NEW CUB SCOUT
FAMILY ORIENTATION GUIDE
Welcome to the fun and adventure of Cub Scouting!
Cub Scouts Pack 9
Chartered Organization Holy Cross Catholic Church
405 W. Clark St., Champaign, IL 61820
Prairielands Council
Prairie Fire District
WELCOME!!
Welcome to Cub Scouting. You and your child are beginning on a trail of fun and adventure that will challenge him/her and allow you to share experiences that you may not otherwise have. Your child may even become an Eagle Scout!
WHY CUB SCOUTING?
Cub Scouting’s strength is that it is a well-rounded program, positively affecting every area of a scout’s life. Cub Scouting encourages children to achieve a deeper appreciation of others, including peers, parents and other adults. Early in their Scouting experience, children learn the value of serving others. Cub Scouting provides children with a sense that they are important as individuals. They learn that their Scouting family cares about what happens to them. Cub Scouting promotes activities that lead to personal responsibility and high self-esteem. Thus, when hard decisions have to be made, a scout can look at himself/herself in the mirror and be proud.
HOW CUB SCOUTING WORKS-
Cub Scouting is designed to provide opportunities for families to work and play together, to have fun together and to get to know each other a little better. Families are an integral part of Cub Scouting!
The Cub Scout program is a fun and educational experience concerned with values. Cub Scouting focuses on building character, improving physical fitness, teaching practical skills, and developing a spirit of community service. Cub Scouting is FUN WITH A PURPOSE!
The Cub Scouting program has 10 purposes related to the overall mission of the Boy Scouts of America – to build character, learn citizenship, and develop personal fitness:
Character Development, Spiritual Growth, Good Citizenship, Sportsmanship and Fitness, Family Understanding, Respectful Relationships, Personal Achievement, Friendly Service, Fun and Adventure and Preparation for Boy Scouts.
LIVING THE IDEALS-
Cub Scouting’s values are embedded in the Scout Oath, the Scout Law, the Cub Scout Motto, and the Cub Scout Sign, Handshake, and Salute. These practices help establish and reinforce the program’s values in scouts and the leaders who guide them.
The Scout Oath: On My Honor, I will do my best, To do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law, To help other people at all times; To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.
The Scout Law: A Scout is: Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty Brave, Clean and Reverent.
The Cub Scout Motto: Do your best!
The Cub Scout Sign- The two extended fingers stand for the parts of the Cub Scout Promise, "to help other people" and "to obey." They also stand for the two alert ears of a wolf. The Cub Scout sign should be given when repeating the Scout Oath or the Scout Law. It is also used in ceremonies.
The Cub Scout Handshake- The handshake is done by putting the index and middle fingers of the right hand against the other person’s wrist when shaking hands.
The Cub Scout Salute- The Cub Scout Salute is used to salute the flag when in uniform and to show respect to den and pack leaders. It can be used when greeting other cub scouts.
Belonging to a Den-
The den is a group of scouts who are about the same age with one or two parents who are the Den Leaders. In the den, Cub Scouts develop new skills and interests, they practice sportsmanship and good citizenship, and they learn to do their best, not just for themselves but for the den as well. With his/her den, your child will build confidence and self-esteem and earn recognition. Your child will also gain a sense of personal achievement from the new skills he/she learns.
The den meets once or twice a month and attends pack meetings. Den meetings have games, crafts, songs, ceremonies and periodic field trips revolving around a monthly theme. Depending on rank, work on advancement is not all done at den meetings. Scouts do many requirements for advancement at home with the help of their family.
The Cub Scout Pack-
All Kindergarten through fifth grade scouts are members of a pack. Packs are made up of all the dens. Packs meet once a month - all Lion Cub, Tiger Cub, Wolf, Bear and Webelos families are expected to participate. The pack meeting is led by the Cubmaster and is the highlight of the month. Some pack meetings like our pinewood derby are activity focused while others like our “Boneyard Cleanup” provide an opportunity for community service and learning. All pack leaders are volunteers that ‘do their best’ to make sure that your child has a great experience in Scouting.
The Pack Committee-
The pack is run by the Pack Committee. Parents, Den Leaders and Pack Leaders are members of the pack committee. The pack committee meets once a month–ALL ARE WELCOME and encouraged to attend. Committee meetings are led by the Committee Chairperson. The committee selects leadership, finds meeting places, performs record keeping, manages pack finances, orders badges, coordinates fundraising projects, helps train leaders, and plans the program.
Chartered Organization-
The Pack is owned by a Chartered Organization (CO). Our CO is the Holy Cross Catholic Church. CO’s approve all leadership in the pack, provide a meeting place for the pack and den meetings, and help the pack follow the BSA guidelines and policies. The CO selects a Chartered Organization Representative who serves as the contact person for the Pack.
Using Advancement- Recognition is important to scouts. The advancement plan provides fun for the scouts, gives them a sense of personal achievement as they earn badges, and strengthens family understanding as adult family members and their den leaders work with scouts on advancement projects. The responsibility of a scout’s advancement in Cub Scouting is shared between the family and the pack. Some advancement requirements are done at den meetings and some are done at home with the family. Our pack tracks advancement using an online system called Scoutbook which you will login to in order to record completion of requirements and view your scout’s progress.
LION
The Cub Scout adventure begins with the Lions using a program of exciting indoor and outdoor activities designed for kindergarten children and their adult partner. Adults are there as a support and guide, and allow the new Cub Scout to discover the activities and consequences under adult supervision. Scouts will learn by doing these things himself/herself. And as your child learns and grows, your relationship with him/her will grow as well.
BOBCAT
All scouts, beyond Lion earn the Bobcat badge first, by learning the Scout Oath, the Scout Law, handshake, salute, sign, motto, and meaning of “Webelos.” After receiving the Bobcat Badge, the scouts work on requirements based on their grade level.
TIGER
A 6-year-old or child in the first-grade joins Cub Scouting as a Tiger Scout with his/her parent or adult guardian. This is unique relative to other ranks in Cub Scouting. Tigers and their adult partners are just that, partners. They attend meetings together, go on adventures like field trips together, and complete requirements together. Earning the tiger badge requires completing required and elective adventures as defined in the Tiger Handbook.
WOLF
A Cub Scout who has completed first grade (or is age 7) works on required and elective adventures to earn the Wolf badge. After the scout earns his/her Wolf badge, the scout may work on electives in different interest areas until he/she is old enough to begin work on the next rank. Camping becomes a requirement at the Wolf level. Adult partners are required at some den meetings and activities.
BEAR
A Cub Scout who has completed second grade (or is age 8), works on 6 required and 1 elective adventure to earn the Bear badge. After the scout earns his/her Bear badge, the scout may work on electives in different interest areas until he/she is old enough to begin work on the next rank.
WEBELOS
When a Cub Scout has completed the third grade (or becomes 10 years old), he/she works on required and elective adventures for his/her Webelos badge as well as required and elective adventures for the Arrow of Light Award (the highest award in Cub Scouting.) A scout starts his/her Webelos program between his/her third and fourth grade year. Camping and outdoor programs are an important part of the 18 month Webelos program. In the middle of the Webelos 5th grade year, he/she graduates from Cub Scouting into the adventure of Boy Scouting at an impressive ceremony.
Participating in Activities-
Cub Scouts participate in a huge array of activities, including games, projects, skits, stunts, songs, outdoor activities, trips and service projects. Besides being fun, these activities offer opportunities for growth, achievement, and family involvement:
Camp Cub/Family weekends offer a chance for families to camp together- An afternoon of fun-filled activities like hiking, kickball, archery, swimming, and basketball, just to name a few!
Rocket Launch- A canned food drive in September to benefit local food banks - Part of the nationwide program, “Good Turn for America” of the Boy Scouts of America, is to help feed the hungry.
Raingutter Regatta- Scouts create their own sailboat using a starter kit and then race using their own lung power.
Blue and Gold Banquet Birthday party for Cub Scouting held in February- Most often a lunch is held. A special program or entertainment is customary.
Pinewood Derby Family/Scout- A project that builds a race car made from a block of wood - Car must weigh 5 ounces or less and must clear the track.
Summer Day Camp / Adventure Camp- Depending upon the age of your Cub Scout, he/she can attend Cub Scout Day Camps or Adventure Camps. These programs are held at Council Camps or in the local area. All programs offer exciting summer time activities that include swimming, pedal cars, crafts, games, nature, BB guns, archery, sports, songs, and skits.
Pack Leadership-
Scouting operates through volunteer leadership. Volunteer unit leaders are an example of Scouting’s principle of service to others. Adult family members are the primary source of leaders in the Scouting program. You volunteer not only to serve Scouting, but also to serve your scout and his/her peers, and to have a chance to be a positive influence on the youth in your community. Being a leader is fun, challenging, and rewarding. Leaders find that their experiences help them to become better parents. The following are some of the many dividends that will enrich your life as you dedicate your time, talent, and enthusiasm to Scouting:
· Fun and fellowship with other families; sharing your pride in the scouts’ accomplishments.
· The privilege of helping to enrich and strengthen families.
· A chance to help scouts learn good citizenship and to help shape them into men and women who have strength of character and are sensitive to the needs of others.
· The opportunity to help make a difference in the lives of scouts as they grow strong in mind and body.
· A code to live by which will set a worthwhile example for both youth and adults.
· The satisfaction of being a member of a worldwide movement, and pride in being publicly identified as a part of this organization. Wearing the Scouting uniform is a visible means of showing you believe in, and stand up for, the ideals and objectives of the Boy Scouts of America.
CUBMASTER-
Helps plan and carry out the pack program with the help of the pack committee. Leads monthly pack events and attends the pack committee meetings.
DEN LEADER(S)-
Leads the den at den meetings and monthly pack meetings, attends the monthly pack committee meetings.
PACK COMMITTEE-
Pack committee members (positions listed below) perform administrative functions of the pack.
COMMITTEE CHAIR-
Presides at all pack committee meetings. Helps recruit adult leaders. Also attends pack events.
SECRETARY/TREASURER-
This can be one or two persons. They keep all records for the pack including bank account, financial records, achievements, etc. Attends pack events and pack committee meetings.
PARENT HELPERS - These volunteers function as chairpersons for pack committees that oversee special programs and events within the pack. Pinewood Derby, Blue and Gold Banquet, Day Camp, Popcorn sales, Pack Trainer, Boneyard Creek Clean Up, Rocket Launch, Raingutter Regatta; these are just some of the events that would need parent coordinators. Please contact your Cubmaster if any of these appeal to your talents or interests.
How Can You Help?
Scouting operates through volunteer leadership. Volunteer leaders are an example of Scouting’s principle of service to others. Parents are the primary source of leaders in the Scouting program. You volunteer not only to grow with your child but also to have the chance to be a positive influence on the youth in your community through Scouting. Training is available.
HOW CAN I HELP MY CHILD?
Become involved
Live by the Scout Oath and Law
Work with your child on his/her achievements
Sell popcorn and help him/her raise money
Value him/her as an individual
Fundraisers and where does the money go!
Running the pack is similar to running a business. There are fees to be paid to the BSA, awards to buy for the scouts and leader training to ensure that the pack provides a quality program for your child. A portion of the registration fee you paid at the school registration night goes to the Council and the remainder covers a small amount of the items purchased for your scout.
The Boy Scouts of America have partnered with Pecatonica River Popcorn which provides a way for us to raise money. We offer 2 different opportunities for the scouts to make their goals. The first is the Show-and-Sell. We order popcorn for the pack that will be used to sell in front of different businesses in town. Any scout that wants to come and sell at the Show and-Sell is welcome and will have his/her portion of the proceeds added to his/her total sale.
The second way for the scouts to make their goal is to go around your neighborhood and ask your neighbors if they would like to support Scouting. We request the Scouts NEVER sell popcorn without a parent or guardian or another Scout and we tell them to NEVER go into anyone’s house if invited in. We expect the scouts to be safe while selling. Another opportunity, if your company allows, is to bring the form to work and sell to co-workers. Also, ask your company if they would like to purchase popcorn for employee or customer gifts. Online sales will count towards his/her total sale.
If you have family or friends that don’t live close, there is a website where they can order popcorn. Check with your Den Leaders, Cubmaster or the Pack Popcorn Kernel to find out if your pack is participating. If necessary, the pack may participate in other fundraising activities like car washes, bake sales, or other opportunities. Your participation is always welcome and appreciated. As Cub Scouts, we will always try and make sure to emphasize the fun in fundraising.
Uniform Basics
The Cub Scout Uniform is an important part of Scouting. Decades of experience show that wearing the uniform has many benefits, including:
· Equality. The uniform represents a democratic ideal of equality. Scouts from various cultures and different economic levels wear the same uniform and cooperate as equals.
· Identification. The uniform identifies a child as a member of the Cub Scouts. Badges on the uniform tell other members that he/she belongs to their den, pack, and council. The uniform itself identifies a good citizen to the entire community.
· Achievement. The uniform displays badges and other awards so the accomplishments of each Cub Scout can be immediately recognized.
· Commitment. Wearing a uniform is a constant reminder to each Cub Scout of his/her commitment to the ideals and purposes of Cub Scouting: duty to God, loyalty to country, and helpfulness to others.
For these reasons, among others, we count on parents to emphasize to their Scouts the importance of wearing the correct and complete uniform on all suitable occasions.
You will notice that at Pack 9 we will refer to two “classes” of uniform:
· Class A Uniform: Official Cub Scout blue shirt with appropriate badges; neckerchief & slide, blue/khaki shorts or pants (at Den meetings, scouts may wear jeans or blue/khaki shorts/pants).
· Class B Uniform: Pack 9 tee shirt
Class A Uniform: What do I need to buy?
The official Cub Scout uniform and patches can be purchased at the Robeson Scout Shop.
*You may be able to find shirts in the Holy Cross uniform closet.
Raymond Lee Scout Service Center and Robeson Scout Shop:
217-356-7291
3301 Farber Dr, Champaign, Illinois 61822
http://prairielandsbsa.org/pages/robeson-scout-shop
As of 08/9/21,
Monday-Friday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Required items you will need to purchase:
· Official blue Cub Scout shirt with American Flag ($29.99)
· Prairieland Council Shoulder Emblem ($3.29)
· Unit Numeral Red “9” patch ($1.49)
· World Crest Emblem ($2.49)
· Belt narrow enough to display belt loops. You may choose to purchase the Official Cub Scout Web Belt in blue ($10.99)
Optional uniform items which you may wish to purchase (not required by Pack 9)
· Den-level Cub hat [Tiger, Wolf, Bear, Webelos] ($14.99)
Items you don’t need to purchase:
· Cub neckerchief & slide. These are provided to you by Pack 9 as part of your registration fee.
· Cub Handbook. This will be loaned to you by Pack 9 as part of your registration fee.
· Official Cub Scout pants. When in the “full” Class A uniform, scouts should wear matching blue or khaki shorts/pants. However, any dark blue or khaki shorts/pants (e.g., Holy Cross shorts and pants) work just fine! For Den Meetings scouts wear their Class A Cub Scout shirts and appropriate shorts/pants.
· Official Cub Scout socks.
Sewing on patches:
The guide on the inside back cover of your scout’s handbook will show the placement of the various patches to put on your son’s uniform. (Note: as a new Scout, you only need to purchase the 3 patches listed in the “required items” above). The patches must be secured to the uniform by sewing them directly to the uniform or with a fabric adhesive product such as “Badge Magic” (available at the Robeson Scout Shop). If you choose to use a fabric adhesive product, you should note that sometimes the adhesive fails (e.g., after multiple washings), so sewing the patches is usually a better option. (Some people use Badge Magic to hold the patches securely in the proper place and then sew them on).
For more about Badge Magic go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VlPfefIsMqY
Alternatively, the Scout Shop can provide the name of a woman/retired scout leader in Champaign who sews on patches to Scout uniforms for $1/each.
Class B Uniform: What do I need to buy?
Nothing! As part of your Pack 9 registration fee, your scout will be given a Pack 9 tee shirt. You may also choose to purchase additional tees for your child or for yourself. Please contact your Den Leader to place an order for additional shirts.
My Scout Store is:
Boy Scouts of America
Robeson Scout Shop
3301 Farber Dr. Champaign IL 61822
PH: (217) 356-7291
Hours: Monday through Friday: 10:00AM TO 5:00 PM
My Council is:
Boy Scouts of America
Prairielands Council
3301 Farber Dr. Champaign IL 61822
My District is:
Prairie Fire
YOU ARE NOT ALONE! RESOURCES BSA SANCTIONED AND EXTERNAL RESOURCES
BSA National Website scouting.org
BSA Online Learning Center myscouting.org
Scoutbook (Pack Advancement) scoutbook.com
General Uniform Information * boyscouttrail.com/uniforms.asp
Advancement Information * boyscouttrail.com/advancements.asp
Advancement Information* MeritBadge.org
Scout Gear Store scoutstuff.org
Holy Cross Pack 9 Website www.hcpack9.org
People are a great resource! There are many people who are willing to help your child enjoy his/her Cub Scout experience: den leaders, Cubmaster, other pack leaders, district and council-level Scouters. Plus many people not in Scouting: friends, family members, teachers, firefighters, police officers, etc. All of these people play a role in helping your child enjoy Scouting and learn a great deal about character, citizenship and fitness.
Nobody is more important to your child’s Scouting experience than YOU!
* Please Note – boyscouttrail.com and meritbadge.org are not official BSA websites but offer useful information regarding uniforms and advancement.
