Welcome to Pack 127! We hope that your decision to become a scout leader will be a memorable one. A successful Cub Scouting program depends upon parent involvement. We, the pack leadership appreciate your willingness to volunteer your time and efforts to ensure that our pack remains strong and that the boys have a great time in Scouts.
To help you in your efforts, we have prepared this short guide that outlines the scouting program within our pack. It is meant as a supplement to the materials published by the Boy Scouts of America, the Lincoln Heritage Council and the Lincoln Trail District. In the event there is a conflict between this guide and the information put out by these other sources, the latter should be considered correct.
We hope that this guide will help answer some of the more common questions new leaders ask. If, after reviewing the guide, you still have questions, please call any of the pack leaders and we will be glad to answer your questions.
Finally, we welcome comments, corrections and suggestions as to how we can make this guide better. If you have any, please give them to any member of the Pack Committee.
Thanks again for volunteering and have a great time!
Chapter One
Calendar of Events
Scouting is a year round program; however, most of the key events are scheduled to coincide with the school calendar. The following is a brief overview of the major events that occur through out the scouting year. Exact dates vary from year to year and can be found in the master calendar published by the Pack at the beginning of the year. Changes and updates are announced at the monthly leaders' meeting and at the pack meeting. They are also published on the FKSC web site.
Detailed explanations of some of these events and what is expected of the pack and dens can be found in this guide.
August
September
October
November
December
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
Chapter Two
Meetings
2.01 Pack Committee and Leaders Meetings
Pack Committee/Leaders meetings are normally held every month on the 2nd Wedenesday of each month, which follows the District Roundtable on the 2nd Tuesday of the month. They are normally held at Pack Scout building, BLD 1022, 192nd Tank Battalion Road. A post map is included at appendix A
The meetings are to make decisions about Pack business, distribute information relating to activities for the month and to review plans for upcoming activities. It is also a time to exchange ideas and give the pack leadership feedback as to how the pack is doing and what we can do to make the program better. The Den Leader or assistant Den Leader is expected to be present at each meeting. As this is the forum where most of the important information is given out, each den should try to at least have a representative present. If neither of the leaders in a den is able to make the leaders meeting, and no representative can be present, one of the leaders should contact the Pack Cubmaster to get the information distributed at the meeting.
The schedule and events for the next pack meeting are tweaked at the leaders meeting. Suggestions as to execution of themes and other program items are sought from all the leaders. Our pack uses a matrix to equally distribute Pack responsibilities for Songs, Skits, and Cheers throughout the Dens. An Example is shown at
appendix B. Participation in the pack meeting activities will help the boys accomplish requirements for their rank badges and arrow points.In addition to the monthly leaders meeting, an annual planning meeting is held in July/August. At this meeting, the pack activity calendar is developed. Dates for key events such as Family Camping Trips and the Blue & Gold Banquet are decided. All leaders are asked to attend this meeting. Date, time and location are announced several weeks in advance. Leaders should try to gather as much information about Post, School, Community, and other FKSC units Calendars and events as possible for this meeting, in order to deconflict events as much as possible. Remember many families have Cub Scouts AND Girl Scouts.
2.02 Pack Meetings
Pack meetings are generally held on the 4th Thursday of the month in the Van Voorhis Elementary school cafeteria. The meetings run for approximately one and a half hours. All dens participate in the Pack meetings. The typical pack meeting generally follows the schedule outlined below:
One Den is assigned to act as greeters. This Den should arrive no later then 20 minutes prior to the start of the Pack Meeting, so that they can help set up the meeting area and orchestrate the Gathering Activity as the scouts and parents arrive. This Den is also asked to bring necessary equipment from the Pack Building and help set up chairs and other equipment for the meeting if needed. The Den responsible for closing will ensure the area is returned to its proper arrangement, and return equipment. Each den performs at least one opening or closing each year. The dens also perform a skit, song or yell at least once a year.
To help with discipline before, during and after the meeting, it is the policy of the pack that there be at least one adult responsible for each boy attending the meeting. Scouting is a family affair, and we prefer that the parents attend; however, we recognize that this may not always be possible. If a parent cannot attend, we ask that the parents coordinate with another parent or responsible adult to look after the scout.
Den leaders and assistants should sit with their dens during the meeting to help maintain order during the meeting. For the Tigers, at least one other parent should sit with the den. In the event that a scout is becoming a discipline problem, the Den Leader or Cubmaster can reserve the right to send the scout to his parent. This allows the pack leadership to concentrate on running a fun and exciting pack meeting.
2.03 Den Meetings
Den meetings are when the boys meet to work on their advancements and to have fun together. We recommend that the dens meet at least twice a month and that the meetings run no longer than an hour and a half. Timing and location of the meetings is up to the parents and the den leader. Some dens meet in the afternoon, others in the evenings, and others on the weekends. We do not recommend that Dens meet in a home setting, as there are too many possibilities for distractions, and to allow all who attend to focus on the Den Meeting. Here is the schedule for a typical den meeting:
This is not a set standard, some dens have their organized play/games first (to ‘tire out’ the scouts). A key point for the Den Leader to remember is that they do not have to do everything themselves. A smart way to operate is to ask or have each family volunteer to host and help run the den meetings for a month. In this way, the effort is more evenly divided. An outline of the achievements and electives to be worked on should be developed at the beginning of the year so that the families will know what they will be responsible for in advance and avoid repetition. Additional ideas can be found in the Cub Scout Program Helps book and the Cub Scout How To book. Outings, such as picnics or go-see-its may be substituted for den meetings or planned in addition to den meetings. This is especially true for Tiger Cubs, where go-see-its are required to earn their rank.
Chapter 3
Major Events
There are several events that occur throughout the year that all the boys are asked to participate in. Some are run by the pack, while the district or council runs others. In this chapter we will address the major activities that occur through out the year.
3.01 Future Leaders Day
This is an exhibition of Scouting put on by all the scout units at Fort Knox, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, and is open to all members of the Scouting, Fort Knox, and surrounding community. Children of all ages are the focus of this event, since they are the future leaders of the nation. This event will afford Scouts the opportunity to complete work toward badges, pins, and achievements, and will afford ALL children an opportunity to try new things, learn something, and have FUN. Scout units from post and surrounding areas are asked to set up activities, exhibits, and booths, preferably with the opportunity to complete some sort of scouting requirement (badge, patch, beltloop, etc). These events are open to ALL children (not just scouts) and their families. As the event is scheduled for the first weekend after school starts, it is also an excellent opportunity for new Knox/Radcliff residents who have PCS’ed in, to find out about the Knox Community.
3.02 Scouting for Food
Every November, the pack participates in an annual food drive to support the local food bank. Each den is responsible for soliciting non-perishable food items in an assigned area of Fort Knox. The dens turn in the items at a pack collection point. The Pack then turns in the goods to the district.
3.03 Scout Popcorn Drive
This is the main official Boy Scout Fundraiser. Our Pack, along with others in the District, sell Trails End Popcorn, ordered through the BSA, to raise money for the National Council and our Pack. More will be discussed in the Fundraising Chapter.
3.04 Webelos Klondike Derby
In November, the district sponsors a Webelos Woods. This consists of a camping trip for the Webelos scouts as a den. The boys are expected to work together in setting up their campsite and participating in various outdoor activities. It is a good introduction to the camping they will experience in Boy Scouts. Outdoor training is available to Webelos den leaders to help prepare for Webelos Woods.
3.05 Council Pow-Wow
A Pow-Wow in Native American culture is a time where people come together in celebration. For Cub Scouting it is a learning extravaganza. Its an annual get-together with hands-on workshops, an idea conference, & a convention. All Cub Scout leaders or even adult parents, who want to have fun and learn are invited. Our Pack usually tries to send as many leaders as possible. There are several different classes to choose from, with usually a max of 6 that you can take for the day.
3.06 Pinewood Derby
One of the highlights in the pack calendar is the Pinewood Derby, which is held in March. At the derby, the scouts are given the chance to race small wooden cars. The scouts and their parents make the cars from a kit given to each NEW Scout by the pack (returning scouts must purchase their own new kit). Awards are given for the fastest cars in each rank and for the pack overall. In addition awards are given in such categories as Most Innovative, Best Design and Most Cub Content. In addition to the pack derby, a district wide Pinewood Derby is held in March. The race is open to all Cubs in the district. The Cub need not have placed in the pack derby to race at the district level.
3.07 Blue & Gold Banquet
February marks the anniversary of Scouting and the birthday of Scouting's founder, Lord Baden-Powell. To celebrate, Cub Scout packs hold what is called the Blue & Gold Banquet, named for the colors of Cub Scouting. At the Banquet, the dens often perform skits and songs telling the story of scouting. Awards are given to both scouts and adult volunteers who have "helped the pack go."
3.09 Family Camping
Another of the highlights of the pack calendar are Family and Pack Camping Trips. Trips are held at different times through the year at a local state park or a Scouting event. They usually begin on a Friday night and run through Saturday night or Sunday morning, with most of the organized activities scheduled for Saturday. Families do not have to camp overnight to enjoy the activities and supper on Saturday.
Activities for the boys can include nature hikes, soap caving, tug of war, map and compass, tin punch and other games and crafts. Saturday evening, the Pack holds a campfire ceremony.
3.10 District Scout-O-Rama
In March the Council holds its annual Scout-O-Rama at Churchil Downs in Louisville. It is a daylong program of displays, games and crafts for all the boys to enjoy. The Pack usually sets up a booth, providing a game and some small prizes. Each den is asked to help run the display/booth during the fair or to help with setting up or taking down the display. The time involved is usually about 45 minutes to an hour.
We also have the option of camping out on site, . Cubs attend the program by den or if for some reason the Pack is not participating, they may participate individually.
3.11 Pack Bridging Ceremony
At the end of May, the Pack holds its ‘graduation’ ceremony, called a Bridging. At this meeting, the final awards of the year are presented and by this time all the boys should either be advancing to the next rank, or have already advanced to the next rank. A rope bridge is set up, and as each Cub crosses it, he ‘Bridges’ into the Den of the next rank. Dens keep their same Den numbers but are now classified as the next rank (i.e. Wolf Den 8 after bridging is now Bear Den 8). At the ceremony, each scout is presented a gift from the Pack for for the next grade (the neckerchief, Book, etc).
3.12 District Day Camp
One of the summer activities offered is the District Day Camp. This is usually held every June. Not a resident camp, the camp is held during the day, typically 7:00-4:00pm, Monday through Friday. Activities include sports, crafts, nature activities, safety and marksmanship using BB-guns, and archery. Boys who attend Day Camp get a head start on earning the next level rank, and also earn a Patch.
Registration for Day Camp is done through the Pack. The pack is required to provide at least one adult volunteer for every four cubs attending. In addition, younger children of workers may attend a special camp just for them (Pixie’s) and older siblings can earn service award credit by helping as junior Staff Members. Thursday night is usually an opportunity for camping overnight, with a Campfire ceremony, and Friday is a family fun day at camp where everyone can participate. Eligibility is based on the rank the boy will be working on, not the rank already earned. Thus, a boy who has earned his Tiger badge is considered a Wolf for camp purposes.
3.13 Webelos And Cub Camp
For those boys and parents who do not get enough camping during the rest of the year, the council offers a program for Webelos three days and two nights at a real scout camp. Four sessions are offered for Webelos during the months of July and August. Activities include boating, swimming, nature, handicrafts, BB guns, and archery and scout crafts. The boys get a real taste of what life is like at Boy Scout summer camp, preparing them to make the transition to Boy Scouts. Webelos camp permits ratios of up to four boys per adult. Information concerning Webelos Resident Camp is sent out by the council in the spring.
3.14 Other Summer Activities
During the summer months, the pack does not have formal Pack meetings, but does plan and sponsor several activities during the summer. In the past these have included pool parties, Raingutter Regatta, ice-skating, Hiway cleanup service projects and picnic’s. Dens are also encouraged to continue meeting during the summer. From time-to-time the Fort Knox Scouting Community and Lincoln Trail District may also schedule summer activities.
Chapter Four
Awards
4.01 Introduction
One of the purposes of Scouting to is promote self-esteem while the boys learn important skills and life lessons. To recognize the hard work the cubs do as they progress through Cub Scouting a series of awards have been developed. These include the rank badges, arrow points, recognition beads, belt loops, activity pins as well as other badges and medals.
4.02 Rank Badges And Arrow Points
Tiger cubs earn their belt totems when they show that they can recite the Tiger oath and motto. Tigers, Wolves and Bears earn the rank badges by completing the requirements set forth in the handbooks for each rank. Extra credit, or Electives for Tigers are in the form of a flat yellow bead to hang on the Tiger totem. Each accomplishment on the way to the Tiger Badge is either an Orange, Black or White Bead, for a total of 15 (5 of each color). Extra credit for Wolves and Bears is given in the form of arrow points. For every ten elective projects a Bear or Wolf completes, he earns one arrow point. A gold arrow point is awarded for the first 10 electives and a silver arrow point for each ten thereafter.
Webelos earn their ranks by working on activity pins. While they mirror the activities found in the lower ranks, the Webelos activities require a lot more effort. For this reason Webelos are given almost two years to earn all their activity pins instead of one year like the other ranks.
To help the scouts earn their ranks, it is helpful to work out a plan to outline which activities will be done as a den and which activities should be done at home. In addition, work done at school should also be considered when determining if a scout has completed the requirements for his badge or pin. Sample outlines showing plans for Tiger, Bear and Wolf years are available. Keep in mind that these are only suggestions, not required patterns. What worked for some dens in the past may not work for your den. Stay flexible. Try to use activities at school and the neighborhood as well as the scout activities throughout the year to help with your planning. Most achievements and electives consist of very simple and ordinary activities that are easy and fun to do. The key to a successful cub year is to keep it simple and make it fun.
4.03 Other Awards
There are other awards that Scouts may earn during the scouting career. These include the the Conservation Badge, the Summertime Award and Religious Awards presented by most denominations. The requirement for these awards can be obtained from the Pack Committee or the Awards Coordinator. Many events are associated with a patch or patches (parades, Scout-O-Rama, Food Drive, etc) and these patches are treated as awards and are presented along with belt-loops and other awards.
4.04 Presentations Of Awards
Rank badges, arrow points, activity pins and special awards are given by the pack at the pack meeting. Presentation of these awards becomes part of the scout’s permanent records and must be reported by the Den Leader using either the PackMaster software, or a standard e-mail, and a hard copy printout to the Pack Award Coordinator. Information is due to the Pack at the Leaders Meeting, before the Pack Meeting. The Award Coordinator's name and phone number can be found on the phone tree sheet.
During the Pack meeting the den leader will bring up the entire den on their turn, and along with the Cubmaster, present the awards, such as belt loops and patches, and then there will be a separate ceremony for any advancements. The only exception to this policy is the Tiger immediate recognition beads. These awards are purchased by the Pack and the the Belt Totems are presented at the Pack meeting. When the beads are earned, however, they are awarded by the Den Leader during the Den Meetings. Den Leaders may purchase beads and submit a receipt to the treasurer for reimbursement.
Chapter Five
Uniforms
5.01 Uniform Basics
Within Pack 127, the minimum uniform required for Scouts, is the scout shirt with appropriate badges and neckerchief and slide for the appropriate rank. Neckerchiefs for the parents purchase the next rank are given to the boys at graduation each year. Purchase of scout shorts, socks, hats and other uniform items is optional. This official Cub Scout uniform is referred to as our "Class A" uniform. There is the option of buying a Pack T-shirt, which is blue with the Pack 127 cub scout logo over the left pocket area. This is referred to as the "Class B" uniform.
For each rank the proper type of uniform (color, type of shirt, etc) can be found on the inside cover of the rank handbooks (Bear Book, Tiger Book, etc). Webelos I have the option of wearing the blue Cub Scout shirt or graduating to the khaki scout shirt. Webelos II should make an effort to obtain the khaki shirt, as this will be the shirt they wear in Boy Scouts. A plaid neckerchief with Webelos slide is worn with the shirt. Again placement of patches and badges are described in the Webelos handbook.
Adult Leaders are also asked to wear at a minimum, the leader's khaki adult shirt with appropriate badges. Female Scout Leaders and Committee members may wear the yellow scout shirt. Leaders may also buy a Class B t-shirt if they like.
If a scout is unable to obtain a uniform because of financial needs, please inform the pack, we may be able to purchase a uniform for the scout. Interested parents should contact a pack committee member for further information.
Chapter Six
Fundraising
6.01 Introduction
In addition to the annual dues, the pack is dependent upon two major fundraising events for funds to run the pack. They are Scout-O-Rama ticket sales and Popcorn Sales. While the boys are encouraged to do their best in these events and awards are given based on their sales, the pack does not require the boys to sell popcorn or tickets.
6.02 Popcorn Sales
The first major fund-raiser is Popcorn Sales. This fund-raiser is similar to Girl Scout Cookie Sales, except our product is several varieties of popcorn. In 2002, the pack raised about $3,000.00 of profit through popcorn sales.
Sales begin in Mid-November when each scout is given a set of sales materials to take orders for popcorn. Orders are then returned in Early December and the popcorn is delivered in Mid-December. Money is collected from the buyers when the popcorn is delivered. Scouts have the option of taking the money up front if so desired, as this makes delivery easier sometimes. Explain that if they plan to pay by check, it is preferred that they pay first, so we can have their check cleared by the time that their popcorn arrives.
The boys can earn certificates, patches and other prizes for selling popcorn. In addition the pack receives about twenty-five percent (25%) of the money received from the sales. In addition, the pack can earn a bonus if the money is turned in on time.
6.03 Scout-O-Rama Tickets
The second major Pack fund-raiser of the year is the sale of tickets to the Scout Fair at Louisville’s Chruchill Downs. The tickets sell for $2.00 and are good for admission to the event for one person. In addition, the ticket contains several dollars worth of coupons for goods and services in the area and the buyer receives a candy bar. Most people refer to this as selling candy bar’s but we are selling tickets, the candy bar comes free with the ticket. Ticket sales begin in February and run through March. Depending upon how many tickets the boy sells and when he turns in the money for the tickets, a scout can earn a patch to wear on his awards vest as well as prizes, or coupons that can be redeemed for prizes.
If the pack turns in the proceeds from the ticket sales on time and if the pack participates in the Scout-O-Rama , the pack can receive forty percent (40%) of the money it collects for Scout Fair tickets. This amount is reduced if money is turned in late.
At the beginning of the ticket sale period, each scout is given a book of tickets to sell. Cash or checks are acceptable. Checks should be made out to "Lincoln Heritage Council BSA." When ticket sales close in late March, all unsold tickets and candy must be turned in to the pack. As the coupons attached to each ticket have value, the pack is required to account for all tickets and candy given to the pack. The pack will be required to pay for any tickets not sold, or that cannot be accounted for.
Chapter Seven
Training
7.01 Introduction
Both the district and council sponsor a number of different programs for scout leaders to receive training to help them run their programs. They include the monthly Roundtables, Leader Basic Training, Pow-wows, University of Scouting and other programs. Additional information about each of these training opportunities will be distributed at the monthly leaders meeting, usually two months in advance of the training program. Information is also available through the Scouting News newsletter, online at the National Council Site, http://www.scouting.org/, at the Lincoln Heritage Council Site, http://www.lhcbsa.org/, or at the Fort Knox Scouting Community site, http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ft_knox_community_scouting/. As we are all volunteers, we do not discourage someone from attending merely because they can not find child care. We are a family oriented organization, and although the training may be long at times, and boring for little ones, they may attend. It is more important to us, for you to get the training, than for you to miss it because you could not get childcare. We only ask that you keep control of them during the training.
7.02 Fast Start Tape
The Fast Start Tape is videotape prepared by the Boy Scouts of America to provide introductory training to all Cub Scout leaders. The tape lasts about 30 minutes and contains helpful hints on such topics as running a den or pack meeting and planning activities for the boys. The pack has a few copies of the tape and it is circulated through all the leaders of the pack.
7.03 Roundtable
On the second Tuesday of every month, the district sponsors a Roundtable. It is held at First Presbyterian Church in Elizabethtown. The meeting begins at 7:30pm and runs for about an hour and a half. Roundtable is the meeting at which the district publishes information to the packs in the area.
At the Roundtable, the staff should put on a series of examples of skits and games relating to the scouting theme for the month. Many of the skits and songs performed at our pack meetings can be based on ideas received at Roundtable.
In addition to the general session, breakout sessions are sometimes held for different levels of leaders, e.g. Webelos den leaders, pack administration, Wolf and Bear den leaders. In the breakout sessions, the staff and leaders exchange ideas about crafts and activities to do in den meetings to help the scouts earn their ranks.
7.04 Cub Leader Basic Training
Cub Leader Basic Training is a program designed to help all new leaders learn the ropes of cub scouting and provide experienced leaders with the skills to work with boys at different levels. The course is offered at different times during the year, usually in September, October and February. The Training is offered as either two evening sessions or one great big session. The latter is usually held on a Saturday.
The sessions include a general program for all leaders followed by breakout sessions for specific leadership positions. The general program covers such subjects as uniform and BSA policies relating to Cub Scouts. The breakout sessions include such topics as how to run a den meeting and what you should think about as a Den Leader.
Another important part of Cub Basic is Child Protection Training. This training is mandatory for all scout leaders. In this segment, BSA's policies regarding reporting of child abuse, adult-child policies and the signs of child abuse are discussed. Even if a leader cannot make all of the Cub Leader Basic, he or she should try to attend the Child Protection Training.
7.05 Council Pow-Wow
Pow-wow is an all day (Saturday) council sponsored training session for cub scout leaders. Pow-wow consists of a series of programs designed to help scout leaders work with their cubs. Topics include skits, songs and various crafts. Each session lasts for about an hour giving each leader who attends the opportunity to attend about six sessions.
7.06 BALOO
Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation is a course designed to familiarize and quailfy a Cub Scout leader to legally oversee a Pack Camp-out. This course is usually a one day course, and can be held in conjunction with an OWL class. This course is open to anyone who wishes to take it.
7.07 Outdoors Webelos Leader (Owl) Training
Outdoor Webelos Leader Training is a two-day weekend program for Webelos den leaders to learn the skills needed to be qualified to lead Webelos overnight camp-out’s. It may begin on a Friday evening and runs through Saturday, or begin on Saturday and run through to Sunday morning. This program is often held in conjunction with BALOO training.
7.08 Webelos Camp Training
For those adults fortunate enough to accompany their scouts to Webelos Resident camp, there is additional leader training available. While the Webelos are engaged in their program activity, the adults are offered three two-hour sessions on outdoor skills and transition from Webelos to Boy Scouting. The sessions are run by the camp staff and are both informative and fun.
7.09 Youth Protection Training
Youth Protection Training, or YPT, is the one class that must be taken by all scout leaders. If the class is not taken as part of Cub Leader Basic above, the pack committee usually arranges a session within the pack. A certificate is awarded upon completion of this training and it is good for three years. At the end of three years, the training must be taken over again. As a scout leader we are responsible for reporting suspected child abuse to the proper state authorities. Part of the training given during Child Protection Training is how to recognize child abuse and the Boy Scouts of America policies for reporting child abuse. In addition, the class addresses the Boy Scouts policies for preventing abuse by its leaders.
Chapter Eight
Pack Communication
8.01 Introduction
Communication between the Pack Committee and the dens is essential to the smooth running of the pack. To achieve this goal, several means of disseminating information have been developed. They include the monthly leaders meeting, the use of e-mail, and the phone tree.
8.02 Pack Leaders Meeting
The pack Leaders meeting is the main vehicle for passing on information to the dens. A fuller discussion of the leaders meeting is found in section 2.01 above.
8.03 Pack Newsletter
In the past the Pack has had a Pack Newsletter. This is a volunteer position that is, at times, unfilled. When we have someone to generate the Newsletter, it is distributed at every pack meeting. In this flier, information on upcoming events as well as past activities is reported. Items for the pack newsletter should be submitted to the newsletter editor no later than the Friday before the pack meeting.
8.04 Pack Phone Tree
Occasionally changes will have to be communicated throughout the pack on short notice. When this occurs, the first line of communication is through E-mail or Phone. If someone does not have e-mail, or the situation is short fused and immediate, the pack phone tree is used.
When the phone tree is activated, the leader at the top of the list will be contacted by someone within the pack administration with a message to be passed on to the other leaders on the phone list. The individual on the list is then responsible for calling the next den on the list to relay the message. If the next person on the list is unavailable (i.e., does not answer the phone in person) the leader calling should contact the next person on the list until a live person is reached. That person in turn is responsible for contacting the next person on the list until the end of the list is reached. If a caller skips a den, he or she should go back and try to reach one of the leaders in the den until the message is delivered.
A current copy of the phone tree can be obtained from the pack committee chairman or Cubmaster.
8.05 Pack Web Site
The pack does not as of yet have a Pack Web Site, but hopefully we will get one soon. We do use the FKSC website to post information about events, however, and that address is http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ft_knox_community_scouting/.
8.06 E-mail
E-mail is the easiest way to quickly disseminate information to all other leaders in the Pack. It does not intrude ‘after hours’ or wake folks up early in the morning, however you can easily send your information at these times which may be inappropriate for calling someone. Families that are "on the go" will not miss information simply because they were not at home when you called either. Ascertain from your parents who has an e-mail address and who must be contacted by phone. Many messages that are sent from Pack leadership can be edited by the Den Leader, and forwarded straight to the parents in your den.
It is imperative that leaders acertain any special needs that new or returning scouts in their troop may have, and ensure that the Pack Leadership is aware as well,. Once aware, we may all ensure that the proper training is received, and that the proper steps are taken for scouting events. The BSA prides itself on Being Prepared, but volunteer leaders cannot be expected, without prior knowledge and/or special training, to handle every unforseen behavior of a special needs Scout that could adversely affect the health and/or safety of himself or others.
Chapter Nine
Special Needs
It is imperative that leaders acertain any special needs that new or returning scouts in their troop may have, and ensure that the Pack Leadership is aware as well,. Once aware, we may all ensure that the proper training is received, and that the proper steps are taken for scouting events. The BSA prides itself on Being Prepared, but volunteer leaders cannot be expected, without prior knowledge and/or special training, to handle every unforseen behavior of a special needs Scout that could adversely affect the health and/or safety of himself or others.
Chapter Ten
References
There are many great reference and guidebooks published by the Boy Scouts of America that are helpful in planning and running a den or a pack. There are also several periodicals that scout leaders receive that also provide helpful information. Here is a partial list:
With the exception to the periodicals, all the above references are available from the scout shop. Other reference materials can be found there or are available from the council or from the Boy Scouts of America.
In addition, the website at the National Council,
http://www.scouting.org/, and at the Lincoln Heritage Council Site, http://www.lhcbsa.org/, contain links to other sites with helpful materials. Another useful site is http://www.macscouter.com. We are also working on establishing a pack library that can include many of these references.
APPENDIX B – Pack Matrix’s
APPENDIX C – Directions to Roundtable location.
