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Parent's Den!!!
Frequently Asked Questions
Date: 7/31/09
As a new Cub Scout Parent, or even existing one, there are many questions that can come to mind. The following are some commonly asked questions to help you better understand the Pack and Cub Scouting in general:
Q. What does it cost?
A. Initial cost is minimal compared to other youth programs available. You pay a one time registration fee Also there is the cost of the uniform and handbook. However, it is more important to us that the Cub is active rather than in full uniform right away. The only other costs may be from some field trips, special events, etc.
Q. What does the registration fee & dues cover?
A. The one time Pack registration fee covers the registration of you son in the Boys Scouts of America (BSA) as well as pays for a subscription to Boys’ Life Magazine (geared to his age).
The dues help cover the costs of the Cub Scouting program including crafts, activities, awards, refreshments, etc. Please note the dues must be current in order to participate with certain events/activities paid by the Pack.
Q. What is a Den & How often does a Den meet??
A. A Den is a group of about six to eight boys of the same age or grade level and is led by an adult volunteer called a Den Leader. Some Den Leaders may feel comfortable with more boys, especially if they have more than one assistant Den Leader or a Den Chief (Boy Scout assistant). However, Dens are usually designed to be small groups.
The Dens meet once a week. This will keep the boys involved in the program. The Pack will scale back slightly in the summer months. Den leaders are encouraged to hold meetings at the same time, on the same day each week at the same place. We usually meet on Monday's at 6:30 at Mt. Carmel United Methodist Church.
Q. What is a Pack & How often does the Pack meet?
A. The Pack consists of all the Dens, the Leaders and adults and is sponsored by its Charter Organization. The Pack meets once a month for the Pack Meeting, usually held at the end of the month. The Pack Meeting, led by the CubMaster, is where recognition, achievements, and awards are presented. The Pack meeting is open to the parents as well as family members, teachers, etc. We encourage all to attend.
Q. How much advancement work is done in the Den Meeting?
A. Cub Scouting is home-centered and family oriented. We don't deprive a family of working with their son by doing too much advancement work at the Den Meetings. The Den Meetings are not "advancement factories." A good balance of advancement projects is pre-planned for you. It doesn't overwhelm the boys with book work, and at the same time, encourages them to work at home.
Q. Who signs the handbooks?
A. The parents of Tiger, Wolf and Bear Cub Scouts have the primary privilege of “passing” their son on advancements. Please note if the book specifies an activity is to be done “with the Den” we want to try and adhere to this guideline. The Den Leader may sign off on achievements and electives done at Den or Pack meetings.
A. The Webelos Leader, or the person he/she designates, will approve the completion of requirements and sign the Webelo's Scout Book.
Q. What about fund-raisers? How often and what kind?
A. The Council sponsored fund-raising activity is the "Great American Popcorn Sale" wherein various types of Trails End brand popcorn are sold. Girl Scouts have their cookies, Boy Scouts have popcorn. The total profit from this fundraiser goes to the operational cost of the Pack. It really helps if all boys work to sell as much popcorn as possible.
Q. Do the boys go on field trips?
A. Yes. We try to schedule the majority of larger trips during weekends, however, Pack and Den trips on the regular meeting nights are a welcome change from the routine of Pack and Den meetings. The trips may be local tours teaching the boys something about their community and how it is run (police station, museums, etc.), or they may be larger trips such as to sporting events, overnight camping, etc.
Q. As a parent is there anything I can do to help?
A. Absolutely! Parental help outside the meetings is always needed. We are always looking for other adult volunteers to join the Pack Committee, you can help with a telephone tree, help with refreshments for Pack meetings, assist with fund-raisers such as the Popcorn Drive, do errands like picking up supplies, etc. The Pack Committee and Cubmaster always have needs that a parent can be of help with. Just ask!!!
Hopefully this information helped.
Click here to find out more ways to be involved in Scouting!
Joey Smith
(678) 414-4678
E-Mail: jgsmith109@yahoo.com
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