Cub Scout Pack 530 Dacula, Georgia
Welcome to Pack 530
And welcome to Cub Scouting. The purpose of this Parent Guide is to provide you with some basic information on the Cub Scout program and how Pack 530 operates. Much of this information has been summarized from many other sources in an attempt to give you a quick reference guide that you can use when questions arise. It is by no means complete, so if you don’t find an answer to your question here, please don’t hesitate to ask.
Cub Scouting is a home-centered program for boys. The goals are simple: to teach and have fun. Boys try new things, learn new skills, develop good citizenship and good sportsmanship, and gain a sense of personal achievement. They also have fun with games, stunts, crafts, and songs as part of Den and Pack activities.
Throughout the year, the boys will be able to explore and learn about many different things, from simply hammering nails to building and racing cars. All of these activities are organized and put on by volunteer leaders, which are the parents.
Cub Scout Pack 530 is made up of boys in grades 1 through 5. In Cub Scouts, the Pack is made up of several dens. The Pack includes not only the boys in those dens, but also their families and their leaders. Pack 530 usually has a meeting or special event every month during the school year with Cub Scouts, leaders, parents and other family members attending. During the summer months, Pack 530 holds informal activities such as bike rides and overnight family camp-outs.
In keeping with the spirit of Scouting, we have lots of fun. But we can’t do it without the help of the many parents of Pack 530. Thanks in advance for your help in the many activities of Pack 530 during the coming year!Pack 530 Organization
Pack 530 is an all- volunteer organization. The Pack follows the traditional organization as presented by the Boy Scouts of America, but we’ve changed some of the names and titles to make them less “official” sounding. One thing that you will notice is that Pack 530 isn’t big on titles and ranks for the parents, except for the few positions that make the organization run. We do this so we can focus our efforts on the boys and the activities.
Cub Scouting emphasizes involvement between boys and their parents, adult leaders, and friends. Currently, Cub Scouts is the largest of the three membership divisions that makes up the Boy Scouts of America (the others are Boy Scouting and Exploring).The Den
The Cub Scouts of Pack 530 are divided into small groups of boys called dens, which meet weekly or bi-weekly under the direction of adult Den Leaders. The Den leaders are trained parent volunteers. The den allows boys to get to know each other better and work on activities and develop new skills that would be difficult to do so in a larger group.The Den Leader
This job is best described simply as a leader of the den. The Den Leader is a parent volunteer that helps organize the den and helps in pack activities. Both moms and dads can be Den Leaders. Some time during the year, Den Leaders should attend Cub Scout Leader Basic Training, which is a one-day training session presented by the Northeast Georgia Council.
The Den Leader makes sure that regular den meetings are scheduled and attends the monthly Pack meetings. However, the Den Leader does not do everything. In Pack 530, we think all parents should take turns in organizing the den meetings. Typically, the Den Leader will meet with the parents of the Den during the first part of the school year and together they develop a calendar of meetings and activities that will be performed for the rest of the year. During this meeting, parents will “sign up” to lead one or two den activities during the year. The Den Leader and the parents may also meet other times during the year as well and participate in activities outside of the regularly scheduled den meeting time. Of all of the positions, Den Leader is one of the easiest and the most fun! Try it for a year and see for yourself.The Den Leader Assistant
The Cub Scout Handbook recommends that each den have a Den Leader Assistant to help the Den Leader. In Pack 530, we believe that every parent by definition is an assistant since they help and lead activities during the den meetings. If your den is a larger one, the Den Leader may ask for a volunteer to assume a more active role in the den.Cub Master and Assistant Cub Master
The Cub Master and Assistant Cub Master host the monthly Pack meetings, acting as the emcees for the night. They are also resources to Den Leaders and parents alike, answering questions and making sure that the dens are running smoothly. The Cub Master represents the Pack during meetings with Scout officials; sometimes the Cub Master will ask other Den Leaders to fill in during these meetings.The Pack Committee
This committee consists of a chairperson, representatives from each Den, adult volunteers, and interested parents who are responsible for managing the pack and its programs. The Committee usually meets the X Tuesday of the month at 7:00pm at Dacula High School. Meeting dates are shown on the Pack Calendar. The Committee is also responsible for maintaining Pack funds and planning its budget. There are several positions that aren’t that visible in the daily operations. These positions include Secretary, Treasurer, and Awards, just to name a few. Volunteers are also needed in each Den to help with phone calls and such. Volunteers are needed to head up different activities that occur during the year.The Parent
This is probably the most important position, and you have already filled it! Kidding aside, you, the parent play an important part in Pack 530. At the Den level, you will be asked to attend Den Planning meetings where Den activities are planned for the Cub Scouts. You may also be asked to lead a den meeting or two where you can share a skill or hobby with the Scouts as they earn their various activity badges. At the Pack level, you are asked to attend the monthly Pack meetings with your Cub Scout. At Pack activities, you may be asked to generally help out, which may include setting up activities, helping the kids with the activities, serving snacks at functions, things along this line. Your participation and enthusiasm is vital in making Pack 530 an exciting experience for all the Scouts.The Bigger Picture
Pack 530 is one of the many Packs that make up the Apalachee District, which in turn is part of the Northeast Georgia Council. During the year, many Scout activities are organized and put on by the District, and you will receive mailings throughout the year announcing these activities. These include weekend camp-outs and other fun things. Feel free to attend these as time permits – you will have a great opportunity to see how other Packs are run and the types of activities that they do.Pack 530 Year At A Glance
Pack 530 holds many functions and special events throughout the year. Here’s a brief description of those activities which happen every year, other events happen which may or may not be a yearly event:Roundup
This is the name given to new scout and new leader registration night. Traditionally, Pack 530's Roundup is held at Dacula Elementary in September. It is a special time for boys and for the Pack and Dens they join. It is special for the Pack and Dens because it is a renewal point in the cycle of members and leaders.Popcorn Sale
The popcorn sale is the only fund raising activity for the cub scouts for the year and that is why it is conducted early in the fall. The kids have fun selling delicious popcorn products to neighbors, family and friends. Along with the annual dues, the popcorn sale raises the additional money needed by the pack and dens to offset the cost for various activities and supplies.Pinewood Derby
What’s Cub Scouting without a Pinewood Derby? January is when we hold our races. The boys have had some time to build their individual cars and now its race time! Our 6- lane racetrack is computer timed, and we’ve needed it in the past with some races being won by thousandths of a second!Blue and Gold Dinner
The annual February Blue and Gold dinner is Scouting’s birthday party. To celebrate the occasion, we have a delicious dinner with all the trimmings and treats. During the evening we also present awards, have den skits or other activities, it depends on what we think of that year. Come see what we’ve got in store this year.Arrow Of Light
During the Blue and Gold Dinner meeting we focus on the Arrow of Light Ceremony. This is when the 2nd year WEBELOS graduate into Boy Scouts and leave Pack 530. This is a very important moment for these Cub Scouts as they receive Cub Scouting’s highest award – the Arrow of Light. This award is the only Cub Scout award permitted to be worn on the Boy Scout uniform.Memorial Day Parade
Each year the Scouts and their families have the opportunity to participate in the annual Dacula Memorial Day Parade. If you are in town for the holiday, consider participating. It’s a memory you won’t soon forget.Progressing Through the Scout Program
The Cub Scout program is meant to be fun and educational. Activities are focused on building knowledge and skills in different areas. Completing activities helps the Scout earn various awards, activity badges, hat pins, belt loops and other patches. The various programs are discussed below, along with the awards that are available at each level.
More detail can be found in the Cub Handbook, or contact your Den Leader.Tiger Cubs
Tiger Cubs (1st graders) participate in activities that focus on areas outlined in the “Tiger Cub Handbook.” As activities are completed, the Tiger Cub receives a bead that can be added to his Tiger Cub paw on his belt loop. At the end of the school term, Tiger Cubs graduate into the Cub Scout program and can start working on their Bobcat requirements.Bobcat
Regardless of when a boy enters the Cub Scouting program, his first challenge is to earn his Bobcat patch. To do this, he learns the Cub Scout Promise, Law of the Pack, the Cub Scout handshake, salute, sign and motto.Wolf
Second graders begin working on the Wolf achievements. There are twelve achievements in different areas that, when completed, earn the Cub Scout the Rank of Wolf, along with the Wolf patch. Once the Wolf achievements are complete, the second grader can continue to work on electives in twenty-two different areas. Completing the first ten electives earns the Scout a Gold Arrow Point, and each additional ten electives earn a silver Arrow Point. The Scout can work on achievements (for earning the Wolf badge) and electives (for earning Arrow Points) in any order, but Arrow Points will only be awarded after the Scout has earned his Wolf badge.Bear
Third graders begin working on Bear achievements. There are twenty-four achievements in four different groups. After earning his Bear badge, the Scout can work on twenty-four Bear elective areas. Completing the first ten electives earns a Gold Arrow Point, and each additional ten electives earn a Silver Arrow Point. The Scout can work on achievements (for earning the Bear badge) and electives (for earning Arrow Points) in any order, but Arrow Points will only be awarded after the Scout has earned his Bear badge.Webelos
After completing the third grade, the Scout becomes a Webelos den member. This is a special time for the boys in the fourth or fifth grades. The Webelos 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. As a fourth grader, the Webelos Scout starts working to earn his Webelos badge. In addition, he can earn twenty Webelos activity badges [actually pins] focused in a number of different areas. As a fifth grader, he may earn Cub Scouting’s highest award – the Arrow Of Light Award. After receiving this award, the Webelos Scout leaves the Cub Scout program, typically joining one of the local Boy Scout Troops.The Typical Den Meeting
Den meetings are the time when the Scouts work on projects or activities that help him earn a badge or an arrow point. As a Scout parent, you may be requested to lead a Den activity. Don’t worry! It is not as difficult as it sounds. This section will give you some guidelines that you can use to prepare for a successful Den meeting.Plan The Meeting
Before the meeting; you need to know what activity you are going to lead. If your Den calendar doesn’t specify the activity, talk with your Den Leader. You should work on an activity or project that will help the boys earn a badge or an arrow point, if possible. Your Den Leader will know what activities have been done in the past so that you don’t duplicate something that has been done already. Once you have your activity in mind, gather the materials that you will need. Be sure to have extra on hand of everything just in case. Test your activity. If you are making something, make it yourself before the meeting. You may also want to use your Scout to test the project, too. Let him build one and watch to see what’s easy to do and what’s not so easy. You may have to change your project a little bit accordingly. The Scouts will lose interest quickly if an activity is too difficult to do. In some situations, you may need to call on extra parents to lend a helping hand.Holding the Meeting
Each Den meeting typically has the following components:
· Opening Ceremony – The Scouts can recite the Pledge of Allegiance or the Scout Oath. Check with your Den Leader to see what’s customary for your Den.
· The Activity – this is where the Scouts work on the activity you are leading.
· Cleanup and snack time – leave a few minutes for putting away tools and cleaning up your Den area.
· Closing – If you were unable to complete an entire activity, tell the Scouts what they need to do at home to complete the achievement. Hand out notices and give reminders for the next meeting and any Pack activities that are coming up.Tips For A Successful Den Meeting
· Have at least two adult leaders at all cub meetings and activities (This is a requirement of the Boy Scouts of America)
· Be organized. Plan out the meeting and have all necessary materials ready.
· Work in small groups for best results. Use additional adults if necessary.
· Get the boys’ attention before beginning. Use the Cub Scout quiet sign. (The Scouts should give the sign also. Compliment the first one to do so.)
· Talk quietly so the Scouts have to listen carefully.
· Plan an extra game or song in case you have some extra time at the end.
· Scouts should show respect for the Den Host, his or her home, and the other Scouts in the Den. If you are meeting at someone else’s house, please respect any request that they may have, such as no running in the house, loud voices, etc. These requests are usually made with the safety of the Scouts in mind.The Uniform
Scouts identify themselves by the uniform that they wear. The Tiger Cub uniform is the traditional dark blue shirt, orange neckerchief with matching cap and the Tiger Scout belt. Tiger paw beads that are earned by attending Tiger Cub functions are added to their belt loop. The Cub Scout uniform for second- and third- graders is the traditional dark blue shirt, blue and gold neckerchief, blue and gold hat, and matching belt. Webelos Scouts (fourth- and fifth- graders) have the option of changing to a khaki colored shirt with matching hat, belt, and Webelos neckerchief. Some Cub Scouts prefer to complete their uniform with official pants, socks and dress shoes, but Pack 530 only asks for the uniform from the belt upward.When To Wear the Uniform?
The Scout should wear his uniform:· To all Pack 530 meetings and events (unless otherwise noted)
· To all Den meetings, unless the Den Leader notes otherwise
· Any time the Scout is representing the Cub Scouts.The Scout should be in full dress (from the belt upward) for the Memorial Day Parade activity.
Where To Buy The Uniform
Cub Scout uniforms can be purchased at the following location:
Service Center
203 Swanson Dr.
Lawrenceville, GA 30043
770-962-2105Who Pays For Scouting?
The biggest expense that Pack 530 incurs is for special activities at pack meetings, Pinewood Derby cars, pins, badges and other awards that the Scout earns. Other expenses include membership in Boy Scouts of America, training, books, and miscellaneous items The money necessary to run Pack 530 comes from three primary sources: dues, fund raising activities, and contributions. Annual membership dues are charged at the beginning of the school year. The fee is based on past experience and has remained fairly constant over the years. The dues also cover membership in Boy Scouts of America, which helps to fund national and international programs. The parents that are leading that activity typically pay for supplies that are used in the Den meetings. Some projects are more expensive than others (such as buying wood for bird houses). In these situations, it may be necessary to ask the other parents to help pay for this additional cost. At the national and international level, Boy Scouts of America receives funding from various sources such as the United Way and other sources.References and Other Information Resources
One of the best resources available to you are the other parents in Pack 530. If you have a question or a concern, please do not hesitate to contact any of the Den leaders, Cubmaster or Assistant Cubmaster. The Scout handbooks (Wolf, Bear, etc.) provide explanations of the various badges and activities necessary to achieve them. They are an excellent source of ideas for den meetings, too.The Boy Scouts of America publish several books and reference manuals.