The Den: A Den has six to nine boys, meets 2 to 3 times a month for an hour. Tiger Dens meet once a month. The Den is led by a Den Leader (a parent) and helped by one or more Assistant Den Leaders who are also parents. Most Dens elect a boy leader (called a Denner) who carries out specific tasks at Den meetings. Some Dens are able to obtain the services of a Boy Scout who serves as a Den Chief. The weekly Den programs are designed around monthly themes supported by "Program Helps," "Scouting Magazine," Pack Committee Meetings, Council-sponsored leader meeting (Roundtables), and leader manuals (The Big Idea Book and Ethics in Action).
The Pack: The Pack is made up of several Dens and meets once a month. All Cub Scouts and their families attend. The Cubmaster and an Assistant Cubmaster run the Pack meeting. It is the climax of the month's Den meetings and activities. The Pack meeting program may include games, skits, stunts, ceremonies, songs, presentations, and achievement recognition.
The Pack Committee: The Pack Committee is made up of all leaders (Committee Chairperson, Cubmaster, Assistant, Den Leaders and Special Activity Chairpeople). Parents are always welcome to participate. It meets monthly to plan Pack meetings and activities.
The Chartered Organization: The Pack is owned by the Charted Organization, which functions as a sponsor. It also provides a place for the Pack to meet.
The Council: The District Council supports the work of the Pack with a full-time District Executive, monthly organizational meetings, training programs for leaders, and District-wide events such as the Tiger Cub Fun Day, Scouting for Food, and summer camp programs.
The Parents: The key to a successful Scouting program is parental involvement. Scouting is about all the things we've talked about, but at its core is helping you find new avenues to relate to your son and participate in your son's growth. Please commit yourself to talking to your son about the requirements of his rank and how he can work on them with your guidance. You will likely find your son anxious to work together with you on these achievements. Cub Scouts is one way you can develop a bond with your son that enables open and honest discussions. Maybe this type of relationship will help in the often-difficult years of adolescence which lie ahead.
The Pack program is heavily dependent on parent volunteers. Many parents are involved in leading Dens and that activity requires planning, preparation, and implementation. We need parents who are not already involved as leaders who can manage special events and projects for the Pack.
NEW TO SCOUTING?
Since 1930, the Boy Scouts of America has helped younger boys through Cub Scouting. It is a year-round family program designed for boys who are in the first grade through fifth grade (or 7, 8, 9, and 10 years of age). Parents, leaders, and organizations work together to achieve the purposes of Cub Scouting. Currently, Cub Scouting is the largest of the BSA's three membership divisions. (The others are Boy Scouting and Venturing.)
The 10 purposes of Cub Scouting are:
Apart from the fun and excitement of Cub Scout activities, the Cub Scout Promise, the Law of the Pack, the Tiger Cub motto, and the Cub Scout sign, handshake, motto, and salute all teach good citizenship and contribute to a boy's sense of belonging.
I, (name), promise to do my best To do my duty to God and my country, To help other people, and To obey the Law of the Pack.
Do Your Best.
Search, Discover, Share.
The Cub Scout follows Akela. The Cub Scout helps the pack go. The pack helps the Cub Scout grow. The Cub Scout gives goodwill.
