Pack 9 Prepares Pancakes, CROP Walk Wants You, Teen Night is Back, and an Essay Contest

Pancakes for Pack 9

The are making breakfast! On Saturday, Oct. 15, from 7:30 to 11 a.m., the scouts will hold their annual Pancake Breakfast at the . Adults eat for $6, and senior citizens and children 12 and under are just $3 each. The breakfast benefits the West Caldwell Pack’s events and activities.

These Shoes are Made for Walkin’…

Each year, nearly two million CROP Hunger Walkers, volunteers and sponsors hit the pavement, raising money to help end hunger and poverty around the world. On Sunday, Oct. 24, from 2 to 5 p.m., people will once again come together for the 2011 CROP Walk, a community-wide event organized by .

Founded by First Presbyterian member Andy Ball, the West Essex Crop Walk began in 1975. Last year, the walk raised more than $12,000 to support local and international hunger relief. Interested in walking or sponsoring a walker? Contact James Heinegg at 973-626-6119 or email jheinegg@gmail.com. Can’t walk but still want to help? The group will also be collecting canned and non-perishable food items to donate to the .

Time for Teens

If your teenager is looking for a way to earn a few extra dollars, consider signing him or her up for the American Red Cross Babysitter Class at the . Back by popular demand, the course for 11 to 15-year olds is open to both members and non-members, and covers a wide range of topics, including the skills necessary for safe babysitting, how to find work, how to handle common behavioral challenges and common first aid emergencies, the essentials of basic child care, and much more.

The center will offer the class on Saturday, Oct. 1, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Additional sessions are available on Nov. 19 and Dec. 17. Registration is required as classes fill up quickly! The cost is $75 for members, and $95 for non-members. To register, visit the Caldwell Community Center at 1 Provost Square, in Caldwell, or call 973-228-POOL. Remember to bring your lunch!

After completing the course, teens can stop by the Community Center for Teen Nights. On Saturdays, Oct. 1, Nov. 5 and Dec. 3, from 7 to 10 p.m., tweens and teens 11- to 15-years-old can swim, have pizza, shoot some hoops and hang out with friends at this free event supervised by Caldwell Community Center staff. No registration required, and both members and non-members welcome!

Proud to be an American

The Bill of Rights Institute announces the sixth annual Being an American Essay Contest. Sponsored by the History Channel, the contest is designed to promote discussion between students and teachers about the words and ideas of America's Founders and the liberties guaranteed in the Founding documents. The contest is open to high school students in grades nine to 12.

This year, in an essay of 1,000 words or less, students are asked to share their thoughts on the Constitution by answering the question, “How does the Constitution establish and maintain a culture of liberty?” Three winning essays from each of the five geographical regions in the United States will be selected to receive a cash prize of $1,000 for first place, $500 for second place, and $250 for third place. In addition, the teachers of the winning students will receive $100 for each student that places in his or her region.

Complete details, including submission criteria, lesson plans and background information on the Constitution, Bill of Rights, Founders and the Founding principles can be found on the Bill of Rights Institute website. Submit essays between Constitution Day, Sept. 17, and Bill of Rights Day, Dec. 15. All contest entries are due by 11:59 (PST) on Dec. 15.