Pack Organization

The Charter Organization:

Pack 285 is “owned and operated” by the American Legion Post #586 of Tipp City. This chartered organization provides a meeting space, approves all adult leaders, and makes sure the pack follows the guidelines of the Boy Scouts of America.

Chartered Organization Representative – This person is the liaison between the Pack, the chartered organization, and the BSA. They make sure that the chartered organization is aware of what the Pack is doing, and coordinates activities between the chartered organization and the Pack. It is also the responsibility of the chartered organization representative to communicate any relevant policies that the charter organization has to the Pack committee.

A point that a new scouter often misses is that the chartered organization ‘owns’ the Pack, not the Pack committee. The pack committee is simply an administrative arm of the chartered organization.

The Chartered Organization Representative is a voting member of the local BSA Council and District Committee. As such, they represent the Pack on these committees.

If the chartered organization has more than one unit (e.g. a Pack and a Troop) the Chartered Organization Representative serves all.

The Pack Committee:

The Pack Committee takes care of the administrative needs of the pack. It is organized and headed by the Pack Committee Chairman. The committee consists of at least three people and is responsible for:

• Finding a meeting place.
• Setting the Pack policies in accordance with Boy Scouting and the chartered organization.
• Coordinating the Pack program with that of the charter organization.
• Assisting with the annual Pack charter renewal.
• Carrying out the policies and regulations of the Boy Scouts of America.
• Providing encouragement to leaders in carrying out the Pack program.
• Providing the finances and fundraising coordination for the Pack.
• Pack property.
• The quality of the adult leadership, that the leadership is recruited and trained. This is all adult leadership, including Cubmaster.
• Recommending this leadership to the charter organization for final approval.
• Coordination between the Pack and other scouting units.
  

Committee Chairman – This person should be familiar with organization procedure, and have a deep concern for the pack's success. Should be a member of the chartered organization, respected in the community, and show willingness and ability to be the Cubmaster's chief adviser.

The Committee Chairman is responsible for:

• Maintain a close relationship with Charter Organization Representative, keeping this key person informed of the needs of the pack which must be brought to the attention of the district and council.
• Meet with the Cubmaster on policy matters relating to the Cub Scout program and the chartered organization.
• Supervise pack committee operation by:
• Conducting monthly pack leaders' meetings.
• Assigning and delegating duties to and training committee members.
• Planning for pack charter review, roundup, and registration.
• Recognize the need for more dens and see that new dens are formed as needed.
• Approving bills before payment by the Pack Treasurer.
• Conduct the annual pack program planning conference.
• Attend Cub Scout leader basic training, monthly roundtables, and pow wows.
• Work with the Scouting coordinator to provide adequate and safe facilities for pack meetings.
• Assume active direction of the pack, if the Cubmaster is unable to serve, until a successor is recruited and commissioned.
• Develop and maintain strong Pack-Troop relationships sharing with the troop committee the need for graduations into the troop.
• Work closely with the unit commissioner and other pack and troop leaders in effecting a smooth transition of Webelos Scouts into the troop.
• Support the policies of the BSA

Committee Vice Chair – This person should be familiar with organization procedure, and have a deep concern for the pack's success. Should be a member of the chartered organization, respected in the community, and show willingness and ability to assist the the committee chairman in overseeing the pack.

The Committee Vice-Chairman is responsible for:

• Assisting the committee chair as needed.
• Work with the chartered organization representative to provide adequate and safe facilities for pack meetings.
• Appoint a committee member or other registered adult to be responsible for Youth protection training.
• Approving bills before payment by the Pack Treasurer.
• Assign and delegate duties to other committee members and den leaders.
• Attend Cub Scout leader basic training, monthly roundtables, and pow wows.
• Cooperate with the Cubmaster on council-approved money-earning projects so the pack can earn money for materials and equipment.
• Support the policies of the BSA.

Treasurer – Help the pack committee and the Cubmaster establish a sound financial program for the pack with a pack budget plan. Keep up-to-date financial records. Enter all income and expenditures under the proper budget item in the finance section of the Pack Record Book or Packledger software. Report the packs budget to the pack committee and at the monthly pack leaders’ meetings and report to the chartered organization as needed on the financial condition of the pack. Disperse funds to the proper individuals for Pack expenses and reimbursements and to keep and maintain an accurate roster of all members of the Pack.

Awards Chairman – Have a working knowledge of the Tiger Cub, Cub Scout and Webelos Scout advancement plans. Collect den advancement reports at monthly pack leaders meetings or use when ordering badges and insignia from local council service center. Obtain badges and insignia as needed for monthly pack award ceremonies.

Secretary – Keep informed of all Cub Scouting literature, materials, records, and forms to help leaders function effectively. Help new den leaders by telling them what resources are available. Maintain an inventory of pack property. Handle all correspondence for the pack. This may include writing letters of appreciation and requests for reservations, or ordering supplies through local council service center.

Outings Chairman – Plan, arrange and/or all outdoor activities. Arrange for property and tour permits when required. Plan first aid for emergencies. Be aware of BSA health and safety requirements and see that they are implemented. Know and carry out the outdoor program policy related to Cub Scouting. Assign and delegate duties to den leaders and parents. Review all activities to ensure that unit leaders comply with BSA policies according to the Guide to Safe Scouting.

The Pack:

The Pack is a group made up of several dens. The Pack includes not only the boys in those dens, but also their families, and their leaders. The Pack meets once a month with Cub Scouts, leaders, parents, and other family members attending. The Pack meeting is the climax of the month’s den meetings and activities. It gives the dens something to look forward to and work toward. This is a chance to recognize the boys, their parents, and their leaders.

In addition to its regular meetings, the Pack sponsors certain special projects. These include community projects, outdoor activities, fund raising activities, and fun competitions.

The Cubmaster is an adult volunteer who serves as master of ceremonies at all Pack meetings and leads Pack activities of all kinds. Pack leadership positions may be held by women or men.

The Pack Committee is a group of adult volunteers who plan the Pack program and individual activities as well as managing such things as record keeping, finance, leadership recruitment, and registration. The Pack Committee meets monthly and meetings are open to any interested parent.

Cubmaster - The Cubmaster, who is sometimes referred to as the unit leader, is the person directing the Pack meetings and events. Most parents think they run the show all by themselves. While they have a very important role in the pack, the pack committee provides the Cubmaster with the support necessary for him to concentrate on the boys and making their Scouting experience fun and meaningful.

The Cubmaster is responsible for:

• Conducting the pack program that includes leading the monthly Pack meeting, with the help of the other leaders.
• Guiding, supporting, motivating, and inspiring the other adult leaders, making sure they receive training for their positions.
• Making sure the dens are functioning well.
• Planning the den and pack programs with the help of the other leaders.
• Coordinating the total Cub Scout program for the pack.
• Attend Cub Scout leader basic training, monthly roundtables, and pow wows.
• Helping recruit den leaders and coaches.
• Establishing and maintaining good relationships with Boy Scout Troops.
• Support the policies of the BSA

Assistant Cubmaster – The Assistant Cubmaster must be at least 18 years of age and interested in working with the boys. He or she should be recommended by the Cubmaster, approved by the pack committee, and registered as an adult leader in the BSA. At least one assistant cubmaster should be able to fill in for the Cubmaster's shoes in their absence.

The Assistant Cubmaster's duties as determined by the Cubmaster:

• Assist the Cubmaster as needed. Be ready to take over the leadership of the pack, if necessary.
• Attend Cub Scout Leader Basic Training and monthly roundtables.
• Participate in monthly pack meetings.
• Supervise Den Chiefs and see that they are trained.
• Help inform pack leaders of training opportunities and arrange for them to attend training sessions.
• Work with the Cubmaster and pack committee on pack reregistration.
• Assist in pack activities such as dinners, pinewood derby, bike safety, service projects, etc.
• Attend Cub Scout leader basic training, monthly roundtables, and pow wows.
• Develop and promote an ongoing plan for recruiting new boys.
• Promote the religious emblems programs for Cub Scouts of all faiths.
• Support the policies of the BSA.
  

Pack Trainer – The pack committee selects the pack trainer with the approval of the chartered organization. For new packs and those lacking experienced leaders, an experienced leader from the district training team or another pack may be appointed as pack trainer until the new leaders gain experience. It is recommended that the pack trainer have at least one year of experience in a leadership position in Cub Scouting, preferably as a Cub Scout or Webelos den leader. Pack trainers should be trained at a district or council trainer development conference.

The pack trainer is responsible for:

• Conducting orientation of new families and pack leaders.
• Training each new leader and pack committee member for his or her specific position, using material provided by the BSA.
• Helping with Unit Leadership Enhancements during pack leaders' meetings.
• Conducting other training as designated by the district and/or council.
• Encouraging pack leaders to attend ongoing training, such as roundtable, pow wow or University of Scouting, outdoor training, Youth Protection training, and Wood Badge.
• Remaining current with training material and program updates.
• Attend Cub Scout leader basic training, monthly roundtables, and pow wows.
• Keeping track of pack training records.
• The goal of the pack trainer is to have 100 percent of the pack leadership trained in their position responsibilities.
• Support the policies of the BSA.

New leaders and adult family members should receive orientation within one week of joining the pack, and leaders should receive position-specific training within 30 days.

The Den:

A Cub Scout Pack is divided into small groups of about eight boys called dens, who meet weekly under the direction of adult Den Leaders. The Den Leaders are trained parent volunteers.
The den allows boys to get to know each other better and engage in activities that would be difficult in a larger group. The den also provides leadership opportunities for the boys as they elect "denners" or help to teach each other.

Den meeting activities are planned around the monthly theme and include games, handicrafts, hikes and other outdoor fun, practicing skits and stunts in preparation for the next Pack meeting and taking part in simple ceremonies and songs. Sometimes work on advancement requirements is included, by most of that work is accomplished by the boys with their parents (The Webelos rank is an exception). The Den Leader may ask for special help occasionally from parents (helping with a meeting, sharing a special skill, or just providing a snack for the boys).

Dens are organized by rank. Ranks are organized by grade. The ranks are:

Tiger Cubs- First grade
Wolf Dens - Second grade
Bear Dens - Third grade
Webelos 1 Dens - Fourth grade
Webelos 2 Dens - Fifth grade

Den Leader – The Den Leaders and Webelos Den Leaders, along with their assistants, work on a weekly basis with the boys in their dens. They play a key role in the value that a boy gets from the Scouting program. Their responsibilities include:

• Working directly with other den and pack leaders to ensure his/her den is an active and successful part of the pack.
• Planning, preparing for, and conducting den meetings with the assistant den leader and den chief.
• Attend Cub Scout leader basic training, monthly roundtables, Pack Leader's meetings and pow wows.
• Lead the den at the monthly pack activity.
  

Assistant Den Leader – Assists den leaders and fills in as necessary. The assistant Den Leader shares the work of the den leader and may keep records for the den or handle details of den operation. Support the policies of the BSA.

• Attend Cub Scout leader basic training, monthly roundtables, Pack Leader's meetings and pow wows.

Den Chief – The den chief is a member of a leadership team which also include the den leader, assistant den leader, and the denner. The den chief is already what every Cub Scout and Webelos Scout would like to be - a Boy Scout. As far as the younger boys are concerned, he is the person they would most like to follow, and that makes him a natural leader for them. By directing this natural leader wisely, we can influence the den of boys under his leadership.

Den Chief Responsibilities:

• The den chief helps lead the weekly den meeting. He arrives on time, in proper uniform.
• He assists with assigned den activities at the monthly pack meetings.
• He shares responsibility with the den leaders in all den activities, looking to them for adult leadership and inspiration.
• He meets with the den leader to plan his part of the program for the den meetings.
• These meetings are held regularly, at least once each month, or more often, if needed.
• He sees that the den program does not include Boy Scout activities, since such activities should be saved for Boy Scouting.
• He recognizes the denner (a member of the den, chosen by his peers) as his right-hand man by giving him opportunities to serve.
• He takes part in all training opportunities so he may become a better leader.
• It should be understood by the den chief, and by his pack and troop leaders as well, that service as a den chief, although an important responsibility, will not be so demanding on his time and interest as to interfere with his patrol and troop activities. Den meetings are usually scheduled at a time that will not conflict with troop activities.

Den chiefs should receive training at a Den Chief's Training Conference held by the district or council. They also receive continuous and regular training from the den leader.