Pack Organization

The Pack Committee is a group of adult volunteers who plan the Pack program and monthly activities. They also manage such things as record keeping, finance, leadership recruitment, and registration for the Pack. The Pack Committee Chairperson, who is the administrative head of the Pack, runs this group. The Pack Committee meets monthly and parents are encouraged to attend. Check the calendar for dates and times. Training can be taken in person or online. The committee consists of (but is not limited to):

• Committee Chair – Head of Pack Committee, position must be filled in order for Pack to exist

• Secretary (unfilled) – Records all meeting minutes, event information and prepares forms for rechartering

• Treasurer (unfilled) – Pays Pack bills, reports on financial budgets, reimburses for Pack purchases

• Advancement (unfilled) – Tracks and purchases all awards and rank advancements

• Trainer (unfilled) – Updates Pack members of upcoming training courses available for all levels of scouting. Conducts a one-day training class for new Den leaders each fall.

• Other Committee Members

Den Leaders are the main “go-to” in the Pack. Initially, requests, questions, forms and fees, go to the Den Leader. Den Leaders are parents of the Den who ensure the meeting schedule is distributed and that Scouts have an opportunity to accomplish the rank requirements.  Experience is not necessary and Pack leaders are always ready to assist, and even to provide an initial meeting syllabus. Each parent must be an active participant in Den activities. The Den Leader should not do this alone. If a Den Leader is having difficulties in advancing the program, anyone in the Den can contact the Cubmaster, who, together with Pack leadership, will assist the Den. Training as a Den Leader training can be taken in person or online. Pack leadership is available to help plan the Den calendar. The Den leaders are generally responsible for:

• Organizing and running the den, scheduling two to four meetings per month and overseeing any Den outings that may take place.

• Involving parents in the leadership of the den, including recruiting assistant or co- leaders.

• Identifying how parents can share knowledge and take leadership in Den meetings, including selection and facilitation of adventures each parent will lead.

• Working with families to assure each Scout gains the benefit of the Scouting program.

• Providing advice and consultation to Scouts and parents regarding rank advancement, badges and awards.

• Interfacing with the Pack Committee and Cubmaster to represent the interests of the Den and the Scouts in it.

• Organizing the Den to execute its responsibilities at the Pack meeting and during campouts, and seeing that the Scouts exhibit appropriate conduct at Pack meetings.

• Collecting forms or other information requested by the Pack Committee and reminding scouts and parents of upcoming events and deadlines.

You, the parent/guardian, have a role in running the pack, your scout's den, and in controlling the quality of your scout's overall scouting experience. You do this by:

• Making sure they have the proper uniform and handbook for their current rank

• Reading through the current rank requirements in order to best assist your scout with them

• Volunteering as required to assist the major events assigned to your scout's rank that year and to assist the pack during the year

• Encouraging your scout to participate in den and pack meetings and events

• Encouraging rank advancement and the earning of badges and awards. Many requirements can only be done at home or with an adult partner. Try to be available for them when they need you

• Supporting your Den Leader by helping with meetings and outings however you can

• Keep up with pack and den announcements on Slack and complete/return information forms and event fees in a timely manner

• Doing your part in pack fund-raising and service activities

• Speaking up and sharing your ideas and talents to improve the den and pack

• Helping the Den Leader maintain your den’s proper scout behavior at pack meetings

• Assisting in the recruitment of new Scouts to the Pack. Being a positive advocate for scouting when given the opportunity at other community functions, school meetings, and talks with neighbors, etc.

• Becoming a leader or assistant leader yourself, or backing up the Den Leader in an emergency, or by offering to watch the Den Leader’s children during den meetings

• Becoming a Committee Member and help to assure the life of the Pack

• Become a Cubmaster or Assistant Cubmaster

• Attend district meetings like the monthly Roundtable to stay informed and provide input

• Get trained - there are a variety of free and paid training opportunities for you to learn all about the Scouting Program and its benefits

• Stay involved - with your scout, with your den, with the pack

Roundtable is a district monthly meeting open to all Scouters to help unit leaders plan and carry out their own program. Roundtable is a form of supplemental training for volunteers. The objective of Roundtable is to give leaders program ideas, information on events and training opportunities, and an opportunity to share experiences and enjoy fun and fellowship with other Scouting leaders. As a result of the Roundtable experience, unit leaders will be inspired, motivated, informed, and able to provide a stronger program for their Scouts.

All parents and leaders are encouraged to attend to learn more about scouting and ways to improve our program and pack organization. The first session is for announcements and discussion of district-wide events. Afterward, attendees break into smaller sessions for discussions and training specifically geared toward Packs or Troops.

Arrowmoon District Calendar