Here’s the information for BOY SCOUT (not CUB SCOUT) summer camp at Schoellkopf this summer for Webelos 2 and Boy Scouts in Troop 529:

We’ll be in Session 4, August 1-7. Cost is $250 with $50 deposit due February 5th and balance due by May 5th.

For more information, please see Mr. Jim “Doc” McClure

On November 21st, 2009 Our Cub Scout pack 529 went on a field trip to the Buffalo State College Planetarium. It was fun, exciting and we all learned a lot about the constellations.

The planetarium is round and has a black ball that’s on a long stick and it projects the stars on the ceiling. In addition to learning some basic constellations we also learned about: Orion, Nebula, and the Pleiades, light pollution, and the nearby galaxy, that’s why I think planetariums are very interesting.

This post was written by Elijah Blumberg, a Webelo 1 in Pack 529.

On October 7th, the Webelos II will NOT meet at St. Paul’s. Rather, we’ll be meeting between Logan & Gettysburg on Sheridan Drive. This is near Anderson’s or Demetris‎ Family Restaurant. We will then hike down an old railroad line to Englewood and back again. This is a 3-mile hike as required for the Arrow of Light award.

The 3-mile hike should take us about an hour, so please arrive between 6:30 and 6:45. Pickup at the same spot at 8:00.

Dress for the weather! Bring water, a small snack, a flashlight (if you wish). See your Webelos book for other ideas on how to dress for a day-hike.

If you need to park in the area, please use street parking on either Logan or Gettysburg Ave.

Camping Checklist
Map of Camp Schoellkopf

What? Webelos Campout

Where? Schoellkopf Scout Reservation
1373 Burrough Road
Cowlesville, New York 14037-9754
(585) 591-1171

Directions:
Take Rt. 400 to the US-20A/NY-78 exit toward E Aurora
Turn left at the end of the exit, under Rt. 400
Keep left at the fork, follow signs for WARSAW
Slight left at Big Tree Rd/E Main St/NY-78/US-20A
Continue 9.1 miles, following Big Tree Rd/US-20A
You’ll pass through Wales Center & Harris Corners
About 1.2 miles past Harris Corners, turn left at Burrough Rd
Continue 2.7 miles on Burrough Rd
Turn right to stay on Burrough Rd – travel 0.5 miles
You’ll see Schoellkopf Rd. on your left – the camp entrace is across from Schoellkopf Rd. – you do NOT go on Schoellkopf Rd.

Once in camp, you may have to check-in at the Quad –
then make your way to Troop #7 shelter

Enter through the main gate & keep straight
Pass the parking area (on left) and Lake Cornelius (on Right)
Make first left possible after parking area
Continue to fork in road, keep left
Sleepy Hollow Troop Site will be on your right
Troop #7 Shelter is on right, after Sleepy Hollow

When? Friday May 15th to Sunday May 17th.
Drop-off Friday from 4pm on
Pick-up Sunday from 10am to noon

Who? Leaders:
Mr. Eric (Webelos 1)
Mr. Mark (Webelos 2)
Mr. Ed (Cubmaster)
Mr. Jim (Doc – Scoutmaster Troop 529)
Mr. Tom (Den Leader)
Mr. Dave (Den Leader)

I looked further into Dendrochronology, or tree-ring dating.

Via Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Sometimes you may notice a ring with wider growth on one side and narrower growth on the other (A). Competition from other nearby trees can cause this condition. Sometimes uneven growth rings result when one tree falls and leans against another live tree and the live tree grew more on one side to curve up around the fallen tree. Other explanations may include a tree growing on a slope or on slumping ground, or a windstorm may have pushed the tree to lean to one side. When that happens, the tree lays on thicker growth on the side closest to the ground in an effort to grow upright again.

So knowing the sample I brought in last night was from a branch, the thicker rings are then on the underside of branch, as they grow quicker to keep up with the top of the branch, to keep the leaves close to the sky, the sun & the rain.

The Webelos 1 den is working on their Scholar badge this month; when learning about Scholar, the boys should learn about teaching, as well as learning. Therefore, at the February 25th den meeting, I’m asking that the boys teach the den something. They can teach us how to tie a square knot, how to make a grilled cheese sandwich, or how to write and talk in Pig Latin. All suggestions must be approved by me, first! I will not allow all 8 boys to teach a sports-related lesson, so think of others. As an example, on Wednesday the 11th I’ll teach the boys 5 different ways to start a fire.

In addition, please have your Webelo I take his book into school and get parts 2 and 4 signed off by his teacher.

Parts 9 and 12 were done at the February 4th den meeting. If you missed this meeting, please complete parts 9 and 12 (2 other parts chosen from 9, 10, 11, and 12). Part 13 should also be completed this month (just tell me about it).