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September 9, 2026
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Hello Pack 1343 Families!
We’re so glad you’re here and excited to welcome your family to Pack 1343! Whether you’re brand new to Cub Scouting or just getting to know our pack, we hope this newsletter helps you get a feel for who we are and what to expect.
Cub Scouting is all about adventure, friendship, learning new skills, getting outside, and having fun along the way. There’s a lot to discover, and we’re here to help you and your Scout get started.
This special mid-month newsletter is designed just for our new and prospective families. Inside, you’ll find a quick introduction to the pack and Scouting, along with information about upcoming events, what your Scout will need, and what you can expect as we get the new Scouting year underway.
We’re happy to have you with us and look forward to a great year together.
So... What Is a Pack Meeting?
If you’re new to Cub Scouts, you may hear us use the words Pack and Den quite a bit.
Think of the Pack as the big group. Pack 1343 includes all our Cub Scouts from kindergarten through fifth grade. Our monthly Pack meetings bring everyone together for games, activities, ceremonies, announcements, special guests, and plenty of Scout fun.
A Den is your Scout’s smaller, grade-specific group. Den meetings are where Scouts work on adventures, learn skills, and get to know the other Scouts in their grade.
Pack meetings are family events, so parents and siblings are welcome and encouraged to participate. Cub Scouting is a family program, and we want you to be part of the adventure!
Where Do We Meet?
Pack Meetings: T. Clay Wood Elementary School
Den Meetings: Piney Branch Elementary School
Calendar Sneak Peak
Here's a sneak peek at some of the adventures planned for this year! Mark your calendars now. We can't wait to share these experiences with our Pack.
🥾 September 27 - Pack Hike
🏕️ October 10 – Fall Family Campout
🎃 October 24 – Scout-tober Fest
🍎 November 7 – Scouting for food Flyer Drop-off
🚀 November 14 – Rocket Launch
🫡 December 19 – Wreaths Across America
Be sure to check the Pack Google Calendar for the latest schedule!
⚜️ Upcoming Events
🍿 Popcorn! 🍿
The annual popcorn fundraiser is well underway!
This is our ONLY fundraiser and it helps us keep pack dues low. Share the load and sign up for a shift today; we are hoping to have every Scout work at least one hour. Choose an hour with a friend for some friendly competition!
If you are new to the game,
STEP ONE: download the Trail's End app (our unit code is DJKU9).
STEP TWO: look at available storefronts and choose what works for you.
STEP THREE: arrive in uniform, 10 minutes early to count inventory and get up to speed; there are instructions printed if you need them. You will process cash AND credit sales using the app on your phone; it is thankfully very intuitive. Your popcorn co-Kernels are always available if you have questions; our contact info is printed on the instructions on-site.
Thank you for your participation and have fun! Questions? Contact Kat or Lenore
🐍 Bring a Friend to Scouts Night Featuring Bill Crisp, the Reptile Guy 🐍
Our first Pack meeting of the new Scouting year is going to be a good one! We’ll be joined by Bill Crisp, the Reptile Guy, who will teach us about Virginia snake species and how to tell venomous snakes from non-venomous ones.
And because this is Bring a Friend to Scouts Night, your Scout can bring a friend along to experience Cub Scouts for themselves!
Scout Challenge:
👕 Wear your Scout uniform or Class B T-shirt to school on Monday and get a prize! ⭐️
👩🏻🤝👨🏽 Bring a friend to the meeting and get a SECOND prize! 🎁 🎁
Come have some fun, learn about reptiles, and show your friends what Scouts is all about!
🏕️ Family Camping
Signup here: https://forms.gle/A23wxGo4VWzMFSKf9
We’re heading back to Camp William B Snyder for our Fall Campout October 9-11 and we can’t wait! It’s going to be a fun weekend of outdoor adventure.
Cost:
• $15 per camper (age 5 and up)
• Please bring cash or check to our Treasurer, Natty Enriquez, at the next Pack Meeting
• Popcorn credits may be used toward camping fees
Camping Options:
Camp Friday & Saturday nights: Arrive Friday evening after dinner and stay through Sunday morning breakfast.
Camp Saturday night: Arrive 10 AM Saturday morning, enjoy the day's activities and spend the night.
Come for the day: Join us 10 AM Saturday morning for the activities through campfire s'mores and sleep at home
Food Provided: (vegetarian options available)
Saturday:
Lunch: Sandwiches, apples, popcorn, and baby carrots with dip
Snack: cheese sticks, pretzels, and clementines
Dinner: Beef or veggie burgers, chips, fruit salad and veg
Campfire: s’mores and brownies
Sunday:
Breakfast pastries
Please let us know if your family is interested in attending so we can plan food, activities, and campsite space.
We’re looking forward to another great weekend of fresh air, campfires, and Cub Scout fun!
🎃 Scout-Tober Fest
Camp William B Snyder, Haymarket
Ages 5-18: $15 | Adults: $5 | Children Under 5: Free
Signup here: https://forms.gle/nJn6po3hSBjq9PMD7
This is a District-sponsored event. There are no refunds. Scout-Tober Fest is a full day of adventure, hands-on activities, friendly competition, and fun for all ages! Scouts and families can enjoy archery, BBs, STEM activities, crafts, a fun run, face painting, Gaga Ball, Human Foosball tournaments, and lots more! It’s a great opportunity to spend the day outdoors, try something new, and have some fun with Scouts from around the District.
Uniforms
For your first few meetings, don't worry if you don't have everything yet. We understand that you're just getting started!
Kindergarten Scouts need:
Official Lion t-shirt OR navy blue button-up Uniform Shirt
1st-4th Grade Scouts need:
Navy blue button-up Class A Uniform Shirt
Grade/Den Specific Neckerchief
Grade/Den Specific Neckerchief Slide
5th Grade Scouts need:
Tan Scouting button-up Class A Uniform Shirt
Green Scouting Class A Uniform Pants
Nice but not necessary:
Grade/Den Specific hat
Navy Blue uniform pants (1st-4th grade)
Class B t-shirt purchased from the Pack for outdoor events
Den Specific Handbook
Where can you buy Scouting Supplies
Camp Snyder Scout Shop
6100 Antioch Rd, Haymarket, VA 20169
(571) 248-4904
Check hours before you go
Dulles Town Center Scout Shop Express
21100 Dulles Tow Circle, Suite 130, Dulles, VA 20166
(lower level, JCPenney entrance, Near the escalators and Starbucks kiosk)
Mon-Thurs: 11am-6pm
Fri-Sat: 10am-6pm
Sunday: 11am-6pm
OPEN Aug 17 – Oct 25, 2026
Northern Virginia Scout Shop
5232 Port Royal Rd. Springfield, VA 22151
703-321-4836
Mon-Fri: 10am-7pm
Saturday: 10am-5pm
Sunday: 11am-3pm
Pack Uniform Closet
Before you buy something new, check with us!
We have a Pack Uniform Closet with gently used Scouting items that can be passed along to Scouts who need them.
Currently Available
1 Well-loved, Size small Class A, navy blue button-up
2 Class A uniform pants Size 8, (unhemmed)
3 Wolf hats
2 Wolf neckerchief
1 Tiger neckerchief
Has your Scout outgrown a uniform, hat, neckerchief, handbook, or Class B shirt? Consider donating it to the Uniform Closet so another Scout can put it to good use.
Our Uniform Closet is one small way we can help keep Scouting affordable for everyone. Looking for something or have something to donate? Contact Kat@CubScoutPack1343.org.
Class B Pack T-Shirts
Want to show off your Pack 1343 pride?
We’re offering a wider variety of Class B Pack T-shirts this year. These shirts are perfect for outdoor Pack activities: hikes, campouts, fishing, biking, messy projects, or anytime you want to show that you’re part of Pack 1343.
Choose the shirts that work best for your family and submit payment no later than our November 9th Pack meeting.
Pack News
Welcome to Scouting Night
We had a great turnout at Welcome to Scouting Night, with lots of prospective and brand-new Scouts joining us.
There were new faces, games, tiny rockets that went SO high, and, naturally, a healthy amount of chaos. In other words... a successful Cub Scout night!
Thank you to everyone who came out and helped make the evening fun. We’re excited to see all our new families at upcoming Pack and Den meetings!
🙋♀️ Volunteer With the Pack
Pack 1343 only works because families pitch in, and we are always looking for more helping hands as we prepare for another great year.
You do not need years of experience, expert camping skills, or a giant time commitment to help. Most volunteer roles are easier than people expect, and training and support are always provided. Truly, no one is thrown into the wilderness with just a handbook and a flashlight. Even small contributions make a huge difference.
Popcorn Kernel Trainee
Popcorn Kernel Trainee
Work alongside Kat and Lenore this fall to learn the ropes before taking the lead during the 2027-2028 Scouting year. This role helps coordinate storefronts, communication, and sales tracking during popcorn season. The busy season runs from August through November, and then the role is mostly complete for the rest of the year. This is one of the most important volunteer positions in the Pack because popcorn funds nearly everything we do.
Assistant Cubmaster
Assistant Cubmaster
Support Cameron and Jake with: Pack meetings, Ceremonies, Special events, General program support. Attend one virtual committee meeting each month and help ensure Pack events run smoothly. Yes, it really is that easy.
Lion Den Leader
Lion Den Leader
Help guide our youngest Scouts as they begin their Scouting adventure. This role is fun, rewarding, and a fantastic way to be directly involved in your child’s first experiences in Cub Scouts. No previous Scouting experience required.
Campout Grubmaster
Campout Grubmaster
Help plan simple menus and organize food for two campouts each year. This is a perfect role for someone who wants to help without taking on a full-year commitment.
If you are curious about any of these roles, please reach out to Pack leadership. We are happy to answer questions, explain responsibilities, or let you shadow before committing. Many hands make light work, and when parents step in, our Scouts benefit the most.
⚜️ Den Corner
Be sure to check the Pack calendar for the most up-to-date meeting schedule.
🦁 Lion Den 5
Welcome, Lions! We’re thrilled to have our youngest Cub Scouts joining Pack 1343. Get ready for a year filled with fun, friendship, games, crafts, outdoor adventures, and lots of new things to discover.
Their first den meeting will be Monday, September 28 at 6:30 PM on the Piney Branch Playground. We’re looking forward to meeting our new Scouts and families and getting their first year of Cub Scouting off to a great start! Your den meeting schedule is posted on the calendar so be sure to check that out.
We are also looking for a male and a female Den Leader to lead our new Cub Scouts. This is a great way to get involved with your Scout's den. Please consider volunteering!
🐯 Tiger Den 1
The Tigers will continue meeting on Mondays this year, with their first den meeting on Monday, September 28 with Ms Monika and Mr Chris P. Your den meeting schedule is posted on the calendar, so take a look and get those dates on your calendar.
🐺 Wolf Den 2
The Wolves will continue meeting on Mondays this year. The Wolf Den schedule is available on the calendar so be sure to check it out and save your meeting dates. Our first meeting will be Monday, September 28.
We are also looking for a female Assistant Den Leader to work with Mr. Chris W. This is an important Scouting America requirement and a great way to get involved with your Scout's den. Please consider volunteering!
🐻 Bear Den 3
The Bears will be meeting on Thursdays this year, with our first den meeting on Thursday, September 17. The full den schedule is now posted on the calendar.
We’ll be jumping right into our first required adventure, Bobcat, at our first meeting, so please Do Your Best to attend! It’s a great way to begin the year together.
⚜️ Webelos Den 6
The Webelos will continue meeting on Wednesdays this year. Mr. Anthony will be leading the newly combined Webelos Den 6. You can find the full meeting schedule on the calendar. The first meeting is Wednesday, September 16.
We are also looking for a female Assistant Den Leader to work with Mr. Anthony. This is an important Scouting America requirement and a great way to get involved with your Scout's den. Please consider volunteering!
🏹 Arrow of Light Den 4
The AOLs will be meeting on Mondays. Our den meetings will be held on the 3rd and 4th Mondays of each month, beginning with meetings on September 21 and September 28.
AOL is the final year of Cub Scouting, so this Den has a lot to accomplish before crossover!
On September 18, Troop 581 of Gainesville has invited our AOL Scouts to join them for a troop campout. Troop 1882 of Haymarket has also invited the AOLs to a campout on November 14-15. Keep an eye out for more information.
If you’re interested in learning more about Troops 671 Boys or 671 Girls, they hold their regular troop meetings at the Nokesville School on Mondays from 7:00-8:30 PM.
Our last den meeting before crossover will be February 22, and our crossover ceremony is scheduled for March 1.
That gives us just a few short months to finish those adventures!
🗓️ Upcoming Meetings and Events
Sept 13: Committee Meeting (Virtual). All are welcome to attend
Sept 14: Pack Meeting
Sept 16: Webelos Den 7 First Meeting
Sept 17: Bear Den 3 First Meeting
Sept 18: AOL Campout with Troop 581
Sept 27: Pack Hike
Sept 28: Tiger Den 1 First Meeting
Sept 28: Wolf Den 2 First Meeting
Sept 28: Lion Den 5 First Meeting
Oct 3: Committee Meeting (Virtual). All are welcome to attend
Oct 4: Court of Honor
👋 Meet Our Leaders
Committee Chair - Kat Heller
Cubmaster - Cameron Abbott
Assistant Cubmaster - Jake Aldean
Treasurer - Natty Enriquez
Chartered Organization Chair - Lenore Sare
Pack Trainer - Edwin Sare
Popcorn Kernel - Lenore Sare and Kat Heller
Den Leaders
Arrow of Light - Jake Aldean
Webelos - Anthony Hargrave
Bear Den - Damian Enriquez, Kat Heller, and Edwin Sare
Wolf - Chris Wallace
Tiger - Monika Rooney and Chris Porter
Lion - OPEN
If you're ever unsure who to contact, start with your Den Leader for den-specific questions or Kat for general Pack questions. If they don't know the answer, they'll point you in the right direction!
⚜️ Scout Law
A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.
⚜️ Scout Oath
On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.
📬 Newsletter Wrap-Up
Welcome to the Adventure!
We’re really glad you’re here.
The first few weeks of Cub Scouts can feel like a lot of new information: new people, new places, new terminology, uniforms, calendars, popcorn, Den meetings, and Pack meetings.
The most important thing is simply to show up, have fun, and let your Scout experience what Cub Scouting is all about. Ask questions, introduce yourself to other families, and don't be afraid to jump in.
There are a lot of adventures waiting for Pack 1343 this year, and we’re excited to have your family along for the ride.
Welcome to Pack 1343! We’ll see you on the trail. 🏕️⚜️
And if you made it all the way to the bottom of the newsletter...Ask Kat for your prize!
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