pack 371 Handbook

Cub Scout Pack # 371 is a family-oriented youth (K-5th grade) organization chartered by the St. Dominic Savio Parish in Bellflower, CA.  It runs parallel to the school year and is open to both boys and girls.  The Pack is sponsored by the Salesian Roman Catholic faith but is open to members of all different faiths and respects all different faiths and beliefs.  The organization’s goal is to instill core values into our youth to help raise them into respectable and productive citizens by teaching and following The Scout Law and The Scout Oath. 

Volunteers are always needed as Adult Leaders, and parent participation is required to keep meetings and outings safe and successful.  Adults are encouraged to join and take part in the administration of the Pack by enrolling as Scouters or simply helping as needed.  There are various roles within the program which can be filled by adult volunteers and are vital to the program. 

Our Dens have meetings typically on Friday nights from approximately 7:00pm to 8:30pm, however, different dens may elect to meet on different days or times depending on den requirements and member availability.

Council Fees

Council Fees are collected by the pack and submitted to the Long Beach Council. Fees include Registration and Charter Fees. Registration Fees are a total of $75 and cover each scout for the 2023 calendar year. Charter Fees are annual fees that are collected by BSA. For the 2022-2023 year the charter fees per Cub Scout are $75. These fees will be collected by Pack 371 no later than November 2022. The total renewal including registration, charter, and the annual Scout Life Magazine subscription for 2023 is $165. 

For Webelos going through Arrow of Light, all fees will be transferred over to whichever Troop you join for the remaining of the year after they crossover.

Monthly Dues and a Special Offer

            Monthly dues are collected at Pack Meetings virtually through Zelle or Venmo and in person with cash.  The pack dues are currently $20/month.  However, if the account is up to date, parents may elect to pay for 5 months and receive the 6th month FREE.  This offer is only available to accounts that are current.  Since the Pack operates as a non-profit organization we rely on dues and fundraising to maintain the program operating.  As a result, failure to stay up to date with Pack dues will result in withholding awards and exclusion from Pack events.  We currently allow a late dues grace period of a maximum of 2 months.  If scouts become past due for more than 2 months, they may be dropped from the Pack Program.

Fundraising

            Fundraising is an important part of the program.  By participating in fundraising, you are helping the Pack earn funds for Pack activities, awards, outings, and other expenses.  Some of the fundraising events we typically conduct include popcorn sales, Mother’s Day flower arrangement sales, camp card sales, etc.  Remember this is a nonprofit group and as such the earnings from our fundraising event are reinvested in scouting.

Scouts will be required to participate in Popcorn Fundraising during the fall season months of August through November. The spring season required fundraiser includes Mother Day Flower Arrangement Sale and/or Long Beach Council Camp Cards. Fundraising campaigns will be presented prior to the start of the sales for both fall and spring events.

When and/if appointed the Pack can have a fundraising chair who will facilitate fundraising activities and events.

Cub Scouts will participate in Den specific activities based on their Scout Rank.  As mentioned before, these meetings typically take place two to three times a month on a day agreed to by the Den.  These Den activities may include field trips such as hikes, fire department visits, fishing, volunteering, working on a community project, etc.  They can also be classroom activities such as building a first aid kit, learning about nature, working on a community project, etc.  Cub Scouts complete “adventures” over the Scout year before earning their rank advancement.

Pack meetings typically occur once a month and can include activities such as Pinewood Derby Race car building and racing, Rain gutter Regatta (building and racing a sailboat), Space Derby (building and racing a rubber band powered spacecraft), Arts and Crafts, Potluck dinners, movie nights outside on the field, etc.

Pack activities can include field trips or camping trips.  The locations are usually voted on by the Pack Committee, however, the Long Beach Area Council also plans annual camping trips for any Packs within the Council.  These annual events include camping trips such as Cub-O-ree (Halloween), Memorial Day Weekend family camping, Webelos Weekend, etc.

For additional information contact the Cubmaster, Committee Chair, or Den Leaders.

Pack/Den Meetings

A typical Pack meeting follows this agenda with a different theme every month from the Scout Law:

·        Opening Flag Ceremony

·        Opening Prayer

·        Pack activities

·        Achievements/ Recognition

·        Announcements

·        Flag Closing Ceremony

·        Snacks/ Drinks

Den meetings follow a similar structure as prepared by the responsible Den Leader.  However, achievements and recognition are typically awarded at Pack Meetings.

Camp Rules

Here are our basic Camp rules to be followed during family campouts.  Many of these are BSA rules to be an official BSA event and be covered by BSA insurance.  We ask you to review these rules and use them to regulate the behavior of your family at all family camping events with our Pack.  These rules will allow everyone to have fun, participate in all camp activities, and most importantly, Be Safe.

·        Safety is Rule # 1 and the most important part of any Pack overnighter.

·        The Buddy System will be in effect and enforced during the entire event.

·        Cub Scouts and others must act in accordance with the Scout Oath and Scout Law

·        Every Cub Scout must be accompanied by their parent/guardian.  No drop-offs.

·        Health Forms for ALL Adults, children, and Cub Scouts must be on file with the Pack or submitted before the event.

·        Parents are responsible for the supervision of their own children.

·        No one should enter anyone else’s tent for any reason.

·        Scouts may share a tent with their Cub Scout buddy if they have their own tent.

·        Cub Scouts may not share a tent with any other adults except his/her own family.

·        No open-toed shoes.  Shoes must be always worn except inside the tent.

·        No electronics allowed at the overnighter (DS, DVD players, iPads, e-games, etc.)

·        Meal Prayers will be offered before eating.

·        All scouts will participate in the flag ceremonies.

Leave No Trace: Scouts are responsible for picking up all trash in their immediate camp area and the common areas used by Pack during the campout.

Suggested Camping Item list

• Per Family

  • Tent with Rain Fly, Poles, Stakes, and Rubber Mallet/Hammer
  • Tarp (per tent)
  • Optional but super helpful
    • Rope for clothesline
    • Broom & Dustpan
    • Trash Bags
    • Wagon 
    • Pop Up Canopy

• Per Person

  • Sleeping bag
  • Sleeping pad or Inflatable mattress
  • Pillows
  • Blankets
  • Chair
  • Lantern/Flashlight/Headlamp + batteries
  • Mess kit with utensils (Reusable Camping Plate Kits)
  • Cup/Mug/Water bottle (canteen)
  • Medical Release Forms - Links to forms above to fill out for each person attending camp

Day Pack - 6 Essentials* (Each Scout must have their own) 

• Day Pack (ex "backpack”) with the following items:

  • Water bottle* (canteen)
  • Flashlight/Headlamp* + batteries
  • Sunscreen* & Sun Protection Items (Lip Balm, Hat & Sunglasses)
  • First Aid Kit* & Prescribed medications (ensure inhalers are full)
  • Whistle*
  • Trail Food* (Will be provided by the Pack)
  • Scout Handbook
  • Pen & paper

Keep Warm & Clean

• Unscented Toiletries: (Recommended to bring Travel Sizes)

  • Toothbrush
  • Toothpaste
  • Dental Floss
  • Deodorant 
  • Soap, Shampoo, Conditioner
  • Hair Comb
  • Hand Sanitizer/Soap
  • Small Towel
  • Washcloth
  • Toilet Paper
  • Insect repellant (no aerosols)

• Clothing (one set/ day, +1)

  • Class A Uniforms - Scouts should be wearing their full Class A uniforms at arrival, during Flag Ceremonies, and during Scout's Own activities.
  • Class B Shirts - Can be used during other activities.  
  • Beanie
  • Gloves
  • Long pants
  • Long shirt
  • Wool Socks, plus extra just in case
  • Pajamas/Sleep Wear
  • Hiking Boots/Closed Toe Shoes and an extra pair 
  • Rain Gear/Poncho
  • Warm Sweater/Windbreaker
  • Watch

You are welcome to bring healthy snacks for sharing with the pack.

Cub Scout Rank

The Cub Scout program is centered primarily in the Den, the home, and the neighborhood, but often takes place outdoors. It leads to advancement through six ranks, which—except for the Bobcat rank—are grade or age-based.

Bobcat             Earned first by all Cub Scouts, no matter what age they join. 

Tiger                For boys/girls who have completed kindergarten or are 7 years old. 

Wolf                 For boys/girls who have completed first grade or are 8 years old. 

Bear                 For boys/girls who have completed second grade or are 9 years old. 

Webelos         For boys/girls who have completed third grade or are 10 years old. 

Arrow of Light  For boys/girls who have completed fourth grade.

Cub Scouts do not “go back” and work on ranks designed for earlier grade levels, even if missed due to their time of joining. Likewise, Cub Scouts do not “move ahead” to the next rank until the completion of the current school year (or until their next birthday if their chartered organization transitions by age).

NOTE:  Scout advancement requirements and electives can be found in the scout handbook which is specific to their rank.  Cub Scouts follow the motto of “Do your best”, because not every child is the same, and therefore if they are giving their best effort no child is left behind.

Awards

Awards are typically earned through the completion of requirements or electives based on the Scout’s Handbook.  Most requirements/electives are completed as a Den.  If a meeting is missed the Den Leader may arrange a make-up session or allow the child to complete the activity at home.  Awards are also earned through volunteering and participation.  Typically, these awards can be patches or belt loops and are frequently presented at pack meetings.

Religious Awards

During the Scouting year, Cub Scouts are eligible to earn religious awards.  These awards are based on the individual Cub Scouts particular faith and religion.  Currently, Tigers and Wolves are eligible to earn “The Light of Christ” award, while Bears and Webelos can earn the Parvuli Dei” award.  To earn their award, the Cub Scouts must complete a religious workbook which consists of questions, and activities related to the scout’s religion.  Upon completion, they may be asked to participate in an award ceremony in which they will be presented with their awards.  This event may take place during mass.

Wearing uniforms has been a method of the Scouting movement from the beginning. Decades of experience show wearing a uniform has many benefits, including these:

Equality. The uniform represents a democratic ideal of equality. Scouts from various cultures and different economic levels wear the same uniform and cooperate as equals.

Identification. The uniform identifies a boy as a member of the Cub Scouts. Badges on the uniform tell other members that he belongs to their den, pack, and council. The uniform itself identifies a good citizen to the entire community.

Achievement. The uniform displays badges and other awards so the accomplishments of each Cub Scout can be immediately recognized.

Commitment. Wearing a uniform is a constant reminder to each Cub Scout of his commitment to the ideals and purposes of Cub Scouting: Duty to God, Loyalty to Country, and Helpfulness to others.

For these reasons, among others, all parents should emphasize to their Scouts the importance of wearing the correct and complete uniform on all suitable occasions, known as the Class “A” uniform.

Lion, Tiger Cub, Wolf, & Bear Cub Scouts

The Cub Scout uniform consists of the following parts:

• Shirt — The official uniform shirt is available with long or short sleeves and has button-flap pockets and “Boy Scouts of America” lettered in gold above the right pocket.

• Trousers or shorts — Official blue.

• Belt — Official navy-blue web belt with metal buckle and Tiger Cub, Cub Scout, or Webelos Scout emblem.

• Socks — Official socks are available in three lengths: ankle, crew, and knee. Tiger Cub socks are navy blue with orange tops; Cub Scout socks are navy blue with gold (yellow) tops.

• Cap — Official navy-blue cap with orange front panel and tiger cub emblem for Tiger Cubs, yellow panel and wolf emblem for Wolf Cub Scouts, blue panel, and bear emblem for Bear Cub Scouts. Webelos Scouts wear an olive cap with a plaid panel bearing the Webelos logo.

• Neckerchief — Triangular neckerchief is orange with navy-blue trim for Tiger Cubs, gold with navy-blue trim for Wolf Cub Scouts, light blue with navy-blue trim for Bear Cub Scouts, and plaid for Webelos Scouts. Official BSA neckerchiefs are the only neckerchiefs scouts should wear. Packs should not make their own pack neckerchiefs for scouts.

• Neckerchief slide — Official gold-tone metal slide with the Tiger Cub, Cub Scout, or Webelos logo. Boys may wear handmade neckerchief slides.

Webelos Scouts

Webelos Scouts may choose to wear either the blue Webelos uniform based on the Cub Scout uniform or the tan/olive uniform like the one Boy Scouts wear.

For the tan/olive uniform, boys wear the official Boy Scout olive trousers or shorts and official Boy Scout tan long- or short-sleeved shirt with blue shoulder loops. Official blue socks (with gold tops) are worn with the blue uniform, and official olive socks (with red tops) are worn with the tan/olive uniform.

With either uniform, all Webelos Scouts wear the Webelos neckerchief (plaid with the Webelos emblem), Webelos neckerchief slide (handmade slides are also acceptable), Webelos cap, and Webelos belt buckle.

Note: The Webelos belt buckle will fit either the blue or the olive belt, but the belt loop recognitions for the Cub Scout Academics and Sports program fit only on the blue web belt.

Badges and Insignia

When a scout first joins Cub Scouting, their uniform will display only those badges that identify their status: the World Crest, which shows they are to be a member of the worldwide Scouting movement; the national flag; council strip; pack number; and den number. As the child progresses, the Cub Scout will earn badges, pins, medals, and other insignia that tell of his accomplishments in Scouting. These items should be added to the uniform only after they have been earned.

For guidance on the proper placement of all badges and insignia, see the BSA’s Uniform and Insignia Guide (No. 33066, available at your local council service center) or download the uniform inspection sheet from the forms page.

Wearing the Uniform

In general, every Cub Scout should wear his uniform to all Cub Scouting activities, including den and pack meetings, unit outings, and any activities done with members of the den or pack. When playing sports, going to camp, or participating in other physical activities, a pack may opt to have the Cub Scouts wear an alternate uniform, such as an activity shirt. Pack leaders should provide advance notice of any occasion when the boys should wear anything other than the complete uniform.

Here are some tips for wearing the uniform:

DO keep the uniform clean and in good repair. The official uniform is a sturdy, machine-washable garment that will last for years with proper care.

DO be sure to wear the complete uniform. A Cub Scout wearing a uniform with parts missing is not in uniform.

DO NOT wear non-BSA badges, awards, or insignia on the Cub Scout uniform or make any alterations to the uniform or insignia.

DO NOT mix uniform parts with non-uniform clothing, such as wearing a uniform cap with other clothing or wearing the uniform shirt with blue jeans. The uniform should be treated as a unit—worn in its entirety, or not at all.

Any time you are uncertain about uniform regulations, ask the den leader for guidance.

Obtaining a Uniform

The official Cub Scout uniform is available at hundreds of locations across the nation – including your local council, nationally-operated Scout Shops, and other licensed retailers – or can be ordered directly from the national Supply Division. Visit www.scoutstuff.org  for a list of distributors in your area.

Pending the annual budget Pack 371, may provide the Cub Scout cap, neckerchief, slide, and Scout handbook to all new scouts as part of the monthly dues.  The Scout family is responsible for obtaining the Cub Scout’s shirt, pants, basic insignia patches, and other related Scouting uniform accessories.

National Scouting Information  www.scouting.org 

Long Beach Council Information www.longbeachbsa.org

Chartering Organization St. Dominic Savio Church

Literature specific to the rank of Cub Scout: Den Specific Handbook                    

YouTube Videos: 

Top 5 questions on Cub Scouting https://youtu.be/skSD7y6fgB4

Round Table Meetings:

Informational meetings are held by the Long Beach Area Council every 2nd Thursday of the month.