Editor-in-Chief, and Pack 10 Dad, Alan Achkar led the Pack on an informative tour of the South Bend Tribune on an February 28th. Scouts were given access to the newsroom, talked with a reporter, were able to see the presses running, and even got to assist Mr. Achkar with his decision on the Tribune’s webpage articles! Thank you for this wonderful opportunity, Mr. Achkar!
The Algonquian District Bowl-A-Rama on February 7th included 200 bowlers in 3 different shifts at Chippewa Bowling Lanes in South Bend. Pack 10 was there with several families and bowled for 2 hours. 
Each bowler will be receiving a patch. We hope to see everyone out there next year!
Pinewood Derby on March 14th is one of the most fun events of the year for our scouts!
Doors open at 11:30 for racers to sign in, make last minute adjustments, and weigh in. Opening ceremonies are at 12:15, with racing to begin shortly afterward. Each den will race against each other, and then the winners for the grand prize. Awards will be given for den and pack winners, and also for cars with the best designs. Siblings are invited to build their own cars and race in the final heat. Closing ceremonies will be about 2:30PM. Hot dogs, chips, and drinks will be available for sale at the race.
Car kits were donated by Gurley-Leep this year — your den leader has them if you didn’t get one yet. Your den leader will set up a den meeting to help everyone get started. Naturally, your son should do the work! Help your son to make a plan, choose the proper tools, and use them safely. (Of course, a parent should step in if a power tool is needed.) Encourage your son to work on it for an hour at a time over several weekends, so they don’t get frustrated. Cut it one day, sand it another, paint it another day…
Boys’ Life has some design ideas and tuning tips:
http://boyslife.org/hobbies-
http://boyslife.org/hobbies-
Essential construction rules:
– Wheels and axles must be standard BSA equipment.
– Total car weight must be less than or equal to five (5) ounces.
– Car should be no wider or longer than the original block of wood.
Suggestions:
– Build the car a little under weight, then glue on extra washers, coins, or other weights on race day when using the official scale.
– The wheels and axles can be broken by rough play. Install them carefully, test the car, and then put it somewhere safe until race day.
After some very cold and windy weather, the Pack postponed their Tubing outing and chose a later date to go tubing. January 17th proved to be the perfect day to hit the hills! There was a great turn out and both kids and adults had a great time.
The Pack traveled to Kalamazoo, MI on November 8th to have some fun and an overnighter at Climb Kalamazoo home of the rock climbing walls. Some basic fundamentals of rock climbing were taught and they also learned how to tie some new knots- an essential in Scouting! Thank you to the parents that came out to help chaperone!
Cub Scouts had the opportunity to earn the Bicycle Belt Loop with the Pack while participating in the Pack Bike Rally at Mishawaka’s Buetter Park in September. Scouts learned about bicycle safety and had fun riding with friends and family.
In honor of National Fire Safety Month, The Pack took a trip on October 7th to visit the Clay Township Firehouse. Thank you Fire Fighters!!
Iron Horse is the big fall scouting event for La Salle Council at Potato Creek State Park. Take part in hiking, biking, geo-caching, earn badges, carve a pumpkin, and more! The pack will arrange for us to camp together and participate in the council activities on Saturday.
You can stay the whole weekend, arriving Friday night and leaving Sunday morning. The pack will arrange for campsites and provide meals, for a cost of $40. To camp for the weekend, you must pay and sign up in advance with Tim Wyatt. (twyatt007@gmail.com)
If you are unable to stay for the weekend, you can come just for the activities at the park during the day on Saturday, which will cost $5 payable on-site.
Complete information is in the Iron Horse Flyer
Potato Creek State Park is located 35 mins from SPX Church:
25601 State Route 4 North Liberty, IN 46554
https://goo.gl/maps/3mOFM
Event Leader: Tim Wyatt (twyatt007@gmail.com)
Due to poor weather on Sep 21st, the Family Bike Rally has been delayed until Sep 28th at 3PM.
On August 2nd, the Pack traveled to the Kalamazoo Air Zoo to see all of the sights and learn all there was to learn about flight. They had a great time seeing all of the different airplanes!
