STEWARDSHIP: Gratitude in Action - Our Way of Life
Pack 4802 is a non-denominational, all boy, community scout pack that is sponsored by the Saint George Catholic Church. The Church contracts with Boy Scouts of America agreeing that the Pack will be run according to BSA guidelines. The potential leader must take the Church program Safe Environment Training as well as completing BSA’s Youth Protection Certification before leadership applications are signed by a representative of the Church. The Church also provides a hall for the Pack Meeting. In addition, the Church and its ministries provide positive financial support at different times of the year. The Pack supports the sponsor by doing age-appropriate service projects when needed.
Cub Scouting is an adventure that is shared by the scout with a parent or family member who encourages and helps the scout practice the requirements to complete the program. Here is a rundown of what to expect from this activity.
Scouts are part of what is called a den. A den is a group of scouts the same age/grade learning the same material that leads to the rank advancement for their level, such as the rank of Bear. Dens are named, starting with Kindergarten boys who are Lions, first gradeTigers, second grade Wolves, third grade Bears, fourth grade Webelos and finally, the 5th Grade Webelos Arrow of Light Year. The dens meet weekly with the Den Leaders and at the end of the month come together for a Pack Meeting. It is here that the boys are recognized for the achievements that they have earned. Pack Meetings are always a family affair.
The Program …. The Cub Scout program is designed around specific outcomes thru the adventure based program that supports: character building, citizenship development, personal fitness, outdoor skills and ethics, spiritual growth, and personal achievement though fun activities. The Scout Oath and Law are the guidelines for the whole program. We plan many exciting activities, and it is important that we know what allergies to watch for, and who to call in case of an emergency for children as well as adults. Therefore, BSA requires all activity participants to have a medical form completed. This includes parents and siblings who attend. Since all of our activities are less than 72 hours, only the first two pages of the medical form need to be completed. Please make copy for the Den Leader. Keep the original for your records.
Family Survey…… You can also help the boys and the leader by completing the Family Survey sheet so we can know what talents you have to offer, and what you are willing to do to help us provide a quality program. This is an all-volunteer program for us, we need your help and support. Give the completed form to your Den Leader.
Youth Protection……..This is an on-line course that teaches the aspects of youth protection. All leaders are required to take this certification before their application can be submitted for registration. Parents are encouraged to take this training as well.
We follow the two deep leader guidelines. If there is a time that two leaders are not at a meeting, a parent will be asked to be the second adult. Without parents providing that support, an activity or den meeting will have to be canceled. You will learn more when you take the Youth Protection course. (See resources)
The boys also learn about and use the “Buddy System”. This teaches them that they never go any place alone or without telling a leader.
Resources……For Youth Protection go to https://my.scouting.org and set up a user name and password. Keep record of your user name and password. You will need it in the future. Log in. You will see Youth Protection as a topic where it will say “take the course”. Take the course and when done print the certificate for your records and make a copy for the Pack's record. We encourage all parents to become certified in Youth Protection. The certification is good for two years, then it has to be renewed.
Program Information………. For general information about the scouting program you can go to www.scouting.org then click on the Parent icon and see a more indepth description of scouting and the methods of scouting. Click on the Scout Source then Cub Scout to see the information available to you the parent, as well as what the leaders have for resources that help them deliver the program. All the topics are accessible to anyone interested.
Handbooks AND Uniforms……..
You will need to purchase the handbook that is for your boy's age group. For our Pack Meetings and public activities such as field trips we wear what is called class A uniform which is the scout shirt, neckerchief, slide, and scout belt. (The belt is important because the belt loops awards don't always fit on other belts.) Dark pants/shorts/socks are OK.
You will need to purchase the Pack numbers, 4802 and the Council patch – we are now the Crossroads of the West Council. The Ogden office should have the Council patch, as well as the other items or the Vegas store will probably have everything except the Council patch.
Another option is to order on-line.
The class B uniform is a scout tee shirt and dark pants/shorts/socks. We have the tee shirts that have the Pack logo etc. on them. They are about ten dollars depending on the order. We encourage buying the Pack shirts for both the adults and scouts. When we are out on a service project or camping, we can easily identify our group members. Class B shirts can be purchased at Pack Meetings.
The leaders and families of the Pack also raise operating funds for the boys' awards that they have earned by doing restaurant fund raisers, Christmas wreath sales, yard sales, etc.
However, parents will need to provide financial support for their boys for den and Pack activities such as, the pinewood derby, overnight camping, bowling, regatta racing, and the such.
We as leaders of Pack 4802 welcome you. We will do our very best to help you and your scout have a fun and rewarding experience.
PS: The Pack Committee meets once a month before Pack Meeting. Time and place to be determined each year. Parents are always welcomed.
If you have any questions, please ask one of the leaders or call Jackie at 435-632-6238.