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Cub Scout Pack 232
(Osage Beach, Missouri)
 
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Pack 232 Parent Handbook


Cub Scout Pack 232 Parent Handbook

Chartered by Harper Chapel United Methodist Men

affiliated with Kinderhook District

Great Rivers Council, Boy Scouts of America


WELCOME TO CUB SCOUT PACK 232

Hello, and welcome to Cub Scouts Pack 232! The information presented to you in the next few pages are designed to provide you information about our pack and what to expect in Cub Scouts. Please keep this packet as a handy reference for future questions that arise. Thank you.

Your son is a member of Pack 232, which is in the Kinderhook District, belonging to the Great Rivers Council out of Columbia, MO. The Pack is made up of Dens, which is a group of boys usually in the same grade as that of your son. Collectively, we are Cub Scouts, and are members of the National organization, the Boy Scouts of America.

All Packs have a Chartered Organization which acts as a ‘sponsor’, and ours is the Harper Chapel United Methodist Men of Osage Beach, located at 5567 Osage Beach Parkway, Osage Beach, MO.

The Pack is run by the registered BSA Adult Leaders of the Pack who make up the Pack Committee, which includes a Committee Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, Membership chair, Advancement Chair, Event coordinators, as well as the Cubmaster, Den leaders, Assistant Den Leaders, and others. All parents of a Cub Scout in Pack 232 are welcomed and encouraged to become a Committee Member.

A BRIEF SUMMARY OF SCOUTING

The Boy Scouts of America was founded in 1910, and became federally chartered with the United States in 1916. Cub Scouts came into being in 1930. Millions of boys have worn the uniform, cooked over an open fire at a campsite, earned their Bobcat, raced their Pinewood Derby cars, worked on service projects, and made new friends under the umbrella of Scouting.

Flowing underneath all this fun and excitement is a character-building program that encourages making good ethical choices, family strengthening, physical fitness, and citizenship skills in the lives of our boys.

Scouting utilizes an advancement system that requires a boy to ‘do his best’ to fulfill and complete the requirements outlined in his handbook so that he may earn his rank badge. After receiving his badge, these Scouts can go on to earn other awards by completing a series of electives.

During den meetings, the boys will be play games, build craft projects, learn songs, and work on rank requirements. In doing so, these boys will be improving on different skills as they learn to get along with others, become more resourceful, and participate in new activities and adventures.

Pack 232 follows a ‘Scout year’ of September to May. During the summer, Den meetings are usually suspended. The Pack typically schedules one optional fun activity a month such as a pool party, Cub Scout day or overnight camp, special event, or hike.  

DEN MEETINGS

Lots of Cub Scouting happens in the den. Please remember that your son’s Den Leader is a volunteer putting forth his or her time and effort to help your boy ‘do his best’ to earn his badges, participate in the fun, and gain all the positive values that the Cub Scout program offers. Please assist them in the following ways:

Please have your son arrive to den meetings on time. Your den leaders have lots of activities planned and it is important to have the whole group together to begin the evening’s fun and projects.

Please pick up your son from den meetings on time. Your den leader has places to go and kids that they have to put to bed, too. Tiger Cubs must have an Adult Partner with them at all meetings, trips, etc. Enjoy the time together!

Please make sure your son has his handbook, and anything else he needs for the meeting before leaving the house.

Be an active parent. Everybody has some special abilities and ‘know how’ that can be of great help in matters relating to Cub Scouts. Please make sure you have completed the Parent Talent Survey Sheet and return it to your leader. In addition to the boys learning new skills from you, I promise that you will have a good time helping them.

PACK MEETINGS

Whereas at Den meetings the boys might do activities towards earning rank badges and awards, the monthly Pack meeting is where these awards are presented. It is an important part of the program, as it allows the boys to receive their recognition in front of the group as a whole, inspires the younger scouts to strive towards achieving future ranks, and brings everybody together for the big night!

At Pack meetings, the Cubmaster will ‘do his/her best’ to make sure that each Den has a chance to display that special craft they made, song they learned, skit they’ve rehearsed, or interesting place they visited. In addition, there might be a drawing, advancement ceremony, or other themed event planned for the evening.

Please observe the followings guidelines in regards to Pack meetings:

Please accompany your son to his Pack meeting. Pack meetings are a family event - brothers, sisters, grandparents, but most of all, YOU! In Scouting some awards are presented to the parent who then presents it to the Scout. Cub Scouts is a family program.

Please arrive to Pack meetings on time. Plan on arriving at least ten minutes early to confer with your son’s Den leader about upcoming things, chat with friends, etc., so that the meeting  begins on time. If your son is helping out as a member of a flag ceremony, or assisting with other Pack meeting activities, please have him there at least 5 minutes early.

When your son has a uniform, the Pack meeting is definitely the place to wear it. Class A - Shirts tucked in - looking sharp!

Many Pack meetings occur in the evening.  Be sure to have dinner before the meeting begins.  

Most of all, we hope to make Pack meetings entertaining, enriching, and FUN!!!

PACK DUES

Dues  - Every Scout is required to pay annual dues which helps to cover the BSA Registration Fee.  Dues vary depending on if the Scout is a first time or returning Scout.  All adult leader positions (Den Leaders, Cubmaster, etc) will have their annual fee waived and the dues will be covered by the Pack. 

Healthcare USA will pay the registration fee of those children that belong to that organization. Contact Healthcare USA at 800-566-6444 for additional information. Missouri Care will also pay the registration fee. Contact them at 800-322-6027 for full details.  

Throughout the year, your Den leader or Pack Treasurer might need to collect money for specific Pack or Den functions and activities. These will be announced in flyers, newsletters, emails, or the Pack Facebook page.  We try to work with parents who need financial assistance.  If you need assistance please contact the Pack Committee Chair prior to the date the fee is due.

FUNDRAISERS

Throughout the year there will be various fundraisers. Our most successful fundraiser is Popcorn Sales. This will be our main source of revenue for the Pack and we encourage you to help your son in any way that you can to help him do his best. These fundraisers are to help the Pack pay for awards, badges, pins, beltloops, outings, Blue and Gold Banquet, and supplies.  We will always try and make sure to emphasize the fun in fundraising.  Participating in fundraisers helps to minimize the costs families have to pay to participate in Scouting.  If you choose not to participate in a fundraising event the Pack reserves the right to charge a reasonable fee to the Scout to cover the costs incurred throughout the year. 

CUB SCOUTING AND YOU

When your son earns his Bobcat badge he learns the Law of the Pack. One of these laws states “The Cub Scout Helps the Pack Go”. Throughout the year there are banquets, fundraisers, Scout shows, parades, derbies, camping trips, and many other activities and functions. Ambitious as they are, a Cub Scout still needs your help in implementing the program and thereby giving us the chance to keep our promise in the part of the Law that states “The Pack Helps the Cub Scout Grow”.

Remember, the Pack is all of us working together... leaders, parents, and Scouts.

Unlike other programs your son might enroll in, Cub Scouting involves the whole family, no matter what size or parental make-up exists in the home. In Tigers, you are your son’s Adult Partner. In Wolves and Bears, you are Akela, the wise leader and the final judge of your son’s efforts. At the Webelos rank, you are the Activity Badge counselors that could help influence a boy’s career direction

Throughout the year you will be asked to assist on different committees, and at different events. Please volunteer freely, and give of yourself when called upon to help. You will find it a rewarding experience, and one in which you and your son will remember that you did together. 

UNIFORMS, PATCHES, AND ACCESSORIES

Scouts in uniform are more conscious of their role in Cub Scouting, and feel a sense of pride and belonging when wearing one. A uniform provides a proper place for the display of badges earned and a way for him to ‘show the world’ that he has been rewarded for his achievements.

In addition, Scouts in uniform create a strong, positive, visible image in the community that helps to strengthen the important ties between the public and the Scouting organization.

The main article of the uniform is the shirt, as it displays the rank of the Scout, and identifies him as belonging to a certain Den, Pack and Council. When purchasing a new uniform, remember that your son is growing and if, for example, he is now a newly signed up Wolf Cub, get an extra size or two larger, so he can wear it for his Bear year as well. You can also purchase the official Cub Scout Pants or Shorts, but this is NOT required.

If you cannot afford to purchase a new uniform shirt the Pack will do their best to locate gently used shirts that you can purchase at a reasonable price. 

Pack T-Shirt: Pack 232 has a ‘Class B’ Pack T-shirt which you can purchase for $7.00. The boys wear these to many of our outdoor activities. 

In addition to the purchasing of a uniform, there will be many patches that need to be sewn on your son’s shirt. Please pay close attention as to where on the uniform these need to be placed. (Please refer to uniform insignia placement section).

It is important that when your son receives a badge that is to be a part of his uniform, you affix it to his shirt as soon as possible. He earned it, and he deserves to have it displayed.

A uniform is something that a Scout can help pay for himself by assigning him various chores around the house, or helping out with other home projects. Also, keep in mind that uniforms, Scout accessories, camping supplies, and other ‘Scout stuff’ make excellent birthday and holiday presents for your son or the Scouter in your family.

Uniforms, patches and accessories are available at the Great Rivers Council Scout Shop at 1203 Fay Street, Columbia, MO 65201. Their phone number is (573) 449-2561 and they will be happy to assist you. Our Cubmaster or Committee Chair will make a trip to the Scout Shop to buy the needed shirts, patches, books, etc. at the beginning of the year. There is also an online scout store www.scoutstuff.org and occasionally you can find uniforms on Craigslist, at Bear Market or other thrift stores, or even on Ebay.

ADVANCEMENT AND RECOGNITION

Most advancement requirements are done at Den meetings, but some are completed at home with the family which helps to strengthen family bonds. Recognition takes place at the monthly Pack meeting. All of the Cub Scout ranks are tailored for corresponding age levels.

BOBCAT

All new Cub Scouts, regardless of age, earn the Bobcat rank first by learning the Cub Scout Promise, Law of the Pack, handshake, salute, sign, motto, and the meaning of “Webelos”.

TIGER CUB

(1st GRADE OR 7 YEARS OLD) A Cub must complete five achievements from each of these areas: den activity, family activity, and ‘Go See It’ to earn the Tiger rank. After achieving the Tiger rank, a boy may earn one Tiger Track for every 10 additional electives completed. There is no limit to the number of Tiger Track beads a boy may earn.

WOLF

(2nd GRADE OR 8 YEARS OLD) A Cub Scout must complete 12 achievements to earn the Wolf rank. After earning the Wolf rank, boys work on electives and earn “arrow points.” There is no limit to the number of “arrow points” a boy may earn.

BEAR

(3rd GRADE OR 9 YEARS OLD) A Cub Scout must complete 12 achievements to earn the Bear rank. After he earns his Bear rank, he may work on electives and earn “arrow points.” There is no limit to the number of “arrow points” a boy may earn.

WEBELOS

(4th/5th GRADE OR 10/11 YEARS OLD) When a Cub Scout finished the 3rd grade, he transfers to a Webelos den. He then works on requirements for the Webelos rank, 20 activity badges, and the arrow of Light Award (the highest award in Cub Scouting) which prepares him for Boy Scouts. There are two grade levels for Webelos Scouts typically referred to as Webelos 1 (4th graders) and Webelos 2 (5th graders).

BOY SCOUTS

(5th–12th GRADE OR 12-18 YEARS OLD) When a Cub Scout is old enough, he graduates to Boy Scouts. It is not required to have been a Cub Scout prior to becoming a Boy Scout.

YOUTH PROTECTION

Protecting our children is the highest priority of everyone within Pack 232 and the Boy Scouts of America.

We require all of our leaders to take the Youth Protection Training Course, which is available for free on the BSA Website at olcscouting.org. Parents are highly encouraged to take this course as well. The Guide to Safe Scouting is also available on the BSA website at www.scouting.org.

How can parents help protect their children?

Parents participate in the protection of their children in a variety of ways. BSA recognizes the need for open lines of communication so that children are encouraged to bring any troubles to their parents for advice and counsel. In addition, parents need to be involved in their sons' Scouting activities. All parents receive important information concerning the Scouting program as part of their sons' membership applications. This information is provided so that parents can detect any deviations from the BSA's approved program. If any deviations are noted, parents should call these to the attention of the chartered organization or the unit committee. If the problems persist, parents should contact the local council for assistance.

Parents also need to review the booklet, "How to Protect Your Children from Child Abuse and Drug Abuse: A Parent's Guide," inserted in every Boy Scout and Cub Scout handbook. The information in this booklet should be the subject of discussions between Scouts and their parents prior to joining a pack or troop.

Barriers to Abuse With-in Scouting

The BSA has adopted the following policies to provide additional security for our members. These policies are primarily for the protection of our youth members; however, they also serve to protect our adult leaders from false accusations of abuse.

Two-deep leadership. Two registered adult leaders or one registered leader and a parent of a participant, or other adult, one of whom must be 21 years of age or older, are required on all trips and outings. The chartered organization is responsible for ensuring that sufficient leadership is provided for all activities.

No one-on-one contact. One-on-one contact between adults and youth members is not permitted. In situations that require personal conferences, such as a Scoutmaster's conference, the meeting is to be conducted in view of other adults and youths.

Respect of privacy. Adult leaders must respect the privacy of youth members in situations such as changing clothes and taking showers at camp, and intrude only to the extent that health and safety require. Adults must protect their own privacy in similar situations.

Cameras, imaging, and digital devices. While most campers and leaders use cameras and other imaging devices responsibly, it has become very easy to invade the privacy of individuals. It is inappropriate to use any device capable of recording or transmitting visual images in shower houses, restrooms, or other areas where privacy is expected by participants.

Separate accommodations. When camping, no youth is permitted to sleep in the tent of an adult other than his own parent or guardian. Councils are strongly encouraged to have separate shower and latrine facilities for females. When separate facilities are not available, separate times for male and female use should be scheduled and posted for showers.

Proper preparation for high-adventure activities. Activities with elements of risk should never be undertaken without proper preparation, equipment, clothing, supervision, and safety measures.

No secret organizations. The Boy Scouts of America does not recognize any secret organizations as part of its program. All aspects of the Scouting program are open to observation by parents and leaders.

Appropriate attire. Proper clothing for activities is required. For example, skinny-dipping is not appropriate as part of Scouting.

Constructive discipline. Discipline used in Scouting should be constructive and reflect Scouting's values. Corporal punishment is never permitted.

Hazing prohibited. Physical hazing and initiations are prohibited and may not be included as part of any Scouting activity.

Junior leader training and supervision. Adult leaders must monitor and guide the leadership techniques used by junior leaders and ensure that BSA policies are followed.

Member responsibilities. All members of the Boy Scouts of America are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the principles set forth in the Scout Oath and Law. Physical violence, hazing, bullying, theft, verbal insults, drugs, and alcohol have no place in the Scouting program and may result in the revocation of a Scout's membership in the unit.

Unit responsibilities. The head of the chartered organization or chartered organization representative and the local council must approve the registration of the unit's adult leader. Adult leaders of Scouting units are responsible for monitoring the behavior of youth members and interceding when necessary. Parents of youth members who misbehave should be informed and asked for assistance in dealing with it.

If you have any questions or concerns about a Youth Protection Issue, please contact the Pack Leadership immediately.

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Academic Pin - Awards that may be earned by more in-depth study of a particular subject listed in the Academics Program Guide. There are 17 available pins including art, chess, weather, and wildlife conservation.

Achievements - To earn the rank badge, Tiger, Wolf and Bear Cub Scouts must complete Achievements found in their Handbook. The Achievements cover these areas: God, Country, Family and Self.

Activity Badge - There are 20 Activity Badges a Webelos Scout can earn. These are divided into 5 areas: Physical, Mental, Technology, Outdoor, and Community. A pin is presented for completion of each Activity Badge.

Arrow of Light - This is the highest award a boy can earn in Cub scouting – also the ONLY (non-religious) award from Cub Scouts that can be worn on a Boy Scout Uniform.

Arrow Points - Arrow Points are awarded to Wolf and Bear Cub Scouts for completion of electives beyond the Achievements covered for earning the Wolf or Bear rank badge. A Gold Arrow Point is awarded for the first 10 electives; a Silver Arrow Point is awarded for each successive 10 electives completed.

Bear Cub - These are generally third grade Cub Scouts, who work on activities in the areas God, Country, Family and Self. Of the 24 possible Achievements, they must complete a prescribed amount in each area, for a total of 12. Wears blue neckerchief.

Belt Loop - Metal loops that secure around the Cub Scout belt.

Sports - Awarded for a general understanding and participation of any of 22 sporting activities.

Academic - Awarded for a general understanding and some hands on experience in any of 17 academic fields.

Blue and Gold - The annual banquet usually held in the spring. This is a celebration of Cub Scouting.

Bobcat - Every boy who joins Cub Scouts must first earn the Bobcat badge. Doing this, he learns the seven basic tenets of Cub Scouting: the Promise, the Law of the Pack, the Sign, the Handshake, the Motto, the Salute, and what Webelos means.

Boy Scout - A Boy Scout is between the ages of 11 (spring of 5th grade) and 18 and belongs to a Troop. He advances through these ranks: Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, then Eagle.

Boy Scouts of America - The Boy Scouts of America is a nationally chartered organization that encompasses Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Explorer Units, and Varsity Units.

Class B Uniform - Any Scout T-Shirt, including the Pack 232 T-Shirt is appropriate when the scout uniform is not practical.

Committee - This is the group of adult volunteers who "run" the Pack. Any interested adult is welcome to attend Committee meetings.

Council - The Council is an organization of professional Scouters that oversees all Cub Scout Packs, Boy Scout Troops and other units in an area. Pack 232 is part of the Great Rivers Council.

Cross Over - Formal ceremony in which 5th grade Webelos become Boy Scouts.

Cub or Cub Scout - A Cub Scout is any member of Boy Scouts in first through fifth grade (or age 7 - 11).

Cubmaster - The Cubmaster is the adult volunteer leader who runs the Pack meetings, and advises den leaders.

Den - The Den is a group of Cub Scouts whom meet at regular intervals. Ideally, a den consists of 6 to 8 boys who are all working toward the same rank.

Den Leader - The adult volunteer who is in charge of planning and running den meetings is the Den Leader.

Den Meeting - Individual Den Meetings are held for each rank level of Cub Scouts. These usually occur at regular weekly intervals. Tiger, Wolf and Bear dens work on fun projects, crafts, skits, or some of their Achievements. Webelos dens use this time to work on the various Activity Badges.

District - Each Council is divided into a number of Districts. Pack 232 is part of the Kinderhook District.

Guide To Safe Scouting - A publication by the Boys Scouts of America detailing rules and guidelines for safe scouting.

Handbook - Each level of Scouting has its own Handbook. The Handbook is ESSENTIAL for your Scout, as it spells out the requirements for advancement, as well as providing a place to record completion of the same.

Pack - The whole group - all of our dens and families together is called a Pack. The Pack usually meets together once every month for a ‘pack meeting’.

Pinewood Derby - Annual event held in the late winter or early spring in which boys and their adult partners make a race car out of an official BSA kit and race against their own den and Pack. Pack winners will advance to compete at the District Derby.

Rank Badges - The Rank Badges, in order are: Tiger, Bobcat, Wolf, Bear and Webelos.

Signs Up - The universal sign with the index and middle fingers of the right hand held high in the air. This means to be quiet and pay attention.

Sponsor - Each Unit must have a sponsoring organization, such as a church, service club, etc. Pack 232 is sponsored by Harper Chapel Methodist Men.

Tiger Cub - Tiger Cubs are first grade boys who, with an adult partner, participate in several den, family and outing events. The Tiger Cub program serves as an introduction to the Cub Scout program. Tiger Cubs and their families are encouraged to participate in Pack events. Tiger Cubs wear orange neckerchiefs.

Tiger Partner - The adult partner of a Tiger Cub, usually a family member, is the Tiger Partner.

Uniform - The Uniform is the prescribed clothing for any and all official Cub Scout events. In Pack 232, the minimum uniform consists of a uniform shirt (with all patches), and appropriate neckerchief. Webelos Scouts may use the "colors" for activity pins. An informal or "Class B" uniform consisting of a Scout T-shirt is also authorized.

Webelos - Webelos means WE’ll BE LOyal Scouts.

Webelos Scout - These are fourth and fifth grade Cub Scouts, who work on up to 20 Activity Badges in the den setting. These activities are designed to prepare the boys for the merit badge methodology utilized in Boy Scouts. Wears plaid neckerchief.

Wolf Cub - These are generally second grade Cub Scouts, who work on 12 Achievements, mostly in the home setting. Arrow Points are awarded for work done on a multitude of electives. Wears yellow neckerchief.