Cub Scout Parent Orientation Guide.pub

1
Tecumseh Council
Boy Scouts of America
2012
CUB SCOUT PARENTS’
ORIENTATION GUIDE
Welcome to the Adventure of Cub Scouting!
We hope that this orientation guide will help
inform you about the wonderful world of
Cub Scouting that you and your son are about to enter.
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION
My pack number is
My den number is
My den leader’s name is
____
____
My den leader’s phone number is
____
My den meets on
____
My den meets at
____
My Cubmaster’s name is
____
My Cubmaster’s phone number is
____
My pack meets on
____
My pack meets at
____
My Scouting District is
____
Our district roundtables are held on
____
Our district roundtables are held at
____
My Council is Tecumseh Council, 326 S. Thompson Avenue, Springfield, OH 45506
The Council and Scout Store phone number is 937-325-6449 & fax 937-325-6574
The Council website is www.tecumsehcouncilbsa.org
____
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page 2
Page 5
………… Important Information
………… Your Son, Scouting and You
Page 6
………… Tiger Cub Program
Page 7
Page 8
………… Cub Scout Program
………… The Cub Scout Pack
Page 9
………… The Advancement Program
Page 11 ………… Special Events & Programs
Page 13 ………… Tiger Cub Motto
Page 13 ………… Cub Scout Motto
Page 14 ………… How Can You Help?
Page 14 ………… What Do You Receive In Return?
Page 15 ………… Pack Volunteer Leadership
Page 16 ………… You Are Not Alone!
Page 17 ………… Cub Scout Leader Training
Page 18 ………… Youth Protection
Page 19 ………… Council Service Center and Camp Birch
Page 20 ………… What Will Scouting Cost?
Page 22 ………… This I Believe
Page 23 ………… Parent Help Positions (turn in this evening)
Page numbers are located at the top right side of each page.
Tecumseh Council
326 South Thompson Avenue
Springfield, Ohio 45506
937-325-6449
www.tecumsehcouncilbsa.org
[email protected]
4
WHAT SHOULD YOU
AND YOUR SON
EXPECT FROM
CUB SCOUTS?
Check out our website at: www.tecumsehcouncilbsa.org
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FUN!
YOUR SON, SCOUTING, AND YOU
Scouting … An Aid To Parents
As a parent, you want your son to grow up to be a person
of self-worth, who is self-reliant, dependable and caring.
Scouting has these same goals for your son. Since 1910,
we have been weaving lifetime values into fun and
educational activities designed to assist parents in
strengthening character, promoting citizenship, and
fostering physical fitness in youth.
Scouting is family values … but Cub Scout age boys don’t
join Scouting just to get their character built - they
join because it is fun.
SCOUTING IS FUN WITH A PURPOSE!
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CUB SCOUT PROGRAM
First Grade
EACH FAMILY IS A MEMBER OF A TIGER CUB DEN
1. Each den has five to eight boy/adult teams.
2. The den gets together four times each month:
• 2 den meetings
• 1 field trip or outing
• 1 Pack meeting (with all of the other dens)
3. Each boy/adult team takes turns hosting the meetings. Meetings are
conducted by the Tiger Den Leader and last no more than one hour.
4. Uniforms:
• Tiger Cubs wear the blue Cub Scout uniform with orange neckerchief,
blue and orange cap, blue web belt and belt totem.
• Adult partners can wear the orange Tiger Cub t-shirt.
• The den l eader should wear a Cub Scout Leader uniform with the
orange neckerchief.
5. Advancement
• The Tiger Cub first earns his belt totem.
• After the Tiger Cub completes five achievements, he receives the
Tiger Cub badge.
• For every 10 electives compl eted, the Tiger Cub earns a Tiger Track.
• The last items completed as a Tiger Cub are the requirements for
the Bobcat badge.
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Second & Third Grade
BOYS THIS AGE ARE MEMBERS
OF A WOLF OR BEAR DEN
1. 2nd grade boys are in a Wolf Den, while 3rd grade boys
are in a Bear den.
2. Each den has five to eight boys.
3. Led by a den leader (usually a parent).
4. The den leader is assisted by an assistant den leader, and
sometimes a den chief (an older Boy Scout).
5. The den meets about once a week (depending upon the den
leader’s schedul e).
6. Den meetings have games, crafts, songs, ceremonies, and
periodic field trips revolving around a monthly theme.
7. Work on advancement is usually not done at den meetings.
Boys do most requirements for the Wolf and Bear badges
at home with the help of his parent or guardian.
Fourth & Fifth Grade
BOYS THIS AGE ARE MEMBERS OF A WEBELOS DEN
1. Each den has five to eight boys.
2. Led by a Webelos den leader (usually a parent).
3. The Webelos den leader is assisted by an assistant den
leader, and sometimes a den chief (an older Boy Scout).
4. The den meets about once a week (depending upon the den
leader’s schedul e).
5. Den meetings have games, crafts, songs, ceremonies, and
periodic field trips revolving around a monthly theme.
6. In Webelos, boys do many of the advancement
requirements at den meetings, but they still work on a few
requirements at home with the help of their parents.
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THE CUB SCOUT PACK
ALL FIRST THROUGH FIFTH GRADE BOYS ARE MEMBERS OF A PACK
1. Packs are made up of one or more dens.
2. Packs meet once a month—all Tiger Cub, Wolf, Bear and
Webelos families are expected to participate.
3. The pack meeting is led by the Cubmaster.
4. The pack meeting is the highlight of the month.
5. Pack meetings have games, skits, songs, ceremonies, and
presentations of badges that the boys have earned during
the month.
THE PACK IS RUN BY THE PACK COMMITTEE
1. All parents, den leaders, and pack leaders can be members
of the pack committee.
2. The pack committee meets once a month or more often if
needed.
3. Committee meetings are led by the committee chairperson.
4. The committee selects leaders, finds meeting places,
performs record keeping, manages pack finances, orders
badges, coordinates fundraising projects, helps train l eaders, and recognizes
leaders.
THE PACK IS OWNED BY A CHARTERED ORGANIZATION
1. Chartered organizations include schools, religious organizations, service clubs,
and other organizations interested in youth.
2. The chartered organization approves all leaders in the pack, provides a meeting
place for the pack meetings, and helps the pack follow the BSA guidelines and
policies.
3. The chartered organization selects a chartered organization representative
who serves as the contact person for your pack.
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THE ADVANCEMENT PROGRAM
The responsibility of a boy’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.
TIGER CUBS
The 1st grade boy and his adult partner work on
achievements, projects and activities found in the Tiger Cub
Handbook. Boys earn the Tiger Cub badge after completing
5 achievements.
BOBCAT
All boys in 2nd through 5th grade earn the Bobcat badge
first. They must learn the Cub Scout Promise, Law of the
Pack, handshake, salute, sign, motto, and the meaning of
“Webelos”. After receiving the Bobcat badge, the boys work
on requirements based on their grade level. Boys in 1st grade
will earn the Bobcat badge as the last activity in Tiger Cubs.
WOLF
2nd grade boys work on 12 achievements to earn the Wolf
badge. After a boy earns his Wolf badge, he may work on
electives in different interest areas until he graduates into
the 3rd grade and begins work on the next rank.
ARROW POINTS
For every 10 electives a boy completes while he is in the 2nd
or 3rd grade, he earns an Arrow Point. A boy may earn as
many Arrow Points as he wants.
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BEAR
3rd grade boys work to complete 12 of 24 achievements to
earn the Bear badge. After a boy earns his Bear badge, he may
work on electives in different interest areas until he graduates
into the 4th grade and begins work on the next rank.
WEBELOS
When a boy has completed the third grade, he joins a Webelos
den, led by an adult Webelos den leader. The boy works on requirements for the Webelos badge, 20 activity badges, and the
Arrow of Light Award (the highest award in Cub Scouting).
Camping and outdoor programs are an important part of the 18 month Webelos
program. In February of a Webelos Scout’s 5th grade y ear, he graduates from
Cub Scouting into Boy Scouting at an impressive graduation ceremony.
Once a boy joins a Boy Scout troop, he starts working towards
the rank of Tenderfoot. He continues through the ranks;
Second Class, First Class, Star, Life and then Eagle Scout the highest award available in the Boy Scout program.
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SPECIAL EVENTS & PROGRAMS
PINEWOOD DERBY
The Pinewood Derby is an exciting project where a parent
helps the boy build a model race car made from a block of
wood. The finished car must weigh 5 ounces or less. Your
pack leaders will give you more details, including when the
big race will be held.
JOURNEY TO EXCELLENCE
“Scouting’s Journey to Excellence” is the BSA’s new
council performance recognition program designed to
encourage and reward success and measure the
performance of our units, districts, and councils. The
“Scouting for Food” campaign conducted by the Scouts
each spring is one of the Journey To Excellence projects.
CUB SCOUT SPOOK-O-REE
Spook-o-ree is an exciting activity scheduled for October
27th at Camp Birch. It’s a great way to spend quality time
with your family. Fishing, hiking, making crafts, playing games,
singing songs, – it’s got it all. Learn archery, study nature,
shoot BB Guns and even enjoy a hay ride! This is the kind of
fun Cub Scouts expect when they join.
BLUE AND GOLD BANQUET
The Blue & Gold Banquet is a party celebrating the birthday of
Cub Scouting and is usually held in February. Most often it
includes dinner and special program or entertainment. A Webelos
graduation ceremony may also be conducted at the Blue & Gold
Banquet.
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SUMMER CAMP
Depending upon the age of your son, he can
attend Cub Scout Day camp or Webelos
Resident Camp. These programs are held at
Camp Birch or in the local area. Both
programs
offer
exciting summertime
activities that include swimming, crafts,
games, nature, bb guns, archery, sports,
songs, and skits. During Day Camp, boys
return home every day, but during Webelos
Resident Camp, they stay overnight in tents.
BSA FAMILY PROGRAM
The BSA Family Program is a series of activities designed to
help strengthen all families—whether two-parent, singleparent, or nontraditional. All family members are encouraged
to participate and may earn the BSA Family Award.
DRUG PREVENTION
When a boy has positive, supporting elements in
his life pattern, he is much l ess likely to
become involved with drugs. The BSA has a
resource called “Take A Stand Against Drugs”
that helps leaders and families talk to youth
about drugs. It is available through the council.
BOYS’ LIFE MAGAZINE
Pedro is the
Boys’ Life Ma scot
A magazine for boys and adults, Boys’ Life has interesting
features on Scouting, sports, hobbies, magic, science, and U.S.
history. There are also jokes, comics, and short stories. A one
year magazine subscription is $12 (pro-rated at $1.00 per
issue). Compare this to the cost of a comic book!
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TIGER CUB MOTTO
Search, Discover, Share
Tiger Cubs is a 1-year program for first grade boys. Each boy participates with a
parent in family-oriented activities. These include things from family camping to
preparing for emergencies.
The time you spend with your son in Tiger Cubs is meant to be fun, a chance to get
to know one another better, and do things with your family as well as other
members of the Tiger Cub den.
CUB SCOUT MOTTO
Do Your Best
Cub Scouting is a home and neighborhood centered program designed to support
family values for boys in second through fifth grades. Each Cub Scout learns to
respect his home, country, God, and other people. The program also helps boys
this age to:
•
•
•
•
Learn new physical skills through sports, crafts, and games.
Learn how to get along with others through group activities.
Develop new mental skills such as writing and calculating.
Develop personal independence.
In society where your son is often taught that winning is everything, Cub Scouting
teaches him to “do his best” and be helpful to others as expressed in the Cub
Scout Promise.
A Cub Scout den provides your son with a group of boys his own age in which he
can earn status and recognition. In the den, he will also gain a sense of personal
achievement with the new skills he learns.
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HOW CAN YOU HELP?
Scouting operates with volunteer leadership. Volunteer
leaders are an example of Scouting’s principle of service to
others. Naturally, parents are the primary source of
leaders in the Scouting program. You volunteer not only to
serve Scouting, but also to grow with your son and his
friends, and have the chance to be a positive influence on
the youth in your community.
WHAT DO YOU RECEIVE
IN RETURN?
Being a leader is fun, challenging, and rewarding. Leaders find that their
experiences in Cub Scouting 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 boys’
accomplishments.
•
The privilege of helping to enrich and strengthen families.
•
A chance to help boys learn participating citizenship and to help shape them
into men who have strength of character and are sensitive to the needs of
others.
•
The opportunity to help make a difference in the lives of boys as they grow
strong in mind and body.
•
A code to live by which includes setting a worthwhile example for both boys
and adults.
•
The satisfaction of being a member of a worldwide movement, and the pride in
being identified as a part of the organization. Wearing the Scout uniform is a
visible means of showing you believe in and stand up for the values of the BSA.
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PACK VOLUNTEER LEADERSHIP
(examples of ways you can help)
DEN LEADER
Leads the den at weekly den meetings.
Attends the monthly pack meeting and
pack committee meetings.
PACK COMMITTEE
Pack committee members perform
administrative support functions of the
pack. May serve as the pack popcorn
coordinator or newsl etter editor.
CUBMASTER
Helps plan the pack program with the
help of the pack committee. Serves as
the master of ceremonies at the
monthly pack meeting. Attends the
pack committee meetings.
ASSISTANT CUBMASTER
Assists the Cubmaster as needed.
Fills in for the Cubmaster when
necessary.
SECRETARY / TREASURER
Keeps records for the pack, including
pack bank account, financial records,
etc. Attends pack meetings and pack
committee meetings.
PARENT HELPERS
Perform “one time” program jobs such
as coordinating pack participation in
events such as Scouting for Food,
Pinewood Derby, Blue and Gold Banquet,
Day Camp, etc. These jobs are of short
duration.
COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON
Presides at the pack committee
meetings. Helps recruit adult leaders.
Also attends pack meetings.
ADVANCEMENT COORDINATOR
Maintains advancement records for
the pack. Orders all badges, awards,
and insignia. Attends pack meetings
and committee meetings.
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YOU ARE NOT ALONE!
•
The staff at the Tecumseh Council Service Center 937-325-6449 can help you
or get you in touch with someone who can. Each county is served by a full-time
professional staff member:
Logan County (Blue Jacket District) — Jim Mason
Champaign County (Bull Skin Trail District) — Jim Mason
Clark County (Lagonda District) — Linda Eipper
Greene County (Chillicothe District) — Dave Mauch
Clinton County (Robert E. Hadley District) — Dave Mauch
You can also contact the Scout Executive, Jim Nolan, if your district
professional is not available.
•
A monthly leaders’ meeting for all adult volunteers is held once a month in your
district. You can get help with crafts, games, skits, and songs for use at den
and pack meetings. These meetings (called Roundtables) are a great place to
ask questions and share ideas.
•
The Den & Pack Meeting Resource Guide contains meeting plans for den
meetings and show how to do crafts and games. Many packs purchase the guide
for their leaders.
•
Many packs have a pack library that contains the leader books and resources
you need.
•
Your district (see counties above) has a team of volunteers which offer
district wide programs and activities where your boys can participate.
•
Your district also has a volunteer team called the commissioner staff. They are
our “service team.” They are a communication link between your pack and the
council. A commissioner is assigned to assist your pack.
•
Your district has leader training available. All leaders need training!
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CUB SCOUT LEADER TRAINING
Step 1 - Fast Start & Youth Protection Training
So you’re a new leader! To get you started, the Tecumseh Council has training
available online. You can complete Cub Scout Leader Fast Start Training by
visiting this link - http://www.tecumsehcouncilbsa.org/Training/FastStart/
CubScoutLeaderFastStartTraining. The Fast Start training will give you enough
information to handle your first meeting. You can al so learn about BSA Youth
Protection Policies by completing the online training course by visiting this link http://www.tecumsehcouncilbsa.org/Training/YouthProtectionTraining.
Step 2 - Basic Training
After you have completed the Fast Start training for your leadership position,
the next step is to attend a Cub Scout Leader Training session conducted in your
area. This training will give you a more in-depth understanding of your new
leadership position and the Cub Scouting program. These sessions are scheduled
to be conducted in both the fall and the spring. Ask your Cubmaster for the date,
time and location of the session nearest to you.
Step 3 - Supplemental Training
After you have completed Fast Start and Basic Training, you will be well on your
way. But every good leader looks for opportunities to expand their skills, so the
Tecumseh Council offers supplemental training sessions such as BALOO, Outdoor
Skills, Den Chief, University of Scouting, and Wood Badge courses. Look for
information about these training opportunities in the Tecumseh Council
newsletter, The Totem or by visiting the council website.
Step 4 - Scouting Magazine, Council Newsletter and the Internet
When you become a registered leader with the BSA, you will start receiving issues
of Scouting Magazine and The Totem. These publications will keep you up-to-date
with new information. You can al so visit the Tecumseh Council website for even
more information!
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YOUTH PROTECTION
After selection of the best possible leaders, additional protection for children is
built into the program. The BSA has adopted the following policies to provide
security for youth in Scouting.
Two Deep Leadership - Two registered adul t leaders or one registered adult leader and a parent
of a participant, one of whom must be a t least 21 years of age, are required on all trips and
outings. The c hartered organiza tion is responsible for ensuring tha t sufficient leadership i s
provided for all activi ties.
No One-on-One Contact - One-on-One contac t between adults and youth memb ers is not
permi tted in any situa tion. Personal conferences should take place in view of other adults and
youths.
Respect of Privacy - Adul t members must respec t the privacy of youth memb ers in si tua tions
such as changing clothes or taking showers a t camp. Adul ts should intrude only to the ex tent tha t
heal th and safety require. They should also protec t their own privacy in si milar si tua tions.
Separate Accommodations - When ca mping, no youth is permi tted to sleep in the tent of an adult
other than his own parent or guardian.
Proper Preparation for Activities - All activi ti es should consider the capabilities of the
participating Cub Scouts. No ac tivi ty should be undertaken without the proper prepara tion,
equipment, clothing, supervi sion, and safety measures.
No Secret Organizations - The BSA does not recognize any secret organiza tions as part of its
progra m. All ac tivi ties a re open to observa tion by parents and leaders.
Appropriate Attire - Proper clothing for ac tivi ties i s required.
Construc tive Discipline - Discipline used in Cub Scouting should be construc tive and reflec t
Scouting’s values. Corporal punishment is never permitted.
Hazing Prohibited - Physical hazing and initiations are prohibi ted and may not be included as part
of any Scouting ac tivi ty.
Parents are a critical element in the education of Cub Scouts about child abuse.
The BSA publishes a booklet, “How to Protect Your Children from Child Abuse: A
Parent’s Guide,” that is inserted in the front of each Cub Scout handbook. The
BSA also has an award-winning video, It Happened to Me, for use by Cub Scout
packs and dens. This video about child sexual abuse is available from the
Tecumseh Council. Training is also available on our website.
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COUNCIL SERVICE CENTER
AND SCOUT STORE
The Clark and Lena Patton Boy Scout Service Center is the headquarters for the
Tecumseh Council, Boy Scouts of America. In addition to housing the offices for
the council’s professional and administrative staff, the service center also
includes a full service Scout Store. Any item listed in the BSA catalog that is not
stocked in the Scout Store can be ordered. The Scout Store is al so the place to
find all BSA advancement related material and insignia.
326 South Thompson Avenue
Springfield, Ohio 45506
Phone: 937-325-6449
Fax: 937-325-6574
Email: [email protected]
SCOUT STORE “WINTER” HOURS
SCOUT STORE “SUMMER” HOURS
Monday, Tuesday
Thursday & Friday
Wednesday
Saturday
Monday, Tuesday,
Thursday & Friday
Wednesday
Saturday
10 am to 5 pm
10 am to 7:30 pm
10 am to 3 pm
10 am to 5 pm
10 am to 7:30 pm
10 am to 1 pm
Closed all Holiday Weekends
CAMP HUGH TAYLOR BIRCH
Camp Birch provides year-round camping opportunities for Scout units and the
community. Camp Birch is located at 4057 Swimming Pool Road, approximately half
way between Yellow Springs and Clifton on State Route 343. Camp facilities
include a full service dining hall, swimming pool, lake, 10 tent-only camping sites, 4
campsites with cabins, a climbing tower, a COPE course, conference facility,
training center, and heated cabins. All of this is located on 450 acres adjacent to
John Bryan State Park. Camp Birch facilities are available for rent by Scout units
or other groups when summer camp is not in session. For more information,
contact the council service center.
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WHAT WILL SCOUTING COST?
2012 BSA Registration Fees
$1.25 per month x
=
$
Boy’s Life Magazine Subscription
$1 per month x
=
$
Pack Dues (determined by pack committee)
$
Accident Insurance (due in December)
$
Total Dues for remainder of 2012
$
1.00
NEW MEMBER CHECKLIST
Please check with your pack leaders to see what your pack recommends. Some
packs have a uniform exchange program or you can find “experienced” uniforms at
area thrift shops or rummage sales.
My son is a:
Tiger Cub
Pack #
Den #
Uniforms
Short Sleeve Shirt ($22.99)
Long Sleeve Shirt ($26.99)
Switchback Pants ($24.99)
Bel t S/M ($7.99)
Bel t M/ L ($8.99)
Neckerchief & Slide
Tiger Cub ($9.98)
Wolf ($9.98)
Bear ($9.98)
Webelos ($10.98)
Hats
Tiger Cub Cap ($12.99)
Wolf Cap ($12.99)
Bear Cap ($12.99)
Webelos Cap ($12.99)
Wolf
Bear
Webelos
Insignia
Council Shoulder Strip ($4.00)
Unit Numerals ($1.19)
Den Numeral ($1.49)
World Crest ($1.49)
Webelos Colors ($4.49)
Handbooks
Tiger Cub Handbook ($6.99)
Wolf Handbook ($8.99)
Bear Handbook ($8.99)
Webelos Handbook ($8.99)
Prices subject to change. Check with your Cubmaster regarding financial assistance that is
available. Most packs do fundraising projects to
reduce the amount of pack dues required.
Visit scoutstuff.org to see all of the Cub Scout
merchandise that is available from the BSA.
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NOTES:
THIS I BELIEVE:
A HUNDRED YEARS FROM NOW
It will not matter what my bank account was,
the sort of house I lived in,
or the kind of car I drove.
But, the world may be different,
because I was important in the life of a boy.
- Forrest Witcraft
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PARENT HELP POSITIONS
The following positions need to be filled for our pack to have a wonderful year.
Would you please indicate your first four choices of committees and positions
that you would be willing to work on this coming year? Some of these positions are
short term and others are for the entire year.
Please be sure to return this sheet tonight.
Parent’s Name
Phone
Email Address
Den Leader
Scouting for Food Committee
Cubmaster/Assistant
Day Camp Coordinator
Pack Parents’ Committee
Webelos Camp Coordinator
Pack Song Leader
Holiday Party Committee
Awards Committee
Sports Program Committee
Pinewood Derby Committee
Telephone Committee
Blue & Gold Banquet Committee
Popcorn Sale Coordinator
Past Scouting Experience
____
Hobbies
____
Sports Interests
____
Job
I have a (please circle): Van
____ Work shift
Truck Trailer Computer Workshop
____