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BSA Cub Scout Pack 183
Theodore Roosevelt Council
Shelter Rock District

Meets at: Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church
47 ­ 14 Glenwood Street, Little Neck, NY,
7:00 Friday Evenings
Contact:
Cub Scout Pack 183 at: pack183info@gmail.com

Pack 183 serves the Little Neck, Douglaston and Great Neck communities. 
All boys grades one through five are welcome to join us for their first step in the Scouting experience. 

bulletCrafts
bulletHiking
bulletCamping
bulletRacing
bulletField Trips
bulletCommunity Service
bulletMemorial Day Parade
bulletAnd other great 
activities!

Pack 183 is a Nassau County Pack 
(Theodore Roosevelt Council, Shelter Rock District)
chartered by the Great Neck Lions Club and is a non-denominational unit.
The 183's are honored to have earned the Cub Scout Pack National Quality Unit Award for 4 years in a row!!!
And we are home to the most awesome Pinewood Derby racing team in the entire District!
Hey, we're Pack 183! Come join the fun!

Check out other upcoming events in:
Pack 183 Calendar
and "Little Neck & Douglaston Community Events"

New News from Pack 183!
(Click on images to enlarge)

Saturday, January 28, 2006 – KLONDIKE DERBY TIME!  The Scorpion Patrol (We’re Arachnids!) comprised of Webelo I’s and II’s from Pack 183, made their first outing at the Shelter Rock District’s Klondike Derby, held outdoors at the Muttontown Preserve.  And what, you may ask, is a Klondike Derby?  Well, it’s a big outdoor race, with stations along the way set up to test the Scouts on their skills – knot-tying, first-aid, compass, problem-solving, etc.  PLUS the patrol has to haul a big sled all the way around the course!  Fortunately the weather was terrific, no snow on the ground, and our Webes gave it their all!  They ended the day with a lot of nuggets (and some very tired parents who trailed behind them throughout the 3-mile course.  So a big 1-2-3-BULLY! for the Scorpion Patrol!
Click here to view more pictures

January 13-15 2006 – Webelos Winter Camping! We went to Camp Glen Gray in Mahwah, New Jersey for a terrific camping weekend.  Staying in a log cabin with wood stoves for heat, no electricity and no running water may sound tough, but our Scouts and Leaders were prepared!  After a great pasta dinner.(cooked by the Scouts, of course!) we headed off to bed. 
The next morning started with another Scout-cooked meal, pancakes and sausages, then we practiced our knot-tying skills.
Next down to the parking lot to roll out our Klondike Derby Sled, and the “Scorpion Patrol” (We’re Arachnids!) did some “mushing” up the trail. 
Back up to the cabin for a sumptuous feast – “garbage can turkey” and roasted potatoes cooked outdoors.  Next some compass and first aid practice, dinner, and bed.  BRRR – IT GOT REALLY COLD AND SNOWED SATURDAY NIGHT!  But did that stop us?  No!  We hiked back down the hill with our gear, and fortunately found the camp truck ready to haul the rest of our stuff back down.  (whew!)  We had a BULLY! of a time!

January 6, 2006 – Pinewood Derby Launch! It’s that time again…yes, we still build “those little cars” out of a block of wood, 4 plastic wheels and 4 nails. Our annual Pinewood Derby race will be in early March (see our calendar) so in preparation Mr. Seegert and Mr. Dindial gave the Cubs a great lesson on building cards that win! We’ll keep you posted as to the results – we know we’ve got a lot of winners!
September, 2005 – Our program year is started again, and we welcome a great bunch of new boys and our returning Cubs to Pack 183. Special welcomes to our newest Scouts: Tigers Alex D. and Johann Y., Wolf Nicholas C, Bears Brendan F and Samuel K, and Webelos Brian F. Welcome to the Best Pack on the Planet! We’re glad you are here!
August 5, 2005 – Shelter Rock District Kick-Off – We were honored to be invited to perform the opening ceremony at the Theodore Roosevelt Council/Shelter Rock District’s program launch. Webelos Elliot R. and David G led the ceremony with the Pledge of Allegiance and Cub Scout Promise. They did a Good Turn for all!
October 15, 2005 – Troop 183 Eagle Court of Honor – The Cubs of Pack 183 got to participate in one of Scouting’s highest honors – an Eagle Scout Ceremony. 4 Eagle Scouts from Troop 183 were awarded this prestigious honor. We were proud and thrilled to be invited to attend and participate. Our Cubs got to see what hard work, citizenship, Scouting Spirit and “sticking with it” all mean.
1-2-3- BULLY! for 4 new Eagles, soaring high!

Pack 183 at the Blood Drive!
Click here
or on the photo to see some of the hard-working Cub Scouts of Pack 183 who helped out Sunday, August 7, 2005 at the Deepdale Community Council/Samuel Field Y blood drive.  (4 other boys came later, after this photo was taken.)  Several Pack 183 Parents rolled up their sleeves and donated blood as well!  WOW!  The New York Hospital Center - Queens was most grateful for our help. Everyone really enjoyed our singing "Black Socks", and that old Pack 183 favorite, "Ranger Joe"!
Thank you parents who all gave up some time to bring your sons over.  I know the community really appreciated it!  So to all the Cub Scouts, Parents, and Blood Donors…..1-2-3-BULLY!

July 15-17 2005 – Cub Parent Weekend at Schiff Scout Reservation – there were 37! of us camping out for a fantastic weekend of archery, field games, swimming, crafts, a big wonderful campfire (we did the “Viper” skit) and it only rained a teeny bit, right between lunch and fishing.  Oh, did we say we caught a bunch of fish too?   Click here or on picture to the right for the 2005 Cub Parent Weekend photos.

July 13 to 15 2005 – Four of our Pack 183 Webelos (Elliot, Paul, Joseph and David) went to Webelos Resident Camp at Schiff Scout Reservation – and boy, did they complete a LOT of activities – BB Gun shooting, Archery, Swimming, Map Skills, a long 3 mile hike.....and they earned a TON of awards!  Bet all our Bears are going to go next summer!  Click here for the 2005 Webelos Resident Camp photos.

July 2005 – Take Us Out the the Ballgame – AGAIN!  Thanks to the generosity of the Great Neck Lions Club, several Pack 183 Scouts and their parents get to attend a Mets Game at Shea Stadium!  So, 1-2-3-BULLY to the Great Neck Lions Club!  Click here or on picture to the right, for photos of the Mets Game 2005.

June 2005 – Take Us Out to the Ballgame!  We went to a Brooklyn Cyclones game – not only did we get to MARCH ON THE FIELD, the CYCLONES WON!  and best of all......WE GOT TO CAMP OVERNIGHT ON THE OUTFIELD!  WOW!  Click on the Cyclones Game 2005 photos to the right.  During June several of our pack members also do community service at the Schiff Scout Reservation by cleaning up several fire rings!  1-2-3-BULLY!

May 31, 2005.  We march, again, in the Little Neck-Douglaston Memorial Day Parade – and what a great day it was!  FINALLY no rain!  Hooray!  (First time in 3 years we haven’t been rained on.....)  Of course, we saw Mayor Bloomberg, the brave men and women of the U.S. Marines and Navy, and all our friends and community.  Click here or on picture to the right, for the Parade 2005 photos.

May 2005 – Blue and Gold Banquet!  Many of our Cub Scouts have earned several advancements.  Most exciting, Daniel C earns the Arrow of Light, Cub Scouting’s highest award, and crosses over to Boy Scout Troop 183.  1-2-3-BULLY! for Daniel!

April 2005 – It’s PINEWOOD DERBY TIME again!  A new speed record is set at the Little Neck track, and some of our Cub Scouts earn awards at the Shelter Rock District Race!  Zoooooom!

February 2005 – Community Service Time – The Cubs of Pack 183 help serve snacks at PS 94Q’s Square Dance – and have a great hoe-down time too!  Click here or on picture to the right, for the Square Dance 2005 photos.

January, 2005 – BRRRR, it’s cold, but we don’t mind – ‘cause we’re camping in the nice warm cabins at Alpine Scout reservation......Scouting is “Outing”, and we sure like to go out!

November, 2005 – We’re off to cabin-camp at the beautiful 10 Mile River Scout Camp....heated cabins in the woods.  We take a hike (a little rain doesn’t stop us) get a little lost (but not for long!) and see the beautiful Indian Cliffs.  Great dinner, and an “indoor” campfire in the fireplace.  We LOVE to camp!

May 31, 2004 – As we have for many years, Pack 183 was proud to march in this year’s Little Neck-Douglaston Memorial Day Parade!  We joined Scouts from all over New York City and Nassau County to honor all those who have served our country. Yup, it rained again this year (not quite as bad as 2003!) but that didn’t dampen our spirits! Of course, we had to do some practice marching, under the leadership of our Assistant Cubmaster, Mr. Boccio 
Then it was off to Northern Boulevard, where we got to meet other Scouts, and even some members of the Navy!

 Then the parade got under way – and who was there, but one of our favorite Boy Scouts, Mayor Bloomberg! ) (In case you didn’t know, he was an Eagle Scout!). 

Then on to the parade!  Despite the rain, we stood tall and proud and our Scouts held their flags high.
After marching (splashing?) down the road, we had time for one last photo....then off to St. A’s for hotdogs and juice.  So a great big 1-2-3-BULLY!  to the veterans, members of the armed forces, parents, friends and Scouts at this Memorial Day Parade!

WEBELOS WOODS 2004
May 14-16, 2004. Pack 183 had an outstanding time this year at the Theodore Roosevelt Council’s annual “Webelos Woods” campout. (See photo) This year’s theme was “The Wild, Wild West”. Bear Cubs Elliot, Anthony and Micky, along with their moms, arrived at the Schiff Scout Reservation in Wading River Friday night
Our campsite was Arrow of Light (closest to the parking lot, yay!) We set up camp, the boys hauled water, and we got two stoves going for dinner. “Chef” Anthony, with helpers, made hamburgers. Micky’s mom also bought some great sausages and we roasted them on sticks over the campfire. We became fast friends with the other Cub Scout packs camping in our site (and there were 700 people altogether this weekend!)Marshmallows over the campfire then bed.
Next morning "Chef" Elliot to order over the grill. Then on to all the great activities! Since the theme was "Wild Wild West" we had a lot of fun stuff like visiting "Boot Hill" and the soda shop to sample old fashioned soda. We also picked up a lot of Scout skills - the boys learned to tie a bowline and a square knot and the easy way to whip the end of a rope. By noon Bear Cub Matthew and his dad (a former Scout) joined us for lunch (tuna sandwiches, Chef Micky) then more fun. Dinner by Chef Matthew (chili, stew and more sausages) then to the all-camp campfire. Pack 183 did the 'Invisible Park Bench" skit (we got compliments that our boys were the best - they really spoke out their lines clearly! Not easy in front of 700 people!) Then to bed. Next morning pancakes all around (all the boys were chefs) then, with the password ("Happy Trails!") we rode off into the sunset.
And the only "liquid sunshine" that fell on the campsite came around 2 AM Saturday night, when we were all asleep in our tents. We told the boys that it rained so we could all test our tents.

Ode to Westbury—2004
On Sunday March 7, the Glenwood Gang rolled out into the street. They motored east to Westbury, NY, to compete at the Shelter Rock District Cub Scout Pinewood Derby Grand Prix.
2004 was promised to be a rebuilding time for the 183’s Derby Team. We promised last year to improve the timid Tiger Team, along with our sleepy Wolf Den. A Scout’s Promise is a solemn thing! We sent three Tigers to race and two for show. Three Wolfs to race and one for show. Three Bear racers and one lone Webelos.
And off to Westbury they did roll. The results are in. After an hour of elimination runs, all three of our Tiger team racers hung in to qualify for the final heat. That’s right, I said, “all three!” Yep, three of the six fastest cars in all of Shelter Rock. It’s been years since the 183’s pulled off a stunt like that! And in the Tigers’ final run we saw our Joseph B. cross the finish line in 2nd place! Wow man, a real doozie of a race and a hard-won, long-awaited Tiger Cub trophy for Pack 183! But, wait, wait, wait, our Tigers weren’t done…quite yet. Our Andrew B. was collecting another trophy—Most Original—3rd Place!  Well, we promised the Tigers something. And, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, they were up to the test. Two trophies for the Tiger Team!
Our pumped-up Wolf Pack ran next— three of the183’s out to Do Their Best. Hey, Luc rolled right on through to the final heat. And this hot rookie racer won a real reward for the 183’s. 2004 District Derby—Wolfs—2nd Place!
Elliot, Micky and Anthony raced For our Bears. In a long afternoon of eliminations, racing friend against friend, Micky squeaked through the crowded field in a hot final heat. Standing tall in the Bears’ Winners Circle, he snagged for us yet another trophy—3rd Place!
Racing as our lone Webe this year, Andrew, the reining Shelter Rock District Bear Champion, ran into a little engine trouble and was forced out before the final heats. But, we’ll always remember him as the 2003 First Place Shelter Rock Bear—extraordinaire! There are approximately 2,000 Cub Scouts in all of Shelter Rock. 27 trophies sat on the table at our District Pinewood Derby Race. Four of those awards rode back home to the Glenwood Garage with the 183’s!
Bully!

On the Road with the Ambulance Corps!
Dateline, November 14, 2003.  Pack 183 hits the road again – all the way to the Little Neck-Douglaston Community Ambulance Corps.  The volunteers at the LNDCAC showed us the wide variety of emergency equipment they have in the ambulances.  One plucky volunteer Cub Scout agreed to play the “victim” while the Corps members demonstrated how they carefully strap someone in for safe transport. (see photo)  Then, we were invited inside the two ambulances owned by the Corps – and got to try out the lights, hear our heartbeats using stethoscopes, and even be bandaged for practice.  We learned that it’s a lot of hard work to become a Corps member – and everyone is a volunteer!  No one gets paid for the important service they provide our community.  (Why not take this moment to click on this link for the Corps – www.lndambulance.org - and give them your support!)  After we had a chance to pose on one of the rigs for a photo, we gave a mighty 1-2-3-BULLY! for the brave volunteers of the Little Neck-Douglaston Community Ambulance Corps!

We Are the Champions....
Dateline, October 25-26, 2003:  Ok, so maybe the Yankees didn’t win the World Series this year.  But the Cub Scouts of Pack 183 are Camping Champions!  10 of our “teammates” and their parents met out at Christopher Morley Park in Manhasset for our first-ever Fall Campout!  We had a great time – roaring campfire, picnic dinners, nature walk, marshmallows and s’mores (a Cub Scout requisite, see photo)  and even a little singing and story-telling around the campfire.  (Funny, somehow all the stories had disco-dancing cockroaches and mutant alien forces….)  We also added the ashes of past campfires to our campfire, a Scouting tradition going way, way back.  After singing “Taps” we all headed off to our cozy, warm (yes, warm!) tents for a good night’s rest.  In the morning, after a yummy breakfast of bagels, cream cheese, OJ, fruit (and for the grown-ups, much enjoyed COFFEE!)  we struck camp, cleaned up completely (we camp by the “Leave No Trace” rules!) and had a flag ceremony.  One of our Wolf Cub Scouts led us in a stirring rendition of “We Are the Champions” and we sure did feel like champions!  We did a practice flag-folding, took a group photo, and headed off to home.  We think even the Yankees, (better luck next year guys!) would say 1-2-3-BULLY! to the Cubs Scouts, parents, and families of Pack 183 for an outstanding Fall Campout

A Visit With New York’s Bravest!
Dateline:  Friday, October 17, 2003
.  Pack 183’s back out in the field again – and this time we were the guests of the New York City Fire Department!  Ladder Company 164/Engine Company 313, located on 244th Street in Douglaston, had us in for a tour of their firehouse. What a thrill!  After we lined up inside (see our photo)  they backed in one of the big pumper trucks (betcha didn’t know that these trucks carry a HUGE amount of water that can be used even before they’re hooked up to a hydrant!) and the Cubs got to climb inside the cab and the back of the truck.  The firefighters told us more about fire safety –for example, if your clothes catch on fire and you “stop, drop and roll” it’s very important to cover your face too.  Once again, don’t forget to check those batteries in your smoke detectors!  We had more fun watching a demonstration of how the firefighters slide down the pole to get from the top floor down to the fire trucks.  (We know a few Scouts who would love to have one of those poles in their house!  Bet they’d never be late for dinner again!)  After a great big 1-2-3-BULLY! for the firefighters, we stepped outside for juice, courtesy of Den Leader Mrs. Guapisaca, who also had arranged the trip.  We think the Firefighters of Ladder Company 164/Engine Company 313 are so terrific, they deserve another 1-2-3-BULLY!  Thanks for having us over to visit!

Pack 183 Learns the “Tools” of Fire Safety at Home Depot! 
Dateline – October 4, 2003:
  It’s Saturday morning, around 11:00 AM.  Pull up to the parking lot of the Home Depot in Flushing, and what do you see?  Yes, it’s the eager Cub Scouts, siblings, parents, and friends of Cub Scout Pack 183 – all here to learn about fire safety and to build neat projects, courtesy of the Home Depot and New York City Fire Department Ladder Company 129.
Our Scouts suited up in orange Home Depot aprons, fire helmets and safety glasses, and got to work (with a little adult help, of course!) hammering and gluing their projects.  Then, what did we see pulling into the parking lot?  It was a gleaming red ladder truck complete with a contingent of New York’s Bravest, firefighters from Ladder Company 129!  Turns out one of the Home Depot managers is also a firefighter, and he arranged for a special presentation for our Scouts!
You should have seen the looks on our faces when the firefighters demonstrated how they fight fires – they raised up the huge ladder and with no fear, went right up to the roof of the Home Depot!  Very impressive!  They showed us the equipment they use, and talked to the boys about fire safety (like “stop, drop and roll” if your clothing catches on fire).  They reminded us all to check the batteries in our smoke detectors regularly – a good way to remember this is to check twice a year, when you change the clocks  in Fall and Spring.
We got a chance to pose with the fire truck (see our photo). Then, duty called, and the firefighters had to leave to fight a fire!  We waved good-bye and thanked them with a 1-2-3 BULLY! for New York’s Bravest and the Home Depot!  And another 1-2-3-BULLY! for Tiger Cub Den Leader Mrs. Guapisaca, for arranging this trip!

 Pack 183 Takes to the Air!
Dateline August 15, 2003:
Or, at least, a few members of Pack 183 were airborne on this trip!  Pack 183 made a return visit to the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome to partake of the wonders from the “golden days” of aviation history.  Elliot R, David G., and Daniel N., along with 183 alum Randy S., parents, siblings and friends had a splendid day exploring the exhibits – we even saw the replica of Charles Lindbergh’s “Spirit of St. Louis” being constructed right at the airfield shop!  Did you know that “The Lone Eagle” flew from New York to Paris completely without radio contact?  Lindbergh had to do it by “dead reckoning” – whew!  After strolling about the extensive exhibits of planes, antique cars and other machinery, we settled in for the air show – and what a treat!  Seeing the fragility of those old planes really made you understand how brave the early aviation pioneers were.  (Not to mention Teddy Roosevelt, the first president to brave a trip in an airplane!) We cheered every time they landed safely – no easy feat with these sensitive old machines.  Of course, the day wouldn’t be complete without some brave Scout trying a plane ride – Elliot and his mom took a flight in the old “barnstormer” biplane.  David G. and his mom were signed up for a biplane ride too, but an impending thunderstorm rained them out.  A great big Pack 183 “BULLY!” for the aviators and crew at the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome – it’s awesome!

Oh, a Camping We Did Go!
July 11-13, 2003:
Pack 183 had an outstanding time this year at Camp Wauwepex, Schiff Scout Reservation, in Wading River, Long Island. We attended the annual “Cub-Parent” weekend, a great introduction to camping that’s put together by the volunteers of the Shelter Rock District. This year we camped in the lean-tos of the “Santa Fe” campsite – and 28 Cub Scouts and their parents from Pack 183 attended! Including our newest additions, Tiger Cub Luke P. and his Dad! We may be one of the smaller packs in the district, but we were one of the larger groups at the camping weekend! A great big “BULLY!” for us!

We arrived Friday night and set up our campsite – had a great campfire with hot dogs, marshmallows, and, of course, s’mores. (mmmm, good!) Off to bed for us all after a round of campfire stories, then up the next morning for flag-raising and breakfast in the dining hall. Then, on to the activities of the day! Archery, fishing, arts & crafts, nature, obstacle course and a tug-o-war and water-fight (parents vs. Cubs) swimming, dinner in the dining hall, and then a campfire!

At Saturday night’s campfire we did our skit, “Presidential Quiz” in front of the whole camp, which was a big hit. Then, one of our pack’s leaders, Mr. Boccio, lead the camp in an American flag retirement ceremony. placing on the campfire a flag that had belonged to his family As we all stood and saluted, we were brought together in fellowship for this very meaningful and touching tribute. After singing “Scout Vespers, we silently left the embers of the campfire behind.
But the evening was not over – a treat awaited us in the dining hall – ice cream sundaes for all. A wonderful finish for a great day!Sun-fun-swimming-fishing-campfires-archery- friends: they all add up to a BULLY! of a great time for the Pack 183 Cub Scouts and their parents!

NIGHT HIKE NEWS…….. 
Dateline, Friday, May 17th, 2003
…..Who on earth would be out on a drizzly Friday night hiking through Alley Pond Park?  Why, the stalwart Cub Scouts (and friends and families) of Pack 183, that’s who! A little rain wasn’t gonna stop us from exploring the old Long Island Motor Parkway, now part of the Greenbelt Trail system!  We started off as the sun was setting, took one “false” turn towards the road (awww, we do that every year – next year we’ll fool the new guys!)  and we were off!
Wow, you should have been there.  Our Tiger Cubs, Andrew,  Jason, Tim and the straight walkin’ determined David headed right out confidently.  Along with them were our Wolfs Elliot and Micky, who seemed to be up at the front the whole way!  Bears Andrew  and Daniel were joined by another Daniel, who we’re hoping will be a Cub Scout with us real soon!  (Welcome to the best pack on the face of the planet, Daniel!).  Our “big guys”, Webelos Jesse, JB and Matthew were right alongside, and a special guest appearance was made by none other than former Cub Scout and now Boy Scout Michael, brother of Bear Scout Andrew! (Welcome back Michael –thanks for coming along!)
The sun set, and  as our flashlights were reflected off the trees it was easy to imagine the ghosts of William Vanderbilt and his friends racing along this former parkway – Mr. V. built this road, now a trail, to have a place to race his beloved “motorcars”, as they were called back in the early 1900s.  Now this trail in Alley Pond Park is one of the last preserved parts of the roadway that used to stretch from Queens to Montauk.
Of course, parents and siblings came along for the hike, and after 2 miles we were sure glad to see Mrs. Frees. with snacks and drinks at the half-way point!  A big “Bully!” for Mrs. Frees!
On the 2 miles back we all took note of the brass turtle on the big rock (you’ll have to try this hike for yourself to find it – we ain’t telling where it is!)  That was about it for any “wildlife” on this trip.  Happy (and perhaps just a bit tired) we made it back to the parking lot around 9:30 PM.  And a big “Bully” to us all – we did it!

Pack 183 Cleans Up!
It was a rainy, gloomy Saturday morning this past April 12, 2003.  You’d expect most kids and their parents to be snug inside their homes, far away from the damp, drizzle and mud.
Well, not the stalwarts from Pack 183!  Twenty-seven dedicated Cub Scouts and their parents from Little Neck, Douglaston and Great Neck,  along with former Cub Scouts and friends, joined other community groups and residents for the annual  Udalls Cove Preservation Committee clean-up, despite some seriously soggy and cold weather.
We heard some inspirational speeches by assembled dignitaries, including Udalls Cove Preservation Committee President Walter Mugdan, State Senator Frank Padavan, City Councilman Tony Avella, and NY City Parks Commissioner Adrien Benape.  We all gave a resounding cheer for Pack 183 Alum and now Boy Scout Daniel B., who was presented with an award for his project on ospreys.
After the ceremonies, on to work!  We headed over to the wetlands area near the Douglaston Train Station and PS 98  and squished down a muddy  path to the waterfront.
Our roaring Tiger Cubs, Andrew, David, and Jason (along with siblings Emma and Amada) scoured the area, picking up empty bottles (mostly plastic) and a lot of bottle caps.  Howlin’ Wolf Cub Elliot R., equipped with his trusty “trash stabber” (a ski pole) unearthed plenty of soggy newspaper.  Growling Bear Cubs Andrew J. and (from Pack 153) Nick S. discovered wood planks and lots more wet garbage.  Trusty Webelos Jesse, Franklin, and J.B., along with sibling Samantha, found lots of flotsam and jetsam. Pack 183 Alums and now Boy Scouts Randy and Daniel, along with friend Zak, made some amazing finds of large pieces of plastic and wood.  And let us not forget to mention all the dedicated parents who came along and did their share!
We also found quite a few large horseshoe crab shells – evidence that the work that’s been done over the years to preserve this beautiful area is paying off!
And….just in time for a group photo, around 11:30 the sun came out!  We slogged back for a yummy picnic lunch provided by the Udalls Cove Preservation Committee.  (Hot chocolate sure tastes good when you’re soggy from picking up trash in the rain!)
So, what do you think Theodore Roosevelt would say about a bunch of Cub Scouts, who along with siblings and parents, spent a half-day in the rain, getting soaked to their skins and muddy all over, working to preserve some of the most beautiful wetlands in New York City?
Why, we think he’d give them all a great big
BULLY!!!!

Smoke,  Style + Sportsmanship
Westbury, L.I. March 9, 2003

Every year around this time, an annual rite for Cub Scouts takes place along the North Shore of Long Island. This time-honored event is the Shelter Rock District Pinewood Derby Grand Prix Invitational. Only the fastest and coolest cars from Little Neck to Oyster Bay are allowed into the Mall at the Source on this winter Sunday for the Derby’s final showdown.
That’s how it is. Only the best are invited to come. But everyone is allowed to have fun. By noon the races had finally begun. Our Webelos team-the Dragons-raced first: Jesse, Franklin and Jordan. Jesse was holding our home track’s fastest recorded run, 2.6110. Franklin and Jordan were close behind.
This was a different day, a different race, a different place. We held our breath!
Jesse and Jordan had hung in to the Webe’s final heat. When the smoke slowly cleared…it revealed…that they had finished 2nd and 3rd in their division’s big race!!! But wait, our Webes weren’t through collecting awards quite yet. 3rd Place—Most Original—goes to our Dragon, Matt, and his Dragon Drag Racer!
Three Webe trophies for the 183s!
Next to the line were the Bears. We sent only one challenger this year. One Bear—car # 24 in the middle of the pack —a raw rookie, against every hot Bear in all of Shelter Rock. No problem. You only need one car to win! Ladies and gentle-men, the fastest Bear Cub from Glen Cove to Garden City, from Oyster Bay to Little Neck, NY is the 183’s Andrew J.!  That’s a fact!  
For some mysterious reason the 183’s Wolfs never make it to the final heats, but Micky and Elliot did give it their best try. Suddenly something near the trophy table caught my eye. The District Design Committee had accepted David D. to compete and thought his car was really neat. There he was, all smiles, standing so tall! Best Design—Wolfs—2nd place!
Our Tigers came growling to meet the challenge next. But, for a spot in the limelight they’ll need another chance. So…we’ll groom these Tigers on the Glenwood track. We’ll kick their tires and we’ll send ‘em all back. They’ll be killer next time. Let’s promise them that!
You guys all Did Your Best. You competed with real Cub Spirit. 
That’s why the 183s are
the best. Bully!

Really Radical Rides Rattle Raceway Little Neck, NY, February 28, 2003
You could sense it by the low rumble of the crowd gathering on Glenwood Street last Friday night that something hot was about to happen. And it didn’t take long, around quarter after eight two race cars roared wide open through this neighborhood of neat homes on the Queens/Nassau border…and a night of wild street racing was upon us.
Well, no kiddin’!   Here come the 183’s!!!     The Pack…  Was back…  At the Track.
And you just couldn’t keep those boys quiet! Just what went down at the edge of town? Pinewood jockeys from Oyster Bay to Mineola from Garden City to Sea Cliff want to know. But they’ll have to find out next Sunday at Westbury. Let’s keep this under wraps—except, Let’s face it, the “Dragin’” Patrol raced like lubed lightning. Jesse now holds the fastest recorded time on the Glenwood Track, with Franklin less than six one hundredths of a second behind! Boys, check with Eddie of the Soaring Eagles to see how long you may have to stay at the big race on Sunday. His old record was between yours!
Less than a tenth of a second off the pace was Andrew in the Bear Den and our fourth fastest car was our Tiger Den leader,    David.
Micky and Elliot also had very respectable times as well and will, as Wolfs, face a ton of other competition at the District Grand Prix. Also, a very cool green hotrod from the Glenwood Garage should catch some limelight in the Best Design corner along with Dragin’ Matt’s Dragon Drag Racer in Most Original.
Best of success to everyone. We all had fun. Y’all done good.
Lube those wheels!
And
Let’s Roll!

183's Take Ten Mile Hill
Bull's Bridge, CT
June 1, 2002 (National Trails Day) 
Ten members and friends of the Pack (plus two) picked one of the nicest days this season and went for a little walk in the woods.
Just south of Bull's Bridge Road in western Connecticut you'll find a section of the Appalachian Trail hugging the cliffs right above the Housatonic River. The river was running high and swift on this morning, after the previous night's heavy rain.
The 183's headed in on the Trail for a look-see. Shortly after entering the Trail we met a Ridgerunner, Paula Burton, who explained how volunteers, such as herself, help to maintain the AT-clearing it of fallen trees and inspecting for storm damage. She wished us a good hike and said she'd probably meet us again that day.
We hiked along, led during part of this time by our new Cub, Micky, crossed a small brook on a log bridge, passed under hissing high tension wires and soon found ourselves arching out over a rushing Ten Mile River on the Ned Anderson Memorial Footbridge. Mr. Anderson had
helped to design, build and maintain the original Trail through CT. Along with the help of the Boy Scouts!
A brief distance up the south bank of Ten Mile River and then down a short side trial is Ten Mile Lean-to a great place to stop for lunch. And an excellent place to find Paula. This was her bivouac for the weekend!
After eating lunch we took a few pictures and set off to tackle Ten Mile Hill.
That's when we first noticed them!
Just past the edge of the clearing!
Like they knew where to find us!
How long had they been following the Pack?
75 miles from Douglaston Manor?
Ian and his Dad!!!
Well. 
Bully!

So, we gained two more hikers. Ian skillfully led us up the hard part of Ten Mile Hill, where the Pack rested upon reaching the summit (1,000 feet). Woo, hold on to your hats! A stiff summer breeze buffeted the top of the Hill. Mr. B. told us a great personal hiking story about his
adventures in Nepal, we learned a little about the geology of the Hill, the binoculars came out, the cameras clicked, snacks were passed around and a cool wind blew through our hair.
National Trails Day, 2002-perfect!
On our return from Ten Mile Hill, we ran into Paula again. Danny B, Ian and Randy helped her clear a fir tree that had fallen across the path.
When we arrived back at the footbridge the Pack stopped to goof-off and invest some time tossing rocks into the river. Just to make a splash. Was this Matt's favorite part of the hike?
Around 3:30 P.M. the 183's reluctantly left the riverbank and trekked back to the trailhead.
Hey, the Pack had a wonderful day in the woods.
Last Monday we had marched down the middle of Northern Boulevard.
And Saturday, the middle of nowhere.
Why?
 'Cause we're Pack 183!
Bully!

Memorial Day
May 27, 2002

Pack 183 looked sharp, stood tall and honored our heroes by
marching in the 75th annual Little Neck/Douglaston Memorial Day
Parade. Led by Harris, Patrick and Danny B, the Pack hoisted: our colors, the NY state flag, Old Glory and several historical national flags including "Don't Tread on Me," (the Gadsden Flag). The adult members followed directly behind he boys displaying, in horizontal position, a memorial American flag from the FDNY. This sacred, worn and frayed, banner had been displayed far too often this year. and certainly deserved an honorary trip of its own down Northern Boulevard on a beautiful spring day.
Additionally, several of the 183's were requested to carry the Third Division Parade Commander's Banner, in honor of Mr. Greenberg from Troop 183.
Two Pack members marched with their school-appropriately
enough, since Mr. Arnold built the school's float!
And one Webelos, Eddie, marched in full uniform but separate from the Pack. He was being singularly honored for winning the Theme Award ("United We Stand") in the 2002 Memorial Day Art Competition!!
Well, well, well, the 183's from Shelter Rock-you just couldn't keep those boys from commandeering the nation's largest parade.
On a special Memorial Day. In a special parade.
During a special time.
We "Did Our Best!"
Let's always remember this.
Never Forget!
BULLY!

Udall's Cove
Saturday April 20, 2002

Chilly, damp and overcast-with a threat of rain.
What would you expect to find on such a Saturday morning along Sandhill Road between Douglaston and Little Neck?
Maybe seventy-five of your neighbors, armed with shovels and rakes, listening to environmental speeches by N.Y. State Senator Padavan and the Udall's Cove Committee leadership?
Exactly!
The group included four members of our Pack; Danny B., Matt, Harris and Elliot, whose picture, shovel-in-hand, graced the cover of the Little Neck Ledger. Our crew also included three leaders (Ms. Farber, Mr. B. and Mr. Seegert) and two Pack graduates (Randy and Colin) plus Mr. Keller who took time from their busy Saturdays to volunteer for the 33rd annual Udall's Cove Cleanup.
The 183's were the only Scouting unit represented!
Senator Padavan finished-up and ended with a quote from T.R!
Now we're talkin'! And the cleanup commenced.
The 183's, with the help of a few of our neighbors, were on a roll working a small patch of the Wetlands between Aurora Pond and Gabler's Creek. This site yielded an entire truckload of "stuff"-shipping skids to computer components. Along with enough bottles, cans and newspapers to stock a small deli!
Our treasure trove also included: bricks, concrete, pipe, wire and a "ton" of lumber. Giving proof that this cleanup is never done. as apparently, contractors are dumping in the protected areas!
A huge tire was also removed from the area we were working and will no longer serve as an eternal incubator for mosquitoes!
We finished up our morning with some good old playtime at Memorial Field along with a scrumptious lunch, provided by the Udall's Cove Preservation Committee. 
So, what do you think we have to say to all of our community's
service project volunteers?
Well, I think it's obvious.
1,2,3, Bully!

Sap Seekers Search Sanctuary
Sunday March 24, 2002, Oyster Bay, L.I.

Nineteen members of Tribe 183 traveled back in time once again, last Sunday morning. Our journey took us to the Theodore Roosevelt Audubon Sanctuary in Oyster Bay, the nation's first Audubon preserve.
Soon after arriving, the Little Neck Nation gathered around the campfire ring with fellow Scouts from the 168 (Syosset) Tribe to learn how Native Americans discovered and first used maple syrup. Then we took a hike through the woods on a beautiful sunny morning, in search of maple trees. We learned how to identify maples (and poison ivy, too) in the winter, without any leaves! Let's please remember these skills.

Returning back to the campfire ring, we saw how sumac twigs could be carved to use as taps for maple trees; learned how much sap was needed to make just a little syrup; cooked our own cornmeal on a hot rock over the campfire and then gobbled down the fresh "journey cakes," dripping with sweet, sticky, syrup.
YUM! Of course, we couldn't settle down to eat Native American style without first sprucing up by painting ourselves with a little red mud, you know, to help look authentic. And 'cause it's fun!
And finally, what's needed for any trip to Oyster Bay to be a real success?
How about a couple good loud "Bullys" at the foot of Theodore Roosevelt's grave-to honor him for all that he means to us Scouts!

What would the 26th President, a man who would interrupt meetings to play with his children, have thought about all this youthful enthusiasm? Would his spirit shine upon spruced-up Scouts seeking sweet, sticky, syrup on a sunny Sunday in his Sanctuary? Or. Would he just want to shout,
BULLY!

Glenwood Gang Grabs Gold!
Two Silvers & One Bronze, Pack Continues to Roll
Westbury, NY, March 10, 2002

Eleven members of the Pack 183 Racing Team rolled out of the Glenwood Street Garage this weekend, destined for the Shelter Rock District Grand Championship Pinewood Derby Finals.
After weeks of working on their cars, after hot eliminations on the Glenwood track, the 183's sent their best to the ultimate test! The fastest and coolest looking cars in the whole District- the 300 winners from the thousands of carefully crafted cars and dozens of races held this winter -were jockeying for position. Three hundred against eleven. Just the way we like it!
The first group to race was our Webelos. You last saw their sleek machines at the Glenwood track in February. They featured two previous 4th place District Champions (Danny B. & Danny P.) plus Eddie and his very hot new entry.  But this would be a different day, a different race. A different test. We told all the boys, just, "Do Your Best!"
And under the lights, awaiting the judges, on the Most Original and Best Design competition tables -two awesome rides representing our Team were sitting pretty-Kevin's classic White Coyote and Patrick's Big Cheese.
The cars rolled-the judges judged- the dust cleared. The results came in.
Third place for the Webes' in all of Shelter Rock this year. Mr. Danny B.!
And the fastest Webe from Little Neck to Oyster Bay. Mr. Eddie H.!
And wait, that's not all. Kevin's White Coyote sat in Best Design-2nd place and Patrick's Big Cheese fourth-Special Mention-for Most Original!
The Bears were next. Ian, Jesse and Matt were looking good, staying close but in the final heats the tires blew, the engines broke! What's this? Standing tall in the Bears' winner's circle, peering out through the smoke, stood J.B. with his Hershey ride, Most
Original-2nd Place!
The Wolfs rode next, a hot young rookie named Keith and our legend, Daniel, District Champ.
It was a different day. And a different test. 
And our Wolf Team kinda ran outta gas, right before the final race.
But they, "Did Their Best!"  Team 183, we aced this test!
 One Gold. Two Silver. One Bronze.  And a 4th Place.
Thanks to everyone who helped make the Derbies a success once again!
We're Team 183.
And we're hot!
Don't forget!
Bully!

Rookies Rock Raceway in Wild Ride!
Friday, 02/22/02


From the very first clatter of plastic wheels rolling down the chute, it was clear that new champions were being created at the Pack's 2002 Pinewood Derby. In front of family, friends and a legacy of Scout leaders, first-time winners  smoked across the finish line-smoked-destined to represent Team 183 in the  District Championships this year.
1st Place Wolfs-Keith
1st Place Bears-Ian
1st Place Webelos-Eddie
Very Hot cars by veteran award winners and rookies alike will also represent the Pack in the design and originality show competitions.
And-Look Out!
Blowin' 'em all outta their seats, goin' for the gold, with the fastest single run on record for our track at 2.6621 seconds.is our Webelos, Eddie.
We wish all the boys, "Best of Luck," as twelve Team 183 members head off to the District Finals in Westbury, L.I. on Sunday, March 10th.
Let's Roll!
Bully!

The Klondike
January 26, 2002


The 183's two senior Webelos, James and Randy, teamed up with five boys from Garden City's Pack 7 to form a super patrol-the Lightning Eagles. Their goal: challenge the other Webelos units in the District at the 2002 Klondike Derby.
Power Packs from Sea Cliff to Manhasset, Oyster Bay to Floral Park, arrived with their sleds at the Muttontown Preserve in eastern Nassau County early Saturday morning.
They came to test their skills and demonstrate their ability to work all day as independent teams, with a minimum of adult supervision-providing the Webe 2's with their first real step into Boy Scouting.
The sparkling shards of early morning ice along the puddles in the trails of the Preserve melted quickly, under an unusually warm sun, and turned the course into a damp and sometimes muddy quagmire. The winter gear came off, the cold drinks came out and "the gloves came off." The race was on!
The boys were challenged to follow a map for several miles through the Preserve, pulling a sled full of equipment and stopping at ten sites (towns)along the course, where they had to demonstrate their ability to solve problems from potentially deadly accidents to games of pure skill and teamwork. The goal was to collect as many points for each activity as possible and complete the entire course making it to the last town in four hours or less (by 2 P.M.). With a minimal amount of help.
No problem. Many of the adults along the trail seemed totally bewildered!
At 2 P.M., maybe a minute to spare, a wild, noisy, fired-up patrol, the Lightning Eagles, arrived at their last destination. Twenty minutes later they flashed across the finish line with "a ton" of gold nugget bounty and enough extra credit points to earn third place in the District Derby!
As they waited well over an hour for the stragglers to come in and the closing ceremony to begin, the Lightning Eagles challenged any Webelos and Boy Scouts, still on their feet, to a pick-up football game in the Preserve's equestrian ring.
Later that night, our Pack's heroes were treated to a victory celebration viewing of Snow Dogs!
We're the Lightning Eagles of Shelter Rock!
Bully!

 Webelos' Night
December 21, 2001

Thump—Thump—Thump…
A solemn mythical figure, in Native American attire, slowly beats upon a drum—signaling the arrival of the Matincock Chapter of the Order of the Arrow to Pack 183’s Webelos’ Night. The last meeting of 2001 capped-off a truly momentous year for the Pack! 
And the Matincock’s Ceremonial Team stopped by to join us in honoring the achievements of seven of our senior Cub Scouts. Six boys:  Danny B, Eddie, Patrick, Justin, Danny P and Kevin, were awarded Cub Scouting’s top rank—Webelos.
And one Scout, Randy in his second year as a Webelos, was pre-sented with the prestigious Arrow of Light award—Cub Scouting’s ultimate recognition of achievement. During a very dramatic presentation, featuring music, smoke and fire, the Ceremonial Team not only honored the boys for their accomplishments but also advised them of their newly acquired responsibilities. Following the ceremony, the Pack let all the stops out for a super-charged 3-in-1 celebration—Webelos’ Night, Danny B.’s birthday and our holiday year-ender! And with good reason! 2001 was an extraordinary year for Pack 183. We, Did Our Best…and we became the best!  The Best Pack on the Planet? …Well, of course!  
A congratulatory BULLY for all!  
Let us be thankful for our good fortune. And hope for peace.
We’re Pack 183!

Chatterton's Hill, 1776
Sunday, October 28, 2001


The blast of 18th century cannon rolled across the vast open field echoing 
throughout the surrounding hills. A mounted officer rode the line,
commanding dozens of soldiers to return fire in unison. A very long row of men in red coats could be seen through the smoky haze, steadily
marching towards us, crossing over the bridge in the valley far below.
The 183 Little Neck Little Volunteers, commanded by Cubmaster Seeg 
and his veteran Akela's, had traveled back in time, 225 years to the day, to
Chatterton's Hill. The 183's-including a large auxiliary continent of supportive family members-joined the Patriots' cause and cheered the 2,000 re-enactors through the Battle of White Plains.
Taking place, this time, at Ward's Pound Ridge Reservation in Westchester County.
On a very sunny and clear late October afternoon in 2001, the 183's took 
their position on the Americans' weak right flank near the crest of the hill. 
What a spot! As close to the firing line, galloping horses, charging troops 
and roaring cannon as practically possible. We also were within clear listening distance of the PA and Mr. George Neumann's running narration.
The battle originally pitted 1,600 American's against an overwhelming attacking force of 14,000 of General Howe's crack British troops.
The Patriots,' just two weeks after the fall of NYC, fought a gallant and orderly retreat across the Bronx River, over Chatterton's Hill and back to
White Plains, inflicting more casualties upon the  British than they inflicted
upon them! And once again, after a good fight, it ended the same way.
Prior to the battle, the 183's had been invited to explore the Patriots' campsite to learn how they ate, slept, dressed, cheered and took care of their weapons-exactly like soldiers did 225 years ago. And we taught them 
what a reallygood Bully sounds like!
Hey, they earned it!

We want to thank Mark Hurwitz (3rd, NJ) for both encouraging us and inviting us to attend the event. And how about the willingness of the numerous  members of The Brigade of the American Revolution to answer questions, pose for pictures and explain in detail every inquiry by the Pack? By both young and old!
Let's hear it loud!
1, 2, 3, Bully! Or, as we'd say in 1776.Hip, Hip, Huzzah!

Pack 183 Webelo's Fall Hike
October 14, 2001-Rand's View, CT.
Five Webelos and six parents said good-by to the city for a day, sneaked into the woods and went looking for adventure along the Appalachian Trail. Our return to the primeval past sent the 183's just southeast of Salisbury, CT on a mild but overcast Sunday. Our crew, all veteran hikers of the Trail, traveled over six miles in a round trip to Rand's View-considered by many to be the best view in Connecticut on the Appalachian Trail.
The vista faces north looking across large sweeping meadows to the 
highest mountains in CT and MA. As all Webelos in Pack 183 know, 
these are the Taconic Mountains-original mountains from the event that 
formed what we now refer to as the Appalachian Chain-the
oldest mountains on the planet. Sections of the Taconics have drifted and 
can now be found as far away as Argentina and Antarctica!
Or a 100 miles north of Little Neck, covered in peak fall colors and blanketed with mist. Our return, through the dense old growth forest along the glacially flattened top of Barrack Matiff, concluded with a descent 
of some 500 feet to U.S. 44 and took about two hours.
All the Webes had a chance to blaze the lightly leaf-covered trail for a 
mile or more during the Pack's nearly five and a half-hour walk in the woods.
We all Did Our Best!
We're Pack 183.
Bully!

Old Rhinebeck Rocks!
Sunday August 5, 2001

Pack 183's summer picnic, a.k.a. The Mystery Trip-because its destination was a surprise-took off at the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome in northern Dutchess County. After arriving at 11:00, the Pack held an awards ceremony, ate a picnic lunch under a huge tent and spent time exploring the extraordinary collection of ancient planes in the hangers and museum buildings before the afternoon air show.
Patrick's Mom and Danny & Matt's Mom both donned various period costumes for the pre-show "runway" event. Charming and Courageous!
Then it was WWI, time for the roar of the engines and the aroma of burnt castor oil to fill the old farm that serves as the aerodrome's authentic backdrop for an air show that can only be labeled as, "Unique!" Stunts, dogfights, Dorsey Divers, a parachutist and the realization that this stuff still flies, makes for a truly wondrous time!
Plenty of shenanigans take place on the grass strip while the planes are prepped (nursed?) to fly, entertaining both the young and old alike. Our thanks to the Farmer, the Evil Black Baron, Percy Goodfellow, Trudy Truelove and all the others who made our day so much fun! Being blown up by a bomb while using an outhouse, is a skit any Cub could love.
So, how about a little jaunt in an open cockpit, 1929, New Standard D-25 biplane?
AWESOME!
Eight Fearless Members of the Pack went up, over the course of the afternoon, for the airplane rides of their lives. And all returned to talk about it!
And talk about it!
And talk about it!
After touching down from a little spin over the Hudson Valley a Dad with his Cub proclaimed, "I'm going to trade in our boat and get a plane!"
And as our first President to fly in an aeroplane would have said.
Bully!

You missed a really nice weekend in the woods!
 Weekend 2001, A Space Odyssey. 7/13 - 7/15
The best pack on the planet sent 20 members to Schiff Scout Reservation in Wading River, L.I. for some fun in our solar system's sun. Shelter Rock District's annual summer Cub Scout campout featured the most pleasant weekend weather this season in the whole universe. We had set firm goals and requirements for the event this year. And wemet every one: o Excellent Weather  o Fine Fishing  o Cool Crafts  o Awesome Archery  o Fun & Games o Tremendous Thespians  o Gourmet Dinning
o Lots of Marshmallows  o And an Ice Cream Party! Along with a cool dip in the lake! We suffered no serious casualties. And we had no rain. The 183's Did Their Best by: participating in the flag raising ceremony both mornings, giving a stellar performance at the Stone Campfire Ring and being really great voyagers (campers). We also initiated two new Bobcats (Daniel S. and Keith) into the Pack at the close of our Friday night campfire. We wish them the best of success in their Cub Scouting careers!
We're Pack 183!
Bully!

Mt. Taurus Hike 
(Or, Rabbits Over the River)
Hudson Highlands State Park-Cold Spring, NY June 10, 2001
The 183's took advantage of the spectacular late-spring weather to do a little hiking (mountaineering?) up Mt. Taurus just north of Cold Spring, NY along the Hudson River. We entered the trail at 11 A.M. and climbed for two hours before stopping for lunch at about 1,100 feet on an outcropping overlooking the River directly below. The Cubs spent most of their break-time identifying images in the clouds (both rabbits and dogs are still very popular). Continuing on our climb after lunch, the trail offered several spectacular views up and down the Hudson valley, including an amazingly clear view to the south that included what appeared to be the tops of the World Trade Center-about 60 miles away! 
Standing on top of the world, we shouted our loudest "Bully" ever! Wow! 
At 1,400 feet, we felt we had truly paid our dues for our views! And they had been delivered. The three-mile descent down the mountain's 
gradual side was challenging as well, due to loose footing in spots, but was pleasantly tree shaded and, of course, downhill!
The tired and dusty 183's emerged from the woods at 4:00 P.M. returning to Little Neck to resume their flatland ways.
Bully!

It Will Not Rain on Our Parade!
(Monday 5/28/2001)


No way!
The Pack and several members of Troop 183 marched (that's right, marched) down the middle of Northern Blvd., flags whipping in the breeze, to honor our vets on what became a beautiful spring afternoon in Little Neck. No longer referred to as the state's largest Memorial Day parade, our
community-wide event is now the largest in the USA! But somehow, it still feels like a small-town parade. just, bigger. A couple hours of drill morphed the 183's-a once rowdy band of  irregulars-into a well disciplined, lean, mean, marchin' machine. Well a kinda cool one, anyway.
"Thanks," to everyone who helped train the boys and a big, "bully," to Mr. Panaro, who purchased three flags and rigged them onto lighter poles, allowing all 13 of our participating Cubs a chance to carry a banner during the course of the parade.
And ultimately, a sincere, heartfelt, "Thank-you," to all of our veterans!
One, two, three. Bully!

Webelos Woods 2001 (5/11 - 5/13)
The 183's sent eight boys and eight parents to the Theodore Roosevelt Council's Schiff Scout Reservation in Wading River, NY to participate in our Council's annual camporee for Webelos Scouts. We pitched our own tents, cooked our own food and even washed our own dishes!! The goal of  "the woods" was to help older Cub Scouts learn the skills they need to Be Prepared for Boy Scouting-and to have fun!
Saturday morning was filled with requirement orientated instruction like first-aid, nature studies and camping skills. After lunch the boys played games of skill and daring, including "beating" their parents in the notorious wet sponge battle! 
The evening was capped by our performance of the skit "Soup" in front of the District campfire. But most importantly for any Cub, we roasted marshmallows over a real campfire two nights in a row!
All seven of our first-year Webelos passed their Outdoorsman achievement requirements, and made progress in other achievement areas also.
And we all Did Our Best!
We're Pack 183.
Bully!

Saturday 04/28/01
Attention All Scouts!
Walk!

Scout Walk 2001 was a chance for hundreds of Scouting families throughout Nassau County to participate in the Theodore Roosevelt Council’s annual spring fundraiser in Eisenhower Park.
And what a day for a walk in the park!
Led by pipes and drums…the walkers followed a 5K course through the
Park on a very pleasant spring morning. Upon finishing the course, a day
of fun, food and friendship followed.
The 183’s spent their leisure time trout-fishing, dart throwing, climbing
across a rope bridge, attending fire safety demonstrations and making
new buddies.
All this while helping both our Council and the Pack.
A big BULLY to our Cubs and their sponsors!

Sunday March 11, 2001
Pack 183 Rules!
We warned the other Packs last year. Did they listen?     No!
Did we take advantage?     Yes!
Did we eat them up and spit them out our exhausts, like promised? Absolutely-positively!
From Oyster Bay to Little Neck from Sands Point to Garden City,
Pack 183 blew them away:
First Place in the Webelos category—Randy!!
First Place in the Bears—Richard!!
First Place in the Tigers—Daniel!!
Fourth Place in the Bears—Danny B!!
And the District's Grand Prix Champion, the absolutely-positively fastest car in the land was—our Tiger Cub rookie—Daniel!
Out of the hundreds and hundreds of boys who raced in the Pinewood Derbies In Shelter Rock District…Pack 183 had the fastest three cars!
The Fastest!
Hey, and Kevin won second place in Best Design for the Bears!
Well, as Teddy would say, "You boys done real good!"
Bully!

Rookies Rock Racetrack!
February 23, 2001
Little Neck, NY
The Pack held its annual Pinewood Derby model car race at Drag Strip 183 on Glenwood Street, Friday night. While the fastest car on the track Friday belonged to the Pack’s reigning champion, Randy, first-timers screamed through the other categories:
1st Place, Tigers—Daniel.
1st Place, Wolfs—J.B.
1st Place, Bears—Richard.
The Grand Prix, to decide the leader of the pack—Richard vs. Randy—  was decided by less than 4/1000 of a second. Well, son-of-a-gun… That’s Racin’!
The First, Second and Third place winners, in each category, along with Most Original and Best Design, advance to the District Finals, Sunday March 11, at the Source Mall in Westbury, L.I.
Three big Bullies to the Screamin’ Mean Pack 183 Racin’ Team!
And my personal thanks, once again, to the many parents and Scouts who helped make race night run…like a well-oiled machine.
Y’all done your best.
Jim-Bob Seegert
Race Master

L.I. Jamboree
10/27 – 10/29, 2000
Who let the Scouts out?
Who?
The Nassau and Suffolk county councils of the Boy Scouts of America—that’s who! From Little Neck to Montauk, from the Five Towns to the North Fork, 10,000 weekend campers and more than 10,000 additional Saturday participants filled Heckscher State Park on the Great South Bay in East Islip for the Greater Long Island Jamboree 2000. 
The colorful 8:00 A.M. opening ceremony on Saturday featured one Scout from each of the approximately 170 participating units parading with his unit’s flag in front of 10,000 onlookers. And the opening was highlited by our Pack’s own father/son team— the Panaros—playing their bugles in front of the entire Long Island Scouting community to officially kick-off the Jamboree!
Skill demonstrations, advancement activities and a real sense of brotherhood filled the day—which also featured a fly-over by the U.S. Air Force’s precision flight team, the Thunderbirds. Saturday’s events came to a close with a rock concert by  the band Troop 47, followed by a spectacular fireworks show. The balmy autumn weather of Friday evening had turned by then into a bitter, wind-driven, winter-like night, challenging us campers to keep warm…and to keep our tents up!
The 19 day-trippers, two overnighters and honorary bugle corps that represented Pack 183 deserve three big Theodore Roosevelt Council bullies.
Bully!—Bully!—Bully!

Autumn Hike 2000
Sunday, October 15, 2000

The 183’s and ten of our Shelter Rock District friends from Pack 7 (Garden City) sent 38 adventurers deep into the autumn woods on one of the mildest mid-October days in memory. 
The combined forces climbed the Appalachian Trail to the summit (1,329 Ft.) of Mt. Egbert in southern Dutchess county at the very peak of the fall foliage season!
The extraordinary warm weather and brilliant blue sky made it difficult to  believe that it actually was autumn, despite the glowing colors of the forest. All the boys, including several Tiger Cubs, completed the challenging  five-mile journey and all had an opportunity to blaze the trail—as it snaked over the massive 1.1 billion-year-old hunk of ancient metamorphic rock. Our thanks to ALL the parents who, in the true spirit of Scouting, helped make October 15th such a memorable day for both Packs!
Bully!

Battleship Cove
8/5 – 8/6, 2000
16 members, parents, grandparents and friends of the Pack navigated up I-95 to Fall River, MA to visit Battleship Cove and sleep overnight on the mighty, 35,000 ton battleship, USS Massachusetts.
After checking in, finding our births, and a fire drill we had Leave—time to go ashore and see the original movie model of H.M.S.  Titanic in the Maritime Museum!
The 183’s had dinner aboard ship then attended an orientation movie followed by a former crew member taking questions! Afterwards, we held our Pack Night topside, on the immense aft deck of the ship. At dusk the boys performed a ceremony honoring the lowering of the Stars and Stripes, while our newest Den Leader played taps. All our boys had a chance to help fold the ship’s flag, then scampered off to the gun turrets to defend her. (In theory anyway).
The adults had an opportunity to relax a bit and savor the balmy evening
topside. Later, below decks, we all marveled at how many people could sleep—or attempt to—in one room! This was truly some major, big-time sleep-over!!
After breakfast we explored many areas onboard including: engine room,
hospital, dentist office, Morse Code & radar rooms, and the loading bays of the 5” and 16” guns. And before leaving the cove, we visited other ships, including the WW II sub Lionfish.
Shortly before noon, our “hands-on” history lesson ended—we headed out on the Interstate for a journey back…to the 21st century.
Bully!

Cub-Parent Weekend 2000 (7/14 – 7/16)
Last year it was dry and hot—this year...it was not!
The 183’s attended Shelter Rock District’s annual Cub-Parent camporee with eight hardy members. We shared our campsite with old friends from Pack 7 and made new friends with a Cub and his mom & dad from Pack 438, New Hyde Park. After settling in, a fire was made to roast marshmallows—the favorite delicacy, and probably most important activity, of all Cub campers.
After extinguishing the fire and bedding down a light rain began to fall,
the beginning of a storm that would last 24 hours and flood our campsite on Saturday afternoon...but never dampened our spirits!
An improvised agenda was created for Saturday’s activities. The 183’s
whipped everyone else playing dodge ball under the C.O.P.E. course pavilion; visited the nature lodge, sitting outside in the nature; rehearsed our new skit under a large tarp; attended a fencing demonstration after lunch in the dinning hall, which was used later in the afternoon as a movie theater. Also, three of our boys and their fathers hiked around Deep Pond during a relative break in the storm—earning an achievement patch for their efforts! After dinner our annual campfire was held indoors. The 183’s readily adopted several boys, who had no other pack members at camp, to perform with us in our skit, “Tasty Morsels.” Which they performed very well...but hardly in good taste!
Sunday morning brought the sun, providing an excellent backdrop for Mr.
Panaro’s rendition of Taps during the District’s closing flag ceremony.
We all Did Our Best! the 183’s never “bailed out.” We hung on till the
finish!
It may have been a bit damp, but as we say...BULLY!

The 183’s had an extremely busy May this year!
We started the month, helping the community, by participating in the Udall’s Cove Committee’s Environmental Clean-up on Saturday the 6th. Pack 183 was the only Scout unit represented this year…in the neighborhood’s most interesting treasure hunt. Our finds included: a buried bicycle; parts of a rusting washing machine; and a 5-gallon can of (?), along with all the usual debris. The next weekend was Webelos Woods, a Council-wide campout for older Cub Scouts preparing to become Boy Scouts. A solid day of activities on Saturday allowed most boys to complete their Outdoorsman requirements. We met old friends, and made new ones by sharing our campsite and activities with Pack 7 from Garden City.
The Pack chose Sunday the 21st to take a bike hike to Old Fort Totten and visit the museum. Eleven members and siblings of the Pack managed to dodge the rain and visit the area’s only Civil War ruin. And finally, all the boys joined the entire community for the 72nd annual Little Neck – Douglaston Memorial Day Parade.
Hey, what’s more in the spirit of the day than Pack 183, with flags flying,
marching down the middle of Northern Blvd.?
A big BULLY to all!

May 2000
Pack 183 bestowed National Quality Unit Award 2000.  Yes!
Pack 183 has been granted the coveted Cub Scout Pack National QualityUnit Award!
The award honors leadership, individual Scout advancement and unit participation in District, Council and community events. From meetings and paperwork to campouts and the Appalachian Trail, We Did Our Best!
The Pack absolutely could not have achieved this honor without the dedication of its leaders, the hard work of its boys and the support of all the parents. Also, a special "Thanks" is due to all our friends in the community who have supported Scouting during the past year. It truly matters.
And big BULLY to all!

4/29/2000
ScoutWalk 2000 was the event that finally brought the sun out this month!
Hundreds of Scouts and their families walked the 6k course around
Eisenhower Park on a clear, sunny Saturday morning—capping off the Theodore Roosevelt Council’s spring fund raiser. Afterwards there was a falconry demonstration, a monkey bridge to cross, family fire safety demonstrations, Scout history & memorabilia and carnival-style skill games for young and old. Popcorn, hotdogs, cold drinks, coffee…and clowns were provided for everyone, adding to the carnival atmosphere.
And a BIG BULLY to all the boys of Pack 183!
Everyone met or exceeded their sponsorship expectations!

Shelter Rock District Pinewood Derby 3/12/2000
The 183’s were lucky to have six boys attend our District’s Pinewood
Derby Finals at The Source Mall in Westbury on Sunday March 12th. From
Sands Point to Floral Park, from Little Neck to Oyster Bay, the best
racers in the District brought their model cars for THE BIG RACE. We had
two boys make their Final Heat, Danny P. of the Wolves finished 4th (in
his rookie year) and Randy of the Bears finished 3rd and received a
trophy! This was the 183’s best finish ever! Way Cool! All our boys Did
Their Best and should be very proud that they were able to participate
in the District Finals. Did I overhear some of our boys yelling that the
other Packs better watch out because we were going to eat up their cars
and spit them out our exhausts?…Well, BULLY!

Maple Sugaring 3/4/00
On a beautiful sunny morning, with a real hint of spring in the air, 22
members, family and friends of Pack 183 visited the Theodore Roosevelt
Audubon Sanctuary in Oyster Bay, L.I. for the Sanctuary’s annual Maple
Sugaring event. We learned how maple sugaring was "discovered" and also how native Long Islanders hunted, used fire and made canoes. After
tapping a Sugar Maple tree we all took a nature hike through the
Sanctuary where we were lucky enough to observe and identify several
birds.
Following the hike the Pack gathered around a campfire for pancakes and
maple syrup. Before leaving we were able to dip our fingers into a
sugaring pail to taste fresh raw sap out of a tree…umm.
Finally the 183's paid respect to President Teddy Roosevelt, our BSA
Council’s first leader and honorary namesake, by visiting his memorial
site in the adjoining cemetery.
As he would say, "Bully!"

The 183’s wrapped up the century with a really big show! The last Pack
Night of the millennium featured achievement awards, Heritages kick-off,
Pinewood Derby introduction and Fire Safety Night—with a special visit
by a real NYFD fire fighter, Mr. Panaro.
In addition to discussing fire safety, Mr. Panaro arrived with our den
leader, Mr. Seegert, both in full gear. And, after explaining the
equipment and assuring the Pack that this is how your friendly fire
fighter, not Darth Vader, may look when he comes to rescue you, Mr.
Panaro let everyone (Cubs and adults) try on the gear. Way Cool!
Let’s give three great BIG Bullies to Mr. P. and the NYFD.
BULLY! BULLY! BULLY!
We wish everyone a great Holiday Season!       Peace.

Autumn Hike
(Appalachian Trail-Hang-Glider View, Housatonic State Forest, CT)
Sunday, November 7, 1999

Wow! The 183's hoped for an invigorating late autumn hike on Sharon
Mountain with some excellent views. And we got it!15 Members of Pack/Troop
183 and 2 guests spent over four and a half hours in the woods on a very
cool, clear and windy day. The 5 mile hike up, along the ridge and back
down the mountain took a lot of extra effort, due to the heavy fallen leaf
coverage, but the trail itself was easy to follow. And we were rewarded
with several excellent views, one of Kaaterskill High Peak clearly visible
in the Catskills across the Hudson! We reached our goal of Hang-Glider View
at 2:25 p.m. and began our return shortly after, reaching the trailhead a
little after 4 p.m. The remoteness of the area was reinforced by the fact
that we met only one other party along the trail all day! Our hike upon the
roof of the oldest mountains in the world was a good challenge. We all made it, and we all Did Our Best! Bully!

Fall Campout (10/15/99 - 10/17/99)
        Baden-Powell Lodge, Nooteeming Scout Camp, Dutchess County, NY.
Pack 183 had the kind of fall weather that everyone dreams about-pleasant, sunny days and warm evenings. The trees were in peak fall foliage in central Dutchess county so we went into the woods to check it out.
The 183 hikers, veterans of many Scout campouts and the Appalachian Trail, set out to hike a path that circumnavigates the camp. And all of us had difficulty blazing the trail! It was much more rugged than we had anticipated, littered in spots with fallen trees and the autumn covering of leaves made the lightly used trail challenging to follow. But well worth it! About a half mile into the woods we stopped at a breathtaking waterfall. Once back at camp it was time for cider and donuts-and pumpkin carving. Hey, fall doesn't get any better than this!
We also had time on Saturday for the boys working on their Wood Chip Card to practice the safety rules and hone their skills both sharpening and carving. For dinner the 183's made a fire outside where we baked potatoes and grilled chicken, burgers and hot dogs. The Cubs loved the concept of
cooking over an open fire, although the adults did all the cooking. After
dinner we all roasted marshmallows, the most important event of any
campout! How do you like yours? Rare, crispy or on fire?
We had a great weekend! Bully!
Notable Quotes: "Who was Baden-Powell?''-Cub Scout
"The founder of the Boy Scouts."-Cubmaster

   Jim Seegert (Den Leader)
Cub Scout Pack 183
Theodore Roosevelt Council Shelter Rock District

 

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