Committee

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 meetings are open to any interested parent. Ask your Den leader or check the calendar for dates and times. The committee currently consists of (but is not limited to):

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

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

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

• Advancement – Tracks and purchases all awards and rank advancements

• Trainer – 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.

Cubmaster

The Cubmaster, who is sometimes referred to as the unit leader, is the person up front. Most parents think they run the show all by themselves, but they actually work under the guidance of the Pack Committee. The Cubmaster is responsible for:

• Conducting the Pack program, including leading the monthly Pack meeting, with the help of the other leaders.

• Guiding, supporting, motivating, and inspiring the other adult leaders. Making sure they receive training for their positions.

• Making sure all the dens are functioning well.

• Planning the Den and Pack programs with the help of the other leaders.

• Coordinating the total Cub Scout program for the Pack.

• Helping recruit Den leaders and chairs.

• Establishing and maintaining good relationships with local Boy Scout Troops.

Den leaders

Den leaders are the main “go-to” in the Pack. Initially, requests, questions, forms and fees, go to the Den leader first. 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. Ultimately, each parent must be an active participant in Den activities. The Den leader cannot 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, after which the “Trained” patch can be worn. Pack leadership is available to help plan the Den calendar. The Den leaders are generally responsible for:

• Organizing and running the den, such as conducting 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.

• 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 seeing that the Scouts exhibit appropriate conduct at Pack meetings.

• Collecting dues and maintaining the finances of the den.

You

You, the parent, have a role in running the Pack, your son’s den, and in controlling the quality of your son’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 handbook in order to best assist your scout with their rank advancement requirements

• Volunteering as required to assist the major events assigned to your son’s rank that year and to assist the Pack during the year. This is a necessary of all parents.

• Encouraging your son 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.

• Return information forms and event fees in a timely manner.

• Doing your part in Pack fund-raising activities. This is a requirement of all parents.

• 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