Cub Scout Pack 150

What is Cub Scouting?

There is a battle of significant consequence taking place in the lives of boys in America today. In simple terms, it is the battle between doing what is right or wrong. A recent study conducted by Louis Harris & Associates indicates that the proportion of boys choosing to do what is wrong is alarmingly high. Even basic values such as not cheating on schoolwork and not stealing seem to be unstable.

Clearly, the results of this study indicate that our nation’s youth are struggling with ethical and moral decisions, and that these difficulties can only increase with age. Therefore, the need for reinforcing and rewarding strong moral standards and providing positive role models at a young age is more important than ever before.

Cub Scouting creates a climate of cooperative and collaborative relationships between adults and children - a laboratory for adults and children to get to know one another. It provides opportunities for children to acquire the capacity for accomplishment. The program affirms to the child that the world really is an interesting place.

Cub Scouting is fun! But it is fun with a purpose. Woven though all the fun is an inspired program that really works. Tried and proven methods are used that transfer traditional values, build character, and develop leadership skills - all in the context of fun and family togetherness.

BSA: Operation Tiger Mania 1996

The Pack

The Pack is a group made up of several dens. The Pack includes not only the boys in those dens, but also their families, and their leaders. The Packs meets once a month with Cub Scouts, leaders, parents and other family members attending. The Pack meeting is the climax of the month’s den meetings and activities. It gives the dens something to look forward to and work toward. This is a chance to recognize the boys, their parents, and their leaders.

In addition to its regular meetings, the Pack sponsors certain special projects. These include community projects (such as a Thanksgiving Food Drive for the needy), outdoor activities (field trips, family campouts, etc.), fund raising activities, and fun competitions like the Pinewood Derby.

The Cubmaster is an adult volunteer who serves as master of ceremonies at all Pack meetings and leads Pack activities of all kinds. Pack leadership positions may be held by women or men.

The Pack Committee is a group of adult volunteers who plan the Pack program and individual activities as well as managing such things as record keeping, finance, leadership recruitment, and registration. The Pack Committee meets monthly and meetings are open to any interested parent.

The Den

A Cub Scout Pack is divided into small groups of about eight boys called dens, who meet weekly under the direction of adult Den Leaders and, in some cases, Boy Scout Den Chiefs. The Den Leaders are trained parent volunteers.

The den allows boys to get to know each other better and engage in activities that would be difficult in a larger group. The den also provides leadership opportunities for the boys as they elect “denners” or help to teach each other.

Den meeting activities are planned around the monthly theme and include games, handicrafts, hikes and other outdoor fun, practicing skits and stunts in preparation for the next Pack meeting and taking part in simple ceremonies and songs. Sometimes work on advancement requirements is included, but most of that work is accomplished by the boys with their parents (see details on the Webelos rank for an exception). The Den Leaders may ask for special help occasionally from parents (helping with a meeting, sharing a special skill, or just providing a snack for the boys).

Dens are organized by rank. Ranks are organized by grade and age:

• Tiger Cub Dens (first grade, or 7 years old)
• Wolf Dens (second grade, or 8 years old)
• Bear Dens (third grade, or 8 or 9 years old)
• Webelos Dens (fourth and fifth grade, or 10 years old)
• Arrow of Light (six months since completing the fourth grade, or six months since turning 10)
• Boy Scouts (completed the fifth grade, or age 11, or have earned the Arrow of Light)

The Pack Leadership

The pack leadership consists of Den Leaders, Den Leader Coach, the Chartered Organization Representative, the Pack Committee Chairperson, the Pack Committee and the Cubmaster. These are adult positions. Let’s look at what each one accomplishes in a Pack.

The Pack Committee

The Pack Committee takes care of the administrative needs of the pack. It is organized and chaired by the Pack Committee Chairperson. The committee consists of at least three people and is responsible for:

• Finding a meeting place
• Setting the Pack policies in accordance with Boy Scouting and the chartered organization.
• Coordinating the Pack program with that of the charter organization.
• Assist with the annual Pack charter renewal.
• Is responsible for carrying out the policies and regulations of the Boy Scouts of America.
• Provides encouragement to leaders in carrying out the Pack program.
• Provides the finances and fundraising coordination for the Pack.
• Is responsible for Pack property.
• Is responsible for the quality of the adult leadership, that the leadership is recruited and trained. This is all adult leadership, including Cubmaster.
• Responsible for recommending this leadership to the charter organization for final approval.
• Coordination between the Pack and other scouting units.

A good Pack Committee consists of the following people:

• Chartered Organization Representative
• Pack Committee Chair
• Secretary
• Treasurer
• Advancement
• Public Relations
• Membership and Registration
• Sustaining Membership Enrollment Chairperson (a.k.a. Friends of Scouting)
• Cubmaster (is not a voting member)
• Den Leader Coach(es) (non voting member)

Pack Committee Chairperson

The Pack Committee Chairperson organizes and facilitates the running of the Pack committee.

This person works with the Cubmaster and Chartered Organization Representative to make sure that the responsibilities of the Pack Committee are being met.

Cubmaster

The Cubmaster, who is sometimes referred to as the unit leader, is up front. Most parents think they run the show all by themselves. Now you know different. So what does a Cubmaster do? Plenty!

The Cubmaster is responsible for:

• Conducting the pack program which includes leading the monthly Pack meeting, with the help of the other leaders.
• Guiding, supporting, motivating, and inspire the other adult leaders. Make sure they receive training for their positions.
• Making sure the dens are functioning well.
• Planning the den and pack programs with the help of the other leaders.
• Coordinating the total Cub Scout program for the pack.
• Helping recruit den leaders and coaches.
• Establishing and maintaining good relationships with Boy Scout Troops.