Ss Peter & Paul RC Church Cub Scout Pack 22 Policy

1. OVERVIEW

Cub Scout Pack 22 (“Pack”) was chartered by Ss Peter & Paul RC Church (“SSPP”). We are part of the Onondaga District (“District”) of the Greater Niagara Frontier Council (“Council”) of the Boy Scouts of America (“BSA”). 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 Policy, SSPP and operated by a Committee and Leaders.

2. POLICY

The Committee and Leaders (“Leaders”) have established a Policy that governs the operation of the Pack. The Policy is available through the pack website. If a Leader or a scouting family does not have access to the internet, a paper copy shall be made available by the Pack. The last page is a form acknowledging the Policy has been read and will be adhered to. This form must be signed by every Leader, scout and adult partner and returned to the Pack before participation will be allowed.

3. SCOUTING PROGRAM

A quality Scouting Program will be provided by the Pack in accordance with BSA policy and the desires, abilities and volunteering of the Leaders, adult partners and scouts. Scouting is well known for helping youth develop into fine young men & young women. It is a very carefully and safely run program that will benefit the scouts, the scouting families and Leaders.

The Scouting Program will be fun, productive and meaningful. It will consist of Den meetings, monthly Pack meetings, Den and Pack outings, events, banquets, fundraisers, civic service projects, camping trips and other activities.

4. RECRUITMENT

Any boy or girl who is in the kindergarten through fifth grade or age’s 5 to10 years may join Cub Scouts. Adult partners will also be recruited to help the Pack. Recruitment is primarily done at Join Scouting Nights in September which is the beginning of the Scouting year. However, a boy or girl can join at any time to begin their Scouting adventure.

5. CUB SCOUT PACK

A Cub Scout Pack is divided into five Dens. The five Dens, starting with the youngest group, are: Lion, Tiger, Wolves, Bears, Webelos I and AOL (Webelos II). Every Den is run by a Den Leader who is an adult volunteer.

6. SCOUT RANKS AND DENS

Lions: This is the entry level into the Pack, open to boys and girls in the Kindergarten. The Den Leader works with the scouts and adult partners to provide an interesting, exciting, and fun program for the new Scouts. Scouts will learn the basics of Scouting and begin working on the Lions Badge. Lions earn their Lion badge when they have completed the requirements. The Lion book is followed and explains the program in detail.

Tigers: Open to boys and girls in the 1st grade. The Den Leader works with the Cubmaster and adult partners to provide an interesting, exciting, and fun program for the Scouts. Scouts will learn the basics of Scouting and begin working on Scouting achievements. Some of the achievements are done at home with adult partner supervision. Tigers earn their Tiger badge when they have completed the requirements. The Tiger book is followed and explains the program in detail.

Wolves: This is open to boys and girls in the 2nd grade. As in the Tiger Den, Scouts work on achievements that lead to earning their Wolf badge. The activities in Wolves are more advanced than Tigers as the scouts are growing and learning. Some of the achievements are done at home with adult partner supervision. The Wolf book is followed and explains the program in detail.

Bears: This is the third rank in Cub Scouting, open to 3rd grade boys and girls. Achievements are more difficult than those for Wolves; however, they follow a similar format. The Bear book is followed and explains the program in detail.

Webelos I: This is the fourth rank in Cub Scouting and is open to 4th grade boys and girls. This program is geared to help the Webelos earn his Webelos Badge and prepare him for being an Arrow of Light Scout and beginning to prepare him for Boy Scouts. The Webelos book is followed and explains the program in detail.

AOL (Webelos II): The scout will earn his Arrow of Light which is the highest award in Cub Scouting. This program will further prepare a scout for the transition to Boy Scouts.

7. DEN LEADERS

The Den Leaders are the first and most important link between the scouts and their adult partners and the Scouting program. Den Leaders carry out the Pack’s Scouting Program, work with the Cubmaster and other Leaders, plan and conduct Den meetings and assist the scouts in earning their badges. They must develop a positive relationship with the adult partners and involve them in Den activities. The Den Leader keeps accurate records of the scouts’ attendance and advancements.

Webelos I & AOL Den Leaders must also work with a Boy Scout Troop to ease the transition into the Boy Scouts.

8. ADULT PARTNERS

The adult partners are an integral part of the Cub Scout experience. Adult partners must be 21 years of age and be related to the scout. Adult partners will be recruited when a boy or girl is registering with the Pack to help with events, serve as Leaders and help with Pack activities. If there is not enough support from the adult partners, the Pack will not be able to provide a quality Scouting Program. Adult partners should become familiar with their scout’s handbook and assist him in working on his advancements.

Adult partners are responsible for transporting their scout to and from the Den meetings, Pack meetings and some events. It is the policy of SSPP that all scouts are escorted into the school by their adult partner for any Cub Scout meeting or event. The adult partner must also come into the school to pick up a scout after a meeting or event. This is for the safety of the scouts.

An adult partner must attend Pack meetings, or arrange for another adult family member to attend, with their scout. It is required by BSA policy that the adult partner be with a Lion & Tiger at all times. The Pack does not provide transportation or childcare services.

Adult partners are ultimately responsible for their scout’s conduct at all scout meetings and events. Adult partners may be contacted if a scout is not conducting himself in a proper manner or adult partners may be asked to accompany their scout to meetings and events if there are continuing conduct issues.

By signing your child up for Cub Scouts, you are making a commitment to him and to the Pack. You are agreeing to volunteer your time and services to your scout and the Pack to help them prosper. Everyone has something to contribute and you will be asked to become a sustaining force and friend of Scouting. All adult partners must take Youth Protection Training.

9. FEES

Pack 22’s Annual Registration Fee is $75.00 and Activity Fee is $100.00 per scout (Earned through fundraising or paid for). Cub Scouts are encouraged to sell popcorn in the Fall to help pay the $175.00. Each Scouts will receive 30% profit of all sales they make (50% for online Sales). This fee covers the annual BSA registration fee, Boys Life, Insurance, Pack/Den Activities/Program and Awards. Registration fee of $75 is due by the Popcorn Take Order Date, and Balance due by December 31st. Monthly payment plans can be setup with the approval of the Committee Chair.

10. DEN DUES

Dens may on occasion charge a special fee to support a special activities not covered by the Pack.

11. PACK FINANCES

The Pack’s financial commitments are met through Pack Registration and Activities Fees. Scouts and Families who participate in Pack Fundraisers can help defray out of pocket expenses.

12. SCOUT UNIFORM & BOOKS

Each scout must have a regulation uniform shirt (new or used) and insignias and patches, hat, neckerchief, neckerchief slide and belt. Any solid color navy pants (No jeans or sweat pants) or navy shorts may be worn as long as they are clean and not ripped. All insignias and patches must be attached in the proper locations on the uniform as shown in the Cub Scout Handbook. Cub Scouts must be in full uniform for all Den meetings, Pack meetings and events unless otherwise stated. Uniforms are to be clean, neat and shirt tails tucked in. Scouts may not wear their uniform to sell anything unless it is a Council approved fundraiser.

Periodic uniform inspections will be held. Scouts not in proper uniform will be counseled as to the need to always wear their uniform. Leaders will also discuss uniform issues with adult partners.

Adult partners are encouraged to wear an approved Scouting shirt to show their support.

13. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

No youth should be unable to participate in Scouting for financial reasons. Financial assistance for any scout’s needs will be considered by the Pack and Council on a case by case basis. Please contact the Committee Chair for information regarding financial assistance. Any request made will be reviewed and kept completely confidential.

14. SCOUTS

All scouts shall conduct themselves in a proper manner at all scouting events. They should be on time and attend all Den and Pack meetings and events unless they have a valid excuse. All advancement requirements must be met before the scout can advance to the next rank. Each scout is encouraged to complete the requirements for the religious award of his faith.

Leaders, adult partners, families and guests are also expected to conduct themselves in a proper manner at scout meetings and events. Please be respectful and courteous of others at all times and especially during another scout’s time of recognition.

15. DEN MEETINGS

Pack 22 Den meetings are held at a time when the whole den is available to meet. Typically, Dens will consist of 3 to 8 scouts. Den meetings are held typically 2-4 times per month during the school year (September – May). The Pack will conduct a summer program that will have a minimum of one event per month in June, July and August. Two adults (21 years or older), one of which must be a registered Leader and have BSA Youth Protection Training, must be present at all Den meetings.

The major purposes of Den meetings are:

• All new scouts first learn the basics of Scouting and earn their Bobcat Badge (Tiger – AOL)

• Learning and applying the 12 Core Values of Cub Scouting

• Having fun, learning new things and making new friends

• Develop a sense of belonging

• Develop skills

• Learn responsibility

• Learn about civic duties

• Work on achievements

• Work on Pack presentations

• Learn to respect each other

• Lions earning their Lion Badge

• Tigers earning their Tiger Badge

• Wolves earning their Wolf Badge

• Bears earning their Bear Badge

• Webelos earning their Webelos Badge

• Arrow of Light Scouts earning their Arrow of Light Badge

Den Leaders are encouraged to substitute Den outings for regular Den meetings.

Adult partners are encouraged to attend Den meetings and outings to observe and help out. If you have a particular skill that might benefit the Pack, please share this with the Den Leaders. Please don’t wait to be asked!

The Den Leaders are giving their time to the scouts and the scouts are expected to respect and be appreciative of their Leaders and contribute to the Den and the Pack. Scouts are expected to complete the tasks assigned to them by their Den Leader. A scout should arrive about 5 minutes before the start of each meeting and be picked up within 5 minutes of the conclusion of each meeting. If a scout is unable to attend a meeting, the Den Leader should be notified in advance.

The Den Leaders will conduct meetings according to BSA guidelines, the Pack Policy and the Pack’s approved Scouting Program. Adult partners should encourage their scout to actively participate and must help with their scout’s advancement requirements.

All Dens will participate in Pack meetings, flag ceremonies, skits, songs, and presentations.

16. DEN OUTINGS

Outings are designed as Den or Pack activities that provide special opportunities or fulfill requirements as part of a quality Scouting Program. Any activity held away from SSPP meeting spot may require BSA Tour Plan. BSA Tour Plan guidelines must be followed. The Tour Plan is to be filled out by the Tour Leader. Two adults (21 years or older), one of which must be a registered Leader and have BSA Youth Protection Training, must go on all outings. If the two adults are married another adult must also be present. If a vehicle is used by an adult partner to transport a scout other than their scout on an approved outing, the second page of the Tour Permit must also be filled out. Drivers must be properly licensed and scouts must be transported in vehicles with insurance coverage meeting the requirements of NYS. Leaders, scouts and adult partners must be properly restrained in the vehicle as required by law. All scouts must wear a seat belt or be restrained in an approved child seat or booster seat as required by law. The two deep leadership rule must be met. Uniforms must be worn on all outings unless otherwise specified by the Leader in charge. BSA policy regarding the presence of CPR trained Leaders will be followed.

17. PACK MEETINGS

Pack meetings are held once per month at SS Peter & Paul School typically on the 4th Tuesday of the month from 6:45 – 8:30 pm during the school year (September – May). This is a time for all the Dens to come together and display and demonstrate their skills, projects, and achievements. Scouts receive their awards in front of their peers and adult partners, families and guests. It is a time of recognition and for all to see how the scouts are progressing. It is also a time to have fun and get acquainted with the others. Information regarding meetings, events and news is distributed to scout families at Pack meetings

18. CIVIC SERVICE

Civic service is a part of Scouting. All Leaders, scouts and adult partners are expected to participate in BSA and Pack civic service events.

19. FUNDRAISERS

Pack 22 relies on fundraisers to raise money to fund the activities and supplies that support the Pack’s Scouting Program including badges, awards, trophies, outings, events, etc. The Pack’s main fundraising efforts are the selling of BSA popcorn in the fall and possibly candy bars in the spring. These quality products are sold individually by the scouts and their families and also at Pack booth sales. We will try to hold at least two booth sales at a local retail establishment for each fundraiser. All Leaders, scouts and adult partners are required to participate in the Pack’s fundraisers and do their share.

The Pack’s annual budget is based upon each scout paying his Pack registration fee plus generating $100.00 in profit from fundraisers to cover Pack/Den Activities. This amount can be earned through individual sales and participation at booth sales. If a scout does not sell enough individually or earn enough credit from participating in booth sales to meet this obligation, the scout’s adult partner must pay the difference to the Pack.

Attendance at a booth sale will earn a scout fundraising credit. Every scout attending a booth sale will be credited a portion of the sales based on how long he participated and how many scouts attended.

For example, a popcorn booth sale last four hours and generates $800 in sales which gives the Pack a profit of $240 (30% profit on popcorn sales). If there were 16 scouts that stayed for 1 hour each, that means there were 16 scout hours in total. Therefore, $240 divided by 16 scout hours is equal to $15 profit per scout hour and the scout would receive credit for $15. A scout staying 2 hours would earn a $30 credit towards his fundraising obligation.

Fundraisers, other than BSA Popcorn, require an approved Council fundraiser permit.

The Scouting Program will be adjusted up or down in accordance with the financial abilities of the Pack.

20. FRIENDS OF SCOUTING

Friends of Scouting (FOS) is the charitable foundation that funds approximately 40% of the Council’s budget. Leaders, scouts, adult partners and scout families are asked to contribute to FOS which helps fund and maintain the Council’s facilities, services and Scouting Program. FOS also helps fund any financial support provided to our Pack by Council. FOS is presented as part of the annual Blue and Gold Banquet which is held in February.

21. PACK RECHARTERING

Rechartering is the annual process that allows the Pack to continue in existence and registers everyone in the Pack with BSA. Pack 22 must submit its rechartering documents and fees to

Council by mid-November, BSA fees are due from new scouts and returning scouts at the November Pack Meeting.

22. MEDICAL FORMS

All Leaders, scouts and adult partners participating in Pack activities must complete and submit Parts A and B of the BSA Annual Health and Medical Record (BSA policy). A Leader, scout or adult partner will not be allowed to participate until the medical form has been received. If any information changes during the scouting year, please update the information provided to the Pack as soon as possible to keep our records up to date.

23. EVENTS

As part of a quality Scouting Program, the Pack will hold many events. The schedule of events is shown in the Pack calendar and detailed information is available for these events. In addition to Den and Pack events there are many other very worthwhile scouting events held by the District and Council.

24. COMMITTEE

The Committee is composed of the people and positions necessary to provide the proper oversight and resources necessary to support the Pack’s quality Scouting Program. It is the responsibility of the Committee to review and provide the resources necessary to support the Scouting Program proposed by the Cubmaster. This insures a quality and appropriate program is provided in accordance with BSA guidelines and Pack desires. Committee positions must be approved by the Committee Chair & Chartered Organization Representative (COR) or Charter Organization Head (COH) and accepted by Council.

The bi-monthly Leaders Meetings are joint meetings of the Committee and the Leaders held to conduct the business of the Pack. These meetings are called and presided over by the Chair. Only Committee Members have voting rights (BSA policy); Leaders do not. The Scouting Program is submitted by the Cubmaster to the Committee for consideration and funding.

The Committee may revise the Policy as deemed necessary with the Approval of Chartered Organization. The Chartered Organization has the final say to the operation of the Pack.

The current Committee is: Chair, Treasurer, Advancement and members at large.

25. LEADERS

Leaders are the people and positions necessary to carry out a quality Scouting Program. It is the responsibility of the Cubmaster and Den Leaders to develop, propose, and implement a quality Scouting Program in accordance with BSA policy and the desires of the Pack. Leader positions must be reviewed and recommended by the Committee and approved by the Chair, COR or COH and accepted by Council.

The current Leader positions are: Cubmaster, Assistant Cubmaster, AOL Leader, Webelos I Leader, Bears Den Leader, Wolves Den Leader, Tiger Den Leader and Lion Den Leader.

26. LEADERS and COMMITTEE MEETINGS

The Leaders Meetings are held bi-monthly; Place, Time and Date are available on our website. All Committee Members and Leaders should attend. These meetings are open to anyone affiliated with the Pack or Charted Organization. Pack activities are discussed at this meeting and all input is welcome and vital in helping our Pack prosper.

27. ANNUAL PLANNING MEETING

An annual Pack Planning meeting is held as part of the August Leaders Meeting to finalize the Pack’s calendar and budget for the coming year. This calendar sets out the Pack, District and Council meetings and events for the coming year. The Pack calendar is available on the Pack website.

28. ROUNDTABLE MEETINGS

Leader Roundtables are held on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at the Boy Scout Council Office at 7pm. This is where Scouting information is distributed. There are also specific Cub Scout special interest presentations. As a member of the District and Council, Pack 22 is obligated to have representation at all meetings. Generally, the Cubmaster, Assistant Cubmaster, Committee Chair attend these meetings; however, all Leaders are invited and encouraged to attend.

29. 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 within 90 days of registering.

30. LEADERS REGISTRATION AND TRAINING FEES

Registration, training, and event fees for Leaders may or may not be paid for by the Pack, depending on Pack finances.

31. ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO USAGE

Alcohol is prohibited at all Scouting events. Tobacco may be used only in designated areas that are not in view of any scout.

32. LEADERS UNIFORMS

All Den Leaders, Assistant Den Leaders, Cubmaster, Assistant Cubmaster and Committee Chair are required to obtain a regulation Class A uniform shirt or blouse (new or used). Leaders must be in full uniform for all Den meetings, Pack meetings and events unless otherwise stated. Other Leaders are encouraged to wear a uniform or other approved scouting shirt to show their support.

33. PERMISSION TO PARTCIPATE

Permission for a scout to participate in Pack events and for his picture to be displayed on the Pack Website is part of the “ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF POLICY” page which is the last page of the

Policy. This acknowledgement must be signed and submitted to the Pack before any participation can be allowed. If an adult partner does not wish their scout’s picture to be displayed on the website, please mark out this part of the acknowledgement and initial beside the mark-out. Permission slips for special events may be separately required.

34. PACK WEBSITE

The Pack maintains a website to show off our Pack and to provide information to our scouting families and friends. The Pack website will not display any personal information of any Leader, scout or adult partner. The Pack’s website address is: www.unit22gnfc.org

35. BACKGROUND CHECKS

All prospective leaders will undergo a background check by Council to insure there are no matters that would affect the safety of our scouts.

36. CANCELLATIONS

In the event of inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances, it may be necessary to cancel an event or meeting. Den Leaders will contact each adult partner using the contact information provided to advise of the cancellation. The Pack will follow SS Peter & Paul School’s policy that meetings are not held when Williamsville Schools are closed due to inclement weather.

37. HELP AND PROBLEMS

While we hope that there will not be any problems with a Leader, if there is, a scout and/or his adult partner should discuss the problem with the next higher person in the chain of command of the Pack. The chain of command of the Pack starts with the Den Leader and goes through the Cubmaster, Committee Chair, the COR or COH (Executive Officer).

The Pack promises to provide a quality Scouting program that will help your scout grow to be a fine young man. He will earn and be proud of his accomplishments and we will be proud of him. We hope you join us!