PACK 217 GUIDE BOOK
Welcome
Welcome
to Pack 217. This Guide Book was put together to let you know a little
about our Pack. Pack 217 is chartered by
Westmont Hilltop Elementary School PTO.
The school is located at 675 Goucher St., Johnstown, PA. Pack 217
belongs to District 6 (Keystone District) of the Laurel Highlands Council.
Membership in the Pack is open to all boys regardless of
where he lives or what his church affiliation is. The requirements for any boy
to join Cub Scouts are that he be seven (7) years old or registered in first
grade and that an official BSA registration form be completed and signed by a
parent or guardian. Parents are also
asked to attend a Pack meeting and sign the attached form that states that
these guidelines have been read and understood.
Registration and Dues
New boys to the Pack are required to complete an Official
BSA Registration Form. All Scouts are required to complete the attached Guide
Book acknowledgment and information sheet.
Generally dues are $6.00 a month ($3.00 to the Pack, $3.00 to the Den). This amount is subject to change by the Pack Committee. The dues cover Pack meeting materials and advancement awards. Cost for camp-outs and other activities are paid prior to those activities and are divided up among those participating.
Scout Handbooks
It is strongly recommended that each Scout have a copy of
the appropriate level Handbook for their age (Tiger, Wolf, Bear, or Webelos).
These books can be purchased at the Scout Service Center (101 W. High St., Ebensburg,
PA). Information in the books is very
useful to Scouts and parents and should be read very carefully. Boys not having
books will find it almost impossible to work on advancement. Handbooks should
be brought to each Den meeting
Scout Uniform
The standard uniform of Pack 217 consists of short sleeve Scout
shirt (blue for Tigers, Wolves, & Bears; Webelos may wear tan and the appropriate
level neckerchief and slide. Scouts may
wear jeans or blue pants with their uniform shirt – these do NOT have to be
official Cub Scout pants. The shirt will
require minimum patches consisting of: American flag patch, council shoulder
patch and Pack numbers. Rank patches and leadership patches are also expected
to be put on the shirt. Pack numbers can be purchased from the Scoutmaster at
the monthly meetings.
The above uniform is considered Class A. An acceptable Class B uniform consists of any
combination of Scout T-shirts or knit shirts.
Uniforms are expected to be worn at all Pack meetings, while
traveling to and from activities and during other special functions. When
uniforms are worn they will be worn in the proper manner, buttons buttoned and
shirt-tails tucked in. Uniforms are expected to be kept in a clean and neat
condition.
Pack Organization
The Pack is organized into the following groups of people:
1) Pack Committee - Composed of parents and other adult who
set Pack policy, and support the Packs program.
Includes Committee Chairman, Charter Organizational Representative,
Secretary, Treasurer, Advancement Chair, etc.
2) Adult Staff – Cubmaster, Asst. Cubmaster(s), and Den
Leaders
3) Dens - Groups of 5 or more Scouts.
Pack Meetings
The Pack holds regular Pack meetings September thru May. The
meetings are held on the third Thursday night of each month starting at 7:00 pm
unless announced otherwise, but generally expect to stay for a hour and a half.
A normal Pack meeting consists of:
1) Greeting
& Pre-Opening
2) Flag Patrol3) Song
4) Skit
5) Demonstration
6) Announcements
7) Advancements
8) Closing
The meeting is run by various boys in the Pack under the
leadership of their Den Leaders
At each Pack Meeting, Pack 217 collects food items for the
St. Clement’s Food Pantry. During the
month of November, the food collection is replaced by Toys for Tots. All families are asked to make donations to
these collections as we teach our Scouts to help those that are less fortunate
then themselves.
The Den Method
Pack 217 operates under the Den Method of Scouting. Each Den consists of 5 or more Scouts of the
same age/grade level that meet weekly.
The Den Leader’s primary responsibility is to plan and
execute Den Meetings, and to represent and make known the wishes of the Den at
the Pack Committee Meeting. The Den Leader is also responsible for relaying
information from the Pack Committee to the Den, and ensuring the conduct of Den
members. Den members participate in all activities as a team. Part of learning
to lead is by first learning to follow. It is important to understand that the
boys run the Pack. The adult leaders provide guidance. The Den is the Key and
the Den Leader is the Key Man.
Advancement (From Bobcat to
Arrow of Light)
Advancement from Bobcat to Webelos and Arrow of Light (the
highest advancement in Cub Scouting) is an important part of the Scouting
experience and is completely explained in the various level Handbooks. Pack 217
has adult leaders to help and advise the boys on advancement. Some advancements will be done as the larger Pack. Many advancements will be done in the Den
meetings. Families will need to complete
some advancements outside of Scouting.
Opportunities for completing advancement requirements will
be provided to the Scouts; it is the Scouts’ responsibility to take advantage
of those opportunities.
Every effort will be made to present Scouts with a merit badge
or rank patch within a month of the requirements being completed. All advancements are presented at the monthly Pack
Meetings.
The whole family is encouraged to attend even if a Scout has
not earned any special recognition because the meetings are also used to
discuss the Pack’s accomplishments and future activities.
Discipline
Scouting activities are meant to be learning experiences in
an atmosphere that is fun for everyone involved.
The BSA and Pack 217 have rules that must be followed in
order for everyone to enjoy themselves. The rules of Scouting can be found in
the various Handbooks. Pack specific rules are listed in Attachment 1 of this
handbook.
The “Spirit of Scouting” dictates high expectations for the
behavior of Pack members. Self-control
and self-discipline are attributes expected from all Scouts in Pack 217. In order to ensure the health and safety of Pack
members and the effective operation of the Pack, disciplinary actions may be
necessary. Discipline and control must
be treated as an individual matter, realizing that basic discipline is
preventative in nature rather than regulatory or restrictive. Scouts will
receive positive reinforcement when exhibiting appropriate behavior. Pack adult
leaders are ultimately responsible for the behavior of Pack members and
therefore will be expected to enforce a fair, consistent disciplinary plan.
Disciplinary action will consists of four (4) levels.
Certain conduct will result in the immediate escalation of the disciplinary
level (i.e. use of drugs is an automatic Level 3 action).
Level 1- Personal Conference: Action taken for first offense
of less serious rules. Consists of a
counseling session between adult leader(s) and Scout(s).
Level 2- Letter to Parents: Action taken when Level 1
actions are not successful or for breaking certain more serious rules. This consists
of writing a letter to the parents with a copy going to the Pack Committee
Chairman. The letter will contain the following:
1. Description of
inappropriate behavior.
2. Description of
immediate disciplinary action.3. Request for parents cooperation in the matter
4. Notification to Scout and parents that if improper behavior continues, disciplinary action will be raised to Level 3.
Level 3- Disciplinary Hearing: Action taken when Level 1 & 2 actions have not been successful at correcting the problem of extremely serious behavioral problems. This consists of a meeting between the adult leadership, Scout(s), parents and the Pack Committee. Disciplinary action may include such items as active probation (Scout continues to participate for a period of time), service project, reimbursement for damages, termination from Pack, etc.
Level 4- Termination: If the above actions fail to correct
behavioral problems, the Pack Committee will notify the Scout(s) and parents
that the Scout(s) are no longer welcome to participate in any Pack functions.
This action will require the majority vote of all registered adult leaders and
committee members.
Pack Activities
Most major Pack activities are planned at least two months
in advance and the times and dates are published to the Pack Calendar as soon
as possible. Please keep track of these
dates and help us avoid conflicts. The Pack depends on parent support to see to
it that their son attends as many Pack activities as possible.
Schedule changes and additions will be communicated by Blog
Postings. Detailed information about monthly activities will be handed out at Pack
meetings and will also be placed on the Pack’s Blog. We encourage all parties
to watch the Blog and we especially encourage all parents to ask their sons
about any hand outs they may have received at the Pack meetings (most parents
don’t see any papers until they pick the soggy mess out of the washing
machine).
Active Participation
All members of Pack 217 are expected to participate in all
phases of the Pack program. We have one of the best programs and the best Scouts
and unless each person is willing to do his share, the Pack as a whole will be
affected. This means regular attendance at Pack meetings, monthly activities,
service projects and fund raisers.
Important planning takes place at the monthly Pack Committee
Meetings and it is vital that Den Leaders attend to help with that
planning. Scouts should attend Den
Meeting and activities as often as possible.
We realize that there will be times when Scouts can not attend due to
illness, family problems or school functions.
Parent Support
A key element in maintaining and improving the quality of Pack
217 is by having active parent support. To be successful, Scouting must be a
family activity. Parent support does not consist of driving your son to a Pack
meeting and picking him up. We are not a baby sitting service.
Good parent support consists of the following:
1) Make sure your son attends all Pack
activities and is ready for them.2) Encourage your son in his Scout advancement.
3) Take an active interest in his Scouting activities.
4) Attend parent meetings, Pack Meetings and other family activities.
5) Join the Pack Committee. The Committee is made up of parents and
meets once a month to maintain Pack policy.
6) Support fund raiser projects. This is how we earn money for Pack
equipment and the Scouts can earn money for activities.
Fund Raisers
The Pack depends on various fund raising to gain operating
funds for the year. Currently, Pack 217 participates in Trail’s End Popcorn
sales, and Java Joe’s flavored coffee sales.
The Popcorn sale profits are split, with a percentage going
to the Pack fund for operating expenses and equipment purchases. Another percentage of the Popcorn sale goes
to each participating Scout and is placed in a personal account.
The Coffee sale profits all go to the participating Scouts
personal accounts.
Communications
In any organization, communication is essential. We
currently have a Pack Blog that is updated several times a week during the
school year. Most information is passed
out electronically via emails or automatic Blog disseminations.
The web address for Pack 217’s blog:
http://cspack217.blogspot.com
For short notice communications, adult leaders will contact
other adult leaders. The Scoutmaster will contact the individual Den Leaders
who will, in turn, contact members of their Den.
Summary
If you have any questions, call your Den Leader or any other
member of Pack Committee.
If you don’t know, ask!
This guidebook was meant to be a brief summary of “need to
know” items. If we have forgotten something, feel free to contact any of the
adult staff.
Attachment 1 Pack
Rules of Conduct
1) Each Scout is expected to know and abide by these rules.
Ignorance will not be considered an excuse for breaking the rules. Common sense
will prevail in all situations and interpretations of these rules.
2) Each Scout will have a phone number where their parents
or a designated individual may be reached in case of an emergency or
disciplinary actions are not successful.
3) A Scout may be sent home from any activity if Level 1
disciplinary actions are not successful.
4) Scouts will respect others property. Level 1.
5) Stealing will not be tolerated. Level 2.
6) No running in camp. Level 1.
7) No sheath knives, radios, televisions, or electronic
devices (handheld games, iPods, iPads, etc.) at Pack or Den activities without
prior approval. Items will be confiscated and given back at the end of the
activity.
8) Uniforms are expected at each Pack activity. Uniforms
need not be worn to outdoor activities but will be brought along in case they
are needed. Leaders are expected to set the example.
9) No littering. Level 1.
10) Pack equipment will be respected. Equipment damaged or
destroyed through carelessness or horseplay will be repaired or replaced by the
offending individual before he is allowed to attend another Pack function.
Minimum Level 2
11) No bare feet around campsites. Level 1.
12) Pack members will follow the directions of both adult
leaders and assisting parents without argument.
Level 1.
13) Scouts will not play with the camp-fire. First warning
Level 1, second warning Level 2 and Scout
will be sent home on a third offense.
14) No Scout will engage in any type of water sport without
permission of registered adult Pack member. Scout will be sent home. Minimum: Level
2.
15) Obscene language, obscene gestures and subjects deemed
inappropriate by adult leaders will not be tolerated. Level 1.
16) Malicious teasing or put-downs (hazing) will not be
tolerated. Level 1.
17) Fighting will not be tolerated for any reason. All
parties will be subject to Level 1 or Level 2 discipline, depending on the
seriousness of the fight.
18) Scouts will not leave campsites without checking with
the person in charge. The Scout will tell the person in charge exactly where he
is going and exactly when he will be back.
Any Scout leaving the campsite will follow the Buddy System. Level 1 or
Level 2
19) Wild animals will be left alone. Level 1.
20) Vandalism will not be tolerated. Level 2 and financial
responsibility for damage.
21) Use of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs is strictly prohibited
by Pack youth members. Level 2 for tobacco. Level 3 for alcohol and drugs.
Adults will use an area designated by the Leader in charge when using tobacco!
22) Possession of firearms or explosive devices will result
in the item being confiscated and the Scout being sent home. Minimum: Level 2.
23) Scouts are subject to discipline for any behavior that
is unbecoming a Cub Scout.
These rules are not meant to be all inclusive. Situations
will be judged on a case by case basis.
PACK 217 GUIDE BOOK
By signing below, Parent(s) and Scout acknowledge having
received, read, and discussed the Pack 217 Guidebook. All parties signing below agree to abide by
the rules laid out herein.
Parent/Guardian #1
(print)
__________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian #1 (signature)
_____________________________________________
Parent/Guardian #2 (print)
__________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian #2
(signature)
______________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Scout (signature)
_________________________________________________________
Den # ___________________ Date:
_______________________
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