8. Q. Can I take my Den camping?
A. Any camping other than backyard camping or
family camping is not
advocated for Cub Scouts.
9. Q. I don't want the boys running all through
my house at Den Meetings. How can I stop them?
A. Each Den needs to establish its own set of
rules. This should be done as a Den project with all Den members, boys
and adults alike, contributing suggestions. Don't go overboard, but
be sure to include all the important items, such as: All Cub Scouts
must stay in the Den Meeting area unless given permission by the Den
Leader or assistant Den Leader to go to another room; no rough housing;
no talking during ceremonies; each Cub Scout is responsible for returning
his project materials to the proper place; each person is responsible
for cleaning up after him/herself. These are suggestions. Base your
rules on your Den situation.
10. Q. Who should I contact to find out about
District and council Activities, and training?
A. Attend Roundtable.
11. Q. What do I do when someone breaks the
rules or is disruptive? How do I discipline?
A. Be sure
all your boys know the Cub Scout sign and its meaning -- "when the sign goes up the mouth goes
shut." By giving the Cub Scout sign and discontinuing all activity
until all the boys have stopped talking, you can often regain control.
Don't speak, just give the sign and wait. The Den candle is a good
idea. Select a fair sired candle.(one that will last through several
meetings, but not so large that it takes months to burn down) and light
it at the beginning of each meeting. Let the boys know that when it
burns down there will be a special outing, treat, party or whatever
the Den decides to do, as a reward for good behavior. Every time someone
breaks a rule or misbehaves, the candle is blown out, and it will take
that much longer to reach their reward. The candle is not lighted again
during the Den Meeting. The boy
(s) who misbehaved could be responsible for
blowing out the candle which then would put peer pressure on the disruptive
boy(s). If they cause the candle to be blown out, thereby delaying
their reward, the rest of the Den will be upset with them.
Try "3 strikes and you're out".
A boy that is disruptive three times during one meeting is not invited
back for the next meeting. The first time a boy is disruptive he is
given a verbal warning. The second time he can blow out the conduct
candle and if he continues to misbehave he should call his parents
so that he can be picked up and taken away from the Den Meeting, The
parents of all boys should be informed of this procedure when the Den
is established.
REMEMBER
z You are not permitted to strike or physically
punish any boy, even if his
parents give you permission. z Be fair -- treat
each boy the same, show no favoritism whatsoever. z Be consistent --
Don't let them get away with something one week that
you will object to the next week. z Don't threaten
- act. Boys are testers and will continue to misbehave as long as you
let them. z A boy that is continuously disruptive is depriving the
other boys of the program. Talk to his parents if it continues. z Plan
enough physical activity to allow boys to let off steam/energy. If
all they do is sit, they will act up because of boredom. z Try to find
out why a boy misbehaves. He may be trying to tell you something!
12. Q. How much advancement work should we
do in the Den Meeting?
A. Den Meetings
are not "advancement factories." Cub
Scouting is home-centered and family oriented. Don't deprive a family
of working with their son by doing too much advancement work at the
Den Meetings. A good balance of advancement projects are pre-planned
for you in the Cab Scour Program Helps book. It won't overwhelm the
boys with book work, but at the same time, should encourage them to
work at home. If for some reason a boy is not working on any of his
advancements in his home, you, as his Den Leader, can take the time
and work with the boy out of his book to make sure that he also will
receive recognition as the other boys do.
It is better to let boys know after the fact
that they have completed a requirement while having fun or working
on a project for a Pack Meeting.
13. Q. Who signs the Cub Scout's books?
A. The parents of Wolf and Bear Cub Scouts have
the primary privilege of passing their son on advancement. The Den
Leader may sign off achievements and electives done at Den or Pack
meetings.
14. Q. As a Cubmaster, is it my responsibility
to keep the record book?
A. No, that is the job of the Pack secretary,
Assistant Cubmaster, or a member of the Pack Committee.
15. Q. Who signs the Webelos Scout's book
when requirements are completed?
A. The Webelos Leader, or the person he/she
designates, will approve the completion of requirements and sign the
Webelos' Scout Book.
16. Q.
Isn't it true that the boys don't have to do exactly what the requirement
states as long as the "flavor" and
spirit of the requirement is kept? The Leader can substitute something
else right?
A. If a
requirement says a boy must "show",
then the boy must show; if it says to "tell", "list" or "demonstrate",
then the boy must tell, list or demonstrate to pass the requirement.
Remember: it is still to the best of the individual boy's ability.
17. Q. How often should a den meet?
B. An active den should meet weekly, this will
keep the boys involved in the program. If the pack quits meeting during
the summer months, they should plan at least one monthly activity for
those in-active months. It is best to try and hold meetings at the
same time, on the same day each week. This helps to build a regular
routine with the boys.
18. Q. How often can we go camping?
A. Webelos
Scouts do not go camping in the same way as Boy Scouts, that is, Webelos
Leaders do not take the Webelos
Scouts out alone to camp..."Webelos Scouts are encouraged to have
parent-guardian/son overnight experiences away from home. This is an
important step in the transitional period from Cub Scouting to Scouting.
Remember TWO DEEP LEADERSHIP!
Each Webelos Scout Den should have one or two
overnighters each year to ensure that all Den members will have the
opportunity to earn the Arrow of Light award.
19. Q. Several of my Webelos Scouts' parents
are unable to go on an overnight campout. Should this experience
be canceled?
A. That is a decision that will have to be made
by all the fathers able to go. Don't forget: Although it is desirable
to have each boy under the supervision of his own father, there are
alternatives available for the boy who has no father, or whose father
simply cannot go. REMEMBER: Only a parent or guardian can sleep in
the same tent with their son.
z Another father may be responsible for him,
z His mother could go in his place,
z Another male relative could go on the overnighter, or
z A male member of the Pack Committee.
There shouldn't
be any "loose" boys,
boys who aren't the responsibility of someone other than yourself.
Each temporary, or substitute dad, is responsible for his "adopted" boy
just as completely as his own son.
If you and all the dads, real and substitute,
feel there is enough supervision, go ahead. If the vote is no, consider
a day hike instead, same alternatives applying.
The Webelos Den overnight camp must be done
right or it shouldn't be done at all.
20. Q. How long should a Webelos den meeting
be?
A. A well run Webelos meeting will last no longer
than 1-1/4 hours.
21. Q. I'm not that handy. How can I get
my boys through all 10 activity pins?
First, increase your own skills. Be sure to
attend Basic Training and Outdoor Webelos Leader Training (OWL). OWL
is a complete instructional session which includes outdoor skills.
Attend any Webelos Leaders' workshops that are available through your
Council and regularly attend POW WOW and your District Roundtable.
All of these will help you gain knowledge and experience in activity
pin areas.
Don't overlook the parents in the Pack as potential
instructors. Boy Scouts who have gone through the Cub Scout program
will be helpful as well as you and other parents of your Pack through
utilization of the Parent Talent Survey. Someone may know of interested
outsiders that would be willing to share their knowledge and expertise
with your Den.
REMEMBER: You have two years to complete the
entire Webelos' program.
22. Q. Do I have to follow the monthly themes
put out by the National Scout Office?
A. There are two types of program planning materials
available for use by Cub Scout Packs that you should use to make your
planning and weekly Den Meetings easier and fun filled which also covers
the areas of concern.
Cub Scout Program Helps: This book offers monthly
plans that are broken down for weekly Den Meetings for the 8 and 9
year old boy in the Cub Scout Dens. When following the Cub Scout Program
Helps book the planning of each melting is coordinated and outlined
for the Den Leader according to the monthly theme. Each month follows
a theme, or suggested area in history, culture, etc. around which activities,
games, projects, skits, outings, and Pack Meeting participation items
are based.
Webelos Scout Helps: This is part of the Cub
Scout Program Helps book and is geared to the activity pin areas the
Webelos Dens will be exploring. It is coordinated with the themes the
Cub Scout Dens will be working on as much as possible and provides
plans for a full year of meetings for the Webelos Leader.
Following the programs outlined in the Webelos
Scout Helps is the easiest way to provide a well-rounded den program
for your Den that follows the purposes and objectives of Scouting and
encourages advancement.
23. Q. When can Webelos wear a tan shirt
and/or a patrol patch instead of a den number.
Upon becoming a Webelos Scout, the Scout and
his family have the choice as to which uniform he will wear. If the
boy was a Cub Scout, he might want to wear his blue uniform until he
outgrows it, then switch to the khaki and tan uniform, but that is
the families decision to make. The patrol emblem is a decision for
the whole den to make. While they take the name and identity of a Patrol
and wear the emblem, they are still a den.
24. Q. What about the boy that is not advancing?
A. Talk with the boy yourself to see if you
can aid him with any problem he may be having in not completing his
requirements for advancing.
Talk with his parents about the advancement
plan and how it works. Offer your assistance to explain in detail,
and in person, if necessary.
Be sure to give proper recognition to the boy
for advancement work when he does finish.
Use the immediate recognition kit as an incentive
for Wolf and Bear ranks.
25. Q. What is a Denner, and where do I get
one?
A. The Denner is one of the Cub Scouts in your
Den. He is elected to office by the Den members and is responsible
for assisting the Den Leadership (primarily the Den Chief if you have
one but also should help the Den Leader). The Denner wears a special
gold braid over his left shoulder to signify his position. The Denner
is used to help set out craft materials, paper and pencil supplies,
help to organize the game or a special activity and can help with last
minute preparations and clean up after the Den Meeting is over.
26. Q. What do we do at Scouts?
A. First and foremost, the boys have FUN, if
the boys don't enjoy themselves they won't keep coming back.
27. Q. What are the Den Leader responsibilities
at Pack meetings?
A. Each month Dens are asked to stage opening
and closing ceremonies, skits, stunts or songs, or to help with the
setup or arrangement of the Pack Meeting; such as chairs and tables
for the Scouts and his family members. Den assignments are made at
the monthly Pack Leaders' Meeting. The Den Leader will also be responsible
for maintaining the discipline of his/her Den.
28. Q. How old can you be to join Cub Scouts?
A. A boy must be in the first grade (or be 7,
8, 9, or 10 years old).
29. Q. What about fund-raisers' How often
and what kind?
A. Local
Councils must approve all fund-raising projects. Obtain the "Unit
Money Earning' application (no. 34427) from the Council office and
be sure you understand the ten guides to
unit money-earning projects listed on the back of the form. When you
are confident your project conforms with the guidelines, fill out the
application and submit it to your Council for approval.
Another Council sponsored fund-raising activity
is the Popcorn Sale wherein various types of popcorn are sold and depending
upon the amount of popcorn that has been sold by a Scout will depend
upon the type of reimbursement given to the boy or the Pack.
Check with your local Council to find out about
other Council sponsored events or what your Pack can do to earn money.
There are Dens who also participate in fund raisers to earn money.
How often? Generally one successful fund-raiser
a year will suffice if you are careful with expenses and follow your
budget. If your Pack is one that offers funds to the Scouts for registration,
books, summer camping fees, etc. another fund-raiser or two may be
beneficial.
30. Q. How much does Scouts cost?
A. The Scouting program has several costs involved.
The basic cost is the standard $ 10.00 registration fee to National.
Then there is $ 9.00 for an annual subscription to Boys Life. Then
there are Pack dues (set by each individual unit), and in some cases
you will find Den dues. The basic $ 19.00 is the same nation-wide,
the rest varies greatly.
31. Q. How often should our Pack have Committee
Meetings?
A. The Frequency of meetings for the Pack Committee
alone are based on the need for such meetings. Usually the Committee
will meet with the rest of the Pack leadership for the monthly Pack
Leaders' Meeting and conduct all the Pack business at that time.
32. Q. Do you go on field trips?
A. Pack and den trips are a welcome change from
the routine of pack and den meetings during the school year and are
good summer activities that teach the boys something about their community
and how it is run. Get permission before you go. Remember that a minimum
of two adults must be present on all field trips.
33. Q. Who plans the Pack Meeting?
A. Pack Meetings are planned at the monthly
Pack Leaders' Meeting with all Pack and Den Leaders offering suggestions
and help. This meeting is held about one week prior to the Pack Meeting,
at which time final details for the upcoming Pack Meeting are ironed
out, and the following month's plans are set.
34. Q. Where do we get our uniform?
A. You can
purchase new uniforms from the Scout Shop ™ or an authorized
Scout dealer. You can also find used uniforms at yard sales, thrift
shops, and flea markets. Many units
have uniform banks or exchanges to help you with uniforming.
35. Q. What does a Den Leader Coach do?
A. Den Leader Coach is a sympathetic ear, a
helping hand, and an on-the-job teacher to new Den Leaders who sometimes
feel overwhelmed and lost with their new responsibilities. The Den
Leader Coach can often make the difference between the Den Leaders
staying with it and doing their best or getting discouraged and dropping
out.
The Den
Leader Coach also "takes the heat" off
the Cubmaster by serving as a liaison between him/her and the Den Leaders.
He/she can accumulate many questions and concerns expressed by the
leaders and communicate these with one phone call as opposed to several
by each Den Leader. Usually he/she will be able to handle most situations
without involving the Cubmaster.
36. Q. Is any religious beliefs welcome?
A. The Boys Scouts of America maintains that
no member can grow into the best kind of citizen without recognizing
an obligation to God. The Boy Scouts of America is absolutely nonsectarian
in its attitude toward religious training.
37. Q. Is there training for being a Den
Leader Coach?
A. YES!!! There is usually a Den Leader Coach
Seminar conducted once a year through the Council in your area. Often
Den Leader Coach training is offered through a POW WOW session. Call
your Council office and check to see when the next Den Leader Coach
Seminar is being held and where it will take place.
If a session is not being held, contact Your
District Training Chairperson.
He/she will be able to provide a personal coaching session for you.
38. Q. How can I get the Den Leaders to go
to Roundtable?
A. IN YOUR CAR!!! Don't send them - take them.
If there is absolutely no way a Den Leader can attend, be sure to share
with him/her the multitude of information and ideas that are given
at Roundtable.
39. Q. Can a boy from a single parent family
join Scouting?
A. Yes, the Scouting movement has many boys
from single parent families. While at the Tiger Cub level, an Adult
partner is necessary for joining, at the higher ranks the boy doesn't
have to have a parent with them for all activities.
40. Q. If all the Den Leaders from our Pack
go to Roundtable, won't that put the Den Leader Coach out of a job?
A. No, but it will make your Den Leader Coach's
task much easier. The Den Leader Coach is responsible for coordinating
the efforts of the various Dens at Pack Meetings, counseling the Den
Leaders with problems, representing them to the Pack Committee, helping
recruit new leaders, and enough additional responsibilities that the
Den Leader Coach will probably welcome their attendance at Roundtable.
41. Q. I would like for my son to join Scouts,
but we can't afford some of the things that are required, what can
I do.
A. While the registration fees must be paid
in order to join, some things such as uniform can wait. You can pick
up used uniform parts as you find them, and can afford them. Most units
can help the truly needy with their dues, and many youth can learn
a valuable lesson by doing some odd jobs to help earn their dues money.
Seldom will a boy that wants to be a Scout be turned away do to lack
of money.
42. Q. I've been with this Pack a long time
and have given on-the-job training to many new Den Leaders. Often
a new Den Leader feels that the training that has been provided if
all that is needed. How can I make sure that complete training is
taken?
A. Training teams put in many, many hours of
hard work, research and time into each course. These courses are constantly
being updated to remain abreast of every new development in the Cub
Scout program, and are generally offered at a minimal fee. Perhaps
if you stressed the importance of what training can do for a leader
and offered to take them or make arrangements for them to attend, you
would have better response.
43. Q. Can my son join Scouting if he has
a handicap?
A. Yes, the Scouting program has provisions
set up for members with disabilities. This information can be found
in the Policies section (chapter 7) of the Cub Scout Leader Handbook.
For additional information on membership and advancement of Cub Scouts
with disabilities, check with your council service center.
44. Q. What can our Unit Commissioner do
for us? And where do I find him/her?
A. Your Unit Commissioner is a dedicated, experienced
Scouter willing to assist your Pact in many ways. He/she can help you
make troop contacts, locate people, equipment, and materials, assist
in the rechartering process and in recruiting and program planning.
As an outside observer, your Unit Commissioner can often spot potential
problems and weaknesses in your program quickly and can help you solve
them personally or by calling in District or Council personnel.
Contact your Council office or your District
Executive to see what Unit Commissioner has been assigned to your Pack.
Be sure to get his/her telephone number so that a call may be placed
to him/her to set up a meeting. Also, get your Unit Commissioner's
address so that an invitation can be extended for special events. e.g.,
Blue and Gold Dinner, Advancements, Pack Committee Meetings, Recruiting
nights, etc.
45. Q. How often should we recruit?
A. ALL YEAR LONG!!
Each fall the Boy Scouts of America launches
a major recruitment drive called SCHOOL or RALLY NIGHTS. All Packs
across the nation are urged to take part and are supplied with materials
to aid them. Many Districts organize a spring membership drive in addition
to the autumn program.
This is not meant to imply that recruiting should
only take place once or twice a year. Boys become interested in Cub
Scouts every day of the year and should be offered the opportunity
to join the Pack as soon as they are interested. Leaders should be
recruited as the need arises.
46. Q. Where are the meetings held, and at
what time?
A. There is no set time or place for meetings
to be held. The main requirement is for the meeting to be held at a
Safe Place. They can be held at a Den Leaders home, at a place provided
by the Charter Organization or at a Church, school or city building.
Just be sure to meet the TWO-DEEP LEADERSHIP requirement.
47. Q. Can I become a leader, and what does
it entail?
A. To become a register leader, one must first
be approved by the Charter Organization. Once approved, you can register.
The position you are given will be according to the needs of the pack,
and what you are wanting to do. Once registered, RUN, don't walk to
the nearest Cub Scout Leader Training session. Every boy deserves a
trained leader.
48. Q. What are the responsibilities of the
Chartered Organization?
A. The Chartered Organization operates the Scouting
unit. This organization may be a church, a school, a PTA, a civic organization,
etc. The chartered organization agrees to conduct the Scouting program
according to the policies of the Boy Scouts of America. Some chartered
organizations have more than one Scouting unit.
Your chartered organization is responsible for
these things:
z Furnishing a SAFE meeting place for the monthly
Pack Meeting. z Selecting adults to operate the Pack according to the
organization's policies. z Appointing a Chartered Representative for
the Scouting units.
49. Q. What question is really supposed to
be here?
A. I don't know. It was missing from my source
documents. That's OK, though. This is Scouting...we have to learn to
roll with the punches and react to whatever situation we are confronted
with with a minimum amount of stress and worry.
50. If I can't attend the meetings, is there
anything I can do to help?
A. Parental
help outside the meeting is always needed. You can help with a telephone
tree. Parents are always needed
to help with refreshments for Den meetings and pack meetings. You could
be of assistance with fundraisers such as the Popcorn drive. You could
always do errands like picking up supplies from the Scout Shop ™.
The Pack committee and Cubmaster always have needs that a parent can
be of help with. Just ask!!!
51. Q. Who should sign the checks for Pack
expenses?
A. It is a good policy to always have two signatures
required on the Pack account, the treasurer's of course, and either
the Cubmaster's or the Committee Chairperson.
52. Q. What kind of activities do we do at
Scouts?
A. At Cub Scout meeting, there will be all type
of games, crafts, skits and songs. There will be races with boats,
cars and possibly rockets or turtles. You will learn many new things,
they may about stuff right next door, or maybe from all around the
world. There will be several opportunities for organized family camping
every year. If you attend Cub Scout Day Camp, or Cub Resident Camp,
you might have the opportunity to swim, shoot BB guns, shoot Bow and
Arrows. You might even get the chance to do some canoeing or boat rowing.
The fun is endless, and that's the key to a good program, FUN FUN FUN.
53. Q. How can Roundtables help our Pack?
A. Roundtables give your Pack leadership hands-on
experience and supplemental materials to aid you in carrying out the
Cub Scout program in your Pack. Each month theme reinforcements such
as ceremonies, songs, crafts, games, field trips, open forum for questions/answers
and program ideas are presented for you to use in your Pack.
Contact your Council office or your District
Commissioner to see when and where your Roundtable s taking place for
your District.
54. Q. Who will be delivering the Training
I keep hearing about?
A. In the Arrowhead District, we have training
occurring all of the time. Check our Training Calendar. Remember,
you can attend any training in any District. You do not have to wait
until it is offered in our district.
55. Q. We often hear about ceremonies. Are
they really all that important?
A. YES, THEY ARE VERY IMPORTANT!!!!!
z They show boys and parents the proper use
and respect of the American Flag. z They acknowledge the boys and their
parents with the purpose and meaning of the Cub Scout program. z They
stimulate advancements in the Pack by creating an incentive to do things
not only for fun but also for the recognition.
z They offer an opportunity for recognition
of parents. They may increase parent attendance at Pack Meetings because
in many ceremonies the parents are asked to take part.
z They can be the vehicle for the make believe
and pageantry that most boys and parents enjoy.
56. Q. Why can't Women den leaders wear the
khaki uniform?
A. As of September 1996, the khaki/tan uniform
is now available as an official option for all female Scouters.
57. Q. What types of recognition is appropriate
for the adult leaders and when should it be given?
A. Recognition
is a method that is used to motivate boys not only to acknowledge their
achievements but also move them
toward advancement. Adult leaders are no different. They need to be
recognized for their achievements and the time and effort they have
used for doing a good job. Saying "thank you" sometimes isn't
enough to encourage a leader for working and accomplishing something.
Here are a few ideas in addition to "thank you".
z Certificate of Appreciation: For chairing
or helping with a special Pack
event. z Certificate of Appreciation: For service
as a Leader. Can be presented at the Blue and Gold Banquet. z A formal
written thank you note from the Pack Committee: For additional Pack
service by a Leader. z A special gift or special award: At a Pack Meeting
before they advance into a Troop. z A thank you from the heart for
someone who is truly doing his/her best. This can be done any time.
z Special applause: For a job well done at a Pack Meeting.
58. Q. Can a leader wear more than one Quality
Unit Award on their uniform at one time?
A. No, according
to the 2003 printing of the Insignia Guide it states: "Only the most recently earned Quality
Unit emblem may be worn".
59. Q. A boy with disabilities has applied
for membership in our Pack. Shouldn't be in a special Pack?
A. Not necessarily. The decision to accept this
child into your Pack would depend on the extent of his disabilities.
Consult with the boy, his parents, teachers, and his proposed Den Leader
to help you determine his expected level of participation and the advisability
of his membership. Most boys with disabilities will benefit greatly
from membership in your Pack and can actually contribute much to the
personal growth of the other boys and leaders.
Because of special classes and schools for the
disabled, there often is little social interaction between youth without
disabilities and disabled boys at this age. Working, playing and sharing
together in Den situations can increase the confidence and capabilities
of the special boy and contribute to the understanding and compassion
of the regular Cub Scout.
Mainstreaming, or the placement of disabled
boys into Packs with boys without disabilities, is encouraged by the
Boy Scouts of America.
The program does not need to be altered, but
certain considerations may be extended to the handicapped Scout, such
as registration beyond the regular age requirement and the substitution
of electives for physical feats outside the realm of the child's capabilities.
There are specific procedures to follow when doing this.
As with
any of the boys in the Pack, they should always be encouraged to "DO YOUR BEST".
60. Q. Can a Cub Scout leader earn two awards
at the same time, if he has served in two positions simultaneously?
A. According to BSA publication #34169 Leadership
Training Committee Guide: Plans, Procedures, Materials:
z Tenure used to earn one key or award cannot
be used earn another key or award. z The only exception to this is
in the case of the Boy Scout Leader Training Award, which can be earned
in conjunction with the Scoutmaster's Key.
61. Q. Our last Pack Meeting of the year
is in May. We have a hard time rounding up all the Cub Scouts when
we start up again in the lad. Are there any suggestions for making
this easier?
A. Offer a year-round program that will keep
the Pack together throughout the summer. Keep the Dens together over
the summer. Each Den can meet just once a month for either a regular
Den Meeting or an outing. This will keep the boys interested, advancing
and in the program in the fall, because they never left the program.
Plan and carry out one Pack activity each month
during the summer. Baseball games, picnics, backyard barbecues or Pack
volleyball games are just some ideas that can be enjoyed by the Cub
Scouts and their families. It keeps everyone in touch, is fun and can
help your Pack earn the National Summertime Pack Award. Don't forget
to include Cub Scout day camp, Resident Camp or other type of Cub Scout
sponsored camping in your summer plans.
Remember to have adequate leadership for the
whole year. Eliminate possible program gaps by recruiting Leaders in
the spring to replace those that are advancing into Boy Scouts with
their sons.
62. Q. When are Cub Scout Leader awards presented?
A. It is important to the recognition plan that
all awards be presented in a dignified manner, at an occasion befitting
the achievement.
Immediate recognition of achievement should
be given by presentation of the award in the presence of the unit membership
and representatives of the chartered organization. Announcement in
the council newsletter and in other news media is recommended. In addition,
announcement at a major event in the district or council is desirable.
63. Q. Who can wear the Trained Leader emblem?
A. The trained emblem is for all leaders who
have completed the Fast Start and basic training programs appropriate
to their positions.
64. Q. Why should I have to pay an annual
registration fee when I volunteer so much of my time?
A. The $ 10.00 annual registration fee really
isn't very much when you consider all that leaders receive in return.
Your National Fee provides for Local Council Assistance, program research
and development, program materials including Scouting Magazine, and
local Council insurance and benefits.
Once a year adults in Scouting are asked to
also financially support their local Council through the Friends of
Scouting campaign (FOS). This support provides for maintaining local
camps, training, local communications, a service center operation for
maintaining records and information, a Scout Shop, a professional and
clerical staff to support unit Leaders, and health and accident insurance
for all members.
65. Q. How do you keep records?
A. An Assistant Cubmaster or pack secretary
could be given the task of keeping the Pack Record Book up to date.
Den leaders are responsible for keeping accurate up-to-date den records.
More information on this is available in the
Cub Scout Leader Book, under Den and Pack Management- Chapter 10.
66. Q. My son is friends with a group of
boys in the second grade. My son is only in the first grade, why
can't my son be in the den with his friends?
A. Because the joining requirements for joining
a Wolf den are: must be in the Second grade or be 8 years old. So,
I guess if the youth is an 8 year old first grader he could join with
his friends, if not he belongs in the Tiger Cubs with the boys his
own age. Hopefully he will make new friends there. And he will be around
his older friends at Pack functions.
67. Q. Do we get to go camping?
A. Overnight camping by second- and third-grade
Cub Scout dens or Cub Scout packs other than at an approved camping
facility operated by the local council is not approved, and certificates
of liability insurance will not be provided by the Boy Scouts of America.
68. Q. Why is training so important?
A. Leadership training for the adults in the
Cub Scout program is important for one simple reason: BECAUSE 7-, 8-,
9- AND 10-YEAR OLD BOYS ARE IMPORTANT Not only now, but to the future
of all of us. You cannot be expected to adequately provide a complex
program of citizenship development, character building, and physical
and mental development for boys without the benefit of instruction.
Everything we have learned to do in our lives
is the result of some sort of training, be it feeding and dressing
ourselves, driving a car, or reading this page. Each new task we take
on in life requires training. The Boy Scouts of America recognizes
this fact and has set forth training programs appropriate for every
phase of Scouting.
Some of the ways training will make your job
easier and help you:
z Understanding your job responsibilities and
the responsibilities of the
others with which you serve. z Understanding
boys of Cub Scout age. z Understanding the policies and procedures
of the Boy Scouts of America. z Locating and using resources. z Introducing
you to other Cub Scout Leaders interested in providing a
great experience for the youth of your community.
z Answering your questions about things that concern you.
69. Q. One of my Den members if new to scouting
and wane to go back sad earn his Wolf and Bear badges. Should I encourage
him to do so?
A. NO !!! Keep him in the Webelos Scout program
which is geared for his age and abilities. The first thing that this
boy must earn is his Bobcat badge. Then he should continue to earn
activity pins. No boy is allowed to go back and earn the Wolf or Bear
badge once he is no longer of that age group or in the appropriate
school grade class for that rank.
70. Q. What is Arrow of Light?
A. The Arrow of Light is the highest award in
Cub Scouting. May be earned by Webelos Scouts. The only Cub Scout badge
that can be worn on the Boy Scout uniform.
71. Q. What is a den?
A. A neighborhood group of 6-8 Cub Scouts or
Webelos Scouts who usually meet once a week.
72. Q. What is the difference between Tigers,
Wolf, Bear, and Webelos.
A. The different rank programs are set to be
age specific. By doing so, the boys will be working on things that
are more likely to at their level. If you had 7-11 year old all thrown
together (as in Boy Scouts) the maturity levels would make activities
almost impossible to achieve as a group.
73. Q. What are Tiger Cubs?
A. A Tiger Cub is a boy who is in the first
grade (or is 7 years old) and
registered, with an adult partner, as a member of a Tiger Cub group.
74. Q. What is the Bobcat?
A. The first rank for all boys who join Cub
Scouting (after Tigers).
75. Q. What are Wolf Cub Scouts?
A. The Cub Scout rank designated for a second-grade
Cub Scout (or one who is 8). Wolf rank is earned by completing 12 achievements.
76. Q. What are Bear Cub Scouts?
A. The Cub Scout rank designated for a third-grade
Cub Scout (or one who is 9).
77. Q. What are Webelos Scouts?
A. A Cub Scout who has completed third grade
(or is 10) and is a member of a Webelos den. Webelos Scouts wear a
distinctive uniform.
78. Q. Do I have to attend the entire Training
session if I have already been trained in another position?
A. No, all you have to attend is the split session
for the position you are being re-trained for.
79. Q. Why can't the Cub Scout uniform be
worn for fundraisers other than Council events such as popcorn?
A. The selling of any product must be done on
its own merits. The official uniforms are intended primarily for use
in connection with activities of the Scouting movement, but their use
may be authorized by local councils under conditions and for purposes
not inconsistent with the principles of Scouting and the Scouting program.
80. Q. Why can't my son wear his Cub Day
Camp and Resident Camp patches on my uniform?
A. The Uniform guide states that only one temporary
patch can be worn on the uniform at a time. It will be worn centered
on the right pocket. BSA has available, a nice red brag vest that
is a perfect place for the scout to display and wear all the patches
earned and awarded at different Scouting Activities.
81. Q. What is a Pack meeting?
A. A monthly meeting of all the dens and pack
families for games, skits, presentation of advancement awards, and
other recognition's.
82. Q. How long is the pack meeting?
A. A well
planned Pack meeting lasts on longer than 1 ½ hours.
83. Q. What are Arrow points?
A. An arrow point is an award for earning 10
elective credits in WOLF or BEAR books. The first 10 electives earned
in either rank represent a Gold Arrow Point. Subsequent groups of
10 earn Silver Arrow Points.
84. Q. What is an elective?
A. A part of the Cub Scouting advancement program.
There are 22 electives in the Wolf book and 24 in the Bear book.
85. Q. As a parent, do I need to attend the
Pack meetings?
A. Yes, pack meeting are meant to be enjoyed
by the entire family.
86. Q What is Pow Wow?
A training course for Cub Scout Leaders conducted
by the District or Council. It is usually held annually.
87. Q. What is Cub Scout day camp?
A. A daytime outdoor activity conducted on council
or district basis for Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts.
88. Q. What are Compass points?
A. A recognition earned by Webelos Scouts who
have completed the requirements for the Webelos badge. Consists of
a cloth badge and metal devices, each representing four activities
badges beyond those required for the Webelos badge.
89. Q. Who can sign the boys advancement
requirements?
A. In the Cub Scout program, the boys parent
is his Akela, and as such signs the requirements.
90. Q. What is Cub Scout Resident Camp?
A. An overnight camping activity conducted by
the council for Cub Scouts and/or Webelos Scouts.
91. Q. What is a Den Aide?
A. A teenage boy or girl (14-17) who helps a
den leader in situations where a den chief is not available. It is
a non-registered position.
92. Q. What is a Lone Cub Scout?
A. A boy of Cub Scout age who, unable to join
a pack because of unusual conditions, follows the Cub Scout program
under the leadership of a Lone Cub Scout friend and counselor.
93. Q. When is Scouting Anniversary Week?
A. The week, beginning on a Sunday, which includes
February 8, Anniversary Day.
94. Q. What is a District?
A. A geographic administrative unit of a council.
95. Q. What is a Council?
A. A chartered body of representatives from
organizations operating Scouting units and members at large responsible
for Scouting in a designated geographical area.
96. Q. What is a Tour Permit?
A. Permit designed to assist units in planning
safe, helpful, and enjoyable trips and to ensure that proper procedures
will be followed in case of emergency.
97. Q. What is a Volunteer Scouter?
A. A registered individual who donates service,
time, and/or funds to support the program of the Boy Scout of America.
98. Q. What is a Professional Scouter?
A. A registered, full-time employee of the Boy
Scouts of America who has successfully completed formal training
at the National Executive Institute or National Training School.
99. Q. How long will it take?
A. An hour
a week…NOT!!!
AND LAST,
BUT NOT LEAST…
100. Q. What if I have a question that has
not been answered here?
A. If your question has not been asked or some
other questions of yours answered, please consult the Cub Scout
Leader Handbook.
If you still do not find the information you
are seeking, contact your Unit Commissioner, he/she should be able
to answer your question or get you the information you want.
If you do not have or know your Unit Commissioner,
contact your District Commissioner.
The District Training Chairperson and staff
are also potential sources of information.
If you cannot reach any of these people call
your District Executive (Your DE should be the last person you
consider calling. The volunteers listed above are all specially
trained to help you with your problems, and they considerably lighten
the load of the busy District Executive.)