Cub Scout Pack 468 Parent Handbook

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Dear Parent:

Welcome to Pack 468. We're so glad you've chosen to enroll or re-enroll your son in our Pack. I know that you and he will be so glad you did. We've planned an exciting year and your son will have a great time learning, advancing and playing. The Pack Leaders in Pack 468 seek to provide activities which provide opportunity for physical fitness and educational value. Many of our planned activities can be enjoyed by every member of a Cub Scout's family.

Thanks again and Welcome!

1.0 Pack 468 Mission

The Committee and Leaders of Cub Scout Pack 468 are committed to providing a quality, year-round program of Cub Scouting activities. Special emphasis is placed on character development , citizenship and family. Cub Scouts are required to memorize the following pledges and motto. We seek to make them real in their lives and hope that you will encourage your son as he strives to do so.

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2.0 Purposes of Cub Scouting

The Boy Scouts of America began Cub Scouting as a program for younger boys more than 50 years ago. The purposes of Cub Scouting state that Parents, Leaders and Organizations work together to achieve the following:

1. Influence the development of character and encourage spiritual growth;
2. Develop habits and attitudes of good citizenship;
3. Encourage good sportsmanship and pride in growing strong in mind and body;
4. Improve understanding within the family;
5. Strengthen the ability to get along with and to respect others;
6. Foster a sense of personal achievement b developing new interest and skills;
7. Show how to be helpful and to do one's best;
8. Provide fun and exciting new things to do;
9. Prepare Cubs to become Boy Scouts.

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3.0 Pack Structure

Like every effective organization, Cub Scout Packs have a structure. Understanding this structure and how it works will increase your son's enjoyment of the program (and leave the parent far less confused).

3.1 Dens

Groups of 8 to 10 boys meet weekly (or as determined by the Den Leader) together as a Den. Each den is led by a Den Leader and an Assistant Den Leader. A Boy Scout, known as a Den Chief, may also work with your son's den. Den meetings are not held during holiday periods. Dens are organized by age groups. We have one or more Dens for each group of 1st Graders (Tiger Cubs) , 2nd Grades (Wolves) , 3rd Graders (Bears), 4th Graders (Webelos - 1st yr.) and 5th graders (Webelos - 2nd yr.).

3.2 Pack

The Pack consists of the Dens and their Families. Pack 468 meets monthly and for special activities. The Pack serves as a "parent" organization to the dens and provides direction, program support and maintenance of the budget. The Pack is led by the Cubmaster. He plans and directs monthly pack meetings and other special activities.

3.3 Pack Committee

The Pack Committee consists of representatives from each Den and other volunteer adults who are charged with managing the pack and its programs. Parents are encouraged to volunteer to serve on the committee and attend regular meetings. Meeting dates are shown on the Pack Calendar. The Pack Committee Chairperson along with the Cubmaster, leads the group in planning and organizing the Pack program. The Committee is also responsible for maintaining Pack funds and planning its budget.

3.4 St. Andrew's Episcopal Church

Every Cub Scout Pack must have a sponsor. Pack 468's sponsor is St. Andrew's Episcopal Church.

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4.0 Cub Scout Ranks

Boys age 6 years (1st Grade) to 10 years are eligible to join Pack 468. Boys work toward a specific rank during each year in the Pack:

First Grade boys are Tiger Cubs
Second grade boys work toward their Wolf Rank
Third grade boys work toward their Bear Rank
Fourth grade boys are Webelos and work on their Webelos rank
Fifth grade boys are second year Webelos and work on Cub Scouting's highest award, the Arrow of Light

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5.0 Registration

Registration for membership in Pack 468 is $XX.00 for the first boy in the Pack, $XX.00 for the second and $XX.00 for the third boy in the same family. The registration fee pays for registration with the Boy Scouts of America, unit insurance, an annual subscription to Boys Life and helps to pay for the awards and supplies for each boy. This "once a year fee" also avoids the hassles of weekly dues. Boys must, during his first year in the Pack, complete a registration form for the Boy Scouts of America. Parents are also asked to complete a parent / boy registration blank to provide some additional information to the Den Leader.

5.1 Scholarships

Should fees or any costs become a problem for your family, please contact the Cubmaster or the Pack Committee Chairperson. Scholarships are available and all requests will remain confidential.

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6.0 Volunteers

Parent volunteers are always needed. Registration and training are provided by the Pack for those who are interested in helping. If you'd like to help in any capacity, please contact the Pack Committee Chairperson, Cubmaster or your son's Den Leader. All types of help are needed - driving for trips, assisting in Den Leader absence, etc. Remember that Cub Scout Packs don't exist without volunteer leadership and do your part when asked.

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7.0 Uniforms

An essential component of Cub Scouting is the uniform. Cubs are made to feel part of a group and have a place to display their awards when they wear their uniforms. Your Den Leader will provide you with specific information about what is needed. All uniform items can be purchased at the Scout Shop.

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8.0 Pack Program Highlights

Pack 468 plans a very busy calendar year. Although we don't expect every boy to attend every function, we encourage him to be as active as he (and his parents') wants to be.

8.1 Program Calendar

The Pack Calendar is the current calendar of events for Pack 468 for the year. We realize that boys and families have different needs and we've attempted to plan a program that meets as many needs as possible. It is not expected that each boy will attend each and every event. Please note that dates are subject to change as we get closer to events. Announcements of special events and calendar updates will be made available through your son's Den meetings or e-mail. If you have suggestions for our program, please let a Leader know. Our major calendar planning is done in April and May and you are welcome to attend our planning session.

8.2 Pack Meetings

Monthly Pack Meetings are held on the third Thursday evening from 7:00 to 8:00 at St. Andrew's. We attempt to keep these meetings to one hour in length. The meeting gives the boys a chance to demonstrate the skills they have learned and receive the awards they've earned. The entire family is welcomed and encouraged to attend.

8.3 Blue & Gold Banquet

Pack 468 and Cub Scout Packs all over the USA celebrate Scouting's birthday each February by hosting a Blue & Gold Banquet. More information on this event will become available later during the year.

8.4 Fund Raising

Once a year the boys of Pack 468 participate in a fund raising activity. We sell Trails End Gourmet Popcorn in the Fall and prizes are awarded to top sellers. Funds raised from this activity goes to defray Pack program expenses. All boys are encouraged to participate but Parents may choose otherwise. We always want to respect the wishes of the parents without making the boy feel bad for not participating. Please don't hesitate to let us know what you want.

8.5 Scouting for Food

Twice a year our boys will help the local Christian Helping Hands by collecting food around the neighborhood.

8.6 Special Programs

The Pack plans a variety of other special programs that assist the boys in advancing and provide an opportunity for a good time. These events may be hikes, tours, or service projects. As mentioned before, parents and other family members are almost always invited to attend.

8.7 Council and District Activities

Several events are scheduled by the local council (Bay Area) and our District (Mustang). Pack 468 participates in the Council's More information and registration forms will be sent to you as they become available.

8.8 Summer Activities

Pack 468 does not close down during the summer. Special activities are planned and boys are encouraged to remain active. Picnics, swimming, outdoor games and other activities have been held in the past and will be planned again. Pack 468 makes every effort to send boys to the Council sponsored Webelos Resident Camps held at Camp Karankawa in July. Extra parent involvement is needed. We will begin promoting this event late in the Spring as the dates become firm.

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9.0 Parent Responsibilities

When joining Pack 468, each parent or adult family member agrees to support their son in the following ways:

1. See that he has the proper uniform and handbook;
2. Assist him in attending weekly Den meetings and monthly Pack meetings;
3. Work with him to complete achievements for his rank award;
4. Return information forms and permission slips as asked;
5. Support his Den Leader as a resource person or substitute as asked;
6. Agree to serve in some leadership capacity as called upon;
7. Provide input to the Den Leader or Pack leadership with regard to Pack or Den programming.

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