TABLE OF CONTENTS

THE PROGRAM

The Program

In 1930, the Boy Scouts of America created a new opportunity called Cub Scouts for boys younger than Boy Scout age.  A year-round, home-centered program used by chartered organizations, Cub Scouting emphasizes involvement between boys and their parents, adult leaders, and friends.  In the multidimensional plan of the Boy Scouts of America, Cub Scouting is where it all begins.

Purposes

Cub Scouting has the following purposes:

•  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.
• Provide fun and exciting new things to do.
• Show a boy how to be helpful and do his best.
• Prepare him to be a Boy Scout.

Membership

Cub Scouting, like its Boy Scouting counterpart, follows a long-range plan to reach youth nationwide.  As of 12/31/2006, Cub Scout membership is:

• 819,882 Cub Scouts
• 247,017 Tiger Cubs
• 480,457 Pack Leaders
•    51,077 Packs

Organization

The Pack is a group made up of several dens. The Pack includes not only the boys in those dens, but also their families, and their leaders. The Pack meets once a month with Cub Scouts, leaders, parents and other family members attending. The Pack meeting is the climax of the month’s den meetings and activities. It gives the dens something to look forward to and work toward. This is a chance to recognize the scouts, their parents, and their leaders for achievements. In addition to its regular meetings, the Pack sponsors certain special projects. These include community projects (e.g., parish or community cleanup and service projects), outdoor activities (e.g., field trips, family campouts, etc.), and fun competitions (e.g., Pinewood Car Derby).

Boys in the first through fifth grades may join a Cub Scout pack and be assigned to a den, usually made up of boys in a neighborhood who form a natural playgroup.  In the case of Pack 713, most of the boys attend Mary Immaculate School, but our pack sometimes includes boys from other schools in the Carrollton/Farmers Branch area.

The den allows scouts to get to know each other better and engage in activities that would be difficult in Pack meetings. Den meeting activities are planned around monthly themes and include games, handicrafts, outdoor fun, and taking part in simple ceremonies and songs. Work on advancement requirements is included, but parents are vital helpers in completing requirements for advancement. The Den Leaders will ask for special assistance from parents (helping with a meeting, sharing a special skill, or providing a snack for the scouts).

Dens are organized by rank. Ranks are organized by grade and age. Keep in mind that grade is the primary determination for ranking and age is the backup.

TIGER CUBS -- In the first grade, (or 7 years old)

WOLF SCOUTS -- In the second grade, (or 8 years old)

BEAR SCOUTS -- In the third grade, (or 9 years old)

WEBELOS SCOUTS -- In the fourth and fifth grade, (or 10 years old)

Scouts can earn the Arrow of Light six months after completing the fourth grade, or six months after turning ten.  The Arrow of Light is the highest award a Cub Scout can earn.

The pack leadership consists of the Chartered Organization Representative, the Pack Committee, the Pack Committee Chairman, Cubmaster, Assistant Cubmaster(s), Den Leaders, and Assistant Den Leaders.  A leader must be at least 21 years of age, appointed by the chartered organization and registered as an adult leader of the BSA.  All adult leaders must attend Youth Protection and Cub Scout Leader Basic Training, a one-day training course organized by the council.

The Committee meets once per month during the school year to plan pack meetings and other pack activities.

The chartered organization representative is the direct contact between the pack and the chartered organization. This individual is also the organization’s contact with the district committee and the local council. The chartered organization representative may become a member of the district committee and is a voting member of the council.

Cub Scout Pack 713 is made up of boys mostly from Mary Immaculate School.  The boys meet in small groups (dens) of 5 to 9 boys.  Each den has a trained adult leader and assistant.

Pack 713, together with 30 other packs and 30 troops are in the North District.  The North District covers Carrollton, Addison, Farmers Branch, northwest Dallas and is one of 18 subdivisions of the Circle 10 Council.  There are over 300 councils in the United States.  Circle 10 Council is one of the largest councils in Boy Scouts of America.

Detailed information on the Pack leadership is given later in this handbook.

Sponsorship

Like other phases of the Scouting program, Cub Scouting is made available to groups having similar interests and goals, which include professional organizations, and religious, educational, civic, fraternal, business, labor, and citizens’ groups.  These “sponsors” are called chartered organizations.  Each organization appoints one of its members as a chartered organization representative.  The organization, through the committee, is responsible for leadership, the meeting place, and related materials for pack activities.  The chartered organization for Pack 713 is the Knights of Columbus Council 5052.

Funding

Groups responsible for supporting Cub Scouting are the boys and their parents, the pack, the chartered organizations, and the community.  Packs obtain income by working on approved money-earning programs.  The community, including parents, supports Cub Scouting through the United Way, Sustaining Membership Enrollment, bequests, and special contributions to the BSA local council.  This provides leadership training, outdoor programs, council service centers, and other facilities, as well as professional service for units.

Pack 713 presently holds two fund-raising drives a year.  In the fall we sell “popcorn” and in the spring we participate in a Lenten Cake Sale at the Knights of Columbus Hall.  Each boy is encouraged to sell as much popcorn as he can, as this is the primary fundraiser for our pack.  The Lenten Bake Sale occurs each Friday of Lent and involves individual dens supplying baked goods/desserts to give away during the Knights of Columbus dinners; donations are accepted.  A different den (or pair of dens) supports the Bake Sale each week.  Each scout in each den is required to bring a minimum of two dessert items.

Advancement

Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts have a plan of advancement for each boy that emphasizes learning by doing.  The boy works on requirements based on his school grade or age.  All Scouts are also eligible to participate in the Cub Scout Academics and Sports Belt Loop program.  The requirements for each rank are detailed and tracked in the handbook for that rank.

Tiger Cubs

Tiger Cub dens are made up of first-grade boys and their adult partners.  A Tiger Cub Den Leader supervises the Tiger Cub program.  The program is conducted on two levels.  First, the Tiger Cub and his adult partner meet in the home to conduct activities for the whole family.  Second, the Tiger Cub and his adult partner meet three times a month with other Tiger Cubs and adult partners in the den, using the Tiger Cub Handbook to complete required achievements and optional electives; one of the monthly meetings will involve a “Go See It” activity or field trip.  Upon completing all 15 parts of the 5 achievements, the Tiger Cub is awarded the Tiger Cub badge and can continue to work on the 50 Tiger electives.  A boy receives a Tiger Track bead for each ten electives he completes.  A Tiger Cub – adult partner team, hosts each den meeting.

Bobcat

When a boy becomes a Cub Scout (in any grade, second through fifth), his parent teaches him his Bobcat requirements:  learning the Cub Scout Promise, Law of the Pack, handshake, salute, sign, and motto.  Tiger Cubs may work on Bobcat requirements after earning their Tiger Cub badge. 

Wolf

If a Cub Scout has completed the first grade, he may begin working on his Wolf achievements.  Den meetings are held weekly, led by the den leader and assisted by other den parents; meetings may be held weekdays after school, or on the weekend.  Upon completion of the achievements, he is awarded the Wolf badge, and may continue to work on Wolf electives in twenty-two different areas.  When a boy completes ten electives, he receives a Gold Arrow Point.  For each additional ten electives, he receives a Silver Arrow Point.

Bear

When a Cub Scout has completed the second grade, he begins working on his Bear achievements.  Den meetings are held weekly, led by the den leader and assisted by other den parents; meetings may be held weekdays after school, or on the weekends.  There are twenty-four achievements in four different groups:  God, Country, Family, and Self.  To achieve the Bear rank, the Cub Scout must earn his choice of twelve:  one from the first group, three from the second group, and four from each of the third and fourth groups.  After achieving the Bear badge, a boy may concentrate on twenty-four Bear elective areas until he becomes a Webelos Scout.  When a boy completes ten electives, he receives a Gold Arrow Point.  For each additional ten electives, he receives a Silver Arrow Point.

Webelos

After completing the third grade, a Cub Scout graduates with ceremony into a Webelos den.  This is a special den for boys in the fourth or fifth grade.  The Webelos Scout program is more challenging to the older boy – in fact, he’s now called a Webelos Scout and wears a different uniform signifying his new status.  Also, his Webelos den leader rather than his parent approves the Webelos Scout’s advancement.  He begins work immediately on the Webelos badge.  In addition, he can earn twenty Webelos activity badges:  Aquanaut, Artist, Athlete, Citizen, Communicator, Craftsman, Engineer, Family Member, Fitness, Forester, Geologist, Handyman, Naturalist, Outdoorsman, Readyman, Scholar, Scientist, Showman, Sportsman, and Traveler.  As a fifth grader he may earn Cub Scout’s highest award – the Arrow of Light Award.  After receiving this award, he is eligible to become a Boy Scout, or he may join a troop at age 11 (or when he completes the fifth grade).  In many ways, the Webelos program is designed to transition the boy from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts.

Other Awards

The Cub Scout has opportunities to earn a variety of other awards throughout the year.  These awards include religious emblems, uniform inspection awards, the summertime activity award, and many others.

Basic Concepts

Apart from the fun and excitement of Cub Scout activities, there are a number of ideals expressed in the day-to-day life of the young boy and his leaders.

Tiger Cub Motto:  SEARCH, DISCOVER, SHARE

Cub Scout Motto:  DO YOUR BEST 

The Cub Scout Promise:

I, (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 Cub Scout colors are blue and gold.  Blue signifies the sky, truth, spirituality, and loyalty.  Gold stands for warm sunlight, good cheer, and happiness.  Together they symbolize what Cub Scouting is all about.

Meetings

Den Meetings:  Most dens meet two to three times per month, usually at the home of the Den Leader or Assistant Den Leader.  At least two trained adults are required per den.  In Pack 713 each den has a designated den leader.

Pack Meetings:  Pack meetings include all dens and all members of the Pack, and are usually held on the third Monday of the month for all the boys in Pack 713.  We expect a parent or the whole family to attend the pack meeting.  Pack meetings are held at the Knights of Columbus Hall at 2280 Springlake Road in Farmers Branch.

There are many special events, family campouts, pot lucks, good turns, pinewood derby as well as council events like camporees, etc.  We plan to have about one special event per month.

Pack Committee Meetings:  Leaders of Pack 713 discuss organizational matters, future events and exchange ideas.  All parents are welcome.  The meetings are held the Thursday before each month's pack meeting unless additional meetings are required.

Roundtables:  Cub Scout Roundtable is held each month.  This is the ideal place to learn new ideas and catch up on any announcements for leaders of the whole district.  Leaders are encouraged to attend roundtables.  Parents are welcome.  Roundtables are held the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 7:15 p.m. (see the District website for current times and locations).

Activities

At den meetings there are games, crafts, sports, songs, skits, etc; perhaps it is a project or a stunt for the next pack meeting.  During the week, with his parents’ help, he finishes the project or perfects the stunt.  If it happens to be something required for his Wolf or Beat advancement, his parent signs his Cub Scout book.  In this way, Cub Scouting helps to strengthen family ties.

Pack meetings, attended by boys and their families, give parents a chance to see their sons in action.  Most pack meetings are divided into two parts.  The first is informal - boys and parents may view exhibits or participate in gathering-time activities.  The second half has a formal opening, followed by den skits, songs, games, or stunts related to a monthly theme, and the awarding of badges earned by the boys since the last pack meeting. 

Outdoor Program

Adventuresome outdoor programs are encouraged for Cub Scouts.  These include den field trips, picnics, outings, day camping, and resident camping.  Because Cub Scouting is home-centered, family camping is also emphasized.  Webelos Scouts are encouraged to go on overnight experiences and to conduct occasional joint outdoor activities with a Boy Scout troop. 

Competitive Activities and Sports

Among the activities that have become favorites are Scout Shows, safe bicycle riding projects, pinewood derbies, rocket derbies, regattas and CUBE.  Cub Scouts are encouraged to be physically fit through the Cub Scout Sports program, which offer twenty-one different sports.

District and Council Events

The North District and Circle 10 Council offer various programs that packs and dens may participate in.  These activities include:

C.U.B.E. – a one-day session of crafts, games, archery and BB shooting.  Held at the Farmers Branch Historical Park in early October.  For Tiger Cubs, Wolves and Bears.  Boys must attend with a parent or guardian.

Cub World – a large play area for packs at Camp Wisdom.  Packs reserve time at one of several theme areas.

Scout Show – a gathering of packs and troops from the council with demonstrations, activities, games and fun for all.  Held in May.

Cub Camp – a week long day camp where boys participate in games, crafts, cooking, rank advancement activities, archery and BB shooting.  Held in June, with morning and afternoon sessions available.

Dad-n-Lad / Mom-n-Me – the council sponsors several overnight campouts throughout the year for a Cub and his parent.  Structured activities include swimming, BB shooting, horseback riding, archery, and crafts.

Webelos Campouts – a fall overnight (November) and a spring two-night (March or April) camping experience for all Webelos Scouts.

Webelos 4-Day Campouts – Each summer the council sponsors 4 day / 3 night campouts to introduce the Webelos scout to longer term camping.

Uniforms

Cub scouts buy their own uniform, including council patches and pack numeral.  The pack provides rank badges.  Tiger, Wolf and Bear cubs use the blue Cub Scout uniform.  Webelos Scouts wear the tan Boy Scout uniform shirt.  In Pack 713, boys and leaders are expected to dress in uniform for all scouting events.  The pack will conduct uniform inspections at least three times per year during a pack meeting.  Class A uniforms are required for pack and den meetings, and for any other BSA-sponsored event.  Class B uniforms may be worn as authorized by pack leadership.

Uniforms can be bought at the Scoutfitter stores:

Circle 10 Council office located at the corner of Regal Row and Harry Hines.

Scoutfitter stores around the metroplex, including Irving, Lewisville, Hurst, and Allen.

Cub Scout Uniform (Class A)

• Shirt: Official Cub Scout dark blue shirt. The council patch, pack number, den number, and world scouting emblems need to be sewn on to the shirt.  Our pack also wears the 50 year bar (we celebrated 50 years as a pack in 2006).
  
  
• Neckerchiefs: Official Tiger Neckerchief is worn by first-graders.  Official Wolf Neckerchief is worn by second-graders. Official Bear Neckerchief is worn by third-graders. The neckerchief is rolled and placed under the shirt collar.
  
  
• Slide: Official gold metal slide with Cub Scout emblem or handmade neckerchief slides may be worn.  There is a slide unique for the following ranks: Tiger, Wolf/Bear, and Webelos.
  
  
• Belt: Official navy blue web belt with metal buckle and Cub Scout emblem.  There is a belt buckle unique for the following ranks: Tiger, Wolf/Bear, and Webelos.
  
  
• Cap (Optional): Official Cub Scout baseball-style cap-navy with gold front panel and Cub Scout emblem. This hat is the only hat that may be worn with the uniform.  There is a cap for each rank.

Webelos Scout Dress Uniform (Class A or “Field Uniform”)

Officially, the Webelos Scout may choose either the blue Cub Scout uniform, or the tan/olive uniform similar to the one worn by Boy Scouts.  For consistency, Pack 713 has chosen to go with the Tan/Olive uniform.  The location of badges and insignia is the same for both uniforms. The tan/olive uniform is strongly encouraged. Boys who are growing out of their uniforms after the completion of third grade should replace their blue Cub Scout uniform with a tan/olive uniform.

• Tan/Olive uniform: When the tan/olive uniform is chosen, official Boy Scout olive trousers or shorts, olive socks and official Boy Scout tan shirt with blue shoulder epaulets are worn.
  
  
• Rank: The Tiger, Bobcat, Wolf, and Bear rank badges may be transferred to the new Webelos uniform shirt until the Scout earns his Webelos rank.  At that time he is awarded an oval Webelos rank badge of the same style used by Boy Scouts.
  
  
• Neckerchief: Official Webelos plaid neckerchief. The neckerchief is rolled and placed under the shirt collar.
  
  
• Slide: Official gold metal slide with Webelos emblem or handmade slides may be worn.
  
  
• Belt: Official Scout navy blue or olive web belt with metal Webelos belt buckle. Belt loops fit on the official Scout blue belt, so you may want to postpone using the olive belt until Boy Scouts.
  
  
• Cap: Official Webelos baseball-style cap-navy blue with light blue front panel and Webelos emblem. The hat is the only hat that may be worn with the uniform.

Cub Scout / Webelos Scout Activity Uniform (Class B or “Activity Uniform”)

When authorized by pack leadership, usually for special outdoor activities like the family campouts, the Cub Scouts and leaders may wear the yellow Pack 713 t-shirt instead of the blue or tan uniform shirt.

Optional Uniform pieces

The patch vest is not part of the official uniform.  It may be worn by Cub and Webelos Scouts for the display of temporary and other patches that have been earned by the boy as a part of the Scouting experience. The patch vest should not be worn with the uniform for formal ceremonies.

Leader Uniform

All Cub Scout and Boy Scout leaders wear the same uniform with colored shoulder loops. Blue loops indicate affiliation with a Cub Scout pack and red loops indicate affiliation with a Boy Scout troop.  The Leader Uniform is optional for Committee Members who are not also Den Leaders or Assistant Den Leaders.

• Shirt: Official tan with blue shoulder epaulets. The council patch, pack number, den number, and world scouting emblems need to be sewn on.
  
  
• Neck Wear: The adult uniform shirt may be worn with Cub Scout bolo tie or neckerchief of choice. The neckerchief is rolled and placed under the shirt collar with the top button open.
  
  
• All Den Leaders may wear an official navy blue Cub Scout leader neckerchief.
  
  
• Webelos leaders may wear a plaid neckerchief similar to Webelos Scouts.
  
  
• Belt: Official olive web belt or official leather belt.
  
  
• Pants/Shorts: (optional) Official olive.
  
  
• Socks: (optional) Official Boy Scout socks worn with shorts or pants. Olive with red top.
  
  
• Hat: (optional) Blue and gold visored cap with the Cub Scout emblem embroidered in gold. Blue Webelos visored cap for Webelos leaders.

Parent guide for den meetings

Remember that Pack 713 has no paid leaders.  All leadership duties are shared among the parents, even working parents.  We are in this together.

Your son’s den leader does his/her best to provide a good program.  We believe that den leaders deserve help setting up the meetings.  Otherwise, organizing meetings week after week can become hard.  We all should take turns in providing the activities of the meeting.  Pack 713 does not rotate den leader positions, but it encourages taking turns organizing the den activities.

Since you are a parent, you are as much an expert on children as even paid cub Scouters would be.  All you need to know in addition are some little tweaks on how to make it “cub-scoutish…

Den meetings typically have 5 parts

Structuring the meeting this way should help you; if it hinders you, simply change it.

1. Gathering period:  The boys don’t arrive all at the exact same time.  We have to provide an activity for the boys who come early since we can’t start the main program before a majority arrives.

2. Opening ceremony:  The opening and closing ceremonies make the meeting more formal.  The boys know when the meeting starts and stops.  Your den might do the den yell; you might do a flag ceremony, or, say the Cub Scout promise.  Don’t forget: the boys do not serve the ceremony, but the ceremony is for the boys.

3. Work on achievements:  Use the boy’s handbook.  Make this fun.  But don’t fill the whole meeting with processing the book.

4. Games, other fun things to do:  Do some activity the children like.

5. Closing ceremony:  The meeting “formally” ends.  Many dens add a snack time after the closing ceremony or as a break during the activity; that’s up to you.

Take an outing from time to time.  Don’t forget:  activities involving travel need a tour permit.

Belt loops, rank advancements, and other awards will be awarded at the pack meeting.  Make awards a part of either the opening or the closing ceremony.  A den meeting is mostly activity; leave lengthy ceremonies for pack meetings.

You or the den leader might plan a time when the children are busy and the parents can do some talking.  Don’t hesitate to ask your den leader or the Cubmaster for help on what to do.  Your den leader might have some scouting literature and good ideas.  The Cubmaster certainly has tons of literature.  In particular, consult the “Cub Scout & Webelos Scout Program Helps” booklet, your den leader has a copy.  The monthly Cub Scout Roundtable meeting is an excellent source of den and pack activities.

The youth protection rules require us to provide “two-deep” leadership.  The second person doesn’t need to be a registered leader but can be a parent or relative of a boy at least 18 years old.  But even more important, two adults make organizing any meeting much easier.  Exception to requirement for two-deep leadership: while driving it is allowed to have a single adult in the car, if there are at least two children.  (Of course there are no restrictions on driving alone with your own child).

Bylaws of Cub Scouts Pack 713

Pack 713 and anyone who is connected with the Pack, directly or indirectly, shall be governed by the constitution and the by-laws of the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America and/or such rules and regulations as may be adopted and approved by the Pack Committee as long as they do not conflict with the constitution and the by-laws of the National Council.

1.      It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to provide the Cub Scout with his uniform.  Minimum uniform in Pack 713 is the appropriate Scout shirt with patches, hat (optional), belt and neat clean school pants or shorts, jeans are acceptable.  Scouts are encouraged to wear their uniform to school on days when Scout activities are planned, wear the uniform on Friday if there is a weekend event.  If the Scout doesn’t have scout uniform pants/shorts, school uniform pants/shorts must be worn at school.

2.      An Annual Planning Meeting will be held at the beginning of each school year.  The purpose of this meeting is to review the plans for the ensuing year, to elect or approve the Pack Committee, to approve the standing rules, and such other business as deemed necessary by the Committee and/or Leadership.

3.      Any boy refusing to obey AKELA (Cubmaster) may be suspended from the Pack.  The boy may be reinstated at the discretion of the Pack Leadership Team, and/or Pack Committee, but only after the boy, his parents or guardians and AKELA have met with the Leadership Team and/or the Pack Committee to discuss the situation, and a solution is agreed upon.  The parents of any Scout whose behavior endangers him or other Scouts – especially on an outing – will be called and they will be required to pick their son up.

4.      All Cub Scouts and Leaders are required to wear the prescribed uniform at Pack Meetings, Den Meetings and any other time when representing Boy Scouts of America.

5.      Medical Information and Emergency Release Forms must be filled out and signed by Parents each year.  Permission slips, when required, are to be turned in to the Den Leader at the Den Leader’s discretion.  Transportation is the responsibility of each parent or guardian, unless otherwise arranged.

6.      Every boy should have AT LEAST ONE parent or guardian present with him at each Pack Meeting, especially when the boy is receiving an award.

Pack Leadership

The Cub Scout pack is lead by adult leaders for the benefit of the boys.  The pack needs both permanent leaders and coordinators of one-time or annual activities.

Permanent Positions

These positions are needed to ensure that the Pack runs smoothly month-to-month and year-to-year.  Each of these positions has training available through the district or council.

Pack Committee (several members)

The Pack Committee takes care of the administrative needs of the pack and is similar to a government cabinet. It is organized and chaired by the Pack Committee Chairperson. There are positions in the committee for treasurer, secretary, advancement chairman, and religious award coordinator. The Committee doesn’t "own" the pack; it is simply an administrative arm of the chartered organization. The committee is responsible for:

• Finding a meeting place and setting meeting times
• Setting the Pack policies in accordance with Boy Scouting and the chartered organization.
• Provide the finances and fundraising coordination for the Pack.
• Caring for Pack property.
• Ensuring quality adult leadership and seeing that the leadership is recruited and properly trained.
• Supporting the policies of the Boy Scouts of America.

Pack Committee Chairperson (one)

The Pack Committee Chairperson organizes and facilitates the running of the Pack committee. This person works with the Cubmaster to make sure that the responsibilities of the Pack Committee are being met and represents the Pack to the local council. The Pack Committee Chairperson is responsible for:

• Promoting the recruiting of new scouts.
• Helping recruit den leaders and coaches.
• Making sure all Pack Committee positions are filled and are being carried out.
• Supporting the policies of the Boy Scouts of America.

Cubmaster (one, plus at least one Assistant Cubmaster)

The Cubmaster is actively involved with the scouts and leaders on a weekly basis. The Cubmaster is responsible for:

• Leading the monthly Pack meeting, with the help of the other leaders.
• Guiding, supporting, and motivating the other adult leaders.
• Planning the den and pack programs with the help of the other leaders.
• Maintaining a close relationship with the chartered organization representative.
• Coordinating the total program for the pack and making sure the dens are functioning well.
• Helping recruit den leaders and coaches and making sure they receive training.
• Supporting the policies of the Boy Scouts of America.

Den Leaders (one for each den, plus at least one assistant)

Den Leaders plan and organize den meetings and keep track of the scouts’ advancements. Den Leaders should try to engage the parents in the den meetings, both to make the Den Leader’s job easier and to increase the scouts’ enjoyment. Don't hesitate to ask for help.  The Cubmaster is very willing to lend an ear or a hand.  Ask your fellow den leaders how they handle things, and tell others about what works well in your den.  You should participate in all leader meetings and when possible, attend district roundtables.  Recruit at least one assistant den leader (or share the job with a co-den leader).  The Cub Scout Den Leader is responsible for:

• Maintaining a friendly relationship with scouts and encouraging them to advance.
• Keeping accurate records and seeing that scouts receive recognition for their achievements.  Turn in awards requests one week before the pack meeting.  The Awards Chair will only purchase awards if the official forms are completed and submitted.
• Using the talents of den families to help enrich the den program.
• Helping set a good example for the scouts by behavior, attitude, and proper uniform.
• Leading the den in its participation at pack meetings.  Each den will lead one of the following activities at each pack meeting: setup, gathering activity, opening flag ceremony, game, skit, song, cheer, closing ceremony.
• Keeping accurate den records.
• Supporting the policies of the Boy Scouts of America.
• Complete Youth Protection Training at least every two years.

 

Awards Chairperson

The Cub Scout has many opportunities to earn activity badges, belt loops, rank advancement, and awards from other special events during the year.  The Awards Chairperson is responsible for:

• Maintaining the database (PackMaster) of awards and ranks.
• Accumulating the orders for awards, ranks, and badges to be awarded at the next pack meeting.
• Purchasing the awards, ranks, and badges on behalf of the Pack and bringing them to the Pack Meeting.

News Publisher

Pack 713 has a monthly newsletter that chronicles recent Den and Pack events, including rank advancements, and describes upcoming calendar dates.  The News Publisher receives short articles and photos from Pack and Den leaders and prints of the one-page (front and back) newsletter, which is distributed at the Pack Meeting.

Pack Trainer

Adult Leaders have many opportunities for general training, role-specific training, and camping-related training.  The Pack Trainer helps the Pack and Den leadership identify what training is necessary and appropriate for each adult.  If a leader is unable to attend training provided by the  North District, the Pack Trainer assists by identifying other options, including finding the desired training in another district or council.

Treasurer

The financial records and accounts of Pack 713 are managed by the Pack Treasurer.  These responsibilities include:

• Receiving funds (dues, fundraiser proceeds, donations, etc.)
• Disbursing funds (reimbursing leaders for authorized expenses, paying bills related to fundraising, paying membership dues to the BSA, etc.).
• Maintaining and tracking the Pack 713 budget.

Chartered Organization Representative

Pack 713 is sponsored by the Knights of Columbus Council 5052, which is associated with the Mary Immaculate Parish of the Catholic Church.  The Chartered Organization Representative is the Knights’ liaison to Pack 713.

Parents

Parents play an important role in Pack 713. The leaders will do their best to provide a quality program, but all the leaders are volunteers and have other obligations. We depend on parents to help maintain the excellent program we have established.

We ask every parent to help the pack in some capacity. You should do your share in organizing den meetings and working with the den leader of your son’s den. In addition, you should help with at least one pack activity a year (e.g. Pinewood Derby, Blue & Gold Dinner, or an outing). A parent should attend the pack meetings together with the Cub Scout.

Coordinator Positions

These positions are needed to support annual activities.  Each is a once-per-year planning and execution of a single activity.

• BLUE AND GOLD BANQUET COORDINATOR – arranges and communicates theme for the Blue & Gold Banquet.  Arranges catering and entertainment.
  
  
• CAMPING COORDINATOR – arranges for suitable areas for pack family camping outings.  Make reservations and payments as necessary
  
  
• CHRISTMAS CAROLING COORDINATOR – arranges with local retirement/nursing homes for a pack Christmas caroling event.  Selects songs and provides copies for carolers.
  
  
• CUB SCOUT DAY CAMP COORDINATOR – collects and arranges applications for day camp, arranges for sufficient adult leaders, attends training as necessary.
  
  
• CUB WORLD COORDINATOR – reserves Cub World for pack participation.  Attends necessary training and ensures sufficient adult leader supervision exists.
  
  
• FRIENDS OF SCOUTING FUNDRAISING COORDINATOR – arranges for Friend of Scouting (FOS) speaker for the Blue & Gold Banquet.  Disseminates and follows up on FOS material.
  
  
• LENTEN CAKE SALES COORDINATOR – coordinates spring bake sales event.  Works with leaders on scheduling when their den/patrol will sell and then collects money to turn over to Treasurer.
  
  
• OCTOBER PUMPKIN CARVING COORDINATOR – arranges for a location for an evening pack pumpkin-carving contest.  Arranges for a supply of pumpkins. 
  
  
• PARADE COORDINATOR – contacts local organizations to provide for parade participation.  Finds a driver with a vehicle and trailer if necessary.
  
  
• PINEWOOD DERBY COORDINATOR – schedules time/space for derby event.  Takes the lead, with other volunteers, for derby set-up, awards, refreshment and staffing.
  
  
• POPCORN COLONEL – coordinates fall popcorn sales event.  Attends training as needed; monitors sales and prepares a consolidated order report.  Organizes volunteers to pickup/distribute popcorn.
  
  
• RAIN GUTTER REGATTA COORDINATOR – schedules time/space for regatta event.  Takes the lead, with other volunteers, for regatta set-up, awards, refreshment and staffing.
  
  
• RELIGIOUS AWARDS COORDINATOR – distributes appropriate religious award workbooks to the scouts.  Arranges for an interview of scouts with the parish priest.  Coordinates pack participation in Scout Sunday.
  
  
• SCOUT SHOW COORDINATOR – arranges for den/pack participation at the Scout Show.  Oversees any sales of Scout Show tickets.
  
  
• SCOUTING FOR FOOD COORDINATOR – arranges times for dens to assist at food collection center; reminds den leaders of commitment.
  
  
• SPACE DERBY COORDINATOR – schedules time/space for derby event.  Takes the lead, with other volunteers, for derby set-up, awards, refreshment and staffing.
  
  
• SUMMERTIME ACTIVITIES COORDINATOR - sends reminders of summer activities to den leaders and assistant den leaders.  Makes sure events are properly organized and staffed.
  
  
• WEBELOS CAMP COORDINATOR – collects and arranges applications for summer Webelos camping; arranges for sufficient adult leaders. 

 

Resources

The parents and leaders have access to extensive training, documentation, and program helps.

Training

Pack 713 is committed to providing trained leadership to all dens.  New leaders may use the fast start training materials available from the council office or the Fast Start course online.  Fast start training will give you all the material needed to get a den up and running. 

New Leader Essentials and Leader Specific Training is available in September and March and will provide comprehensive preparation for all scout leadership positions.  The Cubmaster, the Assistant Cubmasters, every Den Leader and Assistant Den Leader, the Committee Chair, and Committee Members should plan to attend the Leader Specific Training.

Youth Protection Training instructs leaders in how to properly handle reporting instances of abuse and how to prevent and potentially unsafe or unsupervised situations with scouts.  Youth Protection Training must be taken by all leaders and renewed every three years.  Youth Protection Training is available online, but the classroom session is recommended for new leaders; online training may be used for renewals.

• Fast Start Training: https://scoutnet.scouting.org/elearning
• Youth Protection Training: https://scoutnet.scouting.org/elearning

Publications

Volunteers are informed of national news and events through Scouting magazine (circulation 900,000).  Boys may subscribe to Boys' Life magazine (circulation 1.3 million).  The Boy Scouts of America publish both.  There are also a number of Cub Scout and leader publications, including the Tiger Cub Book, Wolf Cub Scout Book, Bear Cub Scout Book, Webelos Scout Book, Cub Scout Leader Book, and Cub Scout and Webelos Scout Program Helps.

Websites

Official Web Sites

• North District:  www.northdistrict.org
• Circle 10 Council: www.circle10.org
• Official site of the Boy Scouts of America: www.scouting.org

Web Sites Not Affiliated with Boy Scouts of America

The listed web sites contain a great deal of useful information but do not rely on them for official interpretations of BSA guidelines, rules and procedures.

• www.usscouts.org/macscouter/index.asp
• www.usscouts.org
• www.cubmaster.org
• www.scoutermom.com

Pack 713 Contacts