I hope our letter finds you and your family well, and coping.
While many of our priorities have shifted throughout the challenges facing us all, we thought it appropriate to take a moment and update you on the status of the Pack, and its programs that support our Scouts and their year-end advancement as we look to the days ahead.
Last week we held our Pack Committee Meeting using the Video Conferencing Application “Zoom” to conduct our monthly session with a focus on programs that are necessary for our Scouts to achieve their Rank Advancements, while adhering to state and national guidelines currently in place.
In doing so, our priority continues to be adherence to these guidelines and placing the well being of our Scouts and Scout Families first.
So let me provide an update…
The Spring Camporee, scheduled for late April at Gettysburg has been postponed and rescheduled for the fall of this year.
Our Pack Fundraisers in support of the Pack and Scout Accounts, such as the sale of “Camp Cards” continue to be postposed waiting to be rescheduled once time allows for some normalcy in interacting in public spaces.
Summer Camps, our Council, the New Birth of Freedom advises Summer Camps that are set to start in June remain scheduled at this time, however, they continue to monitor current events and continue to update units on the status of Summer Camps.
Monthly Pack Gatherings are suspended until circumstances allow for them to continue.
Most importantly, our Dens and their activities to achieve their Ranks! We have developed a number of ways Den Leaders can continue activities to ensure Scouts are able to complete the necessary requirements. The good news is that Den Leaders report that all Dens are well on their way and have made significant progress towards their Rank Advancement. So to continue this effort, we are proposing the following to continue Den activities.
Using Zoom for Den Sessions: Den Leaders in working with their Den Families will utilize the Zoom Application to video conference with Dens. The frequency and scheduling will be approved and determined by each Den Leader and Parents of the Den.
Den activities that can be achieved in this fashion will allow us to progress any uncompleted requirements and may involve some at home assignments where applicable that parents can validate its completion.
Any outstanding requirements that cannot be achieved in this fashion will be deferred until circumstances allow for Dens to meet in person.
If they have not already done so, your Scouts Den Leader will be contacting you to ensure you are okay with the video conferencing with your Scout and family member to schedule these sessions.
We all can use a little guidance and comfort as we all cope with the challenge of times like this, and would like to provide you with some reflection by our Pack Chaplain, Pastor John Hanner…
“ These are uncertain times, but I am certain of our God. Many of us may be familiar with the 23rd Psalm. King David, who was a shepherd himself, wrote this psalm describing the care and comfort we receive from God as our Shepherd. Midway through the psalm, David writes” “Though I go through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for your rod and staff, they comfort me.” David was noting that he did not fear, for God himself was with David as he went through the valley of shadow. I know there are times we think God is far away, but God is near. I know that our Lord God is with you even through this valley of shadow that we are going through. Feel free to talk to God with what is on your heart, your fears, your questions and your needs. He does hear you. Stay calm. Keep doing the things you need to do. Check up on a neighbor or friend. And please, if you need anything, do not hesitate to reach out. If you do not have a regular church, or if your church is not able to do anything online, feel free to visit us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/livingbfc/. Feel free to reach out to me either calling me at 484-225-3563 or email, jhanner37@gmail.com. You are not alone, we are in this together. This will pass. May His Peace fill your hearts and home, Chaplain-John Hanner
In the mean time, stay well and we look forward to the days ahead when we can resume our normal Scouting Activities. Jamin Snyder Cub Master, Pack 125