2012 CUB SCOUT PARENTS ORIENTATION GUIDE

Transcription

1 1 Tecumseh Council Boy Scouts of America 2012 CUB SCOUT PARENTS ORIENTATION GUIDE Welcome to the Adventure of Cub Scouting! We hope that this orientation guide will help inform you about the wonderful world of Cub Scouting that you and your son are about to enter.

2 2 IMPORTANT INFORMATION My pack number is My den number is My den leader s name is My den leader s phone number is My den meets on My den meets at My Cubmaster s name is My Cubmaster s phone number is My pack meets on My pack meets at My Scouting District is Our district roundtables are held on Our district roundtables are held at My Council is Tecumseh Council, 326 S. Thompson Avenue, Springfield, OH The Council and Scout Store phone number is & fax The Council website is

3 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page 2 Important Information Page 5 Your Son, Scouting and You Page 6 Tiger Cub Program Page 7 Cub Scout Program Page 8 The Cub Scout Pack Page 9 The Advancement Program Page 11 Special Events & Programs Page 13 Tiger Cub Motto Page 13 Cub Scout Motto Page 14 How Can You Help? Page 14 What Do You Receive In Return? Page 15 Pack Volunteer Leadership Page 16 You Are Not Alone! Page 17 Cub Scout Leader Training Page 18 Youth Protection Page 19 Council Service Center and Camp Birch Page 20 What Will Scouting Cost? Page 22 This I Believe Page 23 Parent Help Positions (turn in this evening) Page numbers are located at the top right side of each page. Tecumseh Council 326 South Thompson Avenue Springfield, Ohio tecumseh@bsamail.org

4 4 WHAT SHOULD YOU AND YOUR SON EXPECT FROM CUB SCOUTS? Check out our website at:

5 5 FUN! YOUR SON, SCOUTING, AND YOU Scouting An Aid To Parents As a parent, you want your son to grow up to be a person of self-worth, who is self-reliant, dependable and caring. Scouting has these same goals for your son. Since 1910, we have been weaving lifetime values into fun and educational activities designed to assist parents in strengthening character, promoting citizenship, and fostering physical fitness in youth. Scouting is family values but Cub Scout age boys don t join Scouting just to get their character built - they join because it is fun. SCOUTING IS FUN WITH A PURPOSE!

6 6 CUB SCOUT PROGRAM First Grade EACH FAMILY IS A MEMBER OF A TIGER CUB DEN 1. Each den has five to eight boy/adult teams. 2. The den gets together four times each month: 2 den meetings 1 field trip or outing 1 Pack meeting (with all of the other dens) 3. Each boy/adult team takes turns hosting the meetings. Meetings are conducted by the Tiger Den Leader and last no more than one hour. 4. Uniforms: Tiger Cubs wear the blue Cub Scout uniform with orange neckerchief, blue and orange cap, blue web belt and belt totem. Adult partners can wear the orange Tiger Cub t-shirt. The den leader should wear a Cub Scout Leader uniform with the orange neckerchief. 5. Advancement The Tiger Cub first earns his belt totem. After the Tiger Cub completes five achievements, he receives the Tiger Cub badge. For every 10 electives completed, the Tiger Cub earns a Tiger Track. The last items completed as a Tiger Cub are the requirements for the Bobcat badge.

7 7 Second & Third Grade BOYS THIS AGE ARE MEMBERS OF A WOLF OR BEAR DEN 1. 2nd grade boys are in a Wolf Den, while 3rd grade boys are in a Bear den. 2. Each den has five to eight boys. 3. Led by a den leader (usually a parent). 4. The den leader is assisted by an assistant den leader, and sometimes a den chief (an older Boy Scout). 5. The den meets about once a week (depending upon the den leader s schedule). 6. Den meetings have games, crafts, songs, ceremonies, and periodic field trips revolving around a monthly theme. 7. Work on advancement is usually not done at den meetings. Boys do most requirements for the Wolf and Bear badges at home with the help of his parent or guardian. Fourth & Fifth Grade BOYS THIS AGE ARE MEMBERS OF A WEBELOS DEN 1. Each den has five to eight boys. 2. Led by a Webelos den leader (usually a parent). 3. The Webelos den leader is assisted by an assistant den leader, and sometimes a den chief (an older Boy Scout). 4. The den meets about once a week (depending upon the den leader s schedule). 5. Den meetings have games, crafts, songs, ceremonies, and periodic field trips revolving around a monthly theme. 6. In Webelos, boys do many of the advancement requirements at den meetings, but they still work on a few requirements at home with the help of their parents.

8 8 THE CUB SCOUT PACK ALL FIRST THROUGH FIFTH GRADE BOYS ARE MEMBERS OF A PACK 1. Packs are made up of one or more dens. 2. Packs meet once a month all Tiger Cub, Wolf, Bear and Webelos families are expected to participate. 3. The pack meeting is led by the Cubmaster. 4. The pack meeting is the highlight of the month. 5. Pack meetings have games, skits, songs, ceremonies, and presentations of badges that the boys have earned during the month. THE PACK IS RUN BY THE PACK COMMITTEE 1. All parents, den leaders, and pack leaders can be members of the pack committee. 2. The pack committee meets once a month or more often if needed. 3. Committee meetings are led by the committee chairperson. 4. The committee selects leaders, finds meeting places, performs record keeping, manages pack finances, orders badges, coordinates fundraising projects, helps train leaders, and recognizes leaders. THE PACK IS OWNED BY A CHARTERED ORGANIZATION 1. Chartered organizations include schools, religious organizations, service clubs, and other organizations interested in youth. 2. The chartered organization approves all leaders in the pack, provides a meeting place for the pack meetings, and helps the pack follow the BSA guidelines and policies. 3. The chartered organization selects a chartered organization representative who serves as the contact person for your pack.

9 9 THE ADVANCEMENT PROGRAM The responsibility of a boy s advancement in Cub Scouting is shared between the family and the pack. Some advancement requirements are done at den meetings and some are done at home with the family. TIGER CUBS The 1st grade boy and his adult partner work on achievements, projects and activities found in the Tiger Cub Handbook. Boys earn the Tiger Cub badge after completing 5 achievements. BOBCAT All boys in 2nd through 5th grade earn the Bobcat badge first. They must learn the Cub Scout Promise, Law of the Pack, handshake, salute, sign, motto, and the meaning of Webelos. After receiving the Bobcat badge, the boys work on requirements based on their grade level. Boys in 1st grade will earn the Bobcat badge as the last activity in Tiger Cubs. WOLF 2nd grade boys work on 12 achievements to earn the Wolf badge. After a boy earns his Wolf badge, he may work on electives in different interest areas until he graduates into the 3rd grade and begins work on the next rank. ARROW POINTS For every 10 electives a boy completes while he is in the 2nd or 3rd grade, he earns an Arrow Point. A boy may earn as many Arrow Points as he wants.

10 10 BEAR 3rd grade boys work to complete 12 of 24 achievements to earn the Bear badge. After a boy earns his Bear badge, he may work on electives in different interest areas until he graduates into the 4th grade and begins work on the next rank. WEBELOS When a boy has completed the third grade, he joins a Webelos den, led by an adult Webelos den leader. The boy works on requirements for the Webelos badge, 20 activity badges, and the Arrow of Light Award (the highest award in Cub Scouting). Camping and outdoor programs are an important part of the 18 month Webelos program. In February of a Webelos Scout s 5th grade year, he graduates from Cub Scouting into Boy Scouting at an impressive graduation ceremony. Once a boy joins a Boy Scout troop, he starts working towards the rank of Tenderfoot. He continues through the ranks; Second Class, First Class, Star, Life and then Eagle Scout - the highest award available in the Boy Scout program.

11 11 SPECIAL EVENTS & PROGRAMS PINEWOOD DERBY The Pinewood Derby is an exciting project where a parent helps the boy build a model race car made from a block of wood. The finished car must weigh 5 ounces or less. Your pack leaders will give you more details, including when the big race will be held. JOURNEY TO EXCELLENCE Scouting s Journey to Excellence is the BSA s new council performance recognition program designed to encourage and reward success and measure the performance of our units, districts, and councils. The Scouting for Food campaign conducted by the Scouts each spring is one of the Journey To Excellence projects. CUB SCOUT SPOOK-O-REE Spook-o-ree is an exciting activity scheduled for October 27th at Camp Birch. It s a great way to spend quality time with your family. Fishing, hiking, making crafts, playing games, singing songs, it s got it all. Learn archery, study nature, shoot BB Guns and even enjoy a hay ride! This is the kind of fun Cub Scouts expect when they join. BLUE AND GOLD BANQUET The Blue & Gold Banquet is a party celebrating the birthday of Cub Scouting and is usually held in February. Most often it includes dinner and special program or entertainment. A Webelos graduation ceremony may also be conducted at the Blue & Gold Banquet.

12 12 SUMMER CAMP Depending upon the age of your son, he can attend Cub Scout Day camp or Webelos Resident Camp. These programs are held at Camp Birch or in the local area. Both programs offer exciting summertime activities that include swimming, crafts, games, nature, bb guns, archery, sports, songs, and skits. During Day Camp, boys return home every day, but during Webelos Resident Camp, they stay overnight in tents. BSA FAMILY PROGRAM The BSA Family Program is a series of activities designed to help strengthen all families whether two-parent, singleparent, or nontraditional. All family members are encouraged to participate and may earn the BSA Family Award. DRUG PREVENTION When a boy has positive, supporting elements in his life pattern, he is much less likely to become involved with drugs. The BSA has a resource called Take A Stand Against Drugs that helps leaders and families talk to youth about drugs. It is available through the council. BOYS LIFE MAGAZINE Pedro is the Boys Life Mascot A magazine for boys and adults, Boys Life has interesting features on Scouting, sports, hobbies, magic, science, and U.S. history. There are also jokes, comics, and short stories. A one year magazine subscription is $12 (pro-rated at $1.00 per issue). Compare this to the cost of a comic book!

13 13 TIGER CUB MOTTO Search, Discover, Share Tiger Cubs is a 1-year program for first grade boys. Each boy participates with a parent in family-oriented activities. These include things from family camping to preparing for emergencies. The time you spend with your son in Tiger Cubs is meant to be fun, a chance to get to know one another better, and do things with your family as well as other members of the Tiger Cub den. CUB SCOUT MOTTO Do Your Best Cub Scouting is a home and neighborhood centered program designed to support family values for boys in second through fifth grades. Each Cub Scout learns to respect his home, country, God, and other people. The program also helps boys this age to: Learn new physical skills through sports, crafts, and games. Learn how to get along with others through group activities. Develop new mental skills such as writing and calculating. Develop personal independence. In society where your son is often taught that winning is everything, Cub Scouting teaches him to do his best and be helpful to others as expressed in the Cub Scout Promise. A Cub Scout den provides your son with a group of boys his own age in which he can earn status and recognition. In the den, he will also gain a sense of personal achievement with the new skills he learns.

14 14 HOW CAN YOU HELP? Scouting operates with volunteer leadership. Volunteer leaders are an example of Scouting s principle of service to others. Naturally, parents are the primary source of leaders in the Scouting program. You volunteer not only to serve Scouting, but also to grow with your son and his friends, and have the chance to be a positive influence on the youth in your community. WHAT DO YOU RECEIVE IN RETURN? Being a leader is fun, challenging, and rewarding. Leaders find that their experiences in Cub Scouting help them to become better parents. The following are some of the many dividends that will enrich your life as you dedicate your time, talent, and enthusiasm to Scouting: Fun and fellowship with other families, sharing your pride in the boys accomplishments. The privilege of helping to enrich and strengthen families. A chance to help boys learn participating citizenship and to help shape them into men who have strength of character and are sensitive to the needs of others. The opportunity to help make a difference in the lives of boys as they grow strong in mind and body. A code to live by which includes setting a worthwhile example for both boys and adults. The satisfaction of being a member of a worldwide movement, and the pride in being identified as a part of the organization. Wearing the Scout uniform is a visible means of showing you believe in and stand up for the values of the BSA.

15 15 PACK VOLUNTEER LEADERSHIP (examples of ways you can help) DEN LEADER Leads the den at weekly den meetings. Attends the monthly pack meeting and pack committee meetings. PACK COMMITTEE Pack committee members perform administrative support functions of the pack. May serve as the pack popcorn coordinator or newsletter editor. SECRETARY / TREASURER Keeps records for the pack, including pack bank account, financial records, etc. Attends pack meetings and pack committee meetings. CUBMASTER Helps plan the pack program with the help of the pack committee. Serves as the master of ceremonies at the monthly pack meeting. Attends the pack committee meetings. ASSISTANT CUBMASTER Assists the Cubmaster as needed. Fills in for the Cubmaster when necessary. COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON Presides at the pack committee meetings. Helps recruit adult leaders. Also attends pack meetings. PARENT HELPERS Perform one time program jobs such as coordinating pack participation in events such as Scouting for Food, Pinewood Derby, Blue and Gold Banquet, Day Camp, etc. These jobs are of short duration. ADVANCEMENT COORDINATOR Maintains advancement records for the pack. Orders all badges, awards, and insignia. Attends pack meetings and committee meetings.

16 16 YOU ARE NOT ALONE! The staff at the Tecumseh Council Service Center can help you or get you in touch with someone who can. Each county is served by a full-time professional staff member: Logan County (Blue Jacket District) Jim Mason Champaign County (Bull Skin Trail District) Jim Mason Clark County (Lagonda District) Linda Eipper Greene County (Chillicothe District) Dave Mauch Clinton County (Robert E. Hadley District) Dave Mauch You can also contact the Scout Executive, Jim Nolan, if your district professional is not available. A monthly leaders meeting for all adult volunteers is held once a month in your district. You can get help with crafts, games, skits, and songs for use at den and pack meetings. These meetings (called Roundtables) are a great place to ask questions and share ideas. The Den & Pack Meeting Resource Guide contains meeting plans for den meetings and show how to do crafts and games. Many packs purchase the guide for their leaders. Many packs have a pack library that contains the leader books and resources you need. Your district (see counties above) has a team of volunteers which offer district wide programs and activities where your boys can participate. Your district also has a volunteer team called the commissioner staff. They are our service team. They are a communication link between your pack and the council. A commissioner is assigned to assist your pack. Your district has leader training available. All leaders need training!

17 17 CUB SCOUT LEADER TRAINING Step 1 - Fast Start & Youth Protection Training So you re a new leader! To get you started, the Tecumseh Council has training available online. You can complete Cub Scout Leader Fast Start Training by visiting this link - CubScoutLeaderFastStartTraining. The Fast Start training will give you enough information to handle your first meeting. You can also learn about BSA Youth Protection Policies by completing the online training course by visiting this link - Step 2 - Basic Training After you have completed the Fast Start training for your leadership position, the next step is to attend a Cub Scout Leader Training session conducted in your area. This training will give you a more in-depth understanding of your new leadership position and the Cub Scouting program. These sessions are scheduled to be conducted in both the fall and the spring. Ask your Cubmaster for the date, time and location of the session nearest to you. Step 3 - Supplemental Training After you have completed Fast Start and Basic Training, you will be well on your way. But every good leader looks for opportunities to expand their skills, so the Tecumseh Council offers supplemental training sessions such as BALOO, Outdoor Skills, Den Chief, University of Scouting, and Wood Badge courses. Look for information about these training opportunities in the Tecumseh Council newsletter, The Totem or by visiting the council website. Step 4 - Scouting Magazine, Council Newsletter and the Internet When you become a registered leader with the BSA, you will start receiving issues of Scouting Magazine and The Totem. These publications will keep you up-to-date with new information. You can also visit the Tecumseh Council website for even more information!

18 18 YOUTH PROTECTION After selection of the best possible leaders, additional protection for children is built into the program. The BSA has adopted the following policies to provide security for youth in Scouting. Two Deep Leadership - Two registered adult leaders or one registered adult leader and a parent of a participant, one of whom must be at least 21 years of age, are required on all trips and outings. The chartered organization is responsible for ensuring that sufficient leadership is provided for all activities. No One-on-One Contact - One-on-One contact between adults and youth members is not permitted in any situation. Personal conferences should take place in view of other adults and youths. Respect of Privacy - Adult members must respect the privacy of youth members in situations such as changing clothes or taking showers at camp. Adults should intrude only to the extent that health and safety require. They should also protect their own privacy in similar situations. Separate Accommodations - When camping, no youth is permitted to sleep in the tent of an adult other than his own parent or guardian. Proper Preparation for Activities - All activities should consider the capabilities of the participating Cub Scouts. No activity should be undertaken without the proper preparation, equipment, clothing, supervision, and safety measures. No Secret Organizations - The BSA does not recognize any secret organizations as part of its program. All activities are open to observation by parents and leaders. Appropriate Attire - Proper clothing for activities is required. Constructive Discipline - Discipline used in Cub Scouting should be constructive and reflect Scouting s values. Corporal punishment is never permitted. Hazing Prohibited - Physical hazing and initiations are prohibited and may not be included as part of any Scouting activity. Parents are a critical element in the education of Cub Scouts about child abuse. The BSA publishes a booklet, How to Protect Your Children from Child Abuse: A Parent s Guide, that is inserted in the front of each Cub Scout handbook. The BSA also has an award-winning video, It Happened to Me, for use by Cub Scout packs and dens. This video about child sexual abuse is available from the Tecumseh Council. Training is also available on our website.

19 19 COUNCIL SERVICE CENTER AND SCOUT STORE The Clark and Lena Patton Boy Scout Service Center is the headquarters for the Tecumseh Council, Boy Scouts of America. In addition to housing the offices for the council s professional and administrative staff, the service center also includes a full service Scout Store. Any item listed in the BSA catalog that is not stocked in the Scout Store can be ordered. The Scout Store is also the place to find all BSA advancement related material and insignia. 326 South Thompson Avenue Springfield, Ohio Phone: Fax: tecumseh@bsamail.org SCOUT STORE WINTER HOURS SCOUT STORE SUMMER HOURS Monday, Tuesday Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 10 am to 5 pm Thursday & Friday 10 am to 5 pm Wednesday 10 am to 7:30 pm Wednesday 10 am to 7:30 pm Saturday 10 am to 3 pm Saturday 10 am to 1 pm Closed all Holiday Weekends CAMP HUGH TAYLOR BIRCH Camp Birch provides year-round camping opportunities for Scout units and the community. Camp Birch is located at 4057 Swimming Pool Road, approximately half way between Yellow Springs and Clifton on State Route 343. Camp facilities include a full service dining hall, swimming pool, lake, 10 tent-only camping sites, 4 campsites with cabins, a climbing tower, a COPE course, conference facility, training center, and heated cabins. All of this is located on 450 acres adjacent to John Bryan State Park. Camp Birch facilities are available for rent by Scout units or other groups when summer camp is not in session. For more information, contact the council service center.

20 20 WHAT WILL SCOUTING COST? 2012 BSA Registration Fees $1.25 per month x = $ Boy s Life Magazine Subscription $1 per month x = $ Pack Dues (determined by pack committee) $ Accident Insurance (due in December) $ 1.00 Total Dues for remainder of 2012 $ NEW MEMBER CHECKLIST Please check with your pack leaders to see what your pack recommends. Some packs have a uniform exchange program or you can find experienced uniforms at area thrift shops or rummage sales. My son is a: Tiger Cub Wolf Bear Webelos Pack # Den # Uniforms Short Sleeve Shirt ($22.99) Long Sleeve Shirt ($26.99) Switchback Pants ($24.99) Belt S/M ($7.99) Belt M/L ($8.99) Neckerchief & Slide Tiger Cub ($9.98) Wolf ($9.98) Bear ($9.98) Webelos ($10.98) Hats Tiger Cub Cap ($12.99) Wolf Cap ($12.99) Bear Cap ($12.99) Webelos Cap ($12.99) Insignia Council Shoulder Strip ($4.00) Unit Numerals ($1.19) Den Numeral ($1.49) World Crest ($1.49) Webelos Colors ($4.49) Handbooks Tiger Cub Handbook ($6.99) Wolf Handbook ($8.99) Bear Handbook ($8.99) Webelos Handbook ($8.99) Prices subject to change. Check with your Cubmaster regarding financial assistance that is available. Most packs do fundraising projects to reduce the amount of pack dues required. Visit scoutstuff.org to see all of the Cub Scout merchandise that is available from the BSA.

21 21 NOTES: THIS I BELIEVE: A HUNDRED YEARS FROM NOW It will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove. But, the world may be different, because I was important in the life of a boy. - Forrest Witcraft

22 22 PARENT HELP POSITIONS The following positions need to be filled for our pack to have a wonderful year. Would you please indicate your first four choices of committees and positions that you would be willing to work on this coming year? Some of these positions are short term and others are for the entire year. Please be sure to return this sheet tonight. Parent s Name Phone Address Den Leader Cubmaster/Assistant Pack Parents Committee Pack Song Leader Awards Committee Pinewood Derby Committee Scouting for Food Committee Day Camp Coordinator Webelos Camp Coordinator Holiday Party Committee Sports Program Committee Telephone Committee Blue & Gold Banquet Committee Popcorn Sale Coordinator Past Scouting Experience Hobbies Sports Interests Job Work shift I have a (please circle): Van Truck Trailer Computer Workshop