Some Common Terms and Definitions
Council – This is the overarching group of our area, here in Shawnee KS we are a part of the “Heart of America Council”. This is the arm patch you see on our Cub and Leader’s uniforms.
District – We are in the Northern Tier District.
Den – The way the boys in a pack are divided into their appropriate age groups. For example: 1st graders are classified as Tigers, and have their own Tiger den. 2nd graders are classified as Wolves, 3rd graders as Bears, 4th graders are Webelos I, and 5th graders are Webelos II. All these dens together form the Pack.
Pack – A group of boys and adult leaders who are registered as Cub Scouts – boys 1st through 5th grade. Our pack is 221. The pack is made up of smaller groups called dens.
Troop – A group of boys and adult leaders who are registered as Boy Scouts – boys 6th grade or older.
Uniform – There is a standard “Class A” uniform that each boy will wear according to which rank he is. Our “Class A” uniform consists of a shirt, tie slide, hat and neckerchief. Optional items are belt and pants/shorts. Class A uniforms are to be worn to all Pack meetings and all Pack activities (unless noted). “Class B” uniform is a Pack T shirt that can be worn in place of the “Class A” uniform.
Pinewood Derby – This is a classic annual scouting event. It’s a pretty big deal. The boys will receive a block of pinewood in a little kit. Then the Cubs can create their own car to race against their peers at the annual Pinewood Derby Race ! We award places and it’s fun for all. The winner in each Den will race off for an over all pack winner. They can also go on to compete in the district pinewood derby race off. Our pinewood derby race is held in January.
Blue and Gold banquet – This is the birthday dinner for the Cub Scout Program. It is held in February, the anniversary month for the Boy Scouts of America. The BSA was organized in February 1910. This is the time when most scouts earn their badge of rank i.e. Tiger, Wolf, Bear, etc. The pack’s big event gets its name from the Cub Scout colors. Blue and Gold banquets are held throughout the month of February by packs all across the country.
Day Camp – A time when Scouts can enjoy special activies geared toward their age group. During camp boys may be challenged with archery, bb guns, field sports, swimming, leatherwork, crafts, etc. If your scout would like to attend camp and you cannot afford it, scholarships are available through council.
Program Helps – This is a guide for the Leaders in our pack. It is very helpful and spells out potential Den meeting ideas.
Den Chief – These are boys from an area Boy Scout troop. Their role is to assist in a Cub Scout Den with various activities, such as gathering activities and games or crafts. Not every den has a Den Chief.
Denner/Asst Denner – a boy within his own den fills these roles. He may take role call or handle various other tasks that the den leader assigns. He gets to wear the gold Denner Cord on his shoulder as part of his uniform for his term (usually one month).
Not all dens have a denner.