Congratulations to District Champions Sam Mattingly (631), Joaquin Taylor (1954) and Christian Neal (2000) for placing 1st, 2nd and 3rd in the District Derby (click here for Rich Taylor's photo of Sam, Joaquin and Christian with their new hardware), and thanks to all of the Volunteers who put on the biggest District Derby ever.  Photos are found here and here (in the second link you can actually order prints, coffee mugs, etc.), and we invite everyone to give us feedback and ideas for next time by taking this quick online survey!  You can also post a comment below.

Summer Camp is the coolest thing some of our Packs have ever done, as the various Webelos Camp Photo Galleries will demonstrate.  For 2010, dates for Cub Scout Summer Camp at Bert Adams Scout Reservation have been announced (note that EVERYONE can go to Summer Camp:  Tigers become "Wolves" at the end of the School Year, and can go to a "Wolf/Bear" Encampment, Bears become "Webelos" at the same time, and get to go to Webelos Camp, and Webelos II Scouts should join a Boy Scout Troop and go to Summer Camp with their new Troop):

If like past years, this event would be from 4:30 or 5:00 to 8:30 or so each day.  Program details remain to be announced, but expect it to include games, crafts, sports, more games, den time, and opening/closing ceremonies.  Scouts will receive list of completed achievements and/or earn belt loops.  For more, contact Camp Program Director Carle Byrd (you can email).  More information is in the Calendar Entry. 

Here's new updates on the Centennial Pinewood Derby this Saturday February 6 (9 to 2 or so) at the Woodward Middle School.  First, thanks to those who have responded with information (names, etc.) to make this event easier, and to those who have volunteered so far to help (detail can be found in the Game Plan attached at the Pinewood Derby Calendar Entry and past announcements).  Second, thanks to those who have offered feedback or suggestions on how this can be done better.  Third, keep in mind (and please inform your parents) that when you see something this weekend that could be done better (and you will), the right step is to Volunteer Right Then and There to Help (please tell your parents this too . . . everyone is a Volunteer here).  Last, every area of our Plan could use more help right now (Repair Shop, Patch & Trophy Wrangling, Decor/Signage/Decor, Security, Concessions, Track Operations, Facilities/Clean Up, Publicity, Design Judging) to make this better for you and your Scouts, and it is easier to let you know how to help NOW than it will be on Saturday.  To volunteer to help, call (404.881.7385) or email Derby Commissioner Bert Bender, or contact the person handling that part of the Derby (most are in the District Roster).  Detail on the Jobs can be found in the Game Plan attached at the Pinewood Derby Calendar Entry; a draft of the Event Program is there too, as well as the Concessions Menu (Cash Only).    

Here's the update on this Year's Pinewood Derby on Saturday February 6 at the Woodward Middle School. This will be the biggest yet -- one huge Derby for all Packs (right now, we have 19 Packs: 54, 172, 205, 373, 374, 404, 631, 711, 1030, 1420, 1513, 1954, 2000, 3353, 3802, 7040, 7220, 7250 and 9000), so we'll be recognizing Pack winners and District Winners --  and with your help, it can be better than ever.  Did we say "with your help"?  Yes we did: ya gotta help (and big thanks to those who've signed up so far) -- and every Pack (except 374, 631, 711 and 7040) needs to get their list of Names and Dens to Derby Commissioner Bert Bender.  To volunteer to help, call (404.881.7385) or email Derby Commissioner Bert Bender or complete this quick survey, because we'll need help in a number of areas, like:

Genelle Jefferson of Pack 711, our South Fulton Scouting for Food Coordinator, requests that all units Register Online Here to participate in the Scouting For Food drive (FYI: "Scouting for Food" is an area-wide food drive conducted to support agencies that provide food to those in need -- the Atlanta Area Council will conduct this drive in 13 counties).  Sign up is open now (and requested so that Patches for Participants can be ordered), and will occur during March.  A "Scouting for Food Unit Leader Kit" is found here and should provide you and your unit with what you need to know in order to participate in this worthwhile service project.  Questions?  Contact Genelle Jefferson.