FAQ: A Parent's Guide to Cub Scouts with Pack 177

1. What does Cub Scouting offer my child?

Cub Scouting offers fun and challenging activities that promote character development and physical fitness. Service projects, ceremonies, games, and other activities guide boys and girls through the core values and give them a sense of personal achievement. Through positive peer group interaction and parental guidance, children also learn honesty, bravery, and respect. Many children who participate in scouting make lifelong friends as well.

2. Den, Pack, Webelo….What? Help!

Cub Scouting can be a whole new language if you’ve never been part of it before. Here are some things you might need to know:

Den vs. Pack: A Cub Scout Pack includes all the Scouts in your group. Packs meet all together with their families once a month at Pack meetings. Dens, on the other hand, are smaller groups organized by grade and rank level. Dens meet weekly or bi-weekly to complete activities in the Scouting handbooks. They include the following groups:

1. Lion - This program is for our kindergarten-aged friends! Lion Scouts can earn 5 Adventure awards during this introductory year to scouting! Participation with an adult partner is required for all Lion awards.

2. Bobcat – This is the entry rank for all Cub Scouts regardless of age. They will earn their Bobcat rank before earning any other achievements. There is a section in each handbook with requirements for earning the Bobcat rank, but Scouts only need to do it once.

3. Tiger – Tiger Scouts are in 1st grade. The Tiger rank is earned by completing a total of 7 adventures over the course of the school year: Games Tigers Play, My Tiger Jungle, Team Tiger, Tiger Bites, Tiger Circles: Duty to God, Tigers in the Wild, and an elective that the group chooses together. Participation with an adult partner is required for all Tiger awards.

4. Wolf – Wolf Scouts are in 2nd grade. The Wolf rank is earned by completing the following 6 adventures and 1 elective: Call of the Wild, Council Fire (Duty to Country), Duty to God Footsteps, Howling at the Moon, Paws on the Path, and Running With the Pack. Pack 177 does ask that parents participate with their Scouts at this level.

5. Bear – Bear Scouts are those kids in 3rd grade. The Bear rank is earned by completing the following 6 adventures and 1 elective: Baloo the Builder, Bear Claws, Bear Necessities, Fellowship and Duty to God, Fur, Feathers, and Ferns, and Paws for Action (Duty to Country).

6. Webelos – (stands for We Be Loyal Scouts) Webelos scouts are our 4th grade Scouts. In addition to being active members of the den for at least 3 months, Webelos scouts will complete the following: Cast Iron Chef; Duty to God and You; First Responder; Stronger, Faster, Higher; and Webelos Walkabout. They will also complete an elective of the den's choosing.

7. Arrow of Light Scouts - This special program for 5th grade Scouts prepares them for the amazing world of Scouting at the Middle and High School levels! The Arrow of Light rank is earned by being an active member of the den for at least 3 months and completing the 4 following adventures and 1 elective as decided upon by the den: Building a Better World, Duty to God in Action, Outdoor Adventurer, Scouting Adventure.

It’s important to understand that the various packs run things differently. Our pack goes entirely by grade level. Pack 177 runs year-round but we begin our formal rank achievement journey in the fall with a new school year and will have boys and girls that are in the same grade together in the same den. These dens aim to achieve rank by the end of the school year.

3. What do I need to buy, and where do I get it?

• Uniform (as required by your pack, referred to as the "Field Uniform")

  • Tip- buy a shirt that will fit your child for the whole time they are in cub scouts. You won’t want to buy a new one and re-sew all those patches! Yes, your child may look slightly silly in a huge shirt as a Tiger Cub, but it is worth it! Trust us!

• Activity Uniform - Simply put, this is the "informal" uniform: a pack t-shirt and hat. Both are provided by the pack when your scout joins!

• Patches

  • Council patches- Scout store employees can help you find the ones you need.

  • Pack Numbers-

  • World Crest

  • American Flag

  • Some packs do individual den patches- check with your pack

  • Tip- you can buy shirts with some of these pre-sewn on the shirt. I think it’s worth it but totally up to you!

There are several options for scout shopping. The following are ordered based upon proximity to Hampton:

4. Can I just shop online?

Sure, you can shop on scoutshop.org, and you can even buy some items on Amazon or eBay. But for a first visit, we highly recommend visiting the Manchester Scout store in person, if you can.

5. Where do all the badges go? Do I HAVE to sew them on?

Here’s our favorite handy guide for badge placement, including pictures. If you don’t want to sew them on, we recommend Badge Magic, which you can purchase online or at the Scout Store. DON’T use Badge Magic if you plan on reusing the same shirt with other children as the badges are really hard to get off and leave an ugly residue behind.

Another option is to purchase the plastic pouch for the ranks. It is removable and a great option if everything else will be the same for multiple kids. This is also great because it transfers easily when scouts move into the Webelos program.

6. When are the meetings?

Our Scouts usually meet in their Dens 2 - 3 times each month and a Pack meeting is held for all Cub Scouts and their families once a month. Pack 177 Pack Meetings are always on the 3rd Wednesday of the month (unless otherwise specified) and ALL family members are invited and encouraged to attend!

It is up to the discretion of the Den Leader to allow parents to leave during Den Meetings. Lion, Tiger, and Wolf (grades K-2) parents MUST stay with their children during ALL cub scout meeting and events.

Beyond that, it depends on the Den and Pack: a Den may hold a special activity, such as a service project or visit to a local venue in place of one of the weekly meetings or in addition to the weekly meetings. Likewise, the Pack may conduct a special event such as a rocket launch, camp-out, or service activity as an additional event, rather than a substitute for its monthly Pack meeting.

7. Realistically, what is our time commitment?

As stated above, your child will meet with their den 2 - 3 times per month for about an hour. The Pack Meeting takes place once a month for 1-2 hours and replaces that week’s den meeting. Occasionally there will be extra activities such as hikes, trips to local events or activities, and day camp in the summer or Camp Carpenter Resident overnight camp

Parents may be asked to help chaperone trips or help run den meetings from time to time. By joining Scouts, you automatically become a member of the Cub Scout Committee, so plan to attend monthly committee meetings if you can, and offer your opinion on upcoming plans for the pack!

We know your time is valuable and that's why we, the Pack, make these commitments to you:

1. The Pack Committee will do all that we can to plan well in advance a realistic calendar of events for the year by the start of school in September.

2. Your Pack Leadership are here to help you navigate through your Scout's badge achievements and requirements, helping you and your scout get the most out of your year in Scouts.

3. Your Den Leader and the Pack Leaders will plan effective and interesting Den and Pack meetings and outings during the year. You will know what the purpose of each meeting or outing will be so if you must miss an event/meeting, you know how to help your son complete an alternative activity if available.

In return, The Pack expects the following commitment from you and your scout...

The responsibilities of an active Scout:

• • • Adhere to the Law of the Pack.

    • In Den Meetings and on your own at home, work on advancement projects and activities

    • Attend most of the monthly Pack meetings with your family where you will receive your advancement awards.

    • Attend most of the weekly Den meetings. If you miss a meeting, work with your parent at home to make up the work done during the Den meeting.

    • Attend extra Den or Pack Activities such as Scouting for Food, Summer Outings, and participate in pack fundraisers.

The responsibilities of an active Scout Parent/Family:

• • • Provide help and support for your scout's Den and the Pack.

    • Work with your son on advancement projects and activities.

    • Attend weekly Den meeting and monthly Pack meetings with your son. If your son misses a Den meeting, find out from your Den Leader what work they did in the missed meeting and make that work up at home so your son stays on track to complete the required achievements for his badge.

    • Attend and assist with Den outings which may take place after school or on weekends.

    • Attend Cub Scout Family Activities with your son

8. How much is it going to cost?

The annual Pack 177 dues cover the national registration fee, scout insurance, Scout Life Magazine, the neckerchief and handbook appropriate for your Scout's rank, Pinewood Derby kits, and all patches and awards for the year (through next May). Since the Pack 177 charter begins on January 1, new Cub Scouts may pay a prorated fee for the remainder of the year, depending on when they register. Contact the Pack Leader for a prorated dues schedule.

The Scout will be expected to pay for the costs of uniforms and some activity fees, including those for camp and camp-outs. Pack 177 has, in the past, been able to usually pay in part for camp-outs and fun activities planned by the pack!

Annual fundraising events tend to cover most of the Pack's operating expenses. The more successful our fundraising efforts, the less each family has to pay for activities such as summer camp and spring camp out. If our fundraising efforts are unsuccessful, annual Pack dues will have to be increased next year. Some neighboring Packs have much higher dues than Pack 177. Let's keep up the good work and make our fundraisers a success!

9. How does participation in Cub Scouting affect participation other activities?

The Cub Scout program is designed to compliment many other extracurricular activities. Boys who participate in organized sports like soccer, baseball, basketball, swimming, gymnastics, etc, or academic-based extracurricular activities like music, art, science etc., can be recognized for these activities though Cub Scout belt loops and pins which are worn on their uniform.

11. What’s our District? Do I need to know?

Your Council: If you live in Hampton, NH you are in the Daniel Webster Council.

Your District: Hampton, NH is part of the Historic District.

A Scouting district is a geographical area of the local BSA council, determined by the council executive board. District leaders mobilize resources to ensure the growth and success of units within the district’s territory. All districts are responsible for carrying out four standard functions: membership, finance, program, and unit service.

The Daniel Webster Council serves eight districts and one Exploring Division throughout New Hampshire. Each District has a District Key 3 which includes the District Chairman, District Commissioner and District Executive.

12. How can I learn more?

The best way to learn about what a Cub Scout really does is to talk with a Cub Scout who is engaged in the program. Alternatively, you can learn more about the Cub Scout program by selecting "Contact Pack Leader" (above) and asking questions, or leave your phone number to receive a call from the Pack Leader.