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Pack 630 Handbook
Date: 12/15/11
WELCOME TO CUB SCOUTING
Our Pack is ready for another terrific year of fun, activities and leadership-building for our boys and their families.
This booklet will answer many of your questions about how our Pack, and scouting in general works for the benefit of young men.
THE PACK ... What's that?
Pack 630 is the unit name of our group. It is chartered through Annunciation Catholic Church, but is open to all boys of all religious backgrounds. Membership in the church is not required for membership in our Pack.
It is supervised by the Central Florida Council of the Boys Scouts of America. You can find out more information about the Council, the Packs (scouts ages 6-10), and Troops (scouts ages 11-18) it supervises, as well as the history of scouting, through its website: cfcbsa.org
The Council headquarters is located on U.S. 441 in Apopka, across from the Super Wal-mart. That is also the location of the Council Scout Shop, where uniforms, patches, badges, and a variety of Scout merchandise can be purchased.
DENS ... This is NOT a room in your home!
The Pack consists of Dens which divide the boys into age groups. For example, Tigers are primarily made up of boys in the first grade (roughly ages 6-7). Wolf Scouts are typically second graders, Bear scouts third graders. Fourth AND fifth graders are Webelos, the last Den level of Cub Scouting before boys move into BOY Scouting (troops).
A boy may enter cub scouting AT ANY AGE. Packs will accept boys up to and including the fifth grade. Beyond that, they would join troops.
Special Note: Annunciation Catholic Church also sponsors Boy Scout Troop 849, which meets on church property, just as Pack 630 does.
Each Den is led by a Den Leader, typically, a parent of one of the boys in that Den.
The Den Leader is responsible for each boy's advancement through scouting requirements in that particular Den. These requirements are spelled out in a handbook that leads Cubs on a "Trail" through various activities and challenges, many of which can be completed with the help of parents/guardians and siblings as well as fellow Den members. Each scout must purchase the handbook. There is one handbook for each year of scouting. Den Leaders will also be provided with a "program" help booklet that offers useful suggestions for running Den meetings, and creating fun activities. Dens can have as few as 2-3 boys and up to a maximum of 10 boys, unless special circumstances approved by Pack leadership dictate otherwise.
MEETINGS ... Yup! We like meetings. That keeps us organized.
Dens are REQUIRED to meet a minimum of once per month, but 2-3 meetings per month is recommended. The more you meet, the greater the opportunity each cub scout will be able to achieve the requirements necessary for rank advancement (moving to the next level of scouting). Also, since many boys are involved in sports, academics and other activities, missing one meeting per month will not be so critical if the Den, as a group, meets 2-3 times per month. Where and when you meet is determined by each Den after discussion with parents, but is ultimately the decision of the Den Leader. Annunciation Catholic Church and Annunciation Catholic Academy MAY, at their discretion, provide meeting space.
Boys are strongly encouraged to be in uniform for Den meetings, keeping in mind that some Den activities may be MESSY, requiring appropriate clothing other than the uniform.
Special Note: Tiger Den members are required to have at least one parent or authorized guardian with the child at every Den meeting. No Exceptions. Parent participation is strongly encouraged at all Den levels, but the presence of a parent at Den meetings for Wolf, Bear, and Webelo scouts is NOT required.
It is also strongly advised that a Den leader recruit at least one parent to be an Assistant Den leader. Spread the workload!
The Pack meets once per month from August-May. These meetings are typically at night on Annunciation Catholic Church property. You will be provided a calendar each August that will indicate times and location of Pack meetings and other events.
Uniforms are required for all pack meetings. It is likely that any scout at any time may be called to participate in Opening and Closing Flag Ceremonies, skits, assistance with activities, etc... BUT will NOT be called to participate if he is not dressed appropriately.
Activities at Pack meetings include: Featuring projects developed in Den meetings that follow our monthly themes. For example, it the theme for a given month is "Rockets Red Glare"... your Den may hold a meeting PRIOR to the Pack meeting and build model rockets. Such projects should be brought to the Pack meeting and displayed, along with a discussion by the scouts regarding planning and design of the rockets. Other typical Pack activities are a regular "hands-on" activity TO BE SET-UP AND COMPLETED BY THE SCOUTS DURING THE PACK MEETING, distribution of Belt Loops, Patches, Badges, Sports and Academic achievement Pins, Religious Patches and/or Medals, etc. More about advancement later in this booklet.
Special Note: Each Den will host at least ONE and likely Two Pack meetings during the scouting year. Each host Den will be required to develop decorations, a Pack night activity, and a Den meeting project to BRING to the Pack meeting for display and discussion. The host Den will also be responsible for arriving at least 30 minutes prior to the Pack meeting to set-up. Some Dens have, in the past, provided a snack or meal for the Pack meeting they host. This is OPTIONAL. To help cover costs for decorations and projects, each Den leader will be provided money (typically $25-$50) to cover such expenses, at the discretion of the Pack Committee.
PACK LEADERSHIP
Packs are led by a Cubmaster and a Pack Committee Chairman. Who are they?
The Cubmaster is the official representative leading the Pack in the eyes of the Charter Organization (Annunciation Catholic Church) and the local Boy Scout Council (Central Florida Council of the Boy Scouts of America). The Cubmaster runs each Pack meeting, organizing and directing the agenda, ensures that the "host" Den for each Pack meeting is meeting its responsibilities and works closely with the Pack Committee Chairman. The Cubmaster (as with ANY Pack leadership position) can me a man or a woman and is usually a parent/guardian of a boy in the Pack, but is NOT required to be. For example, men and women with a long history of scouting have been known to make scouting leadership their volunteer service in their church or civic community. The Cubmaster role is backed up by an Assistant Cubmaster who substitutes in the absence of the Cubmaster.
The Pack Committee Chairman works closely with the Cubmaster to ensure all goals of the Pack are met, and on schedule throughout the scouting year. The Pack Committee Chairman runs the monthly "Leader Meetings" in which all Den leaders and Committee leaders gather to supervise Pack expenditures, create and adjust the annual calendar of events, assist Den leaders in directing Cub Scout advancement, ensure Pack meetings, campouts, derby races and other events are carried out with proper supervision, and communicate with the local scouting Council to guarantee the Pack is following all rules to remain actively chartered. The Pack Committee Chairman is also responsible for communicating to all scout parents but MAY designate such duty to the Committee Secretary or some other adult in the Pack.
Ultimately, the parents in any Pack, either approve or disapprove of Pack leadership.
Special Note: Each May, the Pack Committee, under the direction of the Pack Committee Chairman, will invite parents/guardians to volunteer their time to serve in a leadership role. Those who volunteer will be given a chance to state why they are interested in, and hoe they are qualified for the leadership position they are seeking (ie... Cubmaster, Assistant Cubmaster, Pack Committee Chairman, Den Leader, Treasurer, Charter Representative, Secretary, Advancement Chairman, Popcorn Kernel, Family Fest Chairman, Pinewood Derby Chairman, Raingutter Regatta Chairman, Space Derby Chairman, Camping Chairman) The existing Pack Committee will vote on candidates and those results provided to the Pack membership at the May Crossover Pack Meeting.
EVENTS ... you know, building stuff, pitching tents, junk like that!
Scouting is an adventure. Pack 630 guarantees it! We're proud and eager to provide young men the opportunity to explore their creativity and satisfy their cravings for outdoor excitement.
RACES
During the year we will hold "Races". The Pinewood Derby is the oldest and most popular Cub Scout racing event. We also hold a boat race, called the Raingutter Regatta, in which Scouts provide the "wind power" for their boat's sails. And we hold a Space Derby, in which propeller-powered rockets speed along monofilament line. Scouts design, build, paint and race their vehicles and are awarded prizes, not only for the fastest vehicle, but also for various design elements. These are outstanding family events. Bring your camcorder and camera!
How do you build these vehicles? Good Question: When Pack 630 provides you a "kit", directions are inside. Pass the sand paper...
CAMPING
Pack 630 typically attends 2 or 3 campouts at the Council's campgrounds in Paisley, Lake County, Florida. It's called Camp La No Che. The facilities are some of the best ANYWHERE thanks to substantial sponsorship from Winn-Dixie Supermarkets and Florida Hospital (Hey, you need a clinic when your Scout gets hurt? We've got one!)
Each campsite has standard bathrooms, showers, fire pits, and covered pavilions. There is also a lake for fishing, canoes, a fabulous pool with trained lifeguards, trading post, recreation and sports area, hiking trails, and of course, a main arena for large bonfires and night-time story-telling. Each Pack will be required to provide a "skit"... an entertaining "short" story, or song on the Saturday evening of each campout at La No Che.
Occasionally we will go camping as a Pack to other sites in Florida.
Special Note: At least one parent/guardian is REQUIRED on each and every camping trip. No exceptions. Also, ALL Cub Scout campouts, with the exception of the Webelos-specific camp-out and camp-outs in conjunction with a Boy Scout Troop, are open to ALL family members.
Special Note #2: Each parent/guardian is responsible for paying the registration fees for camping directly to the Scout Council for camp-outs at Camp La No Che. Pack 630 will NOT collect your money and register for you for ANY camping trips to Camp La No Che. Camp forms are available online at the Council website: cfcbsa.org. Pack 630 will most often provide hard copies of camp registration forms at Pack Meetings several months prior to camping trips, but it is YOUR responsibility to sign-up. Do so at least 4-6 weeks prior to camping trips at Camp La No Che to ensure a spot, as most of these camp-outs fill to capacity.
For other campouts sponsored by Pack 630, we will provide forms and collect money for registration.
SCOUTING FOR FOOD
Pack 630 is committed to helping the poor, the hungry, the destitute in our community. We hold one event each year to do this. In November, we will assist the local Council by placing food-collection bags on the front doors of homes (supervised by adult leaders, of course) and the following weekend, we collect those bags (hopefully filled with food). All Scouts are required to make every effort to join this task. Those who do will receive a commemorative Scouting For Food patch. Pack 630 will advise Scouts and their parents/guardians of the specific weekends for Scouting For Food.
SERVICE PROJECT
Each December, Pack 630 performs a task or provides a benefit to those less fortunate in our community. In years past, we have provided fruit and food baskets for seniors living near Annunciation Catholic Church and made and distributed blankets to seniors in local nursing homes. The purpose to show our young men that a big part of life is caring for those around us, often when they need help the most. Pack leadership welcomes ideas for service projects from Scouts and their parents/guardians.
BLUE & GOLD DINNER AND MAY CROSSOVER ... This is SPECIAL
Each February, generally the first or second Saturday, we say goodbye to our senior Webelo scouts (fifth graders). They "Crossover" to Boy Scouts. This ceremony "bridges" the transition from scouting for young "boys" to scouting for young "men." Hey, we even have a real bridge! This ceremony is very special. It's an emotional time for a family to witness the culmination of a boy's Cub Scouting career (5 years, if they began as Tigers!), a time that forms the foundation for a lifetime of responsible leadership. The evening includes a dinner, a candlelight ceremony, presentation of the Arrow Of Light (The highest achievement in Cub Scouting), and a reception by a local Boy Scout Troop, in our case, Troop 849, based at Annunciation Catholic Church. The Webelo Den Leader AND ALL PARENTS/GUARDIANS of the boys crossing over, are responsible for the planning of the evening.
With supervision by the Cubmaster and Pack Committee Chairman, the Den Leader will write the full program, which includes the specific language in the ceremony. Don't worry, Pack 630 has a program template which can be adapted to any Blue & Gold Dinner program. BUT, this should be the signature event of your Den, your special mark on the Pack you leave behind. Pack 630 will provide the money, in an amount approved by the Pack Committee, to pay for supplies. It is strongly recommended, though, that a dinner fee be charged AND collected prior to the dinner. (The January Pack Meeting is often the LAST available time for families to sign up and pay for their meals).
Full Dress Uniforms including dark slacks or shorts are required for all Scouts
Special Note: Parent/Son Bake-off- We like dessert. And, we want YOU to provide it for our Blue and Gold dinner. So, to encourage attendance and make the evening more fun... we hold a Parent/Son Bake-Off. Each Scout and a parent/guardian are asked to bake a dessert of their choosing. Prizes are given in a variety of categories, including but not limited to, "Best Tasting", "Best Scout Theme", "Tallest", "Flattest", "Smallest", "Biggest", "Best Design", yadda, yadda, yadda... The only BIG rule is this: Every part of the dessert MUST BE EDIBLE. No exceptions. Entries NOT meeting this rule, will not be judged in any category.
FAMILY FEST
Each May, generally the first or second Saturday, The Central Florida Council of the Boy Scouts of America, hosts a day in which ALL Packs and Troops gather at a park (typically Kitt Nelson Park in Apopka) and enjoy a day of terrific fun and entertainment.
This is really a blast. Each Pack and Troop is responsible for setting up an activity booth, and the creativity is astounding. Scouts will get a chance to build a bridge, make sand sculptures, make a planter to take home (hey, this is always right before Mother's Day!), shoot marsh mellow guns, tie knots, throw spears at buffalos (REALLY... that was our Pack activity one year, and you never know when the buffalo will "roam" back to Family Fest), make arts and crafts of all descriptions. The list is endless. Participation in Family Fest is also a requirement for our unit to earn the "Quality Unit" award and patch, which is awarded yearly to each Scout. The Patch is worn on the bottom of the right sleeve of the uniform.
COSTS ... It's our pleasure to take your money...
Each Scout and each "Leader" will be required to pay a nominal fee to retain membership annually. This fee is subject to change, but is typically $10-$12 per Scout and Leader. It is collected between August and November each year. ALL of this money goes to the council, not to our Pack and pays to maintain each Scouts record of advancement and registration in good standing with the National Boy Scouting organization. Additionally, to cover expenses, Den Leaders SHALL require each scout to contribute during the year. A $1 to $2 fee per Scout, per meeting, is recommended.
Special Note: Never let money stand in the way of letting your son participate in Scouting. Is the uniform too expensive? Are the fees too much? Please, talk to the Cubmaster or Pack Committee Chairman. We will never allow expenses to discourage a boy from enjoying Scouting.
FUNDRAISING ... pass the popcorn and candy, please.
All scouting Packs are non-profit. Fundraising keeps us going. Each scout is required to assist the Pack in TWO primary fundraising events during the scouting year.
Popcorn sales take place in the Fall. Candy sales take place in the Spring. By far, our biggest profit and fundraising efforts are focused on Popcorn sales. Yeah, the Girl Scouts have cookies... but try putting THEM in a microwave! As we've discovered, people love popcorn and we sell microwaveable, chocolate-covered, peanut/caramel-covered, cheese-covered popcorn and other varieties. Each Scout will have an opportunity to earn prizes!... by making individual popcorn sales and will also be required to sell at store-front locations on one or more weekends, as directed by the Den leader. We retain more than 30% of all sales, with the rest going to the local Scout Council. This is a vital fundraiser, the largest we do all year. Each Scout will be required to sell at least $50 worth of popcorn INDIVIDUALLY, NOT INCLUDING sales with his Den at store locations.
Candy sales are in the Spring. Each Scout will be required to sell a set amount of candy bars, which will be determined by Pack leadership. Pack 630 also receives a substantial portion of the proceeds from Candy sales.
Pack 630 may initiate other fundraisers, in which we retain 100% of proceeds and all Scouts and their families are encouraged to make fundraising suggestions to the Cubmaster.
The Pay-Off: The more we raise, the more we can cover expenses that must otherwise be carried by Scouts during the year. For example, Pack 630 typically pays for ALL Pinewood Derby, Raingutter Regatta, and Space Derby vehicles, ALL expenses for Pack meeting decorations and activities, ALL patches, pins, awards, rank advancement badges, rank advancement kerchiefs, and SOME of the expenses for camping trips.
CUB SCOUTS ACADEMICS AND SPORTS PROGRAM ... Do Your Best
"Do Your Best" is the Cub Scout motto. You will hear this alot. We are SERIOUS about this. Scouting is not now, nor should it ever be, a COMPETITION. That is why the Academic and Sports program is OPTIONAL. That said, it offers each Scout the opportunity to seek adventure in area's that he enjoys. NONE of the achievements in this area have anything to do with a boy advancing to the next rank. Period. In fact, most of these achievements are NOT earned in Den meetings, Pack meetings, or during other routine scouting events. Most often they are earned by a Scout with his family. Some can be earned simply by participating in school-based or extracurricular programs. Some can ONLY be earned at a certified Scout campground, such as Camp La No Che, or during a Council-sponsored summer camp program (BB Sports and Archery to name two).
There are two primary categories for this program:
BELT LOOPS
Cub Scout belt loops are earned by learning the BASICS of a particular sporting event, recreational activity, or academic area. For example, the Bicycle Belt Loop is earned simply by planning a bike trip, learning routine hand signals, learning the parts of a bike and some safety rules. Belt Loops, clearly, go on the Scout's belt.
PINS
Pins are earned by showing a great deal more effort in MASTERING a sport, recreational activity or academic area. For example, a Scout may earn the Baseball Belt Loop by swinging a bat, throwing a ball and catching a ball with a glove and learning some of the rules of a game. BUT earning the pin (check the specific requirements for details) often entails playing an entire season of a particular sport, with requirements for practice and game time, and demonstrating a certain skill level.
Special Note: You may be asking "can my Scout earn a Belt Loop AND a Pin in a particular area, such as, skiing?" Yes, a Scout can earn BOTH.
Special Note #2: Pins do NOT go on the regular Scout uniform shirt. They may be displayed on the Scout hat, on the red "Patch & Achievement Vest, or on the Cub Scout Letter (a large "C" shaped patch) which can be stitched to a jacket, the "Patch & Achievement Vest, or other jacket.
*****Question: Where are the requirements for Belt Loops and Pins found? Good question. You can purchase a booklet at the Council Scout Shop that has all of the requirements spelled out. It rarely changes. OR (and we think this is economically smarter) you can use your computer to go ONLINE AND GOOGLE A SEARCH FOR "CUB SCOUT BELT LOOPS AND PINS". Some, much larger Packs, have their own websites and post all Cub Scouting achievement information, with rules and guidelines, on those sites. The National scouting office also has a link. Please do not hesitate to ask the Cubmaster, Pack Committee Chairman, or a Den leader for more information.
UNIFORM GUIDELINES ... Blue or Khaki... don't be TACKY!
All supplies for scout uniforms can be purchased at the Council Scout shop on U.S. 441 in Apopka. While a Scout MAY wear official shorts or pants, official socks and official hats, Pack 630 DOES NOT REQUIRE THESE. Cost is the primary reason. We don't want to nickel and dime you and uniforms are not cheap. We DO have some requirements:
Tiger Scouts- Navy Blue Shirt, Orange Kerchief (purchased by parent/guardian), kerchief slide, Pack 630 # on middle of left sleeve, Central Florida Council Patch on top of left sleeve, Den # on right sleeve directly beneath American Flag patch (which comes pre-sewn on uniform shirt, Navy or tan khaki shorts or pants, or denim shorts or pants.
Wolf Scouts- Same as above BUT Pack 630 provides Yellow Kerchief at May Crossover, when Cub completes Tiger Requirements.
Bear Scouts- Same as above BUT Pack 630 provides Light Blue Kerchief at May Crossover, when Cub completes Wolf Requirements.
Note: If your scout has outgrown one or two BLUE shirts, you may purchase a BOY scout (Olive Khaki in color) in anticipation of his Webelos years and, beyond that, Boy Scouts.
Webelo Scouts- Olive Khaki colored shirt with same insignias as above. BUT, Pack 630 will provide Webelo plaid kerchief at May Crossover when Cub completes Bear requirements. The uniform shirt may ALSO be worn when a Webelo Crosses over to Boy Scouts.
Special Note: Wondering where to put those Diamond-Shaped Patches when your Scout earns his Tiger, Bobcat (the first stage the Wolf Trail), Wolf, and Bear ranks? They form an even BIGGER diamond on the Scout's left pocket. When all 4 are earned, they are then REPLACED by a single Webelo Patch, when the Scout earns his Bear Rank.
On a final note, confusion about where to place patches and badges can be cleared up by referring to a Scout's handbook. Explanations and illustrations are provided.
RELIGIOUS ACHIEVEMENT AND RECOGNITION
National Boy Scouting offers each Scout the opportunity to explore his particular faith. While it is true that Pack 630 is Chartered through and sponsored by Annunciation Catholic Church, a wide variety of religious recognition medals and badges can be earned. Details of these awards are outlined in each scout handbook and workbooks for these religious achievements are available at the Council Store in Apopka.
Special Note: Because most of the boys in our Pack are Catholic and members of Annunciation Catholic Church, we should point out that TWO different religious awards are able to be earned through Cub Scouting. Ones is the Light Of Christ and is earned by boys while they are working on the Wolf or Bear Trails (2nd and 3rd grade). The other is the Parvuli Dei and is earned by Webelos (4th and 5th grade). Once the Scout completes work in a specific workbook for either award, that material is presented to a Parish priest. The priest interviews the Scout on his knowledge of his faith. If the work is approved, the Scout receives a medal, and a purple "knot". Both the Light of Christ and Parvuli Dei can be earned, and both medals can be worn on the Scout's uniform, though only one purple knot is worn on the uniform. Religious achievement is special. The purple knot is the ONLY knot that can be worn on the Scout uniform when a boy leaves Cub Scouting and becomes a BOY Scout. It is also one of just THREE knots that can be worn on an ADULT leader uniform (the others are the Arrow Of Light Knot, earned by Cub Scouts when they complete Webelos requirements, and the Eagle Scout Knot, earned when a Boy Scout completes requirements for the highest rank in Boy Scouting).
LEADER TRAINING ... Get yourself a fancy patch!
Once you have decided to make the commitment to become "more involved" in your boy's Scouting adventures, training helps to make that a better experience. Each Den Leader, and committee leader should complete training, which is offered partially online at the Council website cfcbsa.org (See "Fast Start" Training), and more completely at the Council offices on U.S. 441 in Apopka, and other locations locally. Pack 630 strongly encourages every leader to take the one day training course for their specific role. For example, the Cubmaster will attend a morning session that goes over training basics, and in the afternoon will attend a session devoted specifically to Cubmaster expertise.
Pack 630 will pay all fees associated with training.
SAFETY AND SECURITY ... Fingerprinting
Because Pack 630 is Chartered under the Diocese of Orlando, we must follow all Diocesan rules when it comes to protecting the boys in our organization. It just makes good sense to make sure the people coming in close contact with children are fit to serve in that role.
So... Pack 630 requires ALL Leaders (Den Leaders and Committee Leaders) to be fingerprinted under the direction of the Diocese. Pack 630 will also pay Half of the fee associated with this procedure. At the time in which the Pack Committee votes to install a new leader, that new leader has 30 days to make and complete an appointment to be fingerprinted. This is an FBI background check, the most thorough for checking potential criminal histories. Parents/Guardians of Scouts in Pack 630 are NOT required to be fingerprinted, but it is strongly recommended when your Scout joins. The procedure for researching a person's background can take 6 months, and once parents/guardians are fingerprinted and cleared to volunteer, that clearance is valid for 7 years.
Special Note: Appointments to be fingerprinted can be made by contacting the Annunciation Catholic Church Office, 1020 Montgomery Rd. Altamonte Springs, Fl. The phone number is 407-869-9472. You may also make an appointment through Annunciation Catholic Academy at 974 Montgomery Rd. Altamonte Springs, Fl. The phone number is 407-774-2801.
BOY'S LIFE MAGAZINE
Boy's Life Magazine is published by the Boy Scouts of America for Scouts and their families. It has activities, stories of adventure, great columns about national scouting activities you may find interesting. A subscription is NOT required for membership in our Pack, but it is recommended.
INSURANCE
Insurance for all Scouts and Scout leaders is provided by Pack 630 for all officially sanctioned Boy Scouting events. For example, if you trip and fall at Camp La No Che, you are covered. If you trip and break a leg at a Pack meeting, you are covered. If you are trying on your keen scout shirt while staring wildly at yourself in the mirror, and slip, break an arm and crack a rib... we hope you have Blue Cross/Blue Shield... cause you are NOT covered by the Boy Scouts Of America.
That's All Folks!
Pack 630 and its leaders past and present, hope this booklet helps you in your scouting future. If you remember one thing, above all other things in this guide, remember this: Scouting is for the benefit of the young men who seek friendship, fun, and excitement. Along the way, with YOUR guidance, they will also learn self-dignity, respect for others, and leadership skills that will last a lifetime.
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