The Tigers Go See It: The Fire Department

 As part of our den activities, there are recommended trips that relate to the key lessons taught.  While we were "Keeping Ourselves Healthy and Safe," the Tigers took a trip to the Fire Department.  The firemen were very welcoming, being used to scout tours.  And being a small town always helps. It was a very hands on trip that the boys loved!

Meeting the firemen on duty

Z checking out the Thermal imaging gun

Exploring all the gear the engine has to carry

T and all the Tigers got to try out the seats in the back

Wishing he could be the driver?!

And little brothers had fun too

But the Scouts got to check out the driver's seat as well!

And try on the helmet...

 Not bad for our first Go See It.  The boys took home valuable lessons of what to do when you see a fire truck at work, how to stay safe and what the firemen do to stay safe.  Any trip that allows for climbing in a large, shiny red truck has got to be a success!

The boys also made a thank you note for our firemen, for the tour and the job they do to protect us.  Charged with the task of checking smoke alarms and planning a fire drill for their family, we adjourned for the evening.  But not before one last photo...

Into the Wild Blue Yonder!

The first campout of the year was to take place at the Woodfield Scout Preservation and a more excited group of cubbies you never did see!

Leader Brant and his Tiger were packed up and ready to go early, to get things ready for those who would arrive later in the evening.

 Saturday dawned and so did a fun filled day of activities!  Heading first to the Council Ring, Pack 265 was raring to go!

The council ring, beautiful in fall colors

We had a lot of Tigers there!

and our Mascot, Little H!

The boys were quickly bonding....

one of the best parts of scouting.

We'll look back on these photos when they are getting their Eagles, probably a bit teary eyed

 Next up...the fort.  And slingshots!

But first we had to have a little safety talk

and check out the targets..

chomping at the bit!

Loading the tennis ball ammo

That's the way to get a difficult target!!

Pull harder!

a little higher....

some leaders giving the boys a little support, to keep from slipping on the leaves.

and then the adults got a turn!  

 Soon it was time to head back for lunch.  The Scout Preservation was beautiful in the fall, and the short cut took us right by the outdoor chapel.  They boys attended a service there before departing the following morning.

Home sweet home for the weekend

Flag raised, pack flag posted...we had staked our claim on the campsite!

 After lunch it was time to head to the "midway," where each Pack had sponsored a game.  And just in case you were wondering, our Pack took home the ribbon for the best game!  Here are some photos of the boys playing a rotation of Minute to Win It activities.

Trying to wiggle a cookie into their mouths without using hands

Throwing the ball in the air and catching it in a tub on their heads!

Trying to balance 3 hangers for a minute...it's harder than it looks!

Shakin' their "thangs" in Junk in the Trunk, and trying to get the balls out of the boxes

Nothing like teamwork! Thanks Dad!

Using a straw to blow the cup across the line...

or you could blow up a balloon and use the escaping air 

 We had just a bit more time left on the Midway, so we chose to go launch rockets!

The boys got to make their own, out of paper.

See?

Then stomp on a 2 liter bottle, connected to PVC piping, on which the rockets were place.  You should have seen those thing FLY!!

 Our final rotation of the day was to the Archery and BB Gun ranges.  This was BIG DEAL!!  Shooting real bows and arrows, and BB guns too, earned the boys their belt loops!

Gathering ourselves before heading to the range

Den Leader Brant and Den Leader John took a turn too
(apologies for no photos of the boys, safety took precedence!!)

 We moved down to the BB gun range.

There's nothing like the satisfaction of seeing that target swing with a good shot!

As the day was closing, it was time for dinner in the camp.  Our camp chefs prepared a delicious meal and soon it was time to head back to the Council Ring for the campfire.  

I think it was at the camp out that the boys really bonded as a pack.  Screaming and running through the woods playing zombie tag will do that to them! :-)