Cub Scout Pack 108 Parents Information

Pack Structure

Like every effective organization, Cub Scout Packs have a structure. Understanding this structure and how it works will increase your son's enjoyment of the program (and leave the parent far less confused).

Dens:
Groups of 4 to 10 boys meet weekly together as a Den. Each den is led by a Den Leader and an Assistant Den Leader. A Boy Scout, known as a Den Chief, may also work with your son's den. Dens in Pack 108 meet weekly, please see your Den Leader for days and times. Meetings are not held during holiday periods. The entire Pack meets monthly, please see the calender for these dates.

Dens are organized by age groups. We have one or more Dens for each group of 1st Graders (Tiger Cubs) , 2nd Grades (Wolf) , 3rd Graders (Bear), 4th Graders (Webelos - 1st yr.) and 5th graders (Webelos - 2nd yr.).

Advancement:
Recognition is important to young boys. The Cub Scout advancement plan provides fun for the boys, gives them a sense of personal achievement as they earn badges, and strengthens family understanding as adult family members work with boys on advancement projects.

	Tiger Cub The Tiger Cub program is for first grade (or age 7) boys and their adult partners. There are five Tiger Cub achievement areas. The Tiger Cub, working with his adult partner, completes 15 requirements within these areas to earn the Tiger Cub Badge. These requirements consist of an exciting series of indoor and outdoor activities just right for a boy in the first grade.

	Bobcat The Bobcat rank is the first award that all boys who join Cub Scouting must achieve before earning any of the additional awards listed below.

	Wolf The Wolf program is for boys who have completed first grade (or are age 8). To earn the Wolf badge, a boy must pass twelve achievements involving simple physical and mental skills.

	Bear The Bear rank is for boys who have completed second grade (or are age 9). There are 24 Bear achievements in four categories. The Cub Scout must complete 12 of these to earn the Bear badge. These requirements are somewhat more difficult and challenging than those for Wolf rank.

	Webelos This program is for boys who have completed third grade (or are age 10). A boy may begin working on the Webelos badge as soon as he joins a Webelos den. This is the first step in his transition from the Webelos den to the Boy Scout troop. As he completes the requirements found in the Webelos Scout Book, he will work on activity badges, attend meetings led by adults, and become familiar with the Boy Scout requirements.

	Arrow of Light This is the highest award that you can earn in the Cub Scout program and it is one of only two awards that may be worn on your the Boy Scout uniform when you become a Boy Scout and/or an Adult Leader. Earning the Arrow of Light is the ultimate in Cub Scouting, and should be an honor you cherish for the rest of your life.

Registration
Registration for membership in Pack 108 is $35.00. The registration fee pays for registration with the Boy Scouts of America, unit insurance, an annual subscription to Boys Life magazine, and helps to pay for the awards and supplies for each boy. This "once a year fee" also avoids the hassles of weekly dues. A boy must, during his first year in the Pack, complete a registration form for the Boy Scouts of America. Parents are also asked to complete a Parent Family Talent Survey to provide some additional information to the Den Leader.

Volunteers
Parent volunteers are always needed. Registration and training are provided by the Pack for those who are interested in helping. If you'd like to help in any capacity, please contact the Pack Committee Chairman, Cubmaster or your son's Den Leader. All types of help are needed - driving for trips, assisting in Den Leader absence, etc. Remember that Cub Scout Packs don't exist without volunteer leadership and please remember to do your part when asked.

Uniforms
An essential component of Cub Scouting is the uniform. Cubs are made to feel part of a group and have a place to display their awards when they wear their uniforms. Your Den Leader will provide you with specific information about what is needed. All uniform items can be purchased at Ben Franklins in Middlebury or www.scoutstuff.org.

Pack Program Highlights
Pack 108 plans a very busy calendar year. Although we don't expect every boy to attend every function, we encourage him to be as active as he (and his parents') wants to be. Pack outings and special events will be led by two or more leaders and parent volunteers. Permission slips will be sent home for outings and special events. Boys without signed permission slips will not be allowed to attend. We'll do our best to help you remember but please make every effort to help us. Leaving a boy behind is something we and the boys hate to have happen.

Program Calendar
The Pack Calendar is the current calendar of events for Pack 108. We realize that boys and families have different needs and we've attempted to plan a program that meets as many needs as possible. It is not expected that each boy will attend each and every event. Please note that dates are subject to change as we get closer to events. Announcements of special events and calendar updates will come home with the boys from Den meetings or in the mail. If you have suggestions for our program, please let a Leader know. Our major calendar planning is done in April and May and you are welcome to attend our planning session.

Pack Meetings
Monthly Pack Meetings are generally held on a Saturday evening 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. We attempt to keep these meetings to two hours in length. The meeting gives the boys a chance to demonstrate the skills they have learned and receive the awards they've earned. The entire family is welcomed and encouraged to attend.

Blue & Gold Banquet
Pack 108 and Cub Scout Packs all over the USA celebrate Scouting's birthday each February by hosting a Blue & Gold Banquet.

Summer Activities
Pack 108 does not close down during the summer. Special activities and weekly meetings are planned and boys are encouraged to remain active. Picnics, swimming, outdoor games and other activities have been held in the past and will be planned again.

Next find out about responsibilities and expectations from Cub Scouting..... click here.

Responsibilities & Expectations

Participation and expectations on the part of the Scouts is pretty straight forward. The Scouts are expected to attend all Den and Pack meetings. Scouts should arrive on time, not late and not early. If the parent or guardian does not stay for the meeting, they should return promptly at the scheduled ending time of the meeting to assist with cleaning up and pick up the Scout.

If a meeting is not attended, it is the Scout’s responsibility to find out what was missed, especially any information that was dispersed. Good behavior is expected at all Scouting functions and activities. This includes showing respect of Leaders, adults and other Scouts, quietly listening to instructions, information and others that are speaking. Parents are expected to encourage, support and assist their Scout as they work on achievements. All parents are to share in the efforts of their Den and the Pack. The Den Leader and Assistant are coordinators. Each parent will share the work and accomplishments in providing this terrific program for the Scouts. The parents are responsible to deal with any behavior problem identified by the Den Leaders.

The Scouts and parents should expect the Den Leader and Assistant Den Leader to be prepared to work with you, and keep you informed about what is happening within the Den and Pack. All Cub Scout leaders are expected to follow all scouting rules, regulations and guidelines without exception. The National level of Scouting has policies to protect the Scouts, the Leaders and the program. They may not always be convenient, but they have a purpose and are not to be excused for any reason. Whoever participates in a Scouting activity must comply with these policies.

When joining Pack 108, each parent or adult family member agrees to support their son in the following ways:

See that he has the proper uniform and handbook;
Assist him in attending weekly Den meeting and monthly Pack meetings;
Work with him to complete achievements for his rank award;
Return information forms and permission slips as asked;
Support his Den Leader as a resource person or substitute as asked;
Agree to serve in some leadership capacity as called upon;
Provide input to the Den Leader or Pack leadership with regard to Pack or Den programming..

If you are not satisfied with the program or performance of your Den, don’t sit back, contact the Cubmaster or Pack Committee Chairman and volunteer immediately.