Pack 172 - Pack Information

"Cubbing" was launched by the Boy Scouts of America in 1930 as a means of interesting boys in Boy Scouting. Today, seventy year later, Cub Scouting has evolved into a year-round family program designed for boys in the first through fifth grades. Parents, leaders, and the pack organization work together to achieve the following goals:

To influence the development of character and to encourage spiritual growth
To develop habits and attitudes of good citizenship
To encourage good sportsmanship and pride in growing strong in mind and body
To improve understanding within the family
To strengthen the ability to get along with other boys and to respect other people
To foster a sense of personal achievement by developing new interests and skills
To show how to be helpful and do one's best
To provide fun and exciting new things to do
To prepare boys to become Boy Scouts

Pack 172 just turned 50 years old, having been founded in 1950. The Pack is chartered by the Franklin School PTA and is a member of the Patriots' Path Council of the Boys Scouts of America.

Pack 172 is a large pack with more than 100 scouts. Our membership for 1999-2000 included 25 Tiger Cubs, 27 Wolf Cubs, 26 Bear Cubs, and 25 Webelos.

Structure

The basic unit of Cub Scouting is the den of 4-8 cub scouts of similar ages, led by an adult leader. The dens meet regularly, generally weekly or bi-weekly, and carry out projects from the appropriate cub scout manual, leading to badges, arrow points, and other awards.

First graders enter scouting as Tiger Cubs. Second graders work toward the Wolf badge, while third graders earn the Bear badge. Fourth graders are 1st year Webelos and they work towards achieving the Webelos badge. They move on to 2nd year Webelos in the fifth grade, earning Cub Scouting's highest rank, the Arrow of Light. During the winter of fifth grade, the Webelos graduate into Boy Scouting.

Organization

The Cubmaster and the Assistant Cubmasters deal with the general administration of the pack and lead the pack meetings. Den Coordinators, one for each level, act as liaisons between the Cubmaster and the various den leaders. Dens either have a single leader or co-leaders, rotating leadership meeting to meeting.

A Pack committee, consisting of parents, meets a few times each year to assist in developing the pack's calendar and activities. Each pack-wide activity is coordinated by a parent of a more senior cub with the assistance of newer parent members.

Pack Meetings

The pack meets as a whole once a month at Franklin School. Meetings begin at 7 P.M. and consist of a cub-led flag ceremony, announcements, presentation of awards, and a program. Parents are encouraged to attend this monthly meeting with their scout. Scouts are expected to wear full uniform to the meeting. Meetings usually end by 8:30 P.M.

Past programs have included camping demonstrations, self-defense lessons and visits from the Union County Canine Unit and the Raptor Trust.

Den Meetings

Dens meet regularly, once every week or two, and follow the activities laid out in the appropriate cub scout manual, i.e., wolf, bear or webelos. Most dens are run by one den leader or two co-leaders. Some dens rotate the leadership and meeting places among a group of parents. Generally, but not always, the consistent leadership model works best.

Successful den leaders make the meetings fun and keep the scouts active with simple activities and outings. Den leaders are sensitive to not being alone with individual scouts.

Bear and Webelos dens should have a scout act as "denner", an assistant in planning and running the meetings. The denner position rotates among all the scouts in the den. A Boy Scout den chief can also assist the den leader. It is hoped that, by his example, the Boy Scout den chief will encourage the scouts to continue on to Boy Scouting.

Advancement

Each year, cubs advance to a new rank -- Wolf, Bear or Webelos, and work towards that badge by completing various activities in the handbook. Many of these are done as a den, but family participation is required. An interested parent is the key ingredient for success in advancement.

Wolf and Bear scouts work toward their respective badge and then do additional electives earning gold and silver arrow points.

Webelos earn various activity pins and the Webelos badge during their first year. During their second year the Webelos concentrate on earning the Arrow of Light award.

Advancement ceremonies take place during the monthly pack meeting. Traditionally, new scouts earning the Bobcat badge are turned upside down while the badge is awarded. Bridging ceremonies are held to symbolize a Webelos graduation into Boy Scouting.

Uniforms and Insignia

Uniforms should be worn to den meetings, pack meetings and special outings. Cubs should have, at least, a uniform shirt and neckerchief with slide. There is a different neckerchief and/or slide for Wolf, Bear and Webelos ranks. Cubs are encouraged to obtain a belt and cap, as well. Den number, pack number (172) and other official Cub Scout insignia should be purchased and placed on the uniform.

Uniforms and insignia can be purchased at the Patriots' Path Council store on Route 22 West in Mountainside. The store is open Monday through Friday from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. and on Saturdays until noon.

Activities

The pack schedules a year full of fun activities and events, such as

Pinewood Derby
Conestoga Wagon race
Camping and hiking
Overnights at the Liberty Science Center
Trips to baseball, basketball and hockey games
Annual Blue and Gold dinner at the Westwood

Joining

All boys in first through fifth grades are eligible to join Pack 172. Fill out the Registration Forms and Application to Join a Pack, including the Personal Health History. Return completed forms to the Cubmaster. Dues are $40 per year for Cubs Scouts and $15 per year for Tiger Cubs, payable at joining. For more information, please contact our Cubmaster, Mark Rhodes.

Comments, suggestions and corrections welcomed.

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Last Updated: 2/25/02 JRC