Friday, December 31, 2010

Closing Thought

It was the coldest winter ever - many animals died because of the cold. The porcupines, understanding the situation, decided to group together. They covered and protected themselves; but the quills of each one wounded their closest companions even though they gave off heat to each other.

So they began to distance themselves from each other and began to die, alone and frozen. So they had to make a choice: either accept the quills of their companions or
disappear from the Earth.

They decided to go back to being together. This way they learned to live with the little wounds that were caused by the close relationship with their companions, and appreciate the warmth; this way they were able to survive.

Moral of the story:
The best relationship is not the one that brings together perfect people, but the best is when each individual learns to live with the imperfections of others and can admire the other person's good qualities.

I wish we could all make the same choice as these porcupines. None of us is perfect, we all have flaws or differences but that is what makes the world go round. Instead of all the hate we should make the choice to accept everyone for who they are, there are always lessons to be learned if we only open ourselves to learning them.

See you next month.

Monday, December 27, 2010

Cubmaster Minute

Respect yourself and respect other people. This means that you should realize that everyone is unique, and everyone has his or her own ideas and abilities, and that this is a good thing, rather than a bad thing. Celebrate diversity! The fact that people are different and possess different talents means that when you work as a team, together you can achieve more than any one of you could alone.

Friday, December 17, 2010

2011 Pinewood Derby Build Rules

[Note: these are the rules for participation in the District Super Derby which will take palce on Saturday, March 12, 2011 at Saint Timothy's Church in Walkersville, MD - Stay tuned for more info! Pack 195 will be using the same rules to build, qualify and race our own derby cars at our Pinewood Derby Race which will take place on Saturday, January 29, 2011.]

Derby cars are small pinewood models of specified dimensions, designed and carved by Cub Scouts under parental guidance, and raced by the Cub Scout under Scout Leadership supervision. The pinewood derby cars are gravity powered and run unaided down a regulation racetrack to a finish line. A strip placed down the center of each lane guides the cars in a straight path.

• 1. Pinewood derby cars must be built and qualify at the Pack Derby during the same program year as the Catoctin Mountain District Super Derby race.

• 2. Any Pinewood Derby Kit may be used as long as BSA(Boy Scouts of America) Wheels and Axels are used. (This year there is two different wheel sets from BSA, see attachment for more information.)

• 3. Only the axles (nails) contained in the official pinewood derby kit can be used as the pinewood derby axles. However, the axles can be sanded or polished, and affixed (glued, etc.) to the underside of the pinewood derby car. (How to check BSA nails. Leave Nail tips exposed)

• 4. No magnets are allowed to be used on or in the Pinewood Derby Car.

• 5. You may not change the wheel dimensions. Wheels may not be rounded, pointed, concaved, shaved or otherwise modified. You may, however, sand the tread or tire contact area of the wheel to smooth out the rough spots. Wheel bearings, washers, and bushings are prohibited. The car will not ride on springs of any type. Wheel covers or hub caps are prohibited, the head of the nail must be viewable for inspection. The axels (nails) maybe polished and stamping imperfections removed but the shape and size of the head may not be altered. The recommended wheel and axle lubricant is dry, powdered graphite.

• 6. EXTENDED WHEEL BASE/ CAR BODY:
The axel grooves provided in the block of wood do not have to be used. The wheel base may be altered. The total overall length of the car may not exceed 7 inches.

• 7. The only acceptable lubrication is dry powder lubricants. Oil, grease, silicone spray, or other lubricants are not permitted on the pinewood derby car’s axles or wheels.

• 8. No loose materials or liquid of any kind are permitted on or in the pinewood derby cars. (Loose material used for weights is the most frequent violation of this rule. If the car rattles it fails)

• 9. The overall pinewood derby car width shall not exceed 3 inches. The overall pinewood derby car length shall not exceed 7 inches. The overall pinewood derby car height shall not exceed 4 inches.

• 10. The unobstructed clearance of the pinewood derby car must be 3/8 inch or more from the total underside of the car to the base of the wheels. (This is for track clearance)

• 11. The pinewood derby car shall not exceed the standard 5.00 ounces (Avoirdupois ounces, not troy ounces) or 141.75 grams. The weight of the pinewood derby car should be close to 5.00 ounces prior to coming to the derby; however, the pinewood derby car weight may be adjusted during registration at the Pit Table.

• 12. Direction of Travel will be marked on car and easily identifiable. (On bottom is fine)

• 13. Cars not meeting the official derby rules will be disqualified from racing. Alterations may be attempted during the registration time before the start of the first heat. There will be a workshop area with some tools and supplies to make modifications.

A complete set of rules, build guidelines and open class rules can be found on the District web page: http://www.boyscouts-ncac.org/openrosters/ViewOrgPageLink.asp?LinkKey=20672&orgkey=2009

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Thursday, Dec 16, 2010 - Frederick County Schools Closing Two-Hours Early

Schools will dismiss students 2 hours early Thursday, Dec 16 due to the weather. AM pre-k students remain at school for dismissal with full-day students. PM pre-k and Career and Technology Center (CTC) classes are canceled. PM CTC students remain at their home schools. Flexible Evening High, Adult Ed and Heather Ridge Twilight programs are canceled. All FCPS afterschool and evening activities are canceled or postponed. Daycare centers in FCPS schools independently make decisions about their schedules and communicate their decisions directly to the media, principal and families they serve.

~~~

Cubmaster Note: If this weather develops we will reevaluate our options and make a determination on canceling the Pack Meeting, however, at this time we will be holding our Pack Meeting tonight as scheduled.

When: 7:00 PM
Where: St. Paul's Church, Basement Social Hall.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Monthly Theme - Respect

The Core Value highlighted this Month is:
Respect: Showing regard for the worth of someone or something.
Through interacting with pack families, Cub Scouts will develop appreciation and
respect for different families and traditions. Through pack service projects, they will learn to treat the environment with care.