When you join our pack, we want to make you feel welcome. We have put together this list to help you jump right in and feel prepared for camp outs, meetings and events. Let us know if we missed out something.
PACK MEETINGS
Once a month all Dens meet together for a “Pack Meeting", which all Cub Scouts and their families are encouraged to attend. The Pack Meeting is a fun time for everyone. Dens show off the projects they have been working on, lead songs, perform skits, and awards are presented to the Scouts. It is a time for the family to get information on upcoming activities and share in the Scouting spirit. Be sure to attend and join in the excitement while watching your son advance! We encourage scouts to wear their uniform.
DEN MEETINGS
Den Meetings are held once a month and provide your scout with opportunities to enjoy various planned activities, learn new skills, and have great fun. While parental attendance is not required at Den Meetings (except for Lions and Tigers), it is certainly encouraged! Some Dens will require parent participation at specific meetings. Please keep in touch with your scout's Den Leader so that you will know what activities are taking place and can track the progress your child is making. Meeting rooms will be assigned when the dens show up for their first meeting.
OVERNIGHT CAMP OUTS
Scouting is an outdoor-based program. Camping is permitted by Cub Scouts only in an age-appropriate context. Scouts must have an adult family member with them at all times when camping. If your Scout wishes to attend only the daytime activities of a Family Camp-out you must make prior arrangements with the Cubmaster to discuss which guardian will be approved to take responsibility for your child if you cannot stay with them. You will need to fill out a permission slip for your child with all of the necessary emergency information included. Bring all the equipment you will need to enjoy the camp-out: tent, sleeping bags, lanterns, bug spray etc. The pack will provide the main meals. In the event of an overnight, your child can only tent with another child of the same age (within two-years) and gender and with permission of that child’s parent or guardian and the Cubmaster.
FUNDRAISING
Every year the Pack participates in the Scout Popcorn sale. The campaign runs from August through October. All scouts participate in this event and receive prizes and other recognition. The Pack relies heavily on the funds generated by fundraisers. Everyone’s participation is expected and appreciated. The pack retains 30% of the proceeds of the popcorn sold and is a large source of funding for all Pack activities. Additionally for 2023 we will be selling Christmas Wreaths, the campaign will follow popcorn sales with wreath delivery expected in Mid November.
BLUE & GOLD
Each year, Cub Scouts celebrate the anniversary of the founding of the BSA, on February 8, 1910, by having a Blue and Gold Banquet. It is usually held in February.
GRADUATION\BRIDGING
For the 2nd year AOL “Arrow of Light” WEBELOS, the final night of being a Cub Scout is at our Blue and Gold celebration. At that time, they will be invited by the a Scoutmaster to join a BSA Troop in a “crossing-over” ceremony. This event takes place at the Troops Court of Honor, typically held in the beginning of March. The entire family, including grandparents and other special guests are encouraged to attend. Scouts MUST wear their full uniform. All other cub scouts will attend a bridging ceremony in May to mark the completion of their experience in that years grade and graduate into the next year. Earning rank advancement, relative to each school grade is not required (eg-Arrow of Light, Wolf, Bear, etc.), but is encouraged as one of the methods of the scouting experience. A scout works at their own pace at home or during Den & Pack outings and meetings, under the supervision and guidance of a parent and in coordination with the Den leader.
PINE WOOD DERBY
The pinewood derby is one of the most popular and successful family activities in Cub Scouting. Pinewood derby cars are small wooden models that Cub Scouts make with help from their families. Then they race the cars in competition which includes prizes for speed and design creativity. The cars are powered by gravity and run down a track. The Pack leaders will build tracks while you and your scout will design and build their own "grand prix" car to enter in the race. The Pack provides the kits along with rules and instruction for design and competition. The race is scheduled during one of the Pack Meetings, typically in February.
RAINGUTTER REGATTA
The Raingutter Regatta is a racing event for Cub Scouts that is the sailboat equivalent of a Derby. The official Raingutter Regatta Trimaran kit includes: Racing Trimaran Hull, two wooden outriggers, sail, mast, screws and sanding stick. Within the basic design rules, Scouts are free to paint and decorate their sailboats as they choose. The Pack provides the kit and a race is scheduled during one of the Pack Meetings. Scouts love this and parents are encouraged to let the scouts use their own imaginations in decorating the boats.