| Cub Scout Pack 572 Parent Hand Book Welcome to Cub Scouts and Pack 572! This page will give you an idea of what Cubbing is all about: The Cub Scout Promise: "I promise to do my best The Cub Scout Law: "The Cub Scout follows Akela. Cub Scouts should foster self-esteem while teaching cooperation and the meaning of healthy competition through games, crafts, sport, skill building, recognition, special activities, camping and lots of fun. Cub scouting is a family activity. Organization Cub Scout Pack 572 is made up of approximately 50 boys, from the Sterling Community. The boys meet in small groups (dens) of 5 to 9 boys. Each den has two adult leaders. All parents should be very active with their sons den. Pack 572 in the Goose Creek District of the National Capitol Area Council. There are over 300 councils in the United States. Our youngest cubs are the Tiger Cubs. Tiger Cubs are first graders. Tiger Cubs form a team with an adult partner. Unlike other Cub Scouts, Tiger Cubs wear an orange uniform, have fewer den meetings and parents equaly share den leadership. Tiger Cubs do not have awards but get iron on paws and beads for participation. The Wolf have our second graders. 3rd graders form the Bear dens. 4th and 5th graders advance to being Webelos. 6th graders and older, or, Webelos after obtaining the "Arrow of Light" award will join the Boy Scouts. The Boy Scouts are organized into troops and patrols. One of the most important differences of Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts is that in Boy Scouts the youth will lead themselves. Meetings Den Meetings: Most dens meet weekly. At least two adults are required at each meeting. Den meetings may comprise of crafts, fulfilling advancement requirements or field trips Pack meetings: Usually on the third Friday of the month. Pack meetings are for all the boys of Pack 572. We expect a parent or the whole family to attend the pack meeting. When not announced differently, pack meetings are at Horizon Elementary school at 7:00 pm. There are many special events, father and son campout, Blue & Gold Banquet, Pinewood Derby Gran Prix and annual picnic as well as council events. Leader meetings: There are two different Leader meetings each month. The Pack Committee meets to discuss organizational matters such as budget, fund raisers, communications, membership, future events and exchange ideas. They form advice and guidance to the Pack Leaders. The Pack leaders (Cubmaster, Assistant Cubmaster and Den Leaders) meet once a month to discuss Pack Meeting themes, assign Pack Meeting responsabilities and share ideas and experiences. Parents are all welcome and encouraged to volunteer for a pack leadership position as well as attend leader meetings. Advancements Advancements challenge a boy to work on skills that match his ability and interest level. A boy is not supposed to be perfect, but to do his best. Boys will be exposed and motivated to try out a lot of different activities. Tiger cubs earn iron-on paws and beads by participating in activities. All other Cub Scouts earn the Bobcat rank first, and later the rank appropriate for their age level. Wolf cubs earn the Wolf rank by completing 49 tracks in 12 achievements. After the Wolf badge they can earn Arrow Points. Bear cubs earn the Bear rank (12 achievements with some choice) and then Arrow Points. 4th grade Webelos earn the Webelos rank and can earn additional pins to get compass points. 5th grade Webelos earn the "Arrow of Light". Wolf and Bear advancements are signed by the parent, Webelos advancements are signed by the den leader. Belt loops are awarded for trying out many sports and academic subjects. Sport and academic pins are awarded for more serious participation.
Application to join Pack 572 are available at the fall sign up or from any Pack Leader. Uniforms: Cub scouts buy their own uniform, including council patch and pack numeral. The pack provides badges . Tiger cubs have an orange t-shirt. Wolf and Bear cubs use the blue Cub Scout uniform. Webelos can choose whether to wear blue Cub Scout uniform or tan boy scout uniform shirt. Official BSA policy requires each boy to wear only authorized BSA trousers. Pack 572 accepts any dark blue pants or blue jeans with the uniform. Uniforms can be purchased at Sunnys in Sterling, Virginia next to Target or at the BSA Service Center in Bethesda, MD.. Handbooks. Pack 572 provides the Tiger packets. Wolf, Bear and Webelos books are available where Scout Uniforms are sold. We recommend that parents read the books for their child's age group cover to cover. If your boy has a friend who is interested in Cub Scouts, bring him to any pack or den meeting. Don't wait for the next year's membership night. Parents We leaders will do our best to provide a quality program. But all the leaders in Pack 572 are volunteers and have many other obligations; we depend on parents to help provide the good program we have. We ask every parent to help the pack in some capacity. The most important (and most fun) job is den leader. However, there are many other areas where your help in running the pack is appreciated. You should take your share in organizing den meetings, working with the den leader of your son's den. A parent should attend the pack meeting together with the Cub Scout. You might notice that every handbook for boys has a parent guide at the beginning. We also have a child protection video tape which you can watch together with your boy. There are no secrets in Cub Scouts; parents are welcome in any organizational meetings of the pack, district or council. |