ANNOUNCEMENTS
Important Dates
- Webelos Den Meeting - Sunday, May 3, 2:00-4:00 PM
- Lions, Tigers, Wolf, & Bear Den Meetings - Sunday, May 10, 2:00-4:00 PM
- Memorial Day Flags - Saturday, May 23rd - 8:30 AM
- Pack Picnic & Promotion Meeting - Sunday, May 31st 4:00 PM
- Summer Event Schedule Distribution - Sunday, May 31st 4:00 PM
May Pack Schedule - NOTE Meetings are 1st or 3rd & 5th Sundays
Pack 145 holds sacred Mother's Day. To avoid scheduling Den Meetings on the 2nd May Sunday, Pack 145 has moved its last Scout Year Den Meetings to different Sundays based on volunteer Den Leader availability (see above). Then, to avoid Memorial Day weekend plans, Pack 145 has scheduled ist Pack Picnic & Promotion Meeting to Sunday, May 31st.
Pack Picnic & Promotion - Sunday, May 31st 4:00 PM
Bring your family, a picnic blanket or camp chairs to the Activity Building lawn for an outdoor dinner celebration of our 2025-2026 Scout Year! The Pack will provide the meat, drinks, plates, napkins, utensils and cups. Each family is asked to bring any side dish to share.
After the meal, there will be an awards ceremony for Cubs to earn their Adventure Loops and their Rank Badges. Then, a schedule of Summer Pack Events (no offiical Den or Pack meetings, just optional summer activities) will be shared.
If rain, the event will be held inside. Please sign up to allow for enough meat, drinks and supplies. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0E49AEAC2CA46-57844099-202526
Help Pack 145 help honor the memory of Veterans who served our country. Cub Scouts work with loca veterans, especially those from our Charter Organization, the VFW, to plant flags at the graves of veterans from the Revoluntionar War to today. Please sign-up to indicate if you can help on that Saturday. If not, there is a need for Cubs to pull up the flags on the Tuesday after Memorial Day. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0E49AEAC2CA46-57844099-202526
Pack 145 Benefit - Backpack & Earning Patches Program
Through a grant, Cub Scouts who maintain 3 months of attendance will receive a FREE official Cub Scout Backpack at the February Blue & Gold. Cubs are asked to wear this backpack proudly to Pack 145 activities and in the community to display their Adventure awards. Whenever a Cub arrives at a Pack event wearing this backpack, they will be able to select a special patch that may relfect the activity. If a backpack is lost, a replacement can be purchased for $40.00. A second patch will be provided if a Cub also wears their Pack/BSA Shirt.
Why? Scouting has a long history of patches to celebrate experiences and the design are pretty cool.
Why? Pack 145 plans to schedule a Patch Swap where Cubs can trade patches from any Scout or other community event. You may like a cool design or may have missed an event or forgotten to wear the Pack shirt or your backpack. You can make some trades. Patch Swaps are another Scouting tradition that Pack 145 wants Cubs to enjoy.
Now, that Pack 145 has solved the best way for Cub Scouts to display their Adventure Loops, Pack 145 hopes to devise a way to display patches on that backpack. Stay tuned. For now, keep those patches safely tucked into a pack of your Pack Backpack.
Recruitment - WORD of MOUTH NEEDED
To continue the great programming of Cub Scouts, Pack 145 needs MORE recurits ages 5-10 years old. A Pack needs to GROW! Festivals and back-to-school nights don't bring in the youth like WORD-OF-MOUTH! Parents are being asked to share the positive experiences of their children to more family, friends, and their children's classmates. Invite someone to attend any of our Pack activities to see the FUN! Kids about to attend Kindergarten can even join a Pack in the April before their school year starts.
Den Meetings
To respond to family schedules and the new Cub Scout Adventures in shared themes, ALL rank (grade level) Dens will meet together 2:00-4:00 PM on the 2nd Sunday* of each month to allow Cub siblings and our wonderful volunteers to meet together on the same day! (See the Den Meeting schedule tab) Lion and Tigers must have an adult partner attend Den Meetings. Wolf, Bear and Webelos can be dropped off. However, a parent must walk him/her IN and OUT from the upstairs Activity Bldg for Cub safety. This also allow parents to see sign-up, sign-outs, flyers, collections, etc. to keep communication in good shape. *Some dates may be moved up or back a week to accommodate holidays.
UPDATE! Pack Dues Explanation & Scouting America Membership Renewal Process:
Beginning August 2026, council and possibly national Scouting America is increasing their fees. Thus, for the first time in 5 years, Pack 145 will need to increase the DUES to accommodate these financial changes. Sorry. Until then, the fees below are current.
#1 - Parents of Cubs and Volunteers may receive a BSA email notification of approaching BSA Membership expiration. BSA Members have 30 days after their expiration date to pay online or they have to re-register with a paper application and $130.00.
#2 -Cubs may renew their $115.00 BSA Membership online via the provided links in that email. By using a credit/debit card, there will be additional 3% fee. If use a e-check or ACH, there is a $1.00 fee. Bring a copy of the payment to Pack 145 to only pay $15.00 to complete the Pack Dues. By doing this option, a Cub can not receive the benefits of the Scout Account, Volunteer Appreciation or the Multiple Sibling Discounts.
#3 -Cubs may renew by including the $115.00 BSA Membership and $15.00 Pack Dues in ONE $130.00 check payable to "Pack 145". Pack 145 will pay the Cub's BSA membership fee to the council office for proccessing. Pack 145 will keep $15.00 to pay for activities, supplies, awards, etc. This is how Pack 145 has been doing its Dues transactions for years. Please note by doing #3, a family can reduce its costs of Cub Scouting enjoyment with these benefits:
- Volunteer Leader Benefit receives free dues for themselves and ONE Cub; Value $95.00 + $115.00 + $15.00 = $225.00
- Multiple Sibling Discount allows full price ($130.00) for the 1st Cub, $10.00 off the 2nd Cub ($120.00) , $20.00 off the 3rd Cub ($110.00), etc. Pack 145 would rather have partial or no $15.00 dues, even supplement the BSA membership then have a large family struggle to participate. For example a family of 3 Cubs = $360.00 to Pack 145.
- Scout Accounts, which vary depending on participation at our annual Yard Sale, can be applied to $130.00 Dues. Contact Lisa Bass for a SA balance and pay $130.00 minus that SA amount to Pack 145.
IMPORTANT Reminders:
#1 - Those newly registered Cub Scouts who submitted their $130.00 between May-October can ignore the November deadline. You are all good for the year.
#2 Webelos 2s or AOL who graduate in February will have their BSA membership transferred to their Troop with no expectations of more dues until next November. Any SA balances are only forwarded to Troop 145.
#3 A Pack t-shirt is NOT included in the Pack dues. Cub Scouts are welcome to purchase any Scouting America type shirt on their own.
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Our Charter Organization
Pack 145 is so happy that our Cub Scouting program is in partnership with our locat veterans within Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5311. Activities with our veterans have been a part of Pack 145 for 20+ years. It was a natural fit and Pack 145 looks forward to many joint events with the VFW. Pack 145 will continue to meet at the Activity Building through a very restrictive Facilities Usage Agreement, but we are making it work until VFW can accommodate our young Cubs. However, soome Pack 145 meetings may be held at the VFW Post on High Street.
Recruitment
O
nly way to grow is by "word of mouth" Tell others parents and kids that Pack 145 is family friendly and then show them the photos of the no-cost, high thrills activities available to Cub Scouts! See the Join Today webpage link on the left! Please help Pack 145 grow! Any youth ages 5-10 can join anytime! Four-year olds can become Lion Cubs in April before Kindergarten. VISIT anytime! JOIN the fun anytime
Improving Pack 145 Communication
In addition to this website, regular emails and our Facebook Group, Pack 145 will begin using the Remind system to send out quick text message reminders about changes to upcoming Den and Pack Meetings, especially weather or COVID related. If a parent has a smartphone, you download the Remind App or type rmd.at/ghh4ga9 in a web brower. If just a plain cellphone, text @ghh4ga9 to 81010.
Religious Emblem Program At-Home or Virtual
The National BSA in collaboration with the P.R.A.Y organization offer programs for Cub/Boy Scouts to earn Religious Emblem medals. Cubs can earn the God & Me and/or the God & Family. Boy Scouts can pursue God & Church and/or God & Life. It has been too many years since Pack 145 has been able to offer an in-person program. Because of COVID, the allowance of remote learning is now possible. There are 10 take-home lessons for any Cub wanting to earn the God & Me award. Each lesson must be returned before the next lesson is given. All lessons are kept together in a folder for review by a counselor from St. Paul UMC and then the Cub earns this prestigious medal. If this is successful, Pack 145 will offer God and Family.
Pack 145 Plastic Film Collection
A Den started a campaign to rid the environment of plastic litter! Another Den has graciously offered to continue this conservation collection in the Activity Building for more benches in/around St. Paul UMC. Look for the collection box in/near the kitchen area. Pack 145 has earned 10 benches as of May 2024. Pack 145 has partnered with Troop 145 to earn 2 benches from 2000lbs of plastic out of our environment. Pack 145 benches can be found...
- 3 around the Activity Building campfire pit
- 1 at our plastic film provider, Inorganics Co.
- 1 at our charter organization, VFW Post 5311
- 1 inside the Wonder Universe Children's Museum
- 2 inside the nearby playground
- 2 at the Downtown Christiansburg Pocket Park
Pack 145 is a wonderful promotion of Cub Scouting skills and values, all made possible by volunteer leaders who are greatly supported by the Pack Committee and the St. Paul UMM, our charter organization. MORE LEADERS ARE GREATLY NEEDED! The den schedule of 1 time a month for 2 hours is to accommodate busy adult and youth schedules. Please consider the rewards and beneifts of completing an Adult Application and some minor online training! Please help Pack 145 comply with the policy of "2-Deep" Leadership. Please contact Cubmaster if any questions.
*NEW*Uniform Guidelines
To help reduce costs as BSA uniforms continue to increase as our Cubs grow faster than
our wallets, Pack 145 has made the decision to eliminate the offical blue BSA uniforms and all its parts (hats, neckercheif, & slide). A Pack 145 t-shirt is all that is needed to show Cub Scout and Pack 145 pride. Pack 145 has plenty of styles and sizes. Cost = $10.00. We encourage Cubs to wear their Pack t-shirt to ALL Pack/Den activities and EVERYWHERE! Other BSA themed shirts are allowed. Any Cub wishing to purchase and wear any official BSA clothing is A-OK! Pack 145 is working to find ways to showcase well-earned Adventure Belt Loops and patches. Stay tuned!
Scouts and Sports together make a balanced diet of activities! Scouting is flexible enough for a Cub Scout to excel at both, and many Scouts do. Scouting encourages a well-rounded balance of activities, and a Boy Scout doesn’t have to attend every Scouting event. No one should have to feel that it is "Scouts verus Sports" situation.
Pack 145 supports its Cub Scout players in various sports thoughout the seasons! As Pack 145 starts a new Scout Year and should a Cub Scout be unavailable for any meeting or other activity, please stay in communication with Den Leader and Cubmaster so we can all be your "cheering section" in Sport AND in Scouting! As always, we look forward to your attendance to any of the Pack planned activities!
Pack 145 Cub Scouts Challenges - Almost Time to Wrap up This Virtual World - This was featured in the National Scouting Magazine!
#1 - The Scout Oath asks that all Scouts to work on being “physically strong”. Let’s hear reports, see a photo or a video of our Cub Scouts being physically active outside today and how you unplugged.
#2 - Show "A Scout is Clean" by demonstrating or explaining how you wish your hands.
#3- "A Scout is Kind" enough to help lonely Senior Citizens by crafting cards or writing letters.
#4 - Our Professional Health Care Workers deserve our appreciation so signing a BIG Thank You card.
#5 - Let's Dance! It improves the mood!
#6 - Blue Ridge Mountain Council has challenged Scouts to build an outdoor/indoor tent with #CampAtHomeBRMC for a chance of a prize.
#7 - BINGO Cub Scout Version
#8 - Cub Scouts are going a Bear Hunt by placing a stuffed bear/animal in a window for other community kids to participate in a scvanger hunt.
#9 - Scout is Thirfty! Find and count/group spare change from around your house.
#10 - Outdoor Scavenger Hunt
#11 - Litter Clean-Up in your neighborhood
#12 - Easter Egg Coloring to celebrate the holiday
#13 - Scout Strong to show you community witha sign posted on car or home that To Be Strong.
#14 - Scout is Kind by painting and placing kindness rocks around your neighborhood.
#15 - National Park Week can be visited and completing an activity on the https://www.nps.gov/subjects/npscelebrates/national-park-week.htm
#16 - Happy Earth Day with a celebration of nature used in art.
#17 - Baking Fun
#18 - Virtual Museum or Aquarium Tours
#19 - May the Fourth Jedi Name
#20 - Cinco de Mayo & Taco Tuesday Celebration
#21 - Make your own Musical Instrument
#22 - Celebrate Mom with a photo
#23 - Create some Chalk Art
#24 - Help the Birds by constructing a bird house/feeder
#25 - Nature Hunt
#26 - Art Show your talents and creativity
#27 - Build a rocket to celebrate Sally Ride and America Launch
#28 - Composting Day
#29 - Movie Premiere - recreate your favorite movie moment or character.
#30 - Build a Bug Hotel to welcome our insects to help in nature
#31 - Plant a Garden
#32 - Wheely Fun Summer - put on some wheels and have fun!
#33 - Duct Tape is Scout tool that can repair or craft anything. Show what you can do!
#34 - He & Me photo to celebrate Father's Day
#35 - Scout Patches Tradition - Show off all the patches you have earned before or during COVID.