Pack Events

Join us on Saturday, November 4, 1-3pm at Pamela Park

Rocket Day is here!  A fall tradition- Pack 168’s annual model rocket exhibition.  Rockets should be built in advance- Estes rocket kits are available online and at many local hobby stores such as Hobby Lobby and Hub Hobby.  Don't forget rocket engines, ignitors and wadding.  Cookies, coffee, and hot cocoa to be provided.  Even if you don't plan to launch a rocket, Scouts, siblings and family members are welcome to come and watch the launches.  No experience necessary- we will have a safety demonstration at the start of the event, and leaders/veteran rocketeers will be eager to help.

Here are some pro tips from former Pack 168 Rocketeer Brant Haenel:

Growing up, I never did the rocket thing. So I learned this activity is a fun kid/parent thing without overboard effort. And it goes like this:

Get rocket supplies. You now have another reason to go to HUB hobby.   

Get a rocket kit. Yep, there are varying complexities. First timers may want to consider an ARF (almost ready to fly) kit, which are more simple/faster to assemble. Or you can always go more complex--just know the more complex require more time/effort/patience to build. You only need one kit, but you're welcome to bring multiple rockets to rocket day. 

Get engines and ignitors. Look closely at your rocket kit. On the package it will tell you which engine(s) is needed for your rocket. Note there are all different kinds/sizes and you'll want to get this match right. And usually engines are packaged with ignitors too (if not, you'll want to get ignitors separately). Every time the rocket is launched you need an engine and ignitor--I'd recommend showing up with at least 3 or 4 engines/ignitors, but you're welcome to get more.  

Do I need anything else? 

Get paint and glue if your kit needs it (and you don't have it at home already). Get wadding if the spirit moves you--the Pack usually has some and we're happy to share. You do not need to buy launch pads/equipment--the Scouts have those.

Build rocket. Head home and get started.  

Rockets require time to build. The more complex the kit, the more time needed to build. A weekend or two before rocket day, spread out all the supplies with your Scout, read the kit instructions and talk about how it all goes together. 

Best to have the scouts do as much of the assembling as they can. 

Launch rocket.        

Show up to rocket day on November 4th, between 1 and 3pm at Pamela park. Bring finished rocket, engines and ignitors.

 At the start of the day we'll go over how to launch and safety procedures. Might be a good idea to talk about safety first with your scout on the way to the event. We'll all take turns launching rockets, chasing rockets, watching other rockets. Pretty cool even for this grown-up.

Other pro tips to consider.:  

• The most powerful engines go the highest. But highest = greatest risk for losing your rocket. 

• Rockets with parachutes are really cool. 

• Dress well for rocket day. You'll want to stay warm, and have the right clothes to run after rockets.

At our October 12th Pack event, we will be holding one of our most popular events – the Egg Drop!! Witness the amazing survival or destruction of your egg from atop the 100ft Edina Fire Department Ladder Truck, which will be held once again in the lower parking lot of Good Samaritan Church. 

-----

Egg Drop Intro and Instructions

Edina Firefighters and your carefully packaged egg will be carried to the top, but can your egg survive the long trip back down?  As is tradition, along with eggs we will be dropping some pumpkins and perhaps other crowd pleasers (the drop zone is cordoned off, but be advised that front-row viewers may encounter some pumpkin goo, gelatin, water, flour, and similar messy stuff so dress accordingly!  Siblings are welcome to come and participate. 

Many thanks to the Edina Fire Department for maintaining this event.

Package your raw egg carefully using these guidelines:

• No larger than 1 cubic foot

• No parachutes

• No breakable or dangerous materials

• Bring your own pre-packaged egg and have fun!

• Play to survive or play to lose spectacularly; be creative!

Pack 168 will have our annual and very popular Fall Overnight Campout at Baker Outdoor Learning Center starting the afternoon of Saturday, Oct. 7th, through the morning of Sunday, Oct. 8th. Baker is located a convenient half hour drive from Edina. 

Arrival: Plan to arrive around 2:00pm to get settled in. Upon arrival, grab a cart for your gear, and we will have leaders (likely in the Lodge) present to answer questions and direct people to cabins (link to campground map and schedule is available below).

Parking: Carpooling is HIGHLY encouraged. The Outdoor Learning Center has 30 parking spaces available to guests. If there are no parking spaces when you arrive, you may park temporarily for unloading near the Baker Outdoor Learning Center kiosk/sign, then will need to park in the Baker main campground area overnight (5 min. drive) as there are currently construction vehicles/equipment located in the overflow parking lot at the Outdoor Learning Center. Please come to the lodge after unloading to ask for help with a shuttle back from the main campground parking area to the Outdoor Learning Center. 

Planning to tent camp? You will need to bring one,  and do practice setting your tent up first.  Adult leaders will make rounds and help as they have time available.

Cabin Assignments cabin-mates will be identified and cabin assignments will be communicated upon your arrival at Baker. 

Not wanting to stay overnight? No problem! We do encourage you to be part of our programming and to join us for dinner in the Lodge on Saturday. Plan to arrive by 2:30 and depart by 9pm. Please let me know when RSVPing (or asap should you decide you do not want to stay overnight), and please before leaving tell Perrie or Jason (we'll introduce ourselves again) you're heading out. 

Fall Overnight Schedule 

Saturday, Oct. 7th

Arriving before 2pm? Bring your fishing pole and fish from the Lake Independence Fishing Pier, which is only 5 minutes away by car.

2:00-2:30 Arrival & Move-in

2:30-2:45 Orientation - Lodge Circle

2:45-4:15 Program #1 (Nature Hike with Games, K-2nd grade; Prehistoric Games 3rd-5th)

4:15-4:30 Break

4:30-6:00 Program #2 (Insect Study K-2nd grade; Digital Nature Photography, 3rd - 5th)

6:30-7:15 Dinner (Lodge)

7:30-8:00 Campfire and S'mores (hot cocoa & apple cider available if we're experiencing cooler weather)

10:00 Bedtime and Lights out

Sunday, Oct. 10th

8:30-9:30 Pancake Breakfast, w/ selection of yogurt, fruit, cereals (rotation required due to group size)

10:00-11:30 Owl Pellets - all grade levels

1:00 Depart

Meals: Dinner Saturday evening and Sunday breakfast are provided, as well as s'mores around the campfire. Feel free to bring snacks that you or your Scout may want. If you have any dietary or a food allergy concern, please respond to the Pack email with this information no later than Thursday evening. 

Packing List: Bring a tent, tent stakes, and rainfly if tent camping. Sleeping bag, pillow, good shoes for the woods, flashlight/headlamp, toiletries, rain gear, water bottle, Class B Pack 168 T-shirt, and a completed BSA Health Form (see below).  You must bring a hardcopy of the completed health form for each family member attending, even if you're only staying for the day on Saturday.  Watch the weather forecast and dress accordingly. Bring a stocking cap, long sleeve shirt, pants, and calf-length socks for your scouts as backup.  During this time of year, the temperature will often dip quite a bit overnight into the high 30s/low 40s. Help keep your scout comfortable. Note that cabins are well heated via wood-fire stove, and Baker staff confirms they have plenty of firewood available. Bring a favorite game to play in the lodge, a football or frisbee to throw around, etc. are perfect to bring.

Do I need to wear my scout uniform? Scouts are strongly encouraged to wear their Class B Pack 168 T-shirt, however, it is not required. We will be wearing our scout uniform at the Egg Drop Event and Pack Meeting on Thursday, October 14th.

Health forms must be completed: BSA Health Form should be completed prior to arrival for each family member attending; please print and complete Part A and Part B (filled out ahead of time; no doctor signed physical is required) for each participant (scout and adult). You do not need to complete Part C requiring a physical and sign-off from your doctor. Turn in forms to Perrie Cronin-Cole or Jason Christiaansen upon arrival.

If you want health forms returned to you, ask Perrie or Jason following breakfast on Sunday morning, otherwise all forms will be shredded. Note that completed health forms can be re-used for up to 12 months at future camping events (Polar Cubs, Spring Camping, Summer Camping).

RSVPd, but haven't Paid Yet? Please pay via PayPal (preferred, and using edinapack168@gmail.com) or bring your checkbook -- $40 per person. Make checks payable to "Pack 168", and give to Perrie Cronin-Cole.

Links:

1) Map of Baker Outdoor Learning Center (Baker Near-Wilderness Settlement (BNWS) campground); part of the Three Rivers Park District

2) BSA Health Form for Cub Scout events (Part A, Part B filled out prior; no doctor signed physical is required)

Leave No Trace Principles for Kids

While enjoying Baker Outdoor Learning Center, we will follow Leave No Trace Principles for Kids:

·         Know before you go

·         Choose the right path

·         Trash your trash

·         Leave what you find

·         Be careful with fire

·         Respect wildlife

·         Be kind to other visitors

Final reminder: this is an alcohol-free, tobacco-free, and vape-free event.

Questions?

·      Perrie Cronin-Cole (Cubmaster) | plcole85@gmail.com | M: (218) 368-4877

·      Jason Christiaansen (Outdoor Activities Chair) | jchristiaansen@gmail.com | M: (763) 218-0648

Join us on Saturday, November 5, 1-3pm at Pamela Park

Rocket Day is here!  A fall tradition- Pack 168’s annual model rocket exhibition.  Rockets should be built in advance- Estes rocket kits are available online and at many local hobby stores such as Hobby Lobby and Hub Hobby.  Don't forget rocket engines, ignitors and wadding.  Cookies, coffee, and hot cocoa to be provided.  Even if you don't plan to launch a rocket, Scouts, siblings and family members are welcome to come and watch the launches.  No experience necessary- we will have a safety demonstration at the start of the event, and leaders/veteran rocketeers will be eager to help.

Here are some pro tips from former Pack 168 Rocketeer Brant Haenel:

Growing up, I never did the rocket thing. So I learned this activity is a fun kid/parent thing without overboard effort. And it goes like this:

Get rocket supplies. You now have another reason to go to HUB hobby.   

Get a rocket kit. Yep, there are varying complexities. First timers may want to consider an ARF (almost ready to fly) kit, which are more simple/faster to assemble. Or you can always go more complex--just know the more complex require more time/effort/patience to build. You only need one kit, but you're welcome to bring multiple rockets to rocket day. 

Get engines and ignitors. Look closely at your rocket kit. On the package it will tell you which engine(s) is needed for your rocket. Note there are all different kinds/sizes and you'll want to get this match right. And usually engines are packaged with ignitors too (if not, you'll want to get ignitors separately). Every time the rocket is launched you need an engine and ignitor--I'd recommend showing up with at least 3 or 4 engines/ignitors, but you're welcome to get more.  

Do I need anything else? 

Get paint and glue if your kit needs it (and you don't have it at home already). Get wadding if the spirit moves you--the Pack usually has some and we're happy to share. You do not need to buy launch pads/equipment--the Scouts have those.

Build rocket. Head home and get started.  

Rockets require time to build. The more complex the kit, the more time needed to build. A weekend or two before rocket day, spread out all the supplies with your Scout, read the kit instructions and talk about how it all goes together. 

Best to have the scouts do as much of the assembling as they can. 

Launch rocket.        

Show up to rocket day on November 6th, between 1 and 3pm at Pamela park. Bring finished rocket, engines and ignitors.

 At the start of the day we'll go over how to launch and safety procedures. Might be a good idea to talk about safety first with your scout on the way to the event. We'll all take turns launching rockets, chasing rockets, watching other rockets. Pretty cool even for this grown-up.

Other pro tips to consider.:  

• The most powerful engines go the highest. But highest = greatest risk for losing your rocket. 

• Rockets with parachutes are really cool. 

• Dress well for rocket day. You'll want to stay warm, and have the right clothes to run after rockets.

At our October 13th Pack event, we holding one of our most popular events – the Egg Drop!! Witness the amazing survival or destruction of your egg from atop the 100ft Edina Fire Department Ladder Truck, which will be held once again in the lower parking lot of Good Samaritan Churh. 

-----

Egg Drop Intro and Instructions

Edina Firefighters and your carefully packaged egg will be carried to the top, but can your egg survive the long trip back down?  As is tradition, along with eggs we will be dropping some pumpkins and perhaps other crowd pleasers (the drop zone is cordoned off, but be advised that front-row viewers may encounter some pumpkin goo, gelatin, water, flour, and similar messy stuff so dress accordingly!  Siblings are welcome to come and participate. 

More to come COVID safety procedures, but most likely masks will be required and we will maintain social distancing from the Edina firefighters.  Many thanks to the Edina Fire Department for maintaining this event.

Package your raw egg carefully using these guidelines:

• No larger than 1 cubic foot

• No parachutes

• No breakable or dangerous materials

• Bring your own pre-packaged egg and have fun!

• Play to survive or play to lose spectacularly; be creative!

Pack 168 will have our annual and very popular Fall Overnight Campout at Baker Outdoor Learning Center starting the afternoon of Saturday, Oct. 8th, through the morning of Sunday, Oct. 9th. Baker is located a convenient half hour drive from Edina. 

Arrival: Plan to arrive around 2:00pm to get settled in. Upon arrival, grab a cart for your gear, and we will have leaders (likely in the Lodge) present to answer questions and direct people to cabins (link to campground map and schedule is available below).

Parking: Carpooling is HIGHLY encouraged. The Outdoor Learning Center has 30 parking spaces available to guests. If there are no parking spaces when you arrive, you may park temporarily for unloading near the Baker Outdoor Learning Center kiosk/sign, then will need to park in the Baker main campground area overnight (5 min. drive) as there are currently construction vehicles/equipment located in the overflow parking lot at the Outdoor Learning Center. Please come to the lodge after unloading to ask for help with a shuttle back from the main campground parking area to the Outdoor Learning Center. 

Planning to tent camp? You will need to bring one,  and do practice setting your tent up first.  Adult leaders will make rounds and help as they have time available.

Cabin Assignments cabin-mates will be identified and cabin assignments will be communicated upon your arrival at Baker. 

Not wanting to stay overnight? No problem! We do encourage you to be part of our programming and to join us for dinner in the Lodge on Saturday. Plan to arrive by 2:30 and depart by 9pm. Please let me know when RSVPing (or asap should you decide you do not want to stay overnight), and please before leaving tell Drew or Jason (we'll introduce ourselves again) you're heading out. 

Fall Overnight Schedule 

Saturday, Oct. 9th

Arriving before 2pm? Bring your fishing pole and fish from the Lake Independence Fishing Pier, which is only 5 minutes away by car.

2:00-2:30 Arrival & Move-in

2:30-2:45 Orientation - Lodge Circle

2:45-4:15 Program #1 (Nature Hike with Games, K-2nd grade; Voyager Life 3rd-5th)

4:15-4:30 Break

4:30-6:00 Program #2 (Pond Study/aquatic life, K-2nd grade; Climbing Wall, 3rd - 5th)

6:30-7:15 Dinner (Lodge)

7:30-8:00 Campfire and S'mores (hot cocoa & apple cider available if we're experiencing cooler weather)

10:00 Bedtime and Lights out

Sunday, Oct. 10th

8:30-9:30 Pancake Breakfast, w/ selection of yogurt, fruit, cereals (rotation required due to group size)

10:00-11:30 Geocaching / Fort Building - all grade levels

1:00 Depart

Meals: Dinner Saturday evening and Sunday breakfast are provided, as well as s'mores around the campfire. Feel free to bring snacks that you or your Scout may want. If you have any dietary or a food allergy concern, please respond to the Pack email with this information no later than Thursday evening. 

Packing List: Bring a tent, tent stakes, and rainfly if tent camping (rain is predicted for Saturday evening to overnight Sunday). Sleeping bag, pillow, good shoes for the woods, flashlight/headlamp, toiletries, rain gear, water bottle, Class B Pack 168 T-shirt, and a completed BSA Health Form (see below).  You must bring a hardcopy of the completed health form for each family member attending, even if you're only staying for the day on Saturday.  Watch the weather forecast and dress accordingly. Bring a stocking cap, long sleeve shirt, pants, and calf-length socks for your scouts as backup.  During this time of year, the temperature will often dip quite a bit overnight into the high 30s/low 40s. Help keep your scout comfortable. Note that cabins are well heated via wood-fire stove, and Baker staff confirms they have plenty of firewood available. Bring a favorite game to play in the lodge, a football or frisbee to throw around, etc. are perfect to bring.

Do I need to wear my scout uniform? Scouts are strongly encouraged to wear their Class B Pack 168 T-shirt, however, it is not required. We will be wearing our scout uniform at the Egg Drop Event and Pack Meeting on Thursday, October 14th.

Health forms must be completed: BSA Health Form should be completed prior to arrival for each family member attending; please print and complete Part A and Part B (filled out ahead of time; no doctor signed physical is required) for each participant (scout and adult). You do not need to complete Part C requiring a physical and sign-off from your doctor. Turn in forms to Christopher Goetze or Jason Christiaansen upon arrival.

If you want health forms returned to you, ask Chris or Jason following breakfast on Sunday morning, otherwise all forms will be shredded. Note that completed health forms can be re-used for up to 12 months at future camping events (Polar Cubs, Spring Camping, Summer Camping).

RSVPd, but haven't Paid Yet? Please pay via PayPal (preferred, and using edinapack168@gmail.com) or bring your checkbook -- $40 per person. Make checks payable to "Pack 168", and give to Drew Hensel.

Links:

1) Map of Baker Outdoor Learning Center (Baker Near-Wilderness Settlement (BNWS) campground); part of the Three Rivers Park District

2) BSA Health Form for Cub Scout events (Part A, Part B filled out prior; no doctor signed physical is required)

Leave No Trace Principles for Kids

While enjoying Baker Outdoor Learning Center, we will follow Leave No Trace Principles for Kids:

·         Know before you go

·         Choose the right path

·         Trash your trash

·         Leave what you find

·         Be careful with fire

·         Respect wildlife

·         Be kind to other visitors

Final reminder: this is an alcohol-free, tobacco-free, and vape-free event.

Questions?

·      Christopher Goetze (Cubmaster) | christogoe@gmail.com | M: (612) 558-3917

·      Jason Christiaansen (Outdoor Activities Chair) | jchristiaansen@gmail.com | M: (763) 218-0648

Join us on Saturday, November 6, 1-3pm at Pamela Park

Rocket Day is here!  A fall tradition- Pack 168’s annual model rocket exhibition.  Rockets should be built in advance- Estes rocket kits are available online and at many local hobby stores such as Hobby Lobby and Hub Hobby.  Don't forget rocket engines, ignitors and wadding.  Cookies, coffee, and hot cocoa to be provided.  Even if you don't plan to launch a rocket, Scouts, siblings and family members are welcome to come and watch the launches.  No experience necessary- we will have a safety demonstration at the start of the event, and leaders/veteran rocketeers will be eager to help any prospective Elon Musks or Wally Funks.

Here are some pro tips from former Pack 168 Rocketeer Brant Haenel:

Growing up, I never did the rocket thing. So I learned this activity is a fun kid/parent thing without overboard effort. And it goes like this:

Get rocket supplies. You now have another reason to go to HUB hobby.   

Get a rocket kit. Yep, there are varying complexities. First timers may want to consider an ARF (almost ready to fly) kit, which are more simple/faster to assemble. Or you can always go more complex--just know the more complex require more time/effort/patience to build. You only need one kit, but you're welcome to bring multiple rockets to rocket day. 

Get engines and ignitors. Look closely at your rocket kit. On the package it will tell you which engine(s) is needed for your rocket. Note there are all different kinds/sizes and you'll want to get this match right. And usually engines are packaged with ignitors too (if not, you'll want to get ignitors separately). Every time the rocket is launched you need an engine and ignitor--I'd recommend showing up with at least 3 or 4 engines/ignitors, but you're welcome to get more.  

Do I need anything else? 

Get paint and glue if your kit needs it (and you don't have it at home already). Get wadding if the spirit moves you--the Pack usually has some and we're happy to share. You do not need to buy launch pads/equipment--the Scouts have those.

Build rocket. Head home and get started.  

Rockets require time to build. The more complex the kit, the more time needed to build. A weekend or two before rocket day, spread out all the supplies with your Scout, read the kit instructions and talk about how it all goes together. 

Best to have the scouts do as much of the assembling as they can. 

Launch rocket.        

Show up to rocket day on November 6th, between 1 and 3pm at Pamela park. Bring finished rocket, engines and ignitors.

 At the start of the day we'll go over how to launch and safety procedures. Might be a good idea to talk about safety first with your scout on the way to the event. We'll all take turns launching rockets, chasing rockets, watching other rockets. Pretty cool even for this grown-up.

Other pro tips to consider.:  

• The most powerful engines go the highest. But highest = greatest risk for losing your rocket. 

• Rockets with parachutes are really cool. 

• Dress well for rocket day. You'll want to stay warm, and have the right clothes to run after rockets.

Thank you to everyone who made this year's Egg Drop a smashing success! This was the first year for our grand finale we dropped a ginormous pumpkin from top of a Fire Department Tall Ladder Truck, which we did catch on video and is available for playback on our Pack 168 YouTube Channel (safe for kids).

At our October 14th Pack event, we held one of our most popular events – the Egg Drop!! Many witnessed the amazing survival or destruction of their egg from atop the 100ft Edina Fire Department Ladder Truck, which was held once again in the lower parking lot of Good Samaritan Church. 

-----

Egg Drop Intro and Instructions

Edina Firefighters and your carefully packaged egg will be carried to the top, but can your egg survive the long trip back down?  As is tradition, along with eggs we will be dropping some pumpkins and perhaps other crowd pleasers (the drop zone is cordoned off, but be advised that front-row viewers may encounter some pumpkin goo, gelatin, water, flour, and similar messy stuff so dress accordingly!  Siblings are welcome to come and participate. 

More to come COVID safety procedures, but most likely masks will be required and we will maintain social distancing from the Edina firefighters.  Many thanks to the Edina Fire Department for maintaining this event.

Package your raw egg carefully using these guidelines:

• No larger than 1 cubic foot

• No parachutes

• No breakable or dangerous materials

• Bring your own pre-packaged egg and have fun!

• Play to survive or play to lose spectacularly; be creative!

Pinewood Derby Race and Blue & Gold Awards Ceremony on Saturday, May 22

Pack 168 hosted our annual Pinewood Derby Race and combined this event with our Blue & Gold Awards Ceremony due to being unable to meet earlier in the year as a Pack due to taking the appropriate COVID-19 precautions. We were able to host our event  outdoors at the Braemar Backyard Rink in Edina. 

During the Blue & Gold Awards Ceremony we were unable to share the Pack 168 year in review portion of our presentation, which included highlights of activities from each season from the past year.  We hope that you are able to spend a few minutes seeing highlights over the last year, and recognizing our scouts.