Your Guide to Scouting With Pack 17 - Wedgefield, FL

2016-2017 Program Year

Welcome to Cub Scout Pack 17! The purpose of this guide it to provide information and details regarding Scouting and our Pack. If you are interested in joining or would like more information please email us at: 

FLpack17@gmail.com

Who Are We And Where Are We Located?

We are Cub Scout Pack 17. We are from Wedgefield FL and are charted by the American Legion Post 242. We meet every Tuesday, during the program year, at Wedgefield Elementary School.  

What Is Cub Scouting?

Cub Scouting is fun no matter what grade you are in, 1st through 5th, it can be a blast. Do you like to learn by doing? This is just the place. You can learn to tie knots, set up a tent, and shoot a bow and arrow (archery). Have you ever cooked a meal on a campfire? Sent a secret code to a buddy? Built a bird house? Play Ultimate? Hike? Earn awards for doing these things in Cub Scouts. 

Cub Scouts Belong to Pack and Den

As a Cub Scout you will be part of your own pack. The pack is divided into smaller groups called dens. Each den has about six to eight boys. All of the Cub Scouts in your den are in the same grade and may even go to the same school. The Cub Scout pack belongs to the American Legion Post 242 (our chartered organization). This group makes sure your pack has good adult leaders, a place to meet, and exciting things to do. The group gets help from the Boy Scouts of America, which is part of Scouting around the world. 

Cub Scouts Do Things and Go Places

Have you been to the local Police Station and talked to a policeman on duty? Or visited the Fire Station and sat in the driver’s seat of the pumper truck? Or visited the local TV station and sat in the news anchors chair? These are some of the places you might go with your den or pack. You might also:

Build a Pinewood Derby car and race it on the track,

Build a sail boat or trimaran and race it in the raingutter regatta

Build a space ship and race it to the stars in the pack space derby

Cub Scouts Earn Awards

Each time you complete an accomplishment or learn a new skill you will be rewarded. Sometimes the reward is a bead or a patch. Sometimes it is a smile on your parents face to see you grow and learn.

Scouting for All Ages

By joining the Cub Scouts, you've taken your first step on the Scouting trail. Many people stay in Scouting, one way or another, for many years. Some stay for a lifetime.

Cub Scouting

Boys of different ages have different ranks in Cub Scouting. As you go from Tiger Scout (age 7) to Webelos Scout (age 10), you learn new things and new skills that you use to meet new challenges as you get older.

  Tiger Scouts. First-grade boys join a Tiger Cub den, where each boy works with an adult partner on the requirements to earn his Tiger Cub badge.

  Wolf  Scouts. Second-grade boys graduate into a Wolf den. They go to weekly den meetings on their own, but their families still help them work on the requirements for the Wolf badge.

  Bear Scouts. Boys in the third grade are members of a Bear den. They also work with their families to do the requirements for the Bear badge, but boys this old have enough knowledge and skill to take on more of the work by themselves.

  Webelos Scouts. Boys in the fourth and fifth grades become Webelos Scouts. Webelos Scouts do more advanced activities to get ready to graduate into Boy Scouting.

Where you begin in Cub Scouting depends on your age at the time you join. If you join when you're in first grade, you will begin as a Tiger Scout. If you do not join until the third grade, you'll begin as a Bear Scout. You won't have to go back and earn the Tiger and Wolf badges. 

The Arrow of Light Award

The highest award in Cub Scouting is the Arrow of Light Award, which you will begin working on as a Webelos Scout. It is the only Cub Scout badge that you can wear on the Boy Scout uniform. As you work on the Arrow of Light Award, you practice outdoor skills, get physically fit, and learn more about citizenship and working with others. All of these things prepare you for the next stage of Scouting.

Boy Scouts

The Boy Scout program is for boys who are 11 years old, are at least ten years old and have finished the fifth grade, or are at least ten years old and have earned the Arrow of Light award as a Cub Scout. The purpose of Boy Scouting is the same as it is for Cub Scouts: to help boys grow into good citizens who are strong in character and personally fit. But because they're older, Boy Scouts have a program with more and bigger challenges. Boy Scouts work together in groups called patrols. The patrol leader is an older boy, not an adult. The Scouts in the patrol elect their patrol leader. Patrols are part of a troop. The troop has adult leaders, but their job is to give guidance and advice to the Boy Scouts. The Scouts run their own program. Boy Scouts have exciting outdoor activities. They go on long camping trips and long-distance hikes. They go canoeing and whitewater rafting, and more. They move through the Boy Scout ranks, from Tenderfoot to Eagle Scout. They earn merit badges that show many kinds of knowledge and skills. Scouts can also earn special awards for feats of skill, such as completing a mile swim or 50 miles of hiking.

Academics and Sports Program

The Academics and Sports program gives Cub Scouts extra recognition activities to earn. In Academics subjects and Sports, Cub Scouts learn new skills, become better scholars, learn sportsmanship, and have fun. You can get to know a sport or an academic subject that's new to you --maybe astronomy, chess, computers, science; golf, hiking, tennis, or skateboarding to name a few in the program.

Belt loops and pins are a great way to help fulfill the aims of Scouting—build character, develop citizenship, and encourage mental and physical fitness. Through a variety of subjects, you can stretch your mind and abilities by exploring the wonders of science, learning about the world, and expanding skills in new areas. This is a chance to try something new, do your best, and earn recognition all at the same time.

Adventure Loops

You earn an Adventure loop to wear with your uniform when you complete the requirements. There are 7 mandatory Adventure Loops required for rank advancement, There are also electives that can also be completed. Please see the newest (2015)Tiger, Bear ,Wolf or Webelos handbook for these requirements.

The Cub Scout Uniform

Wearing uniforms has been a method of the Scouting movement from the beginning. Decades of experience show uniforming to have many benefits, including these:

Equality. The uniform represents a democratic ideal of equality. Boys from various cultures and different economic levels wear the same uniform and cooperate as equals.

Identification. The uniform identifies a boy as a member of the Cub Scouts. Badges on the uniform tell other members that he belongs to their den, pack, and council. The uniform itself identifies a good citizen to the entire community.

Achievement. The uniform displays badges and other awards so the accomplishments of each Cub Scout can be immediately recognized.Commitment. Wearing a uniform is a constant reminder to each Cub Scout of his commitment to the ideals and purposes of Cub Scouting: duty to God, loyalty to country, and helpfulness to others.

For these reasons, among others, all parents should emphasize to their Scouts the importance of wearing the correct and complete uniform on all suitable occasions. Assistance in procuring the uniform is available for those that need it. If you require assistance please speak to your child's den leader.

Tiger Scout, Wolf and Bear Scouts

The Cub Scout uniform consists of the following parts:

Shirt—The official uniform shirt is available with long or short sleeves and has button-flap pockets and "Boy Scouts of America" lettered in gold above the right pocket. Trousers or shorts—Official blue. Belt—Official navy-blue web belt with metal buckle and Tiger Scout, Bear or Wolf Scout, or Webelos Scout emblem.

Socks—Official socks are available in three lengths: ankle, crew, and knee. Tiger scouts socks are navy blue with orange tops; Bear and Wolf Scout socks are navy blue with gold (yellow) tops.

Cap—Official navy-blue cap with orange front panel and tiger cub emblem for Tiger Scouts, yellow panel and wolf emblem for Wolf Scouts, blue panel and bear emblem for Bear Scouts. Webelos Scouts wear an olive cap with a plain panel bearing the Webelos logo.

Neckerchief—Triangular neckerchief is orange with navy-blue trim for Tiger Scouts, gold with navy-blue trim for Wolf  Scouts, light blue with navy-blue trim for Bear Scouts, and plaid for Webelos Scouts. Official BSA neckerchiefs are the only neckerchiefs boys should wear. Packs should not make their own pack neckerchiefs for boys.

Neckerchief slide—Official gold-tone metal slide with the Tiger Scout, Bear Scout and Wolf Scout, or Webelos logo. Boys may wear handmade neckerchief slides. 

Webelos Scouts

Webelos Scouts may choose to wear either the blue Webelos uniform based on the Cub Scout uniform or the tan/olive uniform, similar to the one Boy Scouts wear. For the tan/olive uniform, boys wear the official Boy Scout olive trousers or shorts and official Boy Scout tan long- or short-sleeved shirt with blue shoulder loops. Official blue socks (with gold tops) are worn with the blue uniform, and official olive socks (with red tops) are worn with the tan/olive uniform. With either uniform, all Webelos Scouts wear the Webelos neckerchief (plaid with the Webelos emblem), Webelos neckerchief slide (handmade slides are also acceptable), Webelos cap, and Webelos belt buckle. Note that the Webelos belt buckle will fit either the blue or the olive belt, but the belt loop recognitions for the Cub Scout Academics and Sports program fit only on the blue web belt.

Badges and Insignia

When a boy first joins Cub Scouting, his uniform will display only those badges that identify his status: the World Crest, which shows him to be a member of the worldwide Scouting movement; the national flag; his council strip; his pack number; and his den number. As he progresses, the Cub Scout will earn badges, pins, medals, and other insignia that tell of his accomplishments in Scouting. These items should be added to the uniform only after they have been earned.

Wearing the Uniform

In general, every Cub Scout should wear his uniform to all Cub Scouting activities, including den and pack meetings, unit outings, and any activities done with members of the den or pack. When playing sports, going to camp, or participating in other physical activities, a pack may opt to have the Cub Scouts wear an alternate uniform, such as an activity shirt. Pack leaders should provide advance notice of any occasion when the boys should wear anything other than the complete uniform. Here are some tips for wearing the uniform:

DO keep the uniform clean and in good repair. The official uniform is a sturdy, machine-washable garment that will last for years with proper care.

DO be sure to wear the complete uniform. A Cub Scout wearing a uniform with parts missing is not in uniform.

DO NOT wear non-BSA badges, awards, or insignia on the Cub Scout uniform or make any alterations to the uniform or insignia.

DO NOT mix uniform parts with non-uniform clothing, such as wearing a uniform cap with other clothing or wearing the uniform shirt with blue jeans. The uniform should be treated as a unit—worn in its entirety, or not at all.

Any time you are uncertain about uniform regulations, ask the den leader for guidance.

Obtaining a Uniform

The official Cub Scout uniform is available at hundreds of locations across the nation - including your local council, nationally-operated Scout Shops, and other licensed retailers - or can be ordered directly from the national Supply Division. Visit scoutstuff.org for a list of distributors in your area. Before buying a new uniform, be sure to check with the pack leaders about other options. Some packs have money-earning projects to raise funds to uniform their Cub Scouts, or to provide common emblems such as pack and den numerals. Others may have uniform exchange programs for boys to obtain "experienced" uniforms. Assistance in procuring the uniform is available for those that need it. If you require assistance please speak to your child's den leader.

Your Role as a Parent

Cub Scouting encourages closeness to family. The program will give you opportunities to take part in activities with your son that you normally couldn't do. It provides a positive way for parent and son to grow closer together, and encourages you to spend quality time together. In this way, Cub Scouting is a program for the entire family, and your involvement is vital to the program's success. Some specific things you can do to help your son in Cub Scouting are:

Work with your son on projects: Boys often start projects at den meetings and finish them at home with the help of a parent. Such projects become the catalyst for parents and boys—often joined by siblings and friends—to interact with each other in an informal, relaxed way. Because the purpose of projects is to teach a boy new skills, a project will challenge a boy to do tasks that he hasn't currently mastered. It's not uncommon, therefore, for a boy to need help from his family to do some of his projects. In Cub Scouting, boys are not expected to do things entirely on their own. So long as a boy does his best to do as much as he's capable of, it's perfectly acceptable for a parent or sibling to help him with the tasks he's unable to do on his own.

Help your Cub Scout along the advancement trail: The advancement plan is designed for parents to use to create a learning environment in their home. With the Cub Scout handbooks as a resource, parents and boys work together to do the achievements required for each badge. The advancement plan provides fun for the boys, gives them a sense of personal achievement as they earn badges, and strengthens family understanding as adult family members work with boys on advancement projects. While Cub Scouts will learn skills and begin work on projects in their weekly den meetings, the parent remains at the center of the advancement program. As each task is done or each skill is demonstrated, the parent signs the Cub Scout's handbook to record its completion. And when the boy has completed all the requirements to earn an award, the parent presents that award at the next monthly pack meeting.

Participate in monthly pack meetings: The weekly den meetings are for Cub Scouts and their adult leader. The pack meeting is for the entire family of every Cub Scout. At pack meetings, parents see their sons in action with their friends, meet other parents, and join with neighbors in caring and sharing. These types of opportunities are scarce, and pack meetings highlight how Cub Scouting teaches boys cooperation and collaboration. The pack meeting is also a monthly showcase for all that the boys have worked on in their den meetings. Craft projects are on display, skills are demonstrated, and skits are performed to show the boys' command of the monthly theme. While boys at this age seem to be struggling toward independence, having the approval of their parents and other adults whom they admire remains important to them—so your presence at these meetings is critical to underscore the importance of the lessons your son has learned

Go on family campouts with your son:  Besides being fun, family camping is a chance for quality time together and an enriched family life. This program is a recreational opportunity—it's not on a tight time schedule. Family leadership rests with the adult member(s). This leadership might be yielded from time to time as the family chooses to take part in activities, such as swimming, where specific camp policies must be followed for safety and proper operation.

Provide support for your son's den and pack: It's important to remember that the adult leaders of your son's den and pack are volunteers who give their own time to provide a quality program for your son. While they have been carefully selected and extensively trained for their roles, there are always times when they could use help from parents in the pack. Pack events such as the pinewood derby, blue and gold banquet, or field days take a lot of effort—more than the monthly meetings. The pack's leaders welcome any help you can give. Likewise, den leaders will be grateful to parents who can lend a hand with field trips and outings. By pitching in as needed, you can show your son the importance of helping others. So be on the lookout for opportunities for you to help the den, the pack, and its leaders.

The Cub Scout years are developing years for young boys, falling between the dependence of early childhood and the relative independence of early adolescence. As he grows, your son will gain the ability to do more things "on his own," but at this stage of his development, your help is critical.

Becoming a Volunteer

Cub Scouting relies on volunteers to be pack leaders. Volunteers come from all backgrounds and experiences. Plumbers, lawyers, homemakers, teachers, doctors, janitors, and scientists—people from just about every occupation imaginable—are involved in leading youth to become responsible, caring, and competent citizens. They also quickly discover that Scout volunteering lets them learn new skills and build lifelong friendships while having fun.

Requirements

Any parent or chartered organization member is usually welcome to pitch in and help with the pack, and there are no formal requirements for periodic or temporary assignments. But to serve in an ongoing role, you must register as an adult volunteer with the Boy Scouts of America by submitting an adult leader application. This application must be approved by the pack, the local council, and the national office. The requirements are fairly straightforward:

-You must be 21 years of age or older. (For some positions, such as assistant Cubmaster or assistant den leader, the minimum age is 18.)

-You must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident.

-You must agree to abide by the Scout Oath and Law and subscribe to the Declaration of Religious Principle.

-You must be a person of good moral character and satisfactorily pass a criminal background check.

In some cases, being highly active in the pack or chartered organization, having experience working with youth, and having specialized skills can also be beneficial, but are not strictly required. Youth Protection Training and This is Scouting are online courses that also need to be completed.