Scrip-Scrapping the Night Away

Friday, September 5, 2014

Pinewood Derby

We just finished a fun and successful Pinewood Derby race. Being the Cubmaster I was in charge of the whole production but did it with lots of help. We had 16 boys participate, which was a perfect number. With that many the boys didn’t have to wait too long between races. Here’s some ideas if you get to run the show for your pack.

The Display Table

I ran a rope under the table cloth for the cars to straddle. We didn’t lose any cars to accidentally running off the table. Husbands first idea was to put a 2x4 under the cloth. That would have worked well too – but the rope fit in my bag better :) Don’t forget to put out “Do Not Touch” signs and station a leader at the table as your security officer.

We also decided to display little labels stating the scouts name and the award they earned. This way you could actually figure out the creative awards while looking at the cars.

Awards

Of course the racing isn’t all about winning, but I still think winning cars deserve some recognition – along with all the boys. So each boy received a printed certificate with a unique recognition for their car. Cars were turned in and weighed the night before giving the committee time to review each car before the races began. The extra time was nice.

Along with a certificate – because, let’s be honest, boys want something they can eat and mom’s want something they can throw away when it’s all over – their award was a giant lollipop – Pinewood Derby Speedster 2014.

The place winners were given these awesome (simple and inexpensive) awards made by my friend. I know I’m a hater – but I really do hate trophies and ribbons. I thought these were unique and a fun way for the boys to display their achievements.

Pit Stop

When the races were finished and the awards were handed out, the kids enjoyed the Pit Stop with it’s Antifreeze, Motor Oil and Stop Light Brownies. There’s a ton of cute ideas for food for such an event but when you have 5 different treats to choose from kids take 5 desserts. This worked perfectly and we had plenty thanks to all the parents who brought them.

Photo Booth

We also set up a backdrop for pictures. I’m so glad we did this – Pinewood Derby night is full of pictures and this was better than the carpeted walls of our church.

I’m always about sharing! Why do the same work twice. If you need any of the things I printed you are free to download them here. SORRY LINKS ARE NOT WORKING.

Squeeze-it labels (6 to a page)

Awards (2 to a page)

Sucker Awards (printed as a 4x6 photo)

Photo booth Sign for 2014 and 2015

Road Signs

Pit Stop Sign

Monday, June 9, 2014

Summer Reading

It’s summer time and I don’t know about you but I really try to keep my kids challenged academically throughout the summer. All my plans last about a week…except our reading charts. We have been using this chart for several years and it has proven hugely successful partly because my kids enjoy reading (for the most part) and because they earn money. The amount is small per book but it adds up to a good amount when they are done.

“You will earn 10¢ for each book up to book 50. After that you will earn 20¢ for each book you read up to book 100. When you are done you will have earned a total of $15.”

For younger readers the books were 5¢ then 10¢. And instead of always earning free books they would earn prizes too. Most of my kids read 100 books the summer before they entered 1st grade. So when the challenge came that year in school to read 100 books they already knew they could do it.

Our system for tracking was X’s. The kids would put one line through the book number when they finished reading that book. I would put another line through the square (making an X) when I paid them - but maybe you won’t forget when and how much you paid them. I do. Or you can simply pay them when they finish 10 books at a time. Whatever works for you and your child. They also earned new books (2nd store, usually) which kept them interested and motivated to keep reading.

You can DOWNLOAD this chart if you would like to try it out for your kids this summer. Two charts included - girly and you know, not-so-girly. Happy summer readying!

Sunday, June 8, 2014

Cub Scout Luau

I wanted our first summer pack meeting to be awesome - and it was. We celebrated island style and had a fabulous luau. All the kids made lei’s. I made a limbo stand and the boys receiving awards had to limbo before they got it. Then all the kids had a chance. They loved it.

We had a sampling of food - rice with pork and pineapple and this delicious watermelon drink. We also enjoyed several performances. We were treated to dances from several islands.

The scouts were able to learn some of the Haka, which was awesome.

And then a few scouts were chosen to learn how to really move their hips. It was hilarious. Over all, the night was a huge success and a lot of fun. A great way to start the summer.

The Invitations

Download your own luau invite by clicking the image below.

Summer Driggs - Flip Flopsicles Kit

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Cub Scout Blue and Gold Banquet

As a new Cubmaster, I got to start off with a bang - a Blue and Gold Banquet - no simple pack meeting to break me in. Nope, this was a big party. I chose to go with the Olympic theme since the winter Olympics kick off tomorrow. It was a lot of fun to put it all together and a lot of hard work (let’s be honest). I had so many people that helped me with prep, set-up, taking care of the food during it all, games and take-down. Whew - I really couldn’t have done it by myself.

Let’s take a tour of the night:

Flag Ceremony

After starting with a prayer all the boys went out into the hall to collect their international flags they made last week at den meeting. They paraded around the room, led by the full-sized American flag and followed by the Olympic Torch. (There was suppose to be olympic music playing at this point but my cell phone was too low on battery so it didn’t work - goof #1). We had the Pledge of Allegiance and the Scout Pledge. The boys’ flags were then displayed on the stage.

Dinner

My plans for dinner evolved quite often - in the end we had sloppy joes, veggies, fruit salad, chips and cupcakes. It was simple and worked great. A few cupcakes formed the Olympic rings and the others had flag picks in them. I was surprised the kids loved picking out a cupcake with a certain flag.

Decorations

I wanted it to look festive but I didn’t want to break the bank with decorations. I probably spent about $15, so I think that’s pretty good. We had cute centerpieces - tissue paper, a square box, more tissue paper, a can covered with paper and the Olympic rings filled with these fun plastic flags - not to mention the large confetti my kind sister cut out for me.

The Olympic icons were hung around the gym. These were also part of a scavenger hunt game at the beginning (free download at the end). There were a few flag banners on the walls and some colored paper garland on the stage with the flags the scouts made - that was about it.

Games

I was so excited for the fun of the night - the games. I handed that part over to my den leaders and the kids had a blast. They had a snowball fight. They threw paper balls for 5 minutes trying to get more snowballs on the other teams side of the line. Super fun!

We had Bobsledding on skateboards.

The Olympic ring toss.

And curling, where the boys were pushed and tried to land in the target.

A fun photo op was available with a torch and medal. Loved it!

Finally, when the kids had played every Olympic game they came to get their Olympic medal - chocolate coins. It turned out to be a fun night (and now I’m sitting here with my feet up!)