Pack 797 and You

Introduction

Welcome to Cub Scout Pack 797. We are excited that you are interested in our Pack. This packet is meant to help new Cub Scout families understand Pack 797. Cub Scouting is a family program and succeeds with parent involvement. This way, both the parents and the Scouts benefit from the program.

We are registered with the Greater St. Louis Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) in the North Star District.

Sponsor

Although Pack 797 serves the NorthSt. Louis County area and students from , Parker Road, Commons Lane, Duchesne, Combs, Robinwood, AND Halls Ferry and many more Elementary Schools in the Hazelwood and Ferguson -Florissant School Districts , Sacred Heart Catholic School, and other area schools and youth, our Pack is officially sponsored by our Chartered Organization, Sacred Heart Church of Florissant

BSA Mission & Vision

Mission Statement

The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.

Vision Statement

The Boy Scouts of America will prepare every eligible youth in America to become a responsible, participating citizen and leader who is guided by the Scout Oath and Law.

Cub Scouts strives to promote core values such as Citizenship, Compassion, Cooperation, Courage, Health and Fitness, Honesty, Perseverance, Positive Attitude, Resourcefulness, Respect, and Responsibility. Cub Scout Pack 797 uses fun activities to help our children learn these values.

The Cub Scout Pack

The Pack is all Leaders and Scouts from every Den together as a single group. Dens defined below.

Pack Leaders

Pack Leaders are responsible for planning and holding Pack Meetings and assuring that the pack adheres to BSA rules and regulations. Pack Leaders attend monthly Committee meetings, district roundtable meetings, and BSA Adult Leader training classes.

Akela

Akela is a term you will hear time and time again. An Akela is a Scout’s Adult. The term means guide and is not specific to a Parent. As a family-based organization, a Scout’s Adult is encouraged to participate in the Scouting Experience. There can be different people who guide a youth through scouting. Parents, Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles, Foster Parents, family friends (as well as the Leaders) are all examples of who can be an Akela.

Meetings

The entire pack typically convenes on a selected Friday at 7:00pm for a Pack Meeting that lasts about 1 hour. This day can vary depending on holidays and school closures. Each den meets except for the Lion den twice a month for a Den Meeting, which lasts about 1 hour, depending on the planned activities

Pack Meetings

Pack Meetings are held once a month September thru May, usually on a Friday evening at 7:00 pm and last about an hour. An online calendar will be available upon joining for a live feed of the schedule. Unless otherwise stated, the Pack Meetings will be held at the St Rose Parish Hall

Pack Meetings are the primary way in which Cub Scouts receive acknowledgement and awards in front of their peers. Pack Meetings are an opportunity for the Scouts to show-off what they have learned and earned during the past month's Den Meetings.

Pack meetings may include: Flag Ceremony (Pledge of Allegiance, Scout Oath, and Scout Law), Greeting, Opening Thought and Theme, Advancements and Awards, an Activity, then Closing Ceremony (Retiring of the flag and words of praise), and Cleanup

Den Meetings

Each den usually meets twice per month, depending on the planned activities. Each Den can establish its own system and schedule for conducting den meetings. Den Meetings typically focus on a published monthly theme. Den Meetings also may consist of an outing like going to a park or a museum. Have fun - you'll love it and so will the kids!

Outings & Events

Pack 797 is incredibly active. We believe that involvement is the path to understanding and advancement. What better way to get the scouts involved than to have fun activities available for them to participate in?

Camping

Pack 797 schedules a Pack Camping Trip once or twice a year, in Fall and in Spring. A coveted event for all scouts, these are great events to get out with your scout and be outdoors without having to bring all of your own camping gear. Volunteers help prepare activities, and all meals are provided. At minimal, you just need to bring a tent, and sleeping bags.

Service Projects

Throughout the summer, and several times during the school year, Pack 797 shows the Scouts how to give back by participating in different types of service projects. American Flag Recycling, Nature Area Cleanups, and Scouting for Food are just some of the opportunities our Pack takes advantage of.

Pinewood Derby

Each January, Pack 797 holds it Pinewood Derby. With our new metal track acquired in 2016, the Scouts can accurately race the Pinewood Derby cars they build. Workshops are held before hand to give families that may not have access to tools and/or space an opportunity to craft the Scouts car. Awards are given for Best Car Design and Fastest Car at the Den Level as well as for the Overall Pack!

Blue & Gold Banquet

As well as a celebration of the birth of Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of the Scouting movement, and the anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America, the 5th Grade Webelos Den graduates out of our Cub Scout Pack and into a Scouts BSA Troop every February. For such a special event we hold a Blue and Gold Banquet with a ceremony, catered dinner, and live entertainment.

Dens

The Cub Scout pack is organized into dens; Lion Scouts (Kindergarten), Tiger Scouts (1st Grade), Wolf Scouts (2nd Grade), Bear Scouts (3rd Grade), Webelos and Arrows of Light (4th and 5th Grade). Dens are also led by parent volunteers.

Adventures

Scouts have Adventures to work on throughout the scouting year to fulfill their den requirements and electives and advance to the next rank. With the exception of the Lion & AOL Scouts, each Den has 7 Adventures that are required, and 1 Elective that must be completed. Depending on the schedule, den leaders may plan additional electives for their scouts to complete.

Check our the Rank Descriptions and Adventures

Cubmaster & Den Leader Duties

Cubmaster and Assistant Cubmaster(s) duties

Cubmaster and Assistant Cubmaster duties include: lead and or conduct the monthly Pack meetings, guide & support Den Leaders, work with the Pack committee to plan an annual Pack program, and to deliver the Cub Scout program in the Pack.

Den Leaders duties

Den Leader duties include: planning and carry out Den meetings with the goal of accomplishing the adventure of the month; prepare its skits & exhibits for the Pack Meeting; lead the Den in its participation at Pack meetings; help the Cubmaster in presenting awards from Pack meetings.

Registration Fees and Dues

BSA National Dues and Three Fires Council Fees

Traditionally, Pack 797 collects the BSA National Dues to pay as a Scouting Unit with our Recharter. Recent changes have moved the date of recharter to coincide with the school year, and not the calendar year. Additionally, our council has implemented Council Program fees.

Pack Dues

Pack Dues have traditionally been covered by fundraising at the beginning of the year.

Den Dues

Den level dues are established at the discretion of your Den Leader. Your Den Leader will discuss this with you.

Fundraising

Pack 797 participates in the annual District Popcorn sales event which takes place in Aug-Nov . The popcorn sales raise funds for pack program (Neckerchiefs and slides, advancements, patches and beltloops, etc.) and for scout camping and outings. In short, it pays for all the FUN THINGS we do ALL YEAR LONG! All scouts are requested to participate and we set goals based on activities from the previous years. Complete details regarding Fundraising and the popcorn and wreath sales will be handed out with our Why We Fundraise packet, and will be discussed at the fundraising kickoff meeting the beginning of the scouting year.

Pack Committee

The function of the Pack Committee is largely to support the program. Meetings of the Pack Committee are held once a month. Pack Committee meetings are held to discuss upcoming Pack activities, and to determine how Committee members can best help facilitate the Pack activities. Pack Committee members may be elected or appointed or may simply volunteer. Any parent can come and participate in any Pack Committee meeting. It is beneficial to have new parents participate in the Pack Committee.

Fundraising Committee

A separate meeting is also held monthly for our Fundraising Committee. This committee focuses on our efforts to bring money into the Pack to pay for the activities that the Pack Committee lay out.

Training

All registered adult members are required to complete Youth Protection training. This training creates a safe environment for young people to enjoy the Cub Scout program’s activities. It also provides strategies for personal safety awareness for youth as well as adults. Certification renews every 2 years. It is a great idea if parents would like to complete Youth Protection Training too. More information and registration can be found at http://www.scouting.org/Training/YouthProtection.aspx.

Additionally, when available, leaders are required to complete position specific training.

Uniform

Cub Scouts are expected to wear their Field Uniform (sometimes referred to as the Class “A” uniform) (cap, neckerchief, neckerchief slide, shirt and belt) to all den and pack meetings. Other activities may specify the Activity Uniform, or Class “B” (cub scout t-shirt). Uniforms are purchased at the BSA Store. Check with your Den Leader about the Den level specific uniform requirements. An order form is available for each Den level, and the Scout Shop is very helpful.

*Neckerchiefs and Slides are provided by the Pack as part of their welcome and Rank Advancement. Activity/Class B Pack T-shirts are available directly through the Pack.

Books

Each Den level has a Den specific book. Each scout may purchase a rank specific handbook for their level (Lion, Tiger, Wolf, Bear, Webelos).

Links

Greater St. Louis Area Council - www.stlbsa.org

This site contains camp information, scouting events, scout shop store, forms and more.

Scout Shops are located: St. Louis Scout Shop BSA OUTFITTERS - WEST COUNTY

4568 West Pine Blvd. 13347 Manchester Rd.

St. Louis, MO 63108 Des Peres, MO 63131

314-454-1652 314-984-0014

M-F, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. M-Th, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. | F, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

(Closed for lunch from 1:30 -2 p.m.) Sa, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | Su, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

WWW.GATEWAYTRADERS.ORG

Contact

Cub Scout Pack 797

Cubmaster

Tim Eckhard

Cubmasterpack797@gmail.com

(314)602-5740

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