UPCOMING ACTIVITIES -- MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

DISTRICT PINEWOOD DERBY This year's district pinewood derby will be one of the many programs offered at the district centennial celebration (see below).  The district pinewood derby will have two divisions:  Tiger Cubs and Cub Scouts/Webelos Scouts.  Each pack can send three racers for each division, for a maximum of six racers.  If the 1st-, 2nd- and 3rd-place winners from your pack's race cannot attend, you may send alternates.  However, all racers must be listed on the registration form (coming soon).  No walk-ins will be accepted.  This is because the scoring software must be set up in advance of the race.  More details will be announced as they become available. Download the District PWD Rules for more information.

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100TH ANNIVERSARY SCOUT-O-RAMA The BSA's centennial in 2010 marks a milestone and we are celebrating it at every level - national council, local council, district, unit, and individual.  Our district will hold a special centennial celebration event to mark this occassion.  Units will provide programs and booths to share Scouting's great traditions with the community.  Centennial Chairman Dale Ritzel is planning for a fun-filled event and more information will be posted here as it becomes available.  When:  Saturday, April 24 Where:  Evergreen Park, Carbondale, IL Who:  Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Venturers, Explorers, parents, alumni, and the community Cost:  $5 per Scout or leader (will receive a meal and patch), Free for guests (no meal or patch) Download the Scout-o-Rama Manual for more information and to register.

PREVIOUS ACTIVITIES -- OH, THE FUN WE HAD!

SCOUTING ANNIVERSARY MONTH DISTRICT HIKE Moer than 150 Scouts and Scouters came to a snow-covered Pyramid State Park on Saturday, Feb. 6, to hike the trails at our annual anniversary month district hike.  Patches and a warm lunch were available to purchase.  Thanks goes to Al Morgan for organizing this event.

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SCOUT DAY WITH SALUKIS WOMEN'S BASKETBALL Several Scouts watched the Salukis Women's Basketball team win Jan. 30 for "Scout Night."  Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts were recognized at the game and received a shirt and patch with their ticket.  Thanks goes  to Saluki Athletics for partnering with us for this fun game.

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DISTRICT ADULT RECOGNITION DINNER This year's adult recognition dinner was a huge success!  This was a special chance to recognize those leaders who demonstrated outstanding service in 2009.  Without those individuals who go the extra mile and serve as role models to others, we would not have the success and growth we do.  Please congratulate these heroes: Tiger Den Leader of the Year - Sheila Johnston, Pack 128, DuQuoin Cub Scout Den Leader of the Year - Alan Benson, Pack 37, Carbondale Webelos Den Leader of the Year - Tony Travelstead, Pack 112, Murphysboro Cubmaster of the Year - Mark Nippe, Pack 128, DuQuoin Asst. Troop Leader of the Year - David Gilbert, Troop 66, Carbondale Scoutmaster of the Year - Daniel Rockwell, Troop 41, Vienna Commissioner of the Year - Don Monty Rookie of the Year - Carol Laird, Pack 70, Mounds Spark Plug Award - Judith White, Troop 4, Murphysboro; James Johnson, Pack 58, Goreville; Mark Berger, Pack 112, Murphysboro Scouter of the Year - Steve Buhman, Troop 4, Murphysboro Scout Family of the Year - Phillip & Jennifer Burke District Awards of Meri - Clayton Ahlfield & Andrew Bozman Thanks goes to Scott Martin and Ann Jeralds for coordinating this year's district dinner!

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KLONDIKE DERBY More than 200 attended a chilly "Klonkide" Derby at Pine Ridge Scout Camp this year.  Activities included hide tanning, a unique golf course, flint knapping, Native American foods and much more.  Thanks to Egyptian District and the Order of the Arrow for hosting this event.

SCOUTING FOR FOOD Our district's Scouts collected a record 45,360 items of food, more than 10,000 over last year's total, and distributed it to 20 local pantries in late November.  This annual service project is a wonderful testament to the value of Scouting.  Visit the publicity page to see some of the press coverage the activity received. Thanks goes to Public Relations Chairman Trina Thomas for promoting the project and to Scouting for Food Chairman Blaine Bartholomew for coordinating the district's efforts and introducing a new partnership with Caseys General Stores.

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Fun With Son -- Haunting of Pine Ridge Hallow More than 400 Cub Scouts enjoyed a weekend of fun, fall-themed games and crafts including bb-guns, archery, science and optical illusions, nature and wildlife, dissecting owl pellets, a hay ride and, of course, the perennial favorite "Spook Walk."  Whether they participated only for the day or camped overnight, all surely had a fun time!  Thanks to Bob Crews and his staff!  Don't forget to return October 2010!

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SIU SALUKIS FOOTBALL -- BOY SCOUT & FAMILY DAY Many Scouts and their families cheered Southern Illinois University to victory against North Dakota State on Sept. 26!  Go, Dawgs!  Scouts were given discounted admission prices that included a ticket, Saluki Football T-shirt, hot dog and drink coupon and game-day recognition.   Thanks to Southern Illinois University and Tony Travelstead for helping organize this event.

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CUB SCOUT ADVENTURE DAY CAMP -- BUGS, SLUGS & VENUS FLYTRAPS! Kaskaskia District Cub Scouts attended day camps at Pine Ridge Scout Camp and Rend Lake in June.  The theme this year was “Bugs, Slugs & Venus Flytraps!” and the camp provided creepy, crawly (and fun!) games, crafts and lessons.  Among many things, Scouts learned about and handled snakes, lizards and turtles; made safari hats and walking sticks; and saw how much fun science can be as they built water and air-powered rockets, sunk boats with pennies and talked to each other through pipes! The boys also enjoyed the BB and archery ranges as well as swimming and water games! Cub Scout Adventure Camp would not be possible without the hard work of Camp Director Judy Akers, Program Director David Nellis, the many volunteers on staff and the adults who brought the boys to camp each day.  Some Cub Scouts attended camps hosted by other districts and we thank their staff as well.

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DISTRICT PINEWOOD DERBY Fifty-five Cub Scouts from across Kaskaskia District raced at the District Pinewood Derby at University Mall in Carbondale on April 25.  Trophies were awarded to the first-, second- and third-place winners in each of two divisions:  Tiger Cub Scouts and Cub/Webelos Scouts.  Every racer received a participation ribbon and had a FUN TIME!  The winning speeds were 251.1 miles per hour (mph), 249.1 mph and 248.1 mph in the Tiger Cub Scout division and 259.9 mph, 256.8 mph and 253.7 mph for the Cub/Webelos Scout division.  Cubmasters received a spreadsheet with all racers' average speed and finishing place.  Thank you to District Pinewood Derby Chairman Scott Saterlee and the many assistants helping with scoring, judging and distributing Scouting information to interested families!