Pack Guidelines

A Message to Parents and Scouts
Welcome to Pack 71! This is a guide and set of rules for parents and Scouts; it describes the responsibilities each Scout and his family undertake when they become part of Scouting. Use and refer to this guide as long as you are in Pack 71.
A Pack calendar of events and other handouts for specific activities will be provided to Scouts and parents. Please retain those handouts for useful information, as they are your guide to what is happening.
Dens
There are five ranks in Cub Scouting: Tiger, Bobcat, Wolf, Bear, and Webelos. The Pack is divided into smaller groups, called dens, based on these ranks. Leaders (a den leader and one or more assistant leaders) operate within Boy Scout of America (BSA) guidelines to provide a variety of activities and experiences for the Scouts.
Den size should be limited to no more than eight Scouts. In certain circumstances, the Pack Committee may approve a larger den.
Uniforming
Uniforms are an important tool in building Pack identity and pride, both within the Pack and to the outside world. We encourage all Scouts and leaders to have a uniform as soon as possible after joining the Pack or assuming their leadership positions. Used uniforms may be available, as they are sometimes donated to the Pack when outgrown. The uniform should be worn to all Scout meetings and events unless specified otherwise by the den leader or the Cubmaster. If a Scout must go to a Scout event directly from some other event (for example, soccer practice), he should carry his uniform and change in an appropriate place when he reaches the Scout event.
There are two types of uniforms used by our Pack: Class A and Class B. If you are unsure which uniform to wear to a specific event, check with your den leader or the Cubmaster.

Class A
Class B
Worn to Pack and den meetings, formal Pack events, and Council events. Worn to informal Scout events and to most summer Scout activities.
Cub Scout cap (for outdoor activities) Cub Scout cap (for outdoor activities)
Cub Scout shirt, long or short sleeved (See den leader or Cubmaster regarding shirt-color choices for Webelos Scouts.) Pack T-shirt preferred; other Scouting-oriented shirts permitted
Neckerchief and slide (appropriate to rank) Cub Scout pants or shorts (preferred; other pants or shorts, clean and in good repair, are permitted).
Cub Scout belt Appropriate footwear (Cub Scout socks preferred; other socks, clean and in good repair are permitted; shoes should be clean and in good repair.
Appropriate patches, properly placed (See any Cub Scout handbook for proper patch locations.  
Cub Scout pants or shorts (preferred; other pants or shorts, clean and in good repair, are permitted).  
Appropriate footwear (Cub Scout socks preferred; other socks, clean and in good repair are permitted; shoes should be clean and in good repair.  

Scout Handbook
Each Scout will be presented with handbook of his new rank at graduation at the end of the Scouting year. Scouts must bring this handbook to all den meetings. The handbook contains the requirements for that rank and information on how to achieve those requirements.
Dues
Existing Cub Scouts pay $40 per year and new scouts pay $25 for the first year. The money collected from dues is used to pay for Boys’ Life subscriptions, Scout advancements and awards, instructional materials, and other expenses incurred by the Pack on behalf of the boys.
Any Scout whose dues are not current will not receive awards and advancements. Responsibility for remembering to pay dues rests with the Scout and his family; it is not the responsibility of the den leader to provide reminders.
Payment for Activities
It is usually necessary to pay for activities (for example, our annual bus trip) in advance. This enables the person chairing the event to maintain accurate records and make necessary deposits. There is a possibility that payments made by check may be held for a month or longer. If this causes a problem, please contact the activity’s chairperson or the Cubmaster.
If a check is returned for any reason (insufficient funds, account closure, etc.), a return check fee will be charged and replacement payment will be required in cash.
Financial Hardship
Any Scout family with a financial hardship relating to dues, uniforms, or activity fees should notify the Cubmaster or a Pack Committee member. Whenever possible, we will work to arrange some kind of waived or reduced-fee plan.
Transportation
It is the Scout’s parents’ responsibility to transport the Scout to and from den and Pack meetings. Due to BSA guidelines, den and Pack leaders cannot transport Scouts (other than their own children) to any meetings.
Attendance
Scouts are strongly encouraged to attend all Scout functions. If the Scout has to miss a den meeting, he should call his den leader to find out what he missed and what may be needed for the next meeting. Scouts who attend 75% of den and Pack meetings will receive the Cub Scout attendance bar at the end of the Scouting year.
Ranks and Awards
Each rank has specific awards and recognition: Immediate Recognition beads, advancement patches, arrow points (for Wolf and Bear Scouts), activity pins (for Webelos), and the compass emblem and devices (for Webelos). There are additional awards that can be earned: the World Conservation Award and the National Summertime Award. See your den leader or your Scout handbook for details on how to earn the World Conservation Award. Scouts who participate in at least three summer activities organized by the Pack earn the National Summertime Award.
The Cub Scout Sports and Academic program is a way for Cub Scouts to learn more about different sports and academic subjects. Scouts earn belt loops for learning about and participating in an activity based on a particular sport or academic subject. Scouts earn pins and letters for participating in a more in-depth and longer exploration of a sport or academic subject. As a rule, belt loops, pins, and letters are earned for participation in and exploration of a sport or academic subject outside of regular schoolwork. Requirements for earning all of these awards are available through the den leader or Cubmaster.
The religious awards program is an opportunity for Scouts to explore their faith on a deeper level than they might otherwise do. These awards are available by religious denomination and are usually earned by working with a representative’s of the Scout’s home church. For more information on this award program, please contact the Pack Chaplain.
Den leaders present awards to Scouts at monthly Pack meetings. Scouts who are schedule to receive awards must attend Pack night in proper Class A uniform and with at least one parent present.
The Pack will provide all rank and award patches and pins, including Immediate Recognition Awards for Tigers, Wolfs, and Bears; Webelos colors (after the first Webelos activity pin has been earned); and the Webelos compass emblem and devices (after requirements have been met). In addition, at the end of each Scouting year, the Pack will present each graduating Scout with the handbook and neckerchief of his new rank.
Attendance bars and service stars will be presented to eligible Scouts at the end of the Scouting year.
Please note: Awards, ranks, and other recognitions will be given only to Scouts who attend Pack night in proper Class A uniform with at least one parent present and have their dues paid current.
Pack Meetings
Pack meetings are usually held at the Macungie Baptist Church (Church Street, Macungie) on the last Thursday of each month at 7:00 P.M. Host dens (Scouts and parents) are responsible for cleaning up after the meetings. No chocolate food and only clear beverages are permitted; the church has made this request because of the carpeted floor in the room where our Pack meetings are held.
When it is time for refreshments during the Pack meeting, one den at a time will be invited to help themselves. Siblings and adults will also be invited by turn to the refreshment table. Please demonstrate Scout spirit by waiting patiently for your turn and by not cutting in line. Scouts (and family members) should be mindful to take only small portions so that everyone can enjoy the refreshments.
At the final Pack meeting of the Scouting year, refreshments are usually provided by the Pack. One or two families from each den should be assigned to stay after that meeting to help with clean-up.
Den Meetings
Den meetings are held on a day and time and at a place specified by the den leader. Den leaders may ask parents for help in planning and/or running den meetings; please help when you are able. Due to the policy of Solomon’s UCC, our chartering organization, den meetings are not held at the church when the East Penn School District is closed (holiday, snow days, etc.).
Each Scout should take his handbook to den meetings. Additionally, the den leader may request that other material (pen, pencil, notebook, etc.) be brought for the Scout’s use at den meetings. It is the Scout’s responsibility to remember to take required items to meetings.
Committee Meetings
Pack Committee meetings are held monthly, usually the second Monday of the month at 7:00 P.M. at Kalmbach Estate (Cotton Street, Macungie). At these meetings, attendees develop Pack policies, ideas for future events, and so on. The meetings are open to anyone interested in Pack 71: Parents are invited—encouraged!—to attend whenever possible. Committee meetings are the appropriate place to share your ideas and concerns about Pack 71. Parents are also encouraged to become registered, active Committee members. At least one den leader or other den representative must attend each monthly Committee meeting. Please contact the Committee Chairperson, any other Committee member, or the Cubmaster for more information.
Discipline
We find this is not a major problem with the majority of our Scouts. Discipline should not be the responsibility of either the den leaders or the Pack. If there is a problem, it will be referred to the Scout’s parents for correction. Please be aware that the Cubmaster and Pack Chaplain are available to assist parents as needed and should be advised of any problems or concerns regarding a Scout.
Leadership
When joining Pack 71, you can become a leader or a Committee member by filling out the BSA Adult Volunteer Form. Your help and time is needed to keep Pack 71 going for all its Scouts. All den leaders, assistant den leaders, and Pack leaders (including Cubmaster, Committee Chairperson, and Committee members) must be trained at a Council-run training session. There, the prospective leader will learn what it takes to run a den or a pack. Den leaders and assistants will be supported by the Pack with the Scout handbook for their rank. Den Chiefs (Boy Scouts who function as leadership assistants) can be provided through Troop 71 when possible.
All leaders must wear uniforms for Scout events. For more information on uniforms, please refer to the Uniform section in this guidebook. Information on when to wear which uniform (Class A or Class B) applies to leaders as well as Scouts.
Leadership responsibilities include attending or finding a representative to attend each monthly Committee meeting.
Winter Camp
Winter camp for our Pack is usually held in March. Every Scout must have a supervising adult with him, excluding the leaders (unless the Scout is the leader’s child). Older Cubs will be given first chance to attend winter camp because they need to complete specific camping-related requirements for Bear and Webelos ranks. Tiger Cubs are welcome to attend winter camp during the day on Saturday to participate in the daytime activities. Tigers do not stay overnight unless a Tiger has an older brother in the Pack who is participating in winter camp. Two-deep leadership is required for all activities, including when Scouts sleep outside of the main cabin our Pack has reserved.
A maximum of 40 people may attend winter camp. If over 40 people register for winter camp, a waiting list will be created. If any of the original 40 people cancel their reservations, people on the waiting list in order of sign-up will be given the first opportunity to register. Those on the waiting list who are not able to attend winter camp in the current year will be given the first priority (after older Scouts) to attend the following year.
Cost for winter camp is $12 per person, due prior to the deadline set by the winter camp chairperson.
Rules during winter camp are straightforward: Follow the rules of the campsite and be sure to clean up the cabin, pick up all trash, and replace all firewood before leaving.
A camping permit must be obtained for this event.
Equipment
All personal items (particularly handbooks and caps!) used by the Scout during an activity must be marked with his name and Pack number so the item can be easily returned if lost or left behind.
Fundraising
Pack 71 runs several fundraising activities throughout the Scouting year. These activities provide the Pack with operating funds that make it possible for us to offer free and reduced-cost services and activities to the Scouts and their families. Past fundraising activities have included candy sales, popcorn sales (an annual BSA national event), hoagie sales, and pizza sales. We also participate during the Wheels of Time car show at Macungie Park in August, selling hot dogs and soda and helping the Boy Scouts operate a parking lot. Please plan on helping us so the Pack can continue to provide our Scouts with a variety of fun and interesting activities, including our annual spring bus trip, summertime activities, and Council events.
Activity Chairpersons
Chairpersons are needed to organize and run events and activities held by Pack 71. These events include our Pack Halloween party, the Macungie Halloween parade, Scouting for Food, the popcorn sale, other fundraisers, our Pack Christmas party, family activities (bowling, sporting events, annual bus trip, etc.), the Blue and Gold banquet, Pack derby races, winter camp, summertime activities, and the Wheels of Time car show. This is a partial list and may be changed upon decision of the Pack Committee.
Cub Scouting is family oriented—we depend on the families of Pack 71 to help “make the Pack go” so we can “help the Scout grow.” We particularly look to parents who are not already den leaders or Committee members to do their part in maintaining the success of Pack 71. Don’t be shy about signing up to chair an event—there are many people within the Pack who will help you make your event a success!
Final Notes
The primary goal of Pack 71 is to provide each Scout with opportunities for fun and personal growth. We welcome you and hope that your years with the Pack will be rewarding and enjoyable. If you need any other information, please contact the Cubmaster, the Pack Chaplain, or any other Committee member.