Parents keep the Pack running.
Learn how to join our parent committee meetings, and catch up on anything you missed with a recap of each one.
How to connect
Every Pack 28 parent and guardian is welcome at our committee meetings. Here is everything you need to join in.
Ask a leader for the detailsWhen we meet
Our parent committee meetings are on the dates below.
- Sunday, November 15, 20266:30 - 7:30 PM
- Sunday, December 6, 20266:30 - 7:30 PM
- Sunday, January 17, 20276:30 - 7:30 PM
- Sunday, February 21, 20276:30 - 7:30 PM
- Sunday, March 14, 20276:30 - 7:30 PM
- Sunday, April 11, 20276:30 - 7:30 PM
- Sunday, May 9, 20276:30 - 7:30 PM
Join with Microsoft Teams
Follow these steps to connect to a parent committee meeting.
Join the Teams meeting- 1Select the Join the Teams meeting button. The link opens in a new tab.
- 2Choose to open it in the Teams app if you have it installed, or continue in your web browser.
- 3Enter your name, check that your camera and microphone are set the way you want, then select Join now.
- 4If you land in the lobby, wait a moment while a leader lets you in.
What we talked about
Missed a meeting? Tap a date below to open its recap with the key decisions and next steps, and tap again to close it.
The committee reviewed Pinewood Derby feedback and budget, discussed leader re-registration and recruiting new volunteers, covered popcorn inventory and storefront scheduling, planned the parent meeting, school recruiting nights and Water Rocket event, and reviewed fall events and website updates.
Pinewood Derby planning and feedback
Attendees liked the pizza and Legos at the last Derby and suggested moving the weigh-in station away from check-in to reduce congestion, plus more soda options for adults. The timer got a firmware update and needs no replacement. Up to $150 was approved for new, more effective clamps, and the track will be cleaned and polished before the event. The draft budget rose because of more AOLs and the addition of pizza, juice and sodas; the group agreed, expecting popcorn sales to help offset dues as last year.
Leadership registration and succession
Several leaders, including Tyler and Andy, need to re-register, and Tanya's registration is expiring soon. Because current leaders plan to step down within the next year, the group wants a one-year transition period for incoming leaders. A list of open roles, such as Grub Master, Treasurer, Popcorn Kernel and event coordinators, will be presented at the parent meeting to encourage new families to step up.
Popcorn fundraiser logistics
$5,000 worth of popcorn was ordered based on a $7,000 sales projection. The storefront reservation system now offers only certain locations and limits hours based on projected sales, so the pack must adapt. Brian will print sign-up information and QR codes, and Jeff will add the links to the website. Sherry, the Popcorn Kernel, has access to the new system but needs further coordination, ideally before the next meeting.
Parent meeting, school recruiting and Water Rockets
The parent information meeting will split children and parents into separate sessions, with AOLs helping with crowd control and programming; the sanctuary is the backup space if the gym is unavailable or weather requires it. Recruiting nights at Kenwood and Camden elementary are private events and not affected by the restrictions on external organizations at open houses. For the Water Rocket event, Alston will bring a hose and water tote, Jeff will coordinate table transport, and popsicles are planned.
Fall events and community involvement
The Haunted Woods campout at Camp Crooked Creek overlaps with the local school fall break, but Trunk or Treat stays on October 26. Upcoming meetings will be used to recruit volunteers for roles like Grub Master so new leaders can gain experience. Community opportunities include a park cleanup day at Maple Park and a trick-or-treat event at the detention center, where the pack would hand out candy and promote Cub Scouts.
Website and registration system
The pack website continues to improve, with gallery issues fixed and links added for popcorn sign-ups and event registrations, aiming to make it the central hub for pack information. Event sign-ups are moving from Tenaroo to the Lincoln Heritage registration system, and all future registrations will go through it.
Follow-up tasks
- Purchase new, heavier-duty clamps (such as A-frame clamps) for the Pinewood Derby track, budgeting up to $150. (Jeff)
- Prepare a list of leadership roles and event coordinator positions to fill for the coming year, to present at the next parent meeting. (Jeff)
- Meet with Sherry to review popcorn inventory, storefront scheduling and the sales process before the next meeting. (Brian)
- Bring an additional hose and a water tote for the Water Rocket event, and help with setup. (Alston)
- Help Jeff load and transport four tables from the church for the Water Rocket setup. (The team)
- Send the popcorn sales sign-up link to Jeff for the pack website. (Brian)
- Get details from Maple Park about the park cleanup day, after their big event, to decide whether the pack can participate. (Jeff)
Summary generated by AI. Please check for accuracy.
The committee reviewed low turnout at the Camden and Kenwood recruiting events, discussed popcorn sales and shift coverage, prepared for the water rocket meeting, planned den rooms and the Lego pack meeting, clarified the Webelos/AOL campout, and reminded leaders about annual safeguarding training.
Recruiting event results
Camden drew one family with two interested children, and about two people attended Kenwood. Both schools sent flyers home too late for families to plan, and schools may not keep supporting events outside their primary area. The group will lean less on school open houses and look at back-to-school events and other community recruiting, including an evening event if someone volunteers to staff it.
Popcorn sales and coverage
Sales total about $1,550, with nearly $1,000 in the most recent day across 37 sales. The upcoming Farmers Market is covered from 9:00 to 11:00 but not 11:00 to 1:00, and several Kroger shifts have one or no sign-ups; shifts with no one signed up by Tuesday at 8:00 p.m. may be cancelled or adjusted. Experienced sellers will cover a single shift instead of doubling up, while newer sellers keep working in pairs. Den and pack meetings should start in early August or at the start of the school year next year.
Water rocket meeting preparation
Brian will bring 20-30 rinsed bottles, duct tape, fins and a water tub; Alston will bring a hose and water tote; Jeff has the launchers, compressor, hoses, extension cord and tables. A third hose is needed to run three launchers from one compressor, which is quieter than the old generator setup. Alston will check the park's power, with a generator as backup. Setup and announcements start at 6:30, and bottle supply is the main remaining concern if turnout is high.
Den meeting coordination
Each den will get a regular room, unless it needs the gym, kitchen or another area. Jeff will text den leaders on meeting days, confirm each den's location and post it on the board, and will tell the group if he can't attend so someone else can arrive early to set up.
Bobcat awards and Lego pack meeting
The next den meeting will focus on Bobcat requirements so scouts can receive awards at the pack meeting two weeks later; otherwise recognition could slip to the November award meeting. Families should renew dues and complete registration because awards follow the current Scoutbook list. For the Lego meeting, ideas include a common build prompt or building something that represents yourself, plus car races on the existing Lego Derby ramp. Michael will sort the Lego materials, and the pack will decide whether extra base kits are affordable.
Webelos and AOL campout
Webelos and AOL scouts may arrive around 1:00 p.m. Saturday and stay through 9:00 a.m. Sunday, Saturday night only. Webelos sign up under AOL. Tyler will register Logan and needs a Webelos parent contact thread, and Jeff will check whether troop tents can be used. Scouts remain under Cub Scout rules, including a parent staying overnight.
Safeguarding youth training
Training now expires annually, and leaders who miss the renewal may be removed from the system. The updated course takes about an hour and includes a test. Leaders should finish it promptly and remind their den leaders to do the same.
Website and meeting reminders
The website had 197 unique views in the previous seven days and is the central place for registration, schedules, activities and committee meeting links. A text reminder about ten minutes before meetings helps attendance; Scoutbook can't schedule these, so they will be sent manually.
Follow-up tasks
- Investigate whether Microsoft Teams can be set up so participants don't need Jeff present to admit them. (Jeff)
- Complete the transfer of treasury responsibilities and funds to Andy and Alston. (Alston)
- Review upcoming popcorn shifts and secure coverage before the Tuesday 8:00 p.m. cutoff, with one shift per experienced seller where possible. (Brian, Alston)
- Retrieve the fins and duct tape from the church, check there are enough fins, and bring them with the bottles and water supplies. (Brian)
- Verify that the park electrical supply works for the water rocket event. (Alston)
- Confirm whether extra bottles or fins are needed and get replacements if supply is short. (Brian)
- Coordinate den meeting locations, post room assignments on the board, and tell the team if coverage is needed. (Jeff)
- Prioritize Bobcat requirements at next week's den meeting so eligible scouts can receive awards at the pack meeting. (Den leaders)
- Remind families to renew dues and complete registration so scouts are on the award list. (Brian, den leaders)
- Check the available Lego wheels and decide whether more wheel or base kits are needed. (Michael, Brian, Alston)
- Complete the annual Safeguarding Youth training before certifications expire. (Committee members and den leaders)
- Provide Tyler with the Webelos contact list and coordinate sign-ups under the AOL listing for the Saturday-night campout. (Phillip, Tyler)
Summary generated by AI. Please check for accuracy.
The committee reviewed popcorn sales and what they mean for dues, planned the Crooked Creek campout, approved the October 26 trunk-or-treat meeting, and finalized the Scouting For Food plan.
Popcorn fundraising and dues
Popcorn sales reached $8,413, or 84% of goal, with some cash donations still being counted. Projected dues dropped from $255 to about $125 per scout (based on 30 scouts). Unopened popcorn must be returned by Friday, October 23 to reduce the amount owed. The treasurer transition is complete: Andy now has the spreadsheet and the bank account.
Crooked Creek campout
37 people are registered and the district has been told to plan for about 40 overnight campers; registration closes Wednesday, October 21 at midnight. Campsites 7 or 8 are preferred. The menu is bring-your-own dinner Friday, a light Saturday breakfast, sandwiches for lunch, burgers, hot dogs and s'mores Saturday night, and a big Sunday breakfast, on a budget of about $10 per person. The campfire and skits are Saturday night. Expect unreliable cell service and no electrical hookups.
October 26 pack meeting and trunk-or-treat
Although October 26 is a school holiday, the group agreed to hold the meeting because it is the only practical date for trunk-or-treat. Scouts will vote for decorated vehicles with pennies, and the top three vehicles will each win a $25 Amazon gift card. Belt-loop and similar awards will start at the first November pack meeting.
Scouting For Food
Flyers go out Saturday, November 7 and donated food is collected Saturday, November 14. We meet at Williamsgate at 9:00 a.m. both days and cover seven neighborhoods. Collected food is delivered to the church between 10:00 a.m. and noon for sorting and storage.
Future guest presentations
An LMPD canine unit and a retired Apache helicopter pilot are interested in presenting at a pack meeting, pending availability. A meeting with the mayor of Pee Wee Valley is being arranged for Webelos public-service requirements, possibly as a combined den meeting.
Awards store credit
The $192 store credit came from returning unused belt loops, patches and other awards, recovering nearly half of the roughly $400 originally spent.
Follow-up tasks
- Complete the final popcorn inventory count, including Devin's remaining popcorn, and reconcile the spreadsheet. (Sherri)
- Return all unopened popcorn boxes to avoid charges on unsold inventory. (Sherri)
- Register any remaining campout attendees before registration closes. (Parents and scouts)
- Collect Friday and Saturday night attendance and Saturday/Sunday breakfast headcounts from the dens. (Brian, den leaders)
- Finalize the campout menu and grocery list, and compare the local farm's meat prices with Costco. (Brian, Julie)
- Purchase the campout food and coordinate transporting it to the campsite. (Julie, Rachel, Jeff)
- Collect the two coolers, water jugs, Kool-Aid supplies, Blackstone and church pop-up shelter. (Jeff)
- Coordinate with Emma and the Webelos/Bear participants on skits for the Saturday night campfire. (Phillip, Emma, Tyler)
- Confirm campsite placement with the district and request site 7 or 8, or one near the dining hall. (Brian)
- Prepare the counting bins and buy the three $25 Amazon gift cards for the trunk-or-treat awards. (Phillip, Alston)
- Upload the Scouting For Food flyer and meeting-location information to the pack website. (Jeff)
- Meet at Williamsgate at 9:00 a.m. on November 7 to hand out flyers and November 14 to collect donations, then deliver and sort the food at the church. (Pack volunteers)
Summary generated by AI. Please check for accuracy.