New+Parent+Information

=Cub Scout Pack 492=

New Parent Information
Here is some information that you may want to know about scouts, Pack 492 as you have a son who is a new scout or considering becoming a new scout.

Welcome!

There are several things you need to know about Scouting, Cub Scouts and Pack 492.

But first, some terminology

Terms

Boy Scouts of America - the [|Boy Scouts of America] is the parent organization of the Cub Scouts. They are celebrated the 100th anniversary in 2010.

Cub Scouts - The [|Cub Scouts] are for boys in the first through fifth grade. You can join Cub Scouts at any time. If you didn't know about scouts or otherwise didn't join in the first or second grade, for example, you could still join in the third grade. Or fourth grade. Or fifth grade.

Pack - Cub Scouts are organized into "Packs" which are usually associated around a school or school district. There are no hard boundaries for packs so you may have the choice to join the pack at your child's school or another pack in your area.

Den - Packs are further divided into "dens". Each den contains only scouts in the same grade. If there is enough interest in a particular grade there may be more than one den per grade. Dens are referred to by rank or den number. For example, a first grade den will have the rank of Tiger so are usually referred to as the Tiger den. Each den also has a den number that is unique within the pack.


 * Pack 492 Info**

//Goals://

We are serious about our scouts having fun and learning to do the right thing. We put a strong emphasis on cooperation, teamwork and character.

//Location://

Pack 492 consists mostly of scouts from [|Regnart Elementary] school, but we also have members from other nearby public and private schools. We are organized under the Silicon Valley Monterey Bay Council. To find other Packs in the area visit: www.svmbc.org

//Meetings / Attendance://

Our scouts should attend as many den meetings as they can. This is where they will do the activities to earn the next rank and other badges. Each scout must have a parent in attendance at all den meetings.

Den activities are led by parents. Each parent will take a turn leading the activities so that every parent has about the same number of activities to lead. Dens generally meet once or twice a month.

//Pack Activities://

The whole pack (all grades and dens) has an activity about once per month. All scouts are encouraged to attend. Some of the activities include hikes, community service activities, overnight trips to interesting sites (aquarium, WW II battleship, etc.) and a family camp over Memorial Day weekend.

//Self-funding://

We are a self-funding cub scout pack. We do not do any fund raising activities. This means your scout will not be selling popcorn or jamboree tickets.

In order to do this we collect a fee at the beginning of the year and often collect an additional fee for participants in expensive activities.

If you cannot afford the fee at the beginning of the year (September) or any other activity you can still participate. Just give the den leader or scout leader a note to that effect an the fee or part of it will be waived at your choice.

We are [|chartered] by the Cupertino Rotary club but they provide no funding for the pack.


 * Things You Need to Do**

You will need to do the following for your scout:
 * 1) ATTEND the information session in June and ATTEND the fall kickoff meeting at Regnart in September. If your child is at Regnart watch for the eflyers via PeachJar, if not then check the home page of this wiki for time and date
 * 2) Get the uniform shirt with basic patches (click to get more info or see Uniforms on left menu). These can be purchased at the Scout Shop.
 * 3) Get the Cub Scout handbook for the correct year (1st: Tiger, 2nd: Wolf, 3rd: Bear, 4th and 5th: Webelos). These are also available at the Scout Shop or free download in pdf format.
 * 4) Subscribe to the ALL PACK mailing list by sending a blank email to cubs492-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
 * 5) Subscribe to your den's mailing list, it may be listed on the home page or see your den leader for info
 * 6) Fill out the scout information form provided at the fall kickoff or by your den leader
 * 7) Pay the annual fee or give a note to the scout master and pay what you can. NO SCOUT WILL BE LEFT OUT IF THEY CANNOT PAY . All or part of this fee will be waived if it is a burden on your family.
 * 8) Find out when your den meets and show up.
 * 9) Have lots of fun and enjoy seeing your scout having fun.

More Info
There is more info available on the [|Boy Scouts] site, a the SVMBC site, as well as this [|informative parent booklet].

See the Links page for even more information sources or ask the scout leadership or any other parent.