Cub Scout Pack 662

Pack 662's policies are reviewed and, if necessary, modified at the annual planning meeting or the monthly committee meeting.

THE FOLLOWING PACK POLICY STATEMENT HAS BEEN ADOPTED BY THE PACK COMMITTEE OF PACK 662 AS OF FEBRUARY 11, 2003 .

1.  CHARTERING ORGANIZATION / PURPOSE OF THE CUB SCOUT PACK.

 Pack 662 is chartered to the Friends and Family of Cub Scout Pack 662 (the “Chartering Organization”) in the Arapahoe District of the Denver Area Council.  The Pack’s purpose is to promote, through cooperation with other groups and agencies, the ability for Cub Scouts to do things for themselves and others, and to teach the Cub Scouts patriotism, courage, self-reliance, and kindred virtues.  In achieving this purpose, emphasis shall be placed upon educational programs and the oaths, promises and codes for character development, citizenship training, and mental and physical fitness as provided for in the Scouting program.

  Scouting is a family activity, and as such, deserves a high degree of dedication and effort on the part of Scouts, parents, and leaders.

2.  PACK PROGRAM.

The Pack Program, Training Program, and Den Program shall all be fully integrated and conducted on a fiscal year basis, beginning on September 1 of each year and running consecutively through the last day of August.  This will facilitate the influx of new boys into the Pack each year from back-to-school and spring recruitment programs and allow the training cycle to begin when most appropriate.  The Pack Committee shall actively promote Scouting throughout its community by soliciting new members.

  The Pack shall maintain a one-year comprehensive program, including monthly meeting plans for the Pack.  Den Leaders shall develop and maintain a weekly (or as allowed by the Pack Committee – for example, twice a month) meeting program.   The Pack Committee shall assign adult coordinators to coordinate special events during the year such as the Blue and Gold Banquet, Pinewood Derby race, community service projects, summer events, and any other special outings or events that the Pack Committee selects.  The Pack shall promote additional district activities such as day and overnight camps camps, which may require additional fees for participation. 

  The Pack Program shall consist of an appropriate mix of handicrafts, skits, sports and educational programs for all Cub Scouts, including for new Cub Scouts who have little or no experience.

  Except for Tiger Cubs, all boys newly entering Cub Scouts shall be required to fulfill the general requirements to earn the Bobcat rank before being allowed to work on other rank advancement activities in their respective age category.   In accordance with Boy Scouts of America guidelines, this requirement to achieve the Bobcat rank does not prohibit any boy from receiving Sports and Academics Awards or any other awards that the Pack Committee has developed.

  The appropriate Den Leader must approve all awards and advancements.  Parents of Tiger Cubs and Cub Scouts (Wolf and Bear) shall have the authority to sign achievements and advancements in the appropriate Cub Scout Handbook.  These achievements and advancements shall be brought to the attention of the Den Leader and the Pack Advancement Chairperson so that awards and achievements can be recognized at each Pack meeting.  Parents (or the boy’s adult partner) are expected to attend all Den and Pack meetings to support the Cub Scout.

3.  SUCCESS THROUGH ADULT PARTICIPATION.

  The Pack Committee, the Chartering Organization, and the adult leaders are all volunteers, mostly parents of boys in the Pack.  The quality of the Pack Program is entirely dependent upon the numbers and enthusiasm of these volunteers.  The reward of these volunteers is the personal pride that they are doing something to help young boys grow into better adults.  There will be times when all parents will be called on to participate at some level.

  Tiger Cubs is that part of the Cub Scout Program for first-grade boys and their adult partners.  The basic element of the Tiger Program is the boy-adult team.  The adult may be a parent, grandparent, adult brother or sister, aunt, uncle, or even a neighbor.  The only requirements are that the adult must be 18 years of age or older, care about the boy, and have a strong commitment to his well being.  The boy and his adult partner join Tiger Cubs together.

  Although the boys of older ranks of Cub Scouts will increasingly mature in levels of skill and emotional independence, the Pack expects that, regardless of any boy’s age or rank, his parents will continue to attend all Den and Pack meetings, events, and outings; be deeply committed and involved in their boy’s Scouting goals; and support and encourage their boy’s involvement in the Scouting Program.

4.  PACK COMMITTEE. 

  The Pack Committee and the Chartering Organization shall consist of all registered adult leaders and every parent of a registered boy in the Pack.

  The Cubmaster, Assistant Cubmaster, Committee Chairperson, and Treasurer shall be appointed to their respective offices by the Pack Committee.  The Cubmaster or the Committee Chairperson shall appoint all other positions.  The Cubmaster or his or her designated representative shall have full responsibility and authority as established by the Pack Committee and the Boy Scouts of America for all Pack meetings, field trips, outings or other activities scheduled by the Pack.

  The Pack Committee shall have its regular monthly meetings at 7:00 pm on the first Tuesday of each month that immediately follows the monthly meeting of the Arapahoe District Roundtable, unless otherwise notified.  Meeting place shall be determined by the Committee Chairperson.  Committee meetings are open to all members of the Pack and guests.

  All Den Leaders, the Cubmaster, Assistant Cubmasters, Committee Chairpersons, and Charter Representatives must be registered with the Boy Scouts of America by filling out an application and paying the annual fee at re-charter time (usually in February each year), unless the Pack Committee agrees to pay such fees.   Adult volunteers in leadership positions must complete an adult application that allows the Boy Scouts of America to conduct a background check.

5.  PROCEDURES FOR JOINING THE PACK.

  Each boy wishing to join the Pack must be registered with the Boy Scouts of America by filling out an appropriate Cub Scout Application.  This form must be submitted to the Cubmaster, Committee Chairperson, or a Pack Committee Member.

  Boys shall be admitted to the Pack as space and/or leaders are available.  If there are no openings in the Pack, boys’ names shall be added to a waiting list on a first come, first serve basis until an opening occurs.

  Upon accepting a boy for admittance, the Cubmaster or a designated Pack Committee Member shall explain the Pack and its operation and shall give each new Scouting family a copy of the Pack Policy, a letter of introduction into the Pack, and other information deemed appropriate by the Pack Committee.

6.  FEES, FUND-RAISING NEEDS, BUDGET, AND USE OF FUNDS.

Annual Pack Dues, Fees.

  The Pack shall require an annual fee from each Scout (“Pack Dues”), which shall be due in the September of his first year and subsequently in the September of each year after.  The Pack Committee shall determine the Pack Dues based on the annual budget.  Pack Dues shall be applied to Pack operations and equipment.  At the time of his initial registration into Cub Scouts, the Cub Scout shall also pay the pro-rated registration fees to Boy Scouts of America (which are not included in Pack Dues).

  Sponsors or other means may be available for Scouts needing financial assistance.  It is possible that financial assistance may be available not only to pay for dues and fees, but also other costs involved in participating in the Cub Scout program, such as uniform purchase.  The Cubmaster, Assistant Cubmaster, or Committee Chairperson may be contacted for details.

  Fund-Raising Projects.

  Pack Dues may be supplemented by fund raising projects that the Pack Committee shall determine in accordance with District, Council, and Boy Scouts of America policies.  The Pack relies on the success of its annual fund-raising projects to support the Pack, to fulfill the Pack’s goal of being self-sufficient, and to minimize the amount of Pack Dues that must be contributed from each Cub Scout based on the annual budget. 

  To fulfill the above goals, the Pack expects that each family support its Cub Scout and the Pack by participating in these fund-raising projects.  The Pack requests that each family contribute its efforts in assisting its Cub Scout to take on his part of the fund-raising burden, so that work required to meet the Pack’s financial needs will be shared fairly by all.  Each fund-raising project shall have a chairperson to coordinate the activity and maintain accountability for all expenditures and funds raised. 

6.  FEES, FUND-RAISING NEEDS, BUDGET, AND USE OF FUNDS, con’t.

  Annual Budget.

  The Pack Committee shall create and maintain an annual budget for general expenses and rechartering.  The Pack’s Treasurer shall maintain the Pack’s financial records and shall assist the Pack Committee Chairperson and the Cubmaster in planning the annual budget, which must receive the Pack Committee’s approval.  Financial procedures outlined in this Pack Policy are considered a separate policy statement, which the Pack Committee has reviewed and approved and by so doing, made such separate policy statement a part of this document.

  Treasurer/Review Procedures.

  The Pack shall have a Treasurer, whose responsibilities shall include assisting the Pack in maintaining a sound financial program.  The Treasurer shall assist in preparing the annual budget.  He/she shall maintain up-to-date financial records and provide a treasurer’s report for each Pack Committee meeting.

The Treasurer shall monitor expenses against the annual budget and monitor all fund-raising projects.   The Pack Committee shall appoint at least two (2) individuals from within or outside the Pack to review the financial records each year and/or when the individual holding the office of Treasurer changes.

  Care and Application of Funds.

  The Treasurer shall open and maintain a bank checking account (interest bearing, if possible) on behalf of the Pack.  All funds from fund-raising projects done through Cub Scout Pack 662 shall be maintained in the Pack account.            

  Specific monies accumulated through the efforts of an individual or a den may be earmarked for that boy or that den for dues or to cover expenses for outings or some other Scouting activity.  No funds raised through fund-raising projects shall be refunded to individuals or dens.  Fund-raising proceeds may be expended for Scouting activities, projects, or equipment only.

  All expenditures over $200.00, with the exception of registration and recharter fees, must have prior approval of the Pack Committee. 

7.  PACK MEETINGS, OTHER EVENTS.

  Pack meetings shall be held once a month on a Friday evening during the months of August through May, as scheduled by the Pack Committee.

  Pack meetings, field trips, outings, and all scheduled activities are open to all guests, parents or leaders.  Because transportation, meals, sleeping arrangements, and other logistical requirements are necessary, it is advisable to notify the Cubmaster, the Pack Committee, or the event coordinator in advance if guests plan to attend activities other than regular Pack meetings.

  For any event or outing taking place within the Denver Area Council boundaries (Continental Divide to Deer Trail and County Line Road to 120th), an official Boy Scouts of America "Tour Permit" is not required.  For all outings outside the District boundaries, a Tour Permit shall be submitted to the District office as required.  Events and outings occurring over 250 miles from the Pack hometown shall require a "National Tour Permit" in accordance with Boy Scouts of America requirements.  All Scouts traveling in a vehicle shall have a properly functioning seat belt, which he shall keep fastened while the vehicle is in motion.

  All meetings, events, or outings shall have at least two (2) adult “leaders.”  The designated trip leader shall have in his or her possession a valid signed permission slip from parents or guardians of all attending boys.  One adult trip leader must possess a current training card indicating he or she has completed Youth Protection Training within the past three (3) years.  

8.  DEN ORGANIZATION AND MEETINGS.

  Pack 662 uses the conventional Den and Pack organization of Scouting.  Dens are comprised of boys in a particular age group or grade in school:

            Tiger Cubs                    ---        6 years of age or completed kindergarten.

            Wolf Cubs                    ---        7 years of age or completed 1st grade.

            Bear Cubs                    ---        8 years of age or completed 2nd grade.

            Webelos 1st Year         ---         9 years of age or completed 3rd grade.

            Webelos 2nd Year        ---        10 years of age or completed 4th grade.

  Dens are generally assigned on a permanent basis for the current year and work independently within the Pack.  The Pack provides support, recognition, and training that the Den could not otherwise provide, such as equipment, adult training, and advancement.

  Dens shall have one adult leader appointed by the Cubmaster and/or the Pack Committee.  The Den Leader organizes and conducts the Den meetings with the aid of an assistant and/or parents.

  The Dens meet separately from Pack meetings for their normal meetings, then meet once a month with the other Dens at the Pack meeting to receive awards, show handicrafts and skills learned or made at regular Den meetings.

9.  EXPECTATIONS FOR BEHAVIOR.

  A Scout is responsible for his own age-appropriate behavior.  Beyond that, the Den Leader and his parent(s) are responsible for the actions of the Cub Scout at all Scouting activities and meetings.

  The rules of Pack 662 are the Cub Scout Promise and the Law of the Pack.  When a Cub Scout intentionally violates one of the rules, this violation shall be brought to his attention by any of the adult volunteers.   If a Cub Scout persists in behavior that is disruptive to the program, the Den Leader shall have the options of counseling the Scout, reviewing the behavior and possible solutions with the parents, and/or bringing the situation to the attention of the Pack Committee. 

  If the Den Leader cannot resolve a disciplinary problem, the issue shall be presented to the Pack Committee.  A majority vote of the Pack Committee shall decide the issue.  As determined by the Pack Committee, the Charter Representative may act as arbitrator in special cases.  Any decision or action by the Pack Committee shall be final.

  Cub Scouts may be expelled from good standing from the Pack by a majority vote of the Pack Committee for failure to follow policies of the Boy Scouts of America, Denver Area Council, Arapahoe District, or Pack 662.

10.  BOYS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS.

  Boys with special needs are encouraged to participate in Scouting.  Consistent with Scouting guidelines and goals, the Pack shall make every effort to accommodate such needs.  The Boy Scouts of America have special programs and training for leaders and parents involved in special needs programs.

A Den Leader, Cub Scout, or his parent or adult partner may request that the Pack Committee review any accommodation to confirm the solution is fair and equitable.

11.  UNIFORMS.

  Because uniforms are an important part of the Scouting Program, all Cub Scouts are required to wear a uniform to all Scout functions, unless advised otherwise by the person in charge of the activity.  All registered leaders are encouraged to wear uniforms to all Scout functions.

  The Cub Scout uniform shall consist of at least (1) a Cub Scout shirt with necessary patches and insignia and (2) a Cub Scout neckerchief for appropriate rank, together with a slide.  Wearing official Cub Scout pants or shorts with the Cub Scout belt is optional.

12.  RECHARTERING.

  For its continued existence, the Pack must recharter each year in February.  The Pack Committee shall be responsible for getting the necessary forms filled out and turned in with the appropriate fees.  Details of the requirements for rechartering may be requested from the Pack Committee Chairperson, Cubmaster, or Chartered Representative.

13.  COMMITTEE VOTING PROCEDURE, AMENDING PACK POLICY.

  For deciding Pack business that requires Pack Committee approval, the majority vote of all Pack Committee members present at a Pack Committee meeting is necessary. 

  Likewise, amendments to Pack policy statements may only be accomplished by a majority vote of the Pack Committee.   Prior to presenting a proposed amendment for a vote, a requested modification must be provided to the Pack Committee in writing at least one month prior to the vote. 

14.  PRIOR POLICY STATEMENTS SUPERCEDED, UNENFORCEABLE PROVISIONS.

  As of February 11, 2003 , all prior policy statements previously adopted by or behalf of Pack 662 shall be superceded by this document.  All such statements shall no longer be considered to have any force or effect.

  In the event that any provision of this document is not enforceable (either by reason of law or the regulations or requirements of the Boy Scouts of America, Denver Area Council, Arapahoe District, or  any other governing body overseeing the operation and function of Pack 662), that provision shall be considered removed from this document and the remainder of this policy shall remain in full force and effect.

Contact the Cubmaster.