The Final Chapter of Cub Scouts

Jack has now reached the last level as a Cub Scout (Webelos II) and will prepare to enter Boy Scouts. At their year-end campfire ceremony, Jack was awarded a coin that will help remind him of the qualities of a Scout. A Scout is: trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent. I can't think of any better ideals to teach a young man, and I'm proud to say that Jack's character consists of much of these qualities already. Great job on another year of hard work, Jack!
Another recent activity that gave us a glimpse of our next level of Scouting adventures was the Denver Area Council Scout Show. It's an expo center filled with Scout-manned booths that feature activities for kids, all centered around a common theme. You probably recall Jack's building for their pack's booth: Heroes on the Hudson. We saw many awesome Scout creations--contraptions that were built outside, many using logs. The Boy Scouts that demonstrated these machines (things like catapults and can-crushers and obstacle course walls) were courteous and outgoing. We all enjoyed meeting them and having fun, but I think Jack was the most excited, knowing that big kid activities and outdoor adventures are just around the bend for him. See a video of our Scout Show Fun Here.

By the way, Jack is using email these days. You can reach him at JackG303@aol.com.

Colorado History Field Trip

To reinforce the history they have been learning, I accompanied the 4th graders on their field trip to the Manitou Springs Cliff Dwellings and the Western Museum of Mining and Industry. They got to see first hand how the Anasasi Indians ground corn and lived in tiny spaces. We also learned where the term "grease monkey" came about, panned for gold and saw a model of what is at work under ground at a gold mine. It was great to get a hands-on look at what life was like for some past Coloradans. Even better, for me, was opening up the brown bag lunch my son had packed for me and seeing a note that read, "I love you, Mom."