Scouting 101

The Pack is a group made up of several dens. The Pack includes not only the boys or girls in those dens, but also their families, and their leaders. The Pack meets once a month with Cub Scouts, leaders, parents and other family members attending. The Pack meeting is the climax of the month's den meetings and activities. It gives the dens something to look forward to and work toward. This is a chance to recognize the scouts, their parents, and their leaders.

In addition to its monthly meetings, the Pack sponsors certain special projects. These include community projects (e.g., park preservation), outdoor activities (e.g., field trips, family campouts, etc.), fundraising activities, and fun competitions (e.g., Pinewood Car Derby, Raingutter Regatta).

The Cubmaster is an adult volunteer who serves as master of ceremonies at all Pack meetings and leads Pack activities of all kinds. Pack leadership positions may be held by women or men.

The Pack Committee is a group of adult volunteers who plan the Pack program and individual activities as well as managing such things as record keeping, finance, leadership recruitment, and registration. The Pack Committee meets monthly and meetings are open to any interested parent.

Cub Scout Pack 62 is divided into dens (small groups) of 5-10 youth of the same gender and grade level (e.g., 3rd grade boy den). Each den meets under the direction of adult Den Leaders. The Den Leaders are trained parent volunteers.

Den meeting activities are planned around grade-specific "adventures" (requirements) that focus on outdoor skills, citizenship training, character development, personal fitness, STEM, communication, etc. Scouts is FUN with a purpose. Games, crafts, and other activities are used to expose scouts to new skills and ideas.

Each grade level of scouting has an associated rank. Each year of Cub Scouting involves completing the adventures and other requirements to earn rank. Dens are organized by rank. Ranks are organized by grade and age. Grade and Age Joining and advancement requirements for Cub Scouting are on a grade basis (with age as backup). Here are some age/grade requirements. Keep in mind that grade is the primary determination and age is the backup.

The pack leadership consists of the Chartered Organization Representative from St Margaret Mary Catholic Church, Pack Committee Chairperson, Pack Committee, Cubmaster and den leaders. These are adult positions.

Pack Committee Chairperson

The Pack Committee Chairperson organizes and facilitates the running of the Pack committee. This person works with the Cubmaster and Chartered Organization Representative to make sure that the responsibilities of the Pack Committee are being met.

The Pack Committee

The Pack Committee takes care of the administrative needs of the pack. It is organized and chaired by the Pack Committee Chairperson. The committee is responsible for:

• Finding a meeting place

• Setting the Pack policies in accordance with Boy Scouting and the chartered organization.

• Coordinating the Pack program with that of the charter organization.

• Assist with the annual Pack charter renewal.

• Is responsible for carrying out the policies and regulations of the Boy Scouts of America.

• Provides encouragement to leaders in carrying out the Pack program.

• Provides the finances and fundraising coordination for the Pack.

• Is responsible for Pack property.

• Is responsible for the quality of the adult leadership, that the leadership is recruited and trained. This is all adult leadership, including Cubmaster.

• Responsible for recommending this leadership to the charter organization for final approval.

• Coordination between the Pack and other scouting units.

A good Pack Committee consists of the following people:

• Chartered Organization Representative

• Pack Committee Chair

• Secretary

• Treasurer

• Advancement Chair

• Cubmaster

• Den Leaders

The Cubmaster

The Cubmaster, who is sometimes referred to as the unit leader, is up front. Most parents think they run the show all by themselves. Now you know different. So what does a Cubmaster do? Plenty!

The Cubmaster is responsible for:

• Conducting the pack program, which includes leading the monthly Pack meeting, with the help of the other leaders.

• Guiding, supporting, motivating, and inspiring the other adult leaders.

• Making sure the dens are functioning well.

• Planning pack programs with the help of the other leaders.

• Coordinating the total Cub Scout program for the pack.

• Helping recruit den leaders and coaches.

• Establishing and maintaining good relationships with Boy Scout Troops.

The Den Leader

The Den leader is responsible for the group of scouts within a specific Cub Scout rank. This person is typically the parent of one of the scouts in the den, but does not need to be. This position works well with two to three adults serving as the leader of a den, depending on size of the den. The responsibilities of a den leader include:

• The Cub Scout den leader should be interested in sharing their knowledge, positive attitude and leadership skills with the Cub Scouts, their parents and the Pack.

• They should be interested in maintaining the proper role model image and uphold high behavioral standards for all Cub Scouts and parents of the Pack.

• They should encourage Cub Scout rank advancement, individual and Pack awards to support personal growth and teamwork for the Cub Scout, their parents and the Pack.

• The Cub Scout den leader should be interested in advancing their own skills, knowledge and personal growth to continually lead and support their Cub Scouts and the Pack.