Pack 353

Parent Handbook

Welcome to our Pack!

This handbook is a reference for the parents and Cub Scouts of Pack 353. Families new to Pack 353 or to Scouting will find answers to many of their questions by referring to this manual. If you don’t find the answer to your question here, contact your Cubmaster, Committee Chair, or Den Leader and they will answer your question. When our website is complete, you’ll be able to visit it!

Pack Information:

My son’s pack is: Pack 353 My son’s den is: ____________________

My son’s Den Leader is: ___________________________________________

Phone Number: _____________ Email:_______________________

Den Meeting Time: _____________ Location: _____________________

Our Pack Meets: Last Monday of the Month 7:00 pm to 8:15 pm

Location: Burnt Hickory Baptist Church 5145 Due West Road

My son’s Cubmaster is: Patrick Burns

Phone Number: Email: patrickburns@pack353.net

My son’s Assistant Cubmaster is: Rick Luders

Phone Number: Email: rickluders@pack353.net

Pack Committee Chair is: Marty Verdi

Phone Number: Email: martyverdi@pack353.net

This handbook contains the following:

Cub Scouting Goals. 2

Cub Scout Promise. 2

The Law of the Pack. 2

The Cub Scout Motto. 2

Tiger Cub Motto. 2

Cub Scout Ranks. 3

Organization of Pack 353. 4

Pack Rules and Regulations. 6

Pack Level Finances. 8

Den Level Finances. 8

Obligations. 9

The Scout’s Obligations to the Pack. 9

Parental Obligations to the Pack – All Parents. 9

Parental Obligations to the Pack – Den Leaders. 10

The Pack’s Obligations to You and Your Son. 11

Advancement, Achievements and Awards. 12

Pack Annual Events and Activities. 13

Cub Scouting Goals

The goal of Scouting is to help a Scout to grow in both physical and mental ability, to introduce new skills and activities and to have fun. The program is structured around family participation.

Cub Scouting is a program outlined by the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). Parents and Leaders work together to:

Influence each Scout’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 and communication within the family
Strengthen skills in getting along with and respecting others
Foster a sense of personal achievement by developing new interests and skills
Provide fun and exciting things to do
Encourage each Scout to "Do Your Best"
Prepare each Cub Scout to become a Boy Scout

The Pack is a family based organization and is run by parents who volunteer as Den Leaders, assistants, and committee members or as planners for a special event. To successfully achieve the stated goals of Scouting, the involvement of all parents is needed. Please be prepared to volunteer for pack and den activities. Your participation benefits the boys in the Pack, the community, yourself and your own son.

Cub Scout Promise

I, (say your name), promise

to DO MY BEST

To do my DUTY to GOD

And my Country

To HELP other people, and

To OBEY the LAW of the Pack

The Law of the Pack

The Cub Scout follows Akela.

The Cub Scout helps the pack go.

The pack helps the Cub Scout grow.

The Cub Scout gives goodwill.

The Cub Scout Motto

Do Your Best!

Tiger Cub Motto

Search, Discover, Share

Cub Scout Ranks

Tiger Cub. The Tiger Cub program is for first-grade boys and their adult partners. There are five Tiger Cub achievement areas. The Tiger Cub, working with his adult partner, completes 15 requirements within these areas to earn the Tiger Cub badge. These requirements consist of a series of indoor and outdoor activities just right for a boy in the first grade.

Bobcat. The Bobcat rank is for all boys who join Cub Scouting. All boys must earn the Bobcat rank before they can earn the Wolf, Bear, or Webelos ranks.

Wolf. The Wolf program is for second grade boys. To earn the Wolf badge, a boy must pass 12 achievements involving simple physical and mental skills.

Bear. The Bear program is for third grade boys. There are 24 Bear achievements in four categories. The Cub Scout must complete 12 of these to earn the Bear badge. These requirements are somewhat more difficult and challenging than those for Wolf rank.

Webelos 1. This program is for fourth grade boys. A boy may begin working on the Webelos badge as soon as he joins a Webelos den. This is the first step in his transition from the Webelos den to the Boy Scout troop. As he completes the requirements found in the Webelos Handbook, he will work on activity badges, attend meetings led by adults, and become familiar with the Boy Scout requirements.

Webelos 2. This program is for fifth grade boys. A boy continues working on the transition from the Webelos den to the Boy Scout troop. All work leads to the Arrow of Light Award.

Organization of Pack 353

Cub Scout Pack 353 is part of the Mountain Lakes District (web site http://www.mountainlakedistrict.com/). The Mountain Lakes District is part of the Atlanta Area Council (web site http://atlantabsa.org/). The Atlanta Area Council is part of the Boy Scouts of America (web site http://www.scouting.org/).

Charter Organization

The Charter Organization is the sponsoring organization for this Pack. Burnt Hickory Baptist Church, 5145 Due West Road, Powder Springs, GA 30127 is this Pack's Charter Organization. It is their obligation to provide us with a meeting place and offer support as needed. It is our responsibility to consider how our actions as a Pack reflect upon the Charter Organization. We are also expected to offer our time and energy to the Charter Organization on occasion for service projects.

Charter Organization Representative (COR)

The Charter Organization Representative (COR) provides a formal link to the Charter Organization, Burnt Hickory Baptist Church.

Pack Committee

The Pack Committee plans and runs the Cub Scout program under BSA guidelines. Committee members meet the third Tuesday evening of every month at Burnt Hickory Baptist Church. Pack policies, future events and activities, coming Pack meetings, Pack administration, and a review of previous events are discussed at these meetings. At least one representative from each Den is expected to attend to provide communication back to the Den. All parents are welcome and are encouraged to attend as often as possible.

Cubmaster

Helps plan the program year
Plans and runs Pack Meetings and other program event
Plans and conducts advancement ceremonies
Maintains relations with Dens and parents
Recruits parent assistance with the Pack.

Assistant Cubmaster

Assists the Cubmaster in planning and running Pack meetings, functions, etc.
Fills in for the Cubmaster as required

Committee Chair

Runs committee meetings, makes sure re-charter, Pack business and Pack activities are completed in a timely manner.
Confers with the Cubmaster and Assistant Cubmaster on policy issues and maintains records.
Recruits volunteers for leadership positions.
Maintains current pack roster

Pack Trainer

Makes sure leaders are aware of training opportunities
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Den Leaders

Conduct Den meetings and other Den level activities with the assistance of the Assistant Den Leaders and the parents.
Communicates planned Den and Pack activities to parents.
Ensures the Cubs are preparing for advancement, are participating in Pack activities, and are recognized for their part in Pack activities.

Assistant Den Leaders

Assist in planning and conducting Den activities.

Pack Committee Members

Treasurer – Maintains checking account, deposits money, writes checks and reports balances monthly to Committee
Secretary – Records minutes as Committee meetings and ensures all Leaders are given a copy of those minutes
Advancement Coordinator – Maintains PackMaster software with all advancement and awards noted.
Webmaster - Manages the Pack website within the guidelines established by the Pack Committee

Pack Rules and Regulations

Common courtesy and respect will be shown to each other at all times and is expected by the Scouts, parents, Leaders and guests.
Parents are responsible for the behavior of their children and guests at all Pack functions.
Pack meetings will start on time and will last less than 90 minutes. Pack meetings are controlled by the Cubmaster and will follow a pre-determined agenda set by the Cubmaster.
Den meetings will be controlled by the respective Den Leaders and Assistants and will be when and where the Den Leader(s) decides. Two deep leadership will be in effect at all times. Married couples acting as Den Leader / Asst. Den Leader do not comply with BSA two-deep leadership guidelines.
All Pack and Den activities must follow the Guide to Safe Scouting. http://www.scouting.org/pubs/gss/
After a Den or a Pack meeting, the meeting area should be neat and clean regardless of the condition before the meeting. BSA policy dictates leaving an area cleaner than when it was found. Everyone in attendance will help with the necessary clean up.
Any and all trips or meetings held in a non-standard meeting place require the prior approval Atlanta Area Council. This is an insurance issue required to protect the Charter Organization. Anyone transporting any Scouts but their own child must supply the information needed to complete the BSA form for Local Travel (Local Tour Permit). There is no smoking allowed in transit.
Any event awarding patches, pins, etc. requires the participation and attendance of the Scout to receive them. There are no exceptions.
Uniforms must be kept clean and neat. The uniform consists of a hat (optional), shirt, allowable insignia correctly placed, belt, and neckerchief with slide. Uniform pants are not required. Uniform requirements at Den meetings are at the discretion of the Den Leader(s).
There is no alcohol allowed at any Scout event or function.
Smoking is prohibited in front of the Scouts at all Scout function and is forbidden inside or away from the outside designated smoking areas.

Meetings

Pack Meetings

Pack meetings are held monthly and are the gathering of the Dens where the Pack recognizes achievements, plays games, sings songs, does skits and has some fun. Dens may be asked to conduct opening or closing ceremonies, skits, or demonstrations. Occasionally, District representatives will attend a Pack meeting to present information to the Pack such as the FOS (Friends of Scouting) campaign or a camp promo. Other visitors, such as local firemen / policemen may also be invited at the discretion of the Cubmaster.

Pack meetings are held the last Monday of the month at Burnt Hickory Baptist Church and begin at 7:00pm. (Please see the calendar) The meeting time and place will not change without prior notification. Changes may be due to holiday, school vacation, or other Pack, District or Council commitments.

One parent must attend the Pack Meeting with the Scout unless other arrangements have been made in advance with the Den Leader. Other family members, siblings and guests are always welcome and encouraged to attend. The control of the siblings is the responsibility of the parents and not the Den Leaders. Pack meeting rules must be followed by all in attendance; parents, siblings and guests included.

** Always accompany your son into the meeting place to ensure his safety.

Den Meetings

The Cub Scout Dens are the basic unit of Cub Scouting. Dens are composed of up to 10 boys of the same rank and meet 2 times a month in addition to the Pack Meeting or additional Pack events. Den Leader (s) conducts meetings with additional help from parent volunteers and occasionally a Boy Scout from a local Troop may assist as a Den Chief. While some activities may be worked on at the Den Meetings, it is the parent’s responsibility to assist Scouts is completing the achievement requirements. Rooms are available at Burnt Hickory Baptist Church (submit your request to the Committee Chair).

For Tiger Cubs, the adult partner must accompany the Tiger Cub to each meeting. The adult partners help with planning and running of a Den meeting under the direction of the Tiger Den Leader. Monthly field trips to locations associated with the monthly Cub Scout theme are encouraged. Active participation in the monthly Pack meetings is also expected.

Field trips may be held as planned by the Den Leader or Scout parents. A Local Tour Permit (LTP) may be required (contact the Committee Chair to check). Failure to complete tour permits may void the blanket insurance honored by the BSA. Two adults must be present at every Den Meeting and function. No exception - this is the BSA two-deep leadership policy.

Finances

Pack Level Finances

Cub Scout Pack 353 is a non-profit organization. The Pack maintains itself through dues and the Popcorn fundraising project. Scouts are expected to participate in the Popcorn fundraiser to the best of their ability. The ability for the Pack to provide a quality Scouting program is greatly increased with the active participation of the Scouts in Popcorn sales. Should the parents feel their son cannot participate in the Pack fundraiser(s) a 'buyout' option is available. The Pack Committee, guided by the Pack Treasurer, decides the dollar value of the buyout option.

The monies raised by the Pack through dues and the Popcorn fundraiser are used to cover Pack expenses. This includes advancement awards, books, re-charter, and Pack and District events as determined by the Pack Committee.

Den Level Finances

Den level finances are the sole responsibility of the individual Dens. Each Den sets their own amount for weekly dues and decides what is to be done with those dues. A standard of $1 or $2 per meeting per Scout is fairly common. The dues collected at the Den are to be used for the Den crafts, trips and activities.

It is encouraged to have the Scout ‘pay their own way’ by working at home for the dues required at the Den meetings.

Obligations triad

The Scouts, the families and the Pack must work together to create a solid Scouting program. The Scouting program is an exercise in cooperation between all three. The Pack cannot give your son a good program if the support of the parents and volunteers is lacking. Participation by the Scouts in activities also leads to a better program. The following is what is expected each part of the triad.

The Scout’s Obligations to the Pack

Do My Best in everything I do. Obey the rules and regulations set down by the Pack. Obey the Den Leader(s) and Assistant Den Leader(s) and follow their rules and regulations. Work on my achievements and electives and advance in a timely manner. Participate in Scout activities whenever possible. Respect others, their rights and their property at all times. Show respect for the BSA. Treat the United States Flag and the Pledge of Allegiance with equal respect. Be on time for all meetings and functions. It is not fair for the others to have to wait for me. Call my Den Leader(s) or ask my parent to if I cannot attend a meeting or function. Keep my uniform clean and in good repair with all my insignia properly placed. Wear my uniform proudly to all events and functions unless told otherwise by my Den Leader(s).
Do a chore or chores in order to earn the money needed for my Den dues.

Parental Obligations to the Pack – All Parents

Work with your son on his achievements and electives. Scouting is a "Family Affair" and he cannot do it alone. Many requirements are done at den meetings and outings but others will require work at home. If assistance is needed, ask your son’s Den Leader(s). At the Tiger, Wolf, and Bear levels (1^st-3^rd grade), parents sign off in his book when he completes requirements. Den Leaders sign off for Webelos (4^th –5^th grade).
If your son is a first grader, he will be a Tiger and you will be his Adult Partner. An Adult Partner is required to attend ALL activities with the Tiger Cub Scout.
Accompany your son to the monthly Pack meeting. One parent is required but the entire family is welcome.
Attend a Den meeting or two. You need to be available to get the latest information from the Den Leader(s). Also, some activities are designed for active parent/son participation.
Den parents are responsible for helping out the den leaders and may be delegated specific responsibilities such as hosting meetings, leading activities, organizing field trips, and other activities. Different dens do this in different ways, but all den leaders really do need some help from the other parents so that they don’t have to do it all themselves.
Get to know the Den Leader(s) so interaction is more effective.
Walk your son into the Den meetings. Make sure the Leader is there and no last minute changes have been made. I
If you cannot stay for the meeting make sure to pick up your son on time (not an option for Tigers).
Volunteer and become involved. When we ask for parental assistance there is a reason. The more active and involved you are the more you will enjoy the Cub Scout experience. Den parents who do not want to be den leaders are expected to help out the pack in other ways. Some events are seasonal and are a good choice if you have limited time at certain times of the year. Here are some of the volunteer positions available:

· Popcorn Assistant (Fall)

· Friends of Scouting Coordinator (Fundraising - Winter)

· Fall Family Campout (Fall)

· Scouting for Food Coordinator (Canned Food Drive – Fall and Spring)

· Pinewood Derby Assistant (Spring)

· Raingutter Regatta Assistant (Spring)

· Spring Family Campout (Spring)

· Sporting Events Assistant (various times)

· Summer Activities Coordinator (Spring/Summer)

· Day Camp Assistant (Spring/Early Summer)

· Pack Meeting Planning Assistant (School Year)

· Pack Secretary (School Year)

· Pack Treasurer (School Year)

Voice your opinions, thoughts and comments at the Pack Leader meetings held the third Tuesday of every month. The only way the program can be improved is to know what you and your son wants. Participation in the monthly Committee meeting will give you an idea of how the Pack is run and will also give you the chance to be heard by those people running the Scouting program.
Let us know of any problems as soon as they occur – don’t wait. We don’t know about something that is upsetting you unless we are told. Contact the Cubmaster or the Committee Chair directly if you don’t feel comfortable going to your Den Leader(s).

Parental Obligations to the Pack – Den Leaders

There need to be at least two Den Leaders (or a Den Leader and Assistant Den Leader) for each den group of 4-8 boys. This means that a parent from 25% to 50% of families in the pack will need to be a Den Leader.
Den Leaders are responsible for:

· Planning and running one or two den meetings per month

This does not necessarily mean that the Den Leader personally plans all den meetings through the year because this work is often delegated and shared with the other parents. For instance, the den leader can draw up a schedule at the beginning of the year and rotate the den meetings to different den members. The ‘host family’ is responsible for providing the snack and leading some of the activities. This may vary from den to den.

· Reporting boys’ achievements and awards earned to the pack

The den leader may delegate the job of keeping the award paperwork to another parent within the den.

· Ensuring that the den is represented at the monthly pack leader meeting (3^rd Tuesday of Month – see Calendar)

The den leader may attend this meeting personally or delegate this job to another parent within the den. At this meeting, award paperwork is turned in, plans are made for special pack events, and the pack communicates information that should be in turn communicated to everyone in each den.

· Attending training to learn how to be an effective den leader

o One training class put on by the council is required for den leaders. This class is “New Leader Essentials” and position-specific training (one day – see Calendar).

o Den leaders must also complete the online Youth Protection Training and turn in the last page of the training to Charles Hebert.

o There are many other optional resources for den leaders. One good resource is a booklet, the annual “Program Helps” guide which is published each year and provides complete den meeting agendas and tons of suggestions.

o There is a monthly Roundtable Meeting during which you can get more ideas, plus special training events.

o And there are lots of other parents within our pack who you can just ask...MENTORING PROGRAM

The Pack’s Obligations to You and Your Son

Provide a solid Scouting program that you can both be proud of. Provide the means of advancement in a timely manner for the Scouts. Provide quality trained Den Leaders. Provide the opportunity to participate in various outings and activities. Provide a safe Scouting environment and meeting place.
Communicate news and current Scout events to you in a timely manner.

Advancement, Achievements and Awards

The Cub Scout Advancement program follows the school grade levels and aim to introduce new skills and areas of interest as well as to build self-esteem, self-awareness and a sense of citizenship and good sportsmanship. Parental involvement is crucial to achieve the advancement of the Scouts and responsibility for advancement in rank rests with the parents; verification and assistance of the Den Leader is secondary.

Tiger Cubs (1^st grade) work toward their Tiger Cub patch and earn beads by participating in activities. Beads are awarded for participation to enhance the Tiger Cub Program and ease the way into Cub Scouting

All other Cub Scouts earn the Bobcat rank first and later the rank appropriate for their age level.

Wolf Cubs (2^nd grade) earn the Wolf rank by completing 49 tracks in 12 achievements. After the Wolf badge they can earn Arrowpoints. The 12 achievements are all identified in the Wolf handbook and each consists of a number of activities to be earned during Den meetings and at home.

Arrowpoints are electives that can be earned after the Wolf (and Bear) badge are awarded. These are all electives in the back of the Wolf handbook. There is no limit on the number of Arrowpoints that can be earned by a Scout.

The parent signs Wolf advancements.

Bear Cubs (3^rd grade) earn the Bear rank (choice of 12 achievements) and then Arrowpoints. There are some required achievements in this rank with some options available. After the rank of Bear has been achieved, Arrowpoints can again be earned. There are 25 different categories of electives, which can be completed for Arrowpoints.

The parent signs Bear advancements.

Webelos (4^th and 5^th grades) earn the Webelos rank and can earn activity pins to get compass points. The second year Webelos earn the "Arrow of Light", the highest award that can be earned by a Cub Scout and the only award that is carried over to Boy Scouts.

The Webelos advancements are signed by the Den Leader.

Academic and Sport belt loops are awarded for trying out a number of various sports and academic subjects. For those Scouts with more serious participation Academic and Sport pins can be earned. These awards are available to all Scouts of all ranks. This program is administered at the Den level; your son's Den Leader will be able to help you find out more about the different categories and subjects available. The Religious Emblems program offers the scout an opportunity to study his faith in-depth. Many faiths offer the emblems, with the activities overseen by the Scout's religious leaders. BSA recognizes the achievement of these awards.

Pack Annual Events and Activities

Cub Scout Pack 353 participates in a number of events and activities throughout the Scouting year. Some are community related, one is the Popcorn fundraiser, some are educational and others are just for fun! Some events are considered "Spirit of Scouting" events. We strive for 100% Scout participation at these events so please mark your calendars early and make plans to attend. Parent and Leader volunteers run all events and your help is always welcome.

All monthly Pack Meetings are considered Spirit of Scouting events. We strongly encourage the Scouts and parents to attend with their Dens. The Pack gathers once a month to celebrate Scouting together whether it is with theme-oriented skits, songs or games. This will also be the time when the Pack and Den leaders recognize those Scouts that have earned awards or badges of rank. Guests and siblings are always welcome to attend but we do ask that everyone in attendance please abide by the rules and maintain control.
The Atlanta Area Council hosts Popcorn Sales and participation in this fall fundraiser is strongly encouraged. The Pack earns a substantial portion of its operating budget from the popcorn sales so we request that parents support their son's effort to give something back to the Pack. Active participation in this fundraiser will help keep registration costs down. A portion of popcorn sales is turned over to the den to subsidize their activities.
Scouting for Food, a community effort, is a Spirit of Scouting event and takes only a few hours. We ask that every Scout help to collect food for the local shelters.
The Pinewood Derby is strictly for FUN! The races give you a chance to show your mechanical and engineering ability. The Scouts all make a Derby car to race against all the others in the Pack. The cars start as simple blocks of wood but with a little time and a little assistance it is amazing what they become. Parents & siblings that want to create their own car are encouraged to do so to participate in the sibling races strictly for fun.
The Blue and Gold Banquet is a Spirit of Scouting event for all the Pack Scouts. This is a celebration of the birthday of Scouting. Many den leaders strive to earn their rank badges by this banquet. We feel all Scouts should be there to give each other the recognition and respect they deserve.
Three Pack Summertime Activities are planned each year and can include a Bike Ride, a bowling event, and a Pack picnic. All of these events have minimal or no costs and are strictly for fun. There is plenty of opportunity to earn lots of belt loops and awards if you decide to attend.
A Pack Family Campout Overnight is held twice each year.