USSSP: Baloo's Bugle

Voluntary Recall of the Cub Scout Immediate Recognition Kit, Item 01804

From Southern NJ Council website at www.snjscouting.org

National has received a letter relating to defects in the Cub Scout Immediate Recognition kit (Item No. 01804). In a letter from the manufacturer, Kahoots, the Boy Scouts of America has been notified that product safety testing for the Cub Scout Immediate Recognition Kit, Item 01804, supplied to the Boy Scout of America may contain lead levels in excess of U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission standards in the paint on one component of the kit, the totem badge.

Note: This recall does not include the Tiger Cub Instant Recognition kit.

In light of this development the kits are being voluntarily recalled without delay.

A photo of the kit and component is shown below.

Anyone who may have purchased the item should remove the Cub Scout Recognition totem badge from their children's possession and, until further instructions are received, keep it in a safe place where only adults will have access to them.

The Boy Scouts of America has directed all of its Scout Shops and all retailers who sell the product to remove it from their shelves immediately and return it. Customers will be advised by Kahoot as to further action to be taken.

BSA's highest priority is the safety of their youth members and their families. The Boy Scouts of America apologizes for any concern this matter causes parents. BSA is doing everything we can to ensure the health and safety of all those who participate in our programs.

Volunteers and families will be notified of what further actions should be taken with the kits.

Questions regarding this notice should be directed to your district executive, or call your local council office

Do you know who lived around here 500 years ago?? This month Cub Scouts will learn about the American Indian tribes currently living in their part of the country or the tribes that previously lived in the area. You are encouraged to invite people from a local tribe to help learn about their culture and how they show respect for Mother Earth and how we are all related. We’ll aim to develop an understanding of the importance of traditional oral history as a way of teaching lessons and recording tribal history.

Some of the purposes of Cub Scouting developed through this month’s theme are:

ü Good Citizenship, Boys will gain an understanding of other cultures and learn to be better citizens of the world.

ü Spiritual Growth, Boys will gain a better understanding of their own spiritual needs after learning how Native Americans respect the spirits in all things.

ü Respectful Relationships, Boys will develop a better respect for the traditions and values of other countries.

ü Respect, Cub Scouts will learn how to show respect for different traditions. They will also learn to treat the environment with care.

Can you think of others??? Hint – look in your Cub Scout Program Helps. It lists different ones!! All the items on both lists are applicable!! You could probably list all twelve if you thought about it!!

Native American Theme. Native American cultures are among the most popular Cub Scout themes. Emphasis should be placed on authentic cultures and traditions. Encourage leaders to talk to a Native American consultant or use reliable, up-to-date references. There are more than 300 recognized tribes today, each with its own rich history and traditions. Leaders should help the boys recognize this diversity

Take care that songs, skits, stories, and cheers used for a Native American theme are respectful and in good taste. Leaders also need to be alert to religious customs, rituals, and traditions. Always ask questions if you are not sure, or leave out the questionable activities. (CD comment - That means no How, Ugh or Big Chief with long funny name skits, no Japutcha).

Many Thanks to Norm who has sent me a lot of ideas for slides. You will find two this month – one under Pack and Den Activities and one under Webelos. Sorry I took so long to feature them.

Hello to Dawn at Del-Mar Va – Dawn is the Training Chair for the Freedom Trail District of Del-Mar-Va Council. She and I had a great conversation and idea exchange one day at lunch when we met at the Scout Shop. She guessed my secret identity!! And she asked me to tell Scouter Jim, his column is one of her favorite parts and to Thank Alice for all her stuff!!

Correction for Webelos Leaders (Pow Wow Book Editors, please take note) – A new Tiger Leader, Vince, wrote to tell me how much he enjoys Baloo but noticed an error

In the September 2007 edition of Baloo's Bugle on page 33 under the Naturalization Test, question 3 asks "How many amendments to the Constitution have been made so far?" Your answer is, "Twenty-six amendments have been made so far." That is incorrect. The 27th Amendment to the Constitution was ratified by the states in 1992 and states that "No law, varying the compensation for the services of the Senators and Representatives, shall take effect, until an election of Representatives shall have intervened."

This along with the mercurochrome example earlier this year should show you how Scouting materials are often passed along from year to year but do occasionally require checking to make sure they are up to date.

My apologies, this error has been circulating for 15 years. Check your materials, please and I will too . CD

Hug A Tree – In the “You never know who will read your stuff” department, last year with one of the nature themes I ran an item on “Hug a Tree” and mentioned that I was not sure what was the official website. This month I received an E-mail from the Beveridge’s, the parents of Jimmy, the boy whose death led to the creation of Hug-A-Tree. Their E-mails aid –

There is a new video that has just been produced and is awaiting final approval from NASAR.

Thank you for all you are doing to help promote the vital survival tips! It warms our hearts to know that 26 years after Jimmy's death children are still learning how to survive from these basic principles.

As you use this Indian Nations theme, emphasize that games, names, customs all took note of their environment – every part of the environment was respected and honored – even when game was taken in hunting, thanks was given and respect shown. Also, every part of a plant or animal was used in some way. Bones became tools, musical instruments, decoration and even parts of body shields, in the case of elk rib bones. Wing bones were used to make whistles, and the Eagle wing bone whistle was highly prized. Seeds, Abalone or other shells were used for decoration and the Miwok made rattles using bone for a handle and shells to make the sound. Even the roots of plants were used – soap plant root could be woven into shirts. Feathers were also used both for decoration and as sacred objects – and the scalp of the woodpecker was used because of it’s color. Uses were found for whatever was in the environment – for example, tule fronds could be woven into a strong rope that could in turn be gathered in bunches and used to make boats that would stay afloat.

Native Americans also had a strong sense of honor – (although it was misunderstood by the white man) – stealing was usually just a case of Indian custom that if a man needed something he could take it (at least in some tribes)

There was a strong sense of family, although sometimes the family wasn’t strictly biological, and could change. Captives were sometimes included, and some chose to stay when rescue was available. In some tribes, there was also a strong sense of class. Also, keeping family and tribal history was important – oral history and art-related histories, such as buffalo skin “journals” were used in many tribes.

Creation stories and use of the natural world in stories and songs – wind was very important, as were the four directions – give some examples.

Note: Also see American Indian Awareness in Cub Scout Program Helps, pg. 3 NOV 07

National makes a patch for every Cub Scout Monthly theme. This is the one for this theme. Check them out at www.scoutstuff.org go to patches and look for 2006 Cub Scout Monthly Theme Emblems.

Sandie had asked me for these and I did not have them yet. Here they are!! Remember vignettes will change and will be different in the CS RT Planning Guide and Program Helps.

SEPTEMBER 2009– CUB SCOUT POCKETS, Character Connection: Compassion What can possibly be in a Cub Scout’s pocket? What is in a boy’s pocket can tell a lot about who he is and what he likes. The boys can share and show off their collections and maybe even start a new one! Put some marbles in the boy’s pockets and teach him how to play the game of marbles. Pick an interest of the boys and go on a field trip to explore and learn about it. Maybe a trip to a rock quarry in search of fossils, or a nature hike around the den meeting site to pick up items. This is also a great month to educate the boys on what can go on their uniform and then make some goals to accomplish their rank advancement, special awards, belt loops and pins, and involvement in camps and council events. This might be a good month to work on the Collecting or Marbles belt loop and pin.

OCTOBER 2009– JUNGLE SAFARI Character Connection: Resourcefulness Help boys discover fun and adventure in the wilds of Scouting. Take them on a month-long safari. Learn why Africa is special to our founder Lord Baden-Powell. Find out how the Jungle Book story connects to Scouting. Use it and its characters to highlight den meeting games, crafts, and costumes for the pack meeting. Learn about the things you need if you are going on a safari and how would you survive. What do Scouts in Africa do? What are their uniforms like? Take a den trip to a local zoo, animal rescue facility, or wildlife refuge. Work on the Cub Scout Outdoor Activity Award or the Wildlife Conservation Academic belt loop and pin.

NOVEMBER 2009– SCOUT SALUTE, Character Connection: Respect This month Cub Scouts salute those heroes who help keep us safe and secure each and every day. Can only adults be heroes? Heroes are often ordinary kids who did something out of the ordinary! A den can decide what makes a hero and who the heroes of tomorrow might be by looking at people they know today. Learn about heroes in your own community, as well as Scouting heroes who have earned BSA heroism awards. Have your Cub Scouts invite their hometown heroes to a den or pack meeting. Perhaps your den can become “silent heroes” by performing service for others without seeking any recognition. Visit a fire station, veteran’s hospital (Veterans Day is this month), police station, or teacher’s classroom and learn about their heroic deeds and reciprocate with a “Scout salute” for their contributions. You might work on the Citizenship belt loop and pin.

DECEMBER 2009 – WORKS OF ART, Character Connection: Faith December is a time of celebration and giving. This is a perfect month for involving friends in doing good deeds and creating holiday magic through art. Cub Scouts use their artistic abilities to create holiday decorations, gifts, or cards. This artwork might be put on display in nursing homes, in churches, schools, or homes, and at the pack meeting or at a meeting of the chartered organization. Boys can make cards and ornaments and share them with residents of a local nursing or retirement home, children’s hospital, or community center and do a “Good Turn for America.” Boys can discover different forms of art, write poems, attend a musical or performing art show, or visit a local art museum. Works of art can become gifts for family members. The Academic belt loop or pin in Art or Music could be worked on in conjunction with these projects.

JANUARY 2010- POWER UP!, Character Connection: Responsibility Boys explore the science of energy through solar, electrical, and wind power and how this energy is used in their everyday lives. They can explore different ways to conserve energy and protect the world we live in. Work on the Science or Weather belt loop and pin. Boys can invite friends to join in the pinewood derby and discover the power behind those little cars. What types of things are powered up by the flip of a switch? A field trip to the local water works or power plant might be part of the den’s monthly plan. Finish up the month with a real power-packed pack meeting. The boys can power up by being physically fit and working on the Physical Fitness belt loop and pin.

FEBRUARY 2010 - HAPPY BIRTHDAY, B.S.A., Character Connection: Honesty It’s time to celebrate with a big birthday bash. Boy Scouts of America is 100 years old this year. Learn the history of how Scouting came to the United States. Find out about those who have given us this great Scouting legacy such as Daniel Carter Beard, James E. West, Ernest Thompson Seton, Waite Phillips, and W. D. Boyce. Let’s play birthday games, make party decorations, and have birthday cake for our blue and gold banquet.

MARCH 2010– TAKE FLIGHT, Character Connection: Courage The Wright brothers had a lot of courage to accomplish their dream to fly. Air has power to push and pull objects so that they can fly. This month learn all about air, what it consists of, and why it is needed to fly. Learn about gravity. Make your own flying machines as you hear about the Wright Brothers and their invention. Explore different types of paper airplanes. Figure out which ones fly farther, higher, faster, longer, and why? Hold a pack-wide paper plane derby fun night! How many things can you name that can fly? Study birds and their flyways. Why do some fly in a V formation? Take flight outdoors with a den or pack kite derby this month and enjoy that air! Take a field trip to the airport, hobby shop, or a science museum. Earn the Science belt loop and pin.

APRIL 2010- SPRING INTO ACTION, Character Connection: Positive Attitude This month is a good time to spring into action with outdoor activities such as hikes, sports and games, cleaning up litter along ponds, parks or roadsides, or planting some trees for improved habitat. Make plaster casts of the animal tracks you find on your hike. Visit and talk with someone who works with wildlife conservation and visit a fish hatchery, zoo, animal shelter, or wildlife sanctuary. Bring along food and supplies that they might need as part of your “Good Turn for America.” Build bird houses, bird baths, feeding stations, or boxes for nesting materials. Do a community service project with your chartered organization to show your positive attitude in doing your best? This would be a good month to work on the Conservation belt loop and pin.

MAY 2010- IN THE SPOTLIGHT, Character Connection: Cooperation It’s time to perform and be in the spotlight! This month spend some time making musical instruments to be used in the pack meeting variety show. The variety show could be skits, songs, puppet shows, magic trick – you name it. Have the boys and their parents and families participate in a variety show and have some adults record the show. Dens can create posters announcing the show and make programs to let everyone know what’s coming. Commercials could be videotaped by the den during their den meetings and then be shown between acts. (Get the parents involved) Take a photo for the local newspaper or a video clip for the local TV station for recognition of their achievements and put Cub Scouting in the spotlight. Visit a television, radio, or cable station to see how they prepare and produce their shows. Attend a play or musical production. The Cub Scouts can earn the Music belt loop and pin.

JUNE 2010- HOOP-DE-DOO!, Character Connection: Health and Fitness This is a good time to learn and play the game of basketball while you learn about sportsmanship. Have a member of the high school basketball team (preferably a Boy Scout) teach the boys the rules of basketball; then play a game in the pack with older boys and younger boys balancing each team. Play other games such as ring toss, hoop games, soap bubble contests, and hoop obstacle course. Start working on the National Summertime Pack Award or Cub Scout Outdoor Activity Award. The boys will be able to earn the Basketball belt loop and pin or another Sports belt loop and pin of their choice, including the Physical Fitness belt loop and pin.

JULY 2010 CELEBRATE FREEDOM, Character Connection: Citizenship Celebrate America’s freedom established on July 4, 1776, with patriotic songs, games, and family fun. Discover what makes America so special to us. Decide on a birthday present your pack can give to America by doing a service project and a “Good Turn for America.” Participate as a den or pack in an Independence Day parade. Enjoy the beauty of our country by participating in outdoor activities. Have a pack barbeque or family gathering and share some family heritage about coming to our great nation. Design and serve a birthday cake and sing to America! Earn the Citizenship and Heritage belt loops and pins.

AUGUST 2010 WAVES OF FUN, Character Connection: Perseverance Jump in and make a BIG splash with fun activities that explore water and waves. There is an adventure waiting in one of Earth’s final frontiers, the depths of the ocean floors. Creatures never imagined before can be found there. What kinds of animals do live there? What does the ocean floor look like? The den could discover what makes a boat float, learn about different sea vessels, and even make their own boats. The pack can celebrate this month with a beach party (no beach required) and family picnic as they enjoy the great outdoors. Top it off with a raingutter regatta. Complete the requirements for earning the National Summertime Pack Award. This is a fun month to bring a friend! This is a wonderful opportunity to teach water safety and practice the buddy system while having fun and earning the Swimming belt loop and pin.