Welcome to Cub Scouts Pack 912!

As a Pack 912  parent, you may have many questions related to the people, programs and structure of the Pack and Scouting in general. This guide is the starting point for answering many of these questions. The information contained is not comprehensive, but we have also included many links to websites that contain more detailed information.

Thank you for choosing to invest in your son/daughter by becoming members of Pack 912. The Leaders of the Pack are members just like you and we are committed to providing a safe and fun program that teaches and reinforces the ideals of Scouting.

Contact Information

Each member’s primary point of contact is their scout’s Den Leader, but if you have any questions that are specific to the Pack, if you would like to discuss taking on a Leadership role within the Pack or if your question is of a sensitive nature, please do not hesitate to contact one of the Pack Leaders directly:

Stephanie Lynch - Cubmaster

Phone: 239-410-6468

Email: CSPack912@gmail.com

Jack Vincent - Assistant Cubmaster

Phone: 281-850-8148

Email: jackvincent@sbcglobal.net 

Paul Hobson - Committee Chair

Phone: 765-418-1661

Email: pauldhobson@yahoo.com 

Cub Scouts is a year-round program offering fun activities that promote character and leadership development. Den meetings are planned and run by a den leader with a group of Scouts all the same rank/age/grade. The Cub Scouts earn most of their rank advancement adventure belt loops as a den. Parents are encouraged to play an active role in our programs. Cub Scouts may also complete some elective adventures with their parents at home. Pack Meetings are held quarterly, and are attended by all of the Cub Scouts in the Pack and their families. Cub Scouts earn their rank by May of each year as long as they have completed all their required adventures.

Scout Oath

On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.

Scout Law

A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.

Outdoor Code

As an American, I will do my best to – Be clean in my outdoor manners. Be careful with fire. Be considerate in the outdoors. Be conservation minded.

Mission of Scouting

The mission of Scouts, BSA is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law.

The Aims of Scouting

There are four aims of Scouting: character development, citizenship training, physical and mental fitness, and leadership development.

The Methods of Scouting

The methods of Cub Scouting are: living the ideals, belonging to a den, advancement, family involvement, activities, serving the community, and wearing the uniform.

A successful pack involves many ingredients – a responsive chartered organization, a challenging and rewarding program, dedicated and knowledgeable adult leaders, adequate resources, a supportive program, but most importantly, interested and motivated Cub Scouts. You, as parents, have certain expectations of your son's pack that probably include the first four of these ingredients, as well as the opportunity for new experiences, growth of character and the rewards of a team environment. When a family joins the Cub Scouts, they are frequently not aware of the obligations and responsibilities they must accept which are vital to a successful scouting experience. Since parents and scouts may not be familiar with all of these responsibilities, or expectations, they are listed below for your information. While the Scouts are constantly reminded of these responsibilities during pack meetings and other activities, your assistance in assuring that these expectations are understood by your son would be appreciated.   

• We ask that all parents and their scouts attend all pack meetings. YOU MUST SUPERVISE YOUR CHILDREN AT ALL TIMES!  

• To keep current with what's happening in the pack, frequently check our website, www.cspack912.com. Also make sure to join the pack Discord group (more information below).

• Be on time. It is not fair to those that planned your pack meetings, den meetings, and other events if you are late. In some cases your tardiness may be holding up an entire group or your scout will miss out on fun activities.

• Show respect to your fellow Scouters.

• Wear the designated uniform at meetings and designated activities in a neat well groomed manner. See the Cub Scout Handbook for uniform requirements. Camouflage clothing and fatigues are not appropriate. If special clothing is appropriate for a special activity, then the leaders will let the scout know in advance.  

• Keep the handbook up-to-date and bring it to all meetings.

• Return permission slips and registration fees for pack activities on time.  

• Treat Atascocita Springs Elementary School, individual’s homes, and any other meeting facility with care and respect. Many of these facilities offer their space for free and we need to leave the areas as we found them. DAMAGE BY OUR SCOUTS IS COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE! THIS MEANS NO CLIMBING IN TREES, PLAYING WITH MICROPHONES, PLAYING IN THE RESTROOMS, ETC.  

• Do not bring radios, electronic games, comic books, motorized cars or other items that are hazardous (knives, firearms, firecrackers, etc) or that cause distractions which are non-scouting related to any pack meeting or activity.

• Knives are permitted for Bears and Webleos who have earned their Whittling Chip. They should be only brought to events as requested by den leaders. Tigers and Wolves should NEVER have a knife.  

• Do not wander off from the group, whether at a den meeting, activities, or campout. Use the Buddy System at pack meetings or activities and conduct oneself as a best example of the fine scouts in Pack 912, so they can be proud, their parents can be proud, and the adult leaders can be proud of their scouts and their conduct   

• Parents should encourage and support their son/daughter as they embarks on their scouting adventure, for it will truly help them to grow as a person - physically, mentally and spiritually

Boy Scouts of America (BSA)

The Boy Scouts of America is one of the nation’s largest and most prominent values based youth development organizations. The BSA provides a program for young people that builds character, trains them in the responsibilities of participating in citizenship, and develops personal fitness. The Cub Scout program is part of the overall Scouting program offered by the BSA. More info at: http://www.scouting.org/ and https://beascout.scouting.org/ 

Council & District

Pack 912 is part of the Flaming Arrow District of the Sam Houston Area Council (SHAC) of the Boy Scouts of America. Council and District have both paid and volunteer representatives whose job it is to help Cub Scout Packs and Boy Scout Troops provide a quality program for the youth of Chester County. More info at: http://www.shac.org/ 

Chartered Organization

Each Pack has a legal entity that supports the Pack and helped create it through agreement with the BSA. Pack 912’s Chartered Organization is First Global Methodist Church of Humble. The church has a member who is our designated Chartered Organization Representative and this person assists the Pack in our annual recharter process and approves new Pack leadership. More info at: http://www.scouting.org/About/FactSheets/operating_orgs.aspx 

Family-Friendly

Pack 912 is a family-oriented Cub Scout Pack. We offer dens for boys and girls and encourage their family to be present and engaged at den meetings. This is a great opportunity to learn and grow with your child. 

Events

All of our events are open to the entire family. We have Pack campouts, Pinewood Derby, Blue & Gold Banquet, and other events throughout the year including the summer months. 

Volunteer & Service Opportunities

Throughout the year, the individual dens will work on service projects. We may also do pack-level service projects to include everyone. The pack will also inform den leaders and scouting families of volunteer opportunities that the scouts can participate in. 

Camping

Camping is a highlight of the Scouting program for most scouts and their families. Our pack hosts two large family campouts each school year. We have one in the fall (usually in October) and one in the spring (usually in March/April). All scouts in the pack and their families are welcome to join us for these fun-filled weekends!

Dens by Grade Level

In Cub Scouts, the scouts are separated into dens based on their grade level or age as follows:

Kindergarten: Lions

First Grade: Tigers

Second Grade: Wolves

Third Grade: Bears

Fourth Grade: Webelos

Fifth Grade: Arrow of Light

How much does it cost to join Cub Scouts?

• Every year, your family will pay National Dues directly to BSA. As of Fall 2023 this amount is $86. There is also a Council event insurance fee of $6 per registrant.

• The Pack also collects $85 from each scout to help pay for advancement loops, patches, badges, Pinewood Derby cars, and other activities throughout the year. 

• New scouts must pay a $25 registration fee the first year they are registered. As long as the scout stays active, this will only be paid the first year of scouting. 

What other costs will we have?

• Cub Scouts are required to have a Class A uniform for meetings and outings. This will be purchased through the Scout Store and includes a shirt, neckerchief, and belt as well as necessary patches. You can also purchase shorts/pants and a hat, though those are optional. 

• The scouts will need the handbook each year that corresponds with the den level they are currently in. 

What can I do to offset costs?

There are a few opportunities to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses to the Pack:

• Fundraisers

  • The biggest fundraiser is popcorn in the fall

What if I still can't afford the dues?

• A Cub Scout won’t be turned away for financial reasons. Please talk with your den leader and/or the Cubmaster if you need assistance. There is also a form you can fill out on the Pack's homepage once you have access to that as a registered parent. 

Part of Scouting is a feeling of belonging with others. The uniform helps create this sense of belonging and is an important part of being a Scout. Your uniform will also be the place to display advancements and awards they earn throughout their Cub Scout Journey.

Class A Uniform

The Class A uniform varies based on which level of the program your scout is in. 

Lions: Lion T-Shirt OR blue field uniform shirt, blue belt, hat (optional), navy/blue shorts or pants with belt loops for the belt

Tigers/Wolves/Bears/Webelos: Blue field uniform shirt with necessary patches, rank neckerchief with slide, blue belt with Cub Scout buckle, hat (optional), navy/blue shorts or pants

Arrow of Light: Tan field uniform shirt with necessary patches, rank neckerchief with slide, blue belt with Webelos buckle, hat (optional), olive green shorts or pants

https://www.scouting.org/programs/cub-scouts/cub-scout-uniform/ 

Class B Uniform

You can choose to purchase a Pack Tshirt for $15 per shirt. These can be worn in place of the uniform at more informal events such as den meetings. Pack Tshirts can be ordered here: https://scoutsales.org/?2788.73.220.1 

Patch Placement

https://www.scoutshop.org/blog/the-beginners-guide-to-cub-scout-uniform-insignia.html 

Pack Website Parent Portal

After registering with BSA, you will receive login information for our pack parent portal website. There you’ll find registration for any of our pack events as well as a calendar of den and pack meetings. Dues for returning scouts can be paid on the pack website as well as ordering pack shirts. The log in link is in the top menu of this page as well. 

Email

The pack uses email communication as the best way to get in contact with everyone at a pack level. Your den leaders will also likely use this to send den information. Make sure you register with an email address that you check frequently and keep your email up to date on the pack website to continue receiving important emails. 

Discord

After joining the Pack, you will be added to our Pack Discord channel. 

All official pack information will be sent via email, but this can give push notifications for quick reminders such as upcoming pack meetings and registration deadlines for events.  

Den Meetings and Den Outings

Who: Your den (grade level scouts)

What: Meeting with your den to work on advancements

When: Determined by your den leader

Where: Determined by your den leader

Pack Meetings

Who: All Cub Scouts

What: Pack meeting for information and games

When: Third Thursday of the month (unless otherwise notified) in August, October, December, February, and April at 6:30PM

Where: Gym at Atascocita Springs Elementary School

We will have pack meetings every other month during the school year. These are usually the third Thursday of the month unless there is a conflict with school closures or the gym not being available. 

Family Campouts

Who: All Cub Scouts

What: Weekend camping with the entire pack

When: Dates vary, typically in October and March/April

Where: Location varies based on campsite availability

Webelos/Arrow of Light Campouts

Who: Webelos and Arrow of Light Scouts with their dens and parents

What: Camping opportunities for the dens to work on their advancements

When: Determined by den leader

Where: Determined by den leader

Pinewood Derby

Who: All Cub Scouts

What: Racing the Pinewood Derby cars that they design and create against others in their dens

When: Typically mid-late January

Where: Based on availability

The Pinewood Derby is one of the most popular and memorable events in Cub Scouting. Pack 912 usually holds its Pinewood Derby in January. The scouts receive their kits at the December pack meeting and work with their parents to create a car to race. Scouts are expected to do as much of the work as possible by themselves with adult guidance. Lion & Tiger Cubs may only be able to help sand and paint their car, while Webelos should be able to do almost all of the work themselves. Scouts compete by rank in race and show categories. The races are electronically scored by computer and Scouts race in random heats to provide competition and excitement. This event is incredibly fun and gets exponentially better every year.

Blue & Gold Banquet

Who: All Cub Scouts

What: Formal banquet to honor the scouts earning their rank

When: Typically last Saturday in February, based on location availability

Where: To be determined

The Blue & Gold Banquet is Cub Scouting’s birthday party. Held each year in February, the Blue & Gold Banquet is a chance for Pack 912 to come together for an evening of food, family, and fun. This is also when we have our advancement ceremony (including a face painting ceremony with the Scout and a parent) so all ranks should be earned by this time. Earning rank means completing the minimum required advancements, but they can still work on optional advancements through the remaining school year. 

Other Events

• Summer Activities

  • Even though school is out, Pack 912 is still active. We host 3 pack-led events during the summer months. If scouts attend all three, they qualify for the National Summertime Award. 

  • June: Fishing Day

  • July: Pool Day

  • August: Main Event or other fun event for the scouts

• District and Council led camps

  • Webelos Woods (4th and 5th grade scout camping trip)

  • Twilight Camp (summer day camp)

Belt Loops/Pins

Cub Scouts earn adventures that are specific to their rank. A number of adventures must be completed to earn the badge of rank. Adventures may be earned in any order. Completion of adventures is how the aims of character, citizenship, leadership, and personal fitness are developed.

Belt Loops and Pins will be distributed at den meetings by the den leader. The pack picks up awards once per month, so they will not be getting something at every meeting but will instead receive any they’ve earned between awards pickups. 

Rank Patches

On the advancement trail, a Cub Scout progresses towards a badge of rank based on their age. They need not have earned the previous rank in order to earn the next. Each of the ranks in Cub Scouting has its own requirements that are age appropriate, so earning a rank below a Cub Scout’s current grade is not permitted. As a Cub Scout advances through the ranks, the requirements get more challenging, to match the new skills and abilities they have learned.

Scoutbook

All of your Scouts advancement progress will be tracked by their den leader and parent via scoutbook.scouting.org. When logging in, the parent can see what advancements have been marked as completed (requirements have been met), approved (the den leader or advancement chair has approved the award), and awarded (meaning the pack has purchased for distribution).

Cub Scouts would not happen without the dedication of our wonderful parent volunteers! 

All leadership positions within the pack are filled by parents who wanted to be more involved in their child’s pack. Some positions take more work than others, but all are necessary for a functioning pack. 

If you are interested in hearing which positions we currently have open, please talk with your den leader and/or the Cubmaster. 

Youth Protection Training (REQUIRED)

Any adult who wishes to be in a leadership position within the pack must complete the BSA Youth Protection Training (YPT). This is also required for the parents of new Lions and Tigers, as well as ANY adult who goes to an overnight event wtih our Pack. YPT is taken online at my.scouting.org. Scouts BSA has established strict procedural and leadership selection policies, along with providing the finest resources necessary to help parents and leaders safely lead their Cub Scout, Scouts BSA and Venturing programs.

It is important to know that the CUB SCOUT HANDBOOK contains a tear out section entitled “How to Protect Your Children from Child Abuse and Drug Abuse” This section contains excellent advice on how to prevent disastrous occurrences and is designed for you the parent. Every scout needs to go over this with their parent/guardian every year! 

The BSA requires a minimum of 2 trained adults (one of whom is at least 21 years old) for any function, even if there is only one scout at the function. If the required number of adults is not present, parents should not leave their scouts until the adults are present or the activity is canceled. It is expected that each child will have at least one adult assist with a minimum of one den meeting per month (Tiger Cubs must have an adult partner at all Cub Scout meetings and events.) We expect that most den meetings will have at least ½ of the parents stay at each den meeting. PLEASE assist your den leader in this way. If you have a special needs child or just a child with behavior issues, please attend all meetings with your child or arrange for extra help for your den leaders. It is not fair to expect these volunteers to handle 10-20 children without some extra help. There are numerous opportunities for volunteering. As stated throughout this manual, Scouting is not a spectator sport or babysitting service. WE EXPECT ALL PARENTS TO BE INVOLVED IN SOME MANNER. 

CUB SCOUTS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO SLEEP OVERNIGHT (IN A TENT OR OTHERWISE) WITH ANY ADULT THAT IS NOT THEIR PARENT. Additionally, some of our day trips may require a parent. In both cases, a scout will not be able to attend the event with a person that is not their parent. We realize that this may exclude some scouts from our overnight events, but it is for their safety and required by BSA.

Adult Leader/Position-Specific Training

While not required, the training for each position through my.scouting.org has information that would be helpful to successfully fulfilling your role in the pack as well as understanding what others do. 

Hazardous Weather Training

We all know how quickly the weather can change. The hazardous weather training informs you of the restrictions of scouts at different ages regarding incoming weather. 

BALOO (Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation)

BALOO training is an overnight camping training for any adult in the Cub Scout program. It is required to have at least one BALOO trained adult on any overnight outdoor event. Having multiple trained leaders helps ensure we don’t have to cancel an event due to lack of trained adults. 

All training information can be found here: https://www.scouting.org/training/adult/ 

What is the difference between a Den and a Pack?

• Dens are groups of boys and girls of the same grade level in school. They meet throughout the month with their den leader to work on advancements for their particular level. 

• The pack is all scouts from all dens, so everyone from kindergarten through fifth grade who are part of Pack 912.

What happens at a den meeting?

• A den meeting will be run by the den leader and their assistant leader. They will plan activities that align with the advancement loop they are working on at that meeting.

What happens at a pack meeting?

• The pack meeting is run by the Cubmaster and Assistant Cubmaster with the assistance of den leaders. The meeting will include announcements for the pack and a game or activity for the scouts. 

Does a parent/guardian have to be with the scout at all times?

• This varies based on their age and den level. It is required for a parent/guardian to be with a Cub Scout at the Lions and Tigers level at ALL times. 

• As the scouts get older and start the Wolf program, parents may drop their scout off and pick them up, but it is highly encouraged for you to stay and engage with your scout. Per BSA rules, the parent/guardians must be the one to provide transportation and they cannot get a ride with another scout family. 

• Den: The group of Scouts who are in the same grade level as your scout, named for the rank they are currently working towards

• Pack: The pack is made up of all of the Scouts from every den. This includes Scouts from kindergarten through 5th grade. 

• Pack Committee: The Pack Committee is made up of all of the adult leaders and volunteers in the pack. They plan and organize the pack throughout the year. 

• District: We are part of the Flaming Arrow District. This is governed by the Local Council. Many of our events outside the pack are led by the District.

• Council: We are in the Sam Houston Area Council. This council serves over 25 districts in the local area. The Council hosts some events and leader training. 

• Handbook: The Cub Scout Handbook is based on the level the scout is currently enrolled in (Lion, Tiger, Wolf, Bear, or Webelo). It contains the information needed to complete all of the advancements, both required and optional, needed for that level. 

• Class A Uniform: The official scout uniform (see above) including the Lion Tshirt or blue field shirt or tan field shirt, neckerchief and slide, belt, optional hat, and navy or tan shorts/pants.

• Class B Uniform: Your Pack Tshirt (optional) for more informal events.

• YPT: Youth Protection Training. This training is required by all registered adult leaders and all parents before attending a campout. It is free, done online, and expires every 2 years. 

• Den Leader: The adult who oversees the activities of the den. They set the days for meetings and plan what will be done. 

• Assistant Den Leader: A second registered adult leader for each den. They help the den leader with the meetings and can step up when the Leader isn’t available. 

• Two-Deep Leadership: At ALL Cub Scout events, there must be at least two registered and trained adult leaders. This is known as two-deep leadership. If there are any female scouts at the event, there must be at least one trained female adult leader. Spouses/family members, even if they are both registered adults, cannot count as two-deep leadership.