Welcome To Pack 544 Cub Scouting New Hyde Park

Welcome To Pack 544 Cub Scouting New Hyde Park

Who we are- Welcome to Pack 544 Our Cub Scout Pack is located in New Hyde Park, NY and is sponsored by the Holy Name Society of Notre Dame R.C. Church. We re in the Shelter Rock District (basically N. Hempstead) of the Theodore Roosevelt Council (Nassau County) of the Boy Scouts of America. The Cub Scout programs at Pack 544 are for all boys ages 7 through 10. There s no requirement that you be a member of Notre Dame Parish or enrolled at Notre Dame School. You re welcome here no matter what house of worship you call your own or what school you re enrolled in. Our Pack has boys enrolled outside of New Hyde Park due to our reputation of having diverse programming for boys with all interests. Our dens, small groups of same aged boys, will also meet an additional one or two times a month depending on program activities. At den meetings boys will work on crafts, skills, and games. The Pack (which comprises all the dens) normally meets once a month from September through June at the Notre Dame School gym, Manor Oaks or New Hyde Park Road Schools for a program that s usually quite active. These are known as Pack Nights and usually follow a monthly theme that all the scouts can participate in. Den meetings and Pack Nights are usually on a Friday night, however, there will be Pack and Den activities that will also be scheduled on weekends throughout the year. Why Scouting- Parents of young boys face a lot of choices in after-school activities. Boys want to have fun, while parents want them to learn positive values and skills that will last a lifetime. If your boy is about to enter first through fifth grade, Cub Scouting may be exactly what you are both looking for. It is an ideal family activity where the boy and his family have an ability to partake in fun events and learn. The purpose of Cub Scouting is to help boys learn to become self- reliant, confident, and to learn new skills all while having fun. The Cub Scout motto is Do your Best, and the scouting program includes lots of recognition as the boys develop a sense of personal achievement balanced with being part of a larger group. Cub Scouting is one of the most exciting and rewarding programs available to your family. As a parent, you can be assured that Cub Scouting involves a variety of family activities encourages good behavior encourages teamwork while still allowing the individual boy to excel teaches lifelong values strengthens the bonds of family Essential Programs- Tiger: The Tiger Scout program is for first grade (or age 7) boys and their adult partners. There are six Tiger Scout adventure loop achievements that involve discovering your environment (Backyard Jungle); playing individual and team based games (Games Tigers Play); family discussion and discovery of their religious thoughts/beliefs (My Family s Duty to God); helping your scout develop team work (Team Tiger); learning healthy eating and snack selection (Tiger Bites) and learning safety on nature hikes and rules to care for our environment (Tigers in the Wild). In addition, there are elective adventure loops that the den may work on together. Wolf: Wolves are second grade boys (age 8). The program is family and home centered. To earn the Wolf rank a scout must complete six Wolf adventure loop requirements. They are learning how to camp, develop camp skills and safety (Call of the Wild); participating in learning about their community, speaking with leaders and recycling (Council Fire); developing and discussing with their family religious thoughts and practices in everyday life (Duty to God Footsteps); learning to communicate, speak, sing and participate in team plays or skits (Howling at the Moon); learning about safe hiking and appreciation of nature (Paws on the Path) and participating in team and individual sports activities (Running with the Pack). In addition, there are elective adventure loops the den may also work on together.

Bear: Bears are third grade boys (age 9). To earn the Bear Badge, a scout must complete six Bear adventure loop requirements. They learn about knife safety (Bear Claws); essentials of camping and successful camping (Bear Necessities); working with a parent or spiritual guardian on religious practices that strengthen fellowship with others (Fellowship and Duty to God); observe wildlife on hikes and learn about conservation (Furs, Feathers and Ferns); developing a Scout Carnival and reflecting on the activity s success and ways to improve it (Grin and Bear It); learning about famous Americans, introduction to emergency responders and personal safety (Paws for Action). In addition, there are elective adventure loops the den may work on together. WEBELOS and ARROW OF LIGHT: (WE BE LOyal Scouts) is the transitional program between Cub Scouting & Boy Scouting for boys age 10. (4 th grade.) The program continues as the ARROW OF LIGHT for boys age 11 (5 th grade.) Here world of outdoor Scouting builds upon what they already have learned as younger scouts. However, many boys can start their scouting experience at this level. At the end of these two program years, the scouts truly have a taste for what Boy Scouting is all about and will have a head start in proceeding through the Boy Scout program. Program includes outdoor cooking, personal safety, hiking, medical safety issues, conservation, camping essentials and other scout adventures. Adventure pins are awarded as the scout progresses through the WEBELOS into the ARROW OF LIGHT Program. The ARROW OF LIGHT Scouts eventually bridge over or graduate from Cub Scouting into the Boy Scouting Program. They leave the Pack and join a Troop. Pack Nights: These are monthly meetings where the Pack (consisting of all the dens) usually meet on the second Friday night of each month. They follow a monthly theme. Events scheduled reinforce first aid, citizenship, sportsmanship, patriotism, community service, etc. These events involve the Pinewood Derby where the boys build a wood model car to race; Bottle Rockets Night where the boys build a model rocket to launch via a compressor from a 2 liter soda bottle; Indian Lore Night where a traditional Native American Scout Troop is invited to demonstrate regalia, song and dance; First Aid Night to learn safety while on camps and hikes; First Responders Night where first responders demonstrate safety equipment and discuss personal safety, Pack Campfires after and before the summertime; Scout Carnival where the scouts participate in games of chance and skill, etc. These events are developed by the adult leaders in the summer prior to the Scouting year start in September and their themes and venues are planned out well in advance to provide the scouts an exciting event they look forward to each month with all rank cub scouts present. Our Additional Programs- The Pack will participate in many camping events throughout the year. These will include outdoor cabin and tent camping and are usually done as a Pack (all dens participating) where additional programs such as astronomy, archery, bb gun shooting, hiking, outdoor cooking, geocaching, fishing, etc. are available. Typically camping programs are offered at nominal fees ($40-50 pp) in most cases for each event. These are optional programs that help reinforce the teachings and fun of the Scouting Program. The scout has the ability to earn additional awards with his participation in these events. We offer educational overnight trips to museums and other points of interest. Previous trips have included venues such as Queens Hall of Science, Museum of Natural History, Cradle of Aviation, etc. These events are usually attended by the Pack and are optional. Many of these programs provide an educational scout course to further immerse your scout in the world of learning. In addition, our Pack and Council offers a STEM (Science-Technology-Engineering-Math) Program that will peak the interest of scouts into these fields of study and offer them laboratory experiments to further teach them within these fields of study. The scout will earn the NOVA Patch and for each field after the initial course is taken. They will earn a pi pin (for a total of three pi pins) upon the completion of the STEM Program. At Pack 544, we are fortunate to be one a very few Packs on Long Island that offer such a program to its scouts at much reduced rate. The cost is nominal and usually runs approximately $15 per STEM course (for the total of four being approximately $60). At Pack 544, we also encourage their participation in community service projects. These projects involve Scouting for Food where food items are raised for local pantries, conservation projects within the community to reinforce environmental concern within the scout and attendance at community events and parades.

Dues- Our Pack activities are paid for through the collections of yearly dues. Dues are $100 for registration. A discount of $10 is given for a second son in the pack ($90). The pack would never want dues to stand in the way of a boy s participation in the program. If dues create a hardship then please speak to our Cubmaster and the issue will be handled discretely. The dues cover our Charter membership in the BSA, Boys Life magazine for each boy, liability insurance, Pack awards (pins, badges, and medals), pack and den supplies and crafts. The dues also subsidize some larger pack activities: our Blue & Gold dinner, annual fishing trip and Pack night events. Uniforms- The full Cub Scout uniform is encouraged and includes pants, shirt, neckerchief and hat. You re welcome to purchase the entire ensemble if you would like. The Pack uniform requirements for Tiger, Wolf and Bear Scouts is the cub scout navy blue shirt, neckerchief for his rank, neckerchief slide for his rank and his rank hat. Pants may include the official navy blue pants. You may substitute the pants for neat navy blue pants. No blue jeans or sweat pant please. The Pack uniform requirements for Webelos is either the traditional navy uniform described above or or the official beige scout shirt, WEBELOS hat, WEBELOS neckerchief slide and green boy scout khaki pants. Arrow of Light scout uniform requirements are the official boy scout beige shirt, WEBELOS hat, WEBELOS neckerchief slide and green scout khaki pants. Where to buy Theodore Roosevelt Council Scout Shop, 544 Broadway Massapequa. 516-797-0574 Robert s, 152 Jericho Tpk, Mineola. 516-746-7234 Tent City/Outdoor Store, 5 N. Franklin St, Hempstead. 516-486-0690 www.scoutstuff.org for the online Boy Scout Store What you need to buy- - Cub Scout book to your rank - Neckerchief slide and hat appropriate to your rank (Tiger, Wolf, Bear, WEBELOS) - Blue Cub Scout shirt (again WEBELOS have the option of wearing the beige Boy Scout shirt with blue epaulets) - Council service patch, Theodore Roosevelt Council (Nassau County). - Pack numerals 544 and the Boy Scout World Crest (Blue Fleur De Lis Emblem) Where do all those patches go?? The placement of patches is in the cub scout manual for your rank. If you are not sure, ask any of the adult leaders and we will be happy to help you getting your son s uniform squared away.

Cub Scout Pack 544 Volunteer Positions: Job Descriptions WE NEED YOU!!! Scouting operates through volunteer Leadership. Volunteer Leaders are an example of the Scouting 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 serve your son and his friends, and to have the chance to be a positive influence on the youth in your community. What does it take to be a volunteer? A long, rich background of Scouting involvement is NOT required! What is needed is a desire to work with and help young people, a willingness to make time in your weekly schedule, and the rest is easy! Lots of resources and training are available and many people will support your efforts. What do you receive in return? Being a Leader is fun, challenging, and rewarding. Leaders find that their experiences 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: 1. Fun and fellowship with other families, sharing your pride in the boys accomplishments. 2. The privilege of helping to enrich and strengthen families. 3. A chance to help boys learn good citizenship and to help shape them into men who have strength of character and are sensitive to the needs of others. 4. The opportunity to help make a difference in the lives of boys as they grow strong in mind and body. 5. A code to live by which will set a worthwhile example for both boys and adults. Committee Chairperson: Prepare agenda for Parent Planning Meeting. Organize schedule, calendar, meeting dates and oversee all Pack activities. Attend council meetings to gain information and ideas. Insure that all Pack positions are filled and that a full scouting program is being implemented. Prepare charter for renewal each year. Keep all Den Leaders informed about district events. Insure proper planning and preparations are made for all Pack events. Time commitment: District Roundtable meeting 2 hours/month Parent Planning Meeting 1 hour/month Pack Night 2 hours/month Additional preparation/planning 3 hours/month Cubmaster: Act as main presider at Pack Night and other Pack events. Present awards, conduct ceremonies, lead games and activities. Help organize and plan for future events. Insure all leaders are trained properly and follow all guidelines and safety procedures. Make sure the Cub Scout advancement program is being followed consistently by all Den Leaders. Insure the Pack plans suitable events, and plenty of fun activities. Attend monthly district meetings to gain information and ideas. Attend and help moderate Parent Planning Meetings once per month. Set example by wearing complete uniform at Pack events. Time commitment: District Roundtable meeting 2 hours/month Parent Planning Meeting 1 hour/month Pack Night 2 hours/month Additional preparation/planning 2 hours/month Assistant Cubmaster: Provide assistance to Cubmaster whenever and however possible. Help moderate Pack Night and other Pack events. Fill in for the Cubmaster when Cubmaster is not available. Attend council events and assist in planning meetings. Wear full uniform at Pack events. Time commitment: District Roundtable meeting 2 hours/month Parent Planning Meeting 1 hour/month Pack Night 2 hours/month

Cub Scout Pack 544 Volunteer Positions: Job Descriptions Den Leader/Assistant Den Leader: Plan for and present weekly den meetings for the boys in one den. Track and provide for advancement, games and craft activities. In sure the boys complete all the requirements for the next badge and rank. Help plan and execute Pack events. Keep den parents informed about Pack and council events and activities. Time commitment: Den meetings 1 hour/week or every other week Parent Planning Meeting 1 hour/month Pack Night 2 hours/month Additional preparation/planning 1 hour, prior to den meeting Pack Treasurer: Maintain checkbook, keep accurate records of all income and expenses, and provide reports at monthly Parent Planning Meetings. Help plan yearly budget for Pack. Reimburse Pack leaders and Den leaders for legitimate Pack related expenses. Make bank deposits and transfers. Maintain yearly insurance coverage for Pack. Time commitment: Parent Planning Meeting 1 hour/month Additional preparation/planning 2 hours/month Pack Fundraiser(s): Make suggestions for future fundraising activities. Coordinate yearly popcorn sale. Help other den leaders achieve fundraising goals. Attend yearly popcorn sale orientation. Time commitment: Parent Planning Meeting 1 hour/month Pack Night 2 hours/month Once-per-year orientation 2 hours Additional preparation/planning 2 hours/month, during Popcorn season (September December) Trip Coordinator: Source out information and prices for various events throughout the year. Present ideas and information to other den leaders. Collect funds, distribute permission slips and information, make reservations, distribute tickets and follow-up on all outside activities. Time commitment: Parent Planning Meeting 1 hour/month Additional preparation/planning 2 hours/month Scouting For Food Coordinator: Keep all den leaders apprised of district food collection dates and events. Maintain tally of all food collected and donated by each den and report totals to the council office. Help coordinate food collections throughout the year. Time commitment: Parent Planning Meeting 1 hour/month Additional preparation/planning 2 hours/month Round-Up/Registration Coordinator: Assist in planning for and presenting new scout registration meetings in the spring and fall. Secure application forms and posters from the district office. Submit new registrations and help to update and maintain Pack roster. Assist in providing orientation for new scouts and parents. Help to organize dens for new scouts. Time commitment: Parent Planning Meeting 1 hour/month Spring/fall registration meetings 2 hours/meeting Additional preparation/planning 2 hours/month Religious Emblem Coordinator: Make available to all den and patrol leaders the updated information on available religious emblems for the various faith groups. Attend a once per year workshop. Time commitment: Parent Planning Meeting 1 hour/month Once-per-year orientation 2 hours