This page is for all parents and is intended to answer some of the questions parents have about Cub Scouting.
Shamelessly stolen from Pack 2008, who stole it from various sources, this Handbook provides our Pack families with Pack 351-specific information on how we are organized and how we do things. It's in Microsoft Word format. If you need it converted, please e-mail the Cubmaster.
The Cub Scout Uniform identifies us as Scouts and is a means of identifying ourselves openly with the Boy Scouts of America principles to which we are committed—character development, citizenship training, and physical and mental fitness.
The uniform also does these things for a boy:Your son should wear his full uniform to all Pack and Den meetings, as well as other special events such as the Scout Show. If unsure, please ask your son's Den Leader.
NOTE: The Webelos badge has changed from the older, diamond-shaped badge to a new, oval badge that is worn by itself on the left pocket when earned. There is no longer a need to move all the previously-earned badges from the Cub Scout blue uniform shirt to the Webelos Scout tan uniform shirt.
This year, we will be introducing the BSA Family Award at the October Pack Meeting. The Pack will provide the relevant information for those families who are interested in earning this Award.
Cub Scouting is a family-based program. The family’s involvement is a key ingredient to a successful program. The purposes of Cub Scouting’s BSA Family Program are to strengthen families and encourage family involvement in Scouting. It is designed to help all families--whether traditional two-parent, single-parent, or non-traditional--and all family members may participate.
To earn the BSA Family Award, a family must complete 10
activities within a 12-month period. There are five categories:
Learning Through Fun and Adventure.
Strengthening Family Relationships
Developing Character
Teaching Responsibility
Handling Difficult Situations
Each category has several topics. For each topic several activities are suggested. These activities could include going on field trips; telling stories; doing arts and crafts projects; playing games, participating in family discussions, or making lists, charts, and scrapbooks. A family completes one activity each for two topics in each category.
Family members may earn the BSA Family Award several times. A family may choose the same or different activities as they work on the award for another 12-month period.
The Academics subjects and Sports activities allow boys to learn new techniques, increase scholarship skills, develop sportsmanship, and have FUN. Boys participating in the program will be recognized for enjoying teamwork, developing physical fitness, and discovering and building new talents. The Cub Scout Academics and Sports program encourages a boy to do his best.
Each activity has two levels of involvement:
The Belt Loop: There are three specific requirements for each belt loop. As a Cub Scout completes these requirements, he is encouraged to do his best to learn about the activity.
The Pin: Once the boy has earned the belt loop, he may choose to stop; however, some boys will want to continue with the activity. A Tiger Cub, Cub Scout, or Webelos Scout may complete additional requirements to earn a pin.
For more information and requirements for specific academic subjects or sports, please refer to Cub Scout Academics and Sports Program Guide (available from the Cubmaster or the ETAC Service Center.
Tiger Cubs promise to love God, Cub Scouts promise to do their best to do their duty to God, and Boy Scouts repeat their oath to do their best to do their duty to God. And the Scout Law states that a Scout is reverent. From its beginning, the Scouting movement has encouraged its members to be faithful in the practice of their religions. The BSA does not define what constitutes belief in God or the practice of religion. Rather, it provides a program and ideals that complement the aims of all religions.
Most of the major religious bodies in the United States have programs to recognize Cub Scouts who demonstrate faith, observe their creeds or principles, and give service. The religious emblems are not Scouting awards. They are presented by religious groups to boys who work with their religious leader or counselor on a program of requirements that often takes a year or more to complete.
The emblem should be presented in a meaningful ceremony, preferably in the boy’s religious institution. Some emblems come with a sample presentation ceremony. The boy’s achievement should be recognized at the pack meeting as well.
Many new (and even a few veteran) Cub Scouting families have questions about the structure, purpose and ins and outs of being a Cub Scout family. This FAQ attempts to answer some of those questions. Feel free to suggest others as they occur to you!
Another document, Scout Speak, will help you understand what it is your leaders are saying.