Pack Newsletter

October 24, 2026

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Hello Pack 1343 Families!

Fall is in full swing, and we have plenty of Scouting adventures ahead! October brought outdoor adventures and opportunities to learn new skills. In November, we'll turn our attention to gratitude and service to our community with our annual Scouting for Food drive and learning about food insecurity at our Pack meeting. Best of all, we will launch the rockets our Cubs have been building.

There's a lot happening over the next few weeks, so take a look at the calendar, sign up for upcoming activities, and check out the latest Pack news below.

A Note from the Cubmaster

November is a good time to think about what it means to be a good citizen. With Election Day coming up, we often hear about the responsibilities that come with citizenship, but being a good citizen is about more than one day or one decision.

As Scouts, we promise to help other people at all times. That can mean volunteering, helping a neighbor, being respectful of people whose opinions differ from our own, or simply noticing when someone needs a hand.

Our upcoming Scouting for Food drive is a great example. By giving our time to help families in our community, we're putting the Scout Oath and Law into action and showing what it means to be a good neighbor.

We don't have to do something big to make a difference. Sometimes, the smallest acts of kindness are the ones that matter most.

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.

• 🍎 November 7 – Scouting for Food Flyer Drop-off 

• 🍎 November 7 – Scouting for Food Pick-up 

• 🚀 November 14 – Rocket Launch 

• 🫡 December 19 – Wreaths Across America

• 🏎️ December - Pinewood Derby Build Day at Michael’s Woodshop

• 🏊🏽‍♀️ January 10 - Swimming Adventure

• ⭐️ January - Planetarium Visit

Be sure to check the Pack Google Calendar for the latest schedule!

⚜️ Upcoming Events

Scouting For Food
November 7 and 14 | 8:30 AM
New Bristow Village Clubhouse
11976 Bristow Village Blvd, Bristow, VA 20136

Our annual Scouting for Food community service project is almost here! We'll be working in the New Bristow Village neighborhood to help collect food for the Haymarket Food Shelf.

On November 7, Scouts will meet at the clubhouse, organize into teams, and receive their assigned areas for distributing door hangers. On November 14, we'll return for the food collection.

Please sign up through SignUpGenius. Having an accurate headcount helps us plan team assignments and make sure we have enough volunteers.

Thank you for helping our Scouts make a difference in the community!

Pack Meeting

November 9 | 7pm

T. Clay Wood Elementary School

How can we help families in our own community?

Join us for a special guest speaker who will talk about food insecurity in our area and how people are working together to make a difference. Scouts will learn more about the challenges some families face and how even small acts of kindness can have a big impact.

This is a great opportunity to connect what we do through Scouting for Food with the people we are helping.

Rocket Launch
November 14 | 1pm
Camp William B Snyder

Ready for liftoff? Following Scouting for Food, join us for an afternoon of launching rockets, fellowship, and finding out whose rocket flies the highest!

If you haven't received your rocket yet, check with your Den Leader to get it. Rockets are also available for siblings for $5 each.

The launch field is south of the entrance parking lot at Camp William B. Snyder. 

Pack News

Thank You for a Great Popcorn Season!

We sold the last of our popcorn last weekend! Thank you to everyone who volunteered, sold popcorn, or helped spread the word. Every hour volunteered and every box sold helps support our Pack's activities throughout the year, and we couldn't do it without you.

You can still sell popcorn online through your Trails End account if you'd like to keep going!

Court of Honor

Even though we ended up spending the evening outside, we had a good turnout for our October Court of Honor! We handed out more than 100 belt loops, pins, and patches earned over the summer break.

Congratulations to our Tiger Den for earning the Bobcat adventure! Keep up the good work, Scouts.

Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate our Scouts' accomplishments. We look forward to seeing everyone at our next Court of Honor in January.

Fall Campout

We couldn't have asked for better weather during the day for our Family Campout at Camp Snyder!

The kids had a blast exploring, playing with sticks, and learning new outdoor skills. We also managed what may have been the biggest bonfire in Pack history.

Thanks to everyone who came out, helped with setup, shared their camping knowledge, and made the weekend a fun experience for our families.

Scout-Tober Fest

Scout-Tober Fest was a fun day for our Scouts! They enjoyed the rock wall, archery, crafts, BBs, balloon swords and plenty of opportunities to try something new.

Thanks to everyone who joined us. We're already looking forward to next year!

Class B Pack T-Shirts

Our Class B Pack T-shirts have been ordered and are expected to arrive in November. We'll share an update when they're ready for pickup. Be sure to make your payment to our Treasurer Natty, or talk to Kat about making a payment on Scoutbook. 

Thanks to everyone who placed an order!

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

http://gotosnyder.org

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)

• 2 Wolf hats

• 1 Wolf neckerchief

• 1 Tiger neckerchief

• 1 Tiger neckerchief slide

• 1 Bear Hat

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.

🙋‍♀️ 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.

Pack 1343 only works because families pitch in, and we are always looking for more helping hands as we prepare for another great year.

Den Leaders / Assistant Den Leaders

We currently need: 

• Lion Den Leader

• Female Assistant Wolf Den Leader

• Female Assistant Webelos Den Leader 

Help guide our 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.

Advancement Chair (2027-2028)

Keep track of Cub Scouts' advancements, make sure everything is recorded in Scoutbook, and purchase the awards Cubs earn. This role helps ensure our Cubs get recognized for all their hard work!

Popcorn Kernel 2027-2028

We have finished this popcorn season, but Kat and Lenore are happy to show you 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 early November, and then the role is mostly complete for the rest of the year. 

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.

Other Ways to Help

We can always use parents willing to lend a hand with:

• Campout food coordination

• Event planning

• Den activities

• Pack administrative tasks

If you're curious about any of these roles, please reach out to Pack leadership. We're 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 Google Calendar for the most up-to-date meeting schedule.

🦁 Lion Den 5

Next meeting: November 16

We're looking for Den Leaders to help our newest Scouts get their Cub Scouting adventure started. If you're interested in helping lead the den, please reach out to Chris W or Kat.

🐯 Tiger Den 1

Next meeting: November 16

Tiger families, keep an eye on the Pack calendar for meeting details and updates.

🐺 Wolf Den 2

Next meeting: October 26

We're looking for a female Assistant Den Leader to work with Chris W. This is an important Scouting America requirement and a great way to get involved with your Scout's den.

🐻 Bear Den 3

On November 19 Bears will be jumping into their next required adventure, Bear Strong, which focuses on physical fitness. Look for more information about this den meeting as we get closer.

⚜️ Webelos Den 6

Webelos will be doing a 2 mile hike for Webelos Walkabout adventure. We will meet at the Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve on Oct 25th at 1pm. Dress for the weather and be ready to hit the trail! Our next Den meeting will be Nov 18.

We're also looking for a female Assistant Den Leader to work with Anthony. This is an important Scouting America requirement and a great way to help support the den.

🏹 Arrow of Light Den 4

Our AOL Scouts have been working on first aid and have some exciting opportunities coming up as they prepare for their next step in Scouting.

Troop 581 Disaster Day: October 26 at 7 PM
Gainesville United Methodist Church, Linton Hall Road, Gainesville

Troop 581 is hosting its annual Disaster Day, a fun evening of hands-on first aid learning. Scouts will have the opportunity to practice basic first aid skills and interact with local first responders. Multiple first responder teams are expected to participate.

No registration is needed. Just show up!

Scouts should not wear their full uniforms. Wear something that can get a little messy, as some Scouts may be recruited as disaster victims and get fake bloodied up. There may also be a firetruck to tour and opportunities to try using a fire extinguisher.

The event starts at 7 PM and should wrap up around 8:30 PM.

Local Troops for AOL Families

As our Arrow of Light Scouts prepare to transition to Scouts BSA, visiting local troops is a great way to meet other Scouts, learn about troop activities, and find the right fit.

Troop 581 Boys, Gainesville
A large boy Troop that meets Mondays from 7 to 8 PM at the Gainesville United Methodist Church. Visit Troop 581's website

Troop 1882 Boys, Haymarket
AOL Scouts are invited to a campout on November 14 and 15. Watch for more information. This boys' Troop meets Tuesday evenings at Tyler Elementary School from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM. Visit Troop 1882's website

Troop 924 Co-ed, Haymarket
A family pack with girls and boy that meets Tuesday evenings at 7:30 PM at Sudley United Methodist Church. Families are welcome to visit a meeting. Visit Troop 924's website

Troop 91 Boys, Linton Hall School
An all boys Troop that meets Wednesday nights from 7 to 8:30 PM at Linton Hall School. AOL Scouts are invited to visit a meeting. Visit Troop 91's website

Troop 671 Boys and Troop 671 Girls, Nokesville
Two separate Troops that schedule actives together. Regular meetings are Mondays from 7 to 8:30 PM at Nokesville School. AOL families are welcome to visit. Visit Troop 671's website

Troop 1182 Co-ed, Manassas
A family Troop that accepts boys and girls, they meet Wednesdays from 7 to 8:30 PM. Cub Scouts are welcome to visit and meet the troop. Visit Troop 1182's website.  

🗓️ Upcoming Meetings and Events

• Oct 25: Webelos Walkabout Hike

• Oct 26: Wolf Den 2 Meeting

• Oct 26: AOL Den 4 Meeting - Troop 581 Disaster Day

• Nov 7: Scouting for Food Flyer Dropoff

• Nov 8: Committee Meeting (Virtual). All are welcome to attend

• Nov 9: Pack Meeting

• Nov 14: Scouting for Food pickup

• Nov 14: Rocket Launch at Camp Snyder

• Nov 16: Tiger Den 1 Meeting

• Nov 16: Lion Den 5 Meeting

• Nov 18: Webelos Den 6 Meeting

• Nov 19: Bears Den 3 Meeting

• Nov 23: Wolf Den 2 Meeting 

• Nov 23: AOL Den 4 Meeting

• Nov 30: Tiger Den 1 Meeting

• Nov 30: AOL Den 4 Meeting

👋 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 and Kat Heller

Webelos - Anthony Hargrave

Bear Den -  Damian Enriquez, Kat Heller, and Edwin Sare

Wolf - Chris Wallace

Tiger - Monika Rooney and Chris Porter

Lion - Chris Wallace 

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

There's a lot to look forward to over the next few weeks, from serving our community through Scouting for Food to launching rockets and getting together for our next Pack meeting.

Thank you to all the families who volunteer their time, help at events, and support our Scouts. Pack 1343 wouldn't be the same without you.

Keep an eye on the Pack calendar, sign up for Scouting for Food, and reach out if you'd like to help with one of our open volunteer positions.

And if you made it all the way to the bottom of the newsletter, ask Kat for your prize! You deserve something for reading the whole thing.