What is the difference between a pack and a den?
A Den is a small group of Cub Scouts of the same rank (the same grade in school) who meet approximately twice a month to work on achievements, projects, learn games and songs, and make up skits. The Dens include the Tigers (first graders), the Wolves (second graders), the Bears (third graders), Webelo I (fourth graders) and Webelo II (fifth graders). The Pack is comprised of all five Dens. The Pack meets approximately once a month for Pack meetings and also gathers at other times for special activities, such as camping trips and the annual Blue and Gold Dinner.
What are my responsibilities as a parent?
Cub Scouting encourages closeness to family. The program will give you opportunities to take part in activities with your son that you normally might not do. It provides a positive way for parent and son to grow closer together, and encourages you to spend quality time together. In this way, Cub Scouting is a program for the entire family, and your involvement is vital to the program's success. Some specific things you can do to help your son in Cub Scouting are:
· Work with your son on projects
· Help your Cub Scout along the advancement trail
· Participate in monthly pack meetings
· Be an active participant in the pack committee, and volunteer for activities
· Go on family campouts with your son
· Provide support for your son's den and pack
What your son gets out of Cub Scouting depends on what your family puts into it. Our pack is very flexible, but frequent meeting absences, dropping off a child and going off to hit a local watering hole, or being lax about Scout achievements does tend to diminish the positive impact of Scouting on your son and your family.
Will my son have home projects?
Yes. Throughout the school year the boys will need assistance from their adult partner to be prepared for Pack meetings/derbies and to complete the achievements required to earn his advancement at year end. Each Den level book clearly lays out what is expected of the boys. The Tiger achievement is very basic and is almost completely covered during Den meetings but as the boys increase in age the achievements have more steps and the boys will need to work on more things at home.
Do my spouse and I have to volunteer?
Yes. We expect each Pack 502 family to pitch in. Having organized, fun events for all the boys to attend, is our goal and it takes assistance from all families to make it a reality. There are three levels of commitment needed to make the Pack successful.
*short term roles- planning and executing events (see the sign up sheets and email requests)
*Den Leaders and Assistant Den Leaders who work directly with the boys
*Pack Committee positions including Cubmaster, Pack Committee Chair, Assistant Cubmaster, Rechartering/Advancements, Treasurer, Registrar, Communications and Event Coordinators
Can moms take part?
YOU BET! Some of our greatest volunteers have been moms, and boys get a lot out of being exposed to adults of either gender. In fact, for single moms, Cub Scouting can be a great way to connect with your son AND expose him to adult male role models. If dad’s away, be sure to drop in and get involved.
How do you protect the safety of the boys?
We use two-deep leadership at all times, and work to ensure all activities for the boys are age-appropriate and safe. Parents are always welcome to stay at den and pack events and are required to stay at overnights, to be sure our boys are always protected and comfortable.
My son wants to do sports. Should we not consider scouting?
Many of our Cub Scouts are involved in sports. It’s very manageable, and can help your son become a well-rounded individual. Don’t let your scheduling fears get in the way! It’s do-able.
Does DeWitt have more than one Pack?
Yes. There are three Boy Scouts of America (BSA) units serving the DeWitt community. Pack 502 and Pack 277 both serve boys in grades 1st – 5th and Troop 77 serves 6th-12thgrade boys.
What’s the connection between the Pack and Redeemer?
Redeemer is the chartering organization for Pack 502. Each BSA unit must be chartered by a local organization. This organization approves leadership of the Pack and basically looks out for the well being of the Pack. The relationship between the Pack and the chartering organization must be formally renewed each year. Redeemer United Methodist Church sees the Pack as part of its Scouting Ministry which is part of Redeemer’s efforts to positively impact the lives of DeWitt youth. Each year the Pack does a couple of service projects for the Church including collecting food for its public pantry and helping with the spring yard clean up.
Do we have to be Methodists for my son to join the Pack?
Absolutely not. Pack 502 certainly has a significant core of Redeemer U.M. members who are very invested in seeing the Pack be successful, but, many of the families in the Pack are affiliated with different congregations including the Catholic Community of St. Jude’s or do not have a church home.
Does my son have to start Cub Scouts in 1st grade?
No. Each Cub Scout programming year is a stand alone year. Boys can start at any grade level. Each year has a separate advancement goal that doesn’t interrelate with the other years.
Will my son get to participate in a PineWood Derby?
Yes. Each year Pack 502 holds a PineWood Derby where boys compete against each other with cars that they have made at home (using a provided kit) with their adult partner. We also hold a Space Derby (balsam wood rockets raced on a guide wire powered by a wound rubber band) or a Raingutter Regatta (boy wind powered sail boats) each year.
What does it take for me to be my son’s Den leader?
Ideally, we need 2 den leaders for every 6 or so boys. The number of willing leaders and interested boys ultimately dictate the size of the Dens. Boy Scouts of America (BSA) defines two positions for each den: Den Leader and Assistant Den Leader. Pack 502 pays the registered adult fee for each of its leaders. Den leaders are asked to represent their Den at Pack Committee meetings (4th or 5th Monday of the month) and to purchase and wear a leader uniform.
What do I need to do for a uniform?
Pack 502 requires only a Cub Scout shirt (we recommend short sleeves), appropriate neckerchief and slide, and cap. All of these things, plus the necessary patches, can be purchased at the Scout Shop or at Holden-Reid Outfitters in Frandor. The patches you’ll need are the purple world crest, the Water & Woods shoulder patch, and the red numbers for “5”, “0”, and “2.” Information about patch placement can be found in your parent handbook or Cub Scout handbook. It can be useful to buy a Cub Scout handbook for your son, as it helps with achievements at home.
Are there used uniforms available?
Maybe. As a rule boys use their shirts for multiple years so there aren’t many used ones available. Sometimes families have neckerchiefs and hats that they would like to pass along. Check the Pack Uniform box and see what is available then be sure to return it when your son is done.
Will my son have to sell popcorn?
Selling popcorn door to door is easy and is a great way for each Scout to help “earn their way,” and saves parents money. Scouts in uniform are greeted so differently than a student pushing a school fundraiser. Of the customers asked to buy popcorn, 88% buy 1 item. The remaining percent will sometime give a donation instead. So, remember the most common reason that customers do not buy popcorn from a Scout unit - THEY WERE NEVER ASKED!
We can assure you that every penny we raise will be reinvested in your son and the Scouting experience of all the boys in our pack. While the dollar amounts you’ll hear at popcorn time are scary, they are actually not that hard to reach. We’ll support you and your Scout every step of the way!
What are Den Meetings like?
Den meetings usually start with a short opening ceremony (e.g. Pledge of Allegiance) and announcements. Then the boys begin working on the project of the day. In den meetings boys work on a wide variety of projects, all with the development of a particular skill in mind. As the boys progress through the ranks (Wolf, Bear, Webelos) they will be introduced to subjects such as; building, fixing, cooking, camping, hiking, arts & crafts, music, games, environment, leadership, fitness, science, and communication, just to name a few. Each den chooses its own direction under the guidance of its leaders. Sometimes den meetings will involve outdoor activities (e.g. hiking, sports) or a field trip (e.g. library, fire station). Den meetings usually end with a short closing ceremony (e.g. recite the Cub Scout Promise), and then snack. Although the purpose of the den meeting is to develop skills and learn, the emphasis is always on having fun.
What are Pack Meetings Like?
Each pack meeting is planned around a theme, such as "Pinewood Derby", "Blue & Gold Banquet", etc. The master of ceremonies is the pack Cubmaster. All Cub Scouts and at least one parent are expected to attend. Cub Scouting is a family activity and all family members are welcome and encouraged to attend. Pack meeting are always lots of fun.
Where can I get more information?
Contact any of our leaders, or reach out to our Pack Committee Chair, Stephanie Van Koevering, at 517-974-6065 or home@svksolutions.com
Does Pack 502 have a website?
Yes. www.leaguelineup.com/pack502
Our website is very active and information oriented. Every attempt is made to keep it current with calendars for the Pack and each den. It also includes event descriptions and storage of the most recent Pack email and available handouts.
