Cub Scout Pack 320

 

Policies, Rules, and Guidelines

 

At all times, the Pack 320 program and activities will not deviate from the principles of Safe Scouting as laid out in the BSA Guide to Safe Scouting.

 

Official policies are denoted by *

 

Charter

Pack 320 is chartered by Immanuel Lutheran Church, 3184 Church Street, Manchester, MD  21102. 

 

Parents’ Role and Involvement

  1. It is vital for parents to be available at Den and Pack activities (i.e., fund raisers, special meetings, hikes, trips).
  2. If the Pack leadership is unable to get parents to help out, it may be necessary to cancel some of the activities.
  3. Den Leaders need the help and support of parents.  Each week, the parent may be asked to help out at the Den meeting.
  4. Each Den needs an Advancement Record Keeper—this is not a difficult job, and a parent can be trained in a minimal amount of time.
  5. The parent is responsible for reading the appropriate Scout Handbook (Tiger, Wolf, Bear, Webelos) to become familiar with the achievement and parent sections so they will be prepared to assist their child at home.
  6. If the Scout and/or his parents do not participate in fund raising activities, that Scout may not receive the possible benefits of discounts for trips and camps.

 

Discipline

Safe Scouting cannot be practiced without discipline.  According to Section IX, Guide to Safe Scouting (#16 of the “Sweet Sixteen of BSA Safety” – page 28), “No supervisor is effective if he or she cannot control the activity and individual participants.  Youth must respect their leaders and follow their directions.”

Pack 320 will follow the guidelines put forth in the Cub Scout Leader Book with respect to discipline (refer to pages 2-6 through 2-8):

  1. Not all areas of behavior can be treated as negotiable.
  2. Deal with the problem when it happens.  Use TIME OUT for the group.  If only one or two boys are involved, they will be asked to step aside while the problem is being resolved.  The offending behavior will be identified.
  3. The Cub Scout Sign will be used for attention and as a signal for quiet.
  4. Leaders should get to know each boy and to keep in touch with each family.
  5. Treat the boys impartially.
  6. Listen to understand.
  7. Do not criticize a boy in front of his Den or Pack.
  8. Focus on the positive.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The following steps will be taken for discipline within the Pack:

  1. Inappropriate behavior will be identified and discussed with the Scout.
  2. TIME OUT will be given as appropriate.
  3. Continued inappropriate behavior will be discussed with a parent or legal guardian.
  4. If the behavior continues after parental consultation, the Scout will not be allowed to participate in Den, Pack, or outing activity without his being under the direct supervision of a parent or legal guardian.

 

Remember, the Den, Pack, and District are required to be able to provide a safe program to all Scouts.  Providing a safe program is not possible in the presence of disrespectful and disruptive behavior.

 

Drop Off and Pick Up

  1. The Committee has agreed that under no circumstances should a Scout be dropped off or picked up from outside a meeting place.
  2. * All children need to be escorted in and out of meetings by the parent, according to the BSA Guide to Safe Scouting.

 

Newsletters

  1. Each month, a Pack newsletter will be posted on the web site (manchesterpack320.org).  If a family does not have access to the internet, the Den leader will inform the secretary and a copy will be given to the family.
  2. It is the parents’ responsibility to read and keep the newsletter for future reference.

 

Trips

  1. * Permission Slips are required for trips and other outings for all Scouts.
  2. * Leaders can only be responsible for one child, usually their own.  If a parent is not able to accompany their child, that parent needs to arrange for a guardian to be responsible for their child.
  3. Most short, in town Den trips of a few hours or less do not usually require a Tour Permit, but it is recommended that Den Leaders obtain permission slips from parents.
  4. Scouts and/or Leaders will be required to pay for the trip at the time of sign up for that trip.
  5. It will be determined by the Committee if the Pack can financially assist in the cost for the Leaders or Scouts attending.
  6. * Full refunds are available up to two weeks before a scheduled trip.  If you must cancel less than two weeks prior to a trip, refunds will be determined by the Pack Committee on a case-by-case basis.

 

Uniforms

The Tiger Cub/Cub Scout/Webelos Scout Class “A” uniform consists of:

  1. Cap—Tiger, Wolf, Bear, or Webelos cap
  2. Neckerchief—Tiger, Wolf, Bear, or Webelos
  3. Neckerchief Slide—gold-colored slide for rank or handmade slide
  4. Shirt—official long- or short-sleeve shirt with insignia, blue for Tiger Cubs or Cub Scouts and either blue or tan for Webelos Scouts.  If tan shirt is worn, wear blue shoulder loops on epaulets.
  5. Belt—official blue web belt cut to proper length with Tiger Cub, Cub Scout, or Webelos insignia on buckle.  Webelos Scouts wearing optional tan uniform may wear either the blue belt (preferred) and Webelos buckle or olive belt and Webelos buckle.  Cub Scout belt loops are worn only on the blue belt.
  6. Pants/Shorts—official, pressed; no cuffs.  Blue for Tiger Cubs and Cub Scouts and either blue (with blue shirt) or olive (with tan shirt) for Webelos Scouts.
  7. Socks—dark blue official socks with orange tops for Tiger Cubs and gold tops for Cub Scouts.  Webelos Scouts wearing optional olive/tan uniform wear official Boy Scout olive socks.
  8. Shoes—neat and clean.

 

The Webelos Scout may choose either the blue uniform or the tan/olive uniform.  Although Pack 320’s preference is for the tan/olive uniform, boys who have the blue uniform which fits and is in good condition may wear it.

 

Uniform Rules

  1. All Scouts are required to wear the official cap and neckerchief for their rank as well as the official Scout shirt.  Official Scout pants are not required.  However, the Scout should wear blue pants with the official blue Scout shirt or olive pants with the official tan Scout shirt for all Pack meetings, when selling popcorn, marching in parades, etc.  For Den meetings only, the Scout may wear blue jeans with his official Scout shirt.
  2. Various other types of Cub Scout garments are available—items such as T-shirts, sweat shirts, red patch vests, etc.  These are for casual wear and are not considered a part of the official uniform.
  3. Pins may not be worn on the Cub or Webelos Scout hats as part of the “Class A” uniform.
  4. Only one service star with the appropriate number of years should be worn on the uniform.
  5. Pack 320 Webelos have chosen to display their activity badges on the colors.  Placement of the colors is on the right upper sleeve, just under the flag insignia.
  6. Academic and Sports Program pins are to be displayed on the letter “C”, awarded when the Scout earns his first pin.  The letter can be worn on a vest or jacket.  It does not go on the uniform.
  7. Tiger Cub Scouts—The Tiger Cub Immediate Recognition Holder with beads is to be buttoned on the right shirt pocket until the end of the Tiger Cub Scout year.  The Scout continues to wear the Holder even after he has earned his Tiger patch because the holder also provides recognition for Tiger electives.
  8. Wolf and Bear Cub Scouts--The Progress Toward Ranks Holder with beads is to be buttoned on the right shirt pocket until the Scout has earned the rank of Bear.  Yellow beads mark progress for Wolves, and red beads mark progress for Bears.  Once the Scout has earned the rank of Bear, the holder may be removed to make way for an optional temporary badge holder to display a special event badge (i.e., Klondike Derby, Day Camp, Expo, etc.) until such time as a Webelos Scout earns the Compass Point device.

 

When to wear Class “A” uniforms

  1. Pack meetings
  2. Den meetings unless otherwise instructed by your Den Leader
  3. Special events
  4. Pack activities
  5. Flag raising

 

The Cub Scout T-shirt and blue shorts may be worn for summertime activities, hikes, and other activities of a physical nature.

 

Uniform Inspections

Uniform inspections are required by the BSA and should be held several times throughout the year.  Scouts are required to carry their membership cards with them at all times while wearing the Class “A” uniform.

Advancements and Awards

  1. Pack 320 supports all advancements, awards, and recognition programs recommended by BSA for Scouts, Leaders, Dens, and Packs as outlined in the Cub Scout Leader Book.
  2. Advancement is encouraged and permissible year-round.
  3. Belt loops and pins—all boys may earn belt loops more than once.  However, Leaders should encourage boys to try different requirements to earn the pin.  Pack 320 will be responsible for the purchase of the belt loop or pin one time only.  If a Scout chooses to display a belt loop or pin earned a second time, the cost will be the responsibility of the Scout’s family.
  4. Academic and Sports Program pins are to be displayed on the letter “C”, awarded when the Scout earns his first pin.  The letter can be worn on a vest or jacket.  It does not go on the uniform.
  5. Tiger Cub Scouts—The Tiger Cub Immediate Recognition Holder with beads is to be buttoned on the right shirt pocket until the end of the Tiger Cub Scout year.  The Scout continues to wear the Holder even after he has earned his Tiger patch because the holder also provides recognition for Tiger electives.
  6. Wolf and Bear Cub Scouts—The Progress Toward Ranks Holder with beads is to be buttoned on the right shirt pocket until the Scout has earned the rank of Bear.  Yellow beads mark progress for Wolves, and red beads mark progress for Bears.  Once the Scout has earned the rank of Bear, the holder may be removed to make way for an optional temporary badge holder to display a special event badge (i.e., Klondike Derby, Day Camp, Expo, etc.) until such time as a Webelos Scout earns the Compass Point device.

 

Health Forms

  1. * It is required by BSA to update the health form for each Scout annually.
  2. The health form for each Scout needs to be in the Pack/Den tour book for Den Leaders to reference on trips.
  3. * The taking of prescription medication is the responsibility of the individual taking the medication and/or that individual’s parent or guardian.  A Scout Leader, after obtaining all of the necessary information, can agree to accept the responsibility of making sure a Scout takes the necessary medication at the appropriate time, but BSA policy does not mandate nor necessarily encourage the Scout Leader to do so.

 

Pocket Knives

  1. No Scout will be allowed to carry a knife at any Scouting event (Den or Pack meeting, outing, or other event) without having earned the Whittling Chip card, either as a Bear or later.
  2. Once earned, the Whittling Chip card must be on the Scout at all times when a knife is in his possession.  This rule is particularly stressed at Webelos events at the District level.
  3. If a Scout is found to be in possession of a knife without the Whittling Chip card on his person, the knife will be taken and given to the parent or another responsible adult with the understanding that it will not be returned to the Scout for the duration of the event.
  4. Use of knives in carving projects, etc., should always be under the supervision of an adult.
  5. Scouts carrying a knife and in possession of a Whittling Chip card who exhibit dangerous behavior, horseplay, or engage in other activities with the knife contrary to Safe Scouting will have one corner cut off their card for each unsafe activity.  The loss of all four corners results in the loss of the card, and with it the loss of the privilege of carrying a knife.

Finances and Budget

 

            Den Dues

1.       Den dues are included with the Recharter fees.  The dues are used by the Den for activity payments, trips, and any cost incurred by the Den Leader or Pack officers.

 

Returned Check Policy

1.       The Pack Committee will adopt the same guidelines as used by a business.  If a check is returned, it will be resubmitted once.  The party will be called to discuss special needs or problems.

2.       If the Pack receives a returned check a second time from the same party, only cash or money orders will be accepted as payment for any future obligation.

3.       A payment plan can/will be worked out with the identified party to ensure payment is made to the Pack.

 

Budget

1.       The Pack Committee will plan a yearly budget, based on the program plans, advancements, special activities, and other events.

2.       This budget plan will be shared at the yearly program planning meeting and voted on for acceptance.

3.       Any expenditures or plan that goes over the budgeted amount must be discussed on the committee level and approved.

 

Special Needs

Any time there is a special circumstance or financial need for a boy to be in the program, make it known to the Committee Chair.  A solution will be reached and any information shared will be held in the strictest confidence.  The Pack Committee’s goal is to have all boys participate and succeed in the program.

 

Fundraising

Our main fundraiser is the sale of Camp Masters Gourmet Popcorn in the fall.  All Scouts are encouraged to participate.  Class “A” uniforms are required when selling popcorn.  Other fundraisers may be added by the Pack Committee.

 

Pack Meetings

  1. Parents are required to stay at Pack meetings with their Scout.
  2. Scouts will sit with their Den.  Den Leaders are responsible for proper behavior.  If the Den Leader is unable to handle a Scout, that Scout will then sit with his parents.
  3. Siblings must be under the direct supervision of parents and not allowed to run around.
  4. Dens will be assigned responsibilities at the Leaders meeting for gathering, opening, skit, song, and closing each month.
  5. Den exhibits will be part of the Pack meetings.

 

Den Meetings

  1. Criteria for Quality Unit Award is that there should be three Den meetings and one Pack meeting each month.
  2. Den Leaders will formulate their own rules and code of conduct for their individual Dens with Safe Scouting in mind.
  3. Dens will be encouraged to apply for the National Den Award.

 

 

 

Pack Program

  1. There will be two planning meetings held during the summer months with the specific purpose being the planning of the yearly program.  The program is chosen and planned two months ahead.
  2. Monthly Committee meetings will occur throughout the school year to plan activities, give reports, provide feedback, discuss issues, etc.
  3. The Pack Committee Chair and the Cubmaster are jointly responsible to see that these meetings occur.
  4. The meetings are to be conducted by the Pack Committee Chair.
  5. All Den and Pack Leaders, Den Chiefs, and interested parents should attend these monthly meetings.
  6. The Pack Committee consists of the Committee Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, Pack Trainer, Advancement Chair, Public Relations Chair, Outings Chair and Fundraising Chair.
  7. People eligible to vote at the monthly planning meetings are the members of the Pack Committee and the Cubmaster/Assistant Cubmaster.
  8. Committee Chair and four other voting members are required to vote on or approve any changes to the Pack and its program.

 

 

Policies from BSA

 

The program is flexible, the policies are not.

 

Adult Leadership

  1. It is the policy of the BSA that trips and outings may never be led by only one adult.  TWO registered adults Leaders, or one registered adult Leader and a parent of a participant, on whom must be 21 years of age or older, are required for all trips and outings.
  2. One of the adult Leaders on any trip must be trained in Youth Protection.
  3. The principle of two-deep leadership must be followed at all times.
  4. Unit Leaders should report any suspected abuse to the local council Scout Executive.

 

Tour Permits

  1. If a unit plans a trip within 500 miles of the home base, it is important that the unit obtain a Local Tour Permit.
  2. A Local Tour Permit application must be filed with the local council service center two weeks before any Pack trip of less than 500 miles.
  3. Packs should file tour permits for any Pack trips.
  4. Webelos Dens should file tour permits for Webelos overnight campouts.
  5. Most short, in-town den trips of a few hours do not require a tour permit; however, it is recommended that dens obtain permission slips from parents.