Since 1930, the Boy Scouts of America has helped younger boys through Cub Scouting. It is a year-round family program designed for boys who are in the first grade through fifth grade (or 7, 8, 9, and 10 years of age). Parents, leaders, and organizations work together to achieve the purposes of Cub Scouting. Currently, Cub Scouting is the largest of the BSA's three membership divisions; the others are Boy Scouting and Venturing.

Cub Scouting means "doing." Everything in Cub Scouting is designed to have the boys doing things. Activities are used to achieve the aims of Scouting—citizenship training, character development, and personal fitness.

Congratulations to the top three racers from the 2010 Pack 286 Pinewood Derby.  This year, the sponsors of the Big Muddy District Pinewood Derby have invited the top three racers from each pack to come compete on March 28th at Wellington - Napolean High School.  So instead of sending four racers to the District Pinewood Derby this year, we will only be sending three racers this year.

Who are the winners for 2010?  The names of the winners will be announced at the regular Scout meeting on Monday, March 8th.  Trophies for the winners will be handed out at our Blue and Gold Meeting on March 27th.

Take this Seriously! This year, all Scout Leaders who have direct contact with any youth member of the Boy Scouts of America or Cub Scouts has to complete leader training.  Failure for Troops and Pack to comply with the BSA training initiative can have dire consequences for the Troop or Pack.  To put it simply, if a registered leader within Pack 286 does not meet this training requirement by the time we have to recharter for 2011, they cannot continue in a leadership position until they meet the new requirement.

There are a series of online course that all leaders are required to take.  The District Training committee conducts the training for Leader Essentials, generally on a Saturday morning and afternoon.  You can also get this training from one of the other districts in our area.  You need to make certain that any Course completion cards that you earn are turned into us so that we can relay them to our District Training Committee and get you credit for the courses.  Not doing so is considered as if you never took the course by the District and Region training Committees.

Rolling Hitch

The Rolling Hitch (ABOK # 1735, p 298) attaches a rope (usually smaller) to another (usually larger) when the line of pull is almost parallel.  It can also be used to attach a rope to a pole. (1)

When setting this knot up, the pull must be in line with the main rope or pole.  If the tension is set up the other way, this not will fail.  If you are looking to secure the rope to a parallel pole, the Taut Line Hitch is preferred.

The Rolling Hitch has a complicated history.  It is linked to similar knots named the Magner's or Magnus Hitch.  It is all too commonly described without the second turn being 'tucked above' turn one - even when being tied to rope.  This is unfortunate.  Ashley clearly describes both methods and stresses that the version used when tying rope to rope should include this tucked up second turn.  Many scouting websites show it without this tuck.  The error of using the wrong technique is illustrated by cautionary statements which often follow the description, e.g., "

... Tip. When adjustments are complete, lock the rolling hitch into place by using a stop knot such as a Figure of Eight in the first rope, below the Rolling hitch, to stop it slipping..." (ref)

For more information on this knot, visit ScoutKnots.