Pack 515 Bylaws. August 19, 2015

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1 Pack 515 Bylaws August 19, OVERVIEW Cub Scout Pack 515 ( Pack ) was chartered on November 5, We are a chartered Pack within the Boy Scouts of America ( BSA ) in the Loma Prieta District ( District ) of the Silicon Valley Monterey Bay Council ( Council ). The Pack exists to promote the Scouting Program and is for the benefit of our Scouts, Scout families, Pack Leaders, and the community. The Pack is governed by the policies of the BSA, the Pack Bylaws, the Corralitos Padres, and it is operated by the Pack Committee and Leaders. 2. BYLAWS The Committee and Leaders ( Leaders ) have established and approved these Bylaws that govern the operation of the Pack. The Bylaws are available through the Pack website or from a Pack Leader. The Bylaws will be reviewed annually, during the recharter process, to ensure that they accurately reflect the operational procedures of the Pack. 3. COMMITMENT TO THE SCOUT PROGRAM The Pack is committed to the ideals of the Cub Scout program as defined by BSA. The Pack s goal is to provide a quality Scouting program that promotes citizenship, service, stewardship of the outdoors and our community, and reverence. The Pack believes that these ideals lead to the development of strong boy leaders, while also benefiting all of the participants in the program (parents, Leaders, etc.) and the community. 4. RECRUITMENT Any boy who is in the first through fifth grade or ages 6 to 10 years may join Cub Scouts. Adult partners will also be recruited to help the Pack. Recruitment is primarily done during the fall and spring, but we encourage boys to begin their Scouting adventure at any time. 5. FAMILY INVOLVEMENT Cub Scouts is an extension of the family and involves the total development of the Scouts. The Scout program and the Pack cannot survive without the participation of parents, legal guardians, and/or other adult relatives ( Parent ). The Scouting program does not include babysitting. Each parent is expected to personally contribute a reasonable amount of time and energy to the Pack program. The more that you as a Parent put into Scouting, the more your son will gain from it. Page 1 of 10

2 Parents are asked to consider becoming involved as an adult leader. There are many positions, with varying amounts of time requirements, open to Parents. Being an adult leader can be a challenging, but very rewarding role. There are many helpful, experienced leaders and many other resources in Scouting to help new leaders embrace and excel in a leadership role. 6. CUB SCOUT PACK ORGANIZATION All leadership positions within the Pack are filled by adult volunteers. The Cub Scout Pack is sponsored by its Chartered Organization, the Corralitos Padres. The Chartered Organization Representative serves as a liaison between the Chartered Organization and the Pack Committee. The Pack Committee sets its policies within the BSA policies and guidelines, delivers a quality BSA program, and recommends Pack Leaders to the Chartered Organization. The Pack Committee manages the administrative needs of the Pack. It is organized and chaired by the Pack Committee Chairperson. By handling administrative and support tasks, the Pack committee allows the Cubmaster, Den Leaders, and their assistants to focus on working directly with the Cub Scouts. The Cubmaster acts as the executive officer and leader of the Pack by implementing the BSA program at the Pack level. An Assistant Cubmaster may be appointed to assist with Cubmaster activities and responsibilities. The Pack is organized by Dens that are organized by grade-based ranks. Each Den is led by a Den Leader and, optionally, an Assistant Den Leader and/or a Den Chief. Den Chiefs must be: An active Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, or Venturer Selected for participation by the Senior Patrol Leader and Scoutmaster from their home Troop Approved by the Cubmaster and Pack Committee Accepted by the Den Leader for participation A responsible, active assistant to the Den Leader A role model of Boy Scout behavior and ideals The Pack Committee consists of the following positions: Chartered Organization Representative Pack Committee Chair Secretary Treasurer Advancement Chair Membership and Registration Chair Page 2 of 10

3 Cubmaster Assistant Cubmaster Den Leaders (1 per den) Other roles, as defined by the Pack Committee Because the Pack combines administrative and program planning activities, Den Leaders are members of the Pack Committee. If a Den Leader is unable to participate on the Pack Committee, the Committee can designate a representative of that Den to serve on the Committee. The Committee Chair cannot also serve as a Den Leader, the Cubmaster cannot serve as the Committee Chair, and a Den Leader cannot serve as either the Cubmaster or the Committee Chair. Role Descriptions Chartered Organization Representative This person is the liaison between the Pack, the chartered organization, and BSA. The Chartered Organization Representative is responsible for the following: Making sure that the Chartered Organization is aware of what the Pack is doing. Coordinating activities between the Chartered Organization and the Pack. Communicating any relevant policies that the Charter Organization has to the Pack Committee. The Chartered Organization "owns" the Pack, but not the Pack Committee. The Pack Committee is an administrative arm of the Chartered Organization. The Chartered Organization Representative is a voting member of the local BSA Council and District committees. As such, they represent the Pack on these committees. If the Chartered Organization has more than one unit (e.g., a Cub Scout Pack and a Boy Scout Troop), the Chartered Organization Representative serves each unit equally. Pack Committee Chair The Pack Committee Chair is responsible for the following: Organizing and facilitating the running of the Pack Committee. Working with the Cubmaster and Chartered Organization Representative to make sure that the responsibilities of the Pack Committee are being met. Preparing agendas for and overseeing the monthly Committee Meeting. Ensuring that Parent committees meet their commitments to the Pack. Securing meeting space as needed. Cubmaster The Cubmaster is responsible for: Conducting the Pack program which includes leading the monthly Pack meeting, with the help of the other leaders. Page 3 of 10

4 Guiding, supporting, motivating, and giving inspiration to the other adult leaders. Making sure leaders receive training for their positions. Making sure the Dens are functioning well. Planning the Den and Pack programs with the help of the other leaders. Coordinating the total Cub Scout program for the Pack. Helping recruit Den Leaders and Coaches. Establishing and maintaining good relationships with area Boy Scout Troops, to help Webelos continue into Boy Scouting as they graduate from the Pack. Secretary The Secretary is responsible for: Staying informed of all Cub Scouting literature, materials, records, and forms to help leaders function effectively. Helping new Den Leaders by telling them what resources are available. Maintaining up-to-date information on membership, leadership, and attendance. Maintaining an inventory of pack property. Handling correspondence for the Pack. This may include writing letters of appreciation and requests for reservations, or ordering supplies through the local council service center. Keep minutes on business conducted at Pack leaders meetings. Record only key items such as things needing follow-up or items for the history of the Pack. Notify leaders of leaders meetings and other activities. Provide Den Leaders with records and forms for meetings. Treasurer The Treasurer is responsible for the following: Helping the Pack committee and Cubmaster establish a sound financial program for the Pack with a Pack budget plan. Opening and maintaining a bank account in the Pack's name, and arranging for all transactions to be signed by any two (2) of the following: Cubmaster, Pack Committee Chair, Secretary, or Treasurer. Approving all budget expenditures. Checking all disbursements against budget allowances, and paying bills by check. The Pack Committee Chair should approve bills before payment. Collecting registration and other fees from Den leaders or Parents. Giving receipts for these funds, and depositing the money in the bank account. Keeping up-to-date financial records. Entering all income and expenditures under the proper budget item in the finance section of the Pack accounting records. Being responsible for thrift training within the Pack. Encouraging each Den Leader to explain the Pack financial plan to each boy and his family so that boys will accept responsibility for paying dues and family members will be alert to opportunities for boys to earn dues money and develop habits of thrift. Periodically reporting on the Pack's financial condition at the monthly Pack Committee Meeting. Reporting to the Chartered Organization as often as desirable on the financial condition of the Pack. Page 4 of 10

5 Providing petty cash as needed by Leaders. Obtaining receipts for all money disbursed, and keeping a record of expenditures. Guiding the Pack in conducting Council-approved Pack money-earning projects. Advancement Chair The Advancement Chair helps boys move through the ranks of Cub Scouting and transition into a Boy Scout troop. The Advancement Chair is responsible for the following: Having a working knowledge of the Cub Scout advancement plan. Helping plan and conduct induction and advancement recognition ceremonies, coordinating as needed with the Webelos Den Leader or Scoutmaster. Educating Parents and Pack Committee members in ways to stimulate Cub Scout advancement. Promoting the use of Cub Scout Den advancement charts and other tools to recognize and record advancement in the Den. Collecting Den advancement reports for use when ordering badges and insignia from the local council service center. Promoting Boys' Life magazine as an aid to advancement. Helping build or obtain advancement equipment for use in making advancement ceremonies more effective. Promoting the wearing and proper use of uniform and insignia. Membership and Registration Chair This position is essential to the health of the Pack. The Membership and Registration Chair is responsible for the following: Along with the Cubmaster and Pack Committee, develop and carry out a plan for year-round membership growth. o Conducting an annual census of boys in the Chartered Organization for systematic recruitment. o Working with Pack Committee members to promote recruitment plans. o Visiting new families in their homes to facilitate recruitment. o Following up on Cub Scout dropouts to help return them to full, active membership. Planning, coordinating, and leading the annual re-chartering process. o Preparing registration papers and an annual report to the Chartered Organization. Securing signatures and registration fees for the coming year. o Arranging for the annual membership inventory, a uniform inspection, and the annual charter review meeting. o Helping the Cubmaster and Chartered Organization Representative plan and conduct the formal charter presentation. o With the Chartered Organization Representative, submitting a charter application and annual report to the chartered organization for approval. Page 5 of 10

6 Along with the Cubmaster and Pack Committee, seeing that eligible boys transition to the next rank's Den at the appropriate time, and that Webelos Scouts and Parents have a smooth transition into a Boy Scout troop. Along with the Cubmaster, following up on former Pack members who are now Boy Scouts and recruiting them as potential Den Chiefs. Arranging for periodic uniform inspections with the Unit Commissioner. 7. PACK COMMITTEE OPERATING POLICIES The following policies shall govern the operation of the Pack Committee. a. Pack Committee Meetings i) The Pack Committee shall meet monthly to discuss and set short and long term plans. All Committee members and Scout leaders are encouraged to attend this meeting. ii) A quorum will exist when three Pack Committee members, including either the Chairperson or Cubmaster, are present. iii) All decisions will be recorded in the minutes of the meeting. iv) All minutes will be approved by the Committee at the next regular meeting. v) The Treasurer shall give a financial update at each meeting. b) Pack Finances i) Pack registration fees shall be collected by the Treasurer for deposit into the Pack account and payment to the Council. ii) Den dues will be collected and managed by individual Den leaders. iii) All reasonable expenses incurred by Pack Committee Members will be reimbursed from the Pack budget. Leaders MUST provide a receipt for all expenses in order to be reimbursed. iv) Leader training expenses will always be paid for from the Pack budget. Receipts MUST be provided. v) Expenditures over $25.00 must be approved by the Treasurer and one additional Committee member. vi) Expenditures over $ must be approved by a Pack Committee majority vote. vii) Pack checks require the signature from one of the following positions: Committee Chair, Cubmaster, Treasurer, or Secretary. The check signatory cannot be a family member of those receiving Pack funds. viii) All expenditures should benefit the Pack as a whole or individual Scouts as needed. ix) All leaders and the Treasurer must maintain fiscal responsibility. x) Mismanagement or misappropriation of Pack finances or Pack property by anyone will not be tolerated. The penalties for such may vary from a verbal warning to removal from the Pack to criminal charges (in extreme cases). Page 6 of 10

7 8. LEADER TRAINING All Leaders must complete Youth Protection Training and the BSA and Council training required for their position. Newly approved, but untrained Leaders, must register and complete training at the earliest opportunity. All prospective Leaders will undergo a background check by Council to insure there are no matters that would affect the safety of our Scouts. 9. FEES AND PROGRAM COSTS The registration fee to join the Pack is $65 per calendar year, pro-rated to the date of sign-up. The registration fee helps pay for registration with the Boy Scouts of America, unit insurance, a subscription to Boy's Life magazine, Leader training, and it helps to pay for the awards each boy earns during the year. Each child needs a Cub Scout handbook specific to their rank that costs approximately $10. Dens will establish dues, usually between $25 and $35 per year, to pay for craft supplies and Den activities. Some Pack events may also require a nominal activity fee. 10. SCHOLARSHIPS The Pack wants every boy to experience the fun of Cub Scouting. If you feel that you cannot afford the cost of membership or equipment, please contact the Pack Committee Chair or Cubmaster to discuss your situation confidentially. Scholarships are generally given to families in need, in exchange for service to the Pack. This service consists of: Child and parent assistance in 1 or more fundraising activities AND EITHER A Parent serving in a leadership role within the Pack -OR- Parental assistance in the planning and running of a Pack event or activity 11. UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT New Cub Scouts should obtain the Scout shirt with appropriate patches, hat, belt, and neckerchief as soon as possible. The Scout pants or shorts and socks (optional for Pack 515) complete the uniform, and can be purchased as soon as finances allow after joining. This constitutes the official Class A uniform for the Pack and should be worn to all meetings (except where instructed otherwise for certain Page 7 of 10

8 events/activities). It is the Cub Scouts responsibility (not the Parents ), to see that their uniforms are kept clean and worn properly. Note: Class A Scout uniforms can only be worn at approved Scouting events. BSA policy states that Scouts cannot endorse or promote products or services while wearing the official uniform without prior approval from BSA. A Pack-designated T-shirt constitutes the Class B uniform and can be worn on certain Pack events, as communicated by Pack Leaders. A Class B uniform is optional. New Cub Scouts are required to purchase the rank-specific handbook. At the annual rank promotion ceremony, existing Cub Scouts will be provided a neckerchief specific to their new rank. Families will be responsible for providing a new neckerchief slide and a new rankspecific requirements handbook. During the course of the year, Cub Scouts will earn awards and other recognition based on completion of rank requirements, attendance at Den or Pack events, and other activities. The Pack pays for these items out of funds received from registration fees and fundraising efforts. Each Cub Scout is provided a Pinewood Derby kit by the Pack for the annual Pinewood Derby race, funds permitting. 12. REGULAR MEETINGS Den meetings are held regularly at a time and place determined by the Den Leader. In addition, Dens may hold additional events outside of the regular meeting time, as determined by the Den Leader. A Parent is required to attend all Tiger Scout meetings and events, but they are encouraged to attend events at all rank levels. Prompt pick-up and drop-off of your son is mandatory at events where a Parent is not present. Pack Meetings are held on the 1 st Wednesday of every month except July and August at the Corralitos Padres Hall starting at 7pm. During the Pack Meeting, Dens come together to share in rank advancement and participate in a variety of other activities. A parent must attend the Pack Meetings. Other family members such as siblings or grandparents are also welcome. Pack Committee planning meetings are held at the Corralitos Padres Hall on the 3 rd Wednesday of each month starting at 7pm. They are open to the public. During these meetings, the Pack Committee will conduct the regular administrative business of the Pack, including event planning and preparation. Roundtable is a monthly meeting for the District where Scouting information is distributed. There are also specific Den and special interest presentations. As a member of the District and Council, the Pack is obligated to have representation at all District Roundtable Meetings. All Leaders are invited and Page 8 of 10

9 encouraged to attend. Roundtable is held on the 2 nd Thursday of every month at 7pm at the LDS Stake in Santa Cruz (off of Morrissey Boulevard). 13. ATTENDANCE Scouts are encouraged to attend all Den and Pack meetings and activities. Regular attendance at Den and Pack meetings is required to be eligible to participate in any outside-of-meeting activities, such as hikes, outings, and events. Parents are asked to consider all options before disciplining their son by denying him participation in Cub Scout activities. All Scout meetings and activities serve to meet the long-range goals of developing responsible, well-rounded young men. 14. FUNDRAISING The Pack relies on fundraisers to raise money to fund the activities and supplies that support the Pack s Scouting Program. These include badges and awards, supplies, costs associated with outings and events, etc. The Pack s main fundraising efforts are the selling of BSA popcorn in the fall and working the Padres fair booth (usually in September). All Leaders, Scouts, and Parents are required to participate in the Pack s fundraisers and do their share. Registration fees cover only a small percentage of the operating budget of the Pack, and the Pack cannot provide a quality program without fundraising funds. The top fundraising Scouts in popcorn sales will receive awards and special recognition. In addition, Scouts who sell more than $200 of popcorn will receive 10% back of any sales over the initial $200 in a special fundraising account that is held and tracked by the Pack. This money can be used for registration fees, Scout Camp registration, or for supplies purchased through the Scout store. Example: A Scout sells $1,000 of popcorn. The Scout is eligible to receive 10% back after the first $200 goes to the Pack. The Scout will receive $80 in their fundraising account ($ $200 = $800, $800 x 10% = $80). Note: When bridging to Boy Scouts, the Scout will have 6 months to use the money in their account or it will be returned to the Pack for general use. If a Scout drops from the program, the money is returned to the Pack for general use. Fundraisers, other than BSA Popcorn, require an approved Council fundraiser permit. Page 9 of 10

10 15. CODE OF CONDUCT Each Scout, Leader, and Parent is expected to participate and behave appropriately for each meeting or event. Disruptive behavior, fighting, and use of bad language are examples of behavior that will not be tolerated. It is not the responsibility of the den leader to discipline your child. If a Scout Leader is the subject of disciplinary action, the Chartered Organization Representative and the Unit Commission will be notified no later than the next business day. Any Scout who misbehaves will be taken aside by an adult Scout Leader, or an Adult Scout Leader and a parent, and warned of their misbehavior. This warning shall be made discretely but also in a way that is consistent with BSA Youth Protection requirements. Should the Scout continue to misbehave, a parent will be notified as soon as possible to request that the Scout be removed from the activity. If the parent is unable to remove the Scout, the Scout will be segregated from the other participants and he will not be allowed to participate. Depending upon the severity of the infraction, the Scout may be escorted home by two trained adult Scout Leaders so that the situation may be discussed with his parent. The adult Scout Leader and parent shall resolve general misbehavior. Should this misbehavior persist and become serious in nature, or the Scout Leader and parent cannot resolve the general misbehavior, further disciplinary action will be determined by the Pack Committee. It is always the desire of the Pack to modify unacceptable behavior rather than to punish the Scout. 16. PACK WEBSITE The Pack maintains a website and a Facebook site to advertise our Pack and to provide information to our scouting families and friends. The Pack website will not display personal information of any Leader, Scout, or Parent, however the site does display non-attributed images of Pack members and event attendees. The Pack website is: The Pack Facebook site is: The Pack Twitter site is: < END OF DOCUMENT> Page 10 of 10