October 2025 Newsletter
Pack 729 is back into full swing and have a lot going on this month so be sure to look at this newsletter closely to find out information on our Fall Camporee, our Trunk or Treat, our new pack clothing orders, and new ways of communicating.
New Class B Order
We’re putting in a new order for Class B Pack 729 apparel. These are a great option for when we don’t want to wear full uniform, but still want to be able to identify our pack while we are out on adventures.
Orders are due October 16th, and you can order your items online at: hayespack729.org/trading-post/class-b.
Pack Discord Server
We’ve put together a Pack 729 Discord Server for quick and easy communication. I hate to make everyone download a new app at the beginning of the school year, but I promise you this one is far more straightforward that the apps the teachers are having you download. Please download the app, join our server and introduce yourself in the General channel with your first and last name as well as your Scout’s.
You can download Discord at: discord.com/download
You can join our server using this link: discord.gg/qsv59zzA
Fall Camporee
The cut off for Fall Camporee tickets is October 7th, and the women’s side of the cabin is filling up quickly so please get your tickets ASAP if you need a spot on the women’s side of the cabin. Also we will be carving jack-o'-lanterns to decorate our campsite please be sure to bring a pumpkin along with carving tools and a light source to light it
If you have not done so be sure to bring your Annual Medical Form Part A and B to the next Den Meeting or you will not be able to attend camp.
More details on the Fall Camporee are in the event section below.
The contest will be replacing this patch which we all wear on our uniforms.
MCC Patch Contest
Our Council is looking for creative Scouts to design the next Michigan Crossroads Council Shoulder Patch (CSP). The Upper Peninsula has joined us, and we want to make sure our new CSP reflects our full council.
We are looking for an original design that captures the spirit, excitement, and adventure of Scouting in Michigan.
Here is what you need to know:
Submissions are accepted starting October 6 through October 19 11:59 pm. Submit original artwork on the Patch Contest form or standalone flyer.
Design must include the words “Michigan Crossroads Council”.
Design must include the Fleur de Lis image (the solid one shown on this page is best for embroidery this size).
Designs need to be created by registered Scouts (youth) in the MCC. Designs can be hand drawn or computer designed. Designs will be judged on the concept, not on the skill.
Maximum of 9 colors.
You can find all the details at: michiganscouting.org/patchcontest
Upcoming Events
Den Meeting
October 7 | 6:30pm
This is our last Den Meeting before camp, and our last day to register for camp. Please bring your Annual Medical Form Part A and B if you have not done so already. If you do not you will not be able to attend camp.
Fall Camporee
October 10 - 12
You can show up as early as 6pm on Friday, and we expect to leave roughly around 10am on Sunday. Expect to spend most of your day outdoors and there will be activities that range from sports to hiking to astronomy, weather permitting.
Please bring a pumpkin, carving tools, and a way to light it as we’ll be making jack-o'-lanterns.
GPS coordinates to Jack Lord Cabin are here. (https://maps.app.goo.gl/AJKDmoPQwfcU997j9)
Packing list: cub-packing-list.pdf (michiganscouting.org)
Camp map: D-A-Map-2023.pdf
Aside from that, dress for the weather including the potential of rain, and bring any snacks, or drinks you like along with your own water if you don't care for well water. Just no alcohol, cannabis, tobacco, vapes or illegal substances.
Den Meeting
October 21 | 6:30pm
The Wolves will not be meeting this day as our Cubmaster will be out of town, but all other Dens will meet at the school. The Wolves will make up this activity at another time.
Pack Meeting Trunk or Treat
October 28 | 6:30pm
Calling all parents to decorate your trunks and bring candy for our Pack 729 Trunk or Treat. There will be xxotic foreign candy rewards for the best trunks!
Scouts are to come in costume with something to carry candy. Participating cars for the Trunk or Treat should park on the southwest side of the Hayes Parking lot.
Fundraising at Pack 729
At our next Pack Meeting we are going to announce the results of our highly successful Mum Fundraiser but before that we’d like to chat a bit about how fundraising works for Pack 729.
Why Fundraising Matters for Our Pack
Fundraising is essential to the success of our Pack. The funds we raise support the exciting activities and opportunities we provide for our Scouts throughout the year—everything from campouts and awards to supplies and special events. Without these efforts, many valuable experiences simply wouldn’t be possible.
To ensure every Scout benefits from our programs, we require each family to raise at least $100 per Scout over the course of the calendar year. Our main fundraisers include mum sales and pizza kits. We also hold our annual bottle and can drive, and we ask all Scouts to participate so we can maximize the funds raised for our Pack. Families are welcome and encouraged to exceed this minimum, as every dollar above and beyond helps us do even more for our Scouts.
Participation and Buyout Option
We understand that not every family may be able to participate in fundraising activities for various reasons. For those families, there is a $100 buyout option per Scout. If you choose the buyout instead of participating in fundraising, please visit hayespack729.org/donations to make your $100 donation.
This "raise or pay" approach is similar to many National BSA activities and helps ensure fairness for all families.
How Pack 729 is Different than other Cub Scout Packs
Most Cub Scout Packs rely heavily on labor intensive popcorn sales, but due to the high level of participation in our existing fundraisers, we haven’t needed to engage with the popcorn fundraisers, and while many Packs enjoy selling popcorn, it has been the tradition of this Pack not to, and it’s a tradition we can only uphold with your participation.
Checking Your Fundraising Total
If you’d like to know your current raised total, please reach out to Laura at laurarodgers@hayespack729.org; she can provide you with your updated fundraising balance at any time.
Questions?
If you have any questions about fundraising or how to submit your donation, please contact Laura at laurarodgers@hayespack729.org.
Thank you for your commitment to supporting our Scouts!
That’s it for the spookiest month of the year, and we’re looking forward to seeing everyone at camp!
