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PACK COMMITTEE

Organize your pack Committee to make it easier for the parents of new Cub Scouts to fit into the Pack structure. One way is to create a bunch of subcommittees, each of which is responsible for some major function such as:

Finance–

could include the treasurer, FOS chair, fundraising team, budget team etc.

Service Projects–

would organize Good Will Good Turn, Scouting For Food, Chartered Org. projects, community projects, etc.

Camping–

organize Day Camp, Resident Camp, Scoutrageous, pack and family camp outs.

Membership–

organize Roundup, Charter renewal, Webelos transition, Boy's Life.

Recognition–

handle advancement, leader recognition, applications for Summertime Pack Awards, Quality Unit Award, National Den Award, Blue & Gold, etc.

Derbies–

responsible for the equipping and organizing pinewood, space, rain gutter and other special pack races.

Tours and Field Trips–

makes the arrangements, files the tour permits, and leads a series of exciting pack activities.

Communication–

prints the pack newsletter, web page, organizes a phone tree or email list.

These are just suggestions. You can probably think of other subcommittees and other ways to organize.

Each family would be expected to supply a parent to be either a registered leader or a member of one of these subcommittees. This way, a newcomer to the pack would not feel isolated and could take on a job knowing they would be part of a team that will give support and ideas.

Its important that every parent contributes in some way to make the pack go and to set an example for their sons to follow. Its also important that we help parents overcome any fears or misgivings about taking on these responsibilities.

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LEADERSHIP SELECTION

Details are found in Selecting Cub Scout Leadership, No. 13-500.

Leadership Selection Steps

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LEADER'S LIBRARY Cub Scout Leader Book BSA Family Book Cub Scout Leader How-To Book Staging Den and Pack Ceremonies Cub Scout Program Helps Webelos Leader Guide Guide to Safe Scouting Den Chief Handbook Cub Scout Song Book Cub Scout Fun Book Cub Scout Magic Group Meeting Sparklers All availale at SCOUTSTUFF.ORG or at your local Scout Shop.

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SEVEN THINGS I LEARNED AS A CUBMASTER

(In the order I learned them.)

Back in those early days when I was the Cubmaster of Pack 28 in Jackson, NJ, I took every Cub leader training available. I learned a lot about what I was supposed to do but there were some important subjects that were never covered in those training courses or covered so lightly and so quickly that I never really noticed how important they were.

These seven things I learned by experience, sometimes by making mistakes but, more often, by heeding the advice of others, adding those things to my repertoire, and then seeing that their recommendations were valid.

Protect and Retain Den Leaders.

The program runs on DLs. Do anything to keep them happy and productive. Don't let anyone pile extra duties on them. They are not someone's personal messenger, or delivery boy and especially they are not your wait staff at the Blue and Gold Banquet. Their only job is to lead the den.

Outings are Worth the Effort.

As a pack, do something special every month over and above the pack meeting. Tours, hikes, service projects, picnics, and especially pack camp outs — these sorts of things make the difference between ho-hum and WOW!!!

Recruit Every Parent.

Every parent must do something for the pack or den. He or she must be the role model for their boy to help make the pack go. Every boy deserves to see his parent be a Cub Scouting Hero. The longer I do this, the more value I see in parent participation: for the pack, for the family and for the boy.

Be Nutty!

Lose your inhibitions and have uproarious FUN. Do all the zany songs, cheers, run-ons and stunts. Wear crazy costumes and play outrageous games. Do this a lot in Cub Scouts because as the boys get close to Boy Scout age they lose much of their appreciation of madcap humor — especially by their parents.

Cute is a Four-letter Word.

Cute stuff has no place in Cub Scouting. Boys at this age have no interest in being cute or being with people who want them to be. One of our den leaders would summarily veto any program idea that evoked the word “cute.” Every pack needs someone like her.

Den Chiefs are Gods.

Den Chiefs don't make your job much easier, but they do make the Cub Scout experience better. Den Chiefs require coaching and direction to be successful but when they do succeed they bring a unique spark to a Cub Scout's life that no one else can.

Games and Ceremonies are all You Need.

Everything in a pack or den meeting should be either a ceremony or a game. If you can't make announcements, setting up chairs, craft projects, or anything else be one or the other, then you are not reading the right books.

bill, the rtguy

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PACK SIZE

When is a Cub Pack.......

TOO BIG?

TOO SMALL?

Does it matter?

Packs vary in size from as small as 5 boys to some super-sized ones with a dozen or more dens and well over a hundred boy members. While good Cub Scouting can, and does, go on in packs of any size, there are certain advantages of having a pack of a certain size.

The question comes up when someone in a small packs says:
Our Pack is too small, Why don't we merge with Pack 36 down the steet?

Or someone else (usually a district person) comments about a large pack:
Let's split this pack and have twice as many boys.

What determines the size of a Pack?

Program: A well planned program put on by trained leaders using lots of resources attracts lots of boys and parents. More importantly, a great program keeps them coming back right through Webelos II. If a pack is small, or if boys are dropping out, it may be because the activities, the meetings and the leadership are just plain dull. Large packs get that big because the leaders make it fun and worthwhile.

Recuiting Base: Some packs. especially those that serve small religious communities or home school groups, or are isolated just run out of families to recruit. Some actually end up with every available boy as members. Most packs, however, recruit from schools. Here in Oregon, our council has organized one pack in almost every elementary school. Since each school has at least 100 boys in grades 1 through 5, (some have more than 200) it's reasonably easy for most to build their membership. A good pack should have no trouble recruiting and keeping about a third of the available boys. A really top-notch band of leaders can get more than 50% but it's difficult in many schools to get much more than that. If you are drawing less than 15% of the available boys, there is a good possibility that some boys will be the only Cub Scouts in their school class - a real downer.

Communication: A pack's ability to attract members depends a lot on how they get the word out to their community that they exist, that it's fun and that Cub Scouting is great for boys and parents. Some packs seem invisible to the public. Some populations are so transient that it's next to impossible to get to them. These packs need lots of help with publicity, and recruiting.

SMALL PACKS (Less than 20 boys)

Advantages:

• Lots of individual attention and recognition.
• Field trips and events are easy to manage.
• Families tend to know each other.

Disadvantages:

• Dens may be mixed - Cub Scouts mixed with Webelos or Tigers.
• Small parent base to recruit committee and leaders.
• Boys may not have school buddies. (see Recuiting Base)
• Loss of one or two key leaders may be catastrophic.

MEDIUM SIZED PACKS (20 - 60 boys)

Advantages:

• Easy to form dens for each rank or school grade.
• Pack meetings are manageable.
• Time for den participaion at pack meetings.

Disadvantages:

• May not adequately serve enough boys in a typical elementary school.

LARGE PACKS ( 60 or more boys)

Advantages:

• Huge parent base to draw from.
• Each school class may have several Cub Scouts.
• Pack meetings and campouts can be major festive events.
• Large committees make it easy for new families to participate.

Disadvantages:

• Advancement recognition is difficult.
• Limited time for den participation at pack meetings.
• Field trips are a major operation.
• Meeting rooms may be strained.

Should Small Packs Merge?

If the recruitng base for the packs is truly limiting the packs' growth and the Chartered Organizations are compatable, then there could be some real advantages to combining the packs. A larger pack committee puts less strain on the Cubmaster and den leaders. It becomes easier to run seperate dens for each school grade. There is a good chance that boys and families will get better Scouting.

However if the packs are small because the available boys are not showing up at Roundups, or that the ones that do join drop out after one year, then merging two small packs will surely end up as one equally small pack. Nothing will be gained and some boys may even lose. Better to overhaul the two programs by shaking up the leaderships. Better parent recruitng, more leader training, improved use of program resources should be the goal of everyone concerned here: the COs, the present leaders and committees, and the district. Two small packs could become two large packs.

Should Large Packs Split?

There is always the danger, that when a pack splits that one one of the halves will wither and die. So, care must be taken to ensure that both have good resources to survive and flourish. Although more packs usually means that more boys will get good Scouting, it's not automatic. A good bit of planning and support is required.

If the present pack has more than a third of the available boys then it is probably not a good idea. One big successful pack then becomes two medium or small packs with diluted leaderships and little hope of recruiting more boys or more leaders. The present organization probably got that big because they coralled all the good available parents.

Now if there are still hundreds of available boys and families out there who are not in Cub Scouts, or if the pack is the only one recruiting from multiple schools, then splitting has some real possibilities. Some one should check out the potential for a new chartered organization (although one CO could charter two packs.) Will the present membership, leadership and committee divide up or will a new cadre be formed from scratch? I have seen it done successfully both ways but the latter requires careful and close support from the district.

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TRAINING TIP

WHY TRAINING?

One of the first questions that new leaders ask is: "What am I supposed to do? What is expected of me?" Another important question is "How do I do it?" That's where training comes in. Training shows new leaders how to do their jobs and allows for an interchange of ideas with more experienced leaders,

Everyone needs training for anything that is new or is to be done well. We train Cub Scout leaders to be sure that boys get a quality fun filled program. People gain confidence from knowing what others expect of them. When leaders understand the whys and hows of Cub Scouting, they are more effective in their roles.

Trained leaders have a positive influence on the lives of boys. At the same time, they enjoy the feeling of self-satisfaction that comes from knowing their efforts are truly worthwhile. How well the Boy Scouts of America influences the lives of boys depends on the leaders’ understanding of the program and their responsibilities.

Cub Scout leader training is simply collecting what leaders already know about boys and organizing this information toward the purposes and methods of Cub Scouting. Training helps leaders gain knowledge, develop good attitudes, and learn the skills necessary for their leadership position. It shows them how to use the available resources to provide an exciting and worthwhile program for the boys. It gives them confidence in carrying out their responsibilities. As a result, Cub Scouts receive a program based on Scouting's aims: CITIZENSHIP TRAINING, CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT, and PERSONAL FITNESS.

The Boy Scouts of America's training plan not only provides training for new leaders, but it also provides continuing training for all leaders. Leaders continue to learn through experience and from addition training opportunities. They stay up-to-date and acquire new skills that help them do a better job with the boys. Ongoing training is essential to keep leaders informed and active. There is no such thing as "once trained, always trained".

Leslie's Pow Wow Online

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PACK TRAINER POSITION

DESCRIPTION and QUALIFICATIONS

The pack trainer must meet BSA membership requirements, be at least 21 years of age, and register with the Boy Scouts of America as a pack trainer. It is recommended that the pack trainer have at least one year of experience in a leadership position in Cub Scouting, preferably as a Cub Scout or Webelos den leader.

The pack trainer is selected by the pack committee, with the approval of the chartered organization. Pack trainers should be trained in a Trainer Development Conference. They should, of course, also have completed a training session before they teach it.

For new packs and those lacking experienced leaders, an experienced leader from the district training team or another pack may be appointed as pack trainer until the new leaders gain experience.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The pack trainer is responsible for:

• Remaining current with training material and program updates
• Conducting orientation of new families
• Providing Fast Start Training to new leaders. (Fast Start Training can be used as a recruiting tool.The pack trainer should contact the new leader within two or three days to review the information and answer questions. Fast Start Training can be completed by viewing the Fast Start video or DVD or by completing the training on your council's Web site.)
• Conducting monthly Unit Leadership Enhancements
• Encouraging pack leaders to attend:
  1. Cub Scout Leader Basic Training, which includes This Is Scouting and Cub Scout Leader Specific Training
  2. Scout Leader Specific Training
  3. Youth Protection Training
  4. Roundtable
  5. Pow Wow (if conducted in your council)
  6. BALOO
  7. Outdoor Leader Skills for Webelos Leaders
  8. Wood Badge
• Encouraging den chiefs to attend Den Chief Training
• Maintaining pack training records

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THE LANGUAGE OF SCOUTING

• Achievement - The name given to a major requirement in the Cub Scout program. There are 12 Wolf and 24 Bear achievements.
• Activity Badge - One of 20 specialized recognitions earned by Webelos Scouts.
• Advancement - The process by which a member meets certain requirements and earns recognition.
• Akela - A title of respect used in Cub Scouting; any good leader is Akela. The name comes from Rudyard Kipling's Jungle Book.
• Arrow of Light Award - Highest rank in Cub Scouting. The only Cub Scout badge that may be worn on the Boy Scout uniform.
• Arrow Point - An award given to a cub Scout who has completed 10 elective projects beyond the rank for his grade. A gold arrow point is given for the first 10 projects and a silver arrow point is given for each additional 10 projects thereafter.
• Assistant Cubmaster (CA) - A person 18 years or older holding this position in a Cub Scout pack.
• Assistant Den Leader (DA) - A person appointed to help the Cub Scout den leader.
• Baden-Powell, Robert Stephenson Smyth - Founder of the worldwide Scouting movement.
• Basic Training - Formal introduction to the program, purpose, ideals and procedures of the Cub Scout program necessary for a volunteer to function.
• Bear Rank - awarded to the Third grade Cub Scout for completing 12 of the 24 achievements.
• Blue and Gold Banquet - A birthday dinner for Scouting held by Cub packs in February.
• Bobcat - The first rank for all Cub Scouts.
• Boy's Life - The magazine published by the Boy Scouts of America to help boys in Scouting.
• Buddy System - A part of Safe Swim Defense. Swimmers are paired, check in and out of the water together, and stay within 10 feet of each other during the swim. Buddy system is used also in other activities such as hiking and field trips for safety reasons.
• Character Connections - Scouting methods used to connect a boy's thinking, feeling, and behavior to Scouting's 12 Core Values.
• Charter - Formal permission from the Boy Scouts of America allowing a pack to organize.
• Chartered Organization - The organization (a religious, civic, fraternal, educational or other community based group) that is responsible for the pack. Monthly pack meetings are usually held in a building owned by that organization. Commissioner - A volunteer Scouter who works with packs and/or troops to help units succeed.
• Committee Chairman (CC) - An adult 21 years of age or older, the executive officer of the committee, that works with the Cubmaster to assure that the pack provides the Cub Scout phase of the Scouting program.
• Compass Point Patch - Award earned by Webelos Scouts as they advance in the Webelos program. .
• Core Values - Scouting's primary values for youth development: Citizenship, Compassion, Cooperation, Courage, Faith, Health and Fitness, Honesty, Perseverance, Positive Attitude, Resourcefulness, Respect, and Responsibility.
• Council The local Scouting Organization for a specific geographic area. The country is divided into more than 200 local councils. Our council, Cascade Pacific, serves more than 53,000 youth in north-west Oregon and south-east Washington.
• Cubmaster (CM) - An adult 21 years of age or older, who holds this commission in a Cub Scout pack. The pack leader and Akela for the pack, serves as Master of Ceremonies during monthly pack meetings.
• Cub Scout - A boy who is registered with a Cub Scout pack. Also, the reason why we're all here!!!
• Cub Scout Handshake - Used by Cub Scouts and Scouters with the right hand.
• Cub Scout Motto - "Do Your Best."
• Cub Scout Promise -

  I, (name), 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.

• Cub Scout Salute - A hand salute made by Cub Scouts and Scouters with the fingers of the right hand held in position as for Cub Scout Sign,
• Cub Scout Sign - A sign made by raising the right hand straight up high over the head with the palm forward and the first two fingers wide apart in a V.
• Day Camp - Summertime fun for all Cub Scouts.
• Den - Small group of Cub Scouts who meet once a week usually in the home of a den leader to work on projects, learn games, songs, tricks and skits to be presented at monthly pack meeting.
• Den Chief - A Boy Scout who has been appointed to help direct the activities of a Cub Scout den.
• Den Leader (LD) - The adult on-the-scene supervisor of a Cub Scout den. A registered member of the pack who attends basic training.
• Denner - Cub Scout who helps the den leader with den and pack meetings. This is generally a rotating position so each Cub Scout may serve and learn a little about helping and leadership.
• District - An administrative arm of the council that provides service to the Scouting units (packs, etc.) within its jurisdiction.
• District Commissioner (DC) - A volunteer Scouter who is in charge of all commissioners within a district.
• District Committee - A group of registered adult Scouters responsible for carrying out the council program within their district.
• District Executive - A professional paid Scouter who works with the volunteers under the Scout Executive.
• "Do Your Best" - The Cub Scout motto.
• Elective - A part of the Cub Scout advancement program in the Wolf and Bear rank books. For every 10 electives, a Cub Scout earns an arrow point.
• Fast Start - A training program for new leaders designed to help them until they attend basic training.
• Friends of Scouting - An annual campaign in which Scouters, and other interested people in the community, provide financial support to the local council.
• Good Turn - A distinctive feature of Scouting is its emphasis upon service to others. The Good Turn habit is one that all Scouts endeavor to acquire.
• Instant Recognition - Diamond shaped patch to which beads are attached for recognition of achievements. A boy receives one bead for each 3 achievements. Wolf earns yellow and Bear earns red beads.
• National BSA - Headquarters for the Boy Scouts of America, located in Irving, Texas, where the Cub Scout program is developed and literature is developed and printed.
• National Summertime Pack Award - An award earned by the pack for conducting a summer program.
• Outdoor Code - A pledge for proper outdoor conduct followed by all Cub Scouts and leaders.
• Outdoor Program - The total scope of outdoor programs offered by the Boy Scouts of America, including unit outings, camporees, Cub Scout day camps, long term Scout camps, council and national jamborees.
• Pack - The unit that conducts Cub Scouting for the chartered organization. Usually consists of 2 or more dens and conducts monthly meetings.
• Pack Committee - A committee of concerned parents and leaders, approved by the chartered organization, to administer the affairs of the pack.
• Pack Meeting - Monthly meeting of Cub Scouts, adult leaders, committee members and parents, where Cub Scouts and adults receive recognition.
• Pinewood Derby - A pack activity that involves making and racing model cars on a tract.
• Pow Wow - All day learning experience for Cub Scout leaders in November, covering a wide variety of subjects with some hands-on experiences.
• Program Helps - An annual publication of the BSA to help den and pack leaders plan their meetings by using monthly themes.
• Quality Unit Award - Recognition given each charter year to units that commit to, and meet national standards pertaining to leadership training, service, advancement, camping and membership growth.
• Registration - The payment of an annual registration fee. This is one of the requirements for membership of the BSA.
• Religious Awards - An award present by individual faiths to Cub and Boy Scouts for completion of a set of requirements within their respective faiths.
• Roundtable - A monthly district level meeting where den and pack leaders learn new ideas on monthly themes, receive information on district and council activities, and have a general exchange of ideas.
• School Night for Scouting - A one night event in a neighborhood school where boys and parents gather to learn about Cub Scouting and how they can join.
• Scouter - A registered adult member of the Boy Scouts of America.
• Scout Executive - The professional staff leader of a council.
• Scouting Magazine - The official magazine sent to all registered Scouters.
• Service Center - Scout Headquarters - It contains the professionals' offices and the Scout Shop (where you can buy uniforms and all of your Scouting needs.)
• Service Star - Worn on the uniform above the left pocket to denote years of service in the Scouting program.
• Tenure - A term used to describe the length of service and membership in Scouting.
• Tiger Cub - A first grade boy registered with an adult partner in the Pack.
• Tour Permit - Permit approved by the council for any outing that is to be taken by a group of Cub Scouts if traveling is involved. Check with the Service Center.
• Two Deep Leadership - The concept of having at least two adult registered leaders at every pack meeting or den outing for the safety and welfare of the Cubs.
• Uniform - The distinctive feature of Scouting that quickly identifies its members.
• Unit - A term used to designate any one of the following; pack, troop, team, post, crew or ship.
• Volunteer - Individual who donates services, time, and/or funds to support the program of the Boy Scouts of America.
• Webelos Badge - A rank earned by a fourth or fifth grade boy which is part of the requirements for the Arrow of Light.
• Webelos Den - A group of Webelos Scouts who meet weekly under the supervision of a Webelos den leader.
• Webelos Den Leader - The adult on-the-scene supervisor of a Webelos Scout den. A registered member of the pack who attends basic training to learn how to fulfill the job of a Webelos den leader.
• Webelos Scout - A Cub Scout who has completed the third grade belongs to a Webelos den. He works on activities in the Webelos book.
• Webelos-to-Scout Transition - The preparation and graduation of a boy from Cub Scouting to Boy Scouting.
• Wolf - A rank earned by a 2nd grade Cub Scout when he completes 12 achievements in the Wolf Book.
• World Conservation Award - An award for Cub Scouts emphasizing the importance of our natural resources.
• World Crest - A badge worn by Scouts and Scouters as a symbol of commitment to the World Association of Scouting.
• World Friendship Fund - A fund to which Scouts and Scouters in the United States of America may contribute to provide material help to Scouts and Scouting around the world.

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PURPOSES OF CUB SCOUTING

Cub Scouts is more than having a group of boys at your den meeting to say the Pledge of Allegiance, or playing games with their friends. Getting Cub Scout Leader Training will allow you to understand, then meet the aims of the Boy Scouts of America's program through Cub Scouting.

The BSA's program has three overall aims:

To build character:

To build self-reliance, self-discipline, self-confidence and self-respect

To foster citizenship:

To foster love of community, country and world, along with a commitment of service to others and an understanding of democratic principles.

To develop fitness:

To develop physical, mental, emotional, and moral fitness that will stay with a Scout for the rest of his life.

These aims are met through the purposes of the Cub Scouting which are:

• Character Development
• Spiritual Growth
• Good Citizenship
• Sportsmanship
• Family Understanding
• Respectful Relationships
• Personal Achievement
• Friendly Service
• Fun and Adventure
• Preparation for Boy Scouts

These are the purposes of Cub Scouting. Activities planned by leaders and enjoyed by boys relate to one or more of these purposes. These purposes help us achieve the overall aims of the Boy Scouts of America.

More information on "What is Cub Scouting?" can be found in Chapter 1 of the Cub Scout Leader Book available from your Scout Shop.

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CHARACTER CONNECTION

When it comes to developing character, the complete person must be considered. Character development involves at least three critical areas:

In the Cub Scouting program, using these three critical areas and relating them to values will be referred to as Character Connections.

Character Connections are used to connect a boy's thinking, feeling, and behavior to Scouting's 12 Core Values, which are:

Citizenship
Compassion
Cooperation
Courage
Faith
Health and Fitness
Honesty
Perseverance
Positive Attitude
Resourcefulness
Respect
Responsibility

Cub Scouting assists in teaching values and developing character in boys by offering a program where boys can experience value based activities with caring leadership and family support.

In developing character, Cub Scouting promotes twelve core values: citizenship, compassion, cooperation, courage, faith, health and fitness, honesty, perseverance, positive attitude, resourcefulness, respect, and responsibility.

As boys participate in a Cub Scout activity, they learn to “connect” their experience with a core value. Boys connect by learning (knowledge), feeling (commitment), and accomplishing (practice) the skills that relate to these values.

In an effort to make character development part of every boy's experience in the Cub Scout program, the “Character Connections” will be integrated throughout the boys' handbooks and advancement programs.

Resources include the Cub Scout Leader Book, No. 3322 1B, Cub Scout Program Helps, No. 34304D, and monthly roundtables.

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THE BSA FAMILY PROGRAM

The BSA family program is designed for all families, especially families with children of Tiger Cubs and Cub Scout ages. A family participating with the Boy Scouts of America may use the BSA family program to meet their own needs and to enrich and strengthen family bonds.

The pack committee chairman should designate a pack committee member to implement and oversee the BSA Family program. The pack committee member responsible for the BSA Family program should:

1. Identify eligible families with registered boys.
2. Plan a group orientation to initiate the BSA family program.
3. Introduce the BSA Family Book and the BSA family Award at the group orientation and to individual families.
4. Each family secures a BSA Family Book.
5. Help participating families to use the BSA Family Book effectively, by keeping in contact with the family and giving encouragement and assistance as needed.
6. Explain the BSA Family Award to the participating family. Encourage the family to earn the award.
7. Invite members of the families using the BSA family program to help identify prospective BSA families.
8. Invite BSA families and prospective BSA families to participate in appropriate pack activities.
9. Plan to recognize families who earn the BSA Family Award, making sure that each qualified family receives the award. The award could be presented at the monthly pack meeting or at; another time.
10. Monitor the community regularly in order to provide all eligible families an opportunity to participate in the BSA Family program.

Pack 215

Planning for Success is simple when you follow: THE SIX STEPS OF PLANNING Download Powerpoint

ANNUAL PACK PROGRAM PLANNING CONFERENCE:

What Is It?

An annual meeting of all pack leaders designed to establish the year's program based on twelve monthly themes and Webelos activity badges, along with special activities, all tailored to the pack's needs.

Why Is It Held?

A program planned twelve months in advance allows leaders to look ahead. Advance preparation ensures a well rounded program of fun, variety, action, and purpose.

Who Attends?

The pack committee chairman and Cubmaster are jointly responsible for seeing that this meeting occurs. The meeting is conducted by the pack committee chairman. All den and pack leaders, den chief, and interested parents attend. The unit commissioner also should be invited.

When Is It Held?

Each year, in July, or August. This training tip is covered in much more detail in the Cub Scout Leader book which is available for purchase from your Scout shop. In Chapter 24 you will see a wealth of information on why and how to plan this all important conference. The council provides a planning packet for each Cub Pack. It is usually distributed at Roundtables in May and June.

The New Cub Scout Program Helps arrive at the Scout Shops in late spring! During the summer months, most Packs hold their Annual Pack Planning meeting to set out next year's themes and activities.

Some things to keep in mind for you pack's planning meeting:

• The more people who attend, the better. Invite all leaders and parents, especially last years Tiger partners. Publicize it,
• Have a good supply of Program Helps — as many as your Pack budget can stand. Use the yellow pages; — the Program Planning Insert in the center as a guide.
• Spread the work and responsibilities around. The more people who do things and lead activities, the better your pack will run. A sure way to burn-out leaders is to have the same few people lead everything.
• Set some goals for your pack. How many pack activities? How many new dens? Will you earn the Summer Time Pack Award? The Quality Unit Award? How many boys will advance a rank? How many dens will earn the National Den Award?

Make the meeting fun. Have you tried holding your planning meeting at a back yard barbecue or a breakfast meeting? Make it special.

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PACK ANNUAL PLANNING

Packs are. or will be. planning their programs for the coming year. Program Helps are usually in stock at the Scout Shop by May. Council Calendars are available at Roundtables. Get them and use them.

Get as many people as possible involved in the planning. Hold it on the day and time when most will attend. Consider a breakfast meeting or a weekend barbecue. Mail postcards, and phone or email everyone.

Here are some things to consider in your planning.

Keep your pack financially sound.

Make sure you plan a budget at the same time. Ensure that you have a full financial team: your treasurer, money raising chair, pop-corn chair and Friends of Scouting representative. Encourage them to work as a team.

Plan your roundup.

You will need a roundup chair, and probably a new Tiger Den Leader or two. Who will check with the schools or church where you recruit to set the dates for school visits and roundup nights. Assign several people to attend the District Roundup Kickoff in late August. The more who attend, the better chances you will have to recruit the leaders you will need next fall.

Plan a special event for every month.

A visit, a party, a service project . These maintain excitement from month to month and take a load off den leaders. Assign one or more parents (NOT den leaders) to head up each event. A successful method is to allow parents to choose the month and event on a first-come-first-served basis. Their jobs are to arrange the details, set up any transportation needed, process tour permits and lead the event. These are once-a-year jobs that shouldn't overtax most parents, but are very important to the success of your pack's program.

Don't let anyone leave until every boy has a parent doing something important for his pack.

Every boy should have the chance to be proud of his mom or dad.

Invent jobs if you have to.

Announce (with appropriate fanfare) all the names at your next pack meeting and print your schedule - with names - in your pack news letter. If you don't have a pack news letter, there is another job!

Save a few jobs for the new parents you will recruit in September.

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CUB SCOUT PROGRAM PLANNING

The most important responsibility that leaders have in Cub Scouting is program planning. The quality of the Cub Scout experience each boy receives will depend on how leaders schedule and carry out the essential planning procedures. Den Leaders spend the greatest amount of time directly with the boys. Pack leaders provide the material and help Den Leaders to make their job easier, more enjoyable, and meaningful. Pack Committee members should be familiar with the planning process, to know where they fit in, and what tools to use.

KEEP THESE IN MIND:

There are some basic ideas which you need to understand before you start planning:

• Cub Scouting is a year-round, 12 month program
• Cub Scouting has enough variables to meet the needs and desires of any boy, any place.
• The Cub Scout program should have variety, action, and purpose.
• The program must be fun for both boys and their families.

THEMES:

Cub Scouting's recommended planning system is based on themes, one for each month. Themes help to achieve Cub Scouting's purposes; to keep all the dens active, vigorous, and working on meaningful projects during the month. They assure a well planned, more interesting pack meeting as the big climax of the month. A good monthly theme should have:

• Boy Appeal
• Boy Learning
• A Variety of Activities

PROGRAM RESOURCES:

Specific ideas for program planning can be found in the wide variety of Cub literature available to all pack leaders. The Pack Library is a useful source. Also refer to ideas received at Roundtables, Pow Wows and training courses.

THREE STEPS IN PLANNING:

There is a proven plan and procedure which brings success. The process consists of the following four steps:

1. Annual Planning Conference -- long range look at all program possibilities. Held as soon as Program Helps become available, usually in April or May, to make general plans for the next 12 months.
2. Monthly Pack Leader's Meeting (or Committee Meeting) -- to firm up plans for this month's pack meeting and make specific plans for all meetings next month.
3. Den Chief's Meeting -- a monthly meeting with Cubmaster or Assistant, to help prepare them to assist the Den Leaders. Webelos Den Chiefs meet with their own Webelos Leader.
4. Den Chief's Meeting -- a monthly meeting with Cubmaster or Assistant, to help prepare them to assist the Den Leaders. Webelos Den Chiefs meet with their own Webelos Leader.

-- Last Frontier Pow Wow Book

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PLAN, PLAN, PLAN

CUB SCOUT PROGRAM PLANNING:

The most important responsibility that leaders have in Cub Scouting is program planning. The quality of the Cub Scout experience each boy receives will depend on how leaders schedule and carry out the essential planning procedures. Den Leaders spend the greatest amount of time directly with the boys. The Pack Committee members need to use their efforts to provide the material and help Den Leaders to make their job easier, more enjoyable, and meaningful.

KEEP THESE IN MIND:

There are some basic ideas which you need to understand before you start planning:

• Cub Scouting is a year-round, 12 month program.
• Cub Scouting has enough variables to meet the needs and desires of any boy, any place.
• The Cub Scout program should have variety, action, and purpose.
• The program must be fun for both boys and their families.

THEMES:

Many packs do not use the recommended themes. Some choose their own, others don't use themes at all. National appears to be no longer recommending themes but I would guess that some packs will still find it easier and more productive to base their programs on a theme. Themes can help to achieve Cub Scouting's purposes; to keep all the dens active, vigorous, and working on meaningful projects during the month. They assure a well planned, more interesting pack meeting as the big climax of the month. A good monthly theme should have:

• Boy Appeal
• Boy Learning
• A Variety of Activities

PROGRAM RESOURCES:

Specific ideas for program planning can be found in the wide variety of Cub literature available to all pack leaders. The Pack Library is a useful source. Also refer to ideas received at Roundtables, Pow Wows and training courses.

SPECIFIC TIPS:

Take advantage of special events like Scoutrageous, Scouting for Food, Good Will Good Turn, local parades, Scout Nights at the Ball Game, hockey or basketball game. Plan several tours or pack field trips throughout the year and at least one pack camping trip.

STEPS IN PLANNING:

There is a proven plan and procedure which brings success. The process consists of the following three steps:

1. Annual Planning Conference -- long range look at all program possibilities. Held as soon as Program Helps become available, usually in July or August, to make general plans for the next 12 months.
2. Monthly Pack Leader's Meeting (or Committee Meeting) -- to firm up plans for this month's pack meeting and make specific plans for the pack meeting next month.
3. Den Chief's Meeting -- a monthly meeting with Cubmaster or Assistant, to help prepare them to assist the Den Leaders. Webelos Den Chiefs meet with their own Webelos Leader.

-- Adapted from: Last Frontier Pow Wow Book,

THEMES:

Now that National appears to be dropping its recommended monthly themes after 2010, we will have to if they intend to replace themes with some other ideas to base monthly programs or will packs be on their own. I would expect that some packs will continue to use themes because they have found tem to work for their people.

Kevin Pate, Norman, OK wrote:

We don't always use themes either, but they are useful. When a pack meeting is based on a theme that the boys worked on in the den meetings, everyone is kind of on the same page at the pack meeting. decorations, when used, make sense to all the dens, cause they are clued in. The gathering activity, opening skits, songs, run-ons, games, cheers, costumes, ceremonies, closings (the key ingredients for pack meetings to be fun instead of snoozer business meetings) all tie together, albeit sometimes loosely, when a common theme is used.

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PACK MEETING IDEAS

How do you keep order at Pack meetings? How do you keep the boys from running around and keep the parents from holding conversations at the back of the room?

[Sean Scott is a successful Cubmaster who believes that Cub Scouting should always be fun. Here is what he says about this last December.]

I've observed a lot of pack meetings (good and bad) and I've seen a definite correlation between the behavior of the kids and parents and the quality of the program being presented. If it's not interesting to both groups, one or the other will stop listening. So, as leaders, we have to tailor the program to include "Interesting to kids and adults" right along side "Recognize advancement" and "Inform the membership".

Focus on the boys, and fine tune for the adults
The catch is catering to both sides.

For the boys, the overall program should be short and entertaining, and each segment should be as brief as possible within the larger meeting. Keep it loud and visual and dynamic. Physiologically, boys have short attention spans, process information visually, and don't hear a good percentage of what is said to them. (Read Michael Gurian's "Wonder of Boys" for details on this, gentleman. The ladies already know we don't listen! ) Don't let any segment deal exclusively with one boy or one den for too long, especially awards. Nobody but Den 2 will be paying attention if you're giving out awards to Den 2

Skits, run-ons, costumes, props, ceremonies, involving parents and leaders in the program, songs, decorations, games.

Mix everyone in at random if you can.

How do we apply this to a real life pack meeting?

Brief, informative segments scattered throughout. No gaps, pauses, extensive preparations, long speeches, readings. Plan on making a fool of yourself, because it has ageless appeal -- kids and adults alike are inexplicably mesmerized and amused by a grown man or woman performing "Tooty-Ta", talking in a weird accent, or otherwise embarrassing themselves.

It means you need to plan and practice your meeting, and most of all, have no pride. It means you need to be a playwright, producer, director, and actor. You need to hire assistants to help with l ighting, costumes, props, and curtains.

Not needing a microphone is helpful

You need to think like a nine year old boy.

You need to be imaginative, and being funny is a big step in the right direction.

Personally, I have 2 CA's: one is my partner in crime, one is my "announcement person" (and better half). I'll recruit one or two other leaders, one or two parents, a few older siblings, and one den each month to help out. All the adults and siblings get a script that my CA's and I write on the Saturday before the meeting, based on a general plan we hash out the week before over the phone. In all, it takes about 2-3 hours to write, and another 3-4 hours to gather everything together. We'll scatter run-ons, skits and songs between the segments that take more preparation, giving time to get ready. We use lots of props and costumes, even if it's just a bandana over the face and a sign hung around someone's neck that says "Bank Robber". Remember, as a kid, how you could turn a cardboard box into a house, race car, space capsule, submarine or jet fighter with just a few quick crayon marks? That's the idea.

I don't claim to be the ultimate Cubmaster, or an expert by any means, but I can count on the fingers of one hand every time I've put up [the Cub Scout] sign since our September meeting (and tell you why it was necessary each time).

This is a method I've seen work for others, and all I've done is apply it, so it should work for everyone out there. The boys tell me they're always wondering what's going to happen next, and the parents tell me they can't believe that we did some goofy, silly thing. They pay attention (and show up) because they don't want to miss something, and wonder what's coming up next. So what are we doing this month, besides a visit from Santa? My CA and I are being arrested by Highway Patrol officers for our pack not being in the spirit of Christmas. The boys will have to sing carols for our release. Some leaders and I are getting pies in the face from the top popcorn sellers. Our Bears will perform a skit, and we'll give out advancements, possibly in a "Twelve Days of Christmas" theme.

CT—Sean Scott, Cubmaster, Pack 307

More on Behavior

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YOUR PACK MEETING WILL BE A SUCCESS BECAUSE

YOUR SCOUTS WILL HAVE FUN!

When scouts have fun, they want to keep coming back. To succeed, remember this simple rule:

"Keep It Short & Simple - Make It Fun" (KISMIF) and use VARIETY."

To achieve this goal, advance planning is critical. As you plan your pack meeting, consider the following:

• Plan your meetings well in advance using themes or special activities as focal points.
• Confirm the time and place of the meeting.
• Reserve meeting places well in advance.
• Make sure that someone is responsible for opening the meeting place ahead of time.
• Assign den responsibilities in advance; e.g. set-up, opening, skits, songs, stunts, closing, clean-up.
• Make sure that arrangements are made for transporting displays, props, special equipment, etc.
• Make sure that awards, badges, pins, etc. are ready for presentation before the meeting.
• Try to have displays set up before the meeting.
• Have a gathering activity planned and use it when scouts arrive.
• Conduct an Opening Ceremony that is serious and impressive.
• While you have the scene set, transition to introductions and inductions.
• Build spirit with den cheers, den reports, rousing songs and group activities.
• Entertain with skits, stunts, songs, and games.
• Take time to recognize pack and den accomplishments.
• Have a Webelos Den demonstrate something related to an activity badge.
• Use a song, story, or other device to transition the group to a serious setting.
• Present awards and recognitions with an impressive ceremony.
• Give special recognition to special accomplishments.
• Recognize adult contributions - thank you and special awards.
• Give a very few words on coming events (give details in handouts, newsletters)
• Have a Scouter's minute - leave the scouts with something to ponder
• Conduct a closing ceremony.
• Serve refreshments (optional).
• Clean-up the meeting site and leave it as good as or better than you found it.
• Evaluate and plan an even better meeting next time.

USSP

More on Pack Meetings

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PARENT ATTENDANCE AWARD

Each pack has its own way of building family attendance at the pack meetings. Some have a simple trophy of a homemade "Cubby" which is presented to the den having the best adult attendance at each pack meeting. The winning den keeps the trophy in its meeting place until the next pack meeting, where it is passed on. "Cubby" is a homemade attendance trophy, made from tin cans and any scrap material. Challenge a creative parent to design and make your attendance trophy.

Some packs present a family attendance ribbon to the den or dens with the best parent attendance. The den or dens are presented with a ribbon to be attached to the den flag. If attendance of families at pack meetings is not what you would it to be, perhaps the pack committee can come up with a plan for increasing attendance.

SPIRIT STICK

Tell us more about your *spirit stick*? What does it look like? How was it made?

It is just a long piece of wood from the Lowe's or such. Ours is about 8' long and 2"x2". Length can be as long as you want I suppose. Has to fit into cars but the longer the more impressive. I decorated the first 6-8 inches with the pack # and year on it and I put a Garfield on there since he was our spokescat this year.

Then each den that wins the spirit stick takes it home and decorates their 6-8 inches. (divided length by number of times someone will win it so everyone gets to decorate about the same amount each time) The boys and leaders get very creative on this. If it is a tiger den, it usually comes back orange. Sometimes there are feathers, beads, leather, wood burning, etc. Just try to secure it all so nothing gets knocked off as it is handed from den to den. Boys usually put names or initials on it, their den # and rank.

This is our second year to do it. I wish I had a scanner so I could show you a picture of last years completed one. It really looks cool and a good keepsake for the pack. I have to give credit to our local roundtable leaders because this is where I got the idea. We have fun with it!

Sherri PriestPack 359 Whitehouse, Texas, CT

Sheri neglected to let us in on how a den wins the Spirit Stick but I imagine that each pack would make its own set of rules.
bill.

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CUB SCOUT GRADUATIONS

Pack Leaders should be planning the graduation of Tiger, Wolf and Bear Dens during the next two months. Graduation ceremonies at pack meetings, featuring new neckerchiefs, new books and new dens, highlight these milestones in a boy's Scouting career.

Some packs have found an advantage in holding graduations at their April pack meeting; others wait until May or June. All are acceptable to National and Council policy. The earlier graduations seem to facilitate the formation of dens and the training of den leaders and Webelos den leaders. This can be important to packs that have strong summer programs.

More important than the exact date that boys start their next phase of the Cub Scout program is that each den has the best, trained leaders. Cascade Pacific Council is justifiably proud of the excellent training available to Cub Scout leaders. We should be striving to recruit more assistant den leaders and do everything we can to see that they all get both Fast Start and Basic training.

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NATIONAL SUMMERTIME PACK AWARD

Your pack can earn this award by holding at least one pack activity during each of the summer months -- June, July, and August.

There are two excellent reasons for trying to qualify for the Summertime Pack Award:

Summer is a great time for Cub Scouting -- maybe the best time. The boys have plenty of leisure and few distractions.

Packs staying active all summer maintain their momentum in September. They don't have to, in effect, reorganize in the fall because they've been going strong during the vacation months.

The pack award is a certificate and streamer for the pack flag. Dens that have at least half their members al each summer pack activity may get a gold den participation ribbon for their den flag. And Cub Scouts who attend all three summer activities get a special pin.

Have all den leaders keep attendance records at the pack picnic and at the July and August pack activities. In September, pack leaders should apply for the National Summertime Pack Award at the local council service center.

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SUMMERTIME PACK ACTIVITIES

By April, it's time you planned your Pack Summertime program to earn the Summertime Pack Award.

These are some favorite summertime pack activities of both the boys and the adults of Pack 876, Midlothian, Virginia.

• Baseball game -- annual council sponsored event, Scouts and leaders in uniform free.
• Fishing derby -- biggest, smallest, most, fewest, first, last etc.
• Water circus -- raingutter regatta, water balloon contests, watermelon seed spitting etc.

Make plans to for your Pack and all your dens to earn the Summer Time pack Award. Assign a team of parents to lead each summer activity and then start promoting them.

Comments from the Net

• Fishing Derby at a friendly neighborhood lake/pond followed by a cookout
• Swimming party at a community pool, followed by a picnic
• Raingutter Regatta with other "get set to get wet" activities - water gun fights, water balloon toss, fire brigade relay etc.
• Participate in your community's Memorial Day, Flag Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day activity or parade.
• Bicycle derby/rodeo
• Participate in your Council/District Cub Day Camp
• Pack weenie roast/watermelon feed
• Go to the zoo, ball game, aquarium, local historic site, state park

Two important points. Make it something that can compete with the other stuff going on i.e. fun, and make it something that can involve parents. Hope this helps, and have fun

CT Roy Fisher

So, we plan two activities per month so that each Cub has an opportunity to attend at least one each month and earn their Summertime Award.

Just be sure you have other parents out there willing to help organize these events.

Our events don't take much organizing with the exception of our Raingutter Regatta. Basically you just need a parent to keep track of attendance, someone to arrange dates and group rates, someone to maybe make certificates (for the rodeo and regatta), someone to organize the food for a picnic, etc.

Hope this all helps and good luck! It's important to have a summertime program to keep kids interested and willing to continue in Scouting!

CT Mary, Committee Chair,
Pack 180, North Syracuse NY

HERE for Summer Time Pack Award Requirements!
Click HERE for the STPA Application Form.
Click HERE for Ideas on Where to Go!
Click HERE Local Tour Permit"

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WHEN PLANNING A TOUR...

File a Tour Permit.

Phone ahead, check on:

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TOURS

• Be sure to contact the place you intend to visit ahead of time so that they can prepare for you and give you necessary information before you arrive.
• Consider distance - how much travel time is involved?
• Obtain a local tour permit at least 2 weeks in advance, if the trip will involve more than 50 miles.
• Let parents/guardians know where you are going and when you will return.
• Obtain a signed permission slip from each boy before the trip (take the medical release on the back of each Scout's application or obtain a medical release on the permission slip).
• Make sure there is sufficient adult supervision. Invite parents to come along. Don't go without enough adults.
• Tell your Scouts the highlights of what they can expect to see.
• Coach your Scouts in advance so that they are attentive, courteous and follow all of the necessary rules.
• Remind your Scouts that they are guests and must follow the rules of their host(s).
• Point out to your Scouts that they are representatives of Scouting and that their behavior will determine whether other Cub Scouts will be welcome later.
• Establish the Buddy System before starting the trip. Explain that the two Scout Buddies must remain together at all times.
• Scouts and leaders should be in uniform on any tour or trip.
• Decide on a meeting place, just in case someone gets misplaced.
• Make sure that each Scout has money for an emergency telephone call.
• Locate restores as soon as you arrive and let your Scouts know where they are.
• Know where emergency care can be obtained.
• After the trip is over, write your hosts and thank them for their courtesy, including notes from the Scouts too.

USSP

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GOOD WILL PROJECTS

MONTHLY GOOD TURN

We have started the practice of asking each boy to bring one can good to each pack meeting. Out of 14 boys, about 4-5 remember each month (My son forgot his last month so we are not immune to forgetting). We then donate the can goods a local food pantry.

Chuck Wagner, Pack 471
Cubmaster, Spring, TX

GOOD WILL PROJECT IDEAS

Put on an information fair for latch key kids.

Sing Christmas carols for people in retirement homes, in your community.

Service projects for senior or disabled residents; cleaning, painting, yard work, etc.

Plan a picnic for senior citizens.

Collect perfume and makeup for a battered women's shelters.

Spend your summer break restoring trails in an area park.

Adopt a grandparent in a retirement home.

Make a resource list of community services and distribute it to your neighborhood.

Build bird houses or rabbit shelters.

Collect old art supplies and donate them to your church youth group.

Raise awareness of the Youth Protection program.

Publish a calendar on the Internee of upcoming Community events, and keep it updated.

Scouter Magazine

SERVICE PROJECTS

Service, best exemplified by the daily Good Turn has long been a tradition in Scouting. Good citizenship is best taught by service in action.

To get the most Cub Scouting has to offer, boys should have opportunities to take part in den and pack service projects. This is one of the best ways to show boys that helping other people is not only beneficial to others, but is fun and rewarding for themselves. They will experience a warm feeling that comes from giving to others.

PACK AND DEN GOOD TURNS

Projects for the Pack:

If your community has a Toys for Tots collection, offer the pack's services to collect new toys. Or refurbish good used toys and give them to a charitable organization for distribution to needy children.

Have Cub Scouts make gifts for resi-dents of a nursing home or other facility for the elderly.

Check with a shelter for the homeless about its needs. 'Perhaps the pack could collect used coats and sweaters for the homeless.

Collect used books in good condition for a hospital, nursing home or jail.

Aid a battered women's shelter by collecting clothing for the women and toys for their children.

Have Christmas caroling by the pack's families in the area of the pack's meeting place or at homes of shut-ins.

Collect nonperishable foods for distribution to the needy by a community food pantry or charitable organization.

Stage a holiday party for a day care center or nursing home. Bring small gifts, sing songs, and play games.

"Adopt" one or more residents of a nursing home. Visit them for a holiday party. Bring inexpensive or homemade gifts and sing songs. In making arrange-ments with the home, stress that the honored guests must be able to relate to young boys.

Make games, puzzles, and simple toys for a day care center or children's ward of a hospital.

Schedule daily or weekly service to an elderly person in the neighborhood to run errands and do simple chores.

Make bird feeders and hang them where shut-ins can see them. Keep feeders supplied with birdseed or suet throughout the winter. See Bird Feeder 172 of the Wolf Cub Scout Book and page 39 of the Big Bear Cub Scout Book.

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WORLD CONSERVATION AWARD

Cub Scouts can earn the award which has been developed in cooperation with the World Wildlife Fund and the World Scouting Bureau. This is the first international award to become available to all the B.S.A. s programs. Applications can be obtained from the Scout Service Center.

Cub Scouts should be encouraged to repeat Conservation Good Turns, since tomorrow's world depends on what we do today in caring for our land. The reward for our action isn't just the patch, it's our world.

Conservation Projects range from making exhibits for pack meetings that show how clothes and food come from the soil to planting shrubs. Below are a few Conservation projects and more can be found in Cub Scout Leader's Book.

Make window boxes and plant flowers.

Collect insects and find out which ones are harmful to crops and trees.

Make a live litterbug for your Pack meeting. Use a suitable trash container with. a sign "See the Live Litter Bug In Here" The container has a mirror in the bottom.

Encourage Cub Scouts to keep roadsides, streets and side walks free from trash.

Take a trip to a local industry to see how pollution is prevented.

Build and set out bird houses and feeding stations in backyard.

Plant shrubs that provide food and cover for wildlife.

Collect glass, aluminum, and paper for recycling.

GCC

Pack Projects

Contributions to one of the many organization, which help, alleviate hunger and starvation around our community or the world.

Plan a trip to a nursing or convalescent home around one of the Cub Scouts themes. Wear costumes, put on skits or puppet shows, or provide some type of entertainment.

Plan a service project to benefit your chartering organization. Check to see what type of help is needed, then get to work.

No doubt you and your Cub Scouts will be able to think of many more useful service projects. Most institutions have restrictions, so be sure to clear your project with the person in charge. This will eliminate duplicate efforts by other groups, and will prevent embarrassment if some regulation is not followed.

INC

In December the theme focuses on Good Turns as well as holiday fun. Cub Scouts may make gifts to give to their family, friends, the elderly, and those less fortunate. Activities that dens may participate in that surround this theme are:

Scouting For Food - The Cascade Pacific Councils canned food drive. Not only does every participating scout get a segment, but it allows the boys to see first hand how they can help others.

Visit / Caroling at a nursing home - Many nursing homes love to have Scouts come in and sing old favorite Christmas carols. Call ahead and schedule with the home supervisor.

Collect good sweaters, coats, blankets for the homeless. Take them to a shelter for distribution.

These themes are designed to achieve Cub Scouting's purposes of:

Influencing the development of character and encouraging spiritual growth.

Developing habits and attitudes of good citizenship.

Showing how to be helpful and do one's best.

Preparing boys to become Boy Scouts.

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CONSERVATION GOOD TURN PROGRAM

Conservation and environmental agencies typically have a backlog of needed projects that they have been unable to carry out, for lack of funding or volunteers. The list of possible Good turn projects is limited only by the needs of the agency and the willingness of the Scouting unit. In every community, whether urban, suburban, or rural, worthwhile projects await all Scouting units.

Cub Scouting conservation, projects should involve the entire Cub Scout pack, each den, adult leaders, and family members. Hands-on projects help Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts realize that everyone can do things to care for the environment. Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts participating in the Conservation Good Turn can also meet some advancement requirements.

Suggested projects include, but are not limited to:

Plant grasses, trees, shrubs, and ground cover to stop soil erosion.

As a den or pack, adopt a park. Remove litter and garbage from a favorite neighborhood recreation area or park.

Organize or participate in a recycling program in your neighborhood, or visit a recycling center.

Arrange a natural resources awareness program. Invite natural resource professionals such as wildlife biologists, soil conservationists, foresters, or conservation officers to speak to your pack.

Participate in a beach or waterfront cleanup. Record the items collected and determine the possible harmful effects to wildlife.

With youth participation, develop a plan to educate the public about the dangers posed to wildlife.

From a local, state, or national organization that is concerned about environmental protection, obtain suggestions for den and pack projects to improve the environment.

As a den or pack, visit a public utility to learn about the wise use of resources, and become involved in programs offered by utilities to help consumers conserve resources.

Contact the camp ranger or BSA local council property superintendent for information about camp needs and plans.

Establish a nature trail, plant vegetation, or carry out other needed projects as requested by the camp ranger.

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CUB SCOUT WORLD CONSERVATION AWARD

Giant panda on violet Scout trefoil, violet trim, gold background (No. 00139, $.95). Two-inch embroidered emblem worn centered on right pocket. Requirements mandate participation in a Den or Pack conservation project and completion of the following:

Wolf Cub Scouts

Achievement 7 - "Your living World" and all of the elective projects in 2 of the following:

Elective 13 - "Birds"

Elective 15 - "Grow something"

Elective 19 - "Fishing"

Bear Cub Scouts

Achievement 5 - "Sharing your world with wild-life" and all of the elective projects in 2 of the following:

Elective 2 - "Weather"

Elective 12 - "Nature crafts"

Elective 15 - "Water and soil conservation"

Webelos Cub Scouts

Forester Activity Badge

Outdoorsman Activity Badge

Naturalist Activity Badge

Award Application

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WORLD CONSERVATION AWARD

An Award presentation

Town Crier Staff Report

The Cub Scouts of Springer School Pack 36, Den 6 have just completed the Cub Scout World Conservation Award and are receiving the award at their pack meeting this month. Those receiving the award are second graders Kevin

Jeff, Christopher , Tyler, Jeffrey and Stuart.

To earn the World Conservation Award, the scouts had to complete the Cub Scout Achievement titled "Your Living World" and two electives. "Your Living World" requires that the scouts talk, read about and perform tasks related to keeping their community clean and beautiful, understanding energy conservation and protecting our living world.

"Birds" and "Fishing" were the two electives chosen to complete the requirements for their award. The scouts started with a bird walk in San Antonio Open Space led by docent Julie Muir from the Mid-peninsula Regional Open Space District. They also worked on putting out nesting materials, building bird houses and learning to identify birds.

To learn about fishing the scouts visited a tropical fish store, studied and discussed California fishing rules, and then practiced their skills at Lintt Trout Farm.

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CONSERVE

A Ceremony

Arrangement: Cub Scouts hold cutouts of cars made from poster board, with letters printed on back of each one to spell out the word: C-O-N-S-E-R-V-E.

C - Cars and buses and such were invented by men.

O - Oil fields were discovered also by them.

N - Nobody really worried about the amount of fuel this would take.

S - So on no transportation did they put on the brake.

E - Eventually the amount of fuel used grew astonishingly.

R - Raising on everyone's mind a great big doubt.

V - Very soon the world's traffic was put to the test.

E - Now, to conserve fuel, we must do our best.

BB - Simon Kenton Council

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SAY YES TO READING

The Say Yes To Reading contest is an annual essay contest for Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. Each boy has to write a one page report about "The Best Book I Read This Year". Then, he writes his name, age, address, and school grade on the report and sends it in. There are three categories: 8 and under, 9 & 10, and 11 and over.

When you send in the essay, also include a business size, self-addressed envelope, and your Cub will get a patch with Pedro the Boys' Life mascot on it. These are the most popular patches in our Pack.

Every boy wants to earn one.

The essays are due by December 31, and can be sent to this address:

Now for the bragging: My Wolf Cub son Vinny placed second in the nation in his category. There were over 3000 entries. For his second place finish, he earned 2 Codemaster books, a patch and pin set, a Leatherman Tool, and 4 books of his choice. This is a great program, and my son is over the moon with pride. If any of you get Boys' Life, look on page 8 of the current issue. My son Vinny is mentioned, as are the other winners. Have fun, and try to get every child to enter!

Michelle

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ENDANGERED SPECIES

A list of local species that have been listed as THREATENED or ENDANGERED by federal or state authorities. Each den could choose one to investigate and make a report at the Pack meeting in the form of a display, a skit or some other way they wish.

Chinook salmon (Upper Columbia Sp) Oncorhynchus tshawytscha Steelhead (Upper Columbia) Oncorhynchus mykiss Chum salmon (Hood Canal Su) Oncorhynchus keta Chum salmon (Lower Columbia) Oncorhynchus keta Sockeye salmon (Lake Ozette) Oncorhynchus nerka Chinook salmon (Puget Sound) Oncorhynchus tshawytscha Chinook salmon (Snake R. Sp/Su) Oncorhynchus tshawytscha Chinook salmon (Lower Columbia) Oncorhynchus tshawytscha Chinook salmon (Snake R. Fall) Oncorhynchus tshawytscha Steelhead (Snake River) Oncorhynchus mykiss Sockeye salmon (Snake R.) Oncorhynchus nerka Steelhead (Lower Columbia) Oncorhynchus mykiss Bull trout Salvelinus confluentus Oregon spotted frog Rana pretiosa Mardon skipper Polites mardon Gray wolf Canis lupus Sei whale Balaenoptera borealis Fin whale Baleonoptera physalus Blue whale Balaenoptera musculus Humpback whale Megaptera novaeangliae Black right whale Balaena glacialis Sperm whale Physeter macrocephalus Steelhead (Middle Columbia) Oncorhynchus mykiss	Brown pelican Pelecanus occidentalis Leatherback sea turtle Dermochelys coriacea Pygmy rabbit Brachylagus idahoensis Peregrine falcon Falco peregrinus Western pond turtle Clemmys marmorata Fisher Martes pennanti Grizzly bear Ursus arctos Snowy plover Charadrius alexandrinus Spotted owl Strix occidentalis Oregon silverspot butterfly Speyeria zerene hippolyta Sea otter Enhydra lutris American white pelican Pelecanus erythrorhynchos Sandhill crane Grus canadensis Upland sandpiper Bartramia longicauda Columbian white-tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus leucurus Woodland caribou Rangifer tarandus Northern leopard frog Rana pipiens Western gray squirrel Sciurus griseus Ferruginous hawk Buteo regalis Sage grouse Centrocercus urophasianus Sharp-tailed grouse Tympanuchus phasianellus Steller sea lion Eumetopias jubatus Lynx Lynx canadensis Aleutian Canada goose Branta canadensis leucopareia Bald eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus Marbled murrelet Brachyramphus marmoratus Green sea turtle Chelonia mydas Loggerhead sea turtle Caretta caretta Olive Ridley sea turtle Lepidochelys olivacea Audubon Society
FROGS About 4,000 species of frogs and toads are known to scientists, and another ten to twenty species are discovered each year. Because of their acute sensitivity to changes in the environment, such as deforestation, ozone depletion, global warming, and air and water pollution, these amphibians are disappearing faster than most other wildlife. Many frog species become extinct before scientists ever have a chance to learn of their existence. Others are vanishing before our very eyes. Global frog declines are a sad indicator of a decline in the planet's general health. The Rainforest Alliance: canopy@ra.org
WILD TIGERS The Siberian or Amur tiger lives primarily in eastern Russia, and a few are found in northeastern China and northern North Korea. It is estimated that 150-430 Siberian tigers still exist in the wild. About 490 captive Siberian tigers are managed in zoo conservation programs. In this century, the Siberian tiger (sometimes called the Amur, Manchurian, or Northeast China tiger), has survived four wars, two revolutions, and now an onslaught on its forests. Its IUCN status is considered Critical, its numbers in the wild fluctuating from a low of 24 tigers in the 1940s to IUCN estimates of about 150 to 200 in 1994. Tiger Watch

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PACK CONSERVATION ACTIVITIES

RECYCLE REGATTA

I saw a great RR (Raingutter Regatta) at my nephew's pack last summer while visiting. The kids made their boats out of recycled materials. Plastic soda bottles with some sand for ballast could be the hull, a pencil for mast, tin pie plate (mini-ones) for the sail...the winner was a plastic transmission fluid bottle (flat rather than cylindrical) ballasted with plaster of Paris, capped and with a mast/sail combo as above. It was really fast! Didn't even need a rudder. The creativity was inspiring, and the cost was nothing. Only parameters for the boats was that they had to fit in the gutter. (draft of no more than 1.5 inches).

A second idea (not as good) was from my day camp (pirate theme). We had the boys cut a hull from Styrofoam meat trays (donated to us from the local grocer), a straw for mast, sail cut from typing paper, rudder from card stock (file folders),. You ended up with a flat hulled boat (raft?) that could make it to the finish line, but the sails did not put up with more than 1 or 2 dunkings. But the kids had a great time and could take the boats home. Good 40 minute activity.

Lorie McGraw
Webelos Leader and more in Columbia, SC,
Indian Waters Council

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EVERYBODY HELPS PAY FOR CUB SCOUTING

	The CUB SCOUT	His PACK	His CHARTERED ORGANIZATION	Your COUNCIL
Where does the money come from?	His own Money His parents	Cub dues Money earning projects	Org.’s budget	United Way, Trust funds FOS Activity Income
What is the money used for?	Dues His uniform Personal equipment Handbooks, etc. Special fees	Badges & Awards Program material Unit equipment Special activities Registration fees Boys' Life Magazine	Meeting place	Program Service Service to Packs Year-round activities Camps Special Events Service Center

National Council Service

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WORLD FRIENDSHIP FUND

We had a gathering game before our pack meeting last month that doubled as a fundraiser for the World Friendship Fund. I let everyone know before hand that there would be a game, so to come a little early and to bring $1 worth of pennies and that the pennies would be donations. I had plenty on pennies on hand for those that had none or those that needed change. We had a five gallon bucket (we actually had 2 so 2 scouts could do it at once) 3/4 of the way full with water. The scout was given a 4 inch x 4 inch peice of aluminum foil to make a small boat. They then floated the boat in the bucket and slowly added the coins until the boat sank keeping count of how many coins it took. Once sunk, the boat and pennies remain in the bucket and after the meeting the total was tallied and the amount marked on our "goal poster". The boys had fun and also knew that they were helping others at the same time!

It took anywhere from 10 to 75 pennies depending on the boat to sink it!

PS for information on the World Friendship Fund follow this link:

PATCH

CT - Steve, Pack 888, Stuart, FL

FATHER/SON CAKE BAKE

Let me tell you about the pack meeting.

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Personal Information Form

Download a MS Word copy of this Form

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