Scouts at Camp Independence 07.19.24
Who are we?
Pack 171 is based in Franklin Park, PA. We are made up of Kindergarteners through 5th graders. Each grade level is divided into a Den. (Lion, Tiger, Wolf, Bear, Webelos, and Webelos – Arrow of Light). Our Pack welcomes boys and girls from our area. We are part of the Laurel Highlands Council.
When do we meet?
We meet as a Pack (K-5th) once a month. Each Den meets independently of the Pack at a time that is convenient for the Den members, usually twice a month. You can expect to meet a total of 2-3 times per month for Cub Scouts. Our scouting year is based off the school year.
What do we do?
Major yearly events include campouts, the Pinewood Derby, and the Blue and Gold Banquet. In recent years we have toured fire stations, visited local museums, and made several trips to North Park for fishing, hiking, playing dek hockey, and learning how to make maple syrup.
From sports, to educational events, to service projects, we cover a lot of areas and work towards a purpose of being well-rounded, productive members of the community. The scouts are awarded belt loops throughout the year to show off their achievements.
Where do we meet?
Most Pack and Den meetings are held at Ingomar Church. The address is 1501 W Ingomar Rd in Ingomar, Pennsylvania. We often meet in the Community Life Center building across the street from the main church. However, we periodically have meetings in the community. Pack 171 is sponsored by the Franklin Park Volunteer Fire Company.
Who are our leaders?
Parents and family members lead our Pack and Dens. Cub Scouts relies solely on parent volunteers and would not be possible without the parents. Since our children are grade school age, the experience is very much parent-led.
What are our principles?
Scout Oath: On my honor, I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.
Scout Law: A Scout is Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent.
Registration and Fees:
Families need to Contact Pack 171 directly to be added to the roster. We charge yearly dues to help cover the cost of outings and to keep the Pack functioning as an entity.
Youth Protection and Clearances:
Safety is our number one priority. All our leaders have clearance requirements that must be updated periodically. We strongly encourage any adult who plans to attend events with a scout to obtain the proper clearances. For overnight camping at Camp Independence, each adult MUST have clearances. There are no exceptions and you will be denied entry if you cannot produce clearances. For more information on obtaining your clearances please visit the Laurel Highlands Youth Protection page.
Pinewood Derby & Blue and Gold:
The Pinewood Derby usually happens in January. It's a highlight for the kids. Each child is given a car to cut, sand, and paint. The child then races their car. Awards are given for best theme, best construction, best paint job, etc.
The Blue and Gold Banquet happens in the spring. It's the most formal event of the year, usually with a dinner for the scouts and their families. We recognize all the achievements the scouts have made throughout the year. There is a special ceremony for the 5th graders, as they will be eligible to cross over into Boy Scouts at the conclusion of the ceremony.
Camping:
Summer camps are offered through Camp Independence in Farmington, PA. It's about a two-hour drive from Franklin Park. Scouts have the opportunity to swim, kayak, fish, shoot BB guns, do archery, learn to read maps and a compass, play gaga ball, and, of course, sleep in a tent, in the woods, with their parent or guardian. Camp Independence also hosts winter camps. The activities include hiking, sled riding (if there is snow), bonfires, giant slingshots, and BB guns. Our Pack hosts a one-night, local camp every fall. It's a great introduction if you have a first-time camper or can't commit to the two-hour drive hosted by Camp Independence.
Volunteering:
We cannot function without our parent volunteers. It's not a huge time commitment and our Pack is understanding of schedules. Den leaders have a manual to guide them through the scouting curriculum and the senior leadership are always available for guidance. We would not have a Pack without parent involvement.
The only requirements around volunteering are clearances and Youth Protection certification through BSA. It's minimal paperwork for a fulfilling year for the scout and their parent. Most of the paperwork is valid for several years. For more information on clearance requirements please visit the Laurel Highlands Youth Protection page.
Popcorn:
All scouts have the opportunity to sell popcorn. The popcorn sales go back to our Pack and help pay for activities like the Pinewood Derby and the Blue and Gold Banquet. However, we offer an opt-out program and you can pay a popcorn fee and forgo selling popcorn.
Attire:
Scouts offers two types of dress. Class A is our formal uniform, with the blue button-up shirt, neckerchief, and hat. Class B is our Pack t-shirt. We encourage the scouts to wear their Class A uniform to our monthly Pack meetings. Class A uniforms can be found or ordered through our local Scout Shop at Flag Plaza 1275 Bedford Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.
Summer Camp 07.19.24