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Cub Scout
Pack #136
Grove City, Ohio
The Pack Committee and Leaders of Cub Scout Pack 136 are committed to providing
a quality, year-round program of Cub Scouting activities. Special emphasis is placed
on character development, skills development, spiritual growth, citizenship, and
family values.
Purposes of Cub Scouting
The Boy Scouts of America began Cub Scouting as a program for younger boys
more than 50 years ago. The purposes of Cub Scouting states that Parents, Leaders
and Chartered Organizations work together to achieve the following:
· Influence the development of character and encourage spiritual growth;
· Develop habits and attitudes of good citizenship;
· Encourage good sportsmanship and pride in growing strong in mind and body;
· Improve understanding within the family;
· Strengthen the ability to get along with and to respect others;
· Foster a sense of personal achievement by developing new interests and skills;
· Show how to be helpful and to do one's best;
· Provide fun and exciting new things to do;
· Prepare all Cubs to become Boy Scouts.
The National Office of the Boy Scouts of America is located in Irving , Texas .
Within the U.S. , there are more than 350 Councils to service over 1,500,000 Cub
Scouts. Pack 136 is part of the Simon Kenton Council, which serves Central &
Southern Ohio and is divided into about 10 Districts that are sub-divided into Cub
Scout Packs and Boy Scout Troops. Pack 136 is just one of roughly 26 Cub Scout Packs
within the Scioto Valley District, of the Simon Kenton Council.
The Chartered Organization
A Pack must be chartered from the BSA by a local organization. These Charter Organizations
can be churches, professional organizations, government bodies, educational, civic,
business, labor, or citizens’ groups. Cub Scout Pack 136 is chartered by First
Presbyterian Church of Grove City located at 4227 Broadway in Grove City , Ohio
. The Chartered Organization provides a place for our meetings, and approves the
Pack Leadership.
The Pack
The Pack serves as a "parent" organization to the Dens and provides direction, program
support and maintenance of the budget. The Pack is led by the Pack Committee that
consists of all of the Den Leaders, Committee Chairman, Cubmaster, Treasurer, Secretary
and several other volunteer leaders. In Pack 136, we hold our Pack Committee meetings
at the First Presbyterian Church of Grove City on the first Thursday of every month
starting at 7:00pm . The Pack Committee plans and organizes all of the Pack 136
programs and activities. Packs are divided into different Dens, with each containing
6-10 boys. Dens are made up of boys in the same grade and age, so they can work
together to earn the appropriate Rank badge.
Cub Scout Ranks
Cub Scout ranks are typically divided by grade level.
Bobcat Badge
All Cub Scouts, regardless of their age or grade, must complete the requirements
for Bobcat Rank first. This is usually done in only two or three weeks. The requirements
for Bobcat include learning and explaining the Law of the Pack, the Cub Scout Handshake,
Motto, Sign, and Salute, learning to give the Cub Scout Promise, and explaining
the meaning of Webelos. After being awarded the Bobcat Badge, the Scout begins working
on the requirements for the Badge of Rank for his grade.
Grade 1 - Tiger Cubs (7 yrs old, 1st grade level)
The Tiger Cub rank is an introduction into Cub Scouting. Each Tiger Cub must have
an individual registered adult partner (usually a parent or guardian). Each Tiger
Den is kept organized by an adult partner called the Tiger Den Leader. The Tiger
Cub Den Leader helps in coordinating the Den’s activities. Tiger Cubs work towards
earning the Tiger Cub Badge by completing three types of activities in each of 5
different themes.
Grade 2 - Wolf Scouts (8 yrs old, 2nd grade level)
Wolf Scouts usually meet weekly as a Den, under the direction of their Den Leader.
The Den Meetings provide an opportunity to play games, learn new skills, go on outings
and tours, and also to work on Achievements. Twelve Achievements must be completed
in order to earn the Wolf Badge. After completing the requirements for the Wolf
Badge, the Scout may continue to work on Electives to earn Arrow Points. The first
ten electives completed result in earning a Gold Arrow Point. For each ten
additional electives completed, Silver Arrow Points are awarded.
Grade 3 - Bear Scouts (9 yrs old, 3rd grade level)
God, Country, Family and Self are the main themes of the twelve Achievements required
to earn Bear Rank. Bear Den Meetings are similar to the meetings held by Wolves.
Likewise, Gold and Silver Arrow Points can be earned after achieving rank.
Grades 4 and 5 - Webelos Scouts (10-11 yr olds, 4th & 5th grade level)
Webelos is the last rank in Cub Scouting. All boys spend two years as Webelo Scouts.
It is an acronym for “We’ll Be Loyal Scouts.” Under the direction of the Webelos
Den Leader, Webelos Scouts will work to earn Webelos Activity Pins for a wide variety
of hobby and career activities ranging from science to sports.
Den Meetings
Our Tiger Dens usually meet two or three times a month at the church. Their Den
Meetings include the Tiger Cubs and
their Adult Partners. Each Tiger Cub Den has a Tiger Cub Den Leader that orchestrates
the running of the Tiger Cub Den. Typically each Tiger Cub/Adult Partner team takes
turns planning and running the den meetings. This is called “Shared
Leadership”. These gatherings are often outings to local points of interest
called Go-See-Its.
Wolf, Bear, and Webelos Den Meetings are usually held once a week for one hour.
Den Meetings are held at the First Presbyterian Church or other venue depending
on the activity. Although the Den Leader and Assistant Den Leaders are responsible
for coordinating and running the Den Meetings, each Scout’s family will play an
active role in the Scout activities. There must always be two (2) adults present
at all meetings and activities. The activities at the Den Meetings vary widely from
games, crafts, skills work, field trips, etc. The National BSA Organization sets
a different theme for each month and the Den Meetings may center on this theme or
one of the Achievements in the Wolf/Bear Handbook.
Typically, the Achievements towards earning the rank badges are done by the Scout
with their family at home. The Den
may do some achievements as part of their regular meeting, however most are oriented
to be done with the family. Webelos Den Meetings typically involve completing the
various requirements of the Webelos badge, activity badges or progress towards the
Arrow of Light.
As these Achievements are completed the parent will record it in the Scout’s rank
handbook. The Den Leader will periodically record the Scout’s accomplishments to
track progress towards rank badge or other award. Our Pack 136 Dens typically meet
only during the school year (Late August thru early June.)
Pack Meetings
Pack
Meetings and Pack sponsored activities are held monthly, usually on the 3rd Thursday
beginning at 7:00 p.m. Meetings are held at First Presbyterian Church of Grove City.
A few Special events may be held at other local venues. The Pack Meetings may include
award ceremonies, Den Skits, guest speakers, activities or special outings. The
Pack meetings are intended for the entire family. It is a time for the entire unit
and their families to get together to learn and celebrate each other’s accomplishments
over the past month. Some Pack Meetings are for special programs including the annual
Blue & Gold Banquet, Pinewood Derby and the Crossover Picnic.
Pack Meetings occur during the entire
calendar year. Although each Den may not meet during the summer, we encourage each
Scouts family to attend the Pack Meetings held during the summer. Typically summer
meetings are held outside and include events such as a cookouts, ice cream socials,
nature programs, fishing derbies, etc.
Family Events
The Pack may also participate in special “Family Events” throughout the
year. These extracurricular activities are not under the official Scouting umbrella,
but are rather an opportunity for Scouting families to enjoy some activities together.
Past events have included: family summer campouts, local sporting events, or other
field trips. Each Scout must be accompanied by a parent to participate in such “Family
Events”.
Leaders Meeting (also termed “Pack Committee Meeting”)
A monthly Leader’s meeting provides the opportunity to plan the Pack Meetings and
Activities. All Scout Leaders are encouraged to attend, as well as any adult who
may have ideas, comments or concerns. These meetings are typically held on the first
Thursday of each month, at 7:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church.
Other Activities
Both the Simon Kenton Council and the Scioto Valley District hold many other events
each year including day camps, resident camps, and participation in these events
is usually up to each Den or Scout. Pack 136 also participates in many special activities
throughout the year, such as parades, clean-up days, service projects, etc. A schedule
of coming events will be communicated through the Dens on a regular basis.
Fundraising
Typically Pack 136 participates in a popcorn fundraising activity in the Fall of
each year. This single fundraiser is our means to help defray the costs associated
with our Scouting activities throughout the year. All boys are encouraged to participate
but parents may choose otherwise.
Fees
Registration costs for membership in Pack 136 is about $50.00 for a calendar year.
The registration fee pays for registration with the Boy Scouts of America, unit
insurance, an annual subscription to Boys Life and helps to pay for the
awards and supplies for each boy. Depending on the activities, Den Leaders may ask
for an activity fee to cover the costs associated with a particular activity. This
may include craft supply fees, admission fees, or the like. These will be kept to
a minimum and will be announced ahead of time. Some Pack events may also require
a nominal activity fee. Family events are usually the responsibility of those who
choose to participate.
Scholarships
Should fees or any costs become a problem for your family, please contact the Cubmaster or the
Pack Committee Chairman. Scholarships may be available and all requests
will remain confidential.
Uniforms
Pack 136 recommends a full uniform for all Cub Scouts. The official Cub Scout Uniform
consists of a navy blue cub scout shirt, navy blue pants, rank cap, cub belt, and
neckerchief w/ slide. All Cub Scouts are encouraged to wear navy blue pants or shorts
along with dark socks. Blue Jeans are not recommended!
(Uniform Tip: regular dress pants are only about ˝ the cost of official uniform
pants and look just as good)
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.
Responsibilities and Expectations
Participation and expectations on the part of the Scouts is pretty straight forward.
The Scouts are expected to attend most all Den and Pack meetings. Scouts should
arrive on time to their meetings. If the parent or guardian does not stay for the
meeting, they should return promptly at the scheduled ending time of the meeting.
Good behavior is expected at all Scouting functions
and activities. This includes showing respect to any leaders, any adults
and to the other Scouts. It includes 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 Den Leader are the 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.
If you are not satisfied with the program or performance of your Den, don’t sit
back, please contact the Cubmaster immediately. We all are responsible for timely
communication of any such concern.
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Pack 136