CUB SCOUTING

WITH

PACK 341

CONTENTS

WELCOME

Welcome to Cub Scouting and to Pack 341. We are proud of the reputation we have built over many years as being one of the largest, most active, and best run Cub Scout packs in the local council. Pack 341 offers a year-round, family-centered program designed to positively influence a boy’s character development and spiritual growth by teaching and reinforcing ethical conduct, responsible citizenship, good sportsmanship, understanding within the family unit, and the ability to work and cooperate with others. And, of course, to have FUN while doing exciting new things and developing new interests and skills.

For families new to Cub Scouting, this guide contains all you need to know to get started. For those families who’ve been around Pack 341 for a while, this guide provides an update on pack policies and procedures -- some of which have changed since last year. As parents, you will be better able to assist your son in getting the most from his association with Pack 341 if you take a few moments to familiarize yourself with the information contained herein.

ORGANIZATION OF PACK 341

Pack 341 is chartered by the Boy Scouts of America and sponsored by Summit Heights United Methodist Church. We are one of about 30 packs in the Mohawk District of the Lincoln Heritage Council. The church also sponsors Boy Scout Troop 341 and many Pack 341 Cub Scouts elect to continue into Boy Scouting with Troop 341 at the end of their WEBELOS years.

A board of directors known as the Pack Committee runs the pack. Every parent is welcome to join the Pack Committee and committee meetings are always open to parents who have suggestions or concerns. The Pack Committee sets the program calendar and establishes operating policies and procedures for the pack within the guidelines of the Boy Scouts of America and the sponsoring institution. The pack committee elects its leader, the Committee Chairperson and the Cubmaster.

The Committee Chairperson conducts monthly Pack Committee meetings, leads program planning, ensures the pack complies with all BSA policies and is the liaison between the pack and the Lincoln Heritage Council.

The Cubmaster is the chief administrative officer of the pack. It is the Cubmaster’s responsibility to enact and follow the wishes of the Pack Committee, conduct monthly pack meetings and over see the day to day operations of the pack.  The Cubmaster is ultimately responsible for the recruitment, training, retention and support of the den leaders. The Cubmaster is assisted by one or more Assistant Cubmasters of his choosing.

The Den Leader’s are the back bone of any pack.  They are responsible for teaching, guiding and facilitating the cub scouts within the directives of the BSA, the Pack Committee and the Cubmaster.  Each Den Leader should have at least one assistant of his choosing.

The Pack Trainer is responsible for maintaining the training records of the adult leaders, scheduling new leader training and encouraging additional training as available.

The Pack Treasurer is responsible for maintaining the packs checking account.  The treasurer is also responsible for keeping track of and updating the scout accounts.

The Quartermaster is responsible for maintaining the packs garage and equipment.  He also repairs or replaces items as necessary with committee approval.  

The Secretary is responsible for taking minutes at the committee meetings, typing up the minutes and getting them to the Webmaster so they can be posted on the web in a timely manor.

The Webmaster is responsible for maintaining and updating the pack website.

The Pack Shopper is responsible for purchasing items for camp-outs and special pack events.

The Tiger Coach helps new tiger dens get started on the right path and is there to let new leaders know what the pack has available.

Scouts are divided according to age (or grade in school) into groups called dens. Ideal den size is 6-10 scouts and Pack 341 tries to operate within that range whenever possible. Every den has at least two adult leaders -- a Den Leader and one or more Assistant Den Leaders. Every effort is made to allow boys to select which den they will join; but placement in dens is at the discretion of the Cubmaster in consultation with the Den Leader(s).

ADULT LEADERSHIP

Pack 341 is blessed to have a large number of dedicated parents who give freely of their time and energies to make our pack successful. We have high expectations of our adult leadership, which can be summed up very simply by saying, "We expect our leaders to be living examples of the Scout oath, law, and motto."

The pack is always looking for parents who want to get involved. You do not  have to know anything about Scouting -- training for Den Leaders is required within their first year. The cost for pre-approved leader training will be paid for by the Pack.  While many of our leaders are experienced, some are learning "on the job." Your patience and support is greatly appreciated.

COMMUNICATION

Pack 341 will publish to its web site (www.cubpack341.tripod.com), a monthly newsletter containing reminders and important details about upcoming events. An annual calendar of events is planned each August and posted to this web site as well as distributed to all families in early September or as they join. This calendar gives dates for major pack events a year in advance. Den Leaders will occasionally send their own newsletters or reminders home with the boys from den meetings; please ask your son each week if his Den Leader made any special announcements. Anytime a parent has a question or concern, they should feel free to phone the Den Leader or Cubmaster.

UNIFORMS

"The Boy Scouts of America has always been a uniformed body. The uniforms help to create a sense of belonging. They symbolize character development, citizenship training, and personal fitness. Wearing a uniform gives youth and adult members a sense of identification and commitment. The uniform identifies youth and adult members of the Boy Scouts of America, visible as a force for good in the community. When properly and smartly worn, the uniform can build good unit spirit. When worn on the correct occasions, it can attract new members. The uniform shows the wearers activity, responsibility, and achievement. What each member has accomplished with program opportunities can be recognized by the insignia worn on the uniform. The uniform is a constant reminder to all Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts, and WEBELOS Scouts of their commitment to the ideals and purpose of the Boy Scouts of America. The uniform encourages them to take Scouting seriously because of the investment in uniforms by parents. The uniform is a way of making visible members commitment to a belief in God, loyalty to country, and helping others at all times. The leaders of Scouting promote the wearing of the correct complete uniform on all suitable occasions."

Pack 341 is a full uniform pack. A scout shirt and neckerchief does NOT make a complete uniform. EVERY CUB SCOUT in Pack 341 needs a complete, official scout uniform. Den Leaders must have the official uniform shirt at a minimum.  Pack 341 Cub Scouts and leaders should be in full uniform for all den meetings, pack meetings, and other pack activities. The field uniform (commonly referred to as a class "A" uniform) is simply the right equipment for scouting! Emphasis will be placed on wearing the uniform proudly and uniform inspections will be held regularly. At the same time, we recognize that all clothing is expensive and uniforms are no exception. A special section on uniforms in the back of this guide lists several steps Pack 341 has taken to reduce the cost of acquiring a new uniform as well as several tips for locating "experienced" uniforms. To assist with the latter, Pack 341 operates a Uniform Closet program to facilitate the exchange of uniforms among our members (see section at the bottom of page 3). The cost of a uniform should never be a reason for a boy not to be a member of Pack 341.

Pack 341 has also adopted a special class "B" (activity) uniform which consists of a distinctive pack tee shirt. There will be events (such as car washes, hikes, and campouts) during the year where the class "B" uniform will be appropriate. The class "B" (activity) uniform is strictly optional and is NOT a substitute for the official class "A" (field) uniform. New scouts should concentrate on acquiring a full class "A" uniform before worrying about a class "B" uniform.

DEN MEETINGS

All dens (Tiger Cub, Wolf, Bear, and WEBELOS) meet at the church on Monday nights at 7:00pm from early September through the end of May.  Den Leaders may request that a meeting be moved to another location for educational purposes. This request must be made to the Cubmaster at least one week prior to the date of the meeting to be moved.  Den Leaders are responsible to ensure all members of the den, including the Den Chief, are notified of the change. An adult partner at every pack activity, including weekly den meetings must accompany Tiger Scouts. Parents are not normally required to stay with older boys, but they are always welcome. Siblings and guests (other than prospective Cub Scouts) should not be brought to den meetings. Den Leaders typically plan crafts or other activities for a specific number of boys and have enough materials for the Cub Scouts only. Den meetings typically last 60 minutes. Meeting times may be extended, however, to accommodate a special activity or a more complex craft. Each Den Leader will notify their scouts about the meeting time for their den.

DROP-OFF / PICKUP-UP PROCEDURES

Parents should never just "drop their child off" at the door. Emergencies do happen and a den meeting might be cancelled at the last minute. Also, 8-10 year olds don’t always reliably relay information about special activities such as a field trip or change in meeting place. Parents should always walk their son inside and sign him in with his Den Leader. Parents should not leave until they know the Den Leader(s) is present and that the den will be meeting as regularly scheduled.

Parents should also park and come inside to retrieve their son. In addition to satisfying safety and security concerns, this will give parents the opportunity to speak briefly with the Den Leader(s) about any special problems, concerns, or upcoming activities. Den Leaders are volunteers. Any efforts that parents can make to facilitate good communication and save them phone-calling time will be sincerely appreciated!

DISCIPLINE

Scouts are expected to behave themselves and act at all times in a socially acceptable manner. Den Leaders should have a good understanding of elementary school aged boys. Most infractions can and will be handled effectively by the Den Leaders. Should a boy be unusually disruptive, one of the Cubmasters or other adult leaders will remove the boy from the group and have him sit in a chair in a "time-out" area away from other scouts. If disruptive behavior becomes typical, a parent will be required to accompany that scout to meetings in order to provide appropriate guidance. The intent is never to exclude or expel any boy from Cub Scouting, but, rather, to guide and encourage responsible behavior.

PACK MEETINGS

All dens meet together on the last Monday of every month -- all year round! Pack meetings typically last between 60 and 90 minutes. Uniform inspections will be conducted as scouts arrive. In order to start the program portion of the meeting promptly at 7:00pm, scouts need to arrive by 6:45pm to get inspected and take their seats. All scouts should be accompanied by a parent to pack meetings. Pack meetings are NOT a drop-off event! All advancements will be presented at pack meetings and parents are often asked to be part of the presentation ceremony. Boys whose parents are not present are often disappointed and embarrassed -- and parents miss out on seeing their son get formally recognized. Parent attendance at pack meetings is important.

Pack meetings serve two primary purposes: (1) to formally recognize scouts for their achievements and present any awards or badges earned, and (2) to provide information to parents about upcoming pack activities which require parent involvement and support. Parents should come to pack meetings prepared to give their FULL attention and support to their Cub Scout -- this is his special night.

Pack meetings, while fun, are somewhat formal. The award presentations are serious and special -- especially to the boy(s) being recognized and his parent(s). Parents should sit with their sons den and not stand along the back wall. They should set a good example for the boys by being attentive and respectful of the speaker. They should not leave early. They should not bring food or drinks into the meeting room nor allow their children to do so. The soft drink machine will be OFF LIMITS before and during Pack Meetings! Parents are welcome to take photos or video but should be sensitive about creating undue disruption or using flashes that destroy the mood of a ceremony. Though many traditionally solemn occasions in our society have become virtual zoos of human behavior, Scouting holds higher ideals and standards.

UNIFORM CLOSET

To assist families in outfitting their Cub Scout, Pack 341 operates a uniform exchange program referred to as the Uniform Closet. This program accepts donations of "experienced" uniforms which boys have outgrown, paying the donor a nominal amount for each major uniform part. The Pack then resells these uniforms to other Pack families. When shirts are donated with the Council Strip and Pack Numeral still attached, the Pack will provide the donor with corresponding new patches. This makes it easier on both the buyer and the donor!

HANDBOOKS

Each level of Cub Scouting (Tiger, Wolf, Bear, and WEBELOS) has an associated handbook. The handbook details the rank advancement requirements and suggests projects or activities the scouts can do in order to satisfy those requirements. Every boy must acquire his own copy of the appropriate handbook as soon after joining as possible. It is also very important that each boy write his name in his handbook, as den leaders will periodically collect the handbooks in order to record advancements.

ADVANCEMENT

One responsibility of the Den Leader is to keep track of each boy’s advancement progress. BUT it is the responsibility of the parent(s) to see that the scout completes the requirements necessary to advance. While some advancement requirements will be met by activities at weekly den meetings, there will not be time during the year to accomplish everything required to advance in rank. Cub Scouting is a FAMILY ACTIVITY and parents should work with their sons on advancement.

At the Tiger, Wolf, and Bear levels, parents may sign-off and date requirements in the handbook as their sons satisfactorily complete them. At the WEBELOS level, only the WEBELOS Den Leader(s), Cubmaster, or Assistant Cubmaster(s) may sign-off the requirements. This system is designed to prepare the WEBELOS Scout for his transition to Boy Scouting where mastery of skills must be demonstrated to an adult leader or merit badge counselor.

WEBELOS

Unlike the other ranks, WEBELOS is a two-year program. Pack 341 is fortunate to be large enough to be able to have separate dens for our first- and second-year WEBELOS scouts. During the WEBELOS I year, the boys will concentrate primarily on earning the various Activity Badges required to achieve the WEBELOS rank. During the WEBELOS II year, boys finish work on any unearned Activity Badges but the emphasis is more on the transition to Boy Scouting. WEBELOS II scouts work toward the Arrow of Light Award, the highest achievement of Cub Scouting and the only Cub Scout badge which can be worn on the Boy Scout uniform. By design, much of the WEBELOS II program is conducted outdoors. WEBELOS II scouts will get to hike, camp, and learn to cook over a campfire.

The WEBELOS scouts, particularly the WEBELOS II scouts, are the boy leaders of Pack 341. The younger boys all look up to them and model after them. The WEBELOS II year is their chance to shine and begin developing the leadership skills they will use in Boy Scouting. The packs official crossover ceremony will be conducted at the annual Blue and Gold Banquet.

PACK ACTIVITIES

Pack activities are not restricted to monthly pack meetings. Pack 341 conducts a year round program of full pack activities that includes Saturday day-trips, evening special events, and weekend campouts. As a family program, parent participation is encouraged in all of these activities. Some events may also be appropriate for siblings. Attention is given to the cost of all activities in an effort to select ones in which all scout families can afford to participate. A copy of the pack calendar of events is found on this web site or will be provided separately to assist families in making plans to fully participate.

PACK 341 CAMPING

Boys want to camp. Pack 341 provides at least three opportunities a year for ALL our Cubs to do that. Cub Scout camping is "family camping" and parents who don’t participate really miss out on some great opportunities to spend true quality time with their son(s). Previous camping experience is not necessary. Nor is it necessary to invest in expensive tents or other equipment. Meals are generally planned and prepared on a group basis. The Pack always selects sites that are safe for our scouts and tries to select sites that feature flush toilets.  WEBELOS can camp without their parents, however, all other cub scouts must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

CUB SCOUT DAY CAMP

Day camp is a five day experience for the cubs.  Cub Scouts will generally arrived at 8:30am and participate during the day and go home about 4:00pm.  This is not an overnight camping event.  Parents can drop off their scout as long as the minimum adult leadership has been arranged.  This program is held at multiple locations in June and July.

CUB SCOUT RESIDENT CAMP

CRC is a short term camping experience designed to introduce Cubs and their parents to a theme-based, summertime camping experience.  It is three days and two nights of tent camping, usually held at the Tunnel Mill Scout Reservation in Charlestown, Indiana.

WEBELOS RESIDENT CAMP

WRC is a 4-day resident camping program conducted by the local Boy Scout council specifically for 1st and 2nd year WEBELOS Scouts. Parents are not required to attend this camp with their sons so long as the Pack is able to maintain at least a 1:4 leader/boy ratio. Pack 341 scouts typically attend this camp in late July or early August during the summer between their Bear and WEBELOS 1 years and again between their WEBELOS 1 and WEBELOS 2 years. WRC is usually held at Tunnel Mill Scout Reservation.

BLUE & GOLD BANQUET

The annual Blue & Gold Banquet is one of the highlights of the Cub Scout year. It is usually held in February, the birth month of Scouting in America. Some years the dinner is potluck, other years it has been professionally catered.  Whatever the meal arrangements, it is a special evening for all Cub Scouts and their parents. The boys and den leaders make decorations for weeks in advance and there is friendly competition between dens to see who can create the most elaborate, festive table based on the annual theme. Dessert is traditionally provided by a parent-son bake-off.  The cakes are then auctioned off with the proceeds going to the Pack.

PINEWOOD DERBY

All interested Cubs have the opportunity to purchase a kit and build their own model wooden racecar. Pack 341 runs a series of electronically races on a Saturday, early in the calendar year. This has traditionally been one of the packs most popular events. It is important for parents to remember that the emphasis should be on the boy having fun and learning to build a car with Dad or Mom -- not on winning.

TALENT SHOW

Each year Pack 341 allows the boys to showcase their many and varied individual talents as well as den presentations. This event has developed into one of the Packs most popular activities. You will want to be sure to attend and invite the grandparents! 

SPORTS AND OTHER "CONFLICTING" ACTIVITIES

Some boys -- and parents -- assume that sports and Scouting don’t mix. This is simply not true. In fact, boys who play certain organized sports can earn scouting Sports Pins and Beltloops. Cub Scouting recognizes the values and lessons learned through sports and encourages sports participation.

Conflict can arise, however, when proper balance is not maintained. Just as a boy who misses every practice won’t improve in skill and be much of an asset to his team, a boy who misses numerous den meetings and pack activities won’t be getting the full benefit of Cub Scouting, may fall behind in his advancement, and may even lose interest in scouting and drop out.

Pack 341 encourages parents to guide their sons and intervene, as necessary, with coaches or scout leaders to achieve a balance between sports and Cub Scouting. Perhaps a coach will excuse a boy from Monday night practice if he is faithful in attending other team practices? Pack 341 will always work with parents and scouts who desire to participate actively in scouting as well as sports or other activities.

FUND RAISING

The families of its members support pack 341. The sponsoring institution provides a place to meet and pays the annual charter fee, but provides no other financial support. Monies donated to Metro United Way by individuals and businesses go directly to the local council to support the local camps and infrastructure of scouting. While all scouts do benefit by having a strong council and well-run, well-maintained local camps, units do not receive any direct financial support.

The various badges, patches, pins, awards, and belt loops must be purchased by the pack from the local council office. And boys in Pack 341 earn a lot of these! There are also expenses such as meeting supplies, insurance, and pack equipment. In order to finance the operation of the unit, Pack 341 conducts several fund raising projects during the year. These projects are selected by the Pack Committee as activities, which have good income potential. Whenever possible, the pack selects projects that can be done by Cub Scouts so that the boys learn as well as earn.

All scouts are expected to participate in fundraisers, just as they are expected to participate in other pack activities. No quotas or minimums are ever established, though incentives may be offered for meeting certain goals. Each scout is simply expected to "DO HIS BEST" and live up to the Cub Scout motto.

Several projects which have traditionally been quite successful for Pack 341 are the annual popcorn sale, the sale of candy bars, car washes, yard sales and the Burger King fundraiser and other selected events. Pack 341 has long been one of the leading units in the council in selling popcorn -- a tradition we expect to continue. The pack also supports the local council by selling tickets to the annual Scout-O-Rama exposition. Other projects will be planned according to pack financial needs.

 SCOUT ACCOUNTS

Each scout can earn money for scouting by participating in the various fundraising opportunities.  These “accounts” are maintained by the pack treasurer.  The scout accounts can be used for scout related functions, fees, un