Cub Scout Pack 468
Leader's Guide

1. Calendar of Events
2. Meetings
3. Major Events
4. Awards
5. Uniforms
6. Fundraising
7. Training
8. Pack Communication
9. References

Welcome to Pack 468! We hope that your decision to become a scout leader will be a memorable one. A successful Cub Scouting program depends upon parent involvement. We, the pack leadership appreciate your willingness to volunteer your time and efforts to ensure that our pack remains strong and that the boys have a great time in Scouts.

To help you in your efforts, we have prepared this short guide that outlines the scouting program within our pack. It is meant as a supplement to the materials published by the Boy Scouts of America, the Bay Area Council and the Mustang District. In the event there is a conflict between this guide and the information put out by these other sources, the latter should be considered correct.

We hope that this guide will help answer some of the more common questions new leaders ask. If, after reviewing the guide, you still have questions, please call any of the pack leaders and we will be glad to answer your questions.

Finally, we welcome comments, corrections and suggestions as to how we can make this guide better. If you have any, please give them to any member of the Pack Committee.

Thanks again for volunteering and have a great time!

Chapter One
Calendar of Events

Scouting is a year round program; however, most of the key events are scheduled to coincide with the school calendar. The following is a brief overview of the major events that occur through out the scouting year. Exact dates vary from year to year and can be found in the master calendar published by the Pack Committee at the beginning of the year. Changes and updates are announced at the monthly leaders' meeting and at the pack meeting. They are also published in the monthly newsletter and on the pack’s web site.

Detailed explanations of each of the events and what is expected of the pack and dens can be found in this guide.

• Summertime Activity III
• Leaders Planning Meeting
• Pack 468 Rally Night

• District Roundtable
• Pack Leaders Meeting
• Leaders training
• Clean Pearland
• First pack meeting of the year

• District Roundtable
• Pack Leaders Meeting
• Leaders training
• Monthly Pack Meeting
• Popcorn Sale
• Space Derby/Raingutter Regatta

• District Roundtable
• Pack Leaders Meeting
• Monthly Pack Meeting - Webelos Graduation
• Council Pow-Wow training
• District Cub-O-Ree

• District Roundtable
• Pack Leaders Meeting
• City Christmas Parade
• Christmas Service Project

• District Roundtable
• Pack Leaders Meeting
• Monthly Pack Meeting
• Pack Pinewood Derby Races/FOS
• Pearland Winterfest

• District Roundtable
• Pack Leaders Meeting
• Pack Blue & Gold Banquet

• District Roundtable
• Pack Leaders Meeting
• Monthly Pack Meeting
• District Things-That-Go

• District Roundtable
• Pack Leaders Meeting
• Monthly Pack Meeting
• Clean Pearland
• Scouting For Food

• District Roundtable
• Pack Leaders Meeting
• Pack Graduation Ceremony

• District Roundtable
• Summertime Activity I
• District Twilight Camp

• District Roundtable
• Summertime Activity II
• Cub & Webelos Resident Camps

Chapter Two
Meetings

2.01 Pack Committee and Leaders Meetings

Pack Committee/Leaders meetings are normally held every month from August through May on the third Tuesday of the month. The meetings start at 7:00 pm and run one to one and a half hours. They are held at the St. Andrews Church each month.

The meetings are to distribute information relating to activities for the month and to review plans for upcoming activities. It is also a time to exchange ideas and give the pack leadership feedback as to how the pack is doing and what we can do to make the program better. As this is the forum where most of the important information is given out, each den should try to have a representative present. If neither of the leaders in a den is able to make the leaders meeting, one of the leaders should contact the Pack Committee Chairman to get the information distributed at the meeting.

The schedule for the next pack meeting is developed at the leaders meeting. Suggestions as to themes and other program items are sought from all the leaders. It is also the time for dens to volunteer to perform a skit, song or yell at the meeting or to participate in the opening or closing ceremonies. Participation in the pack meeting activities will help the boys accomplish requirements for their rank badges and arrow points.

In addition to the monthly leaders meeting, an annual planning meeting is held in early May and August. At this meeting, the pack activity calendar is developed. Dates for key events such as the Blue & Gold Banquet are decided. All leaders are encouraged to attend this meeting. Date, time and location are announced several weeks in advance.

2.02 Pack Meetings

Pack meetings are generally held on the third Thursday of the month at St. Andrews. The meetings begin at 7:00 pm and run for one to one and a half hours. To help ensure that the meeting runs on schedule, we ask that everyone plan to arrive by 6:55.

The typical pack meeting generally follows the schedule outlined below:

• Greeters arrive to set up and distribute newsletters
• Scouts arrive
• Opening Ceremony with presentation of the flags
• Welcome and announcements
• Den Skit
• Den Song
• Den Yell
• Group Participation
• Presentation of Awards
• Clean up

One Den is assigned to act as greeters. These boys should arrive no later then 6:45 so that they can help set up the meeting area and distribute the pack newsletter as the scouts and parents arrive. The boys and their parents are also asked to help set up chairs and other equipment for the meeting.

A drawing is held at each pack meeting. One den or grade is asked to bring something for the drawing held at each pack meeting. Small baked or packaged goods that can be shared such as cookies or brownies work best rather than cakes or pies. The drawing itself is held at the close of the meeting.

Dens participate in the meeting by volunteering to conduct the opening or closing ceremonies and by performing skits, songs and yells. At the monthly leaders meetings, volunteers will be sought for each of the activities. As discussed above, by fulfilling these jobs at the pack meetings, the scouts will accomplish requirements for their ranks and arrow points. Each den performs at least one opening or closing each year. The dens also perform a skit, song or yell at least once a year.

To help with discipline before, during and after the meeting, it is the policy of the pack that there be at least one adult responsible for each boy attending the meeting. We prefer that the parents attend; however, we recognize that this may not always be possible. If a parent cannot attend, we ask that the parents coordinate with another parent or responsible adult to look after the scout.

Den leaders and assistants should sit with their dens during the meeting to help maintain order during the meeting. This allows the pack leadership to concentrate on running a fun and exciting pack meeting

2.03 Den Meetings

Den meetings are when the boys meet to work on their advancements and to have fun together. We recommend that the dens meet at least twice a month and that the meetings run no longer than an hour. Timing and location of the meetings is up to the parents and the den leader. Some dens meet in the afternoon, others in the evenings, and others on the weekends.

Here is the schedule for a typical den meeting:

• Gathering period
• Scouts work on activity for advancement
• Organized play/Games
• Refreshments (optional)
• Closing

Many dens operate by having each family volunteer to host and help run the den meetings for a month. In this way, the effort is more evenly divided.

An outline of the achievements and electives to be worked on should be developed at the beginning of the year so that the families will know what they will be responsible for in advance and avoid repetition. Additional ideas can be found in the Program Helps provided to each den at the start of the year and the Cub Scout How To book. For Tiger dens, a Tiger Program Book will be given to each den.

Outings, such as picnics or go-see-its may be substituted for den meetings or planned in addition to den meetings. This is especially true for Tiger Cubs, where go-see-its are required to earn their rank.

Chapter 3
Major Events

There are several events that occur throughout the year that all the boys are asked to participate in. Some are run by the pack, while the district or council runs others. In this chapter we will address the major activities that occur through out the year.

3.06 Pinewood Derby

One of the highlights in the pack calendar is the Pinewood Derby, which is held in January. At the derby, the scouts are given the chance to race small wooden cars. The scouts and their parents make the cars from a kit. Awards are given for the fastest cars in each rank and for the pack overall. In addition awards are given in such categories as Most Innovative, Best Design and Most Cub Content.

Because of the duration of the race, the derby is held on a Saturday morning.

In addition to the pack derby, a district wide Pinewood Derby is held in March. The race is open to all Cubs in the district. The Cub needs to have placed in the pack derby to race at the district level.

3.07 Blue & Gold Banquet

February marks the anniversary of Scouting and the birthday of Scouting's founder, Lord Baden-Powell. To celebrate, Cub Scout packs hold what is called the Blue & Gold Banquet, named for the colors of Cub Scouting.

At the Banquet, the dens often perform skits and songs telling the story of scouting. Awards are given to both scouts and adult volunteers who have "helped the pack go."

3.10 District Cub-o-ree

In mid-November the district holds its annual Cub-o-ree. It is a daylong program of games and crafts for all the boys to enjoy. Webelos also have the option of camping out after the main events are finished. Cubs attend the program by den or individually.

3.11 Scouting For Food

Every April, the pack participates in an annual food drive to support the local food bank. Each den is responsible for soliciting non-perishable food items from surrounding neighborhoods. The dens turn in the items at a pack collection point.

3.11 Pack Graduation

In May, the pack holds its graduation ceremony. At this meeting, the final awards of the year are presented and the boys are advanced to the next rank. At the ceremony, each scout is presented the neckerchief for the next grade.

3.12 District Twilight Camp

One of the summer activities offered is the District Twilight Camp. The One-week day camp is offered, in early June. The camp is held in the evening, typically 4:30-9:00pm, Monday through Friday. Activities include sports, crafts, nature activities, marksmanship using BB-guns, and archery. Boys who attend twilight camp get a head start on earning the next level rank.

Registration for Day Camp is done through the Pack. The pack is required to provide at least one adult volunteer for every four cubs attending. In addition, younger siblings may attend a special camp just for them and older siblings can earn service award credit by helping as junior Staff Members. Friday is a family fun day at camp where everyone can participate.

3.13 Webelos Residence Camp

For those boys and parents who do not get enough camping during the rest of the year, the council offers a program for Webelos to spend three days and two nights at a real scout camp in the West Columbia area. Two sessions are offered for Webelos.

Activities include swimming, nature, handicrafts, BB guns, and archery and scout crafts. The boys get a real taste of what life is like at Boy Scout summer camp, preparing them to make the transition to Boy Scouts.

A parent or other responsible adult must accompany each boy attending Webelos camp. Information concerning Webelos Camp is sent out by the council in the spring.

3.14 Other Summer Activities

While there are no formal pack meetings during the summer months, the pack does plan and sponsor several activities during the summer. In the past they have included pool parties at one of the local pools, ice-skating and a Back to School picnic. Dens are also encouraged to try to get together during the summer.

3.15 Clean Pearland

Twice a year, September and April, our Pack participates in Clean Pearland, a city wide event. Our Pack sponsors the cleaning of Orange street in Pearland. On the day of this event, the Bears and Webelos will gather at the fire station in Pearland at Orange street and Old Alvin road. We then proceed to pick up trash along Orange street. The Tigers and Wolves meet at our chartered organization, Shadycrest Elementary to spread mulch and pick up trash.

3.16 District Things-That-Go

This district sponsored event allows the scouts to participate in several activities, including pinewood derby, space derby, raingutter regatta, and pushmobile races. The top five finishers of the Pack's pinewood derby are allowed to race in the District pinewood derby race. Everyone is allowed to enter the space derby and raingutter regatta regardless of their finish at the Pack's event. Pushmobile races are opened to all ranks and require teams of six scouts. A pre-race practice for pushmobiles will be held before District Things-That-Go, to practice and discuss race strategy.

3.17 Space Derby and Raingutter Regatta

Every year in October, our Pack hosts a Space Derby and Raingutter Regatta. At this event, the scouts are given the chance to race small wooden boats and rockets. The scouts and their parents make the boats and rockets from a kit. Awards are given for the fastest boats and rockets for each rank.

3.18 Christmas Parade

Pack 468 participates in Pearland's Christmas parade every year. The pack will usually decorate a float and the scouts get to ride bikes or walk in the parade.

3.19 Pearland Winterfest

The Pearland Winterfest is something new to the Pack, every year the City of Pearland sponsors this event, and Cub Sout Packs and Boy Scout Troops from the surrounding areas attend as well as local businesses and organizations.

3.20 Christmas Service Project

Chapter Four
Awards

4.01 Introduction

One of the purposes of Scouting to is promote self-esteem while the boys learn important skills. To recognize the hard work the cubs do as they progress through Cub Scouting a series of awards have been developed. These include the rank badges, arrow points, recognition beads, belt loops, activity pins as well as other badges and medals.

4.02 Rank Badges And Arrow Points

Tiger cubs earn their belt totems when they show that they can recite the Tiger oath and motto. Tiger Tracks iron-ons are given when the Tiger completes each Big Idea in the Tiger Family Guide. The Tiger Badge is awarded at graduation.

Wolves and Bears earn the rank badges by completing the requirements set forth in the handbooks for each rank. Extra credit is given in the form of arrow points. For every ten elective projects a scout completes, he earns one arrow point. A gold arrow point is awarded for the first 10 electives and a silver arrow point for each ten thereafter.

Webelos earn their ranks by working on activity pins. While they mirror the activities found in the lower ranks, the Webelos activities require a lot more effort. For this reason Webelos are given almost two years to earn all their activity pins instead of one year for the other ranks.

To help the scouts earn their ranks, it is helpful to work out a plan to outline which activities will be done as a den and which activities should be done at home. In addition, work done at school should also be considered when determining if a scout has completed the requirements for his badge or pin.

Sample outlines showing plans for Bear and Wolf years are available. Keep in mind that these are only suggestions, not required patterns. What worked for some dens in the past may not work for your den. Stay flexible. Try to use activities at school and the neighborhood as well as the scout activities throughout the year to help with your planning.

Most achievements and electives consist of very simple and ordinary activities that are easy and fun to do. The key to a successful cub year is to keep it simple and make it fun.

4.03 Other Awards

There are other awards that Scouts may earn during the scouting career. These include the Texas Badge, the Conservation Badge, the Summertime Award and religious awards presented by most denominations. The requirement for these awards can be obtained from the Pack Committee or the Awards Coordinator.

4.04 Presentations Of Awards

Rank badges, arrow points, activity pins and special awards are given by the pack at the pack meeting. Presentation of these awards becomes part of the scout’s permanent records and must be reported by the Den Leader to the Pack Award Coordinator.

The den leader presents other awards such as segments and immediate recognition beads. These awards are purchased by the pack and handed to the den leader at pack meetings.

For Tigers, the Belt Totems and Tiger badges are presented to the Tigers by the pack during the pack meetings. Tiger Tracks are presented by the scout’s parents and are included in the family packets. Immediate recognition beads are presented by the den leader.

Chapter Five
Uniforms

5.01 Uniform Basics

Within Pack 468, the only uniform required is the scout shirt with appropriate badges and neckerchief and slide for the appropriate rank. Neckerchiefs for the parents purchase the next rank are given to the boys at graduation each year. Purchase of scout shorts, socks, hats and other uniform items is strictly optional. For the past several years, the Scout Shop has offered special prices on the blue Cub Scout uniform that includes both shirt and pants for little more that the cost of the shirt alone. Leaders are also asked to wear at least the leader's shirt with appropriate badges.

For Tigers, the shirt is the orange T-shirt with the Tiger emblem. Adult partners may also wear an orange T-shirt.

Wolves and Bears wear the blue Cub Scout shirt with either a yellow (wolf) or blue (bear) neckerchief. The required badges and their placement can be found on the inside cover of the rank handbooks. Adult leaders should wear the khaki adult shirt with appropriate badges.

Webelos have the option of wearing the blue Cub Scout shirt or graduating to the khaki scout shirt. A plaid neckerchief with Webelos slide is worn with the shirt. Again placement of patched and badges are described in the Webelos handbook. Leaders continue to wear the khaki leader's shirt.

If a scout is unable to obtain a uniform because of financial needs, the pack will purchase a uniform for the scout. Interested parents should contact a pack committee member for further information.

Chapter Six
Fundraising

6.01 Introduction

In addition to the annual dues, the pack is dependent upon one major fundraising event for funds to run the pack, Popcorn Sales. While the boys are encouraged to do their best in selling popcorn, awards are given based on their sales, the pack does not require the boys to sell popcorn.

6.03 Popcorn Sales

The pack's major fund-raiser is Popcorn Sales. This fund-raiser is similar to Girl Scout Cookie Sales, except our product is several varieties of popcorn. In 2001, the pack raised about $3,000.00 through popcorn sales.

Sales begin in Mid-October when each scout is given a set of sales materials to take orders for popcorn. Orders are then returned in November and the popcorn is delivered in early December. Money is collected from the buyers when the popcorn is delivered.

The boys can earn certificates, patches and other prizes for selling popcorn. In addition the pack receives about twenty-five percent (25%) the monies received from the sales.

Chapter Seven
Training

7.01 Introduction

Both the district and council sponsor a number of different programs for scout leaders to receive training to help them run their programs. They include the monthly Roundtables, Leader Basic Training, Pow-wows, and other programs. Additional information about each of these training opportunities will be distributed at the monthly leaders meeting, usually two months in advance of the training program.

7.02 Fast Start Tape

The Fast Start Tape is videotape prepared by the Boy Scouts of America to provide introductory training to all Cub Scout leaders. The tape lasts about an hour and contains helpful hints on such topics as running a den or pack meeting and planning activities for the boys. The pack has several copies of the tape and it is circulated through all the leaders of the pack.

In addition to the Fast Start Tape, the Boy Scouts of America also have an online version of the Fast Start training which can be accessed at www.bsa.scouting.org/cubscouts/faststart/fset.htm.

7.03 Roundtable

On the first Thursday of every month, the district sponsors a Roundtable. It is held at Sacred Heart Church in Manvel. The meeting begins at 7:30pm and runs for about an hour and a half. Roundtable is the meeting at which the district publishes information to the packs in the area.

At the Roundtable, the staff puts on a series of examples of skits and games relating to the scouting theme for the month. Many of the skits and songs performed at our pack meetings are based on ideas received at Roundtable.

In addition to the general session, breakout sessions are held for different levels of leaders, e.g. Webelos den leaders, pack administration, Wolf and Bear den leaders. In the breakout sessions, the staff and leaders exchange ideas about crafts and activities to do in den meetings to help the scouts earn their ranks.

7.04 Cub Leader Basic Training

Cub Leader Basic Training is a program designed to help all new leaders learn the ropes of cub scouting and provide experienced leaders with the skills to work with boys at different levels. The course is held in September, October and March every year. The Training is offered as one all day session, usually held on a Saturday.

The sessions include a general program for all leaders followed by breakout sessions for specific leadership positions. The general program covers such subjects as uniform and BSA policies relating to Cub Scouts. The breakout sessions include such topics as how to run a den meeting and crafts that can be done at den meetings.

Another important part of Cub Basic is Child Protection Training. This training is mandatory for all scout leaders. In this segment, BSA's policies regarding reporting of child abuse, adult-child policies and the signs of child abuse are discussed. Even if a leader cannot make all of the Cub Leader Basic, he or she should try to attend the Child Protection Training.

7.05 Council Pow-Wow

Pow-wow is an all day (Saturday) council sponsored training session for cub scout leaders. It is normally held in November. Pow-wow consists of a series of programs designed to help scout leaders work with their cubs. Topics include skits, songs and various crafts. Each session lasts for about an hour giving each leader who attends the opportunity to attend about six sessions.

7.06 Outdoors Webelos Leader (Owl) Training

Outdoor Webelos Leader Training is a two-day weekend program for Webelos den leaders to learn the skills needed for Webelos Woods. It begins on a Friday evening and runs through Saturday. The district runs the program in September and April of each year.

7.07 Youth Protection Training

Youth Protection Training, or YPT, is the one class that must be taken by all scout leaders. If the class is not taken as part of Cub Leader Basic above, the pack committee usually arranges a session within the pack. A certificate is awarded upon completion of this training and it is good for three years. At the end of three years, the training must be taken over again.

As a scout leader we are responsible for reporting suspected child abuse to the proper state authorities. Part of the training given during Child Protection Training is how to recognize child abuse and the Boy Scouts of America policies for reporting child abuse. In addition, the class addresses the Boy Scouts policies for preventing abuse by its leaders.

This training is very important!

Chapter Eight
Pack Communication

8.01 Introduction

Communication between the Pack Committee and the dens is essential to the smooth running of the pack. To achieve this goal, several means of disseminating information have been developed. They include the monthly leaders meeting and the pack newsletter.

8.02 Pack Leaders Meeting

The pack Leaders meeting is the main vehicle for passing on information to the dens. A fuller discussion of the leaders meeting is found in section 2.01 above.

8.03 Pack Newsletter

At every pack meeting, the greeters distribute copies of the pack newsletter. In this flier, information on upcoming events as well as past activities is reported. Items for the pack newsletter should be submitted to the newsletter editor no later than the Friday before the pack meeting.

8.05 Pack Web Site

The pack maintains a web site with current information on Pack, District and Council activities as well as links to other sites with materials related to scouting.

8.06 E-mail

E-mail is rapidly becoming a commonplace method of communicating with families that are "on the go". The pack will be trying out e-mail notification of youth, parents, and leaders over the coming year and evaluating it's effectiveness. Please notify your den leader if your email address changes so we can do our best to keep you updated.

Chapter Nine
References

There are many great reference and guidebooks published by the Boy Scouts of America that are helpful in planning and running a den or a pack. There are also several periodicals that scout leaders receive that also provide helpful information. Here is a partial list:

• Cub Scout Leader Book
• Staging Den and Pack Ceremonies
• Cub Scout Fun Book
• Sparklers
• The Cub Scout Song Book
• The Boy Scout Song Book
• Boy's Life - a monthly magazine for boys
• Scouting - a bi-monthly magazine for scout leaders
• Tiger Cub Family Packet
• Tiger Cub Resource
• Wolf Cub Scout Book
• Bear Cub Scout Book
• Webelos Scout Book

With the exception to the periodicals, all the above references are available from the scout shop. Other reference materials can be found there or are available from the council or from the Boy Scouts of America.

The pack also maintains a library that includes some of these references. Contact one of the committee members for further details.