Cub Scout Pack 4076
Handbook
CubScout Pack 4076
Parkman,Ohio
Charteredby
ParkmanCongregational Church
August 2017
Oath
Onmy honor I will do my best
Todo my duty to God and my country
andto obey the Scout law:
Tohelp other people at all times;
Tokeep myself physically strong,
mentallyawake, and morally straight.
Scout Law
AScout is trustworthy,
loyal,helpful, friendly,
courteous,kind, obedient,
cheerful,thrifty, brave,
clean,and reverent.
Welcome to Cub ScoutPack 4076
We’re glad that your family has joined Scouting,and we hope that you and your son will have a great adventure with Cub Scout Pack 4076. Pack 4076 was first chartered by Parkman Congregational Church on July 1st, 1942. We continue to grow and thrive due to the dedication of its volunteer leaders and parents like you! We all believe that scouting is an important part of the physical, mental, and spiritual development of our boys.
What is Cub Scouting?
Since 1930, the Boy Scouts of America has helped younger boys through Cub Scouting. It is a year-round family program designed for boys who are in kindergarten through fifth grade (or 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 years of age). Parents, leaders, and organizations work together to achieve the purposes of Cub Scouting.
The 10 purposes of Cub Scouting are:
- Character Development
- Spiritual Growth
- Good Citizenship
- Sportsmanship and Fitness
- Family Understanding
- Respectful Relationships
- Personal Achievement
- Friendly Service
- Fun and Adventure
- Preparation for Boy Scouts
Pack Organization
A group of approximately 5 to 10 Scouts of the same age who are working on earning the same rank make up a den. All of thedens together make up the pack.
Each den must have at least one REGISTERED and TRAINED leader. These leaders plan and execute the weekly den meetings. The minimum required training includes YOUTH PROTECTION (YPT),“This is Scouting”, and Leader-Specific training. There are years’ worth of supplementary training courses available locally in-person and on line.
A Pack Committee consisting of interested parents, leaders, and member of the Chartered Organization are responsible to support the pack in areas such as to plan and implement pack activities,fundraising events, field trips, outings, camping trips, banquets, derbies,etc.
All parents and leaders associated with the packare strongly encouraged to take basic and advanced training courses. Online: my.scouting.org
Registration
The annual membership dues for 2018-2019 are $60.00 per scout and pays for the following.
$24.00 Registration in Boy Scouts ofAmerica
$12.00 Boys Life Magazine
$4.00 Pack expenses contribution
a class B t shirt
Please make checks out to Cub Scout Pack 4076.Payment is due at the beginning of the school year. Many families will payt heir dues out of their scout’s account, which is funded through popcorn sales and other various fundraisers we may have. If you have any questions regarding registration or finances, contact Pack Treasurer.
Advancement and Recognition
Scouting is not school. Scouting is about doing,exploring, growing, having fun and making friends. Advancement (rank and other electives) is the natural result of being active and involved.
Ranks
Boys can enter scouting at any age once they have entered kindergarten. For Cub Scouts, ranks are used to organize age appropriate activities.
All new scouts earn the Bobcat rank as soon as they know a few basics (i.e. Cub Scout Promise, Law of the Pack, hand sign,handshake, motto, salute).
There is no Bobcat den. Scouts join a Lion, Tiger, Wolf, Bear, orWebelos den by age. Before earning other ranks, they must first earn the Bobcat rank.
The Lion pilot is a Boy Scouts of America program that is designed to introduce kindergarten-age boys and their families to the fun of Scouting. Lions will not earn the Bobcat rank, or participate in fundraisers or events such as the pinewood derby
Tigers are 1st grade boys. They do fun activities focused on discovery and introducing the Scouting ideas.
Wolf Scouts are in 2nd grade. They work on age appropriate physical and mental skill
Bears are in 3rd grade. They add further age appropriate physicaland mental skills.
Webelos are 4th and 5th grade boys. They learn Boy Scout skills and prepare to become Boy Scouts.
Arrow of Light is the highest Cub Scout award, and the only Cub Scout award worn on the Boy Scout uniform.
Leadership
Works with the scouts. Runs the pack meetings and is the face of the pack to the scouts and the community.
Assists the Cubmaster in all pack meetingactivities. Assistant Cubmasters generally will assume the role of the Cubmaster in his absence.
- Den Leader/Small group leader. With the help of the other families in the den, the den leader coordinates regular den meetings as well as participates in the monthly pack leadership meetings.
- Committee Member Supports pack events and activities. Helps keep the pack going. Membership is open to anyone wanting to be involved. Roles include treasurer, charter organization representative, coordinators for camps and special events, and much more.
Meetings
If school Cardinal districtis closed due to inclement weather, the Den or Pack will not meet that night.
Flag Ceremony is performed before each meeting. This will start at 7:00 to allow for plenty of time for requirements to be met during den meetings.
Den meetings are every Tuesday of each month through the school year. We meet at Parkman Congregational Church basement however; we have no affiliation with the church.They are our charter organization.
Pack meetings are on the last Tuesday each month through the school year. We meet in the basement of Parkman Congregational Church.
It is the responsibility of everyone in thepack to assist with cleanup following the Pack meeting, especially whenrefreshments have been served.
Facility Guidelines
Please Show Respect for Our Meeting Place, Parkman Congregational Church
We are fortunate enough to have the support of the church where we meet, and we are proud to be associated with this school in our community. We have a tradition of respecting property and do not wish to reflect negatively on Scouting or on Parkman Congregational Church.
We understand that “boys will be boys” and outbursts of enthusiasm will occur. However, there may be other groups meeting in the building at the same time we are meeting, so please be respectful to them, and reasonably quiet so as not to disturb what they are doing. We are guests in this building! Please avoid running and yelling in the halls, and do your best to keep everything neat and clean. Please ask your Scout and other children to stay in designated areas for our meeting times.
We always provide all of our own materials for our programs, so there should never be any need to use any of the church’s materials found in the classrooms or kitchen. Please leave the classrooms and other facilities set up the way you found them, or even neater than you found.
Parkman Congregational Church understands that upon occasion accidents happen, and that things get worn, dirty, and broken. Pack 4076 is committed to act responsibly to prevent as much damage as possible and to be good stewards of what we have graciously been given by the church.
If you see any problems, please alert the Den Leaders or the Cubmaster right away!
You can help by talking with your scout about the importance of respect and stewardship and what his responsibilities are. We want to remain a welcome part of Parkman Congregational Church.
Uniforms
The Boy Scouts of America is a uniformed organization. We encourage you to acquire a uniform for your son at least by the time of the October Pack meeting so that he may proudly wear his Bobcat badge and other awards on it.
BSA has many reasons for requiring uniforms. Among them are quick identification of the group, providing a place to display emblems representing hard work by the Scouts, and to foster a sense of brotherhood and pride.
“Officially speaking”, scouts should have a complete uniform. At minimum, each scout should have an official scout shirt with emblems, neckerchief for appropriate den, and slide (there are many ideas online for homemade slides). Tigers, Wolves, and Bears must wear the blue uniform shirt. Webelos can choose to wear the blue shirt, or the khaki shirt,which they will wear once they crossover to Boy Scouts. The pack will provide all awards given, as well as the neckerchief when the scout transitions to the next rank at the crossover ceremony. Everything you need can be purchased at the BSA store located at:
2241 Woodland Ave, Cleveland, OH 44115 Cleveland or 1601 S. Main St, Akron, OH 44301.
It is recommended that each scout have a copy of their current den handbook. This will show all requirements to be able to crossover to the next rank. There are requirements for the boys to do together as a den, and also at home as individuals and with their families
Activities
Aside from normal den activities and occasional field trips, there are a number of activities that are worth mentioning in the parent handbook.
Service Projects
Pack 4076 wants to be known as a Pack who serves. One requirement of the BSA is for Packs to participate in a minimum of three service projects each year. We have several service projects already planned this year, including placing flags at cemeteries, Great American Clean Up Day, food drive and and much more. We are also always willing to explore other areas where we can serve.
Pinewood Derby
Once a year, in March, the pack has a Pinewood Derby race. The pack provides each scout with a Pinewood Derby kit at least one month before the derby. Each scout (with the help of their parents) designs and builds their car from a block of pine and wheels included in the kit. Each car must meet very specific rules (including weight and size requirements) and must be built from the official BSA Pinewood Derby kit. The cars are judged for speed in different age groups and for appearance. Guidelines will be provided closer to the event.
The pack champions go on to compete with all the other packs in our District Pinewood Derby. The official rules for the Pack 4076 Derby are distributed to each boy with the kit.
*If you are interested in assisting with the pinewood derby, please contact the Pack Committee Chair.
Blue and Gold Banquet
Each year the Cub Scouts celebrate the anniversary of the founding of Scouting in the U.S. by having a Blue and Gold Banquet. This is traditionally a supper (either catered or potluck) where the entire family is encouraged to attend. This is when the Arrow of Light Scouts crossover to Boy Scouts.
*If you are interested in assisting with the banquet, please contact the Pack Committee Chair.
Popcorn Sales
Every year the pack participates in the Boy Scout Popcorn sale. The sale usually occurs in September/October and is the major fundraising activity of our pack. Boys who participate in this event have the opportunity to earn prizes.
The pack relies heavily on the funds generated by this fundraiser. Everyone’s participation is expected and appreciated. The pack retains 35% of all the proceeds of popcorn sales and a % of that pack money goes into the scout’s personal account, which can be used towards dues, pack paid activities, or camp. To find out the balance in your scout’s personal account, please contact the Pack Treasurer.
Summer Family Campout
The pack will arrange to have a three nightcampout at a nearby campground in early June. Come for as many nights as you’reable to. This is an excellent time to get to know the scouting families in ourpack, and to build relationships.
Council Family Camp
Each summer, many of our scouts attend the Council Family Camp at Camp Stambaugh or Camp Manatoc. At this camp, the boys have a chance to work on their advancements and enjoy the company of scouts from other packs.
Crossover Ceremony
In May, our pack will have a picnic and crossover ceremony to celebrate the scouts making their rank, and crossing over to the next rank. At this time, they will receive a neckerchief for the next rank.
Council and District Sponsored Activities
Throughout the year the council coordinatesevents for scouts from all packs to participate in. This includes events suchas Dinner and A Movie, Cub Scout Freezeout, and many other events. We encourageeveryone to take advantage of these opportunities. These events will bepublicized via emails and announcements at meetings. Parents can also findinformation at http://www.gtcbsa.org. This is our Councils (Great Trail Council) web site
Summer Activities
The pack will schedule activities during the summer months. All summer activities will be publicized via email. These are usually 2 per month in June, July and August.
BSA Health &Safety
All scouting activities are in accordance with nationalBSA health and safety standards, as dictated by the Guide to Safe Scouting. Allparticipants (scouts, siblings, parents) must complete a BSA medical form(parts A and B) each year. The form can be found at: http://www.scouting.org/filestore/HealthSafety/pdf/680-001_ABC.pdf
Behavior andDiscipline
It is important that proper behavior (Scout Oath/Law) be demonstrated by scouts at Den and Pack meetings and all scouting events.
Behavior is a synonym for a word that has fallen on hard times, and that word is discipline. Often times discipline is thought of in a negative form (namely punishment). But the word actually means “training” or “a system of rules governing conduct”.
The first form of discipline, which is the most important, is self-discipline. Lacking that, the Den Leaders have direct responsibility for maintaining the behavior of the boys in their Den.
Rather than attempt to enumerate a complete listof “do’s and don’ts”, the following principles apply with regards toexpectations on behavior:
- A Scout is always expected to live accordingly to the Scout Law. He is always a representative of his den, his pack, and of Boy Scouts of America. The rest of the world has a reasonably accurate concept of how a scout should act, and your son should have that concept as well.
- A scout’s conduct should never be something that would bring discredit to themselves, their den, their pack, or the Boy Scouts of America.
- Fighting/bullying or any form of physical or nonphysical harassment, including verbal harassment, will not be tolerated.
Please take the time to discuss with your son the importance of not disrupting den and pack meetings. It’s not fair to the other boys and the leaders for activities and meetings to be interrupted due to behavior issues.
If a boy becomes a behavior problem that the Den Leader cannot handle, the Cubmaster will be informed and a parent/leader meeting will be held to discuss the problem and possible action. If the problem cannot be resolved to the satisfaction of all concerned, the scout may be asked to leave the pack. Please have your scout “do his best!
Drug, Alcohol &Tobacco Use
Illegal drugs and alcohol are not allowed at anyScouting activity and persons under the influence of drugs or alcohol are notallowed to participate or be present at any Scouting functions. Any violationof this rule will result in immediate dismissal from the event and possibleintervention by law enforcement agents.
Scouting provides a tobacco-free environment forthe boys and smoking is not allowed in the presence of the scouts. If you mustsmoke or use tobacco products, please do so outside and out-of-site of the boysand always remember to keep the area free of cigarette butts and trash.
Knives & Firearms
No fixed-blade sheath knives are allowed on any Scout activity. A Cub Scout can only carry a pocket knife once he has learned the safety rules for using a knife and earns his Whittlin’ Chip card in the Bear Den or Webelo Den. Knives can then only be used under direct adult supervision. If a Scout is found handling his knife improperly, it will betaken away from him and given to the parents. Each time this happens a corner of the Whittlin’ Chip card is to be snipped off. If all corners are removed the Scout no longer is allowed this privilege. In addition, any adult who sees a Scout with a knife can ask him to produce his Wittlin’ Chip. If he cannot do so, the knife will be taken away from him and given to his parents.
Archery equipment, air rifles, and B-B guns are not allowed in the Cub Scout program except under stringent supervision by a trained adult on a safe firing range at a council or district sponsored event. Pistols are not allowed. Firearms are not allowed except under certain demonstration conditions and can only be handled by qualified adults.Use of firearms by Cubs is not allowed. See national BSA Health and Safety standards for details. Contact the Cubmaster before planning any den meetings that involve firearms. Except for police officers in their jurisdiction, there are to be no firearms at any of our activities.
Den Leaders
Arrow of Light--This could be you! (Currently parent led)
Webelos—Ryan Preisendorfer
Assistant Den Leader— Mark Herakovoc
Bear—Monique Hornsby and Dan Kunzler
Wolf—CaseySmith
Tiger—Wendy Kunzler
Lion--OPEN
Communication
All announcements will come through email via Scoutlander. If you are unsure whether we have your email address, please see the Committee Chair, or Cub Master, and we will make sure to update your information. Feel free to call, text or email us for any questions, concerns,or suggestions that you might have. We will also be at most pack and den meetings. We also have a Pack Facebook page, which you can find by searching Cub Scout Pack 4076. Meeting minutes will be provided to each family as well highlighting that months upcoming activities. Please check in to our web site as well: wwwpack4076.org.
*Feel free to leave a review on Google or Facebook.
Cub Master—MoniqueHornsby
216-337-2104
parkmanpack76@gmail.com
Committee Chair—DanKunzler
440-309-9030
thekunzlers@yahoo.com
Secretary--CURRENTLY OPEN
Treasurer—Casey Smith
Popcorn Kernel—Mr. Burns
Awards Chair/Advancements—CURRENTLY OPEN
What Can I Do To Help My Scout?
1. Please be prompt in arrivals and departures--also in turning in monies or forms due, or responding to email from leaders.
Prompt arrival ensures activities get started on time and your scout doesn’t miss anything. Picking up your scout on time allows the leaders to pick up their scout and get on with their life. Getting monies and forms on time enables the leaders to make effective use of their time and energy in planning.
2. Please see that yourscout arrives in uniform with appropriate supplies.
Uniforms are easy enough to remember when you’re playing sports, but may get forgotten for those weekly meetings. Uniforms create a sense of belonging to the group and build a sense of pride. You wouldn’t show up to sports without the right clothing and supporting equipment. Scouts are no different. Be sure they have their handbook every week. The handbook is a part of the uniform.
3. Please do not wait tobe called upon to help.
Plan on staying at or after meetings to help once in a while. Often times on any given evening there is a need for additional adult help. I know…we’re all busy, but a little help goes a long way. If every parent who’s involved puts in a little effort, it would go a long way with the volunteers who make your son’s den and pack possible.
4. Please take time athome to help your scout with his achievements.
Leaders cannot possibly do all achievements at their meetings without boredom soon setting in and lack of time to complete them all. Some achievements must be done at home. The same goes with practice for any sport or requirements for any club. Your child spends a limited time at scouts. To get the most from his experience, he will need to put in some time at home.
5. Please accompany yourscout to events. If you cannot, please arrange with another parent to takeresponsibility for your scout’s transportation and behavior.
This other parent should NOT be the leader. Cub Scout leaders already put in a lot of time to assure that your scout has a quality program. They have a lot to organize for anyevent they attend. Please don’t add to that. Finding another parent to help you out allows the leader to concentrate on his own duties.
**An important note: Be sure the leader knows if your scout will be going home with another parent.
6. Please keep your ownscout under control when you are present at functions.
It is awkward for a leader to reprimand a child when his parent is sitting right there. Please reinforce with your child that the rules of the meeting place are to be obeyed.If you have other children with you, they need to behave also. Nothing is more disruptive than children running through a meeting and can be dangerous if a little one wanders onto a ball field.
7. Please set a good example for all scouts during functions and activities.
Please be a good sport about participating in the fun and games and keep visiting/chatting to a minimum during ceremonies, meetings and awards. It sets a bad example and tells the children that their event isn’t important to you.
8. Please honor yourscout leaders with TLC
A smile and a kind word of gratitude will make up for a lot of noise and rowdiness. Leaders, coaches,and any volunteer who works with children expect a certain amount of craziness, and that’s OK, but it can be tiring. Sometimes simply knowing they’re appreciated makes all the difference.
9. Please notify your leaders in advance when your scout has to miss a meeting.
Sickness, vacation, and many other things come up. Please be courteous to your scout’s den leaders and let them know in advance of any absence.
10. Please remember thatthe leader’s job is one that you didn’t want.
Do whatever you can to make that job easier.
11. Above all, remember that your involvement shows your scout that you care, and what is important to them, is also important to you.
Be as involved as you’re able to. Your scout will notice. Even if that means staying for den and pack meetings, or going on pack activities with your scout. You don’t have to be a leader in order to be involved.
We are Parkman Pack 4076
We are chartered by Parkman Congregational Church
Our Council is Great Trail Council.
Our district is Arrowhead.
We meet every Tuesday evening at 7pm (unless otherwise scheduled by Den Leader).
You may print this Handbook out with the link below.