Pack
152
Parent
Handbook
Saint Francis de
Triune District
Cradle of
Boy Scouts of
Welcome to Cub Scout Pack 152
We are so glad you have chosen to enter the
world of Scouting through our Pack. You and your son will be so glad you did.
We have an exciting program of learning and fun. This handbook was designed to
provide new members an introduction to Cub Scouts and our Pack. Thank you for
taking the time to go over this handbook with your new Cub Scout! With your
help, this will be an exciting, rewarding experience for you, your son, your
family, and your Pack. We’re glad you’ve joined us! If
you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.
Yours
in Scouting,
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Cubmaster |
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Committee Chair |
Index
1)
Welcome
2)
Meetings
a)
Den
Meetings
b)
Pack
Meetings
c)
Leader
Meetings
d)
Roundtables
3)
Finances
a)
Dues
b)
Fundraisers
c)
Financial
Assistance
4) Leadership
a)
Cub Scouting and You
b)
Specific Jobs
5)
Activities
a)
Camping
b)
Other activities
6)
Ranks
and Advancement
7)
Miscellaneous
Appendices
Welcome
Hi and welcome to Cub Scout Pack 152! We hope the information and
guidelines presented to you in the next few pages will help you get off to a
good start for the coming year. Please keep this packet as a handy reference
for future information needs regarding Pack policy and uniform information.
Thank you.
To begin
with, your son is a member of Pack 152, which is in the Triune District
(of Cradle of Liberty Council) which encompasses West Philadelphia, South Philadelphia,
All Packs have a
chartered organization as a ‘sponsor,’ and ours is the Saint Francis de
The Pack is run by the registered
BSA Adult Leaders of the Pack. They key three are the Cubmaster, Committee
Chair and Chartered Organization Representative. Parents make up the Pack
Committee, which includes a Committee Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, event
coordinators, awards coordinators, etc. The Cubmaster, Den leaders, Assistant
Den Leaders, and others work directly with the Scouts. All parents of a Cub
Scout in Pack 152 are welcome and encouraged to become a Committee Member. Our
committee meetings are held periodically. at the
church, and are open to all parents of Scouts in Pack 152.
Den meetings are held weekly
on Fridays at the church at 7:00 p.m.. Unless
previously announced, our monthly Pack meetings are always the fourth Friday of every month at the
church at 7:00 p.m.
Meetings
Den
Meetings
In Pack 152,
each den has a designated den leader, but the parents take turns in organizing
the weekly den meetings. Lots of Cub
Scouting happens in the den. Please remember that your son’s Den Leader is a volunteer putting forth his or her time
and effort to help your boy ‘do his best’ to earn his badges, participate in
the fun, and gain all the positive values that the Cub Scout program offers.
Please assist them in the following ways.
- Class A - Shirts tucked in - looking sharp!
- Bring your son’s book.
- Please
have your son to den meetings early. Your den leaders have lots
of activities planned and it is important to have the whole group together
to begin the evening’s fun and projects.
- Please
pick up your son from den meetings on time. Your
den leader has places to go and kids that they have to put to bed, too.
Better yet, ask your den leader if they could use an extra pair of hands
that night and stay. Not only will your help be appreciated, but also you
can see what your son is working on.
- Tiger
Cubs must have an Adult Partner with them at all meetings, trips, etc.
Enjoy the time together!
- Please
pay your den dues promptly. Your den leader or other
parents will be purchasing various items for craft projects, supplies,
snacks, etc., and it sure helps to have the money ‘on hand’. Also, please
make sure your son has his handbook, and anything else he needs for the
meeting before leaving the house.
- Be an
active parent. Everybody has
some special abilities and ‘know how’ that can be of great help in matters
relating to Cub Scouts. Please make sure you have completed the Parent
Talent Survey Sheet and return it to your leader. In addition to the
boys learning new skills from you,
I promise that you will have a good time helping them. At least two adults are required to be present at all times.
Pack Meetings
Whereas at weekly Den meetings the
boys might do activities towards earning rank badges and awards, the monthly
Pack meeting is where these awards
are presented. It is an important
part of the program, as it allows the boys to receive their recognition in
front of the group as a whole, inspires the younger scouts to strive towards
achieving future ranks, and brings everybody together for the big night!
At Pack meetings, the Cubmaster
will ‘do their best’ to make sure that each Den has a chance to display that
special craft they made, song they learned, skit they’ve rehearsed, or
interesting place they visited. In addition, there might be a drawing,
advancement ceremony, or other themed event planned for the evening.
Please observe the followings
guidelines in regards to Pack meetings:
Ø
Class A - Shirts tucked in -
looking sharp! If your son has a uniform, the Pack meeting is definitely the place to wear it.
Ø
Please accompany your son to
his Pack meeting. Pack meetings are a family event - brothers, sisters,
grandparents, but most of all, YOU!
We require you there not only to help keep order at the meeting (things can get a bit rowdy), but also because
in Scouting many awards are presented to the parent who then presents it to the
Scout. Cub Scouts is a family program.
Ø
Please arrive to Pack
meetings early. Plan on arriving at least ten minutes early
to receive a ticket for a drawing, confer with your son’s Den leader about
upcoming things, chat with friends, etc., as the
meeting needs to begin on time. If your son is helping out as a member of a
flag ceremony, or assisting with other Pack meeting activities, it is imperative
to have him there on time. Thank you.
Most of all, we hope to make Pack
meetings entertaining, enriching, and FUN!!!
Leader meetings
The
Leader meeting, sometimes also called the Committee meeting, involves the leaders
and parents of Pack 152. At these meetings organizational matters, future
events and exchange ideas are discussed. All parents are welcome. These
meetings are generally held outside the pack or den meetings.
Roundtables
Idea exchange and announcements for leaders of the
whole district. Leaders and
parents are encouraged to attend roundtables. Each unit should have one
representative each month. These are held the third Monday evening of each
month.
Finances
Although
our Pack runs on a tight budget, dues do not completely cover costs. Registration
fees do not stay with the Pack. The basic program cost averages over $60 per
year per scout and include:
- Advancement
and recognition awards & devices
- Participation
patches
- Handbooks
- Pinewood
Derby Car Kit and awards
- Pack
Camping
- Blue &
Gold banquet
- General
program expenses & extra pack activities
Each year we ask that all Scouts in our Pack
participate in a Pack Fundraiser. The Popcorn Sale will count as
one. There may be another Pack Fundraiser if a parent chooses to organize
one. We strongly encourage you and your
Scout to participate in fundraising for several reasons:
- Knowing he
is paying his own way increases a Scout's self esteem
- It
relieves parents from a substantial financial commitment
- Your Scout
is eligible to receive recognition and prizes for success in fundraising
- The Law of
the Pack says "A Cub Scout helps the Pack go". One way to do
this is through fund raising
Dues
Throughout the Scout
year, your Den leader or Pack Treasurer will be collecting money for various
Pack functions and activities. These
will be addressed in the monthly newsletters that will be handed out at Pack
Meetings, and also via weekly information given to you at Den meetings. The
Pack maintains a separate bank account at with records being kept by the Pack
Treasurer.
The Pack’s dues are $52 per year. This fee covers the
cost of the many awards that will be presented to your scout throughout the
year. The annual membership
fee of $22 is paid in January for every registered Scout and Adult leader during
the annual Pack rechartering.
Most
dens do charge “den dues”. This amount will vary between dens. The dues cover
the cost of supplies, field trips, etc for the den. Please speak to your Den
Leader for more specific information.
Fundraisers
Throughout the year there will be
various fundraisers. Some of these might go to benefit the Pack for a trip,
outing, or needed supplies, and some to benefit the Scout, Pack, and your Council. As Cub Scouts, we will always try and make
sure to emphasize the fun in fundraising.
The BSA Popcorn Sale begins in September and ends
in October. Not only do we raise money for the Pack, we also raise money
for our local council. Approximately 73% of the retail cost of the
Trail’s End popcorn is split between the Scout Unit and their Local
Council.
Financial
Assistance
Pack 152
recognizes that not everyone can afford the necessary items for boys to fully
participate in.
Cost
should not be and is not a reason to avoid scouting. If you need to make payments for
things we can set that up for you if you need further assistance please do not
hesitate to ask.
If you
need financial assistance for registration, dues, uniform, etc, please contact the
Cubmaster or Committee Chair to discuss your personal situation. Any and all
conversations regarding financial assistance will be held in the strictest
confidence!
We believe in a helping hand but not a hand out. Any family requesting financial assistance
will be required to assist by giving
their time at Pack Meetings, Fundraising Events, etc.
Leadership
The
Boy Scout of America does not directly own or run any of its member units.
Instead, the units are run by Chartered Organizations. Pack 152’s Chartered
Organization is St Francis de Sales. The Chartered Organization approves
leaders, provides a meeting place, and operates the pack within the guidelines
and policies of the chartered organization and the BSA. The Chartered
Organization selects a Chartered Organization Representative who serves as a
liaison between the pack and organization.
Cub Scouting and You
When your son earns his Bobcat
badge he learns the Law of the Pack. One of these laws states
“The Cub Scout Helps the Pack Go”.
Throughout the year there are banquets, fund-raisers, Scout shows, parades,
derbies, camping trips, and many other activities and functions.
Ambitious as they are, a Cub Scout still needs your help in implementing the program and thereby giving us the chance to keep our promise in the
part of the Law that states “The Pack Helps the Cub Scout Grow.” The Pack is all
of us working together... leaders, parents, and Scouts.
Unlike other programs your son
might enroll in, Cub Scouting involves the whole family, no matter what size or
parental make-up exists in the home. In Tigers, you are your son’s Adult Partner.
In Wolves and Bears, you are Akela, the wise leader
and the final judge of your son’s efforts. At the Webelos
rank, you are the Activity Badge counselors that could help influence a boy’s
career direction
Throughout the year you will be
asked to assist on different committees, and at different events. Please
volunteer freely, and give of yourself when called upon to help. You will find it a rewarding experience, and
one in which you and your son will remember that you did together.
Specific Jobs
In Pack 152, the pack is run by
the Pack Committee and is led by a Committee Chair. The Committee meets once each month to plan pack meetings and other
pack activities. The committee meets once a month. Parents
are encouraged to volunteer to serve on the committee and attend regular
planning meetings. If you have ideas or know of opportunities for fun, please
let us know. Its responsibilities are to: plan Pack Meetings around the monthly
theme, select leaders, perform record keeping, and manage the Pack’s finances.
All parents are welcomed and encouraged to attend even if you are unable to
join the committee. Committee positions include:
Pack
Committee Chair, Cubmaster, Assistant Cubmaster, Advancement Chairman,
Membership Chairman, Pack Trainer, Treasurer, Secretary, Den Leaders, Committee
Members
The
Cubmaster is in charge of the pack
meetings and reports to the Committee. The Cubmaster plays a major
organizational role in coordinating pack activities. The Cubmaster also attends
the district roundtable or recruits someone to attend instead.
The
Den Leaders are the ones who do the
majority of the work, and who have the most fun. Den Leaders plan and organize
den meetings, keep track of the boys' advancements, and attend leaders meetings
(Committee meetings). Den Leaders should try to engage the parents in the den
meetings to the greatest extent possible, both to make the Den Leader's job
easier and to increase the boys' enjoyment. Cub Scouting is a family activity,
and den meetings are a great place for family involvement. The Den Leader can
go to the Cubmaster or the Den Leader Coach for advice and assistance.
All
adult leaders should attend Youth Protection and Cub Scout Leader Basic
Training, a one-day training course organized by the council.
Parents
play an important role in the pack. The leaders will do their best to provide a
quality program, but all the leaders in Pack 152 are volunteers and have many
other obligations. We depend on parents to help provide the good program we
have. We ask every parent to help the pack in some capacity. You should take
your share in organizing den meetings, working with the den leader of your
son's den. In addition, a parent should help with at least one pack activity a
year (e.g. Pinewood Derby or a campout). A parent should attend the pack
meetings together with the Cub Scout. Every handbook for boys has a parent
guide at the beginning. We also have a child protection videotape which you can
watch together with your boy. There are no secrets in Cub Scouts; parents are welcome
in any organizational meetings of the pack, district or council.
Activities
Camping
Camping
is not part of the central focus of cub scouting; however the pack may hold a
family camping event.
Scout
Camp
Camp opportunities are provided during the school
year and the Summer by the Cradle of Council.
"Mom & Me", "Lad & Dad" as well as Wolf, Bear &
Webelos Summer Camps are available. Summer
camps are a big part of the outdoor adventures that Scouts love. There
are also Day Camp opportunities available. Information on these Camps are available at the Scout Office or by Cradle of Liberty Council website.
Other activities
Throughout
the year there are a number of council (Valley Forge Pilgrimage, Jamboree,
Thanksgiving Parade, Scouting for Food, etc) and outside activities (museums,
zoos, etc.). Some the pack will participate in, and
others will be optional. These will be discussed at committee meetings.
Summer
Activities
The Pack meets different times for fun summer
activities. Most Dens do not meet regularly during the summer. however there are usually many activities to be had. More
details regarding summer activities will be available each in the spring.
Ranks and
Advancement
Boys
who join Scouts after 1st grade may not go back and work on the prior ranks.
Completing the requirements for rank is not necessary to advance with the den,
but it is encouraged. However, once the cross-over ceremony is completed in Spring, a Scout cannot earn his rank retroactively.
Boys
work their way through Cub Scouts doing activities that are fun and
challenging. The activities are carefully chosen to be age-appropriate and
emphasize learning by doing. They cover many aspects of life, and are designed
to:
- Influence a boy's character
development and spiritual growth.
- Develop habits and attitudes
of good citizenship.
- Encourage good sportsmanship
and pride in growing strong in mind and body.
- Improve understanding within
the family.
- Strengthen a boy's ability
to get along with others.
- Foster a sense of personal
achievement by developing new interests and skills.
- Show a boy how to be helpful
and do his best.
- Provide fun and exciting new
things to do.
In
addition to the activities that contribute to advancement in rank, the boys can
earn belt loops, pins and letters in the optional Sports and Academic
Program. The purpose of these awards is to encourage Scouts to try new
activities and learn new skills, or to improve those skills they already have.
As in most activities in Cub Scouting, this is not meant to be a highly
competitive program, instead the boys are encouraged
to “do their best.”
The
Handbook
Each
level of Scouting has its own Handbook. This Handbook is ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL
for your Scout, as it spells out the requirements for advancement. It is also referred
to as the Scout’s “trail”.
For Tigers, Wolves and Bears, the parent signs off on the
achievements that are done at home. For Webelos, the Den Leader signs off on all achievements. The Webelos Scout is still expected to work on some
achievements at home but he must "show what he knows" to the Leader
before s/he will sign off on the achievement.
Parents
should assist the Den Leader in tracking their son’s advancement toward earning
each rank. The Den Leader has the responsibility of reporting all awards to the
pack Advancement Chair. Please make sure that your Scout receives all the
awards that he has worked so hard to earn.
It
is the parents’ responsibility to report advancement credit to the Den Leader.
Award information must be given to the Den Leader by the end of the month in
order to receive recognition at the next Pack Meeting.
Who
is Akela?
Akela (ah-KAY-la) is the term for the
leader(s) that guide the Scout along his trail. At home, this is the parent. At
the den meeting, Akela is the Den Leader. While at a
Pack meeting, Akela is the Cubmaster. At school, Akela is your Scout's teacher. The important thing to
remember is that in order to complete each requirement, the
Scout
must do his best to complete each achievement.
Do
not sign off on a track if you know that your son did not do his best. In Cub Scouting,
boys are judged against their own standard, not against other boys. If a boy
has a disability or other reason why he cannot accomplish an achievement, bring
this to the leader’s attention as soon as possible.
Help
Your Cub Scout Along The Advancement Trail
The
advancement plan is designed for parents to use to create a learning environment
in their home. With the Cub Scout handbooks as a resource, parents and boys
work together to complete the achievements required for each badge. The
advancement plan provides fun for the boys, gives them a sense of personal
achievement as they earn badges, and strengthens family understanding as adult
family members work with boys on advancement projects.
While Cub Scouts learn skills and
begin projects in their den meetings, the parent remains at the center of the
advancement program. As each task is done or each skill is demonstrated, the
parent signs the Cub Scout's handbook to record its completion. It is also
important for the scout to take his handbook to den meetings to allow the Den Leader
to see the parent’s sign-off on the achievements. And when the boy has completed
all of the requirements to earn an award, the completion is acknowledged before
the entire pack of scouts at the next pack meeting.
Levels
Cub
Scouts joining as first grade boys enter the Tiger Cub Program.
Tiger Cubs have no formal advancement or fixed requirements. Tiger Cub dens
meet twice a month in addition to being welcome at all pack
meetings. Tiger Cubs BSA introduces boys and their adult partners to the excitement
of Cub Scouting as they "Search, Discover, and Share" together. The
Tiger Cub program is meant to be simple and fun. Pack 152
welcomes its Tiger Cubs to all pack activities.
Cub
Scouts in the second grade or above begin advancement by earning the Bobcat Badge. After
earning the Bobcat Badge, they proceed to work on advancement specific to their
age level. As part of the Bobcat Badge requirements, they must learn the Cub
Scout Promise, the Law of the Pack, and the Cub Scout Motto.
In
the second grade, Cub Scouts work toward the Wolf Badge, then
toward a Gold
Arrow Point and one or more Silver Arrow Points. The requirements for these
badges are found in the Wolf Cub Scout Book. Boys working towards their Wolf
Badge are called Wolf Cubs.
In
the third grade, Cub Scouts are called Bear Cubs and work toward the Bear Badge, after
which they work toward earning a Gold Arrow Point and
Silver Arrow Points. The requirements for these badges are found in the
Bear Cub Scout Book. Boys joining in the third grade must earn their Bobcat
Badge before working towards the Bear Badge.
The
Webelos Program is a two-year program for fourth and
fifth grade boys. First, they earn their Bobcat Badge if they have not done so
in a previous year. Then in both years, they work toward earning Webelos
Activity Pins in twenty different areas, arranged in five groups, and
toward one of two different cloth Badges. Fourth grade boys work toward the Webelos
Badge. After earning the Webelos Badge, boys work
toward Compass
Point Emblem and Metal Compass Points by earning additional Activity Pins.
Fifth graders, after earning the Webelos Badge, earn
the Arrow of
Light. The Arrow of Light is the highest rank in Cub Scouts, and its badge
is the only Cub Scout Badge that may be worn on a Boy Scout uniform.
Any
Wolf, Bear or Webelos Scout can earn the Cub Scout World
Conservation Award.
Religious Emblems
Scouts may
earn a religious emblem for their faith through their local church and the Boy
Scouts of America. Each faith has a different emblem; for example,
Catholic Cub Scouts may earn the Parvuli Dei, while
Protestant, Lutheran and Episcopalian Scouts may earn the God and Me emblem.
If your son
is interested, purchase the appropriate workbook at the Scout Service
Center
Miscellaneous
This
section is meant to cover EVERYTHING else that may arise
during the scouting year. As we
mentioned earlier in this pamphlet, all of our leaders are VOLUNTEERS. They are
giving of their time to not only set up den meetings but run the den & pack
meetings, attend training classes, attend committee meetings, etc.
Like you
we are not perfect, at some point one of us may say or do something that you do
not agree with. We want this to be an enjoyable experience for you AND your
son. We don’t want things like
miscommunications or misinterpretations to take away from you or your son’s
experience here with Pack 152.
If such
a situation arises PLEASE talk to the leader that you are in disagreement with
off to the side, if that is NOT possible please contact them by phone.
If you
do not feel comfortable with that or the situation has not been resolved please
contact the Cubmaster or Committee Chair.
Nothing
tells your child you care more than choosing to be with him.
For
more information visit our web site: http://webspace.webring.com/people/as/sfds_scouts
Appendix A
Uniforms, Patches, and Accessories
Scouts in uniform are more conscious of their role in Cub Scouting,
and feel a sense of pride and belonging when wearing one. A uniform provides a
proper place for the display of badges earned and a way for him to ‘show the
world’ that he has been rewarded for his achievements.
In addition, Scouts in uniform
create a strong, positive, visible
image in the community that helps to strengthen the important ties between the
public and the Scouting organization.
A
few pointers about wearing the Class "A" uniform properly:
- Class A's
should be worn to pack meetings, den meetings, parades, and most field
trips. (Specifics of a field trip may indicate the option to wear Class
B's.)
- Pack 152
does not require the purchase of uniform pants. Boys wearing the blue
uniform shirt may choose to wear neat, navy blue pants or shorts. Webelos wearing the khaki shirts should wear nice
shorts or the olive green pants or shorts.
- Uniform
hats with rank logo are not required.
- Uniform
belts are not required, but do enable the boys to display their belt loops.
- Shirts
should be worn tucked in.
- Neckerchiefs
are to be worn under the collar.
The
Cub Scout colors are blue and gold. Blue stands for truth and spirituality,
steadfast loyalty, and the sky above. Gold stands for warm sunlight, good
cheer, and happiness.
Where to Buy
Uniforms, patches and accessories
are available at the Scout Shop located at 22nd & Winter
Streets. In addition to uniforms, they carry everything you see in the Scout
Catalog and then some. Enjoy the time spent there! Your son will love it! Also,
the Pack may have some ‘experienced’ uniforms for sale. Please see the Pack
Secretary for details.
Shirts and [Shorts / Pants]
The main article of the uniform is
the shirt, as it displays the rank of the Scout, and identifies him as
belonging to a certain Den, Pack and Council. When purchasing a new uniform,
remember that your son is growing and if, for example, he is now a newly signed
up Wolf Cub, get an extra size or two larger, so he can wear it for his Bear
year as well.
Although a complete official uniform for your son is strongly
encouraged, if cost is an issue, many of the large discount stores sell [shorts
/ pants] in colors that closely resemble those of the official uniform. Please
note: Blue jeans are discouraged.
Pack 152 also has ‘Class B’ Pack
T-shirts for sale that can be worn to many of our outdoor activities.
Patches
In addition to the purchasing of a
uniform, there will be many patches that need to be sewn on to your son’s
shirt. Pay close attention as to where
on the uniform these need to be placed. (Please refer to uniform insignia
placement located in this handbook).
It is important that when your son
receives a badge that is to be a part of his uniform, you affix it to his shirt
as soon as possible. He earned it, and he deserves to have it displayed.
A uniform is something that a Scout
can help pay for himself by assigning him various chores around the house, or
helping out with other home projects. Also, keep in mind that uniforms, Scout
accessories, camping supplies, and other ‘Scout stuff’ make excellent birthday and holiday presents
for your son or other Scouter in your family.
Patch
Vest
Many
Cub Scouts wear the optional red patch vest to display the various
participation patches that they have earned. The patch vest can be purchased or
be homemade.One way to display academic & sports
pins is on the letter “C” (think of a high school letter jacket) sewn onto the
vest. The pack does not provide these but they can be purchased from the Scout
Shop or other Scout retailers.
What to Buy
Tigers, Wolves and Bears
- Tiger, Wolf or Bear Handbook (please purchase
handbook as soon as possible)
·
Blue Cub Scout Shirt with
- Great Trail Council Patch
- Pack 152 Numerals (red and white numerals) (see
Pack Treasurer for these)
- Your son’s Den Number Strip
- World Crest Emblem (purple patch with the
fleur-de-lis symbol)
- Tiger (orange) Wolf (yellow) or Bear (blue) Cub
Scout Neckerchief and Cub Scout Slide
- Official Tiger, Wolf or Bear Hat
- Cub Scout Web Belt And Buckle (These are designed
to fit the Belt Loop awards that Scouts can earn)*
- Official Cub Scout Shorts / Pants*
- Official Tiger (orange stripe) or Cub Scout (yellow
stripe) Socks*
*Optional
Webelos
- Webelos Handbook (please purchase
handbook as soon as possible)
- *Tan
Boy Scout Shirt with U.S. Flag - (short sleeve / long sleeve)
- Great
Trail Council Patch
- Pack 152
Numerals (tan and green numerals).
- World
Crest Emblem (purple patch with the fleur-de-lis symbol)
- Checkered
Webelos Neckerchief and Webelos
Slide
- Blue
Shoulder Loops for tan shirt
- Boy
Scout Web Belt and Webelos Buckle (The Webelos
/ Boy Scout green belt is wider and Belt Loops must be expanded to fit)
- Webelos Colors (optional) Activity
Badge pins may be worn on the Webelos Hat or the
Webelos Colors
- Official
Boy Scout Socks to match shirt worn
- Official
Boy Scout Shorts / Pants
*Note: A Webelos
Scout may wear either the Blue or Tan shirt. If you are just signing on as a Webelos, it is recommended to purchase the Tan uniform.
Uniform Insignia Placement
