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Parents
Information for New Parents
Date: 11/22/08
Information for New Parents
Cub Scouting is fun! But it is fun with a purpose. Woven through all the fun is an inspired program that really works. Tried and proven methods are used that transfer traditional values, build character, and develop leaderships skills - all in the context of fun andfamilytogetherness." (BSA: Operation Tiger Mania 1996)
Welcome New Parents!
Pack 404 is excited about having you as the parents of our newest scouts! Cub Scouting provides a structured, organized program to help promote the overall aims of Scouting to develop a boy’s character, train him in good citizenship, and encourage him in his development of physical, mental, and moral fitness.
In 1930, the Boy Scouts of America created a new opportunity called Cub Scouting 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. Cub Scouting prepares the boys for becoming Boy Scouts.
We have provided the following information to help get you and your boy jump-started on the fun that being part of Cub Scouting offers.
What Do I do to Sign my Boy Up?
A boy must assume a duty to be faithful to the rules of Scouting as represented in the Cub Scout Promise, Law of the Pack, and Cub Scout motto.
The Cub Scout Application must be completed, signed, and returned with membership fee.
The Class 1 Personal Health and Medical History sheet must also be completed and signed.
It is requested that each family complete the “Family Talent Survey sheet”.
The yearly membership fee of $68 is collected at the time the Application is completed and is renewed each year.
The yearly fee is broken down as follows:
BSA dues (for 18 months)............$15.00 (Boy Scouts)
Boy’s Life Magazine subscription…...$12.00 (Monthly)
Cub Handbook........................$ 6.00
Pack 404 Class B Uniform T-shirt....$10.00
Pack Program dues...................$37.00
(Pays for Awards, Den/Pack Meeting Supplies…)
Total......$80.00
How Many Meetings, When and Where are They?
Den meetings are usually held twice per month at the scout house located behind First Baptist Church of Pelham (Southeast corner of upper parking lot). The Dens meet different days & times. For example, the Webelos may meet Saturday at 10:00am and the Bears meet Thursday at 6:30pm. The day & time for your son’s meeting will be communicated to you by the appropriate leader at the sign up table at the end of the meeting.
Pack meetings are held the third Thursday of each month at 6:30pm at the FBC Pelham Annex building located across the street from the church. Special events are sometimes planned in addition to Pack meetings. These event times and locations are communicated through the Pack Calendar, Pack Meetings, Email and through information regularly sent home from the Den meetings.
Does My Boy Need A Uniform?
The Boy Scouts of America has always been a uniformed body. Pack 404 requires all their scouts to have the minimum uniform and to wear it to all Scouting functions. We wear the uniform because it is a means of identifying ourselves openly with the principles to which we are committed - character development, citizenship training, physical and mental fitness.
As a minimum, the following uniform items are required:
The Cub Scout cap (Orange for Tigers, Gold for Wolf, Blue for Bears, Plaid for Webelos)
Belt and belt buckle
Neckerchief & neckerchief slide (Orange for Tigers, Gold for Wolf, Blue for Bears, Plaid for Webelos)
Cub Scout blue shirt (short sleeve). The tan shirt is used for second year Webelos.
Insignia (Council patch, Pack numerals 404, Den Numeral, and World scout crest emblem).
Rank and award patches will be supplied by the Pack as they are earned.
Pack 404 has created Pack Policies & Procedures that should be referenced as a complete guide to the uniform requirements for Cub Scouts and adult leaders.
In addition to the uniform, each boy will be required to have his own handbook. Uniforms and handbooks are available at area scouts shops or online. Remember to get the handbook and uniform components appropriate for the program in which your boy will be participating (Tiger, Wolf, Bear or Webelos).
Are There Any Other Costs?
Annual dues are set by the Pack Committee at the annual planning meeting based on budgetary needs. Some outings may require additional fees to participate. These outings are attended on a voluntary basis. Adults who become leaders also have registration fees to join the Boy Scouts of America. The Pack works to defray additional costs by participating in approved money-earning projects.
Who Operates A Cub Scout Pack?
Like other phases of the Scouting program, Cub Scouting is made available to groups having similar interests and goals, which include professional organizations, religious, educational, civic, and citizens' groups. These are called chartered organizations. Pack 404 is chartered by the First Baptist Church of Pelham. This organization, through the Pack Committee, is responsible for leadership, the meeting place, and related materials for pack activities. The Pack Committee is a group of adult volunteers, mainly the parents of Cub Scouts, who plan the Pack program and individual activities as well as managing such things as record keeping, finance, leadership recruitment, and registration. The Pack Committee meets monthly and meetings are open to any interested parent. It takes parents volunteering to make a Cub Scout Pack operate well!
What Involvement Do Parents Have in Cub Scouts?
At Den meetings, a Cub Scout starts an activity. Perhaps it is a handicraft project or practicing a skit for the next pack meeting. During the week, with his parents' help, he finishes the project and works on the program requirements for advancement. If it happens to be something required for his Tiger, Wolf or Bear advancement, his parent signs his Cub Scout book. In this way, Cub Scouting helps to strengthen family ties. Be involved and interested in your boy’s progress. Parents and families are also expected to attend Pack meetings. Parents may be asked to support a Den, Pack or outing by helping in performing tasks or bringing refreshments. Parents have to be involved in the Pack for it to be successful. The Pack requires volunteers for leadership positions at the Den or Pack level. Sign up for a position or let the leaders know you will assist in another capacity. An excellent way to let the Pack know the areas that you can and want to assist in is to fill out and turn in a Family Talent Survey Sheet.
What Outdoor Programs does the Pack Offer?
Pack 404 promotes adventuresome outdoor programs for the Cub Scouts. These include field trips, cookouts, Pack outings, day camps and overnight camping. Because Cub Scouting is home-centered, family camping is also emphasized. The Pack’s goal is to have an outing scheduled for every other month. Depending on the outing, at least one parent may be required to accompany their boy. Most outings require the boy to have a parent signed Participation Permission Slip. They serve two purposes: one to notify the parent of the outing and second for the parent to give their permission to participate. A medical Class 1 or 2 and release form is required to be on file for the outings so please fill out the form provided in the packet.
For a parent to transport any Scout other than their own to any Scout outing, the vehicle must have adequate insurance coverage and seat belts for each passenger. Information to complete the verification process may be requested when a parent agrees to drive for an outing.
How Do Cub Scouts Advance and Which Program is for my Son?
Recognition is important to young boys. Advancing through the Cub Scout program provides fun for the boys, gives them a sense of personal achievement as they earn badges, and strengthens family understanding as adult family members work with the boys on their advancement projects, achievement requirements and electives.
Tiger Cub...The Tiger Cub program is for first grade (or age 7) boys and their adult partners. There are five Tiger Cub achievement areas. The Tiger Cub, working with his adult partner, completes 15 requirements within these areas to earn the Tiger Cub Badge. These requirements consist of an exciting series of indoor and outdoor activities just right for a boy in the 1st grade.
Bobcat...The Bobcat rank is for all boys who join Cub Scouting. It must be earned before a Scout works on their Wolf, Bear or Webelos requirements. Tigers can earn the Bobcat badge after they have earned their Tiger badge.
Wolf...The Wolf program is for boys who have completed first grade (or are age 8). To earn the Wolf badge, a boy must pass twelve achievements involving simple physical and mental skills.
Bear...The Bear rank is for boys who have completed second grade (or are age 9). There are 24 Bear achievements in four categories. The Cub Scout must complete 12 of these to earn the Bear badge. Bear requirements are somewhat more difficult than those for Wolf rank.
Webelos...This program is for boys who have completed third grade (or are age 10). A boy may begin working on the Webelos badge as soon as he joins a Webelos den. This is the first step in his transition from the Webelos den to the Boy Scout troop. As he completes the requirements found in the Webelos Scout Book, he will work on activity badges, attend meetings led by adults, and become familiar with the Boy Scout requirements—all leading to the Arrow of Light Award, the highest award that can be earned as a Cub Scout.
More information on the Cub Scout programs, achievements and electives are detailed in the Cub Scout handbook specific to each program.
What is Cub Scouting?
Parent Orientation Guide
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