What to Expect ...

When you join Pack 465, we want you to feel welcome. We hope this info will help you jump right in to events, meetings, and camp outs. Please email the Cubmaster: cubmaster@pack465.org, if you have any questions.

PACK MEETINGS

Once a month the Cub Scout(s) and families of all Dens meet together for a Pack Meeting. The meeting schedule is posted on the calendar. A typical Pack meeting includes the following activities:

• Conducting an opening flag ceremony

• Awarding Cub Scout beltloops and badges

• Participing in a group activity such as a visit to a nature center or a paper airplane contest

• Performing Scouting songs or skits

• Getting information about upcoming activities

• Meeting up with Scout friends and families.

We encourage Scouts to wear their uniform and feel part of the Pack.

DEN MEETINGS

Den Meetings are held once a month (or more, depending on the Den) and provide your Cub Scout with opportunities to explore various planned activities, learn new skills, develop friendships, and have fun. Your Cub Scout's Den Leader will often provide information prior to the meeting so that you can prepare (if necessary) and know what activities are taking place.

Parental attendance is encouraged for Den Meetings -- it is the perfect time to connect with your child, develop community with other Scout families, and enjoy your child's accomplishments.

PINE WOOD DERBY

The Pinewood Derby is one of the most popular and successful family activities in Cub Scouting. Pinewood Derby cars are small wooden models that Cub Scouts make with help from their families. Scouts race their cars down a track in competitions with their Den and Pack, which includes prizes for speed and design creativity.

Pack 465 provides the kits along with rules and instruction for design and competition. The race is scheduled in February as a Pack Meeting, and it is an event you do not want to miss!

CAMP OUTS

The Pack organizes and hosts two camp outs a year – one in fall and one in spring. Den Leaders and volunteers identify and reserve a Youth Campsite at a Maryland State Park and plan activities with an overnight camp out in tents. Camp outs often include:

• Visits to the Park’s nature center

• Hikes and nature exploring, fishing

• Completing Adventure requirements for rank awards

• Games, and a traditional camp fire celebration with songs, skits, and s’mores

• Meals as a Pack.

The Cub Scout camps out overnight with their family member or families. If you don’t have a tent or other camping gear – don’t worry; we have you covered!

BLUE & GOLD CELEBRATION

Pack 465 celebrates each Cub Scout year with a Blue and Gold Celebration. In years past this has coincided with the Pinewood Derby awards ceremony, or is held towards the end of the school year. The event is always filled with activities, games, a family potluck, and year-end awards and recognition. It’s a great way to reflect on the year and enjoy the Pack community.

GRADUATION

For the second-year “Arrow of Light” WEBELOS (5^th Graders), the final day of being a Cub Scout is at our Blue and Gold celebration. At that time, they will be invited by the Scoutmaster to join our Scouts BSA Troop 233 (Boys Troop) or Troop 4 (Girls Troop) in a “crossing-over” ceremony. The entire family, including grandparents and other special guests, are encouraged to attend. Scouts MUST wear their full uniform.

All other Cub Scouts will earn rank advancement relative to his or her school grade:

• Lions (K) graduate to Tigers (1^st grade)

• Tigers graduate to Wolves (2^nd grade)

• Wolves graduate to Bears (3^rd grade)

• Bears graduate to Webelos (4^th grade)

• Webelos graduate to Arrow of Light.

A Cub Scout works at their own pace during Den and Pack outings and meetings, or at home under the supervision and guidance of a parent, and in coordination with the Den Leader to advance rank.