Frequently Asked Questions about Cub Scouts
What is a Pack?
A pack is a group of Cub Scouts, adult leaders and parents who belong to the same Cub Scout unit (i.e. Pack 54 of the Osage Nation District, Quiviria Council.) The pack draws its membership from the local community. Each pack is made of of smaller units called dens.
What is a den?
A den is a small group of boys (usually 6-8) of the same grade level. Dens meet two to three times per month to work on achievements and other activities. The den is led by the Den Leader and Assistant Den Leader who plan and conduct each meeting. Parents will be asked to assist leaders in various ways such as providing snacks or helping with den activities.
What is a Charter Organization?
A Charter Organization is the sponsoring agent of the Cub Scout pack. Its responsibilities include selecting/approving pack leadership and to provide a meeting place. Each year, the pack must renew its charter with the local council. The Charter Organization must approve the rechartering application for this to occur. Our Charter Organization is VFW Post #1186.
Who runs the pack?
The pack is run by unpaid volunteers whose main purposes for taking on the challenges of running a pack are their love for the kids and belief in the core values of scouting: Citizenship, compassion, cooperation, courage, faith, health and fitness, honesty, perseverance, positive attitude, resourcefulness, respect, and responsibility.
Like any volunteer organization, we are always looking for more willing adult leaders to help make scouting a great experience for our boys. If you are interested in helping, please do!
What is a Pack Meeting like?
Most pack meetings are a combination of songs, skits and games, as well as the presentation of awards to recognize the efforts of our Scouts during the previous month of pack and den activities. All scouts and at least one parent are expected to attend each pack meeting. Other family members are also welcome.
Are there any fundraisers?
Yes. In order to keep costs down for our families, Pack 54 and Pack 16 participate in the nationwide Boy Scouts of America Popcorn sales in the fall and one to two other fundraisers during the rest of the year. Money raised from these go to pay for Pack Fees and activities. They also pay for advancement patches, pins, belt loops and other awards for Scouts. Kits and trophies for the Pinewood Derby, Raingutter Regatta and Space Derby are also paid for by fundraisers.
What are my responsibilities as a Cub Scout parent?
You may be asked to serve as a Cub Scout Leader, Pack Committee Member or Activity Volunteer. Our pack is only as strong as its adult leadership and we need your help! Please consider volunteering your time to help our boys.
All parents should:
1. Buy your son the uniform and book appropriate for his age and rank. Uniforms create a sense of belonging and camaraderie between Scouts. They are also a great way to showcase your son’s achievements (continue scrolling for more on the Cub Scout Uniform)
2. Attend each monthly pack meeting with your son. Your son will be recognized with awards and patches at some pack meetings. Be there to share in his success! Pack meetings usually run about an hour.
3. Attend den meetings. Currently, all of our dens meet together, though this may change as our pack grows. Your Den Leader will be able to tell you more.
4. Have your son at den meetings on time and in uniform. At den meetings, Scouts work on achievements needed for advancement in their ranks. Your son should wear his Class A uniform to all Scout events unless otherwise noted.
5. With your son, attend as many Scouting events as possible. Campouts, field trips, Pinewood Derbies and the Blue and Gold Banquet are fun experiences you can share with your son. A parent must accompany their Cub Scout on campouts.
6. Help your son earn achievements at home. There is not enough time during den meetings to cover all of the required activities. Each Scout is encouraged to do requirements at home and present the finished product to his den. Belt loops may also be earned at home.
7. Attach your son’s wards to his uniform promptly. Show him you are proud of his success! Rank badges and Arrow points are a permanent part of his uniform. Other awards may be worn temporarily from his right pocket.
8. Be ready to assist your son’s den leader. Sharing your interesting hobbies, organizing den field trips and regularly attending den meetings are all ways to support your son in scouting.
9. Support pack fundraisers. Let us know if your company can donate money or supplies to our pack.
10. HAVE FUN WITH YOUR SON!
What do I need to buy for my need Cub Scout?
Each scout needs (all prices are taken from the Boy Scouts of America website in December 2009 and are subject to change and local sales tax):
· Scout handbook for his rank - $6.99 for Tigers, $8.99 for all other ranks
· Navy blue Class A uniform shirt (Cub Scouts and Webelos) - $22.99
· Khaki uniform shirt (Webelos only. Webelos have the option of wearing Cub Scout Navy or Boy Scout khaki. Each scout need only buy 1 Class A shirt.) - $12.99
· Hat for his rank - $12.99
· Neckerchief for his rank - $5.99
· Neckerchief Slide for his rank (optional) - $3.99
· Den number patch (you will find out his number when he is assigned to a den) or Patrol Emblem (Webelos only) - $1.49
· Blue shoulder loops (only for Webelos wearing khaki shirts)
· Pack numerals 54 or 16 - $1.19 per number
· Blue Cub Scout belt and buckle (optional, though this is where Scouts display the belt loops they earn) - $9.99
· Council Strip (Quivira Council) - $3.00
· World Crest Emblem - $1.49
For patch placement for Tigers, Wolves and Bears: http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/34282.pdf
For Webelos: http://www.scoutstuff.org/BSASupply/images/pdfs/34760.pdf
Rank Level Handbook and Color of Neckerchief and Hat
1st grade – Tiger/Orange
2nd grade – Wolf/Yellow
3rd grade – Bear/Blue
4th and 5th grades – Webelos/Checkered
Nearest Scout Shops:
· Bartlesville: 520 S. Quapaw Ave., phone 888-269-1328 Open Monday thru Friday | 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
· Joplin: 2702 N Richard Joseph Blvd #11, phone (417) 624-4168 Call for hours
· Wichita: 1555 E. 2nd Street N. Phone (316) 264-3386 Open Monday thru Friday | 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
