The Cub Scout Chronicles

Updates! 

Hey there, awesome Cub Scout Parents! Here's an update for new year! 

In addition, there is more fun to be had as individual scouts at Council hosted events. You can access the district events here. Greater Tampa Bay Area Council, Boy Scouts of America (tampabayscouting.org) Every scout is welcome to sign up and enjoy as many adventures as their interests and schedules allow! 

So, buckle up those scout belts, grab your compass (or GPS – we’re modern like that), and let’s make this year one for the Cub Scout history books! 

Yours in scouting spirit,

Courtney Gicka

Committee Secretary

Pack 285

P.S. Got questions? Shoot us an email – we’re all ears! 

A Changing of Leadership

This past week we celebrated the Blue & Gold Anniversary of Scouting at our inaugral Banquet held at the church. We also celebrated many adults that help make the pack run smoothly. Specifically, we said thank you to our Cubmaster Ron Gicka with his very own Bacon Tree as he passed the torch to the new Cubmaster, Kyle Ulbrich and the Assistant Cubmasters Parker Harvey and Derek Supranowicz. 

Upcoming Events

Blue & Gold: Our next camp out will take place Feb 28th-March 2nd at Camp Borein. Registration closes 2/14. Register by paying for meal plan at Home | Cub Scouts - Pack 285 (square.site).  There will also be a committee meeting during camp. If you are not attending, but have ideas, please forward those to a pack leader :) 

Community Event: Please join us on March 8th for the St Petersburg commUNITY festival. We will be doing a craft. Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040F4BA9AE28A5F85-50240107-community?useFullSite=true#/ 

Crossover: Our last camp will take place March 28th-March 30th at Soule. Registration will open in March. This camp will also feature a ceremony for our AOLs to crossover to a local troop. 

Below is a calendar of Pack planned meeting topics. Please speak to your Den Leader about leading a meeting or two! 

Don't forget you can join in on the fun at council events too! Greater Tampa Bay Area Council, Boy Scouts of America (tampabayscouting.org)  

Den Leader Planning 24-25

HELP NEEDED! 

Are you a natural leader? Interested in leading in an activity your child loves? Want to be the future of Pack 285? 

Please fill out this survey https://forms.gle/v3FzJrVnzYAk2qxG7  

The Pack needs to fill some key positions to continue to function past the summer of 2025. Please see below for descriptions for each position. 

There are only 4 trained adults in the pack that enable us to camp. It is required to have 2 trained adults at all camp outs. All four trained adults will be transitioning out at the end of this year. The required training is called BALOO. If you are interested in becoming a trained adult for camp, please find more information here: Greater Tampa Bay Area Council - BALOO - Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (scoutingevent.com)  

Positions needed!

Committee Chair (Mandatory to keep the Pack active)

·        Role: Lead the Pack Committee, ensuring all activities and operations run smoothly.

·        Responsibilities: Organize and chair monthly committee meetings, maintain member rosters, approve new members, coordinate with the Cubmaster for specific den needs, and ensure all paperwork is completed.

·        Skills Needed: Strong organizational and leadership skills, good communication, and delegation abilities.



Assistant Den Leaders (always needed!)

·        Role: Serve as a leader and face of the Den, creating a fun and engaging environment for the scouts.

·        Responsibilities: Lead den meetings, support other den leaders, and coordinate with the Committee Chair to plan the annual program.

·        Skills Needed: Effective communication, public speaking, and leadership skills.


Popcorn Kernel (Popcorn is mandated to sell by National, so we need a Kernel or a Kernel Committee) 

·        Role: Manage the annual popcorn fundraiser.

·        Responsibilities: Coordinate sales, distribute popcorn, track orders and payments, and motivate scouts and parents to participate.

·        Skills Needed: Organizational skills, enthusiasm, and ability to motivate others.

Pinewood Derby Chair 

·        Role: Organize and oversee the annual Pinewood Derby event.

·        Responsibilities: Plan the event, coordinate race logistics, ensure fair competition, and manage setup and cleanup (with help from all adults at the event).

·        Skills Needed: Event planning, attention to detail, and good organizational skills.

Quartermaster 

·        Role: Oversee the pack’s equipment and supplies.

·        Responsibilities: Maintain and organize equipment, ensure items are in good condition, and manage equipment in the beast and scout closet.

·        Skills Needed: Organizational skills and attention to detail.





Pack Store 

·        Role: Manage the pack’s inventory of supplies and merchandise.

·        Responsibilities: Keep track of inventory, order new supplies as needed, and distribute items to scouts and leaders, run the store during designated meeting times

·        Skills Needed: Organizational skills and attention to detail.




Fire Boss

·        Role: Ensure safety during campfires and other fire-related activities.

·        Responsibilities: Set up and manage campfires, ensure fire safety protocols are followed, and educate scouts on fire safety.

·        Skills Needed: Knowledge of fire safety, responsibility, and leadership skills.





Pack Secretary 

·        Role: Maintain health records and website newsletter for the pack.

·        Responsibilities: Take minutes at committee meetings, and support pack communications.

·        Skills Needed: Good organizational and communication skills.



How Else Can I Help?

Want to help but don't think any of these positions is a fit? 


Fill out the volunteer survey and a pack leader will help find a role for you! 

https://forms.gle/v3FzJrVnzYAk2qxG7