Dear Parent:
Welcome to Pack 373. We're so glad you've chosen to enroll or re-enroll your son in our Pack. I know that you and he will be so glad you did. We've planned an exciting year and your son will have a great time learning, advancing and playing.
The Pack Leaders in Pack 373 seek to provide activities that provide opportunity for physical fitness and educational value. Every member of a Cub Scout’s family can enjoy many of our planned activities.
Scouting places significance on Duty to God and Pack 373 is firmly committed to teaching this important responsibility. Pack 373 is open to all boys regardless of their church home. If, however, you've come to our Pack without a church home, we invite you to join us here at Sierra Madre Congregational Church. You and your children are welcome to join us for worship and Sunday School on Sunday at 9:30am and along with other activities and programs that minister to every member of the family.
This booklet will provide an overview of our program. If you have questions or concerns about our program or leaders, please call the Cubmaster or your Den Leader or the Pack Committee Chair.
At the end of this booklet is a Parent / Scout information sheet. Please complete it and give it to your son's Den Leader at his next meeting.
Thanks again and Welcome!
In Scouting,
Cubmaster – David Sargent 2003
basargent @ earthlink.net6 2 6, 3 5 1. 8 7 1 2
Pack 373 Goal
The Committee and Leaders of Cub Scout Pack 373 are committed to providing a quality, year-round program of Cub Scouting activities. Special emphasis is placed on character development, spiritual growth, citizenship and family.
Cub Scouts are required to memorize the following pledges and motto.
We seek to make them real in their lives and hope that you will encourage
your scout as he strives to do so.
The Cub Scout Promise:
I promise to do my best
to do my duty to God and my Country
to help other people
and to obey the Law of the Pack.
Law of the Pack:
A Cub Scout follows Akela
The Cub Scout helps the Pack go
The Pack helps the Cub Scout grow
The Cub Scout gives goodwill
The Cub Scout Motto:
Do Your Best
Akela: A name given for a parent, a leader, or a other scout role model. (In the "Jungle-Book" story, Akela is the leader of the wolf pack).
Wwhat WEBELOS means:
"WE'll BE LOyal Scouts "
Purposes of Cub Scouting
The Boy Scouts of America began Cub Scouting as a program for younger boys more than 50 years ago. The purposes of Cub Scouting states that Parents, Leaders and Organizations work together to achieve the following:
1. Influence the development of character and encourage spiritual growth.
2. Develop habits and attitudes of good citizenship.
3. Encourage good sportsmanship and pride in growing strong in mind
and body.
4. Improve understanding within the family.
5. Strengthen the ability to get along with and to respect others.
6. Foster a sense of personal achievement by developing new interests
and skills;
7. Show how to be helpful and to do one's best.
8. Provide fun and exciting new things to do.
9. Prepare Cubs to become Boy Scouts.
Pack Structure
Like every effective organization, Cub Scout Packs have a structure. Understanding this structure and how it works will increase your Scout's enjoyment of the program (and leave the parent far less confused).
Groups of 6 to 12 boys meet weekly together as a Den. A Den Leader and
an Assistant Den Leader(s) and/or Parent(s) lead each den. Dens in Pack
373 meet on Tuesday evenings from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. during the School year.
Den meetings are not held during the month of December or when they conflict
with church events. Tiger Cubs Dens meet once a Month. Dens are organized
by age groups. We have one (or more) Dens for each group of 1st Graders
(Tiger Cubs), 2nd Grades (Wolf), 3rd Graders (Bear), 4th Graders (Webelos
- 1st yr.) and 5th graders (Webelos - 2nd yr.). In February of the 5th
grade,
boys move up to Boy Scouts, usually to Troop 373 of SMCC.
Pack
The Pack consists of the Dens and their Families. Pack 373 meets monthly
and for special activities. The Pack serves as a "parent" organization
to the dens and provides direction, program support and budget for Awards
and other expenses. The Cubmaster leads the Pack. He plans and directs
monthly pack meetings and other special activities. Pack meetings are typically
held the last Tuesday of the month from 7:00pm to 8:30pm.
Pack Committee
The Pack Committee consists of representatives from each Den and other volunteer adults who are charged with managing the pack and its programs. Parents are encouraged to volunteer to serve on the committee. The Pack Committee Chairman and the Cubmaster must be a member of SMCC.
Sierra Madre Congregational Church
Every Cub Scout Pack must have a sponsor. Pack 373's
sponsor is Sierra Madre Congregational
Church. SMCC has been a generous sponsor since May 1990 and provides
a terrific meeting place and additional help. Our Charter Organization
SMCC approves Pack leaders.
Membership Notes
Boys age 6 years (1st Grade) to 10 years are eligible to join Pack 373. Boys work toward a specific rank during each year in the Pack, the Year Start is June 1 and continues to June 1 of the next. See http://home.earthlink.net/~basargent/faq.htm for more info on or pragram. In September, we provide information about Scouting to boys in grades 1 to 5. The best time to join is at the beginning of the school year in September or anytime from March to May. But talk to us we have membership openings thru the year.
When you join the Cub Scouts, no matter how old you are, you become
a Bobcat first.
You must complete eight steps to become a Bobcat,
these are the basics of Cub Scouts.
First Grade boys are Tiger and
work on the Tiger Rank
Second grade boys work toward
their Wolf Rank
Third grade boys work toward
their Bear Rank
Fourth grade boys work on their Webelos rank
Fifth
grade boys are second year Webelos and work on Cub Scouting's highest award,
the Arrow of Light
See our Web page for More in on each Rank: http://home.earthlink.net/~basargent/dens.htm
Registration
Current annual registration for membership in Pack 373 is $50.00 and $40.00 for Tigers. The registration fee pays for registration with the Boy Scouts of America, Pack insurance, an annual subscription to Boys Life and for the awards and supplies for each boy. This "once a year fee" also avoids the hassles of weekly dues. Boys must, during their first year in the Pack, complete a registration form for the Boy Scouts of America. Parents are also asked to complete a parent / boy registration questionnaire to provide some additional information to the Den Leader.Annual fee may vary next year, depending on Pack expenses and success of our only fundraiser, popcorn sales.
Scholarships
Should fees or any costs become a burden for your family, please contact the Cubmaster or the Pack Committee Chairman. Scholarships are available and all requests will remain confidential.
Volunteers
Parent volunteers/helpers are always needed. Registration and training are provided by the Pack for those who are interested in helping/leading. If you'd like to help in any capacity, please contact the Pack Committee Chairman, Cubmaster or your Den Leader. All types of help are needed: drivers for trips, assisting in Den Leader absence, etc. Remember that Cub Scout Packs don't exist without volunteer leadership and do your part when asked, if able.
Uniforms
An essential component of Cub Scouting is the uniform. Cubs are made to feel part of a group and have a place to display their awards when they wear their uniforms. Your Den Leader will provide you with specific information about what is needed. All uniform items can be purchased at the Scout Shop located in Pasadena. See Below for details. Uniform should be worn only to scouting functions.The Pack maintains an experienced uniform program. Families with uniform no longer needed can donate uniforms to the Pack. Families that need low cost uniforms can ask the Cub Master, to see if any experienced uniform are available.
Pack Program Highlights
Pack 373 plans a full calendar year. Although we don't expect every boy to attend every function, we encourage him to be as active as he and his parents want to be. Pack outings and special events will be led by two or more leaders and parent volunteers. Permission slips will be given for outings and special events if a Scout wants to attend without his parent. Boys without signed permission slips will not be allowed to attend without a parent. We'll do our best to help you remember but please make every effort to help us. Leaving a boy behind is something we and the boys hate to have happen. Tiger Cubs must have a parent or other family member over age 21 with them at all times.
Program Calendar
Current Web Pack Calendar can be found at
http://home.earthlink.net/~basargent/w-99.htm
At this web site you will also find additional information about Pack 373.Pack Meetings
Monthly Pack Meetings are held on the last Tuesday of the month
in the evening from 7:00 to 8:30. We attempt to keep these meetings to
the time set. The meeting gives the boys a chance to demonstrate the skills
they have learned and receive the awards they've earned. The entire family
is welcomed and encouraged to attend. Many of the Pack meetings are based
on a Theme. April is usually our Pinewood Derby Race and May our Year End
– Rank Advancement meeting.
Blue & Gold Banquet
Pack 373 and Cub Scout Packs all over the USA celebrate Scouting's birthday each February by hosting a Blue & Gold Banquet. Our banquet is held on the last Tuesday evening in February and is followed by a special Pack Meeting in which rank awards are given. The Pack provides the meal at a small cost. Mark this special date on your calendar and make plans to attend.
God & Country Program
The Pack sponsors a religious education programs for boys of Protestant faiths. These optional programs are divided by age group. Boys in the first, second and third grades can earn the God & Me award. Boys in the fourth and fifth grade earn the God & Family award. Classes for both programs are held after February. More information and registration will be provided later in the year. Boys of non-Protestant faiths are encouraged to earn the award designed for their faith. At completion the Pack will award the Purple knot award for the Scout. http://home.earthlink.net/~basargent/Faith.htm
Fund Raising
Once a year the Pack 373 participates in fund raising activities. We sell Trails End Gourmet Popcorn in the fall. Prizes are awarded to sellers. Funds raised from this activity go to defray Pack program expenses. Scouts are encouraged to participate but Parents may choose otherwise. We always want to respect the wishes of the parents without making the Scouts feel bad for not participating. Please don’t feel pressured to participate. The Pack also sells Expo Tickets with Chocolate candy in the spring, this is $5.00 and good for the whole family’s entrance to Scout Expo, held on the first Saturday in June.
Special Programs
The Pack plans a variety of other special programs, like our monthly outings, that assist the Scouts in advancing and provides an opportunity for a good time. These events may be hikes, tours, or service projects. As mentioned before, parents and other family members are almost always invited to attend.
Scout Academics and Sports Program
Pack 373 also offers BSA optional Cub Scout Academics
and Sports Program. Wolf, Bear and Webelos Scouts can earn Belt Loop Awards
in various subjects.
See http://home.earthlink.net/~basargent/cs_sports.htm
for more information.
Council and District Activities
Several events are scheduled by the local council (San Gabriel) and
our District (Lucky Baldwin). Pack 373 participates in the Council's Scout
Expo in June and summer Cub Day Camps, which are sponsored by the Council.
Some of these events may be held at the Council's Camp Trask in Monrovia
Canyon or at Cherry Valley on Santa Catalina Island. More information and
registration forms will be sent to you as they become available.http://home.earthlink.net/Camp.htm
Summer Activities
Den and Pack meetings stop at the end of May and start again in September.
Pack 373 does not completely close down during the summer. Special activities
are planned and boys are encouraged to remain active. Sierra Madre 4th
of
July parade, picnics, swimming, Dodgers games, outdoors games and other
summer activities have been held in the past and will be planned again.
Pack 373 makes every effort to send Scouts to the Council
sponsoredCub Scout and Webelos Resident Camps held at Camp Trask in June,
July and August. Extra parent involvement is needed. We will begin promoting
this event late in the spring, as the dates become firm.
Check the Pack web calendar for the planned dates.
Tiger Cub day camp is held in March.
Parent Responsibilities
When joining Pack 373, each parent or adult family member agrees to support their scout in the following ways:
1. See that he has the proper uniform and handbook.
2. Assist him in attending weekly Den meeting and monthly Pack meetings
when possible.
3. Work with him at home to complete home achievements for his rank
award.
4. Return information forms and permission slips as asked.
5. Support his Den Leader as a resource person or substitute if asked
and if able.
6. If able, agree to serve in some leadership or helper capacity as
needed.
7. Provide input to the Den Leader or Pack leadership with regard to
Pack or Den programming.
Uniforms, part 2
There is one way all Scouts are alike. Whenever a Scout sees another
Scout in uniform he knows he is like that person because both have committed
to the ideas of the Scout Promise and Scout Law. By wearing the uniform,
Scouts and Leaders are taking an open stand for their ideas.
Tiger Cub Uniform
See Cub Scout Uniform below. With Official Tiger Neckerchief
Cap: (optional) Official Tiger Scout baseball-style cap
Pack provides the Tiger paw worn on a belt (BSA or other)
The pack provides the Tiger Book to help you get started.
Cub Scout Uniform (Wolf, Bear and 1st year Webelos)
Shirt: Official Cub Scout dark blue shirt. The council patch, pack number, den number, and world scouting emblems need to be sewn on.
Neckerchiefs: Official Wolf Neckerchief is worn by second-graders. Official Bear Neckerchief is worn by third-graders. The neckerchief is rolled and placed under the shirt collar. This is provided by the Pack.
Slide: Official gold metal slide with Cub Scout emblem this is provided by the Pack or handmade neckerchief slides may be worn.
Belt: Official navy blue web belt with metal buckle and Cub Scout emblem.
BSA Cap: (optional) Official Cub Scout baseball-style cap-navy with gold front panel and Cub Scout emblem. The hat is optional, but is the only hat that may be worn with the uniform.
BSA Socks (optional): Official navy blue Cub Scout socks with
gold tops.
Pants: Blue Jeans shorts or long pants or optionally the Official navy
blue Cub Scout shorts or long pants.
Webelos Scout Uniform:
The Webelos Scout may choose either the blue Cub Scout uniform, or the tan/olive uniform similar to the one worn by Boy Scouts. The location of badges and insignia is the same for both uniforms. Boys who are growing out of their uniforms should replace their blue Cub Scout uniform with a tan/olive uniform.Blue uniform: The trousers, shorts, socks, and shirt are the same as those described for the Cub Scout uniform.
Tan/Olive uniform: When the tan/olive uniform is chosen official Boy Scout tan shirt with blue shoulder patches are worn. Blue Jeans or the official Boy Scout olive trousers or shorts and olive socks are worn.
The following parts are worn with both Webelos uniforms:
Neckerchief: Official Webelos plaid neckerchief. The neckerchief is rolled and placed under the shirt collar. Provide by Pack.Slide: Official gold metal slide with Webelos emblem or handmade slides may be worn. This is provided by the Pack.
Belt: Official Scout navy blue or olive web belt with metal Webelos belt buckle. Belt loops fit on the official Scout blue belt, so you may want to postpone using the olive belt until Boy Scouts.
Cap: (optional)Official Webelos baseball-style cap-navy blue with light blue front panel and Webelos emblem. The hat is optional, but is the only hat that may be worn with the uniform.
Scouts in Pack 373 buy their own uniform, including general patches. The pack provides advancement badges. Wolf and Bear cubs use the blue Cub Scout uniform, while Webelos can choose whether to wear a blue Cub Scout uniform or tan Boy Scout uniform shirt. Pack 373 accepts any blue jean pants or shorts worn with the blue Cub Scout shirt.
Optional Uniform pieces
The patch vest (or Jacket) is not part of the official uniform. It can be worn by Cub and Webelos Scouts for the display of temporary and other patches that have been earned by the boy as a part of the Scouting experience. The patch vest should not be worn with the uniform for formal ceremonies or inspections.
Uniforms and books can be bought at the Boy Scout council store:
San Gabriel Valley Council - Smiser Scout Center
3450 E. Sierra Madre Blvd. , Pasadena, CA 91107-1934
(626) 351-8815 shop ext. 239 Map: http://www.sgvcbsa.org/whoweare_scoutshop.php
Store Hours
MONDAY - THURSDAY 10 A.M. - 7 P.M.
FRIDAY 10 A.M. - 5 P.M.
SATURDAY 10 A.M. - 3 P.M.
CLOSED SUNDAY
Other facts:
Akela: A name given for a parent, a leader, or a role model. (In the
"Jungle-Book" story, Akela is the leader of the wolf pack).
BSA Membership facts:
Cub Scouting, like its Boy Scouting and Exploring counterparts, follows a long-range plan to reach youth nationwide and of all ages. Cub Scout membership is currently:973,442 Cub Scouts
570,889 Pack Leaders
819,296 Webelos Scouts
53,080 Packs
303,073 Tiger Cub Teams
In 1997, Cub Scouting membership (Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts, and Webelos Scouts) grew to more than 2.1 million, an increase of 2.7 percent and the third consecutive year of growth.
The percentage of trained Cub Scout adult leaders increased to 40 percent, a gain of 9 percent over 1996. Cub Scout day, resident, and family camping continued to grow in popularity, with more than 38 percent of members - almost 570,000 boys - participating in one of these outdoor experiences.