Cub Scouts - Pack 316

Parent’s Guide

Introduction

Welcome to Pack 316 and thank you for joining! The purpose of this document is to introduce you to cub scouting in general and our program in particular. Our hope is to answer most questions that new members may have and remove some of the mystery from the program.

The Cub Scout program is part of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) and it begins in kindergarten as Lions then first grade and continues through fifth grade. Boys in first grade are Tiger scouts. Second graders are Wolves. Third graders are Bears and the Webelos program runs for two grades, fourth and fifth. At the end of their fifth year, the boys cross over into Boy Scouts. The Pack is a chartered organization and consists of dens, groups of usually six to eleven boys. Our Pack typically has two dens for each grade, two Tiger dens, two Wolf dens, etc. Our sponsor is the St. Andrew’s Men’s Society. A group of Packs are rolled up into a district. We are in the Dan Beard district. Districts are formed into a council. We are members of the Occoneechee council. There are ten councils within our state. Boys meet at the den level two to four times per month. Typically on the third Monday of each month we hold a Pack meeting. Our Pack meetings are held in the Fellowship Hall at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church on Old Raleigh Rd. in Apex. They start at 7:00 pm and end around 8:00. Our Pack recharters annually and the fee per boy, which includes a subscription to Boy’s Life magazine, are currently $39.50 but subject to change as needed.

Pack meetings are when all the dens gather and the boys receive recognition for the badges and awards they have earned in den meetings during the prior month. Families are encouraged to attend. A Pack meeting is started with an opening flag ceremony by one of the dens. Then typically there is a den skit, which is followed by the award presentations. Each den, along with a parent or adult partner for each boy, is called to the front of the room where they are presented any awards they have earned. After the awards there is a program. The BSA sets themes for each month of the year and we try to have a program which follows that theme. Programs we have had in the past include: a magician, an entomologist from NC State, a historian and Indian dancers. Some months we just play games, and others may focus on a special Cub Scout ceremony such as the Arrow of Light (more on that later). After the program there is a closing ceremony. Opening and closing ceremonies and skits are rotated by den throughout the year. All dens get to participate.

Calendar of Events

In addition to den and Pack meetings we have numerous other Pack events during the year. Here is a sample of a typical year calendar. It may include, but not limited to:

September

First Pack Meeting

Start of the Cub Scout year.

Popcorn Fundraiser Kick-Off

This annual event is the Pack’s only fundraiser.

October

Fall Campout

This is sometimes held at Jordan Lake. Activities such as hikes, a compass course and games are planned throughout the day. Camping in Cub Scouts is a family activity. The boys camp with their families clustered by den at the campground. Meals are planned as a group and shared together.

Annual Webelos Trip

This is a special trip just for the older, 4^th and 5^th grade Webelos. Every other year we go to Patriots Point near Charleston, SC and campout on the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown. In the years between Patriots Point excursions we plan other activities such as “sleep with the fish” at a NC aquarium.

December

Christmas Parade and Caroling

The Pack takes part in the Apex Christmas parade and goes Christmas caroling at a local nursing home.

January

Pinewood Derby

This is a traditional Cub Scout event where the boys get to race the cars that they construct out of a block of wood. It is a favorite of kids and adults. The Pinewood Derby kits are handed out to the boys by Santa at the December Pack meeting.

Arrow of Light Ceremony

The Arrow of Light is Cub Scouting’s highest award and is presented to second year Webelos, achieving this rank, during a special candle light ceremony.

February

Blue and Gold Banquet

This is held in place of the February Pack meeting. The banquet is an annual catered dinner meeting for the entire family. Each year there is a different theme. Dens construct table decorations based on the theme that year. Voting takes place and awards given to the top three dens.

March

Bridging Ceremony

This is when the 2^nd year Webelos (Arrow of Light Den), who are moving into boy scouts, cross over into their new troops. A bridging ceremony is held where the boys graduate from Cub Scouts and representatives from their new troops welcome them into Boy Scouting.

May

Spring Campout

For the past several years, we have been going to Camp Durant Scout Camp. The boys get to participate in BSA supervised events such as archery and BB guns.

Final Pack Meeting

This is when the remaining Cub Scouts graduate from their current year and cross over into the next Cub Scouting level. A ceremony is held where the Pack presents the boys with their new neckerchiefs and handbooks.

June through August

During the summertime, no formal Pack meetings are held. Some dens may choose to continue meeting during the summer months, many do not. The Pack does organize at least three summer activities including: a Durham Bulls game, bowling, a miniature golf outing, and a picnic at a local park.

The district also conducts Cub Scout summer day camp. These camps have been held at the NC State Fair Grounds. You sign up for a week at a time. The boys are assigned to age specific dens and get to work on achievements and electives during the week. Volunteers from the council organize and run the camp. A parent must work one day as a volunteer in order for a scout to attend.

Volunteering

Cub scouts at the Pack level is entirely volunteer run. From the calendar above you can see that we are an active Pack and to organize all those activities takes parental help. We therefore look for some level of volunteering from all families. You may choose to help out at the Pack level or at the den level. Here is a listing of volunteer positions at both the Pack and den level:

Pack Positions

• Cub Master

• Pack Committee Chair

• Assistant Cub Masters

• Treasurer

• Secretary

• Advancements Chairman

• Popcorn Sales Coordinator

• Blue and Gold Committee Chair

• Pinewood Derby Committee Chair

• Fall and Spring Campout Coordinator

• Webelos Trip Coordinator

• Christmas Parade Coordinator

• Christmas Caroling Coordinator

• Summertime Activity Coordinators

Den Positions

• Den leader

• Assistant or Co den leaders

• Popcorn Den Representative

• Blue and Gold Den Representative

• Fall Campout Meal Planner

• Spring Campout Meal Planner

• Pinewood Derby Den Representative

• Den Advancement Coordinator

Den leaders may also ask parents for help in preparing specific den meetings. If in doubt where to help, speak with your den leader. They will be happy to tell you where your assistance is most needed.

The Cub Scout program is a little different for each age group. In the following sections, the specifics of each year and how they differ in den structure, uniform and advancement will be discussed.

Bobcat

The Bobcat rank is the first rank the boys earn in Cub Scouting. Bobcat can be earned at any age or rank depending on when a boy joins in scouting.

Lions – Kindergarten

The Lions program is a mentoring program for boys in Kindergarten to get exposed to Cub Scouting by participating in Pack related activities while earning beads for their totems for activities they complete. Some of the Lion specific activities include the Grand Adventures, understanding Cub Scout Oat and the Law of the Pack. We also focus on family related events learning the core values of Cub Scouting.

Tiger – 1^st Grade

Den Structure

This is the first step in the Cub Scout journey. The Tiger year is organized around a boy and an adult partner. Ideally a parent has volunteered to act as a den leader, but sometimes at this level, there may not be a den leader. During the Tiger year there is rotating leadership. Each parent will take responsibility for the planning and hosting of a specific month of den meetings. Two are usually held each month. The Tiger handbook lists topics for each month and a parent will sign up for each. Rotating the leadership gives each parent a chance to lead. By the end of the Tiger year a parent will need to step into the den leader role.

Uniform

The uniform is an important aspect of scouting. It gives the boys a sense of belonging and unity and also provides a place to display the awards and achievements they will earn during their scouting years. There are two uniforms, known as the Class A uniform and the Class B uniform. The Class A uniform is the official, complete uniform that you typically see Cub Scouts wear at all den and Pack meetings. The Class A uniform for Tigers is an orange Tiger t-shirt and cap. The Class B uniform is just a blue cub scout t-shirt. The Class B is worn at outings where the Class A could get dirty, such as campouts or picnics. Class B t-shirts are optional, but if you would like to purchase one, there are usually offered for sale during the first Pack meeting in September. Class A uniforms are purchased by the parents and may be obtained at the Occoneechee Scout Shop located at 3231 Atlantic Blvd in Raleigh. You can view the scout catalog online at: www.scoutstuff.org .

Advancement

A Tiger Cub works toward the Tiger Cub rank. To advance, Tiger Cubs work on achievements and electives, which are described in the Tiger Cub hand book. The handbook is provided to each new scout by the Pack. As a boy completes these, his adult partner, signs in this handbook where it says "Akela's OK." Akela means "good leader" and is an important part of Cub Scouting. Akela can be a den leader, a teacher, or other important adult. As your boy's adult partner, you are Akela.

As boys advance, they receive recognition items to mark their progress. These items will be given to them during a simple ceremony at a Pack or den meeting. It is important for boys to be recognized for the good work they do. The Tiger Cub recognition items are the Tiger Cub belt totem and totem beads, the Tiger Cub badge, and Tiger Track beads . The Tiger Cub badge is placed on the belt totem and will later be placed over the left pocket on the blue uniform that will be worn beginning with the Wolf year. All awards are purchased by the Pack.

Wolf – 2^nd Grade

Den Structure

During the Tiger year there was rotating leadership. Beginning with the Wolf year a parent needs to step forward and assume the role of den leader and hopefully one or two others will also volunteer to be assistant den leaders. The den now has consistent leadership and parents are no longer required to attend each den meeting, though they are welcome to. The BSA requires two adults to be present with the boys at all times. If the den has no assistant den leaders, or none are able to attend the meeting, the den leader may ask you to stay and help out. This den structure will be maintained for the rest of the Cub Scout program. Crafts are commonly made during den meetings. Den leaders may ask for a small, contribution to help defray their expense.

Uniform

This is the year that the boys start to wear the traditional blue Cub Scout uniform for their Class A. The uniform consists of the following parts:

• Blue shirt

• Gold Wolf neckerchief

• Wolf/Bear (Cub Scout) neckerchief slide

• Gold Wolf hat

• Belt and buckle

• Pants or shorts

Different insignia are added to the shirt. They include:

• The den number on the right shoulder below the American flag

• Occoneechee council patch on the upper part of the left shoulder

• Red Pack numerals (316) on the left shoulder below the council patch.

• World crest centered between the left shoulder seam and the top of the left pocket

The following link illustrates how the insignia are arranged on the shirt for Cub Scouts and Webelos: http://www.scoutstuff.org/misc/isheets/34282.pdf

At the end of the Tiger year, during the graduation ceremony to Wolf scout, the Pack presents each boy with a Wolf scout manual and a Wolf neckerchief.

Advancement

The Bobcat badge is then worked on. The Bobcat may be earned either at the end of the Tiger year or at the beginning of the Wolf year. Any boy, regardless of what age he first joins the Pack must earn the Bobcat badge before earning any of the advanced awards. To earn the Bobcat, the boys will learn the Cub Scout basics, among other requirements; the Bobcat must learn the Cub Scout Handshake, the Cub Scout Salute , and how to give the Cub Scout Sign .

Next, the Wolf Badge is earned by boys who have completed first grade, or who are eight years old. This badge is earned by completing twelve multi-part achievements. As a Cub Scout completes his achievements towards the Wolf (and Bear) ranks, the Den Leader recognizes a boy's hard work with the Immediate Recognition patch and beads. This is used as an incentive towards continued achievement and is worn on the right shirt pocket button. A yellow immediate recognition bead is earned after completion of each three achievements. These achievements take time and it can take a good part of the year to earn.

After a boy earns his Wolf badge, he works on Wolf Electives which consist of special projects and activities. Completing them allows him to earn Arrow Points to display on his uniform under his Wolf badge. The first arrow point earned is gold. Every other arrow point received is silver.

The scout year is based on monthly themes established by the BSA, the Pack meeting tries to follow these themes and likewise the den leaders try to organize their den meetings based on the theme of the month. In planning den meetings, the leader will try to work on achievements or electives, as much as possible, which fall into the theme, but this may not always be possible. As a result, much of the achievement work for the Wolf badge is done by parent and son at home. You and your son may work together on these as your own pace. A typical goal is to try and complete the Wolf badge in time to be presented at the Blue and Gold Banquet held in February.

One of the den jobs that a parent can sign up for is Den Advancement Coordinator. As you can imagine, tracking Wolf den achievements for all the boys can take time. The den leader has their hands full planning and carrying out the meetings. It is a big help to the leader if a parent can take on this responsibility. For the boys to receive their deserved advancements on time at the Pack meetings, it is the responsibility of the parent to inform the Den Advancement Coordinator when achievements or electives have been completed.

Bear – 3rd Grade

Den Structure

The structure of the Bear den is unchanged from the Wolf den.

Uniform

The Cub Scout still wears the blue uniform but for the Bear year there is a new blue neckerchief and hat which uniquely distinguish the Bear uniform. As in the Wolf year, the Bear book and neckerchief are presented by the Pack to graduating Wolves during the May Pack meeting.

Advancement

Advancements are similar to the Wolf year, cub scouts work on Bear achievements and electives. This year there are 24 achievements of which 12 must be completed for the Bear badge. The achievements fall into four categories: God, country, family and self. A red immediate recognition bead is earned after completion of each three electives. One difference this year over the Wolf year is that any additional achievements completed after the required 12 can be counted as electives.

In addition to working on badge achievements and electives, cub scouts can also earn academic and sports loops and pins . Loops are worn on the belt webbing and pins may be stored at home, or placed on the optional red patch vests.

Webelos & Arrow of Light– 4^th and 5^th Grades

Den Structure

The Webelos program is very different from the Wolf and Bear years. It is a transition program to get the boys prepared for Boy Scouts and it lasts through 4^th and 5^th grades. The very first activity a new 1^st year Webelos den undertakes is to pick a patrol name. Boy Scout troops are organized in patrols similar to dens in Cub Scout Packs. Having the Webelos adopt a patrol name such as the eagles, or the flaming arrows is part of their transition toward Boy Scouts. At this point on the den is addressed by their chosen patrol name instead of their den name.

Uniform

The uniform also makes a transition during the Webelos years. The den number is removed from the right shoulder and is replaced by a patrol patch which symbolized their new patrol name. At some point during the Webelos program, the boys may elect to wear the Boy Scout brown shirt instead of the Cub Scout blue shirt. In the past, many boys would continue to wear the blue shirt until they outgrew it and then change to the brown. Some boys would continue to wear the blue throughout all of Webelos. A recent change to the Webelos badge now requires the boy to switch to the brown shirt when he receives his Webelos badge.

As the four, major rank, diamond shaped badges are awarded (Tiger, Bobcat, Wolf and Bear), they are sewn on the left shirt pocket. The four badges are positioned to form a large diamond where the Bobcat badge is in the 12:00 position, the Wolf in the 9:00, the Tiger in the 6:00 and the Bear in the 3:00. The Tiger badge used to be rectangular shaped and was placed under the right shirt pocket. That left room for the diamond shaped Webelos badge, shown above, to be worn in the 6:00 position on the left pocket. Now that the Tiger badge is worn on the left pocket, that does not leave room for the Webelos badge. When the Tiger badge was changed from rectangular to diamond, the Webelos badge was changed from diamond to the oval shape above. This is to be worn on a brown shirt placed over the left pocket. The other badges are no longer worn. This change is more in style with the Boy Scout uniform where a single rank (the highest earned) oval badge is worn on the left pocket.

Additional changes to the uniform include a plaid neckerchief and hat worn in place of the Bear blue, and a brown Boy Scout webbed belt with a Webelos buckle. The neckerchief and Webelos handbook are presented by the Pack to the boys during the Bear graduation.

Advancement

Advancement also changes in the Webelos program. Instead of working on achievements and electives, the boys now work on Activity Badges. These are age-appropriate projects for older Cub Scouts. Activity badges are sorted into five discipline-related groups. They are the Community Group, the Mental Skills Group , the Outdoor Group , the Physical Skills Group , and the Technology Group . Activity badges are pinned on a set of tricolor tassels, worn on the right shoulder, directly below the patrol emblem, called the Webelos Colors. During this period, the boys start to become familiar with the Boy Scout requirements. Activity badges are similar to Boy Scout merit badges. Every month or two, a den works on a new badge. Unlike the Wolf and Bear years, much of the badge work is performed during the den meeting, instead of at home.

After earning a specific number of activity badges and fulfilling other requirements, the boys receive their Webelos badge. This is typically earned by the end of 4^th grade. After earning the Webelos badge, the Webelos Scout may receive the Compass Points emblem and additional gold compass points to pin on it as an incentive to complete additional activity badges. The compass point emblem is placed on the right shirt pocket button, in place of the immediate recognition patch and beads earned during the Wolf and Bear years.

After a boy has completed the fourth grade and earned the Webelos badge, the next step on the Webelos trail to becoming a Boy Scout is earning the Arrow of Light Award. This is the highest award a Cub Scout can earn, and is the only Cub Scout badge that can be worn on the Boy Scout Uniform. As a boy works on the Arrow of Light, he gets a chance to practice some Scout skills that he has already learned, earn more Activity Badges, and really learn what a Boy Scout is. This award is so special, that a specific Arrow of Light ceremony is performed, which is usually held during the January Pack meeting.

Part of the Arrow of Light requirements is that the boy must attend some Boy Scout troop meetings and participate in a troop outdoor activity, typically a campout. By the time he has earned his Arrow of Light your son has hopefully chosen which troop he wants to join. Deciding which troop to join is an individual decision. In some dens, all the boys may join just one troop. In others, the boys may split up depending on their needs and desires. There are many good troops in the area to choose from. During the March Pack meeting, another special ceremony, a bridging ceremony, is held where the 2^nd year Webelos are graduated into their chosen Boy Scout troops.