| Historical Cub Scout Pack 355 | Real Pack 355 |
Version: 080401
Welcome to Cub Scouts and Cookeville Pack 355! Our pack is made up of approximately 20 to 30 boys and their families, mostly from Northeast Elementary. Cub Scouts are part of the Boy Scouts of America, and have a long tradition of providing lots of fun activities for young boys. The BSA web site has an introduction called "What is Cub Scouting?" that has some useful introductory information.
In Cookeville Pack 355 we believe that Cub Scouting is fun, but it is fun with a purpose. Here is some information to help you understand how Cookeville Pack 355 practices Cub Scouting. We generally follow the rules and policies set by the national organization, so links to national sites can explain much of this. There is also information below that is specific to our pack.
The pack and all of it's belongings is owned by the charter organization and not the pack. It is however the responsibility of the pack committee to maintain and monitor the finances, equipments, flags, gear, and so on on behalf of the charter organization.
Organization
Meetings
Ranks
and Advancement
Paperwork,
fees, uniforms
The Cub
Scout Promise, Law of the Pack, and Motto
Contacts
Cub Scout Pack 355 is made up of first grade through fifth grade boys. The organization of the pack is standard. Boys meet in small groups (dens) of 5 to 8 boys. Each den has an adult leader, and consists of boys in the same grade. First graders are Tiger Cubs, second graders are Wolf Cubs, third graders are Bear Cubs, and fourth and fifth graders are Webelos. See Ranks and Advancement for more information about these.
Cookeville Pack 355, together with many other Cub Scout packs and many Boy Scout troops make up the Upper Cumberland District. The Upper Cumberland District is one of many subdivisions of the Middle Tennessee Council. There are over 300 councils in the United States.
Each Cub Scout pack is sponsored by an organization. Our chartered organization is the Northeast Elementary PTO. The chartered organization provides a representative (PTO Secretary) who is the charter head.
The pack is run by the Pack Committee, which is headed by the Committee Chairman. In Cookeville Pack 355, all adult leaders are committee members. The Committee meets once each month to plan pack meetings and other pack activities. Parents are always welcome at these meetings.
The Pack Committee is a group of adult volunteers 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. The Pack Committee will meet annually (generally before each new school year) to plan out the years events and develop the budget for the year. It is the job of the Committee Chair to adhere to the budget or make modifications as necessary. The Finance Chairman will assist with the overall process.
The Pack is a group made up of several
dens. The Pack includes not only the boys in those dens, but also
their families, and their leaders. The Packs meets once a month with Cub Scouts,
leaders, parents and other family members attending. The Pack meeting is the
climax of the month's den meetings and activities. It gives the dens something
to look forward to and work toward. This is a chance to recognize the boys,
their parents, and their leaders.
In addition to its regular meetings, the Pack sponsors certain special projects.
These include community projects (e.g., a Thanksgiving Food Drive for the
needy), outdoor activities (e.g., field trips, family campouts, etc.), fund
raising activities, and fun competitions (e.g., Pinewood car Derby).
The Cubmaster is an adult volunteer who serves as master of ceremonies at all
Pack meetings and leads Pack activities of all kinds.
Pack leadership positions may be held by women
or men.
The Cubmaster
is in charge of the pack meetings and reports to the Committee. In some packs
the Cubmaster is only the MC for the meetings, in others the Cubmaster plays a
major organizational role. In either case, the boys see the Cubmaster as the
authority figure. Whereas the boys look at the Cubmaster as the key
figure, it is the Pack Committee Chairman that is the authority figure for
family's, parents, adult leaders, and the committee process.
A monthly pack meeting follows the general format:
A Cub Scout Pack is divided into small groups of about six to eight boys
called dens, who meet weekly under the direction of adult Den Leaders and, in
some cases, Boy Scout Den Chiefs. In Pack 355, after the Blue and Gold,
den's must meet at least monthly. The Den Leaders are trained parent volunteers.
The den allows boys to get to know each other better and engage in activities
that would be difficult in a larger group. The den also provides leadership
opportunities for the boys as they elect "denners" or help to teach each other.
Den meeting activities are planned around the monthly theme and include games,
handicrafts, hikes and other outdoor fun, practicing skits and stunts in
preparation for the next Pack meeting and taking part in simple ceremonies and
songs. Sometimes work on advancement requirements is included, but most of that
work is accomplished by the boys with their parents (see details on the Webelos
rank for an exception). The Den Leaders may ask for special help occasionally
from parents (helping with a meeting, sharing a special skill, or just providing
a snack for the boys).
Dens are organized by rank. Ranks are organized by
grade and age:
The Den Leaders are the ones who do the majority of the work, and who have the most fun. All adult leaders must attend Youth Protection and Cub Scout Leader Basic Training, a one-day training course organized by the council. Den Leaders plan and organize den meetings, keep track of the boys' advancements, and attend leaders meetings (Committee meetings). Den Leaders should try to engage the parents in the den meetings to the greatest extent possible, both to make the Den Leader's job easier and to increase the boys' enjoyment. Cub Scouting is a family activity, and den meetings are a great place for family involvement. The Den Leader can go to the Cubmaster, Pack Trainer, or Committee Chair the for advice and assistance. Conflict resolution will be handled by the Pack Committee Chair.
Parents play an important role in the pack. The leaders will do their best to provide a quality program, but all the leaders in Cookeville Pack 355 are volunteers and have many other obligations. We depend on parents to help provide the good program we have. We ask every parent to help the pack in some capacity. You should take your share in organizing den meetings, working with the den leader of your son's den. In addition, you should help with at least one pack activity a year (e.g. Pinewood Derby or a campout). A parent should attend the pack meetings together with the Cub Scout. Every handbook for boys has a parent guide at the beginning. We also have a child protection videotape which you can watch together with your boy. There are no secrets in Cub Scouts; parents are welcome in any organizational meetings of the pack, district or council.
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Conduct
The pack is run to reflect the values of scouting. At no time will there be drinking, smoking, or foul language around the boys. Also, if an adult has a concern or complaint, the parent must take it to the Committee Chairman for review, unless it is in the form of suspected abuse. Reports of abuse are made on the council level. At no time will destructive gossip, or innuendoes be permitted against the pack, the BSA, or the leadership. Anything that can be viewed by the Charter Organization as destructive, malicious, or harmful in anyway shall be considered grounds for dismissal from the pack. The Committee Chair may dismiss any adult at will. If the decision is felt to be in error, that parent can appeal to the Charter Organization Representative . The Charter Representative has final say so and no other appeal process is available. The purpose for proper conduct is to keep any friction causing behavior from sending a wrong message to scouts and other leaders as well as to keep a pack in good standing for a quality unit with harmony and to adhere to a non "Hostile Environment." A record will be kept of all founded allegations and actions. If a family has been instructed to leave the pack, the Treasure may be asked to issue a reimbursement of a pro-rated rate of pack dues unused. If a person has paid $50 for one year and has been active for six months, then $25 may be warranted. In the case of gross negligence or active harm to the pack, no funds will be returned.
Communication
The primary method of communication form the district will be in the from of the district website http://www.ucdbsa.org/ and attending monthly Roundtables. As for the primary method of pack communication, it will come in the way of emails and pack website www.cookevillepack355.com. Only the Pack Secretary and Committee Chair are authorized to send out global mailings of any kind to the pack membership. Den leaders are authorized to send to their specific den, or any other leader. Cubmaster is authorized to email any leader. At no time can any adult leader send emails to any cub scout except their own child.
Den meetings: Most dens meet weekly, (except when there is a pack meeting). At least two adults are required to be present at all times. In Upper Cumberland Pack 355, each den has a designated den leader, but the parents may be asked to take turns in organizing the weekly den meetings. This could be from bringing refreshments to helping out with transportation or and activity.
Pack meetings: On the fourth Tuesday of the month. Pack meetings are for all the boys of Cookeville Pack 355. We expect a parent or the whole family to attend the pack meeting. When not announced differently, pack meetings are at Northeast Elementary at 6:25 PM. Please arrive early so the meeting can start on time. A "gathering game" starts at 6:15 to keep the boys occupied until the formal start of the meeting.
There are many special events: family campouts, field trips, etc. In the spring the boys make small wooden race cars and compete in the Pinewood Derby. There are also council events like family campouts, day camps and more. We plan to have about one special event per month.
Leader meetings: (sometimes also called Committee Meetings) Leaders of Cookeville Pack 355 discuss organizational matters, future events and exchange ideas. All parents are welcome. These meetings are generally held the same week shortly after the pack meeting and will be scheduled on the calendar.
Roundtables: Idea exchange and announcements for leaders of the whole district. Leaders are encouraged to attend roundtables. Parents are welcome. These are held the first Thursday evening of each month at Jefferson Street Church of Christ.
Additional Policy: Pack 355 as a policy welcome children to all meetings. We try to provide a play area for them, but this is not always possible. Parents are to ask to bring fun items for children to play with. Often the pack will have refreshments or even meals provided as well. Pack dues are for the purpose for awards, however if funds are available, the pack may pick up for the activity and or refreshments at theses meetings. If funds are low, then families may be asked to bring something. In any case, it is the policy of the BSA to make all meeting appealing and motivating for attendance.
Boys work their way through Cub Scouts doing activities that are fun and challenging. The activities are carefully chosen to be age-appropriate and emphasize learning by doing. They cover many aspects of life, and are designed to:
In addition to the activities that contribute to advancement in rank, the boys can earn belt loops, pins and letters in the optional Sports and Academic Program. The purpose of these awards is to encourage Scouts to try new activities and learn new skills, or to improve those skills they already have. As in most activities in Cub Scouting, this is not meant to be a highly competitive program, instead the boys are encouraged to "do their best".
Cub Scouts joining as first grade boys enter the Tiger Cub Program. Tiger Cubs have no formal advancement or fixed requirements. Tiger Cubs BSA introduces boys and their adult partners to the excitement of Cub Scouting as they "Search, Discover, and Share" together. The Tiger Cub program is meant to be simple and fun. Cookeville Pack 355 welcomes its Tiger Cubs to all pack activities, but council-organized activities may have different policies.
Cub Scouts in the 1st grade or above begin advancement by earning the Bobcat Badge. After earning the Bobcat Badge, they proceed to work on advancement specific to their age level. As part of the Bobcat Badge requirements, they must learn the Cub Scout Promise, the Law of the Pack, and the Cub Scout Motto.
In the second grade, Cub Scouts work toward the Wolf Badge, then toward a Gold Arrow Point and one or more Silver Arrow Points. The requirements for these badges are found in the Wolf Cub Scout Book. Boys working towards their Wolf Badge are called Wolf Cubs.
In the third grade, Cub Scouts are called Bear Cubs and work toward the Bear Badge, after which they work toward earning a Gold Arrow Point and Silver Arrow Points. The requirements for these badges are found in the Bear Cub Scout Book. Boys joining in the third grade must earn their Bobcat Badge before working towards the Bear Badge.
The Webelos Program is a two-year program for fourth and fifth grade boys. First, they earn their Bobcat Badge if they have not done so in a previous year. Then in both years, they work toward earning Webelos Activity Pins in twenty different areas, arranged in five groups, and toward one of two different cloth Badges. Fourth grade boys work toward the Webelos Badge. After earning the Webelos Badge, boys work toward Compass Point Emblem and Metal Compass Points by earning additional Activity Pins. Fifth graders, after earning the Webelos Badge, earn the Arrow of Light. The Arrow of Light is the highest rank in Cub Scouts, and its badge is the only Cub Scout Badge that may be worn on a Boy Scout uniform.
Any Wolf, Bear or Webelos Scout can earn the Cub Scout World Conservation Award.
Registration: The annual Pack dues are $50. The national dues are an addition $12. Some den also charge a dues at about $25. The pack dues are generally for the purpose of provided awards for the boys, leaders, and families. Fundraising will also be needed to supplement awards. In the spring of 2008, the committee elected to help off set the annual pack dues through fundraising efforts. One thought was to contribute 10% of fundraising efforts to a boys dues. ie: $500 in sales will cover pack dues 100%. Check with the committee on ratification.
Uniforms: Cub scouts buy their own uniform, including council patch, pack and den numerals. The pack provides badges. Tiger, Wolf and Bear cubs use the blue Cub Scout uniform, while Webelos can choose whether to wear blue Cub Scout uniform or tan Boy Scout uniform shirt. Contrary to the official policy, Cookeville Pack 355 accepts any dark blue pants with the blue Cub Scout uniform.
Uniforms can be purchased from Cumberland Outdoor Sports (approximately $60 without trousers). We have a small exchange for used uniforms. Consider giving outgrown uniforms to our exchange.
Handbooks: Cookeville Pack 355 provides Bear, Wolf, Webelos books and Tiger packets. We recommend that parents read the books for their child's age group cover-to-cover and follow the boys progress carefully. Every handbook has a parent guide at the beginning.
Recruiting: If your boy has a friend who is interested in Cub Scouts, bring him to any pack or den meeting. Don't wait for the next year's membership night. Any Cub who gets a friend to join earns a recruiter patch that is worn below the right pocket.
Photos: Photos will be taken from time to time for yearbook, website, and DVD purposes. No child's last names will be used. Only photos taken in a public domain area will be used. If for any reason you do not want you child's photo published and if it is a solo picture, then a request in writing for it's removal from the website can be submitted. The photo will be removed within 30 days. If the child is part of a group photo, then a request to have the face blotted out can be submitted. The face will be edited within 30 days.
The Cub Scout Promise is :
"I (name) promise to do
my best
To do my duty to God and my country,
To help other people, and
To obey the Law
of the Pack."
The Law of the Pack is:
"The Cub Scout follows
Akela.
The Cub Scout helps the pack go.
The pack helps the Cub Scout grow.
The Cub
Scout gives goodwill."
The Cub Scout Motto is:
"Do your best. "