Pack 468 Parent's Handbook

Parent Information

About Cub Scouting

Cub Scouting continues to strengthen the family and encourage physical fitness and education through its programs. A family- and home-centered program for boys in the first through fifth grade (or 7, 8, 9, and 10 years old). Cub Scouting's emphasis is on quality program at the local level, where the most boys and families are involved. Fourth- and fifth-grade (or 10-year-old) boys are called Webelos (WE'll BE LOyal Scouts) and participate in more advanced activities that begin to prepare them to become Boy Scouts.

To learn more about Cub Scouting visit the Boy Scouts of America's web site at www.scouting.org

Who pays for scouting?

Groups responsible for supporting Cub Scouting are the boys and their parents, the pack, the chartered organization, and the community. The boy is encouraged to pay his own way by contributing dues each week. Packs also obtain income by working on approved money-earning projects. The community, including parents, supports Cub Scouting through the United Way, Friends of Scouting enrollment, bequests, and special contributions to the BSA local council. This financial support provides leadership training, outdoor programs, council service centers and other facilities, and professional service for units.

To learn more about who pays for scouting visit the Boy Scouts of America's web site at www.scouting.org

Safe Scouting

The purpose of the Guide to Safe Scouting is to prepare adult leaders to conduct Scouting activities in a safe and prudent manner. The policies and guidelines have been established because of the real need to protect members from known hazards that have been identified through eighty-plus years of experience. Limitations on certain activities should not be viewed as stumbling blocks; rather, policies and guidelines are best described as stepping-stones toward safe and enjoyable adventures.

Unit leaders should be aware of state or local government regulations that supersede Boy Scouts of America policies and guidelines.

The Guide to Safe Scouting is available from the BSA web site in two formats:

• One for reading on-line - this version is divided into chapters and includes a search engine.
• Another for reading off-line - the entire publication is presented in a single interface to facilitate print-out.

A bound hard-copy version (BSA Supply #34416B) is also be available. To obtain a copy, contact your local council or call 1-800-323-0732 to request an Official Boy Scout Catalog.

Uniforming and Insignias

Diagram of cub scouts left pocket
Diagram of cub scouts sleeve
Picture of a front of the red vest

BADGES OF RANK

TIGER CUB BADGE. A diamond-shaped cloth badge, orange and black embroidered on orange background with gold trim. Worn on the left pocket, in the 6 o'clock position, as shown in Insignia Guide. (Note: See our Tiger Cub Rank requirements page.)

BOBCAT BADGE
A diamond-shaped cloth badge, gold and black embroidered on light blue background with gold trim. Worn on the left pocket, in the 12 o'clock position, as shown in Insignia Guide. (Note: See our Bobcat Rank requirements page.)

WOLF BADGE
A diamond-shaped cloth badge, black and gray embroidered on red background with gold trim. Worn on the left pocket, in the 9 o'clock position, as shown in Insignia Guide. (Note: See our Wolf Rank requirements page.)

BEAR BADGE
A diamond-shaped cloth badge, brown and black on green background with gold trim. Worn on the left pocket, in the 3 o'clock position, as shown in Insignia Guide. (Note: See our Bear Rank requirements page.)

WEBELOS BADGE (diamond)
A diamond-shaped cloth badge, gold and light blue embroidered on dark blue background with gold trim. Worn centered on the left pocket as shown in Insignia Guide. Webelos Scouts wear only the current badge of rank (Bobcat, Wolf, Bear, or Webelos badge.) Option: Webelos Scouts who have not earned the Tiger Cub rank may wear all rank badges earned with diamond-shaped Webelos badge. (Note: See our Webelos Rank requirements page.)

WEBELOS BADGE (oval)
An oval-shaped cloth badge, gold and light blue embroidered on khaki background with khaki trim. Worn centered on the left pocket, with no other rank patches, as shown in Insignia Guide. Note: See our Webelos Rank requirements page.

ARROW OF LIGHT AWARD
A gold design embroidered on a tan background with a blue border. Worn on the left pocket flap centered over the button. This is the highest award in Cub Scouting and the only Cub Scout badge that may be worn on the Boy Scout uniform.

Small metal pin replicas of each Cub rank badges are available for civilian wear and/or presentation to a parent.

BADGES OF IDENTIFICATION AND TENURE

COUNCIL EMBLEM
A council shoulder patch (CSP) emblem is worn by all Cub Scouts directly below the shoulder seam on the left sleeve. This emblem is unique to the BSA council hosting your Cub Scout Pack.

U.S. FLAG EMBLEM
A red, white, and blue embroidered American Flag emblem for all members. Worn by all Cub Scouts on the right sleeve. Centered directly below the shoulder seam, it is standard issue on all Scouting uniforms.

UNIT NUMERALS
A white numeral embroidered on red background. Worn by all boys and pack leaders directly below council patch on the left sleeve. When the veteran unit bar is worn, the Unit Numerals are worn just below, and touching it.

VETERAN UNIT BAR - 25 YEARS
A silver embroidered bar worn by boys and adult leaders in packs that have been chartered twenty-five years. Worn directly below council patch, above and touching the pack numeral on the left sleeve.

VETERAN UNIT BAR - 50 YEARS
A gold embroidered bar worn by boys and adult leaders of packs that have been chartered fifty years. Worn directly below the council patch, above and touching the pack numeral on the left sleeve.

VETERAN UNIT BAR - 75 YEARS
A maroon embroidered bar with silver numerals worn by boys and adult leaders of packs that have been chartered seventy-five years. Worn directly below the council patch, above and touching the pack numeral on the left sleeve.

DEN NUMERALS
A gold numeral embroidered on navy blue background. Worn by Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts centered and touching the bottom of the U.S. flag on the on the right sleeve.

WEBELOS DEN (PATROL) EMBLEM
Webelos Dens may have a name and wear a Boy Scout patrol emblem instead of a den numeral, but they are still a Cub Scout Den. This emblem can be worn by Webelos Scouts centered and touching the bottom of the U.S. flag on the on the right sleeve.

SERVICE STARS
Gold metallic numbered star worn with colored background to indicate years of service in Scouting. Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts wear star(s) with gold back ground, centered 3/8 inch above the on the left pocket. Boys who have been Tiger Cubs may wear the Tiger Cub service star with orange background on their Cub Scout uniform.

WORLD CREST
The World Crest emblem should be worn by all youth and adult leaders. The 1-1/2" diameter badge is white on a violet background. It contains a basic fleur motif encircled by a rope tied with a reef or square knot symbolizing the unity and brotherhood of the World Organization of Scouting Movement (WOSM) throughout the world. The emblem should be, worn centered horizontally above the left pocket, and placed vertically between the left shoulder seam and the top of the pocket.

QUALITY UNIT AWARD

Embroidered cloth strip worn by boys and leaders in packs who meet the criteria. Worn centered on the right sleeve, 4 inches below the shoulder seam. Only the most recent award may be worn.

BADGES OF RECOGNITION

TIGER CUB BELT TOTEM
A plastic recognition device that is awarded to the Tiger Cub after satisfying certain requirements. Worn on his belt, the front side of the totem is emblazoned with a tiger paw print, and the reverse includes a recessed spage for your Tiger to mount his Tiger Cub badge when he earns it. The lower end of the totem includes space for four strands for totem beads. A boy earns totem beads by working on the five Tiger Cub achievements.

IMMEDIATE RECOGNITION PATCH (and Beads)
Blue, white, and yellow Cub Scout diamond with the words, "Progress Toward Ranks." Worn on the button of the right shirt pocket. A yellow bead is presented for each three Wolf achievements earned until all four beads are earned and the boy is eligible to receive the Wolf badge. Red beads are presented for each three Bear achievements earned. Cub Scouts may continue to wear this emblem after ranks are earned until they become Webelos Scouts.

GOLD ARROW POINTS
Gold embroidered arrow-shaped cloth badges earned during the Wolf and Bear elective program. A Gold Arrow Point is earned by completing the first ten projects in the Wolf or Bear book. Only one gold arrow point may be earned during the Wolf year, and one during the Bear year. Worn 3/4" below and centered under the current rank badge (Wolf and Bear).

SILVER ARROW POINTS
Silver embroidered arrow-shaped cloth badges earned during the Wolf and Bear elective program. Each Silver Arrow Point is earned by completing ten additional projects from the Wolf or Bear book (after earning the Gold Arrow Point). A Wolf or Bear Cub Scout may wear as many Silver Arrow Points as he can earn. Worn in rows of two below, centered, and touching the Gold Arrow Point or previously earned Silver Arrow Points for each rank (Wolf and Bear).

WEBELOS ACTIVITY BADGES
Any of 20 metal pins awarded to Webelos Scouts for completion of a prescribed set of criteria. Broken into the five 'Groups' of: Physical Skills, Mental Skills, Community, Technology, and Outdoor.

Earned only by Webelos Scouts, and worn on the light blue front panel of the Webelos cap or on the optional Webelos colors.

COMPASS POINTS EMBLEM
Blue, red, and gold embroidered emblem attached to the button of the right shirt pocket. Presented to a Webelos Scout who earns four activity badges in addition to those earned for the Webelos badge (total of seven). Compass point pins (referred to as devices) may be earned for each four additional activity badges earned, and are worn, in any order, affixed in the "E", "S", and "W" positions of the compass points emblem.

RELIGIOUS EMBLEMS
Religious emblems earned by Cub Scouts or Webelos Scouts are worn centered above the left uniform shirt pocket. Medals are worn only on formal occasions such as official uniform inspections, blue and gold banquets, troop courts of honor, etc. The religious emblem square knot, silver knot on purple background, is worn over the left pocket of the Cub Scout uniform shirt by a Cub Scout who has earned his religious emblem.

MISCELLANEOUS ACTIVITY MEDALS
Medals earned by Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts in derbies or other contests are worn centered above the left shirt pocket. These should be worn only on special occasions such as those mentioned above. Only five medals may be worn at a time, pinned in a single row immediately above the seam of the left pocket.

WEBELOS COLORS
Green, red, and gold streamers on a blue metal bar. A Pack option for wear by Webelos Scouts. Worn on the right sleeve immediately below and touching the U.S. flag. (It covers the den [ patrol ] emblem and Quality Unit insignia.) If den number is worn, Webelos colors are worn under and touching the Den number. If colors are worn, activity badges are worn on the streamers.

EMBROIDERED SQUARE KNOTS AND PIN DEVICES

Embroidered 'Square Knots' are representative of pin-on medals or ribbon suspended medals and are designed for the convenience of the Cub (and the parent!).

Square Knots are always oriented with the loop of the embroidered knot that comes in front of the standing part (known as the 'loop' or 'bight') to the wearer's right. Another clue to correct orientation is that knots are worn with the distinguishing color (not white) towards the wearer's right. If you are still unsure about correct orientation, check out the knot image links below. After trial and tribulation, I think we've got them all rotated correctly.

Square knots are worn centered above the left uniform pocket, in rows of three. There is no particular order in which they should be worn, but it is suggested that the knot deemed most important by the wearer be worn on his own right. For the authoritative Web-treatise on Square Knots, visit Mike Walton's highly recommended Square Knots page.

The following embroidered square knots are available for wear by Cub Scouts who have earned special recognitions:

RELIGIOUS EMBLEMS EARNED AS YOUTH KNOT
Cub Scouts that satisfy all of the requirements of their respective churches award program may wear the silver knot on purple background. Worn on the field uniform to represent attainment of the 'dress' medal. See Cub Scout Religious emblems. section for medal images.

DEVICES FOR THE YOUTH RELIGIOUS SQUARE KNOT
This miniature device is worn with the youth religious emblem square knot emblem(s) earned as a youth. Wear Cub Scout device, No. , with the first-level emblem (God and Me, Maccabee, etc.) earned as a Tiger or Cub Scout; Webelos Scout device, No. 00932, for second-level (God and Family, Parvuli Dei, Faith in God, Light of the World, Aleph, etc.) earned as a Webelos Scout; Boy Scout Device, No. 00927, emblem earned as a Boy Scout; and/or Venturer device, No. 00930, emblem earned as an Venturer or older Boy Scout or Varsity Scout. Only one knot is worn, but any combination of devices may be worn on the same knot.

ATTENDANCE PIN AND BAR
A gold-colored pin that may be worn to recognize good attendance at den and pack meetings. Year bars are available to attach to the first year bar and pin. Worn centered above the left pocket by Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts. (Requirements for this recognition are determined by the pack committee. This recognition is for the boys only.)

TEMPORARY INSIGNIA
Any insignia authorized by the local council for a particular purpose, such as Scoutoramas, Cub Scout day camp, roundup programs, etc. worn by Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts centered on the right pocket of the uniform shirt. Only one temporary patch in addition to the immediate recognition or compass point emblem may be worn at a time. Additional temporary patches may be placed on a red vest that may be worn except during inspections.

CUB SCOUT WORLD CONSERVATION AWARD
Giant panda on violet Scout trefoil, violet trim, gold background (No. 00139). Two-inch embroidered emblem, worn as temporary patch, centered on right pocket.

NATIONAL PACK SUMMERTIME AWARD PIN
A gold sunburst pin given to Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts in packs earning the National Summertime Pack Award. Boys must participate in all three summer pack activities to be eligible for the award. Can be earned more than once, but only one can be worn at a time. Worn centered on the right pocket flap of the uniform shirt. (Not for adults.)

PATCH VESTS
The red bag/patch vest is not part of the official uniform. It can be worn by Cub and Webelos Scouts for the display of patches, medals and pins that have been given to or earned by the scout as a part of the Scouting experience. The patch vest may be worn with the uniform except during formal ceremonies and uniform inspections. The patch vest should not be worn during formal occasions such as receiving rank awards or the Blue and Gold banquet.

The "brag" or patch vest is an optional, but very popular piece of clothing that can be worn by Scouts. Brag vests give the Scouts a place to display previously earned awards that can no longer be worn on the official uniform and/or other activity awards and patches that are not intended for the official uniform.

Typically, segments are worn on the back of the vest surrounding the circular council patch (not the same patch as worn on the uniform sleeve). Other patches, as well as medals, pins and other decorations, are usually placed on the front of the vest.

ACADEMICS AND SPORTS PROGRAM

ACADEMICS AND SPORTS BELT LOOPS
There are specific requirements for each belt loop. As a Cub Scout completes these requirements, he is encouraged to do his best to learn about the activity. The Tiger, Cub, or Webelos Scout can take part in one of three ways: (1) individually or with the family, (2) in the den or pack, or (3) in the school or the community.

Belt Loops are worn on the navy blue Tiger or Cub Scout belt only. Webelos Scouts who have chosen to wear the khaki uniform may still wear the blue Cub Scout belt so as to display the belt loops they have earned. There are 33 belt loops total, 12 for academics, and 21 for sports. Belt loops are awarded 'once' to boys who learn and participate in an Academics or Sports area. Sports belt loops are silver in color (except the "BB Shooting" and "Archery" loops which are copper colored,) while Academics belt loops are gold. (Note: Webelos Scouts may earn belt loops the second time to qualify for Webelos activity badges.) See our Academics and Sports Program on the "Awards" page for more information on all belt loop requirements.

Sports Belt Loops - Set 1 Includes: Archery, Badminton, Baseball, Basketball, BB Shooting

Sports Belt Loops - Set 2 Includes: Bicycling, Bowling, Fishing, Golf, Gymnastics, Physical Fitness

Sports Belt Loops - Set 3 Includes: Skating, Skiing, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Table Tennis

Sports Belt Loops - Set 4 Includes: Marbles, Tennis, Ultimate, Volleyball

Academics Belt Loops
Includes: Art, Chess, Citizenship, Communicating, Computing (new for 1998), Geography, Heritages, Mathematics, Music, Science, Weather, Wildlife Conservation

ACADEMICS AND SPORTS PINS
Once the boy has earned the belt loop, he may choose to stop; however, some boys will want to continue with the activity. A Tiger Cub, Cub Scout, or Webelos Scout may complete additional requirements to earn a pin.

Pins may be worn on the Cub Scout Academics and Sports letter which can be sewn to a patch vest or sweater. Pins are not a part of the Cub Scout uniform. They are for civilian wear only.

(See Recognitions Cross Reference for Item Numbers) See our Academics and Sports Program pages under the "Awards" section for more information on all pin requirements.

PROGRAM LETTER FOR ACADEMICS AND SPORTS
The Academics and Sports letter, "C" (No. 00805), is available to boys for displaying Academics and Sports pins that Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts, and Webelos Scouts earn. The letter, representing "Cub Scouts," can be worn on a sweater or jacket, or displayed or framed. It does not go on the uniform. There are no specific requirements for earning the letter, as it is designed merely to display pins.

Pack 468 Parent Handbook

The Pack Leaders in Pack 468 have put together a handbook for parents that will provide an overview of our program. If you have questions or concerns about our program or leaders, please call on one of us or on your son's Den Leader.

View Pack 468 Parent's Handbook

View Pack 468 Parent's and Leader's Bulletin Board