2015 PARENT ORIENTATION GUIDE
Welcome to
s t u o c S Cub ADVENTURE AWAITS!
Pack Number: Pack Meeting Location: Next Meeting Date: Den Meeting Location: Den Meeting Date: Cubmaster: Phone: Email: Committee Chair: Phone: Email: Den Leader: Phone: Email:
CHartering organization:
Scouting is Fun with a Purpose As a parent, you want your son to grow up to be a selfreliant, dependable and caring individual. Scouting has these same goals in mind for him. Since 1910 we have been weaving lifetime values into fun and educational activities designed to assist parents in strengthening character, good citizenship, and physical fitness in youth. Scouting teaches family values. However, we know that boys do not join Scouting to get their character built. Boys join because it is fun!
Did You Know: Scouts are twice as likely to earn a college degree compared to boys who were never Scouts. Source: Harris Interactive Study, 2005
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The Adventure of
Cub Scouts
Do Your Best. Have Fun Doing It.
The best way to find out what you do best is to do it. Swing a bat. Pitch a tent. Build a Pinewood Derby® car. Cub Scouts are at that magical age where everything is new and possible and most important, fun. They live in a world of “firsts” — first home run, first campfire, first checkered flag — where their game plan is their imagination. Their most valuable rewards are the friends they make for life and a parent’s proud smile. These are invaluable experiences that can be had in Scouting. These are life lessons that transform today’s Cub Scouts into tomorrow’s Boy Scouts.
The Cub Scout Pack and Dens I. Your boy is a member of a Den
III. Your Pack is run by PARENTS AND VOLUNTEERS LIKE YOU
A. A den is six to ten boys who meet with adult leaders to play games, learn skills, perform skits and songs, and take field trips. B. Dens meet at the convenience of leaders and families, at least twice a month, perhaps weekly. C. Ideally, Dens are formed with Scouts in the same age or grade level, so 1st graders are Tigers, 2nd are Wolves, 3rd are Bears, 4th and 5th are Webelos Scouts, with 5th graders working toward the Arrow of Light rank. D. A Den is led by a Den Leader (usually a parent) who is assisted by an assistant Den Leader and parent helpers who share the fun (1st grade Tigers have adult partners with them).
A. The Pack committee selects leadership, finds meeting places, keeps records and finances, orders badges, maintains Pack equipment, helps train leaders, recognizes leaders and plans activities. B. Led by a Committee Chair, the committee includes Den Leaders, Pack Leaders, and parents. C. The committee meets once a month or more often if needed.
II. Your boy and his Den belong to a Pack A. Each Pack is made up of one or more dens. B. Once a month, all Cub Scout families attend a Pack meeting with games, skits, songs, ceremonies and presentations of badges that boys earned that month. C. The Pack meeting is led by the Cubmaster with help from other parents. D. The Pack families will also have many other adventure opportunities, like Pack Family Camping, Pinewood Derbies, and field trips.
IV. Your Pack is owned by a Chartered Organization A. Chartered Organizations include schools, parent-school organizations, religious organizations, service clubs, and other organizations interested in youth. B. Our Chartered Organization approves leadership, helps secure a meeting place and keeps the Pack within both their guidelines and policies and those of the BSA. C. Our Chartered Organization selects a Representative (as a liaison between our Pack and our Chartered Organization).
The Advancement Plan A Cub Scout Den provides your son with a group of boys his own age in which he can earn awards and recognition. In his Den, he will also gain a sense of personal achievement for the new skills he learns. Each Cub Scout learns to respect his home, country, God, and other people. Most advancement adventures can be done at Den meetings and Pack activities, but all can also be done at home with the family.
RANK ADVANCEMENT The Adventures a Cub Scout works on are found in the Cub Scout Handbook for his age or grade, and he will work toward the Rank for that age or grade. 1st Grade uses the Tiger Handbook and works toward the Tiger Rank, 2nd Grade uses the Wolf Handbook and works toward the Wolf Rank, 3rd Grade uses the Bear Handbook and works toward the Bear Rank, 4th Grade uses the Webelos Handbook and works toward the Webelos Rank, and 5th Grade continues with the Webelos Handbook and works toward the Arrow of Light Rank. The Adventures for each rank in each handbook are aged based and progressive, so that each year the Scout has more and more exciting and challenging Adventures. And this is not your old artsy, craftsy Cub Scout program! Every level of Cub Scouting has plenty of hiking, camping, games, exploring, campfires, swimming, and boating … over 20 Adventures that can be done at each level, year ‘round! Each Rank is earned by completing 7 Adventures from the Handbook, plus some Cyber Safety exercises – and your Scout earns an Adventure Loop for each adventure completed. For Tiger, Wolf and Bear, 6 of the Adventures are specified required, and then Scouts can choose one more Adventure from over a dozen elective adventures. Webelos and Arrow of Light ranks are similar, except that 4th Grade Webelos have 5 required and 2 elective Adventures, and for 5th Graders aiming for the Arrow of Light, there are only 4 required Adventures … 3 are electives. And for those ranks, the boys earn Adventure Pins instead of loops. In late winter or spring of a Scout’s 5th grade year, he graduates from Cub Scouting into the adventure of Boy Scouting at a crossover ceremony with a Troop.
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UPCOMING CUB SCOUT EVENTS Your Den and Pack will have a full schedule of fun activities. If it is fun, safe, and includes the family, it can be Cub Scouting. Here are some events planned by the Scout Council:
Trailblazer Adventure Camp (October 2-4) Scouts can get their first taste of archery, BB Guns, outdoor games, nature activities, and fishing at Bert Adams camp.
Spooky-Ree Weekend #1 (October 9-11) Spooky-Ree Weekend #2 (October 16-18) Spooky-Ree Weekend #3 (October 23-25) Spooky-Ree Weekend #4 (October 30 - November 1) Enjoy these fall-themed camping weekends with pumpkin carving, creepy-crawly nature shows, archery, campfires, and more fun at Bert Adams Scout Camp.
Popcorn Sale (October-November) Scouts can earn money for camp, uniforms, books, and
Cub Summer Camp (June-July)
other programs by joining the Council popcorn sale.
Cub Scout Summer Camp is a 3 night / 4 day program held at Bert Adams Scout Camp. Cub Scouts and their Adult
Pinewood Derby (January-March)
partner will have fun and adventure while participating in
A Parent/son project to build a race car made from a block
exciting activities, working on advancement, and sleeping
of wood. Boys will race their cars at the Pinewood Derby.
under the stars. Age appropriate programs are offered for
Be there for the big race!
Tiger, Wolf, Bear and Webelos Scouts. Activities include aquatics, shooting sports, handicrafts, nature, sports and fit-
Scouting for Food (February 27 - March 5)
ness. Food service, program materials, patch, tents and cots
Join Scouting’s largest coordinated service project and col-
are provided.
lect canned food for local charities.
Scout Days (year round)
Spring Fling Weekend (April 9-11)
Our Council participates in fun activities all across the Atlan-
Kick-off the warmer weather with a wild weekend of fishing,
ta Area. Past Scout Days have included Braves games where
shooting sports, hiking, games, and more.
Scouts could march around Turner field, and Campout at the Georgia Aquarium.
Cub Day Camps (June-July) Day or Evening camps for all Cub Scouts in our community include crafts, games, nature, sports, songs, and skits. Camps run four to five days in a local park.
Learn more at www.atlantabsa.org or by calling 770-989-8820.
What Will My Son Need? It can be confusing to try and figure out all the uniforms and patches that go along with Scouting. Before you go shopping, check with your Pack leaders and use this form to take into your local Scout Shop where our friendly staff will help get your Scout everything he’ll need to get the most out of his Scouting experience.
Item
Size
Price
N/A
Paperback: $12.99
Handbooks Handbooks
Coil Bound: $18.99
Clothing Cub Scout Shirt (short sleeve)
small – 2XL
$24.99
Cub Scout Switchback 2” Pants
6 – 36 Husky
$24.99
Webelos/Boy Scout Shirt (also in micro)
youth/small/large
$29.99 ($39.99)
Webelos/Boy Scout
8 – 22
$34.99
Switchbacks - Canvas
32 Husky – 36 Husky
$34.99
Webelos/Boy Scout Switchbacks - Micro
8 – 36 Husky
$44.99
Council Shoulder Patch
one size
$3.19
World Crest
one size
$1.99
World Crest Ring Emblem (optional)
one size
$1.99
Webelos Color
one size
$5.99
Unit Number
one size
$1.49
Den Numbers
one size
$1.49
Cub Scout Belt & Buckle
small/medium, medium/large
S/M – $9.99, M/L – $9.99
Webelos Buckle
one size
$6.99
one size
Tiger: $8.99, Wolf: $8.99
Insignia
Buckles
Neckerchief Neckerchief
Bear: $8.99, Webelos: $9.99 Neckerchief Slides
one size
Tiger: $5.99, Wolf: $5.99 Bear: $5.99, Webelos: $5.99
Where is Your Scout Shop? Atlanta Area Council Volunteer Service Center
1800 Circle 75 Parkway SE Atlanta, GA 30339
Phone: 770-988-9912
Fairburn Scout Shop
107 Laser Industrial Court Fairburn, GA 30213
Phone: 770-306-0510
Bert Adams Scout Shop (Seasonal)
218 Boy Scout Road Covington, GA 30209
Phone: 770-385-1558
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Pack Volunteer Leadership AND PARENT PARTICIPATION Volunteer leaders are examples of Scouting’s principle of service to others – and are also essential to making sure every boy has the opportunity to participate in a great Scouting program. Parents are the primary source of leaders in Scouting. Volunteering not only gives you a chance to serve Scouting, but also to help your son and his friends, and to be a positive influence on the youth in your community.
Den Leader(s)
Cubmaster (and Assistants)
Pack Committee
Leads the Den at Den and monthly Pack meetings and activities. Participates in Pack leaders’ meeting.
Helps plan and carry out the Pack program with the help of others. Emcees the monthly Pack meeting and attends the Pack leaders’ meeting.
Pack committee members (some positions listed below) perform administrative functions of the Pack.
Pack Committee Positions (A
ll
Scouting
is local; your
Pack
may have different or additional roles)
Committee Chair
Pack Trainer
Overall coordination of Pack plan and volunteers. Presides at all Pack committee meetings. Helps recruit adult leaders.
Guides leaders and parents to training resources and classes (online and live).
Secretary/Treasurer
Membership Coordinator
Keeps records of Pack funds (collections and expenses) and reports to the Committee.
Coordinates recruitment events and opportunities. Handles application and recharter paperwork.
Advancement Chair
Parent Helpers
Maintains advancement records for the boys. Orders and obtains all loops, pins badges, and insignia.
“One shot” program jobs of short duration coordinating Pack participation in sales events, Scouting for Food, Pinewood Derby, Blue and Gold Banquet, day camp, etc.
Training
Every Scout Deserves a Trained Leader.
Leading your son’s Cub Scout Den or Pack is a great journey where you two will share many lifelong memories. The first step in that journey is to complete training. The main purpose of training is to provide you with the tools you need to put on a quality program for the boys and to help you have a fun time leading them.
Youth Protection Training In order to be a leader of any sort, it is required that you complete “Youth Protection” Training before you turn in your adult application. The Boy Scouts of America places the greatest importance on creating the most secure environment possible for our youth members. Youth Protection Training covers the BSA’s Youth Protection policies, kinds of abuse, how to respond to disclosure of abuse, and proper reporting procedures. In order for an adult to remain a registered leader in the Boy Scouts of America, Youth Protection Training is required every two years.
To take Youth Protection Training: 1. Go to www.MyScouting.org and create an account profile. 2. Click “E-Learning” under “Training”. 3. Scroll down to “Youth Protection Training” to take this course. 4. Upon completion, please print the Certificate and keep a copy for yourself, give one to your unit and attach one to your Adult Leaders Application.
Fast Start Training
Position Specific Training
A super introduction, found on www.MyScouting.org at the bottom
“Job Specific” Training is designed to present in-depth informa-
of the “Cub Scout” tab of “E-Learning”, Fast Start for Den Leaders,
tion for a new leader in a specific leadership position such as Den
Cubmasters and Committee Members introduces the aims and
Leader, Cubmaster, etc. This course is presented several times a
purposes of the Boy Scouts of America’s program, then zeroes
year in your district or at the council level. Be sure to ask your unit
in on the job. You will learn the standard parts of the meeting
trainer for an upcoming training date or check the Council website
and where additional resources can be found. This course takes
training page; AtlantaBSA.org/training.
about 10 minutes for Committee Members and 30 minutes for Den Leaders or Cubmasters, and should be taken within 24 hours of volunteering.
More Training for Cub Scout Activities More opportunities to be ready for Cub Scout fun come with classes like Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO), a live class so that your Pack will be prepared for camping, as well as safety courses such as Weather Hazards and Safe Swim Defense (online at www.MyScouting.org).
Did You Know: 88% of volunteers say their time invested with the Boy Scouts helps them to be better parents. Source: Volunteer Outcomes Study, 2003
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You Are Not Alone Being a volunteer leader is fun, challenging, and rewarding. But you don’t have to do it all by yourself. Your Pack, District, and Council have many people and resources to give your son the best possible Scouting experience.
• Information is available 24/7 at the www.AtlantaBSA.org site, the District websites linked from there, www.MyScouting.org and www.Scouting.org. Many Packs have a Pack library that contains the leader books you need.
• The staff at the Atlanta Area Council Scout Service Center can help you or they will get you in touch with someone who can. Phone: (770) 989-8820 Website: www.atlantabsa.org
• Your district has a team of volunteers called the District Committee which develops quality district-wide programs in which boys can participate.
• Roundtable is a monthly leaders’ meeting for all adult volunteers in your district. You can get help with activities, places to go, games, crafts, skits, and songs for use at Den and Pack meetings. It’s a great place to ask questions and share ideas.
• Your district has another volunteer team called the Commissioner staff. They are our “service team.” They check on the health of your Pack and are a communications link between your Pack and the Scouting organization. A Unit Commissioner is assigned to assist your unit. • We have award-winning videos for teaching Scouts and adults about child abuse protection and avoiding potentially dangerous situations.
Did You Know: 65% of Boy Scouts say Scouting teaches them to work well with others. Source: The Family Room, Attitudes and Awareness Study, 2010
FAMILY TALENT SURVEY SHEET Each parent or adult family member should out a separate sheet and turn it in at this meeting. Pack ___________________ Chartered Organization __________________________________Date ________________ Welcome to the Cub Scout family of our Pack. As explained to you, Cub Scouting is for parents as well as boys. We group of families who have indicated a willingness to help, according to their abilities. We invite you to have a add your talents and interests so that the best possible program can be developed for your boy and his friends. Den leaders are always busy with den activities. Our Pack leaders and committee members know you have some talent that will help in the operation of our Pack. Although your help may not be on a full-time basis, whatever you can do will be appreciated. In making this survey, your Pack Committee wants to uncover ways you can enjoy giving assistance. Please answer the following as completely as possible: 1. My hobbies are:
__________________________________________________________________________________
2. I can play and/or teach these sports:
_________________________________________________________________
3. My job, business, or profession would be of interest to Cub Scouts: ______________________________________ 4. I am willing to help my boy and the Pack as: Tiger Cub Den Leader,
Assistant Cubmaster,
Pack Committee Member,
Cub Scout Den Leader or Assistant,
Webelos Den Leader or Assistant,
Cubmaster,
Pack Trainer.
5. My Scouting experience: Cub Scout ________________ Boy Scout _______________ Girl Scout _______________ Explorer/Venturer _______________________________________ Rank attained ____________________________________ Adult leader ______________________________________________________________________________________ 6. I can help in these areas: General Activities Swimming Games Nature Sports Outdoor activities Crafts Music/songs Bookkeeping
Special Program Assistance Computer Skills Drawing/art Radio/electricity Dramatics/skits Cooking/banquets Sewing Transportation Other _________________
I have an SUV or van or truck. I have a workshop. I have family camping gear. I can make contacts for special trips and activities. I have access to a cottage or camping property or a boat. I can help Webelos Scouts with Boy Scout skills. I can give other help. _____________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________
Name _________________________________________________________ Home phone _________________________ Street address _________________________________________________ Business phone ________________________ E-mail address ____________________________ City Your cooperation and help are appreciated.
______________________________ State ____ ZIP__________
The Role of the Council & the District The purpose of the Boy Scouts of America is to provide a program which will aid youth in Character Development, Citizenship Training, and Personal Fitness (mental, physical and emotional). The purpose of the Council is to guide and support its Scout Units for the achievement of the movement’s purpose. The Atlanta Area Council encompasses thirteen counties surrounding metro Atlanta and divides Council support into Districts. • The purpose of the District is to organize and support successful Cub Scout Packs and Boy Scout Troops by working through chartered organizations. The end result of effective District support is continued growth in membership and providing a quality program to those members. • Districts are responsible for carrying out functions of Unit Support through Membership Planning and Recruitment, Financial Tools (like unit fundraisers), Leader Training
and Events, Multi-Unit Activities (like camping, Pinewood Derbies, and other events), Advancement support, Recognition of Leaders and Units, Civic Service and Communication about Scouting program and events. • The District Committee serves as a vehicle by which Scouting programs and services are carried to the chartered organization, their units, and youth. It serves as a sounding board for the needs of chartered organizations and units. The District Committee also participates in the building and raising of the council budget to finance the Scouting program. Since the major role of the Council and its Districts is to extend Scouting and to provide service to all youth and adults who participate, please feel free to call upon an appropriate representative when you need help. More information is available at www.AtlantaBSA.org.
Which District Am I In? 0 District Name
Neighborhoods
Roundtable Info
Contact Phone
Button-Gwinnett
Gwinnett County (West of I-85, South of Suwanee Dam Road
Christ the King Lutheran Church 3rd Tuesday of Every Month
770-989-2876
Appalachian Trail
Cherokee and Pickens County
Canton First United Methodist 1st Thursday of Every Month
770-989-2885
Silver Comet
Smyrna, Vinings, Southwest Cobb, Powder Springs, Austell, Mableton, Kennesaw, Acworth
LDS Stake Powder Springs 2nd Thursday
770-989-2889 770-989-2892
Foothills
East Cobb, City of Marietta
Maple Avenue UMC 1st Thursday of Every Month
770-989-2868 770-989-2865
Oak Grove UMC 2nd Thursday of Every Month
770-989-2875 770-989-2891
Hightower Trail
Druid Hills, Briarcliff, Emory, Atlanta (DeKalb), Tucker, Dunwoody, Doraville, Chamblee and Brookhaven
Northern Ridge
Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Roswell, Sandy Springs
Alpharetta Presbyterian 3rd Thursday of Every Month
770-989-2883 770-989-2884
Pickett’s Mill
Paulding County
LDS Church Dallas 2nd Thursday of Every Month
770-989-2872
Phoenix
North Avenue, Virginia Highlands, Midtown, Buckhead, Moreland, Boulevard, Little Five Points, Memorial, Downtown Atlanta, Auburn Avenue, Courtland and East Lake
Trinity Presbyterian Church 2nd Thursday of Every Month
770-989-2870 770-989-2895
Soapstone Ridge
South Decatur, Ellenwood, Lithonia, Stone Mountain, Redan and Clarkston
First Baptist Church of Decatur 2nd Monday of Every Month
770-989-2879 770-989-2871
Southern Crescent
Union City, Palmetto, East Point, Fairburn, College Park, Hapeville and South Fulton Schools, Clayton County
Jonesboro First UMC or Woodward Academy 2nd Thursday of Every Month
770-989-2862 770-989-2860
Southwest Atlanta
Campbellton Road, Cascade Road, West End, Fairburn Road, Northside Drive, Atlanta University Center, M.L. King, Fulton Industrial, Metropolitan Pkwy, Ben Hill, Bolton Road, Donald L. Hollowell and Adamsville
Radcliffe Presbyterian 2nd Monday of Every Month
770-989-2873 770-989-2882
Indian Springs
Douglas, Carroll, & Haralson counties
Fullerton Baptist Church 3rd Thursday of Every Month
770-989-2861 770-989-2896
Yellow River
Newton and Rockdale Counties
Allan Memorial UMC 2nd Wed. of Every Month
770-989-2864
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Council Properties In addition to serving more than 30,000 Scouts and 11,000 adult volunteers in and around Atlanta, your Council operates two great camping properties that offer year-round opportunities for your Cub Scout.
Woodruff Scout CAMP Located near Blairsville in North Georgia, Robert W. Woodruff Scout Camp is a 1575-acre (637-hectare) camp property adjacent to Lake Notley and the Chattahoochee National Forest. The beautiful North Georgia Mountains surround most of the camp. Woodruff offers a spectacular 86-acre mountain lake, a climbing/rappelling tower, nature center, trading post, a COPE course, astronomy, shooting sports, heavily wooded campsites, and great hiking trails. Scouts have the opportunity to enjoy our great aquatic area or visit the nearby Nantahala or Ocoee Rivers for whitewater rafting, canoeing, or tubing. The Appalachian Trail and Cohutta Wilderness are close at hand and offer the opportunity for extended backpacking trips.
Bert Adams Scout Camp Located near Covington, Georgia, Bert Adams Scout Camp provides 1250 acres (505 hectare) for long-term resident and weekend camping, training events, and lots of outdoor Scouting fun. Thousands of Scouts and Scouters come to Bert Adams each year to participate in Boy Scout, Webelos and JROTC Summer Camps, Order of the Arrow Events, Venturing and Explorer Outings, Cub Family Camping, Cub World Events, District Camporees, Cub Pack Picnics, ScoutReach Outings, Wood Badge Training, Junior Leader Training, and many other Scouting events. Bert Adams Scout Camp includes Camp Gorman, Camp Emerson, Cub World and the redeveloped Camp Jamison. At Bert Adams, you will find a friendly atmosphere, where we take the needs and success of every Den and Pack seriously. We’ve worked hard to assemble a staff of adults and older Boy Scouts who are experts in Scout Skills, and good teachers and leaders as well. They love working with young Scouts and are the kind of model citizens your Scouts can look to as role models.
ALLATOONA AQUATICS BASE
A 400 acre lakefront property, leased by the Army Corps of Engineers, on Lake Allatoona is just north of metro Atlanta. The main emphasis at this camp is fun and safety in and around the water.
Boys Life Magazine
A monthly Scouting magazine for boys, Boy’s Life features sports, hobbies, science, history, jokes, comics, and stories boys love. Subscriptions available for $12.00 per year (plus tax).
Did You Know: 71% of Cub Scouts joined “to go camping.” Source: The Family Room, Attitudes and Awareness Study, 2010
Funding Fun, Friendship, & Futures
It takes more than $9 million per year to ensure the programs, properties, and people that make Scouting the premier choice for youth and families in and around Atlanta. Our largest expenses are for programs and activities, some administrative costs, and maintenance expenses at our camps. Every year, the Council also gives Scouts the opportunity to help earn money for camp, uniforms, and other exciting programs.
Our income sources vary from the United Way to corporations and foundations, but mostly from the generosity of individuals and families like yours. Each year a personal appeal is made to parents and leaders at a pack meeting. When you hear “Friends of Scouting� please consider contributing to the growth of Scouting in the Atlanta Area Council.
Poptastic Popcorn Sale Each fall, the Atlanta Area Council conducts a popcorn sale to benefit the Scouting program of our Packs, Troops, and the Council. Popcorn helps pay for camp experiences, registration dues, handbooks, and more. Teach your son that a Scout is thrifty, that he earns his own way in Scouting. Scouts also can earn great prizes, be invited to special events, and receive college scholarship money for being top sellers.
Camp Card Sale Each spring, Scouts have the opportunity to sell discount cards with coupons from local businesses. The high commissions earned on the sale of each card help the Scout earn his way to camp. While the Camp Card discounts are great, what they are really selling is character and a better community. What you are really doing is making sure every Scout can get the benefit of summer camp.
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Paddle a boat Build a race car Shoot a Bow Cook over a campfire Read a map Launch a rocket
t ’ n o d s d i k t s o M s g n i h t o d s t u Sco
1800 Circle 75 Parkway SE Atlanta, GA 30339 770-989-8820 www.AtlantaBSA.org