Every Cub Scout builds their own boat and designs how it will look. During race day, all members of the Pack are encouraged to vote on their favorite design and the winner is announced at the end of the night. This year there was everything from a “Popeye” boat to a “Shark attack” vessel!

When it’s time to race each Scout positions their boat and on the count of three uses a straw to blow their boat across the finish line. Each Scout must find their own technique to make their boat go the fastest.

The race runs in heats and after the winner of each Den has been announced all family members are encouraged to just have fun and try out their own style of racing!

If you or someone in your world would like to join Scouting, please go to www.BeAScout.org

Lima Scout Shop is Open - Available for Orders Electronically

Have the Badges to Recognize your Scouts

The Lima Scout Shop is available for your Scouting needs. Open electronically, you can order recognition awards and other needs while supplies last and depending on inventory. To place an order, please download the Lima Scout Shop Order Form by clicking HERE! You can either call the shop at (419) 227-2107 or via email at Nancy.Rex@scouting.org.

Payment is necessary before order can be shipped via credit card over phone, send in a check or funds can be used by authorized users from the unit account. Please include Customer name, address and phone number. Shipping prices will be determined based on individual orders and shop manager Nancy Rex will work directly with each customer.

Scouter Spotlight

Amanda Fredritz | St. Marks United Methodist Church | Findlay, Ohio

Amanda and husband Tyler Fredritz, have three boys – Bryce, Sammy, and Nicholas. They all enjoy spending time outside as a family, making memories. Amanda and her family are members of Pack and Troop 308. She is a Merit Badge Counselor and Committee Chair for both units, while Tyler is an Assistant Scoutmaster for the Troop.

Amanda and Tyler originally got involved when their oldest son joined Cub Pack 319. Scouting is important to their family, especially considering Tyler is an Eagle Scout.

When asked about her time as a leader in the Scouting program, Amanda reflected upon a season Scouter from Pack 319. “I reflect often on Bryce’s former Cub Scout leader, Bob Ricker, with Pack 319. He was always willing to go the extra mile to help the Scouts advance. The Scouts all did their best due to his encouragement and dedication, and I strive to be the leader that he was to those Scouts.”

The Roundtable Commissioner for the Arrowwood District, Amanda is excited to bring new ideas and people to the table. “I hope that you all join us every 2nd Thursday of the month for Roundtable.” Please email Amanda with any questions or comments you may have at amandafredritz@yahoo.com.

The Adventure Continues

Merit Badge Maestro

You might say Old Sycamore District Executive Brian Botti’s affinity for Merit Badges is a bit of an obsession. With eight years of experience under his belt, the District Executive believes that maybe it’s genetics. “I’ve always been passionate about the program side of my job. My mom’s a great teacher and I like to think I inherited some of those genes. Since I am working from home now, I can pivot some of my focus, and still serve our Scouting community.” 

Even with the current health crisis, Scouts can still earn Merit Badges and work on advancements with their family. “I’m teaching the American Heritage Merit Badge since all of its requirements are able to be fulfilled while in compliance with state and federal mandates concerning the COVID-19 pandemic.”

With this in mind, Botti is still working to figure out how he can bring more Scouting Badges to the masses, “It’s hard to find a really good badge to teach online since so many require hands-on components. For example, I also teach Indian Lore Merit Badge and one of the requirements for it absolutely must be fulfilled with a group of people. I’d love to be able to do all eight badges I’m registered for during our Scouting at home time.”

Botti wants to be sure the Scouts have the best experience possible. “I want to make sure that our Scouts are getting the best instruction they can and can walk away from a given Merit Badge having learned and become proficient in the subject. That is why sticking to the requirements of the Badge are so important.”

If you want to learn more about certain Merit Badges, or are interested in getting involved with Brian’s virtual sessions, email him at brian.botti@scouting.org with the subject line mentioning the Merit Badge you are interested in. Following the Old Sycamore District Facebook page, www.facebook.com/OldSycamoreDistrict/ , will keep you up-to-date with what’s going on as well. “The focus right now is to keep it simple and make it fun.”