CUBMASTER'S MINUTES

Starry Night
Greater St. Louis Area Council

(Dim room lights except for  candle or flashlight)

This is the season of lights and stars, when days are short and nights are long with beautiful stars.

Lord Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting, once said this to his scouts, "I often think when the sun goes down, the world is hidden by a big blanket from the light of heaven.  But the stars are little holes pierced in that blanket by those who have done good deeds in this world.  The stars are not all the same size; some are big, and some are little.  So some men have done great deeds, and some men have done small deeds, but they have all made their hole in the blanket by doing good before they went to heaven."

Let's remember when we look at the starry sky, to make our own hole in the blanket, by doing good deeds and helping other people.

The Season of Lights
Baltimore Area Council

This is the season of lights. It is a time when the days are shorter so the nights are longer, yet somehow things are brighter. Stores and homes are bright with holiday lights. Thousands of homes have a single light to show the way for the Christ child, others have candles burning to commemorate the miracle of Hanukkah, and some light candles to honor the heritage of Kwanzaa. Even the stars in the winter sky seem brighter at this time of year. But the most important glow is from the spirit of goodwill that WE live with year-round in the Cub Scout Promise and the Law of the Pack. Before we all leave to get on with our holiday celebrations, let's stand and repeat the Promise and Law together. Happy Holidays!

Traditions
Trapper Trails

Here in America we are many. We come from many lands and with us we bring our heritages. We bring our beliefs and we strengthen America when we hold to those beliefs. Each of our traditions gives us an identity, a belonging. And when we share those traditions, we expand our circle so soon we all can belong. Whether we celebrate Christmas, or Hanukah, Kwanzaa or none of these, sharing valued traditions and holding true to what hey stand for will make America strong. In Cub Scouts, we are many. We come from all backgrounds and celebrate many traditions. But no matter who we are we are still part of America and we all strive to "Do Our Best".

A Good Turn - Cubmaster's Minute
Baltimore Area Council

In a past issue of Scouting magazine, there is a story about a Webelos Scout named Daniel Simon of Pack 381, Buffalo Grove, Illinois. Daniel earned a $750 gift certificate, and instead of spending the money on himself, he filled seven shopping carts with toys for other children who might not get anything that holiday season. It was a fine act of kindness and generosity. For Daniel, the Cub Scout Promise and the Law of the Pack aren't just words; they represent a way of life. Wouldn't it be a great holiday tradition if we all followed Daniel's example and performed some special good turn for someone in need? That would bring a lot of joy to the people we served. It would also bring a lot of joy to us, knowing that we had done something to make someone's life a little better. When you ask the question, "What do you do at holiday time?" also think about what you can do to give good will and serve others at holiday time. What better way to build good memories that will last forever?

Cubmaster's Minute
Baltimore Area Council