April 14, 2005: 6:30 - 8:30 PM • Maine Veterans Home

Attendees: Heidi Leinonen, Donald Littlefield, Martha Davoli, Cathy Fitzgerald, Lloyd Snyder, Sue Delisle, Brian Hazelwood

Parent Meetings Attendance:

• It is important for parents to attend these monthly meetings, or for each Den to be represented. This is our opportunity to make decisions about our sons’ Scouting organization and activities, how the Pack’s money is used, volunteer for specific projects or events, etc. • Parents are our volunteers and without our involvement, our boys wouldn't have as many opportunities open to them in Scouting. • The same group of parents has been involved for some time, making decisions and filling roles. • Increasing parent involvement would stimulate new ideas and creativity. • We will think about how to attract more parents. The meetings could begin earlier so Den leaders can share ideas with each other. Short parent meetings could be held during Pack meetings.

Treasurer Report:

• Lloyd’s report shows our current net worth is $3,483.00.

Advancements:

• The boys will need to complete requirements to earn Bobcat, Wolf and Bear. Webelos who are ready will earn badges at the May 3 Pack meeting.

Parent Committee Chair:

• We need one! Brian Hazelwood has agreed to continue in this role until a replacement is found.

Overnight Trip (June 11):

• We’re expecting over forty-five participants for the trip to Battleship Cove. • Details to be shared at Pack meeting.

May Pack Meeting (May 3):

• Opening: Den 8 • Closing: Den ?

Memorial Day Parade (May 30):

• All boys and adults must be in full uniform! No torn jeans, no Pack 47 t-shirts. • Participants will meet at the High School parking lot. Details to follow. • Program will include ceremony at Maine Veterans Home and dedication of new town park.

Raingutter Regatta (June 4):

• Set up at 9:00 AM at Black Point Congregational Church. Jim has the gutters. • Lloyd Snyder will track results. • Races will be held by Den level, starting at 10:00 AM. • Boats will be handed out at the May 3 Pack meeting. • This is a recruitment event, so the Scouts should invite their friends! • Trophies will be awarded. • We discussed options for boat distribution. Currently boats are given to all boys. The issue is whether to continue this as many boys don’t participate in the Regatta. If parents were asked to purchase the boats from the Pack, participation might increase; at the least, boats would be purchased by those more likely to take part. We decided to keep the system as is and reassess for 2006.

Funpack Weekend (August 6 - 7):

• Cost is $20.00 per person. • Info packets will be available at the May 3 Pack meeting. • Twenty-five boys and twenty-five parents are signed up. • The theme is medieval. • Pack 47 will pick up the food cost. Cathy Fitzgerald will purchase the food. Lloyd, Brennan, and possibly Nick’s dad will help cook.

Summer Activities:

* To earn the Summertime Award pin, boys need to do three of the following activities. • May 30: Memorial Day Parade. See above. • July 16: Coastal Cleanup & Picnic at 10:00 AM. Don Littlefield will provide gloves. • July 30: Kite Flying & Family Picnic at 10:00 AM • July 18 - 22: Scout Day Camp • August 6 - 7: Funpack Weekend. See above. • TBA: Webelos Resident Camp. Two date options. Details to come. • August/TBA: Summerfest. Date unknown. Sign up to help at game booth.

Summerfest:

• A new parent is needed to organize our game booth. • Don Littlefield volunteered to donate helium for balloons.

Recruitment:

• All Out For Scouting will be held September 13 at a location to be determined. • We prefer not to hold All Out For Scouting with Pack 39 this year. In the past, Pack 47 does the planning and Pack 39 is not as well organized. In addition, it is confusing for parents to know which Pack their son should join; there is no established guideline. • We will also hold an Ice Cream Social again this year on September 25, so the new boys can meet each other and be grouped in dens. • The social will be held at the Black Point Congregational Church, with a room for the boys’ activities and another for the parents to learn about the Pack and Den opportunities/activities. • Leaders would hopefully be chosen during the Ice Cream Social.

Website:

• It would be useful to have Den activities and ideas posted.

Next Parent Meeting:

• Please join us for the next Pack 47 parent meeting on May 12 at 6:30 PM at the Maine Veterans Home.