Cub Scout Pack 631
Parent Guide for Cub Scout Pack 631
First Colony Community Areas of Sugar Land, Texas
Welcome!
Welcome to Cub Scouts and Pack 631! Our pack is made up of approximately 60 - 70 Cub Scouts and their families. Most of our boys go to the Colony Bend Elementary School or attend one of the local churches nearby, but that is not a requirement for
membership in the Pack. In Pack 631, we believe that Cub Scouting is fun with a purpose, or even, a Game with a Purpose, for all boys in first through fifth grade. We follow the rules and policies set by the national organization.
We have tried to include some information below that is specific to our pack. We maintain a current Pack calendar and lots of useful information on our web site: www.pack631.net
Pack 631 Organization
Each Cub Scout pack is sponsored by an organization. Our charter organization is the First Colony Christian Church, located at the corner of Sweetwater Blvd and Elkins Road.  In the second half of the fifth grade school year, the scouts move up to one of
the many area Boy Scout Troops, also in the First Colony Community.
Cub Scout Pack 631 is made up of first through fifth grade boys. Boys meet in small groups (dens) of 6 to 8 boys from the same grade. Each den has an adult leader and assistant adult leader. The Pack is a member of the Tomahawk District, of the
Sam Houston Area Council, of the national Boy Scouts of America organization.
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 scouts, their parents, and their leaders for achievements.
In addition to its regular meetings, the Pack sponsors certain special projects/events. These include: community projects (e.g., Scouting for Food), outdoor activities (e.g., field trips, family campouts, etc.),
fun competitions (e.g., Pinewood Car Derby), and family celebrations (e.g., Blue & Gold Banquet).
The Den
A Cub Scout Pack is divided into small groups called dens, which meet under the direction of adult den leaders and their assistants. The den allows scouts to get to know each other better and engage in activities that would be difficult in pack meetings.
Den meeting activities are planned around monthly themes & include games, handicrafts, outdoor fun, and taking part in simple ceremonies & songs. Work on advancement requirements is included, but parents are vital helpers in completing requirements
for advancement. The den leaders will ask for special assistance occasionally from parents (helping with a meeting, sharing a special skill, providing a snack for the scouts, or helping arrange field trips). Dens are organized by rank.
Ranks are organized by grade and age. Keep in mind that grade is the primary determination for ranking and age is the backup.
n        TIGER CUBS— In the first grade, (or 7 years old)
n        WOLF SCOUTS  -- In the second grade, (or 8 years old)
n        BEAR SCOUTS  -- In the third grade, ( or 9 years old)
n        WEBELOS SCOUTS— In the fourth and fifth grade, (or 10+ years old)
n        BOY SCOUTS— In the fifth grade, (or age 11+), & have met the requirements to earn the Arrow of Light.
Leaders
The pack leadership consists of the Charted Organization Representative, the Pack Committee Chairman, the Pack Committee Chairman/Membership, Cubmaster, Assistant Cubmasters, Den Leaders, and Trainers/Den Leader Coaches. A leader must attend monthly Pack
be a U.S. citizen at least 21 years of age, appointed by the chartered organization and registered as an adult leader of the BSA. All adult leaders must attend Youth Protection and Leader Basic Training, a one-day training course organized by the council.
The pack is run by the Pack Committee, which is headed by the ‘Key Three’ Committee Members, which consist of the Chairman, the Cubmaster, & the Chartered Organization Representative. In Pack 631, all adult leaders are also committee members.
The Committee meets once each month (last week of each month) to plan pack meetings and other pack activities. All Committee Members are invited to attend including Den Leaders and Activities Coordinators positions.
Parents
Parents play an important role in Pack 631. The leaders will do their best to provide a quality program, but all the leaders are volunteers and have other obligations. We depend on parents to help maintain the excellent program we have established.
We ask every parent to help the pack in some capacity. You should do your share in organizing den meetings and working with the den leader of your son’s den. In addition, you should help with at least one pack activity
a year (e.g. Pinewood Derby, Blue & Gold Dinner, Summer Day Camp, or any other outing). Scouts and parents should attend the pack meetings together.
Meetings
Den Meetings
Most dens meet weekly in the homes of the Scouts on a rotation basis, or in some cases, a local community center (except in the week of the Pack Meeting). At least two adults are required to be present at all times.
In Pack 631, each den has a designated den leader and assistant. Each leader is required to complete the BSA Youth Protection Training Course at the beginning of their tenure, and then repeat this training every two years.
All adults are encouraged to this training – new online, check out the website!
Den activities are for the scouts present. Parents are asked to understand that the scout’s siblings that attend can detract from the experience for the scout and take the leader’s time away from their job.
In addition, many activities are not age-appropriate for younger children. Parents may want to bring a quiet activity for siblings (fondly referred to as Me Too’s).
Each Den sets its’ own schedule for meeting dates and times. You should contact your son’s assigned Den Leader for the latest information on meeting times and a den specific calendar.
Den meetings are where many of the achievements and requirements for graduation will be met. It is important to try to make as many meetings as possible to avoid any make-ups.
Pack Meetings
The Pack meetings are usually on the third Tuesday of every month during the school year. Pack meetings are for all the Scouts of Pack 631 & their families. We expect at least one parent to attend the pack meeting. Unlike den meetings, PM's
are for everyone and siblings are encouraged to attend with their parents. When not announced differently, pack meetings are at the Colony Bend Elementary School Cafeteria, 7 PM. Please arrive early so the meeting can start on time.
Pack meetings generally consist of awards ceremonies, group projects, and announcements about upcoming Pack activities. There are many special events: family campouts, field trips, cookie bake, pinewood derby, blue & gold, graduations, etc.
We usually have one special event each month and three more events over the summer break.
Committee Meetings
Leaders of Pack 631 discuss organizational matters, plan future events, and exchange ideas. Parents are always welcome. These meetings are usually held at the end of each month, after the Pack Meeting, usually on a Thursday at 7PM.
Roundtable
Roundtable is for the exchange of information and announcements for leaders of the whole district. Leaders are highly encouraged to attend roundtable each month. Leaders can earn recognition for attendance! Parents are also always welcome.
These are held the second Thursday evening of each month at 7PM at Sugar Creek Baptist Church, Worship Center  next door to Bill Heard Chevrolet.
Ranks and Advancement
Boys work their way through Cub Scouts doing activities that are fun and challenging. The activities are carefully chosen to be age-appropriate and emphasize learning by doing. They are designed to:
n        Influence a boy’s character development and spiritual growth.
n        Encourage good sportsmanship and pride in growing strong in mind and body.
n        Improve understanding within the family.
n        Strengthen a boy’s ability to get along with others.
n        Show a boy how to be helpful and do his best.
n        Provide fun and exciting new things to do.
In addition to the activities that contribute to advancement in rank, the scouts can earn belt loops, pins and letters in the optional academic and athletic program. The purpose of these awards is to encourage Scouts to try new activities and learn new sk
As in all activities in Cub Scouting, this is not meant to be a highly competitive program; instead the scouts are encouraged to “do their best”.
First Graders
Cub Scouts joining as first graders enter the Tiger Cubs. To earn the Tiger badge, a boy must pass five achievements involving simple family-oriented den activities and electives. Tigers also participate in one field trip (Go See It) per month,
which is arranged by the Den Leader  Tiger Cub dens meet twice a month in addition to being welcome at all pack meetings and activities. Tiger Cubs introduces boys and their adult partners to the excitement of Cub Scouting as they
“Search, Discover, and Share” together. The requirements for these badges are found in the Tiger Cub Scout Book. Boys working towards their Tiger Badge are called Tiger Cubs.
Second Graders
Cub Scouts in the second grade or above begin advancement by earning the Bobcat Badge. As part of the Bobcat Badge requirements, they must learn the Cub Scout Promise, the Law of the Pack, and the Cub Scout Motto.
In the second grade, Cub Scouts complete achievements to work toward the Wolf Badge, then complete electives towards a Gold Arrow Point and one or more Silver Arrow Points. To earn the Wolf badge, a boy must pass twelve achievements
involving simple physical and mental skills. The requirements for these badges are found in the Wolf Cub Scout Book. Boys working towards their Wolf Badge are called Wolf Cubs.
Third Graders
In the third grade, Cub Scouts are called Bear Cubs and complete achievements to work toward the Bear Badge, after which they complete electives to work toward earning a Gold Arrow Point and one or more Silver Arrow Points.
There are 24 Bear achievements in 4 different categories. The Cub Scout must complete 12 of these to earn the Bear badge. The requirements for these badges are found in the Bear Cub Scout Book.
Boys joining in the third grade must earn their Bobcat Badge before working towards the Bear Badge.
Fourth and Fifth Graders
The Webelos Program is an 18 month to 2-year program for fourth and fifth graders. First, they earn their Bobcat if they have not done so in a previous year. Then in both years, they work toward earning Webelos Activity Pins in 20 different areas,
arranged in 5 groups, and toward one of two different cloth Badges. Fourth grade boys work toward the Webelos Badge. After earning this Badge, boys work toward the Compass Point emblem and compass points by earning additional Activity Pins.
Fifth graders, after earning the Webelos Badge, earn the Arrow of Light. The Arrow of Light is the highest rank in Cub Scouts. The Arrow of Light is the only Cub Scout Badge that may be worn on a Boy Scout uniform.
The requirements for these badges are found in the Webelos Cub Scout Book.
Handbooks
Parents purchase the Tiger, Wolf, Bear, and Webelos books as needed. Handbooks can be bought at the Scout Shop in Stafford. The parents and the leaders track the scout’s progress by writing in the books. We recommend that parents
read the books for their child’s age group cover-to-cover and follow the boy’s progress carefully. Every handbook includes a parent guide for you to go over with your child.
Fees
The 2006-2007 registration fee for New Scouts is $91.60 per boy. (This includes a subscription to Boys Life for each family, and a Pack T-shirt for the Scout.) The fee for returning Scouts is $68.20, and second year Webelos are $37. (This includes a
subscription to Boys Life for each family, but no t-shirt.) Dues are paid from September through September to the Pack, even though National Scouting Dues are paid on your behalf each January. This is the reason for the prorating of fees
For New Scouts and Exiting Webelos. Pack 631 pays the registration fees for its adult leaders. The adult registration includes a subscription to Scouter Magazine.
Leaders are suggested to take the BSA provided training courses in lieu of paying adult leader dues.
Uniforms
The scouts and leaders should wear their uniforms to all Pack meetings, den meetings, fundraising, Roundtables, and the Scouting For Food Drive. For outings or activities like camping, that may cause damage to the uniform, we would like the boys
to wear their official scout caps to identify them as scouts along with their Official Pack 631 T-shirt, which is included and will be given to all Scouts in their first year of membership. The Official Red Pack 631 T-Shirt is known as your ‘Class B’ Unif
Additional Pack 631 t-shirts will be available for purchase by Scouts & family members for $8-10 each.
Scouts in Pack 631 buy their own uniform, including general patches. The pack provides advancement badges. Tiger, Wolf, and Bear cubs use the blue Cub Scout uniform, while Webelos choose to wear the tan Webelos Scout uniform shirt to
represent their imminent graduation into the Boy Scout Troop of their choice. Pack 631 follows a “Belt and Up!” uniform policy. Scouts do not have to purchase the uniform pants/shorts/socks. The Class A Uniform shirt is required.
Uniforms can be bought at the Scout Shop (281-207-2340) in Stafford. All you need to know is that you are with Pack 631, and your Den #... the nice people at the store will assist you with obtaining everything you need.
Don’t forget to buy a copy of your handbook!
Cub Scout Uniform - also known as your ‘Class A’ Uniform!
Shirt: Official Cub Scout dark blue shirt. The council patch, pack number, den number, and world scouting emblems need to be sewn on. The Scout Shop can also help you with this.
Neckerchiefs: Official Tiger Neckerchief is worn by first-graders. Official Wolf Neckerchief is worn by second-graders. Official Bear Neckerchief is worn by third-graders. The neckerchief is rolled and placed under the shirt collar.
Slide: Official gold metal slide with Cub Scout emblem, or from time to time, handmade neckerchief slides may be worn.
Belt: Official navy blue web belt with metal buckle & Cub Scout emblem.
Cap: Official Scout baseball-style cap-navy with colored front panel & Cub Scout emblem to match neckerchief for each rank.
Shorts/Socks (optional): Official navy blue shorts & Cub Scout socks with orange or gold tops. NOT REQUIRED!!! Jeans or length-appropriate shorts are the norm.
Webelos Scout Uniform - also known as your ‘Class A’ Uniform!
Shirt: Official Cub Scout dark blue shirt, -OR-   Tan/Olive uniform: When the tan/olive uniform is chosen, official Boy Scout olive trousers or shorts, olive socks and official Boy Scout tan shirt with blue shoulder patches are worn.
Webelos Colors: Official cloth ribbons, pinned to the shirt sleeve, where all Activity Pins are displayed.
Neckerchief: Official Webelos plaid neckerchief. The neckerchief is rolled and placed under the shirt collar.
Slide: Official gold metal slide with Webelos emblem or handmade slides may be worn.
Belt: Official Scout navy blue web belt with metal Webelos belt buckle. Belt loops fit on the official Scout blue belt only!
Cap: Official Webelos baseball-style cap with emblem.
Optional Uniform pieces
The patch vest is not part of the official uniform. It can be worn by Cub and Webelos Scouts for the display of temporary and other patches that have been earned by the boy as a part of the Scouting experience.
The patch vest should not be worn with the uniform for formal ceremonies or inspections.
Leader Uniform - also known as your ‘Class A’ Uniform!  All Scout Leaders wear the same uniform with colored shoulder loops. Blue loops indicate affiliation with a Cub Scout Pack & red loops indicate affiliation with a Boy Scout troop.
Shirt: Official tan with blue shoulder epaulets. The council patch, pack number, den number, leader patch, and world scouting emblems need to be sewn on.
Neck Wear: The adult uniform shirt may be worn with Cub Scout bolo tie or neckerchief of choice, or to match current Rank. The neckerchief is rolled and placed under the shirt collar with the top button open.
Belt: Official olive web belt or, optional official leather belt.
Hat: Blue/gold cap with the Cub Scout emblem for their rank, Webelos cap for Webelos leaders, or optional Friends of Scouting annual campaign hat.
Pants/Shorts/Socks: (optional) Official Boy Scout socks worn with olive shorts or pants. Olive with red tops.
Pack 631 Scouting Practices
Use of Knives by Cub Scouts
To earn the right to carry a pocketknife at Cub Scout functions, the scouts must be in third grade and have earned the Whittling Chip by completing the Shavings and Chips Achievement 19 in the Bear Cub Scout Book.
Please don’t give the boys knives until they meet these requirements. Remind them that they MAY NOT take these things to school! They are for Pack Activities only.
In return for the privilege of carrying a pocketknife at the appropriate Cub Scout functions, the Cub must understand the rules for safe use of a pocketknife and handle his pocketknife with care.
Failure to follow the guidelines will result in suspension of the carrying privilege by the Den Leader or Cub Master.
BSA guidelines provide that the knife must be a folding knife with a blade shorter than the palm of the boy’s hand.
Inappropriate Behavior
The goal of the adult leaders is to have a safe, fun Pack program for the Scouts. The adult leaders have the right to intervene in any situation that they deem unsafe. If a Scout is unwilling to abide by the requirements of the adult leaders in charge, th
leaders may require a parent to assist or alternately to take the Scout home. Since we ask a parent to attend all of our activities with their Scout, this is rarely an issue. The goal of each adult leader is to have a safe, fun Pack program for the Scouts
Entertainment Electronics
Pack 631 does not allow the use of “entertainment” electronics (Walkman, TV’s, tape players, CD’s, electronic games, headphones, etc.) at scout meetings, scout sponsored functions, or scout outings, including camping trips.
This goes for the leaders as well.
Electronic devices such as two-way radios, cellular phones, radios used to check weather reports or other devices that are used to insure the safety of the scouts, parents, or leaders are allowed.
Camping Guidelines
Pack 631 has a history of 2 or 3 family camping trips each year. The scout and his entire family are encouraged to attend. The Boy Scouts of America has established the guidelines for its member's participation in camping activities.
A Cub Scout may participate in overnight camping when supervised by his mother or father. If a parent cannot attend, the boy's family must make arrangements for another adult relative to be a substitute for a parent at the campout.
It is essential that each Scout be under the supervision of an adult. Cub Scouts are limited to boy-parent excursions or program-managed family camping designed for the entire family.
Please remember that your Den Leader wants to share the camping experience with his son too, and cannot be put into the position of being a babysitter for the weekend.
When staying in tents, no youth will stay in the tent of an adult other than his or her parent or guardian. Webelos Scouts may earn the right to tent together separately from the adults, but within the same campsite area as their parents and Leader.
Internet Guidelines
We maintain a current Pack calendar and lots of useful information on our web site at www.pack631.net.  We follow the Internet guidelines of the BSA and the local council.
The basic guidelines are as follows:
·         No last names for the boys or adults are used on the site. Exceptions are made only for adult points of contact!
·         Pictures are identified by the event only and no names (first or last) are associated with photos.
·         The pack has an e-mail account for all mail sent and received. This account is only used by the adults.
·         New guest book entries are reviewed by adults before they are added to the guest book to be viewed.
·         The web site is administered and managed by registered leaders of Pack 631.
Boy Scouts of American Safe Scouting Policies
The following key items, are extracted from A Unit Leader’s Guide for Current Policies and Procedures to Safe Activities (ISBN 0-8395-4416-2, © 1998 Boy Scouts of America Revised 1999).
Leaders should have access to a copy of this document for additional safety topics (swimming, boating, climbing, etc.).
These are national policies enforced by the adult leaders of Pack 631 and violation of these policies by the boy or his parent will result in the removal of the scout from the pack.
Repeated violation by members of a Pack can cause the revocation of the Pack charter by the Boy Scouts of America.
Drug, Alcohol, and Tobacco Use and Abuse
The Boy Scouts of America prohibits the use of alcoholic beverages and controlled substances at encampments or activities on property owned and/or operated by the Boy Scouts of America, or at any activity involving participation of youth members.
Adult leaders should support the attitude that young adults are better off without tobacco and may not allow the use of tobacco products at any BSA activity involving youth participants.
All Scouting functions, meetings, and activities should be conducted on a smoke-free basis, with smoking areas located away from all youth participants.
Guidelines for Safely Using Chemical Stoves and Lanterns
Use compressed or liquid-gas stoves or lanterns with knowledgeable adult supervision only and in Scout facilities only where and when permitted. Never fuel a stove, heater, or lantern inside; always do this outdoors.
Never fuel, ignite, or operate a stove, heater, or lantern in a tent. Do not leave a lighted stove or lantern unattended.
Flammability Warning
No tent material is completely fireproof. The most important safeguard is to keep flames away from tent materials. For this reason, the following safety precautions are emphasized:
n        Only flashlights and electric lanterns are permitted in tents. No flames in tents.
n        Never use liquid-fuel stoves, heaters, lanterns, matches, and other flame sources in or near tents.
n        Do not pitch tents near an open fire.
n        Only use battery operated devices in tents.
Fireworks
The Boy Scouts of America prohibits the securing, use, and display of fireworks in conjunction with programs and activities except where the fireworks display is conducted under the auspices of a certified or licensed fireworks control expert.
Guns and Firearms
The Boy Scouts of America adheres to its long-standing policy of teaching its youth and adult members the safe, responsible, intelligent handling, care, and use of firearms, air-guns, and BB guns in planned, carefully managed, and supervised programs.
Gun-shooting sports are not an approved part of the Cub Scout program except at council-approved Cub Scout camps.  At camp, Cub Scouts may have an opportunity to take part in a BB gun (rifle) safety and marksmanship program under the direction
of a trained and certified BB-gun range officer. Cub Scouts are not permitted to use any other type of handgun or firearm.
Except for law enforcement officers required to carry firearms within their jurisdiction, firearms shall not be brought on camping, hiking, backpacking, or other Scouting activities.
Transportation
Seat belts are required for all occupants. All drivers must have a valid driver’s license that has not been suspended or revoked for any reason. Passenger cars or station wagons may be used for transporting passengers, but passengers should not ride
on the rear deck of station wagons. Trucks may not be used for transporting passengers except in the cab. All vehicles must be covered by automobile liability insurance with limits that meet or exceed requirements of the state in which the vehicle
is licensed. Do not exceed the speed limit. If the vehicle to be used is designed to carry more than 15 persons, including the driver, the driver must have a commercial driver’s license (CDL). An adult leader must be in charge and accompany the group.
The driver must be currently licensed and at least 18 years of age.
What do I need to buy for my new Cub Scout?
Where do I get it?
Stafford Scout Shop
10435 Greenbough, Suite 125
Stafford, TX  77477
(281) 261-1868
Hours: Monday through Friday 10-6; Saturdays 10-3
The Stafford Scout Shop is located in the United Way building on Greenbough.  Traveling on Murphy Road north from Hwy 90A, pass NAPA Auto Parts and turn right on the next street.
Traveling south on Murphy from the Southwest Freeway, turn left on Greenbough, which is located across from Wolfe Nursery.  Take the second driveway to your right off Greenbough.
If you are unable to go to the Scout Shop, you can call the downtown Scout Shop (713-655-1060), place your order, and they will UPS it to you.  You may also order from the catalog.
IMPORTANT - RANK LEVEL BOOK
·         1st grade - Tiger
·         2nd grade - Wolf
·         3rd grade - Bear
·         4th & 5th grades - Webelos
TIGER UNIFORM
·         Navy Cub Scout Shirt
·         Navy Cub Scout Short or Pant (optional)
·         Tiger Neckerchief
·         Neckerchief Slide
·         Den Number (_____)
·         Pack Numerals (_631_)
·         Tiger Hat
·         Blue Tiger Belt w/ buckle
·         Council Strip (Sam Houston Area)
·         World Crest Patch
·         Orange T-Shirt (optional)
WOLF/BEAR UNIFORM
·         Navy Cub Scout Shirt
·         Navy Cub Scout Short or Pant (optional)
·         Wolf or Bear Neckerchief
·         Neckerchief Slide
·         Den Number (_____)
·         Pack Numerals (_631_)
·         Wolf or Bear Hat
·         Blue Cub Scout Belt
·         Council Strip (Sam Houston Area)
·         World Crest Patch
WEBELOS UNIFORM
·         Tan/Olive Scout Shirt
·         Webelos Neckerchief
·         Neckerchief Slide
·         Den Number (_____)
·         Patrol Emblem (_____)
·         Pack Numerals (_631__)
·         Webelos Hat
·         Blue Webelos Belt
·         Council Strip (Sam Houston Area)
·         World Crest Patch
·         Blue epaulets
·         Webelos Colors
Don’t forget your handbook!