Cub Scouting means doing.
Everything in Cub Scouting is designed
to have the boys participating in fun,
exciting activities they likely may
not experience otherwise.
The Purposes of Cub Scouting
Since 1930, the Boy Scouts of America has helped younger boys through Cub Scouting. It is a year-round family program designed for boys who are in the first grade through fifth grade (or 7, 8, 9, and 10 years of age). Parents, leaders, and organizations work together to achieve the purposes of Cub Scouting. Currently, Cub Scouting is the largest of the BSA’s three traditional membership divisions. (The others are Boy Scouting and Venturing.)
Cub Scout Motto: Do Your Best!
Membership:
Cub Scouting members join a Cub Scout Pack and are assigned to a Den of eight to ten same-aged boys. Tiger Cubs (first-graders), Wolf Cub Scouts (second-graders), Bear Cub Scouts (third-graders), and Webelos Scouts (fourth- and fifth-graders).
Once a month, all of the Dens and family members gather for a Pack meeting under the direction of a Cubmaster and Pack committee. The committee includes parents of boys in the Pack and members of the chartered organization. Where Den meetings provide an opportunity for the boys to learn a new skill or enjoy a fun activity, Pack meetings are held to award the boys with badges, belt loops and other merits and achievements.
In 2007, the United States had approximately*:
- 1,687,706 Cub Scouts in
- 50,780 Packs
For more information about joining Pack 1776, simply email our Registration Coordinator at info@gapack1776.com or call 404-536-0394
How will Cub Scouts benefit my son?
Together, we will work to accomplish the 10 purposes of scouting:
- Character Development
- Spiritual growth
- Good Citizenship
- Sportsmanship and Fitness
- Family Understanding
- Respectful Relationships
- Personal Achievement
- Friendly Service
- Fun and Adventure, and
- Preparation for the Boy Scouts.
Along the way, your son will get the opportunity to do things that he may not get to do otherwise and form friendships that will help him in school, in his neighborhood, and in his church. Most importantly, he will have fun while doing it!
What is the difference between a Den and the Pack?
The Den is the smallest group in the Scouting system. You boy will be grouped into a den of no more than 12 boys in his grade level. All boys in a den are working towards the same rank advancement. For example, all 1st grade scouts are working towards earning the Tiger badge. The Den meets a few times per month to work on activities that will help earn their next rank and build character.
The Pack, on the other hand, is comprised of all these dens, plus the leadership team of the Pack that oversee the program.
What is the difference between a Troop and a Pack?
The BSA (Boy Scouts of America) is the organization that oversees both Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. The Cub Scout program is for boys between 1st-5th grades. Cub Scouts are organized into Packs. Boys Scouting is for older boys and their units are organized into a Troop.
You didn’t ask: Packs and Troops are organized geographically into Districts. Pack 1776 is in the Foothills District. Districts are organized into councils. Our Pack is overseen by the Atlanta Area Council. You can find a lot of great information about Scouting at either website.
How much of a time commitment will this be?
As a pack, we meet once a month usually on the 2nd Friday of the month. As a den, the meeting times and frequency are up to the Den Leader. They could meet 2 or 3 times depending on what is going on during the year and the pack. And then there are many other events that will be offered including the pinewood derby, over nighters and a lot of camping.
What are some examples of Pack Events? Pack 1776 hosts many exciting events. Some examples of past and upcoming events include:
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Does the father have to participate? Do the parents?
No. Cub Scouts is open to all family members participating. As a Tiger Cub at least one adult partner must be present with the child at all Cub Scout functions. An adult partner can be a parent, relative, or friend who is at least 18 years old. As your child ages up through the grades, parents and guardians will not be required as much as your child becomes more independent.
What is required of the Tiger Scout adult partner?
The adult partner must attend all den meetings, pack meetings, outings and activities with the Tiger Cub, and may register as an adult leader in the pack. Each adult takes turns working with the den leader to plan and lead a den meeting and/or activity.
What does the adult partner do during the meetings? The den is managed on the principle of shared leadership. Each adult partner and child is given the opportunity to lead a meeting and perform the required planning. It is the job of the den leader to maintain continuity and support the adult leader. If it is not your time to lead, you can support the leaders by helping with specific tasks.
What training is required of a scout leader?
Each scout leader is required to complete training appropriate for their position. We are trained in our positions and in Youth Protection. When we go on over nighters or camping, there are other training we have to take to ensure the safety of the Scouts and the group.
Are background checks run on scout leaders?
Yes! Background checks are performed on all leaders. And all scout families are encouraged to participate in BSA youth protection training.
Can I be a leader?
Absolutely. In fact, our Den Leaders are Dads and Moms with children in that den. Please let us know if you are interested. You will need to complete the same background check and training that all leaders complete. You do NOT need any prior scouting experience. The leadership team will help you get up to speed and teach you how to get organized to have a successful Den. If being a Den leader seems a little daunting and you’d like to get your feet wet, you might want to help out as an assistant Den Leader.
If leading a Den is not for you, then there are many other ways you can lead. There are many roles that we encourage parents to assume, such as camping coordinator, awards coordinators, fund raising, special events coordinators, and others. And there are many Committee positions that need to be run to help Pack run smoothly and fulfill all BSA requirements.
When are the meetings?
The pack meetings occur once a month on a Friday night at 7PM. The den meetings and “Go See It” activities are scheduled by the den leader and they will communicate that to you. Friday nights and Sunday afternoons are common times for Den Meetings.
Where are the meetings?
Pack meetings are currently scheduled to be at St. Ann’s in LaSallete Hall. This 1 story building is located behind the Parish offices on Bishop Lake Rd, look for mailbox 4905.
What are the dues?
The annual dues are $50. A check can be made out to “Pack 1776”. Dues should be paid at the time that you submit your son’s registration application. He will receive a pack t-shirt and pack number 1776 badge when the dues are paid. You will also want a scout uniform at the Scout Store near Delk Rd and Cobb Pkwy-41. The address is 1800 Circle 75 Pkwy. Atlanta, GA 30339
Can my son’s friend join our pack if they are not affiliated with St. Ann or Shallowford Falls Elementary School?
Absolutely. Boys are not required to join the closest pack to their home or school. We welcome boys from all local elementary schools and our pack is home to families of many different faiths. If you’re close enough to drive to Pack and Den meetings, we welcome you to join.
What do I need to buy to start?
The Handbook for your son’s rank is the most important thing that you need. Please pick it up as soon as you can and begin familiarizing yourself with its structure and content.
Your child will also need a uniform. Tigers, Wolves and Bears begin with a blue uniform. Webelos 1 and 2 will have the tan/green uniform. Ask at the Scout store for the specifics. They are very helpful.
The following uniform parts are listed in order of importance, but buy what you can:
Minimum: Shirt, Hat, Neckerchief & neckerchief slide keeper and the all important Scout Belt.
Optional: Socks, shorts, pants, etc. The Scout Shop now sells pants with zip off legs. This is a great savings because you can use it in both winter and summer.
Note 1: we have a uniform exchange for “experienced” uniform items at the first pack meeting – sometimes you can get lucky.
Note 2: you can find less expensive new uniform items on the web (eBay, et.al.)
Where do I buy scouting materials?
The Atlanta Area Council has a Scout Shop inside their facilities. Their address and phone number are 1800 Circle 75 Parkway, SE, Atlanta, GA 30339 Phone: 770.989.8820
Directions: South on 75 – Exit Windy Hill – Straight through the light – At the next light on the opposite corner is the Scout Office and the Atlanta Area Council.
What paperwork do I need to complete?
You need to complete a BSA registration application form for your child before he can attend any function. If an adult partner does not live with the child, they will need to complete an adult application as well. It is important to note that all adult applications trigger a background check.
Can additional family members come to the meetings?
Cub Scouting is not a closed organization. We want and encourage other family members to participate in all events. We also understand that often other children have to come due to a variety of reasons. Although the program is focused on the cub scouts, other children are welcome to attend any meeting provided the adult watches them.
Does my son need a physical before he can join?
A physical is not required, but before your son can participate on a camping or field trip, a medical history form must be on file with the pack.
CAMPING
When is the first camping event?
The first official Pack camping trip will be in the fall in the October timeframe. The pack calendar will be published in August.
What do I need to buy?
The den leader will provide a checklist for your preparation and will review this in the first den meeting. Your child and adult partner will need a tent, sleeping bags, and basic camping supplies. I recommend Wal-mart to minimize your investment at first.
What is the cost to camp?
There will be a nominal cost for food and activities per person for food for the trip. The cost for the Spring camping is $10 per person per day for food, plus $10 for each child participating in activities.
How do we get to the event?
You will need to drive yourself and your child to the camping site. You may carpool with other families. The pack does not provide transportation.
Can other family members go on the camping trip?
Absolutely. As mentioned above, Scouting is a family experience. We would love to see siblings, grandparents, and other family members at the event.
What about family members that may have disabilities or cannot walk long distances?
This is “dump” camping, which means that we do not hike long distance to the campsite with packs. We unload our cars at the site and then park them a short distance a way. This makes it easier for all family members to participate, but please check with your den leader for your situation.
FURTHER QUESTIONS
How can I get more information about scouting on my own?
Our Pack is part of the The Foothills District; they also have a great website with lots of information- http://www.foothillsbsa.com/. You can download the “Parent Orientation Guide” at http://foothillsbsa.org/foothillsnews
Google it! If you want more information, google “Cub Scouts” and you will be busy for days and days and days …
What is the best way to speak to a Pack Leader about Scouting?
Send your questions to info@gapack1776.com or call 678-551-2552.
