Hi Pack,

I hope everybody is healthy and staying safe.  Since we cannot go camping as a pack this weekend, let's do the next best thing and do a little camping at home!  We'll be using software called Flipgrid to share video snippets between scouts.  Flipgrid creates a page that only we can see, with a password, and therein we can share our camping-related videos.  I know some educators who have used this tool and apparently it works great.  It is free and there is no limit to the number of people who can post on it so it should be big enough for our pack.   

To see your instructions for uploading your video to FlipGrid, search for the email titled, "Pack 478 - Virtual Spring Campout - Flipgrid Instructions" (sent today, Sat)

Note, the time on this calendar event is 3p, but that's not correct.   This event is anytime you have a chance this weekend.

Here are some ideas to think about:
* Pitch your tent in your back yard, front yard, or patio.  Or if you do not have a yard or a suitable yard, pitch a small tent in your living room or basement or make a little tent fort using your couch cushions.  Maybe even sleep in it over night!  Or perhaps just gather in front of your fireplace.  It'll be a chilly night on Saturday, so if you camp outside be prepared with warm layers and keep in mind this is just for fun and don't feel like you need to stick it out in the cold night air if you're not up to it.
* Show us what you're cookin'!  Perhaps get out the ol' Dutch oven and cook your dinner outside.
* Show us your campfire in your fire pit outside if you have one.
* Tell a bad dad joke or two!
* Share a campfire story.
* Or just say hi to your friends with a short video.
* Keep in mind I think flipgrid limits the video length to 5 minutes.
* Also keep in mind we may have Tiger scouts or young siblings watching.

Like I said, this is just for fun, but it can also go towards any badge of rank activities you may have that involve camping or planning a campout or what have you.  Remember we are still social distancing, so let's keep any physical gatherings limited to your family unit only.  And this is all new to me, so I hope this works!  Let's all give it a try!

I'm really sorry we can't do this in person as a pack, particularly because this would have been my very last campout as a Cub Scout parent.

Once again, to see your instructions for uploading your video to FlipGrid, search for the email titled, "Pack 478 - Virtual Spring Campout - Flipgrid Instructions" (sent today, Sat)

All the best,

Mike Augusteijn
Cubmaster, Pack 478
www.pack478.com