This month brought us news that our Cub Master Alistair Firman has accepted an opportunity for him and his family in Portland Oregon. I'd like to thank Alistair and Kate for their commitment to the pack and we will surely miss them and their contributions. Andrew and Will are good scouts and we wish them and the entire Firman family the best of luck in the Pacific Northwest. Myself and Bill Hoke and all the volunteer leaders of the pack will do our best to continue the tradition and keep the boys excited about the scouting adventure.

At our next Pack Meeting we will be having the Arrow of Light ceremony. This is the highest rank in Cub Scouts and is the only Cub Scout rank that can be worn on the Boy Scout Uniform. Our Webelos have worked hard to earn this award and the pack will recognize their hard work at the meeting. This will mark the last stop in the journey of Cub Scouts before they move to Boy Scouts.

As we enter this holiday season, we need to remember Scouting is about more than rockets, campouts and pinewood derby cars.  One of the main purposes of Cub Scouts is to promote Good Citizenship.  Our boys are surrounded with many daily reminders that we live in a materialistic world.  As a Pack, we will strive to present the cubs with opportunities to give back to the community.  This month's Pack meeting will focus on learning carols for our Arlington Court visit.  January's Pack meeting will also underscore the Pack's commitment to recognize service to our country and to others that are less fortunate.  Todd March is our Community Service Chair.  He and the other parents on that committee are looking for ideas for which the Pack or the Dens can schedule additional events to expand the boys' opportunities to show they can "do their best" and to be helpful to others.  The holiday season always presents itself with many opportunities; if you can think of any ideas for the other 11 months, please contact anyone on the committee.   On behalf of all of us on the leadership committee, have a happy holiday and joyous New Year! 

Popcorn season is over and I’d like to congratulate all of the boys and their parents for a job well done!  I can sincerely tell you that when Mr. Hoke, Mr. Anderson and I got together to plan out this fundraiser, we never thought we would get the response that we did.  Although I do not have the final results at this time, I can say that the effort you all put into the sales will ensure that the boys will have a fun-filled year.  From Pinewood Derby cars and campouts, to patches, refreshments and the entertainment at the Blue & Gold Dinner, the Pack funds these efforts primarily from the money raised during this event.  As the boys have raised more than we expected, we will use the additional funds in a variety of ways.  Some events will be upgraded, others will be further subsidized, and some new events will be added.  As Mr. Anderson mentioned during the kick-off event back in September, this is all about the boys and their experience.  All of the leaders thank you for being supportive of the Pack, and more importantly, the boys’ Scouting experience.

As noted in the last pack meeting we are pushing sales of $30,000. This has been an excellent popcorn drive. It is well over our original goal of $21,000. Congratulations boys.

As Summer time near it's end Pack 17 has made several changes, first we now have a website so that you can keep up on the events both with the pack and the district. We have planned out a calendar of meetings and activities through the first part of January. It starts off with the annual canoe trip down the Mohican River through a Camp Out in October to the Pinewood Derby in early January. If you child still needs more... than the district has several activities throughout the fall and early winter. Check out the calendar. Coming soon will be the availability for you to login to the website and track you son’s advancement progress. Stay tuned more to come.