Pack 9 Cub
Scouts
Information
Sheet for New Den Leaders
What is Cub Scouting?
In
short, it’s games, fun, and adventure…with a purpose. Since its beginning, Cub
Scouts has been a fun and educational experience concerned with values. Besides
providing a positive place where children can enjoy safe, wholesome activities, Cub
Scouting focuses on building character, improving physical fitness, teaching
practical skills, and developing a spirit of community service.
Who can be a Scout leader?
Essentially,
anyone who puts fun, safety, and the development of the children above all else. No experience necessary. In Pack 9 that
includes moms, dads, and grandparents of the scouts. A few of the leaders were
scouts as a youth, but many of us were not.
What’s the commitment?
Den
leaders will typically host a den meeting once every two or three weeks during
the school year. That pace is usually enough to finish all the requirements for
their rank’s badge. We have den calendars from past years to help you plan, as
well as a library of activity planners for each of the requirements.
There is
also a monthly pack event that all scouts and leaders attend. It is also
recommended, but not required, that you attend the monthly Pack Committee
meeting for leaders to discuss planning future Pack events.
What has helped current Den Leaders?
- "Being a Den Leader isn’t so much a commitment to Scouting or Pack 9. It’s a commitment to my son. I get to plan and participate in activities and outings that interest him."
- "Having a second adult leader to help is required by the Cub Scouts under the Two-Deep Leadership Model. But more than that, having someone to share the load makes things far more manageable for both of us."
- "I’m not really creative, so having the Scout Manual and my Leader Activity Guide to spell out the planning step-by-step is really useful."
How much does it cost?
Pack 9
will pay for all fees. All of the online training associated with being a
leader is also included, and Pack 9 will also pay for any additional BSA
sponsored training you want to take. You will need to purchase the
khaki-colored scout shirt and other required patches for the uniform.
Den Meetings
Again,
dens meet every two to three weeks usually at Holy Cross School because we can
get room reservations. Some will meet at one of the den family’s home. And
sometimes we’re meeting somewhere around town for a “Go-See-It” type activity.
We have a file for you to use with contact information for those trips around
town.
If you
need supplies for a particular activity, the Pack may already have something in
storage to help. If not, each Den has a small amount of money budgeted for
supplies so that you can get reimbursed after speaking with the Treasurer.
Where do I start?
Two
things: You’ll need to fill out an Adult Application to get you registered with
Pack 9 at Holy Cross. You’ll also need to complete Youth
Protection Training on the my.scouting.org website. Create a new
account and follow the prompts. Don’t worry about having an account number yet.
Who to turn to for help?
Anybody
in Pack 9 is more than willing to help out. From helping to coordinate the
first couple of meetings to answering the questions we all had when we first
started. Don’t hesitate to contact us.
Many resources and links to being involved with your scout are available at the Pack 9 website:
www.hcpack9.org
