, 14th, at Searles was a great success. We decided at the last minute to work on the Engineer badge instead of the Showman badge. However, the scouts are still going to perform at the Blue and Gold but instead of doing a play will do several short skits which they had practiced on last meeting. I want to thank all the parents who came and helped the scouts at the meeting---really had a lot of fun building those bridges!!! I especially want to thank Christine O. and Jordon O. for bringing the snacks. For the next meeting, will the Denney Family bring in a snack?
  
Scouts, as always, you must come to the den meetings in full uniform and handbook in hand, ready to have fun and learn. We will also update the advancement roster at the meeting---remember, our advancement chair, Christine O., needs this information to pick up the awards prior to the Blue & Gold. I need all our Webelos scouts to be participating at the meetings. I do understand the scouts have other interests and commitments or become ill and will not be able to make a meeting. For those who have not been meeting for more than one meeting will need to attend this one to keep from getting further behind. I do not want to any scout left behind--we are team and family. Last, the Blue and Gold banquet is less than three weeks away. See you this Friday--
  
Yours In Scouting,
  
John Gillen, Cubmaster
  
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3/12/08
  
Cubmasters Minutes
  
We will still have the Webelos den meeting this Friday, 7PM, at Searles. We will work on skit/play (short) for the Blue and Gold, update roster, game, refreshments and adjourn. As always, please scouts, wear your full uniform and bring your handbook. We only have three weeks left before the Blue and Gold---not a whole lot of time. Also, if any scouts have been working on activity badges over the week[s] and have completed requirements, please bring your work to show--this also includes belt loop/academic pins. Some of you have already completed requirements for many of the activity badges (even rank patch) and don't know it. This meeting will be a good opportunity to find out what you have already done. See you there-
  
Yours In Scouting,
  
John Gillen
  
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3/9/08
  
Cubmasters Minutes
  
I want to thank everyone in making the past meetings and activities possible. Without your help and dedication these events can not happen. I have attached the Cubmasters minutes from the past three weeks---enjoy.
  
I want to remind you that next Friday, 14th, the school will be opened for Den Meetings. I need to have the Webelos meet, (7PM) to work on the Blue and Gold play/skit for their Showman badge and to update the achievement roster it is well over due and the pack's advancement chair will need this information to pick up patches for the Blue and Gold in April. As always, please wear your full uniform, bring your handbooks, and be ready to do some fun work---really fun. Next Saturday, 15th, an outdoor activity held at the BSA Council Headquarters in San Leandro. Tinella C. our committee chair, will coordinate this event. Probably will be meeting at Searles before go.
  
The Webelos and cubscouts who participated in the Union City Police Department Tour, Flag Ceremony Class, and BB Gun Target Shooting, will receive credit for their participation. FYI: For the BB Gun, the Webelos will receive a BB Gun Belt Loop.
  
Yours In Scouting,
  
John Gillen, Cubmaster
  
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3/6/07
  
Police Station Tour
  
Just a friendly reminder of our visit tomorrow, Friday, March 7, 2008 to the Union City Police Dept.
  
As I mentioned at the den meetings last Friday the tour starts promptly at 5:30pm so be there by 5:15pm. At least one parent (acting guardian) is required to accompany each scout or sibling of scout. Per authority, no other guest are approved due to tour location and type.
  
We look forward to a great Pack participation.
  
Tinella Coats
Committee Chair
  
P.S. Attention Pack 268 Webelos Scouts, don't forget the 7:00pm den meeting at Bruce Chan's house following the tour. Also, the agenda for the den meeting is a follows:
  
Citizenship 3/7/08
     Group Lesson: (pg 144-145) #2,3,4,5,6,7,8
     Activity: #9 (How to assist law enforcement), #10 (Visit the Police Station)
     Snack: Vilma will bring cake/ice cream to celebrate Ricardo's birthday
     Game: Wall Climbing (in the Chan's backyard)
  
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3/3/08
  
Pack 268, Wolf/Bear Den Meeting #2, Feb 29, Follow-Up
  
Greetings fellow Scouters,
  
We had our second Wolf/Bear Den meeting last Friday 2/29 at Searles. Attached is a copy of the meeting agenda in pdf format. Here's a brief summary of how it went.
  
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Scouts in attendance:
  
Wolf - Aaron S.
Wolf - Brandon W.
Bear - Hector C.
  
The Flag Ceremony was led by Aaron, and the flags were carried by Hector and Brandon. After the opening ceremony with the Webelos and announcements from Mr. Gillen, we started our activities geared towards February's theme of "Chinese New Year".
  
First activity was the Chinese Zodiac Word Search puzzle during which we discussed the Pledge of Allegiance (Wolf Achievement 2a), the CubScout Promise, the CubScout Law, and the CubScout Motto.
  
Next the boys had fun with the Chopstick Challenge (Bear Achievement 15b). (Cotton balls turned out to be too easy to pick up, so to make thing interesting I challenged them to pick up marbles instead...which they quickly mastered.)
  
Finally, the boys made their own jump ropes (including "whipping" the ends of the rope with tape). (Bear Achievement 22a). They then had a jump rope contest to see how long they could jump rope without stopping. I think Aaron won this one. However, boys being boys, jump-rope quickly turned into tug-of-war, and somehow they came up with jump rope basketball (bundling up the jump-rope into a ball and shooting some hoops...)
  
I did have some time to sign off achievements in some of the books. I do encourage all the parents to sign-off items as Akela in the books before bringing them in for me to sign off...it will speed things up for everyone. Also, with the Blue and Gold coming up, please have as much done as possible in the books in the next couple of weeks to make progress towards ranks.
  
We closed out the meeting with some great trail mix put together by the Webelos and parents. I believe the closing ceremony was led by Rahul, and flags were carried by Aaron and Hector.
  
Thanks to Aaron's dad Winfred for helping to supervise the boys this time around. (Still looking for an assistant den leader....)
  
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PLEASE NOTE: There will be no meeting this coming Friday, March 7. However we will be attending the Union City Police Dept tour at 5:15pm on Friday (full uniforms please, and meet at the police dept parking lot at 515p). The police dept. shares a parking lot with the library. The library's address is 34007 Alvarado Niles Rd. You need to enter from Royal Ann.
  
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Next meeting will be Friday March 14 at Searles. Agenda will emailed prior to the meeting. Theme for March is "Litter to Glitter" Recycling and Conservation. We will also need to start working on our den's skit for the Blue and Gold banquet.
  
Yours in Scouting
  
Roland Wong
Wolf/Bear Den Leader
  
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2/29/08
  
Den Meeting this Friday and other Important Information---please read
  
There is going to be a Webelos Den Meeting this Friday, 29th, Searles, 7PM. Please bring your handbook, be in full uniform, and ready to work on the play for the Blue and Gold in April. We will have a game and refreshments afterwards.
  
Remember, there is a scheduled hike this Saturday, Flag Hill, in Sunol. This is a Trail Trekker Hike, which means you will be awarded a special patch for participating. The hike is 3.5 miles long. We will meet at Searles, 9AM and leave a 9:30AM. Please bring water, sack lunch, trail snack, wear hiking shoes, long pants, long shirt under your pack tee shirt, bring a jacket, and your scout cap. We will return approximately 2PM.
  
IMPORTANT: All pack members, when attending the camp outs being sponsored by the BSA, you will need to fill out a class I and II medical form signed by a physician (You can obtained these forms online from the council website) for each scout and bring a copy of it with you to the camping event. Eventually, we will need to have all the scouts in the pack have a completed medical form filed with the pack. This form is required for all camp outs.
  
See you at the meeting-
  
Yours In Scouting,
  
John Gillen, Cubmaster
  
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2/18/08
  
Minutes and Reminders----all important
  
Last Friday, Pack 268 held another successful Pinewood Derby at Searles Elementary School. Sixteen scouts and their families attended and participated in one of the most important events of Cubscouting, "The Pinewood Derby". All sixteen scouts competed, had fun, and displayed good sportsmanship---thank you!!! Each scout was awarded a participation patch, five scouts won a special award for the Car Show event, and three scouts were awarded 1st, 2nd, and 3rd for the official BSA race. (Murad and Roland, I will need the winner's information from you. Please send it to me as soon as possible, thank you!) I want to thank all who attended and supported this positive and wonderful event. A special KUDOS to those who coordinated and contributed to make this event become a reality. At some point, the parents and leaders will need to discuss the pros and cons of this event, construct a lessen learned list in hopes of making next year's event an even better experience. I have a proposal for next's year Pinewood Derby that I think will be embraced by all.
  
Regarding Dens, as most of you know, the Tiger Den has been formed with it's first meeting this coming Friday, 22nd, being held at Allen T's house. If possible, I need Roland W, our newly trained Cubscout Den Leader, to have a den meeting for the Wolves and Bears this week. For the Webelos, I want to have a Den meeting this Friday to be held at Searles, 7PM-Mike Denney (if you are available), Bruce Chan (if you are available) and myself will be the attending leaders. The meeting will be 1 1/2 hours long and all scouts must be in full uniform, bring their handbooks, and bring any completed work from requirements to show, this includes belt loops and activity pins. At the meeting, we will be focusing on advancements, updating the advancement roster, have a game, refreshments. I have constructed the Den's "First Aid kits", consisting of varies den leader how to books and need to begin using them. I handed out the Wolves First Aid kit to Roland, the Tigers have theirs, and I have the Webelos' and Bears. Once the den meetings are fully operational, the pack meetings will be held either once a month or every other month depending on how successful the den's are on advancements and weekend activities. We have not been very successful on achievements and are behind. This is due in part because one person has been acting leader for all the den's----a BIG reason we need to form Dens and have Den meetings. The advancements need to be fun, creative, and interesting.
  
At some point, we will need to update the pack advancement roster (preferably at each den meeting) before the Blue and Gold event. Jennifer O, the packs Advancement Chair, will need this information to collect the patches, pins, badges, belt loops, so on, to be handed at the Blue and Gold.
  
I was told Mikey D. has completed his Bear rank. He will need to bring his hand book to be reviewed and signed off by a den leader (non-relative).
  
For those who have not done so, please send in your check for the registration and dues for 2008, $82.75. Make checks payable to Pack 268. IF your son has proceeds from the Popcorn fundraiser, you can use the monies for the registration and dues. I need to have Mike D to resend me the spreadsheet regarding the popcorn sales. Thanks-
  
Next weekend, 23rd, there is a scheduled bowling event being held at Mowry Lanes. Those scouts who participate will be awarded the Bowling Belt Loop. Allen T is coordinating this event. Allen please remind everyone about this event, and thank you, Allen for setting this up!!!
  
There is a parent meeting either on the 23rd or 24th of this month to focus on the Blue and Gold planning. Tinella C., our committee chair, is coordinating this meeting. Tinella please remind everyone about the meeting---thank you!!!
  
There is a scheduled hike on March 1st. This is a trial trekker hike, Flag Hill, 3.5 miles long, located in Sunol Regional Wilderness. The trail begins with a challenging incline at start and gradual decline at the end. This hike is tailored for our more experienced scouts but all scouts and their families are welcomed for the challenge and experience. We will have lunch at the half way point and return around 2PM. We will meet at Searles at 9AM and carpool to the hike (9:30AM). I will need to send in a permit to council, which requires a head count, two deep leadership, drivers license and insurance information. I will be soliciting this information at the parents meeting. Attention to all our Webelos scouts: participating in this hike can satisfy some of the requirements for your Forester, Geologist and Naturalist badges.
  
See the Webelos this Friday-
  
Yours In Scouting,
  
John Gillen, Cubmaster
  
2/18/08
  
Centennial Quality Unit Award
  
I just wanted to inform you Pack 268 was awarded the Centennial Quality Unit Award for 2007!!! We were one of the first units to submit the application to council. Many thanks to you for making Pack 268 a quality unit. As part of the award, we are given a ribbon to proudly hang on our pack flag as well as a patch for each scout and leader. Here's looking forward to 2008!!!
  
Yours In Scouting,
  
John Gillen, Cubmaster
  
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Clear up the term "First Aid Kit"
  
As mentioned in the minutes regarding the term "First Aid Kits", this is not referring to the medical realm but rather aiding the cubscout and Webelos leaders in conducting productive den meetings. The kits contain how to books covering all aspects of scouting, games, interactive activities, properly commencing ceremonies, field trip ideas, skits, yells, songs, and so on. UOS last January mentioned and planted the "seed" on this concept with the Scout Shop in San Leandro now selling these kits. I decided to construct them for our needs instead of using theirs since these kits had a lot of "promotional" items mixed in that I did not want or pay for.
  
Regarding the parent meeting, if the word is no meeting this weekend, I propose to have one on this Friday after the Webelos meeting, 8:30PM. The parent meeting is vital to planning the next months activities. The Blue and Gold committee should have a plan in place and begin delegating the work---we have a month and half to complete this. There is a hike next month that requires two deep leadership and a tour permit. The permit requires insurance information from those participating, driving scouts to and from the hike, and signatures from the two leaders conducting the hike--I will be one of the leaders. The completed permit is sent to council minimum one week prior to the hike. We will need one more activity scheduled for next month. As a suggestion, we have not visited a police or fire station, would be nice if we could this. Any takers? Keep the dialogue moving!!
  
Yours In Scouting,
  
John Gillen, Cubmaster
  
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2/12/08
  
Reminders
  
Well most of you know by now our Pinewood Derby event will be held at Searles on Friday, 7PM. All team members and their crew are expected to arrive at 6PM to begin set up. For those not assigned a team, if you can, please drop by to help. The more help we get the faster we can begin the event. If we are ready before 7PM, we should start early. From reading the emails from our teams, the event should be very successful---keep the dialogue going.
  
Just reminding those scouts who are still working on their cars, I will make my garage available after 6PM till Thursday---please call before you come. For those who have completed their car, if not done so, it would be advisable to bring in your car for pre-inspection and weighing. We will be very limited on the day of the race to do repairs, only minor adjustments to weight and wheels. I still have one scout, Carlos J, who has not painted his "Car" on the pinewood derby track storage box---please do this before the race event. By the way, don't throw away you PWD kit boxes, recycle them. They can be used to display your car as well as protect the wheels by cutting slots for the wheels so that the weight of the car will rest on the body rather than on the wheels.
  
I will be awarding the Artist belt loop and activity pins after the PWD race. If there are any scouts who have completed their requirements, please inform me and be ready for questions---still time.
  
Yours In Scouting,
  
John Gillen, Cubmaster
  
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2/7/08
  
REMINDER: Visit to the Tri-CED Recycling Facility This Saturday
  
We have graciously been invited to tour the Tri-CED recycling plant in Union City courtesy of Richard Valle City Council member and CEO of Tri-CED.
  
I've always wondered what happens to the stuff we put in our grey recyclin bins, and now is our chance to find out what happens to all the bottles cans, paper and such we attempt to recycle. How much of what we actually put in there comes back in some other form.
  
The tour is scheduled for Saturday February 9th. at 10am. We will meet a Searle's at 9:30am and caravan over to 33377 Western Ave., Union City arriving there at 9:45. Due to the nature of the tour, industrial zone, big machines etc., we must have 1 adult per child. The tour should last about an hour with a grand finale allowing the boys to get their hands a little dirt in a surprise squiggly/yucky farm.
  
Murad
  
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2/5/08
  
Pinewood Derby: Lubricant for Wheels and Wheels Themselves
  
I need to mentioned to our PWD racing participants, the BSA has rules on what lubricants you may use for the official as well as the unoffical. You may only use dry lubricants such as graphite with molybdenum. As far as the BSA rules for wheels, you may use only the wheels that came with the kits. However, you can prepare the wheels by polishing the bore (the area where wheel spins on the axle), smoothing the tread area of the wheel, and pre-lubrication of the wheel, tapering the wheel hub (the back part of the wheel that touches the body of the car), polishing the inside rim of the wheel, removing spurs on wheel and axle, and polishing the axles. These are examples of what is allowed. What you can not do is reshape the tread area of the wheel such as create a point or hollow out or use one piece axles or bearings or shims.
  
For those who want to, I will make my garage available this Friday (after the meeting) and Sunday (1PM to 4PM). By the way, there will be a meeting on Friday, Searles, 7PM. The meeting, however, will be 1 hour long to focus on the PWD race event. Afterwards, for those who want to, can use my garage to work (till 10PM) on the PWD cars and or paint the "Car" on the PWD track storage box Please have your scouts wear clothes they do not care about---no uniforms. Any scouts who have completed requirements bring your work to the meeting and be organized and ready to answer questions because time will be short. I am planning on handing out arrow points, belt loops, and activities pins along with some other past awards at the PWD race event. This will be good opportunity to update the advancement roster. The Bobcat and rank patches will be awarded at the B & G event.
  
Last, the Tiger Cubs are forming their den and beginning to have den meetings. It would be nice if the Wolves, Bears, and Webelos also began forming their dens. This requires parent involvement. Thanks-
  
Yours In Scouting,
  
John Gillen, Cubmaster
  
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2/3/08
  
Pinewood Derby Race Information, Very Important
  
Last Friday and Saturday, 1st and 2nd, many scouts and their parents took advantage of using my garage to work on their cars and paint their "Car" on the pack's pinewood derby track storage box. I want to thank all who attended, those who gave of their time to help, and those scouts who painted their cars on the PWD storage box---I have 3 scouts left, Quentin R., Hudson C., and Carlos J., who have not painted their "car" design and would like them to do so before the race. I want to give a special thanks to Gordon S., our newest scout, for bringing in homemade treats to share with the scouts on Saturday. Next Friday, 8th, is a scheduled pack meeting. However, I want to solicit your opinion as to how we should use the time since the race is less than 2 weeks away (15th): (FYI: The parent meeting will focus primarily on the Pinewood Derby Race and Blue and Gold and next Saturday, 9th, is the recycling event.)
  
A. Have a regular pack meeting (Searles). which consists of parent meeting, work on achievements, have a game, refreshments and adjourn for the evening (9:30PM). Work on Pinewood cars on Sunday, 10th, at my house. (Time to be determined)
  
B. Have a short pack meeting (Searles), 1 hour long, work on achievements and parent meeting, adjourn for the evening, and for those who wish to, can either continue with parent meeting or come to my garage to work on PW cars till 10PM. I will open my garage to work on cars on Sunday, 10th (Time to be determined)
  
C. No pack meeting, instead work on PW cars from 6PM to 10PM on Friday, 8th, AND if needed, work on cars on Sunday (Time to be Determined). Have parent meeting on Sunday, 10th (Early afternoon, time and place to be determined).
  
I need response from all parents as to choice above as soon as possible. Thank you!!
  
So far, some of our parents have committed to helping the race event---I need more help. Their are many positions open and YOUR help is always appreciated. In addition to handing out the PWD awards after the race, I am debating to hand some past advancement awards as well---time will be the deciding vote. We need race marshals, score keepers, judges, help with decorations, dinner, and awards. I will be bringing the track, scale, and filling in where ever I am needed. We want to make this a very memorable evening for the boys and everyone involved. Please help---one person cannot do it all. If all pitch in and help as one family, the work will be completed on time and be a success.
  
One more thing, I want to remind all our scouts and parents regarding the BSA PWD kits. For the official scout race, the cars must be made from the BSA kits I handed out to each scout. Please use ONLY the parts that came with the kits: pinewood block, axles, and wheels---nothing else--the only exception is the weights, body accessories, and paint. The car: lengths must not be greater than 7 inches, or wider than 2 1/2 inches, or heavier than 5 oz (155.53 grams). There are no BSA height retractions only that the car must be able to past through the track's electronic finish line arch (7 inch max in height). For the unofficial race, you can use any PWD wheels, axles, and wood. However, please do not make the cars longer than 7 inches, wider than 2 1/2 inches, no higher than 7 inches, or heavier than 5 oz.
  
Yours In Scouting,
  
John Gillen, Cubmaster
  
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1/31/08
  
Reminders
  
This Friday, 1st, (6PM to 10PM) and Saturday, 2nd, (1PM to 4PM) I will be opening my garage to those who need to work on their pinewood derby cars. I will also be asking those scouts who have not done so to add their "Car" design to the pack's pinewood derby track storage box, if the space and time to do so is favorable. All scouts, please do not wear your blue uniforms as they may get damaged---wear clothes you do not care about. Please remember to bring your entire car kits and any accessories and weights you will be putting on your car. I will have the scale available for those who are ready to have their cars weighed. For those who do not have weights, I will have some to use. We will not be painting the PW cars at this time, only designing, cutting, sanding, and weighing the cars. I want you, scouts, to paint your car at home.
  
Parents and leaders, we need to plan the race for the 15th. There is a lot to do in a short period of time and need all available help from YOU. Two of my leaders have step forward to help but I need more. I will be asking for your services. We have not had a parent meeting in a long time and need to have one again. Tinella, lets plan on one early next week, time and place to be determined.
  
One leader, Allen T., from the pack has step forward to coordinate the bowling event (time and place TBA)---thank you, Allen!! It has been determined that for each scout who participates will achieve the bowling belt loop. The activity pin requires a little more work.
  
For those scouts who are still working on the Artist belt loop/activity pin, if you have completed the requirements, please bring your work to the meeting this Friday or Saturday. I will look it over and sign you off at the next meeting, February 8th.
  
Feburay, 9th, the pack will attend a recycling plant in Union City. Murad K. is coordinating this and thank him for putting this event together. For those who participate, this event will satisfied some of the requirements for the conservation patch.
  
Last, our Tiger cub leaders, Allen T. and Murad K, are forming a den and will be aggressively looking for more membership in the coming months and begin having den meetings. Their den # will 1. For our wolf, Bear, and Webelos, will need to form dens as well and be aggressive in increasing membership. Den meetings are a proven tool to help boys in their age group to accel faster than they would at the pack meetings, where there are multiple ages to contend with.
  
See you on Friday or Saturday
  
Yours In Scouting,
  
John Gillen, Cubmaster
  
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1/27/08
  
Cubmaster Minutes and Reminders
  
Last Friday, 25th, the pack held it's meeting in my garage to focus on the Pinewood kits. The meeting began at 6:30PM with an incredible turn out: 13 scouts, 2 boys visiting, 2 siblings, with the balance being enthusiastic parents. The attending scouts, with their adult partners, worked on their pinewood cars; some for the very first time and others continuing where they left off. One of the visiting boys, Jordan, 1st grader from Easton Elementary, our newest member now, was given his PW car kit that night. With the help of his dad and mom, he designed, cut, and sanded his car that night. Jordan's dad, Gary, also commanded the scroll saw to help our other scouts cut their cars---many thanks to Gary!! Let's all welcome Jordan and his family to the pack!!! I want to extend many thanks to Murad K. and Ali K. for making sandwiches and sharing them with the pack. Thank you both!! I am looking for another family to bring refreshments at the next pack meeting which will be Feburary 8th, Friday, and held at Searles. Do not want to forget, Max and Rahul, from Pack 110, attended our meeting and donated refreshments for the meeting. Thank you both as well!!!
  
The next opportunity to work on the PW cars will be Friday and Saturday, Feb 1st and 2nd, in my garage. For those who wish to attend Friday, I will open my doors at 6:30PM and close at 10PM. You will have the opportunity to design, cut, sand, and weight your cars at that time. Saturday will be a carbon copy of Friday, only the doors will open at 1PM and close at 4PM.
  
For those scouts who have not added their "Car" design to the pack's PW derby track storage box will have the opportunity to do so this coming Friday and Saturday. I sincerely apologize for those who came last Friday to do this but could not due to the unforeseen circumstances. Hopefully, this coming weekend will be more favorable. Please, all scouts who do attend either Friday or Saturday, please wear your pack tee shirts, do not wear the blue uniform. Thank you!!!
  
Also, if there are Webelos (and cubsouts) who have completed requirements for Activity pins/Belt loops and or a badge, I will be happy to look it over. One of our Webelos, Quentin, who attended last Friday's meeting completed some requirements but I failed to give my complete attention to focus on his work---I am sorry. I was overwhelmed by the attendance at the meeting. However, I do anticipate the attendance to be more manageable on Friday and Saturday. I do not want my scouts to think I do not care about their progress or accomplishments, I do care. This is one of the reasons I need more trained leaders in the pack to help with the load. I am also looking into acquiring a den chief for the pack. A den chief is a boy scout who is a fully BSA trained leader with the willingness to help the cubmaster and or den leaders with the meetings. The den chief is a valuable resource for the pack.
  
Which brings me to the University of Scouting held last Saturday, 26th. The pack now has four newly trained leaders, Roland W., Christine O., Murad K., and Allen T. All, including yours truly, attended UOS and enjoyed it immensely. I want to congratulate them for taking time out of their busy day to attend and get trained---thank you all!!! Most of the our newest leaders are looking forward to next year's UOS. The pack still has some registered parents who need to be trained. There will be other opportunities in the coming months for training so please keep this in mind. 90% of our registered parents must be trained by the end of the year. For the new leaders, remember to keep your receipts, the pack will reimburse you for your training expenses.
  
During my attendance at UOS, I was informed there are more boys who are interested in joining our fine pack. So, naturally I gave out my contact information; don't be surprised if we grow exponentially this year. We are in need of 1st graders. These are the boys who will keep the pack going. Please keep spreading the word about scouting, I can't do it alone. Roland W. just informed me of what his son, Brandon, did at his class last week. He spread the news about scouting by bringing in his PW car to show. Apparently, he had sparked a lot of interest in scouting. Way to go Brandon!!!
  
Last, I need a parent or parents to coordinate a bowling event on a Saturday some time next month. Murad K. has been coordinating the recycling event---thank you, Murad. Still waiting on a date and time though. Also, next month, weather permitting, we will have our first Trail Trekker Hike, Flag Hill. This is somewhat of a challenging hike and is recommended for our older experienced scouts.
  
Remember our next pack meeting will be on Friday, February 8th, 6:30PM, at Searles multipurpose room. All scouts must wear their full uniform and bring in their hand books. I will bring the scale to weight the PW cars but there will no wood working done on school premises. We can do some minor surgery but no cutting, painting, or sanding. We may be able to install the wheels, align the wheels, and glue the axles in place.
  
Next Saturday, I understand is the Monster Truck event being coordinated by Roland W. Thank you Roland for coordinating this. Take many pictures to share with the pack.
  
See you next week-
  
Yours In Scouting,
  
John Gillen, Cubmaster
  
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1/20/08
  
Cub Scout and Webelos Summer Camp Information
  
The cubscout and Webelos summer camp information and registration is approaching for 2008. I have attached the information for your review (see council cub scout camping webpage). Please keep in mind, these are week long, day only or camping only, events. These events are awesome opportunities for parents, leaders, cubscouts and Webelos to have fun, make friends, learn new games, do activities, earn achievements towards rank, learn how to shoot a BB gun and an arrow, compete with other dens, experience camping, etc etc. These camps are a lot of fun and self rewarding. I hope all of our scouts in the pack will be able to participate. Please keep close attention to the, rules of leader/parent to scout ratios, due dates for registration and when camp is available. For every 8 boys who attend camp, the first two leader's registration fees are waived. Also, if your scout has money in his account, he can use it towards registration. AND if our pack reaches or exceeds it's goal ($1200) for Friends of Scouting, we will get an additional discount on our registration for summer camp. And last, as of part of the summer requirements for the pack, could receive a Summer Time Award for attending camps, which we have not received in 3 years.
  
Yours In Scouting,
  
John Gillen, Cubmaster
  
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1/19/08
  
Pinewood Derby Kit Building Day Change
  
Due to low interest for this Saturday to work on the Pinewood Derby kits, it has been suggested instead to have our regularly scheduled pack meeting on the 25th at Searles to work on the PWD kits that evening at my house (garage). The time will be 6 to 10 PM. The meeting will open and close with a regular flag ceremony. If there are any boys who have completed requirements (especially our Webelos), bring them with you to show, however, I cannot guarantee I will be able to spend time reviewing them but I will make an effort. Regarding building the kits, we will use the time to cut, sand, and weigh the cars only. Important: If your car will include accessories, please bring them, as this will add weight to the car. I would like all of our scouts to please have their design drawn on the pinewood block by the beginning of the meeting on the 25th. Also, scouts, the uniform will be the pack tee shirt, blue jeans, and your hat, please do not wear the blue uniforms. Refreshments will be provided by some of our parents. One last item for the PWD cars, I need each scout to think of a name for their car.
  
In addition to the cars, I will be asking those scouts who did not get a chance to add their "car" to the pack's PWD track storage box to do so at that time. This involves using paints, so I ask that those scouts please wear clothes they do not care about. The scouts I have who have not added their car design are Quentin R, Stanley T, Aaron S., Devadath N, Hudson C., Jordan O, and Carlos J,. It would be nice if these scouts could add their "car" before the PWD race on the 15th.
  
Last, we will be collecting the recharter and pack dues this Friday. Three families have paid already, Stanley T., Roland W, and Ali K.. The total for both recharter and dues is $82.75, payable either by check (Pack 268), or cash or if your scout has money earned from the popcorn proceeds, he can use that money as well. Our treasurer, Mike Denney, will be attending this Friday and collecting. Thank you for your help.
  
I still have a few scouts left who have not reimbursed me for the rockets last October. Those scouts are Jordan O. $5, and Juan and Hector C. $14. I would like to finalize this by our next meeting.
  
Important Note: Four scouts participated on Saturday to begin building their cars. The process of cutting took longer than anticipated. Depending how many attend the meeting and in what stage their car is in and or how complex the design is, will determine if the 4 hours given will be enough time to cover the entire meeting agenda and those who need the help. If you have the means to cut the blocks, please do so before the meeting. This will free up time for those who do not have the means.
  
I hope to see a great turn out at the meeting this coming Friday. Reminder to our new leaders, this coming Saturday, 26th, is University of Scouting. I hope all of our new leaders and old are planning on attending. This event is all day from 8AM to 4PM. Online registration is available. Please complete Youth Protection and Fast Start (cubscout version) before the event. Remember to keep your receipts for reimbursement of tuition.
  
Yours In Scouting,
  
John Gillen, Cubmaster
  
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1/17/08
  
Pinewood Derby Group Mtg. Replay from the Cubmaster
  
Tinella, thanks for emailing everyone regarding this Saturday's event (1/19/08). I do have tools to the job but not a lot them, and therefore, there will be some waiting and sharing depending on how many show up and one what time. The other point I would like to mentioned is the time window, 9 to 1PM, will be cutting into lunch. I will provide refreshments, but unfortunately, I can't provide the lunch. My wife will be busy with my son's birthday party offsite at that time. Lunch will have to be everyone's responsibility, sorry. Besides working on the car kits that day, I would like, if time permits, to have those scouts who have not added their "car" decoration to the pack's Pinewood Derby Storage Box, to please do so this Saturday. If this deems not possible, than I would like to invite those scouts to come back on the 2nd to add their "car". Last, the painting of the PWD cars will be done at home where the scouts will have amble and relaxing time to spend on decorating their cars. We will use this Saturday to design, cut, sand, weigh, and add weight to the cars, if needed. IF there is enough requests, there will be another opportunity on the 2nd. I will bring the pack scale to the meetings for those who wish to build the cars on their own. One more request, I do not have a lot of weights to give out. IF you can, please bring in your own weights. You can purchase these from any hobby shop, scout shop, or craft shop who sell BSA official Pinewood Derby products. I do not recommend using any other type of weights accept possibly using small brass or steel wood screws #2 or smaller. One more important request, please, all scouts wear clothes you do not care about getting damaged. Thanks again, Tinella, for spreading the news!!
  
Yours In Scouting,
  
John Gillen
  
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1/13/08
  
Cubmaster Minutes
  
Last Friday the pack held it's first meeting at Searles for the new year. Fourteen scouts attended, one from Pack 20, one from Pack 110, one from Troop 176, one from Troop 110, and 10 from our pack. Jonathon from Pack 20, has been a regular attendee, participating and contributing much to our activities. Rahul from Pack 110, has also been a regular attendee, also participating and contributing, completed his Webelos badge at our meeting. His Arrow of Light journey is now half way complete. Keep up the good work!!! Arjun, from Troop 176 and friend of Rahul, is a former cubscout from Pack 268 and received his Arrow of Light award (The highest award in cubscouting) and bridged over to the Boy Scouts last Spring. Since Arjun has been a Boy Scout, he accomplished two ranks, Scout and Tenderfoot, and is currently working the next rank, Second Class---keep up the good work, Arjun!! Glenn, from Troop 110 and a former cubscout and graduate from Pack 268, offered his services to be the a Den Leader for the pack that night---thank you Glenn!!! We welcomed all our guest last Friday. After our opening flag ceremony, I handed out the Pine Wood Derby kit and discussed the rules and dates of the race event. The race will be held at Searles, on February 15th, Friday. The race event will begin at 7PM and will be setting up at 6:30PM. I will adult help in setting up, coordinating the awards, preparing the food, so on. For the race, we will need score keeper, race Marshals, and inspectors. The food will be potluck. There will be BSA official and unofficial race. The official race will be scouts only and the unofficial race will be Adults and Siblings. Prior to the race and after all the cars have been inspected and registered, we will stage the cars for judging. The categories will be Fastest Looking, Weirdest, Slowest looking, Most Creative, and Best Looking. The official race will determine overall 1st, 2nd, and 3rd winners. These winners will be announced at the end of the race but will be given their awards at the Blue and Gold. The Unofficial race will also determine 1st, 2nd, and 3rd overall and those winners will be announced but will be awarded at the end of the race. Food will be served during the awards. I hope PWD race will be a BIG success. Remember the more scouts, adults, and siblings, who participate, the more exciting race will be. IF there is any families who do not have the means to build these cars, please let me know. I have the means and be willing to offer my services. IF there are a lot of you, then we should reserve a Saturday. Please let me know. Do not wait to the last minute to inform me, please. Also, if you make a mistake that you can't fix or have lost a part, the pack has lots of spare parts, wheels, axles, and wood blocks, you can use. Please do not go out and buy a new kit. Last, there are PWD pre cut kits being sold at hobby shops, craft shops, and uniform shops, please do not buy these kits. They include illegal axles and wheels. The unofficial kits can be used in adult and sibling races only. There is a company PWD Extreme located in MO, that is selling kits with pre cut bodies ranging prices from $8 to $16. These kits use the BSA official parts but take away the purpose and creativity. I would not recommend using them. If you really want to use them, you are welcome to, and can use the cars in the official race.
  
After the PWD discussion, we broke up into two teams of 5 with two adult male volunteers to do our game of hang man. The male volunteers each had a bag of women's clothes. Each male volunteer was assigned to a team. Each team was given a series of questions that came from the cubscouting. IF a team did not answer a question correctly, adult volunteer had to put on an article of clothing. Once a volunteer was completely dressed, the game was over and the team with the fully dressed volunteer where the losers. The winning team was awarded prizes, in this case, Team 2. Thanks to all adult male volunteers for being good sports. Thank you guys!! Everyone had a great time.
  
The month of January will be used to work on the PWD cars. We are currently planning a bowling event and a tour at the Union City recycling plant next month. (I am looking for coordinators to plan these. Allen T. has step forward for the tour need someone for the bowling). The bowling event will satisfy some of the requirements for the bowling belt loop. Also, in March, we will have our first hike for the month. This will be a Trail Treker Hike, Flag Hill, and will be a hike designed for our older more experienced scouts. All scouts are welcomed to attend but please keep in mind this is a challenging hike.
  
We will need to begin planning the Blue and Gold event. As some of you know, this event requires lots of time to prepare.
  
I would like to remind all the scouts in the pack to continue working on their rank achievements. One of our new scouts, Ali, has completed his Bobcat Trail and one belt loop---good job Ali!!! Please complete the Artist Belt loop and Activity Pin and bring in your work for review. You are always welcome to work on more belts loop and activity pins but remember to bring in your work to show me especially the Weblelos. The requirements for the belt loops and activity pins are located on the BSA website.
  
Our next pack meeting will be held on January 25th, Friday, at Searles, 6:30PM. Please visit our Pack Website from time to time. Check our the members section and let us know if there are any errors to correct.
  
Yours In Scoutijg,
  
John Gillen, Cubmaster
  
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1/7/08
  
Important Announcements
  
This coming Thursday, 10th, at 7PM, there is a scheduled Round Table Meeting at the LDS Church in Fremont, 810 Walnut (courner of Walnut and Gallaudet). I am planning on attending and welcome you to attend with me. Also, I just received the new membership cards for 2008. I will be handing them out at this Friday's meeting. As always, spread the word about the cubscouting and the pack. And, don't forget, registering for University of Scouting (January 26th) is still open. If you can attend, I strongly suggest signing up for your training as soon as possible. See you this Friday-
  
Yours In Scouting,
  
John Gillen, Cubmaster
  
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1/5/08
  
Pack Meeting Next Friday
  
The month of January will be used to plan and build the cars for the upcoming Pinewood Derby Race (February 15th). Lets start the new year off with a good turn out at the meeting next Friday, 11th. The meeting will be at Searles and begin at 6:30PM. We will work on achievements, do a game, hand out the Pinewood Derby kits and discuss procedures in building the cars. We will need to begin planning the Derby Race as well. I hope all scouts have completed or will complete the Artist Belt loop/Activity pin by next meeting. So far, I have two scouts who have completed the requirements. All Webelos scouts please complete the Citizen badge by next Friday. All of our new scouts please complete the Bobcat Trail by next meeting. Our Blue and Gold event is approaching (April 4th) and I want all of our Webelos scouts to have completed their Webelos badge by then and our new scouts to have completed the Bobcat Trail. As always, scouts please wear your full uniform and bring your hand books to next weeks meeting!!!!
  
We need to collect the pack dues ($60) and recharter fees ($22.75) from all of our parents for the 2008 year. Cash and checks are accepted. (Make Checks payable to Pack 268). If your scout has money in his account, you may use the funds towards the dues and or recharter fees (PLs see Mike Denney) . There is also a few scouts whom I have not collected for the Rocket Jamboree last October---I will collect that next meetings.
  
I am currently trying to plan a Saturday event in January to visit the Tri City Recycling plant in Union City. Will keep you posted.
  
Last, January 26th, Saturday, will be University of Scouting and held at the Foot Hill High School in Pleasanton (See attachment). I hope all of our new and old leaders will be attending this event. New leaders: this is an opportunity to be fully trained in one day (make sure you have complete Youth Protection and Fast Start prior to the event, do this online www,sfbac.org). Please remember, the pack needs trained leaders to function. I know some of you have registered and but there are a few who haven't---please do so. You can register online (See attachments) The pack will reimburse you for the registration fees---keep your receipts.
  
I hope all of you had a restful and cheerful holiday season. Happy New Year!!!
  
Yours In Scouting,
  
John Gillen, Cubmaster
  
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1/2/08
  
Pack 268 Upcoming Event Reminders
  
Our next pack meeting will be, Friday, January 11th, 6:30PM. This will be a very important meeting as I will be handing out the Pinewood Derby Kits. I will expect all scouts to attend this meeting. I believe there will be a special guest attending too. The Pinewood Race will be held on February 15th.
  
Last meeting, not many scouts completed the Artist Belt Loop or pin. I will expect all scouts to complete by next meeting. Please bring in your completed forms and any work you did at that time. All Webelos scouts must have completed the Citizen badge by end of January. Please bring your handbooks and any work you did to February's meeting. By the way, I have attached the Artist belt loop and academic pin requirements.
  
Last, Mike D. needs to collect all pack dues and membership renewal for 2008. The dues this year will be $60 and the scouting membership renewal is $22.75, $10 for membership and $12.75 for Boys Life. IF your scout has money in his account, you may use this towards the dues and membership renewal (See Mike Denney). Please make checks payable to Pack 268. Thank you!!!
  
Last, January 26th, is University of Scouting or UOS. I would like to see all of our new leaders and registered parents to attend this worth while event. This is a great opportunity to learn about scouting and what has to offer your son and you. The pack will reimburse you for the fees and your lunch if your purchase it there (keep your receipts). Just a little incentive to keep in mind. I will be there. For your convenience, I have attached the UOS forms and catalogue.
  
Merry Christmas!!!
  
Yours In Scouting,
  
John Gillen, Cubmaster
  
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12/17/07
  
Reminder: Christmas Party this Wednesday, 19th
  
Just wanted to remind you this coming Wednesday, 19th, the pack will be guests at a Christmas party hosted by Troop 110. The celebration will begin at 6:30PM and be held at the Contempo Recreation building next to the Contempo Park in Union City on Meteor Drive. All are invited. Dinner will be potluck and each participating family is encouraged to contribute to the dinner by bringing either a side dish or dessert or main dish. If the first letter of your last name is A - L, please bring an appetizer/dessert, and for M - Z, please bring a main or side dish. There will be entertainment, games, and a gift exchange contest. The only rule for the contest is each participant must bring in a wrapped gift valued between $5 to $10. There will be other prizes awarded during the party. Cubscouts please wear your uniform and accent them with some Christmas cheer. I hope to see you there. If not, please have a safe and joyous holiday break.
  
Merry Christmas!!!
  
Yours In Scouting,
  
John Gillen, Cubmaster
  
Directions: Taker Dyer Street (N or S) to Meteor Drive, (East), follow Meteor till you come to the club house, will be on your right just past the Contempo Park.
  
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12/13/07

Pack 268 Upcoming Event Reminders
  
I hope the holiday season is finding everyone in good spirits and health. This Saturday, 15th, the pack will be hosting a Christmas caroling event to the elderly at an assisted living community in Union City. Jennifer R. is coordinating this event. We are to meet at the Searles parking lot at 6PM. All scouts must wear their full uniform, a smile, and some Christmas spirit. All parents please wear the pack tee shirt. Christmas cards have been made and will be handed out during the caroling. Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend, I have a commitment that evening. Please take pictures!!!
  
Next Wednesday, 19th, the pack will be guests at a Christmas party hosted by Troop 110. Dinner will be a potluck, therefore, the troop is asking each attending family to please contribute to the Christmas feast. All families with last names beginning with letters A - L, please bring an appetizer or dessert, and M - Z, please bring a main or side dish. There will be a gift exchange contest. Each participating scout and or sibling must bring a gift to play. The gift must be between $5 to $10 and must be wrapped. The troop will be awarding some special prizes during the party as well. The event will begin at 6:30PM and be held at the Contempo Club house on Meteor Drive (Next to Contempo Park in Union City). Set up will begin at 6PM. Please, all scouts wear your uniform. You are encouraged to accent your uniforms with some Christmas cheer. I hope to see all of you there. All guests are welcomed. This is also a great opportunity for scouts to bring a friend.
  
Last, Mike Denney is coordinating an event happening on December 28th at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, entitled "Walking with the Dinosaurs: The Live Experience". The event will begin at 7:30PM. All orders must be in by 5PM Monday, 17th. Please let Mike Denney know if you are interested in attending, his number is (510) 477-0767. I have attached the form.
  
Our next pack meeting will be, Friday, January 11th, 6:30PM. This will be a very important meeting as I will be handing out the Pinewood Derby Kits. I will expect all scouts to attend this meeting. I believe there will be a special guest attending too. The Pinewood Race will be held on February 15th.
  
Last meeting, not many scouts completed the Artist Belt Loop or pin. I will expect all scouts to complete by next meeting. Please bring in your completed forms and any work you did at that time. All Webelos scouts must have completed the Citizen badge by end of January. Please bring your handbooks and any work you did to February's meeting. By the way, I have attached the Artist belt loop and academic pin requirements.
  
Last, Mike D. needs to collect all pack dues and membership renewal for 2008. The dues this year will be $60 and the scouting membership renewal is $22.75, $10 for membership and $12.75 for Boys Life. IF your scout has money in his account, you may use this towards the dues and membership renewal (See Mike Denney). Please make checks payable to Pack 268. Thank you!!!
  
Last, January 26th, is University of Scouting or UOS. I would like to see all of our new leaders and registered parents to attend this worth while event. This is a great opportunity to learn about scouting and what has to offer your son and you. The pack will reimburse you for the fees and your lunch if your purchase it there (keep your receipts). Just a little incentive to keep in mind. I will be there. For your convenience, I have attached the UOS forms and catalogue.
  
Merry Christmas!!!
  
Yours In Scouting,
  
John Gillen, Cubmaster
  
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12/2/07
  
Cubmaster Minutes
  
Greetings Scouters,
  
Last Friday, Nov 30th, the pack held two meetings at Searles, one scouts and the other for parents. Ten scouts attended the pack meeting while ten parents attended the parent meeting conducted by the committee chair, Tinella C---thank you, Tinella. The pack was visited by 4 boys, 3 in fourth grade and 1 in sixth grade. All four boys are friends of Richardo P., a member of the pack---thank you, Richardo, for spreading the news!!! Of the 4, 2 promised they would come back and join our pack. The sixth grader, unfortunately, was too old for the pack but is interested in joining Troop 110. A uniform inspection was held and consumed most of the meeting but managed to have a game and work on achievements before ending the meeting. After our closing ceremony, the scouts enjoyed refreshments. Last Saturday, Dec 1st, there was district cubscout leader specific training for Cubmaster, Tiger, Wolf, Bear, and Webelos. Two of our newest leaders, Mike D, and Allen T. attended the training. Thank you!!! I attended the training as an instructor for the Tiger leader portion.
  
For December, we will have a Christmas Caroling event coordinated by Jennifer Rasmussen held on Saturday, 15th, more details to follow. December, 19th, Wednesday, the pack is invited as guests to the annual Troop 110 Christmas party. The event will begin at 6PM. Mike Denney is coordinating an event being held at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, 7:30PM, on December 28th, entitled "Walking With Dinosaurs, The Live Experience" (See the attached flyer) He needs a head count as soon as possible by the 17th. Ticket prices are $44 and $30, depended on location. It would be nice if we did this as a group.

There will be a pack meeting this Friday, 7th, at Searles, 6:30PM. The meeting replaces Dec 14th due to the school having a Christmas party that night. Rechartering for the pack was completed last week by our recharter representative, Jo H.---Thank you Jo!!!!. One hundred percent of the pack members renewed their membership for 2008---thank you!!! And for renewing on time, we will receive 2008 quality award. Congratulation, guys!!!
  
Some of our scouts participating in the 100th Anniversary Logo Contest. We wish you guys all the luck and thank you for the effort!!
  
Yours In Scouting,
  
John Gillen
Cubmaster, Pack 268
  
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11/29/07
  
Reminder---Pack Meeting this Friday
  
This Friday, 30th, is a scheduled pack meeting. As always, I will be setting up at 6:30PM and welcome help. After the opening flag ceremony, the boys will begin working in their handbooks and the parents will be sent to another room to plan Decembers events, discuss the pack, begin planning the Pinewood Derby and Blue and Gold event, so on. I will be with the boys but plan on dropping in from time to time. Tinella will conduct the parent meeting. I need all parents to attend this meeting and be prepared to give input and help. I will need to have the achievement roster for cubscouts updated at the meeting. Also the insurance roster updated as well. Thanks. Last, to all are new registered parents, there will be training for all cubscout leaders this Saturday, 1st, from 9 to 12PM. The meeting will be held at the LDS church on Galdudet and Walnut in Fremont---I will be there.
  
Regarding the meeting this Friday, I will expect all the boys to have their full uniform on and have their handbooks with them ready to work but have fun working. I do hope all scouts have completed the Artist belt loop/activity pin by the meeting. However, the Webelos will need to show me their work.
  
Be aware, I may have a uniform inspection. For those scouts who pass will receive a patch at the Blue and Gold, the most complete scout will receive an award. I will be grading on, scout shirt with patches in right places, belt, neckerchief, slide, blue jeans, hat, socks and shoes, grooming, and spirit.
  
Our rechartering packet has been completed and will be submitted to our commissioner this Friday for delivery to council. I want to give a big applause to our recharter representative Jo H. for volunteering her time to complete the updates and do the online registration for the pack---Thank you!!. The total cost for registering the pack was $454.00, 17 youths, 6 registered adults ($60), and 4 multiple adults ($0, those members who are registered with another unit). I will need to collect registration fees for each boy ($22) and pack dues for 2008 $60 (increase of $10) by the end of this year---thank you!!!. The pack pays for the adults. Please make checks out to Pack 268. If your scout sold popcorn, you can use the proceeds he received to pay for the fees and or dues, however, please inform Mike D. our pack treasurer.
  
Last, the 100th anniversary logo contest is nearing it's end, this Friday all artwork must be sent to out. You can send it electronically (fastest). Along with the artwork, you must include an essay (included in registration form), 100 words or less, explaining your design of how illustrates the scouting spirit. All the rules and addresses are posted on the pack and BSA websites. (I have included the rules with this email.) I have two scouts who have participated and sent out their designs---I hope there are more. Remember, to please send me a copy of the artwork and essay. Good luck!!!
  
Yours In Scouting,
  
John Gillen, Cubmaster
  
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11/25/07
  
Cubmaster Minutes
  
It has been several weeks since my last letter to all of you regarding the tremendous participation and spirit of the pack. On November 10th, the pack assisted Troop 110 in placing announcements on doors of our residents explaining our quest to collect food items for the less fortunate of our community and then collecting the food items the following weekend of the 17th. Allen and Angela T., of pack 268, offered their home as the drop off point for sorting, counting, and packaging of the food items collected--thank you both for your generosity. In all, a total of 12 cubscouts participated in this great cause. We collected over 1120 cans and celebrated our accomplishment over lunch at Mountain Mikes. In addition to the celebration, to sweeten the event, we conducted a contest, exclusive to scouts and siblings, of guessing how many cans where collected. There where 2 scouts and one sibling whose guess came the closest, 1st place, Richardo P, 2nd place, Patricia H, and 3rd place, Alvin F.. Everyone had a great time. I want to thank all for taking time our their busy days to help make a difference. Your kindness never goes unrewarded.
  
On November, 16th, the pack held a regular meeting. The scouts worked on the Artist belt loop/Activity pin and the National Logo Contest. The pack was visited by two scouts from two different packs, 110 and 20. Rahul, from pack 110, and Jonathon, from pack 20. Both where impressed by our spirit and wanted to join in. Rahul is a Webelos II scout working on his Arrow of Light and Jonathon is working on his Bear. They have requested, with enthusiasm, if they can join our pack meetings from to time---our doors are always open.
  
Sunday, the 17th, was a scheduled parent meeting but was cancelled due to conflicts and the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. The meeting was rescheduled the following Sunday, 25th. On Thanksgiving Day, scouts from Troop 110, Packs 263, 110, 414, and 268, and the girl scouts, along with parents and leaders handed out Thanksgiving dinners to the needy and lonely. I do not have an estimate of how many dinners where delivered by the scouts but I would imagine it was well over 100. Dinners were delivered from San Leandro to Fremont. Everyone who came came with such enthusiasm and eagerness, the spirit of giving was clearly profound---thank you all. Yours truly, along with 3 scouts and 1 other leader, were accompanied by reporters from the Argus, interviewing members of Troop 110 on this annual selfless unconditional community service the troop has participated in many years. Mike Magno has been the liaison between the troop and LOV Newark, the nonprofit organization that conducts this wonderful service for the poor and lonely community, since the troop has participated. Thank you, Mike!!!
  
Going back in time to November, 3rd, Saturday, the pack hosted a decorating party at the cubmaster's house to decorate our Pinewood Derby track storage box. Six scouts participated and did an awesome job. The decoration included a race track, race cars, finish and starting line, along with the pack unit number. Each scout painted a car on the track and signed his artwork. However, it is not finished, we need the rest of our scouts to include their car on the track. The next opportunity will be announced.
  
Rechartering has begun. Our recharter representative, Jo Hendee., is doing are rechartering for the pack. The basic premise of rechartering is to renew membership of the next year. This involves checking addresses, names, phone numbers, and collecting dues. This is a cumbersome job and requires cooperation from all our members to make it successful. In addition to rechartering, registered parents and leaders are required to update their training. The rechartering process will end on the 30th. The pack will be rewarded with quality unit patch but this one will be a commemorative honoring 100 years of scouting. Let's make Pack 268 and quality unit by completing our registration by the 30th and completing our training by the end of this year.
  
Our next pack meeting will be the 30th, Friday, 6:30PM. There will be parent meeting also that night. Please note, the pack meeting scheduled for the 14th is moved to the 7th due to school party that night.
  
Yours In Scouting,
  
John Gillen, Cubmaster

11/25/07

Meeting this Friday, 30th, Searles Elementary School, 6:30PM and Reminders
  
Reminding all that this coming Friday, 30th, at 6:30PM, we will have regular pack meeting AND have a parent meeting. The pack meeting will be focusing on achievements---scouts must bring in their handbooks. Also, I may have a uniform inspection, therefore, it is imperative all scouts must wear their full uniform. Each scout will be graded on completeness of their uniform, patches, shirt, pants, spirit, and grooming. Prizes will be given for the best scout[s]. Patches will be given those scouts who pass the test.
  
I hope all scouts from last meeting have completed or will have completed their Artist belt loop/activity pin by the this meeting. Also, for those scouts who are going to compete in the National Logo Contest, the due date is nearing, 30th. Please make sure you have read all the rules of the contest and have met them. The rules are posted on the pack website and on the council website, www.sfbac.org. Please make sure you have taken a picture of your design and your essay before you send it out. We will post it on the pack website.
  
For the parent meeting, Sunday's meeting was cancelled again due to unexpected circumstances, and rescheduled for the this Friday, 30th, 7PM, at Searles Elementary School. I will reserve a classroom for the meeting. Tinella will conduct the meeting and will need all parents and leaders present to make this a successful meeting. The meeting will focus on planning December's events and meetings, and begin planning Pinewood Derby and Blue and Gold events. I will be "poping" my head in and out from time to time to see if there is any questions for me or just general input.
  
This coming Saturday, 1st, will be cubscout specific training for leadership roles in the cubscouting realm at the LDS church in Fremont (corner of Guldadet and Walnut). I would recommend all of our new leaders attend this. In order for our pack to be awarded the Centennial Quality Award, we need all of our new leaders trained!!! I know some of you do not have your membership cards yet but you can still take the courses. You will receive a certificate once you complete the course. You will need to take Youth Protection and Fast Start prior to Saturday's training. You can do this online - Online Leader Training - http://olc.scouting.org/.
  
See you at the meeting
  
Yours In Scouting,
  
John Gillen, Cubmaster
  
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11/16/07
  
Greetings Scouters
  
This Friday, 16th, there will be a regular pack meeting at Searles, 6:30PM. We will be working on achievements. I need all scouts to please wear their full uniform and bring their hand books. As mentioned, there may be a uniform inspection at the meeting. All scouts who achieve a score higher than 50 points will receive a patch at the Blue and Gold. The best score will receive a cool prize.
  
Also, this Saturday, 17th, is the final phase of Scouting For Food. We will meet at Searles at 9AM to form groups, hand out assignments, exchange phone numbers, etc. We will begin picking up the non perishable food items from residents at around 9:30AM. All scouts must be in full uniform including the leaders. All parents please wear the pack tee shirt.
  
*** As an incentive, we will have a contest at the end of the Scouting for Food event. All scouts (troop and pack) and siblings are invited to participate and make a guess as to how many food items we collected. The three whose guess comes closest to the actual amount will receive a prize. The prizes will be given out at the lunch. All those scouts who participated in collecting, sorting, and counting the food items, and or handing out the door hangers the previous Saturday, will receive a patch and service hours for their effort (but most important lets not forget to mention the reward of doing a good turn).
  
This Sunday, 18th, at Mike Denney's house, we will be having our first parent meeting to plan the activities in December. The meeting will begin at 2PM and end around 4. Tinella, our committee chairperson, will conduct the meeting and will need all available parents and leaders to attend.
  
On Thanksgiving Day, 22nd, we will help LOV Newark hand out turkey dinners to the needy and lonely for the holiday season. Those who are participating must meet at the the Newark Pavilion on Thornton Ave at 10:45AM sharp. All scouts must wear their full uniform and be accompanied by an adult guardian or parent (21 or older). The details of the event have been posted on the pack website.
  
Due to a very short December month and loosing a Friday, Dec 14, to a school party, we will have a pack meeting on November 30th and December 7th, Friday, at Searles, 6:30PM. This will again be a regular meeting working on rank stuff and caroling. Always try to make the meetings fun though.
  
Important---Jennifer, our popcorn coordinator, will be handing out the popcorn and collecting money at the meeting this Friday.
  
FYI: For those who need a pack tee shirt, I have new shirts and will have them available at this Friday's meeting for purchase. The cost has increased by $1 to $9 a shirt. Please make checks out to "Pack 268". Cash also welcomed.
  
Last, Troop 110 has invited Pack 268 to attend a Christmas Party on December 19, Wednesday, at the Contempo Commons Club House on Meteor Drive in Union City. More Details to follow.
  
As always, please spread the word about scouting and the pack. We always looking for new members join our growing pack family.
  
See you all the meeting this Friday
  
Yours In Scouting,
  
John Gillen
Cubmaster
  
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11/11/07
  
Greeting Scouters
  
This coming Friday, 16th, at Searles, 6:30PM, there will be a regular pack meeting. I want all scouts to be prepared for a possible uniform inspection. Also, since we will be working on achievements, all scouts must bring in their handbooks.
  
As you know last Saturday began the annual Scouting For Food event. Five cubscouts from our pack along with the boyscouts from Troop 110, participated in placing announcements on each homeowners door. Announcing to residents the scouts are collecting non perishable food items for the needy in our community this holiday season next Saturday, 17th. We placed 2000 door hangers in two hours---good job guys!!! Next weekend we will be collecting the food items, counting and sorting them (place to be announced), and then delivering them to a central point for later distribution. After we have completed our jobs and delivered the can goods, we will have lunch at Mountain Mikes and hand out prizes for the three scouts/siblings whose guess comes closest to the actual food collected. For this event to be successful, we will need as many helpers as possible both adult and scouts (siblings too). Reminder, all scouts must be in full uniform. All adult leaders/ parents should be in uniform or wearing the pack tee shirt. We will meet at Searles at 9 AM and begin collecting at 9:30 AM next Saturday, 17th---please be on time. We again will be combining efforts with Troop 110. All scouts and parents participating will receive a really cool patch. However, and most importantly, lets not forget the personal rewards that come with helping others with less this holiday season.
  
On Sunday, 18th, the pack will have a parent meeting at Mike Denney's house. The meeting will begin at 2 PM and end around 4 PM. We will be planning Decembers events and pack meetings. We will also begin planning the Pinewood Derby and Blue and Gold event. We will need every parent present. The parents meeting will be scheduled at the end of every month with purpose of planning the following months events and pack meetings.
  
The 100th Years of Scouting Celebration Logo contest is nearing the end. I have one cubscout who actively participating---are there any more? I hope more of our scouts will consider this great opportunity to show of your talents. Remember your design must illustrate what the scouting spirit really means to you. We can discuss more at the meeting.
  
FYI: I just found out how old our pack is and approximately when is was established. The pack is 41 years old and was established on October in 1966, and the Searles Elementary School Parents hold our charter. Happy (Belated) Birthday to Pack 268!!!! I do hope the pack will be around to celebrate its 50th.
  
Heads up, I have picked up our re-charter packet at last Thursday's round table. Our chartered representative, Jo Hendee, will be calling all our members to confirm membership and collecting dues. I would like every one to please confirm your, name, addresses, phone numbers, and if you are continuing your membership for 2008. If the pack retains 100% of our members for 2008 will be awarded a centennial quality award. This is a big deal. Also, as a part of the award, all registered leaders need to be up to date on their training. Which brings me to December 1st, Saturday, 9 to 12 PM, there will be leader specific training at the Fremont LDS church. Youth Protection and Fast Start can be done online and recommended you do so prior to Dec. 1st class training. I will be their as an instructor for the Tiger Cub leaders. At least that is what I was told--we will see. Oh, some good news, since we had a great year of recruiting, we may be awarded with Pine Wood Derby kits for each scout in the pack---WOW, that would be nice!!!
  
Last, the Thanksgiving dinner deliveries at LOV in Newark will begin on Thanksgiving mourning at 10:45 AM. All cubscouts must be in full uniform and be accompanied by a parent or guardian. A few families have committed. I have sent the details to all last weekend and had it posted on the pack website. I hope all of you can attend. This a great way to complete the Thanksgiving celebration.
  
Yours In Scouting,
  
John Gillen
Cubmaster
  
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11/05/07
  
Cubmaster Minutes and Announcements
  
Greetings Scouters
  
For the past several weeks the pack has participated in many activities, Halloween party, Make A Difference Day, pack meeting, and painting of our Pine Wood Derby track storage box. Our Halloween party, held on 26th, Friday, at Searles, was a scary success. Ten scouts, one guest, three siblings, nine parents attended the festive party---all had a great time. We had a costume/talent and mummy contest. Where the kids danced and did a costume fashion show. Ribbons for the best, scariest, weirdest, and creative costumes where awarded to our contestants at the end of the costume/talent contest. Jennifer and Danny brought small pumpkins in for the kids to decorate. Pizza and juice was delivered by Vilma and served afterwards along with some baked goods and finger foods prepared by some of our other parents, Wajeeha, Mike, and Allen and Angela----thank you all for your help in making this party a great success!!!! At the end of the party, we raffled off prizes to the kids.
  
The next day, 27th, the pack participated with Troop 100 in making a difference in the community by beautifying the median on Appain Way in the Seven Hills community. Seven scouts, eight parents, along with yours truly, spent their mourning planting bushes and small flowering plants. We removed all rocks from the soil and leveled the ground around the newly planted bushes and flowering ground cover. As a reward, all participants where given a Make A Difference tee shirt and donuts.
  
The following Friday, 11/02, the pack had a regular meeting at Searles focusing on rank achievements. Our new cub scouts worked on their Bobcat Trail badge and our Webelos focused on the Webelos badge. Two of our parents, Allen and Murad, took the challenge of leading our cub scouts. They both did a great job. For the closing ceremony, our new cub scouts recited from memory the cub scout promise----great job guys!!! At the end of the ceremony, we sang happy birthday to Austin and enjoyed some delicious home back cookies prepared by his mom, Joyce. Thank you Austin and mom!!!
  
The following day, 11/03, Saturday, seven scouts and four parents, attended the decoration of our PWDT storage box at the cubmaster's house. I did not know the pack had such awesome talent. We first decided on the design and than we created it by first painting a race track all around the box, than each scout placed their "car" on the track and "signed" their work. Monica, Vilma, and yours truly, helped with painting the pack label and doing general enhancements on the box. Joyce kept the kids entertained while the parents where painting. Refreshments where served afterwards. Thank you all for taking time out of your day to help with this great cause. We will need to, at some point, to corral the other scouts who didn't get a chance to contribute to do so at a predetermined date and time---please watch for the news on this. By the way, this satisfies some requirements for the Artist belt loop and activity badge.
  
Our next pack meeting will be on the 16th, Searles, 6:30 PM. We will continue working on rank achievements. All scouts MUST bring in their handbooks and wear FULL uniforms. I am planning on a surprised uniform inspection at one of the meetings, please keep this in mind.
  
Reminder, this coming Saturday, 10th, will be Scouting for Food, an annual community service project the BSA does for the Bay Area poor during the holidays. We will meet at Searles, 8:30 AM, and leave at 9 AM. Pack 268 and Troop 110 will be combining forces to hand out announcements to all the home owners in our assignment. The following Saturday, 17th, we will be picking up the non perishable food (most important day), taking them to a central point for counting and sorting and then ship them off to the Fremont LDS church on Decoto. Afterwards, we will have a contest and pizza at Mountain Mikes in Hayward. The three scouts whose guess comes closest to the actual number of cans collected will receive a prize. Every scout and parent will receive a patch for their participation. I would like to see a great turn out from the pack especially on the 17th.
  
Finally, we will have a parent meeting on the 18th, Sunday, 2 to 4 PM. The meeting will be held at Mike Denney's house and be conducted by our committee chair, Tinella C. The meeting will focus on planning the pack meetings and events for the rest of the year. Please attend this meeting as it affects everyone in the pack and always in need of fresh ideas. For our activities to be successful and rewarding requires participation from everyone. Thank you in advance for your help!!!
  
Yours In Scouting,
  
John Gillen
Cubmaster, Pack 268
  
Addendum to the Cubmaster Minutes and a Reminder
  
I neglected to include the camping trip with Troop 110 at Cameron's in Half Moon Bay in the minutes. Pack 268 was invited by Troop 110 as their guest to spend one night camping at Cameron's on the 27th and 28th. Eight scouts from the pack attended. All had a chance to pitch a tent, eat camp food, tell scary ghost stories, watched scary videos, make S'Mores, and experienced an exclusive flag retirement ceremony reserved by the scouts and the military to conduct. Troop 110 did an awesome job of planning the camping trip---thank you!!!. There where other cub scouts from two packs that attended along side our pack. The next day, Troop 110 made breakfast for the packs. All, I was told, had a great time!!! Here's looking forward to the next camp out. Pictures from all our past events where taken by our members and will be posted on the pack website soon. Once again, these events could not have happened without the dedication from all of our members. Thank so much!!!!
  
Reminder, this Saturday is Scouting for Food. Please try to attend. We will be meeting at Searles at 8:30 AM and begin our project at 9 AM. We will be joining forces with Troop 110 in handing out door hangers. All scouts must wear their full uniform for this event. See you there-
  
Yours In Scouting,
  
John Gillen
Cubmaster
  
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10/22/07
  
Greeting Scouters
  
Last Friday, 19th, Pack 268 held a meeting at Searles. Twelve boys attended the meeting. The meeting began at 7PM with a flag ceremony conducted by three scouts, two for the color guard, and one to MC. A visiting Webelos II scout, Rahul, from Pack 110, joined us to participate in the ceremony, he was one of our color guards. This was his first flag ceremony and needed to do it for his Webelos badge; he did very well. He was joined by one other scout from Pack 268, Mike, who also did quite well. The MC, Richardo, also did a great job conducting the ceremony. After the ceremony and announcements, a game of tic tac toe cubscout style, was played. The boys and some parents participated, all had a great time. The game involved two teams, the "X's" and "O's", and parents and leaders. The two teams where given scouting related questions from the parents and leaders. If the question was answered correctly, depending on who answered, that team placed either an X or O in the square of their choice. The object is to get three X's or O's in row. However, both the teams in the game tied, they all did a great job answering the questions. After the game, the boys built their boats for the Rain Gutter Regatta the following day. All the boys did a great job putting together the boats and decorating them. We than completed our meeting singing Happy Birthday to one of our scouts, Jordon, who brought in cup cakes and drinks for everyone to enjoy. Thank you, Jordon!!!
  
The Rain Gutter Regatta event was held on Saturday, 20th, at Arroyo Park in Union City. The weather was sunny and windy but NO rain. The event began at 10:30AM with twelve scouts participating. All the scouts who came competed with out incident. Each and every one of them displayed true scouting spirit and I was so proud of them. I know for some it was hard to walk away from defeat with a smile but they did it any way, AND I thank you guys. I hope this positive attitude becomes contagious and never dies. When the race ended, our three winners held up their boats for a photo opportunity. Carlos was our 1st place winner, followed by Mike, 2nd place, and Brandon, third place. Congratulation guys, you did well!!!! Afterwards, the boys and parents enjoyed hamburgers and hotdogs provided by the pack and prepared by the parents. After lunch, the boys enjoyed a game of a killer water balloon fight---yes I know the weather was not too favorable but they did not care this just added to game. I want to thank all our parents who came out and participated, without you, events like this just cannot happen---thank you so very much.
  
Reminder, this coming Friday, 26th, the pack will conduct a Halloween party, 6:30PM, at Searles. All scouts (and siblings, and yes, adults) are encouraged to wear their costumes, no uniforms please. This will be an informal event. As part of the festivities, we will have a costume contest and games with prizes given out. Pizza and drinks will be served as well. Hope to see a big turn out.
  
Also, this coming Saturday, 27th, the pack will be involved in "Make a Difference Day" making a difference to the community by helping with the median restoration along Appian Way at the Seven Hills community in Union City We will meet at Mission Blvd and Appian Way 9AM sharp. Please wear long pants, sturdy shoes, pack tee shirt, gloves, and hat. You may bring your own tools but please put your name on them. This is a great opportunity for those who need community service hours too.
  
On November 3rd, 1:30PM, we will be painting the Pine Wood Derby box at my house. I am calling all scouts to help. I need your imagination and artistic talents to decorate the ugly white box. Please mark your calendars!!!
  
Our next pack meeting will be Friday, 2nd, 6:30PM, at Seareles. We will being working on achievements. All scouts will need to bring in their books and any work they have done to show me---especially the Webelos scouts. All new scouts need to begin working on their Bobcat badge. I will at some time be conducting a uniform inspection---keep this in mine.
  
Last, please keep selling popcorn!!!! Remember, this is a fundraiser for the pack and portion of the proceeds goes to the pack and the boys to use for scouting expenditures such as dues, uniforms, etc. The due date for turning in the order forms is nearing--November 5th. KEEP SELLING!!! You can down load the order form from the pack web site posted on the member's section (Click Here). Jennifer and Vilma are our popcorn coordinators.
  
See you at the party.
  
Yours In Scouting,
  
John Gillen
Cubmaster, Pack 268
  
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10/14/07
  
The pack is considering a Halloween Party on the 26th, Friday, at Searles Elementary School. This will be fun evening for everyone and will discuss more at the pack meeting.
  
On the 27th, this is Make A Difference Day, a community service event. The pack will be helping with the 7 Hills project effort, by re-landscaping a portion of the median running along Apian Way. I expect a great turn out for this. The event begins at 9AM and will end at 12Noon or sooner. The meeting place will be at the project site.
  
Last, as some of you know, the pack had it's first Popcorn Show and Sell this last weekend at the Union City Wal Mart store. The fundraiser effort appears to have been a sweeping success and the pack may do it again--thanks to our popcorn coordinator's, Jennifer and Vilma, and those scouts and parents who volunteered their time to help sell. All the scouts who participated will receive a portion of the profits that will go in their accounts to be used for any scouting expenses. For those scouts who could not attend, you still have time by selling on your own. The order forms are available for download at the pack website. In addition to the popcorn sales, people donated money and inquired about cubscouts and the pack. This is another great tool used that makes the pack visible and helps it grow. Thanks again to everyone who participated this weekend!!!!
  
See you at the meeting-
  
Yours In Scouting,
  
John Gillen
Cubmaster, Pack 268
  
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10/12/07
  
All
  
I want to thank all the parents who came out last Sunday to be with their scouts. The weather was spectacular with an unexpected dust devil that ravaged through the camp and uprooted some of the tents---the kids really enjoyed it though---which added to the great experience that day. Besides the clean up kudos I gave below, I want to thank Danny for doing last minute surgery on some of the pack rockets. The directions on the kits unfortunately where not clear or where missing. It would have been better if we had a rocket already constructed by an experience rocketier. In all, I think the scouts and parents learned so much and had fun doing it. I know I did. Here's looking forward to next year.
  
I would like to mention it now, some of our members have made a suggestion to have a Halloween party at a meeting this month. The last and only available Friday before the event would be the 26th. I would like to know who would be interested and who would like to organize it. Since this is a Halloween party, the scouts are encouraged to wear their costumes--no uniforms. We could have a costume contest, games, and refreshments. Parents are also encouraged to wear a costume. Just an idea I wanted to bring to your attention and think about. There is also a scout event on the 20th happening at Ardenwood Historic Park celebrating Halloween. Please see the pack the calendar.
  
Also, another reminder, October is National Volunteer Month, and on the 27th of this month, we will be involved in making a difference in our community by beautifying the median on Appian Way at the 7 Hills community in Union City. The event begins at 9AM and will end at 12 noon or sooner depending on how many show up and the amount of work involved. We will be working with Troop 110 and other volunteers who live in the community. I hope Pack 268 will demonstrate the spirit in great numbers and enthusiasm.
  
Thank you all for your support in the scouts-
  
Yours In Scouting,
  
John Gillen
Cubmaster, Pack 268
  
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10/10/07
  
Greeting Scouters
  
Last Friday we held a pack meeting at Searles with twelve scouts and their families attending the meeting. The meeting opened with a rank advancement ceremony for Hudson, receiving his Bear rank and graduating to Webelos---congratulations Hudson!!! Tyler, Hudson's sister, honored her brother by assisting me in the ceremony, thank you Tyler!!! After the ceremony, the scouts gathered around to learn about rocketry. Afterwards, each scout was given a rocket kit to put together with the help of a parent. The scouts and their parents worked very hard and where able to finish in time. As a reward for their hard work, all scouts and their family members enjoyed a hotdog dinner prepared by our pack leaders.
  
The pack gained 3 new members on Friday. Two first graders, Ali and Devadath, and one 2nd grader, Brandon. Please welcome these three new scouts to our pack!!!
  
Last weekend, the SFBSA held it's 8th annual Rocket Jamboree on a Army base located in Dublin. The boyscouts version was held on Saturday and the cubscouts was on Sunday. Of course our pack participated on Sunday. Approximately 50 cubscouts, 8 of them from our pack, attended that day showing off their rockets. There were custom as well as commercial versions each one capable of flying at many hundreds of feet in the air, each colorful, single or multistage, with parachutes or strimmers, some with cameras, some performing aerial acrobats, and some where as high as 8 feet tall and few inches in diameter. Watching each rocket perform was an experience in it's self especially the big ones. All of our scouts had a great time launching their rockets. However, one of our scout's rockets went too high, unfortunately caught a wind current, and landed somewhere on the base and could not find it---he was very upset. I was told if it landed on the ground, it will be found and returned. I do have two more rocket kits if any one is interested. I want to thank those who came out on Sunday for participating---you can't buy the memories. The 8 scouts will receive a Rocket Jamboree commemorative patch. There are a few families left that I have paid me for the rockets and motors ($7). Few scouts that made rockets but did not attend the Jamboree will just be charged for the rocket---$5. I will collect at the next meeting. Last item, some of our younger scouts stayed afterwards to help clean up. One scout, Ali, stayed longer and was awarded a patch for his efforts---kudos to Ali. Also, Ali's dad, Murad, volunteered as a launch coordinator and also remained to help clean up---thanks to Murad.
  
Our next pack meeting will be held on the 19th of October, Friday, at Searles Elementary School, and begin at 6:30PM. We will be focusing on building boats for our annual Rain Gutter Regatta race which will be held on October 20th, Saturday, at Arroyo Park in Union City. The race will begin at 10AM with lunch served at 12PM and end at 2PM. I will begin setting up at 9AM and WILL need help. One parent has offered to help with the barbeque, food, and general decorating---will need more help though. I will also need help with the race itself ie score keeper, race marshals, boat inspectors, game cordinator (Balloon Toss), and clean up. The pack will provide the main course. We are asking each family to bring a side dish or beverage. So families using the first letter of their last name A - L, will bring a side dish, and M - Z, will bring beverages---enough for 10 people. The pack will provide the main course, paper plates, cups, napkins, and a desert.
  
Last week, one our scouts, Carlos, had a birthday. Unfortunately, we forgot to wish him a very happy birthday. We will make it up to him at the next pack meeting. If there are any scouts in the pack who have birthdays coming or past, please let me know so that we can wish you a happy birthday. Each birthday scout will receive a patch.
  
NEED ROCKET JAMBOREE PICTURES!!!! For those who came to the Rocket Jamboree and took pictures during the event, could you please send copies of those pictures via email so I can have them posted on the pack website. I am currently putting together pictures of our past events in a story format and will have them posted soon. Please do not include any full names with the pictures. Unfortunately, I do not have pictures from the rocket to show. On my first launch, the power was mistakenly turned off, and on the second attempt, the launch marshal did not engage the camera correctly.
  
Last, popcorn fundraiser is in its third week. I believe this coming weekend, the pack will be selling popcorn. Jennifer and Vilma are the popcorn coordinators for the pack and have been soliciting help from the pack families. If you have not done so, please give them a call to help out. They will need all the help they can get. Remember, 40 percent of what we sell will go back the to the pack a portion of it will go to your scouts account that can be used for dues, buying uniforms, or paying for summer came next summer. The pack needs money to run and 40% of every dollar you sell helps the pack go and allows us to do more exciting events and activities at the meetings. You are also encouraged to sell on your own. KEEP SELLING!!!
  
Yours In Scouting,
  
John Gillen
Cubmaster, Pack 268
  
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10/1/07
  
Greetings Scouters
  
A reminder, this coming Friday, October 5th, 6:30PM, at Searles Elementary School, there will be a pack meeting. We will have a short ceremony for one of our scouts, Hudson, receiving his Bear rank patch and than graduating to Webelos. After the ceremony, each scout will receive a rocket kit. We will briefly discuss the basic physics of rocketry and the parts of a model rocket. We then will build and decorate the rockets. These are real flying rockets and will have a chance to see them fly at the Rocket Jamboree this coming Sunday, October 7th, in Dublin. I will hand out two motors to each scout who attends the Jamboree. For scouts who will be unable to attend the event, please let me know at the meeting. I will hand out the motors at the next meeting. Afterwards, we will have a short game and than refreshments and close. Please keep in mind, there is a required registration and fee ($5) for the event. I will bring registration forms with me to the meeting. You can also down load the form from http://www.geocities.com/trscouting/rocketjamboree.html. I hope to see all at the meeting this Friday.
  
As you know, we had a scheduled Trial Trekker hike last Saturday, Rodeo Lagoon. Five scouts, 2 leaders, and 3 parents, attended the hike and had a great time. The weather was absolutely spectacular. Sunny skies, mild temperatures and wind was the forecast. We saw deer, herons, egrets, pelicans, jelly fish, sea shells, bones, old WI and WII army bunkers and batteries, a Nike missile site, light house, Golden Gate Bridge, a lagoon, and lots of hikers. It was truly a perfect hike. The hike was a mild 1.5 mile loop around a natural lagoon near Rodeo beach. We took lots of pictures and will post them soon.
  
One last announcement, the pack gained 3 new members, Ali, 1st grade, Devadath, 1st grade, and Brandon, 2nd grade. Please welcome them to our pack!!!!!
  
Reminder, all boys from the 1st to 5th grade who are interested in cubscouts are welcome to attend our meetings.
  
Yours In Scouting,
  
John Gillen
Cubmaster, Pack 268
  
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9/23/07
  
Cubmaster Minutes and Upcoming Events
  
Last Friday's meeting focused on recruiting. Four families, one 3rd grade visitor, and 7 of our scouts along with their parents attended the meeting. Of the visitors, one young man, Stanley, 1st grader, signed up along with his dad, Allen---welcome to our pack!!!! The other families needed more time to decide. Our third grade visitor was invited by one of our Bear scouts, Mikey. The visiting third grader was interested in joining but needs to have his parents attend--we hope he returns with mom and or dad at the next meeting. Thank you, Mikey for bringing in a friend!!!! I encourage all our scouts to invite a friend and his parents to the meetings any time. Spreading the word about scouting is the best tool to use to gain interest in the pack and scouting. I want to thank our parents and scouts for attending the meeting and of course to thank all the visiting families who attended and for their patience. I had a late start and apologize for it. If you have any question please feel free to ask me or the other leaders either by email or phone.
  
Our next pack meeting will be held on October 5th, Friday, 6:30PM at Searles Elementary School. We will conduct a brief ceremony for one our scouts, Hudson, who could not attend the pack graduation last June. He has been waiting very patiently to receive his new book, neckerchief, slide, and his Bear rank patch, along with some event patches he earned. After the ceremony, we will put together rockets to be lunched at the Rocket Jamboree in Dublin on Sunday, October 7th, 10AM to 2PM, registration begins at 9AM. There is an entrance fee and registration form to be completed and brought to the day of the event. You can bring your own lunch or buy it there. The form is available on line at the MP counsel website. Here is the link - http://www.geocities.com/trscouting/rocketjamboree.html - and I will have hardcopies available at the meeting. See photos of last year's Rocket Jamboree, http://www.geocities.com/trscouting/PhotosRocket2006.html.
  
Last, next Saturday, September 29th, will be a scheduled trail trekker hike, Rodeo Lagoon, we will meet at Searles parking lot 8AM and leave at 8:30AM. Previously, I had scheduled the gathering to begin at 8:30AM and leave at 9AM but needed to change the time due commitments in the afternoon. All hikers, please wear the pack tee shirt (members only), long paints and long sleeve shirt (the pack tee shirt must be visible though), bring sack lunch or snacks, sun screen, water, jacket, camera, wear sturdy shoes suitable for hiking---no open toed shoes i.e. sandals, slippers so on. This is a mild 1.5 mile hike circling a natural lagoon located in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Marin Headlands, SF. There will be a variety of wild life both marine and land with lots of multicolored plant life and terrain. We will be near the ocean and an old army barracks, bunkers, and batteries that we can visit later. This should be a very exciting hike for all ages. I have a attached a map of the area. Here is a link to the council Trail Trekker web page: http://www.sfbac.org/activities/act_trailtrekkers.cfm.
  
See you all next Saturday!
  
Yours In Scouting,
  
John Gillen
Cubmaster, Pack 268