Category Archives: News

Blue and Gold Celebration

Category : News , Pack Activities

When: May 15th 5:30-8pm

Where: Westerville Community Center – Maple Rooms

Details

This is our Blue & Gold Celebration to recognize our Scouts for completing their rank awards and other accomplishments during the 2021-22 Scout year!

We are hosting the event in the Maple Room at the Westerville Community Center. Tickets will be available for purchase to bring the whole family, including extended family. Dinner is being catered by City Barbeque and there will be entertainment by Juggler, Matt Jergens. It’s going to be spectacular!


Fees (pay here)

adults: $13

youth (5-12): $9 pp

toddlers (2-4): $3 pp 


2022 – Cold Toes campout – SUCCESS

Tags :

Category : Activities , Camping , News

When: April 9th, 2:00pm – April 10th, 10:00am

Where: Camp Otter Run – 7647 Co Rd 144, East Liberty, OH 43319

To help offset the cost of this event, fee is $10 per camper by 4/4/2022.

If you have a popcorn discount code for your Scout, you can enter it in the coupon code box. Pay online here. (Registration is closed – contact cubmaster@westervillepack197.org if you need assistance)


DETAILS

The Pack 197 annual Cold Toes campout will be here before you know it! Please email Sarah O’Bryan or your Den Leader if you have questions.

Note: The event agenda is subject to change.

Saturday
2:00-3:00 Campers and families arrive and set up camp
3:00-3:15 Flag ceremony
3:15-4:15 Conservation project/tree planting
4:15-5:30 Den Activities/Skit planning
5:30-7:00 Dinner/Free time for scouts
7:00-8:00 Campfire/Skits/Songs
8:00-10:00 Cracker-barrel
10:00 lights out

Sunday
7:30-10:00 Breakfast and teardown
9:00am – Optional non-denominational service

Your Den Leaders may have activities planned in order to help all of our Scouts reach their goal of completing rank by Blue and Gold.


Please make sure the Pack has a copy of the BSA medical forms, both parts A & B. Both adults and Scouts need to have these forms to attend camp. 

Recommended Gear
Medications
Toothbrush, toothpaste
Flashlight with extra batteries
Lightweight hiking boots or hiking shoes
Tall hiking socks
Pack hat

Lip balm
Sunscreen
Folding chair
Reusable plate, silverware and cup (mess kit)
Shovel, if you have one
Gardening gloves, optional

Layers of clothes for weather
Rain jacket or sturdy poncho
Warm jacket or vest
Long pants
Long-sleeve shirt
Scout t-shirt for hot weather
Thermal underwear

Sleeping
Soft cap (hoodie might be OK)
Sleeping bag, rated 20 degrees colder than lowest forecasted temperature
Sleeping pad or an air mattress, with battery pump
Water bottle
Day pack/small backpack (for scouts going on a hike)
Tent
Rain fly for tent (unless it’s built-in)
Full set of tent stakes
Tarp or tent footprint
Battery pump instead of AC powered.

Optional
Gloves
Hiking stick
Pocket knife (scouts must have Whittling Chip with them and follow its rules).

Note:
Scouts should not bring or play on any portable video games or other electronic devices.
Otter Run parking lot is small and we will need to park cars in such a way that some will not be able to move until everyone leaves. Please contact Sarah if you need to leave early before the event.


July 2022 – Day Camp (early bird price ends Mar 31)

Tags :

Category : Activities , Camping , News

Hello Pack 197!
Registration is open for Cub Scout Day Camp. The early bird deadline to save an extra $20 per Scout ends on March 31, and must be paid in full by that date.

We are in Polaris District which is the week of July 11-15.

Here is a link to sign up: https://scoutingevent.com/441-2022_Polaris_DC

Day Camp is run with volunteers. Please take a look at your schedule and consider registering yourself as an “adult participant.” We can work out a schedule among the dens to share adult supervision for the kids – at least 2 adult leaders per den each day. If you are registering an incoming Tiger/1st, you must have an adult with your Scout every day.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Yours in Scouting,
Sarah O’Bryan
Cubmaster


2022 – Pinewood Derby FLOW

Race Day Schedule 

Saturday February 5th

***IMPORTANT: Car Check-In/Registration Is Now ON SATURDAY***
Due to the high likelihood of bad weather tomorrow, we are proactively moving the race check-in to Saturday morning at 10:00 AM. We’d recommend arriving as close to 10 AM as possible to make sure we have enough time to get everyone registered.

Race Day Volunteers Needed!
We still have some volunteer positions open for race day. Please take a moment to see what’s available and sign-up to help!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0c4cada72da1fa7-20221

Race Day Schedule
10:00 AM – Car Registration
11:00 AM – Design Voting, Concessions Open
12:00 PM – Racing Begins
2:00 PM – Awards & Clean-Up

Live Streaming
We plan to stream the race on Zoom for any family members who can’t attend in person. You can share the link and passcode below to give others access the live stream:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j…F1Z05VUT09
Meeting ID: 871 5467 3317
Passcode: pack197

Race Rules
Please note that the axles, wheels, and car body must be made from the standard BSA kit provided to scouts. Also, your car must weigh 5.0 ounces or less. See the pack website for the full list of rules.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out. See you Saturday!

Yours in Scouting,
Joe Hohman & The 2022 PWD Team


2022 – Upcoming events

Category : News

  1. (1/22) Pinewood derby clinic @ The O’Bryan Garage! SUCCESS!
  2. (1/29) Outlaw race ….
  3. (1/31) Pack Meeting
  4. (2/5) Pinewood derby

For details, check out the CALENDAR. See you soon!!

Pinewood Derby Details HERE


2021 – Pumpkin Race Info – SUCCEESS

Category : News

WHEN: October 25th

During the October Pack Meeting (Monday the 25th), we will do our traditional flag ceremony and awards…then we begin the show!


DETAILS

Hello Pack 197 Families!

I am so excited because it’s…
2 weeks til the Pumpkin Race!

🎃
🗓

Since we have so many new Scouts this year, you may be looking for a little more info on this fun tradition!

The Pumpkin Race isn’t actually a race at all!

😂

What it IS is a chance for your Scout to flex their creative muscles and have some fun. The only competition is in design, and we have 6 categories the Scouts will vote on: Character, Scouting, Halloween, Sports, Nature and Other.

In order to participate, your Scout simply needs to select a pumpkin to put on wheels (this could be a dump truck, skate board, etc…feel free to be creative!) decorate the pumpkin, and be sure NOT TO CARVE THE PUMPKIN!

SAMPLE CONTENDERS FROM LAST YEAR

Pumpkins will be rolled down a big wooden ramp and along a track. We cheer on each pumpkin and each Scout gets their own moment in the spotlight!

At this month’s Pack Meeting (Monday the 25th), we will do our traditional flag ceremony and awards…then we begin the show! You are welcome to bring along family to this meeting, and costumes are encouraged but not required. Please be mindful that a Scout is both respectful and kind, therefore costumes should reflect that.

⚜️

The Pack Meeting will be held inside the Sanctuary area at Heritage, which is super easy! Simply use the main entrance and go straight ahead.

We want this event to be as safe and enjoyable as possible, so all participants and spectators must wear a mask. One final note is that it takes a lot of adult hands to move the track out of storage, check in cars, cleanup, etc…so, next week I will be sending a SignUpGenius to ask for help. Your time and talent is greatly appreciated and is integral to make this event a success for our Scouts and families alike!

🙏

If you have any questions, please feel free to respond to this message or call/text me Stephanie Stevens (details in email)


Pack Meeting – 9/27@ 7p @ Heritage church == GREAT SUCCESS!

Category : News

The last Monday of the month is our Pack Meeting (except when affected by holidays)…and this is going to be a grrrrrreat one!

We have the Webelos (4the graders) hosting the event and our Arrow of Lights (5th graders) leading our activity. As usual, we will be highlighting the accomplishments of our Scouts in the last month, but we will also be preparing for our Campout next weekend! One way we can prepare is by learning the “3 Bucket Method.”This is both economical, ecological…and it means we make washing dishes fun! 🍽🧽🪣🥳

Please be sure to bring either a mess kit (suggestion and pictures in the comments) or simply bring any plastic plate and utensil that can be washed. If you forget, we will have some extras on hand. 😉

We will also cover some topics like Popcorn Sales, the upcoming Columbus Crew outing, AND the Pumpkin Race! 🎃 A lot of important information will be conveyed tomorrow, but feel free to ask any questions you have

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Family Hike this Saturday 9/18 @10am! == SUCCESS!

Category : Activities , News

Hello Pack 197 Families!

It’s here! Our first family hike of the new Scouting year!

WHERE: Gertrude Lawrence Woods Nature Preserve

4856 Red Bank Rd, Galena, OH 43021

WHEN: Saturday Sept 18th @ 10:00 am

Once a month, we have a hike (or other fun activity) to allow your whole family to enjoy Scouting together. It’s meant to be a casual and fun social opportunity for our community to get to know each other better.
This month we have a gem that’s “hidden in plain sight!” It’s not far from our immediate area, but isn’t well known. It’s a beautiful trail that’s not as well traveled as some of our Metro Parks.
Our plan is to hike about 1.2 miles.

Some things to keep in mind for Saturday:
1) We do have to cross Red Bank Rd to access the preserve. Park at the Twin Bridges boat ramp and escort your Scouts to the entrance.
2) This trail definitely has some rocks and some areas with water nearby. Be sure to wear shoes that you are comfortable with getting a little wet or dirty.
3) Pants or long socks are recommended if you are sensitive to poison ivy. It’s not necessarily on the trail currently, but it is nearby in some areas.


Pack 197 Fall Campout 10/2 weekend = AMAZING!!!

Category : Activities , Camping , News

Pack 197 Fall Campout Details

Who is invited?
The fall campout is for Tiger, Wolf, Bear, Webelos and Arrow of Light Scouts and their families. Lion Cub Scouts may attend if they are siblings.

When is the camp out?
Saturday, Oct. 2 at 2:00 p.m.
through
Sunday, Oct. 3 at 10:00 a.m.

*Optional (Webelos/AoLs only): Friday, Oct. 1 at 6:00 p.m. for an additional fee

What is the cost?
$10 per person for Sat-Sun
Includes: Saturday Dinner, Evening S’mores, Sunday Breakfast & Camp Fees

$15 per person for Fri-Sun (Webelos/AoL only)
Includes: Friday Cracker Barrel, Saturday Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Evening S’mores, Sunday Breakfast & Camp Fees

*Please let Sarah O’Bryan know of any allergies or health concerns.

Pay & Register online:
Saturday-Sunday
Friday-Sunday
Reservation closes EOD Monday, Sept. 27.

Where are we camping?
Camp Falling Rock
12637 Houdeshell Dr.
St. Louisville, Ohio 43071
Click Here for Directions

What do we bring?
1. BSA Health Form A/B for ALL Participants (Scouts, Parent/Guardians, Siblings) is REQUIRED. I will have some copies available at the Den meeting on Monday at Heritage if you do not have access to a printer and we do not have one on file.

2. Camping Gear – For more details on what to pack, please visit the pack website here.

Our Arrow of Light Scouts will be sharing some camping tips and demonstrations at our Pack meeting on Monday, Sept. 27. For questions, please reply to this email or reach out to Sarah O’Bryan at 913.226.8596. I hope you can join us for this fun event!

Yours in Scouting,
Sarah O’Bryan
Cubmaster, Pack 197


Aug Family Hike: Aug 14 @10a @Glacier Ridge Park = SUCCESS!

Category : Activities , News , Summer Fun

WHAT: August Family Hike

WHEN: August 14th @10am

WHERE: Glacier Ridge Metro Park

9801 Hyland-Croy Rd, Plain City, OH 43064


We’ll get some energy out on the cedar play

structure with ropes and a zip line, hiking through

the natural play area, giving disc golf a try, and making

our way through a half mile obstacle course!