New Pack 289 Family Resource Guide
Welcome
As a new Pack 289 family you may have many questions related to the people, programs and structure of the Pack and Scouting in general. This guide is the starting point for answering many of these questions. The information contained is not comprehensive, but we have also included many links to websites that contain more detailed information.
About Cub Scouting
Purpose of Cub Scouting
The Cub scout program has 10 purposes related to its overall mission. The 10 purposes are:
1-Character Development
- Spiritual Growth
- Good Citizenship
- Sportsmanship and Fitness
- Family Understanding
- Respectful Relationships
- Personal Achievement
- Friendly Service
- Fun and Adventure
- Preparation for Scouts BSA
Generally, every Cub Scout activity should hit on at least one of the ten purposes. Not everything is serious in Cub Scouts. In Pack 289, we have alot of fun going on campouts, doing silly skits and songs and making friends.
Methods of Cub Scouting
To accomplish its purposes and achieve the overall goals of building character, learning citizenship, and developing personal fitness, Cub Scouting uses seven methods:
- Living the Ideals
- Belonging to a Den
- Advancement
- Family Involvement
- Activities
- Serving the neighborhood
- Uniform
For more details on the methods of cub scouting, please see https://www.scouting.org/programs/cub-scouts/aims-and-methods/
Cub Scouting Structure
Scouting America
Scouting America is our parent organization and one of the nation’s largest and most prominent values based youth development organizations. Scouting America provides a program for young people that builds character, trains them in the responsibilities of participating citizenship, and develops personal fitness. The Cub Scout program is part of the overall Scouting program offered by Scouting America. More info at: http://www.scouting.org
Council & District
Pack 289 is part of the Prince William District of the National Capital Area Council. Council and District have both paid and volunteer representatives whose job it is to help Cub Scout Packs and Scouts BSA Troops provide a quality program for the youth of Prince William County and beyond. More info can be found at: https://www.ncacbsa.org/ and https://www.ncacbsa.org/prince-william/
Chartering Organization
Each Pack has a legal entity that supports the Pack and helped created it through agreement with the BSA. Pack 289’s Chartered Organization is the First United Presbyterian Church of Dale City (FUPDC) . The church has a member who is our designated Chartered Organization Representative and this person assists the Pack in our annual recharter process and approves new Pack leadership. More info at: https://www.scouting.org/programs/cub-scouts/how-cub-scouting-is-organized/pack-chartered-organization
Pack Structure
Pack
The scouts of Pack 289 attend many different elementary schools across Prince William County. Some of the schools attended by our scouts are: Henderson, Montclair, Pattie, Swans Creek, Leesylvania, and Ashland. The Pack is run by a committee made up of a Chair, Cubmaster, Treasurer, Awards Coordinator, and the Den Leaders. There are also important supporting Pack rolls that include the Popcorn Sale Coordinator (Popcorn Kernel), Blue & Gold Banquet Organizers, Outdoor Coordinator, and individual Event Coordinators. Scouting is a family activity and there is no end to the opportunities large and small to help make the Pack go and provide a fun quality program for our kids
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Dens
Scouts in the Pack are organized into Dens by grade level. Each grade level will have at least one Den and they will range in size from 6-12+ Scouts. Each Den will have a Den Leader (and possible one or two assistant, or co-leaders) who are registered and trained annually for their position according to BSA guidelines. Den leaders generally stay with their Den from 1st grade up through 5th when the scouts age out and cross over to Scouts BSA. During the Tiger year (first grade) BSA rules require a parent or guardian is present for all Den and Pack Gatherings and events. For Wolf through AOL (second to fifth grade) parents are encouraged to be present but it is not mandatory.
Scouts
Scouts are the most important part of Pack 289! Pack 289 generally provides each scout with their neckerchief, pinewood and raingutter regatta kit and any other awards that a scout earns over the course of the year.
About Pack 289
Pack Meetings
Pack 289 has one Pack Meeting each month of the school year. Most of these meetings are held on the 4th Monday of the month at our chartering organization the First United Presbyterian Church of Dale City. Pack Meetings are where our all of our Scouts and parents come together to have fun, learn new skills and enjoy each other’s fellowship.
Den Meetings
The Pack is divided into smaller units called Dens. Dens generally consist of six-10+ scouts in the same grade. Dens meet separately from the Pack 1-2 times a month to work on Cub Scout Adventure Achievements that allow the scouts progress to their next rank. Den meetings are planned and executed by a Den Leader, Assistant Den Leader or a parent.
Service
The Pack participates in various Community Service projects throughout the year including the Scouting for Food Drive, and community clean-ups. We are always looking for new opportunities to provide community service so if you have any ideas, please feel free to notify the pack leadership.
Events
Pack events include our Camp Outs/Overnights, Blue & Gold Banquet, Pinewood Derby, Push Cart Races, and various other outdoor activities. Events are generally run by the event coordinator with help from other parents in the Pack.
Attendance
We encourage scouts and their families to view Cub Scouts as a commitment. While occasional absences can be worked around, the Cub Scout program does not lend itself to frequent non-attendance. Pack 289 holds one Pack Meeting per month for most of the school year at FUPDC The dens will typically hold 1-2 meetings during the month at a location to be determined by the Den Leader. Den meetings are important for learning and advancement, as well as fun and social interaction. If a meeting is missed, it is up to parents to coordinate with your den leader on making up any missed materials.
Uniforms
Wearing a uniform gives youth and adult members a sense of identification and commitment to the goals of character development, citizenship training, and personal fitness. The awards displayed on the uniform mark significant milestones in every Scout and leader’s progress in achieving these goals and successfully practicing Scouting’s ideals. The Cub Scout uniform should be worn to all Cub Scout activities including, but not limited to, Den Meetings and Pack Meetings. In our pack, we require an official BSA Cub Scout shirt with patches placed correctly along with an official Cub Scout neckerchief and a neckerchief slide. Parents must provide the shirt, patches, and neckerchief slide. The pack will provide the neckerchief and rank badges (i.e., Tiger, Bobcat, Wolf, Bear, Webelos). Scouts have the option to wear their belts, pants, etc., but these are not required. Scouts are required to wear their shirts buttoned up and tucked in to pants or shorts that are free of rips, tears, frayed edges, etc. If hats are worn, they will be worn front and center. Information about patch placement can be found on the Guide to Awards and Insignia at https://www.scouting.org/resources/insignia-guide/
Communication
Information about Pack events will be done using email, the pack website (http://cubscoutpack289.org/) and the scoutbook calendar. The Pack also has a private Facebook page.
Dues
Dues are utilized to purchase Den and Pack meeting materials, neckerchiefs, badges, belt loops, awards, pinewood derby cars on behalf of the cubs. An additional portion is allocated to annual Pack registration fees, leader training, and insurance.. Our Annual Popcorn Fundraiser significantly supplements the Pack’s budget as we spend much more per child than is covered by dues alone. Please plan on participating in our fundraiser if you would prefer $0 dues increases in the future. No scout should be denied the opportunity to participate in Cub Scouts due to financial hardship. In the event that you need financial assistance, please speak with our Pack Committee Chairman about our scholarship program.
Fundraising
Our Pack’s primary fundraiser for the year is selling popcorn. This fundraiser allows us to keep our annual dues relatively low and still operate the pack, provide materials and supplies and meaningful activities for the scouts without excessive additional charges, and in many cases subsidize at least a portion of the cost of outings and activities. We expect each Cub Scout to sell popcorn at least $300 worth of popcorn, but more sales will bring incentives & prizes. The Pack sets up storefronts each year so the scouts can generate even more sales. If your scout does not meet the minimum threshold, each family will have to buy-out the difference.
Scout Accounts
To help offset individual activities, Pack 289 offers an Individual Scout Account program. Individual Scout Accounts, whereby the pack keeps track of how much a Cub Scout or his family has raised toward his “ideal year of Cub Scouting” goal, are critical to the success of this program. When individual Cub Scouts are credited for their efforts, they develop a sense of personal responsibility and participation. Scouts who sell more than the mBalances in Scout Accounts can be used to offset individual expenses (trip expenses, t-shirts, etc.).
According to Pack 289 Standard Operating Procedures, the first $100 of “profit” for each scout goes directly to the pack to help offset operating costs ($300 in sales). Anything earned above and beyond this is tracked for each scout and may be used by that scout to help pay for scout activities such as camping, uniform parts, scout books, etc.
Scout Ranks & Advancement
Scout Ranks
The scout ranks are all grade-level/age based. The current ranks in cub scouts are the following:
- Kindergarten – Lions
- 1st Grade – Tigers
- 2nd Grade – Wolves
- 3rd Grade – Bears
- 4th Grade – Webelos
- 5th Grade – AOL
Recognition is important to young scouts. The Cub Scout 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 work with scouts on advancement projects. To earn a rank, adventures are to be completed among other requirements. Some Adventures are required and others are optional (electives)
- Scouts advance to the next rank in June at the summer campout
- Adventure belt loops and Webelos pins provided by the Pack and are included in the Annual Registration Fee.
- Adventure belt loops and pins are typically awarded very close to the completion of the Adventure and are handed out to the Scout by the Den Leader.
- Rank Badges are provided by the Pack and are included in the Annual Registration Fee.
- With the exception of the Bobcat rank, all other rank badges are awarded by the Cubmaster at the May Court of Honor.
Scoutbook
Pack 289 utilizes ScoutBook to track a Scout’s work toward advancement. Den Leaders and parents can mark off completed adventures and ranks in ScoutBook. Parents are encouraged to sign into their child’s ScoutBook account to monitor their progress. Scouts and their parents can work on Adventures on their own, but need to pre-clear this with their Den Leaders to ensure they are not working ahead of the den. More information may be found here: https://www.scouting.org/programs/cub-scouts/what-cub-scoutsearn/cub-scouting-adventures/
Training
Youth Protection Training
Pack 289 requests that all new parent members take the S.A.F.E. Guarding Youth’ training (offered online at no charge) so that there is full awareness of all BSA policies and procedures related to Youth Protection. Detailed information and training link can be found at: https://www.scouting.org/training/youth-protection/
Pack Structure
Pack Leadership
Cubmaster
Everything that the Cubmaster does is aimed at helping the individual scout. The Cubmaster is charged with working directly with the Scouts at the Pack meetings and helping determine and run the Pack program with the assistance of the Committee and Den Leaders.
Pack Committee
Every pack is under the supervision of a pack committee, which consists of at least three members (chair, charter org representative, cubmaster). By handling administrative and support tasks, the Pack Committee allows the Cubmaster, Pack Committee allows the Cubmaster, Den leaders, and their assistants to focus on working directly with the Cub Scouts
Den Leaders
Den leaders, and their assistants to focus on working directly with the Cub Scouts Den Leaders: Cub Scout Den leaders work directly with Cub Scouts and their parents/guardians to execute the Cub Scouting program in the den and help the Scouts earn their ranks.
Volunteering with the Pack
There are many ways that you can help Pack 289. Whether you are volunteering directly with Scouts or helping out behind the scenes, you can make an impact on the lives of our Scouts by volunteering your time. How can you help? Here are a few ideas:
Assisting directly with the Scouts on an ongoing basis
- Leader (Cubmaster, Den leader)
- Assistant leader Helping directly with the Scouts in specific events or activities
- Blue and Gold Committee
- Outdoor activities Chair
- Cub Scout Day Summer Camp Coordinator/participant
- Nova Awards Coordinator
Support: Administrative Role
- Advancement coordinator
- Quartermaster (supplies)
- Treasurer/assistant treasurer
Cub Scout Lingo
Cub Scouting has a language all its own. If you are not familiar with it, below are definitions of many terms you will encounter as you get more and more involved in the program.
Achievements/Adventures To earn the rank badge, Scouts must complete required adventures found in their Handbook.
Advancements Advancements in rank are presented at each pack meeting and include Lion, Tiger, Bobcat, Wolf, Bear, Webelos, and Arrow of Light badges.
Akela Akela is the Cub Scout term for a leader – any leader – including den leaders, Cubmasters, teachers, parents, and any other adult the Cub Scout looks up to.
Arrow of Light (AOL) This is the highest award a boy can earn in Cub Scouting – also the ONLY (non-religious) award from Cub Scouts which can be worn on a Boy Scout Uniform. Adult leaders who earned this rank as a Cub Scout wear a knot signifying it.
Assistant Cubmaster An assistant Cubmaster is a registered adult (18 years or older) who assists the Cubmaster with the pack program. You may have several assistant Cubmasters. One of them might be the next Cubmaster.
Assistant Den Leader An assistant den leader is a registered adult (18 years or older) who assists the den leader with the den meetings.
Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO) Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO) is a training event presented by the council that introduces Cub Scout leaders and parents to the skills needed to plan and conduct pack outdoor activities, particularly overnight events and camping. In order for our Pack to attend an overnight event, there must be BALOO trained adults in attendance.
Blue & Gold Banquet Because February is the anniversary month of the Boy Scouts of America, many packs, celebrate with a Blue and Gold banquet. The banquets are special events that can include entertainment.
Bear Scout These are generally third grade Cub Scouts.
Bobcat Every scout who joins Cub Scouts after the Lion rank must first earn the Bobcat badge. Doing this, they learn the seven basic tenets of Cub Scouting: the Promise, the Law of the Pack, the sign, the handshake, the motto, the salute, and what Webelos means.
Scouts BSA A Scouts BSA scout is between the ages of 11 and 18 and belongs to a Troop. The Scout advances through these ranks: Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, then Eagle. Boy Scouts of America The Boy Scouts of America is a nationally chartered organization that encompasses Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Explorer Units, and Venturing Units.
Scouts Life A magazine for scouts.
Bridging A ceremony where Webelos Cub Scouts who earned their Arrow of Light cross a ceremonial bridge to signify their transition from Cub Scouts to Scouts BSA. This is normally done at a Cub Scout Pack Meeting with Scouts from the Webelos’ new troop participating. This is an induction ceremony into Scouts BSA.
Buddy System Whenever a scout needs to go somewhere at camp, hiking, meetings, etc. it is always done in groups of at least two. A scout always takes a “buddy” scout with him. Buddies should not have more than a 2 year gap in age.
Bug Juice A fun little term for a refreshment drink (kool-aid or lemonade).
Chartered Organization A chartered organization is a community group – often a religious, civic, fraternal, educational, or other organization – that sponsors a Scouting unit, such as a Cub Scout pack, Boy Scout troop, or Venturing crew. The Boy Scouts of America issues a charter to each chartered organization, allowing them to use Scouting as part of their youth program. Our charter organization is the First United Presbyterian Church of Dale City.
Charter Renewal Charter renewal is the annual process during which the charter issued by BSA to your chartered organization is renewed. The pack committee must help by verifying the list of scouts and adults registered in the pack.
Committee This is the group of adult volunteers who “run” the Pack. Any interested adult is welcome to attend Committee meetings.
Charter Organization Representative (COR) Charter Organization Representative – A person assigned by the Charter Organization to be the liaison between the pack and the charter organization.
Class A Uniform This is the official uniform of Cub Scouts. Cub Scouts wear a blue shirt, while Webelos switch to the khaki Scouts BSA shirt. “Class A uniform” is not a BSA official term, but it is widely used by pack
Class B Uniform Class B uniforms are Scouting-related t-shirts. They can be pack t-shirts, day camp t-shirts or any other Scouting t-shirt. They are officially called special purpose or activity uniforms.
Council The Council is an organization of professional Scouters that oversees all Cub Scout Packs, Boy Scout Troops and other units in an area. Pack 289 is part of the National Capital Area council.
Court of Honor A Court of Honor is a special awards ceremony. Awards may be presented at any Pack meeting, but there is a special ceremony for presentation of awards at a Court of Honor. This is held in May
Cub Scout Sign The Cub Scout sign is used when Cub Scouts say the Cub Scout Promise and Law. The sign is also used to get the attention of any Cub Scout group. To make the sign, hold up your right hand with the arm straight and first and middle fingers extended. The other fingers and thumb are folded over into the palm.
Cubmaster The Cubmaster is the chief adult volunteer leader and is responsible for monthly pack meetings, the program of the pack, and the operation of the dens. Den The Den is a group of Cub Scouts who meet at regular interval
Den The Den is a group of Cub Scouts who meet at regular intervals. Ideally, a den consists of 6 to 8 boys or girls who are all working toward the same rank.
Den Chief A den chief is a Scouts BSA scout who serves as an assistant, helping the den leader with the den and providing fun and interesting things for the scouts to do. They are selected by their Troop to serve Pack 1776 and have a 6-month term. Usually they have earned the First Class rank.
Den Leader A Cub Scout den leader is a registered adult volunteer who leads a Cub Scout den, with the help of assistant den leaders and parents.
Den Meeting Individual Den Meetings are held for each rank level of Cub Scouts. These usually occur at a regular interval, such as weekly or bi-weekly. When to meet is up to the Den Leaders.
Good Turn “Do a Good Turn Daily” is the scout slogan. A good turn is something you do without being asked or expected to do it and for which you expect no reward.
Leave No Trace (LNT) A set of guidelines that set standards for outdoor activities that are environmentally sound and considerate to others using the same area.
Lion Cub Lion Scouts is a fun introduction to the Scouting program for kindergarten-age youth.
Pack meeting The pack meeting is a monthly gathering of all the Cub Scouts and Webelos Scout dens in the pack, along with their families, for recognition, fun, and program.
Pinewood Derby Pinewood derby is an activity for all Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts. Scouts build wooden race cars with adult assistance and race them down pinewood tracks for prizes and trophies. The race is usually held in January. There are rules that govern the construction of the car and how it is raced. They are circulated in December and are posted on the Pack Website. The cost of the car is included in the Scout’s registration.
Popcorn Sales Trail’s End brand popcorn is sold by Scouts to raise money for their unit activities. This is our main fundraiser for the scouting year. This usually takes place in September and October.
Rank Badges The Rank Badges, in order, are: Lion, Bobcat, Tiger, Wolf, Bear, Webelos, Arrow of Light.
Roundtable Our District holds a monthly Roundtable meeting for all of its Boy Scout and Cub Scout leaders. The purpose of Roundtable is to help units succeed by providing useful program ideas, information on policy, leadership training, and current information on upcoming Council events and training opportunities. Roundtables are the best way to find out what’s going on! Everyone may attend!
Scoutbook Scoutbook is an advancement tracking tool. It is free. Each parent has an account where they can track their Scout’s progress towards advancement and awards. https://www.scoutbook.com There is also a mobile app.
Scout Sign The Scout sign is used when Webelos Scouts say the Scout Oath or Promise and Scout Law. To make the sign, raise the right hand palm forward, upper arm straight, and out to the side. The arm is bent at the elbow, forming a right angle. The three middle fingers are held erect and the thumb covers the nail of the little finger.
Tiger Cub The Tiger Cub program is for first grade (or age 7) boys and girls and their adult partners Tiger Partner The adult partner of a Tiger Cub, usually a family member, is the Tiger Partner.
Troop A Troop is a group of Scouts BSA made up of one or more patrols. There are troops for males and females.
Uniform The Uniform is the prescribed clothing for any and all official Cub Scout events. See the uniform guide, below. Unit Each individually chartered Pack or Troop is a Unit.
Webelos Webelos means WE’ll BE Loyal Scouts. Or for you old timers, WeBeLoS stood for Wolf, Bear, Lion, Scout to indicate the progression towards being a Scouts BSA scout.
Webelos Scout These are fourth and fifth grade Cub Scouts. These activities are designed to prepare the boys for the merit badge methodology utilized in Boy Scouts. Wolf Cub These are generally second grade Cub Scouts.
Woodbadge Advanced Training for an adult leader. Any adult who has taken Basic Leader Training can attend this advanced training course to expand their knowledge of the scouting program and be of more help to the pack/troop.
Youth Protection Training courses for the prevention of child abuse and protection of our youth. Training is offered for different age groups of scouts and for adults. This training is available online.