Get Involved
It is particularly important that parents (or guardians) be involved in their Scout's activities within the Pack.
Cub Scouting is built as a family-involved activity. This means that parents should, whenever possible, not simply drop off their kids at events, but should remain to observe and help. (Lion and Tiger parents are specifically required to stay at the events with their kids). Siblings are welcome to attend den and pack meetings, but should remain in the background whenever possible. They're welcome to attend and participate in other activities, especially sports night, campouts, and hikes!
The adventures required to earn ranks are quite varied in nature and intensity. Den Leaders will very likely ask parents for support from time to time, especially when coordinating outside guests or visits. Parents with skills or interests which may pertain directly to adventures should feel free to volunteer that expertise, to make the adventure even more exciting and enriching for everyone.
Whether helping with individual den activities, volunteering to lead or support larger Pack activities, or taking on a formal leadership role in the pack, we expect every parent or guardian to support the den or pack in some capacity during the year.
Leadership Opportunities
If you have particular skills or interest, please consider joining our Pack Leadership in either a long-term role, or as a coordinator for any of our several special events.
An equally important leadership opportunity within the Pack is that of Den Leader, Cubmaster, or Assitant Cubmaster. These leaders are responsible for helping the scouts steer a course throughout their career as Cub Scouts. They plan meetings, organize the year-long schedule, and help the scouts learn and do everything they need to earn their Ranks and Awards.
Do not think that by signing up for any of these positions, that you are committed to them for the entire time you have a scout in the pack! Though some volunteers have retained the same role for years, many will move on after only a few years. In fact, we prefer that the key leadership positions (Cubmaster, Committee Chair, and even Den Leaders) change every few years, to encourage variety and help prevent volunteer burnout.
If you are interested in any of these positions, please contact the Committee Chair. If the position you're interested in is already filled, ask anyway -- it could be that the current volunteer is ready for a new challenge!
Leader & Volunteer Training
All Pack leaders and committee members are required to complete some basic training. In particular, all leaders are expected to complete Youth Protection Training, as well as any training specific to their position (Den Leader training, Committee Member training, etc.). We strongly encourage our leaders to take the Youth Protection training annually, but it must be renewed at least every two years.
To complete the required training online, please follow this easy to use guide.
When completing training online, make sure your BSA ID is included in your ScoutBook profile, then let the ScoutBook admin or Committee Chair know that you have completed training, and we will sync the records, to ensure that your completion shows on our reports. (for some training, you may also need to provide a PDF-based completion certificate).
Additionally, the Pack is required to have at least one person certified in Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO) at any overnight campout. Beyond these requirements, the possibilities are endless -- Safe Swimming, boating safety, weather hazards, just about anything you can imagine that would be helpful to the Pack can be found. A great source for training is also the fall Pow Wow and spring Scouting University, two local events the BSA hosts annually.
If you are interested in taking any training, please contact the Training Coordinator or Committee Chair.
An overview of all BSA-related training can be found here. Use the "Log In" link in the corner of that page to enter the my.Scouting portal, from which you should be able to access the online training center.
Leader & Volunteer Recognition
Most adult awards and recognitions have certificates, pins or medals, and a patch usually with a square knot embroidered on it in different colors. Adult leaders wear these square knot patches on their uniform over the left pocket.
The square knot award shown recognizes den leaders who have completed training, tenure, and performance requirements. It is available for Lion, Tiger, Wolf, Bear, and Webelos den leaders and can be earned in each position, but tenure must be completed separately for each award. In addition to a certificate and a medal, the yellow square knot on a blue background is available to wear on the uniform.
Other leader and volunteer awards can be found here on the official BSA site.