Welcome to

ADVENTURE AWAITS!Cub Scouts

2015 PARENT ORIENTATION GUIDE

Pack Number:

Pack Meeting Location:

Next Meeting Date:

Den Meeting Date:

Den Meeting Location:

Cubmaster:

Phone:

Phone:

Phone:

Email:

Email:

Email:

Committee Chair:

Den Leader:

CHartering organization:

SCOUTING IS FUN WITH A PURPOSEAs a parent, you want your son to grow up to be a self-

reliant, dependable and caring individual. Scouting has

these same goals in mind for him. Since 1910 we have

been weaving lifetime values into fun and educational

activities designed to assist parents in strengthening

character, good citizenship, and physical fitness in youth.

Scouting teaches family values. However, we know that boys

do not join Scouting to get their character built. Boys join

because it is fun!

Source: Harris Interactive Study, 2005

Did You Know: Scouts are twice as likely to earn a college degree compared to boys who were never Scouts.

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Cub Scouts Do Your Best. Have Fun Doing It.

The Adventure of

The best way to find out what you do best is to do it. Swing a bat. Pitch a tent. Build a Pinewood Derby® car. Cub Scouts are at that magical age where everything is new and possible and most important, fun. They live in a world of “firsts” — first home run, first campfire, first checkered flag — where their game plan is their imagination.

Their most valuable rewards are the friends they make for life and a parent’s proud smile. These are invaluable experiences that can be had in Scouting. These are life lessons that transform today’s Cub Scouts into tomorrow’s Boy Scouts.

I. Your boy is a member of a DenA. A den is six to ten boys who meet with adult leaders to play games, learn skills, perform skits and songs, and take field trips.B. Dens meet at the convenience of leaders and families, at least twice a month, perhaps weekly.C. Ideally, Dens are formed with Scouts in the same age or grade level, so 1st graders are Tigers, 2nd are Wolves, 3rd are Bears, 4th and 5th are We-belos Scouts, with 5th graders working toward the Arrow of Light rank.D. A Den is led by a Den Leader (usually a parent) who is assisted by an assistant Den Leader and parent helpers who share the fun (1st grade Tigers have adult partners with them).

II. Your boy and his Den belong to a PackA. Each Pack is made up of one or more dens.B. Once a month, all Cub Scout families attend a Pack meeting with games, skits, songs, ceremonies and presentations of badges that boys earned that month. C. The Pack meeting is led by the Cubmaster with help from other parents.D. The Pack families will also have many other adventure opportunities, like Pack Family Camping, Pinewood Derbies, and field trips.

III. Your Pack is run by PARENTS AND VOLUNTEERS LIKE YOUA. The Pack committee selects leadership, finds meeting places, keeps records and finances, orders badges, maintains Pack equipment, helps train leaders, recognizes leaders and plans activities.B. Led by a Committee Chair, the committee in-cludes Den Leaders, Pack Leaders, and parents.C. The committee meets once a month or more often if needed.

IV. Your Pack is owned by a Chartered OrganizationA. Chartered Organizations include schools, par-ent-school organizations, religious organizations, service clubs, and other organizations interested in youth.B. Our Chartered Organization approves leader-ship, helps secure a meeting place and keeps the Pack within both their guidelines and policies and those of the BSA.C. Our Chartered Organization selects a Representative (as a liaison between our Pack and our Chartered Organization).

The Cub Scout Pack and Dens

THE ADVANCEMENT PLAN

RANK ADVANCEMENT

The Adventures a Cub Scout works on are found in the Cub Scout Handbook for his age or grade, and

he will work toward the Rank for that age or grade. 1st Grade uses the Tiger Handbook and works

toward the Tiger Rank, 2nd Grade uses the Wolf Handbook and works toward the Wolf Rank, 3rd

Grade uses the Bear Handbook and works toward the Bear Rank, 4th Grade uses the Webelos

Handbook and works toward the Webelos Rank, and 5th Grade continues with the Webelos Handbook

and works toward the Arrow of Light Rank.

The Adventures for each rank in each handbook are aged based and progressive, so that each year the

Scout has more and more exciting and challenging Adventures. And this is not your old artsy, craftsy

Cub Scout program! Every level of Cub Scouting has plenty of hiking, camping, games, exploring,

campfires, swimming, and boating … over 20 Adventures that can be done at each level, year ‘round!

Each Rank is earned by completing 7 Adventures from the Handbook, plus some Cyber Safety exercises

– and your Scout earns an Adventure Loop for each adventure completed. For Tiger, Wolf and Bear, 6

of the Adventures are specified required, and then Scouts can choose one more Adventure from over a

dozen elective adventures.

Webelos and Arrow of Light ranks are similar, except that 4th Grade Webelos have 5 required and 2

elective Adventures, and for 5th Graders aiming for the Arrow of Light, there are only 4 required

Adventures … 3 are electives. And for those ranks, the boys earn Adventure Pins instead of loops.

In late winter or spring of a Scout’s 5th grade year, he graduates from Cub Scouting into the adventure

of Boy Scouting at a crossover ceremony with a Troop.

A Cub Scout Den provides your son with a group of boys his own age in which he can earn awards and recognition. In his

Den, he will also gain a sense of personal achievement for the new skills he learns. Each Cub Scout learns to respect his

home, country, God, and other people. Most advancement adventures can be done at Den meetings and Pack activities, but

all can also be done at home with the family.

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UPCOMING CUB SCOUT EVENTSYour Den and Pack will have a full schedule of fun activities. If it is fun, safe, and includes the family, it can be Cub Scout-ing. Here are some events planned by the Scout Council:

Trailblazer Adventure Camp (October 2-4)Scouts can get their first taste of archery, BB Guns, outdoor games, nature activities, and fishing at Bert Adams camp.

Spooky-Ree Weekend #1 (October 9-11)Spooky-Ree Weekend #2 (October 16-18)Spooky-Ree Weekend #3 (October 23-25)Spooky-Ree Weekend #4 (October 30 - November 1)Enjoy these fall-themed camping weekends with pumpkin carving, creepy-crawly nature shows, archery, campfires, and more fun at Bert Adams Scout Camp.

Popcorn Sale (October-November)Scouts can earn money for camp, uniforms, books, and other programs by joining the Council popcorn sale.

Pinewood Derby (January-March)A Parent/son project to build a race car made from a block of wood. Boys will race their cars at the Pinewood Derby. Be there for the big race!

Scouting for Food (February 27 - March 5)Join Scouting’s largest coordinated service project and col-lect canned food for local charities.

Spring Fling Weekend (April 9-11)Kick-off the warmer weather with a wild weekend of fishing, shooting sports, hiking, games, and more.

Cub Day Camps (June-July)Day or Evening camps for all Cub Scouts in our commu-nity include crafts, games, nature, sports, songs, and skits. Camps run four to five days in a local park.

Cub Summer Camp (June-July)Cub Scout Summer Camp is a 3 night / 4 day program held at Bert Adams Scout Camp. Cub Scouts and their Adult partner will have fun and adventure while participating in exciting activities, working on advancement, and sleeping under the stars. Age appropriate programs are offered for Tiger, Wolf, Bear and Webelos Scouts. Activities include aquatics, shooting sports, handicrafts, nature, sports and fit-ness. Food service, program materials, patch, tents and cots are provided.

Scout Days (year round)Our Council participates in fun activities all across the Atlan-ta Area. Past Scout Days have included Braves games where Scouts could march around Turner field, and Campout at the Georgia Aquarium.

Learn more at www.atlantabsa.org or by calling 770-989-8820.

What Will My Son Need?

Where is Your Scout Shop?

It can be confusing to try and figure out all the uniforms and patches that go along with Scouting. Before you

go shopping, check with your Pack leaders and use this form to take into your local Scout Shop where our

friendly staff will help get your Scout everything he’ll need to get the most out of his Scouting experience.

Item

Clothing

Insignia

Buckles

Neckerchief

Handbooks

Cub Scout Shirt (short sleeve) small – 2XL

6 – 36 Husky

youth/small/large

8 – 22

32 Husky – 36 Husky

8 – 36 Husky

one size

one size

one size

one size

one size

one size

one size

one size

one size

N/A

small/medium, medium/large

$24.99

$24.99

$29.99 ($39.99)

$34.99

$34.99

$44.99

$3.19

$1.99

$1.99

$5.99

$1.49

$1.49

$6.99

S/M – $9.99, M/L – $9.99

Tiger: $8.99, Wolf: $8.99

Tiger: $5.99, Wolf: $5.99

Paperback: $12.99

Bear: $8.99, Webelos: $9.99

Bear: $5.99, Webelos: $5.99

Coil Bound: $18.99

Cub Scout Switchback 2” Pants

Webelos/Boy Scout Shirt (also in micro)

Webelos/Boy Scout Switchbacks - Canvas

Webelos/Boy Scout Switchbacks - Micro

Council Shoulder Patch

World Crest

World Crest Ring Emblem (optional)

Webelos Color

Unit Number

Den Numbers

Cub Scout Belt & Buckle

Webelos Buckle

Neckerchief

Neckerchief Slides

Handbooks

SIze PrICe

Atlanta Area CouncilVolunteer Service Center1800 Circle 75 Parkway SEAtlanta, GA 30339

Phone: 770-988-9912

Fairburn Scout Shop107 Laser Industrial CourtFairburn, GA 30213

Phone: 770-306-0510

Bert Adams Scout Shop (Seasonal)218 Boy Scout RoadCovington, GA 30209

Phone: 770-385-1558

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PACK VOLUNTEER LEADERSHIP

Den LeaDer(s)Leads the Den at Den and monthly Pack meetings and activities. Partici-pates in Pack leaders’ meeting.

Cubmaster (anD assistants)Helps plan and carry out the Pack pro-gram with the help of others. Emcees the monthly Pack meeting and attends the Pack leaders’ meeting.

PaCk Committee

Pack committee members (some posi-tions listed below) perform administra-tive functions of the Pack.

Committee Chair

Overall coordination of Pack plan and volunteers. Presides at all Pack committee meetings. Helps recruit adult leaders.

PaCk Committee Positions (All Scouting iS locAl; your PAck mAy hAve different or AdditionAl roleS)

seCretary/treasurer

Keeps records of Pack funds (collections and expenses) and reports to the Committee.

aDvanCement Chair

Maintains advancement records for the boys. Orders and obtains all loops, pins badges, and insignia.

PaCk trainer

Guides leaders and parents to training resources and classes (online and live).

membershiP CoorDinator

Coordinates recruitment events and opportunities. Handles application and recharter paperwork.

Parent heLPers “One shot” program jobs of short duration coordinating Pack participation in sales events, Scouting for Food, Pinewood Derby, Blue and Gold Banquet, day camp, etc.

Volunteer leaders are examples of Scouting’s principle of service to others – and are also essential to making sure every

boy has the opportunity to participate in a great Scouting program. Parents are the primary source of leaders in Scouting.

Volunteering not only gives you a chance to serve Scouting, but also to help your son and his friends, and to be a positive

influence on the youth in your community.

AND PARENT PARTICIPATION

TRAINING Every Scout Deserves a Trained Leader.

AND PARENT PARTICIPATION

Leading your son’s Cub Scout Den or Pack is a great journey where you two will share many lifelong memories. The first step in that journey is to complete training. The main purpose of training is to provide you with the tools you need to put on a quality program for the boys and to help you have a fun time leading them.

youth ProteCtion training

In order to be a leader of any sort, it is required that you complete “Youth Protection” Training before you turn in your adult application. The Boy Scouts of America places the greatest importance on creating the most secure environment possible for our youth members. Youth Protection Training covers the BSA’s Youth Protection policies, kinds of abuse, how to respond to disclosure of abuse, and proper report-ing procedures. In order for an adult to remain a registered leader in the Boy Scouts of America, Youth Protection Train-ing is required every two years.

Fast start training

A super introduction, found on www.MyScouting.org at the bottom of the “Cub Scout” tab of “E-Learning”, Fast Start for Den Leaders, Cubmasters and Committee Members introduces the aims and purposes of the Boy Scouts of America’s program, then zeroes in on the job. You will learn the standard parts of the meeting and where additional resources can be found. This course takes about 10 minutes for Committee Members and 30 minutes for Den Leaders or Cubmasters, and should be taken within 24 hours of volunteering. more training For Cub sCout aCtivities

More opportunities to be ready for Cub Scout fun come withclasses like Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO), a live class so that your Pack will be prepared for camping, as well as safety courses such as Weather Hazards and Safe Swim Defense (online at www.MyScouting.org).

Position sPeCiFiC training

“Job Specific” Training is designed to present in-depth informa-tion for a new leader in a specific leadership position such as Den Leader, Cubmaster, etc. This course is presented several times a year in your district or at the council level. Be sure to ask your unit trainer for an upcoming training date or check the Council website training page; AtlantaBSA.org/training.

Source: Volunteer Outcomes Study, 2003

Did You Know: 88% of volunteers say their time invested with the Boy Scouts helps them to be better parents.

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To take Youth Protection Training:

1. Go to www.MyScouting.org and create an account profile.2. Click “E-Learning” under “Training”.3. Scroll down to “Youth Protection Training” to take this course.4. Upon completion, please print the Certificate and keep a copy for yourself, give one to your unit and attach one to your Adult Leaders Application.

YOU ARE NOT ALONEBeing a volunteer leader is fun, challenging, and rewarding. But you don’t have to do it all by yourself. Your Pack, District, and Council have many people and resources to give your son the best possible Scouting experience.

• The staff at the Atlanta Area Council Scout Service Center can help you or they will get you in touch with someone who can. Phone: (770) 989-8820 Website: www.atlantabsa.org

• Roundtable is a monthly leaders’ meeting for all adult volunteers in your district. You can get help with activities, places to go, games, crafts, skits, and songs for use at Den and Pack meetings. It’s a great place to ask questions and share ideas.

• Information is available 24/7 at the www.AtlantaBSA.org site, the District websites linked from there, www.MyScout-ing.org and www.Scouting.org. Many Packs have a Pack library that contains the leader books you need.

• Your district has a team of volunteers called the District Committee which develops quality district-wide programs in which boys can participate.

• Your district has another volunteer team called the Com-missioner staff. They are our “service team.” They check on the health of your Pack and are a communications link between your Pack and the Scouting organization. A Unit Commissioner is assigned to assist your unit.

• We have award-winning videos for teaching Scouts and adults about child abuse protection and avoiding poten-tially dangerous situations.

Source: The Family Room, Attitudes and Awareness Study, 2010

Did You Know: 65% of Boy Scouts say Scouting teaches them to work well with others.

FAMILY TALENT SURVEY SHEET

Each parent or adult family member should out a separate sheetand turn it in at this meeting.

Pack ___________________ Chartered Organization __________________________________Date ________________

Welcome to the Cub Scout family of our Pack. As explained to you, Cub Scouting is for parents as well as boys. We have a group of families who have indicated a willingness to help, according to their abilities. We invite you to add your talents and interests so that the best possible program can be developed for your boy and his friends.

Den leaders are always busy with den activities. Our Pack leaders and committee members know you have some talent that will help in the operation of our Pack. Although your help may not be on a full-time basis, whatever you can do will be appreciated.

In making this survey, your Pack Committee wants to uncover ways you can enjoy giving assistance. Please answer the following as completely as possible:

1. My hobbies are: __________________________________________________________________________________

2. I can play and/or teach these sports: _________________________________________________________________

3. My job, business, or profession would be of interest to Cub Scouts: ______________________________________

4. I am willing to help my boy and the Pack as: Pack Committee Member, Cub Scout Den Leader or Assistant, Tiger Cub Den Leader, Assistant Cubmaster, Webelos Den Leader or Assistant, Cubmaster, Pack Trainer.

5. My Scouting experience: Cub Scout ________________ Boy Scout _______________ Girl Scout _______________

Explorer/Venturer _______________________________________ Rank attained ____________________________________

Adult leader ______________________________________________________________________________________

6. I can help in these areas:

General Activities Special Program Assistance

Computer Skills I have an SUV or van or truck. Swimming Drawing/art I have a workshop. Games Radio/electricity I have family camping gear. Nature Dramatics/skits I can make contacts for special trips and activities. Sports Cooking/banquets I have access to a cottage or camping property Outdoor activities Sewing or a boat. Crafts Transportation I can help Webelos Scouts with Boy Scout skills. Music/songs Other _________________ Bookkeeping

I can give other help. _____________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________

Name _________________________________________________________ Home phone _________________________

Street address _________________________________________________ Business phone ________________________

E-mail address ____________________________ City ______________________________ State ____ ZIP__________

Your cooperation and help are appreciated.

The Role of the Council & the DistrictThe purpose of the Boy Scouts of America is to provide a program which will aid youth in Character Development, Citizenship Training, and Personal Fitness (mental, physical and emotional). The purpose of the Council is to guide and support its Scout Units for the achievement of the movement’s purpose. The Atlanta Area Council encompasses thirteen counties surrounding metro Atlanta and divides Council support into Districts.

• The purpose of the District is to organize and support successful Cub Scout Packs and Boy Scout Troops by working through chartered organizations. The end result of effective District support is continued growth in membership and providing a quality program to those members.

• Districts are responsible for carrying out functions of Unit Support through Membership Planning and Recruitment, Financial Tools (like unit fundraisers), Leader Training

and Events, Multi-Unit Activities (like camping, Pinewood Derbies, and other events), Advancement support, Recognition of Leaders and Units, Civic Service and Communication about Scouting program and events.

• The District Committee serves as a vehicle by which Scouting programs and services are carried to the char-tered organization, their units, and youth. It serves as a sounding board for the needs of chartered organiza-tions and units. The District Committee also participates in the building and raising of the council budget to finance the Scouting program. Since the major role of the Council and its Districts is to extend Scouting and to provide service to all youth and adults who participate, please feel free to call upon an appropriate representa-tive when you need help. More information is available at www.AtlantaBSA.org.

0WHICH DISTRICT AM I IN?District Name

Button-Gwinnett Gwinnett County (West of I-85, South of Suwanee Dam Road

Christ the King Lutheran Church3rd Tuesday of Every Month

770-989-2876

Foothills East Cobb, City of Marietta Maple Avenue UMC1st Thursday of Every Month

770-989-2868770-989-2865

Hightower trailDruid Hills, Briarcliff, Emory, Atlanta (DeKalb), Tucker, Dunwoody, Doraville, Chamblee and Brookhaven

Oak Grove UMC2nd Thursday of Every Month

770-989-2875770-989-2891

Soapstone ridge South Decatur, Ellenwood, Lithonia, Stone Mountain, Redan and Clarkston

First Baptist Church of Decatur 2nd Monday of Every Month

770-989-2879770-989-2871

Appalachian trail Cherokee and Pickens County Canton First United Methodist 1st Thursday of Every Month 770-989-2885

Northern ridge Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Roswell, Sandy Springs

Alpharetta Presbyterian3rd Thursday of Every Month

770-989-2883770-989-2884

Southwest Atlanta Campbellton Road, Cascade Road, West End, Fairburn Road, Northside Drive, Atlanta University Center, M.L. King, Fulton Industrial, Metropolitan Pkwy, Ben Hill, Bolton Road, Donald L. Hollowell and Adamsville

Radcliffe Presbyterian2nd Monday of Every Month

770-989-2873770-989-2882

Newton and Rockdale Counties Allan Memorial UMC 2nd Wed. of Every Month

770-989-2864Yellow river

Silver CometSmyrna, Vinings, Southwest Cobb, Powder Springs, Austell, Mableton, Kennesaw, Acworth

LDS Stake Powder Springs2nd Thursday

770-989-2889770-989-2892

Southern Crescent Union City, Palmetto, East Point, Fairburn, College Park, Hape-ville and South Fulton Schools, Clayton County

Jonesboro First UMC orWoodward Academy2nd Thursday of Every Month

770-989-2862770-989-2860

Paulding County LDS Church Dallas2nd Thursday of Every Month

770-989-2872Pickett’s mill

Phoenix North Avenue, Virginia Highlands, Midtown, Buckhead, Moreland, Boulevard, Little Five Points, Memo-rial, Downtown Atlanta, Auburn Avenue, Courtland and East Lake

Trinity Presbyterian Church2nd Thursday of Every Month

770-989-2870770-989-2895

Indian Springs Douglas, Carroll, & Haralson counties

Fullerton Baptist Church3rd Thursday of Every Month

770-989-2861770-989-2896

Neighborhoods roundtable Info Contact Phone

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COUNCIL PROPERTIESIn addition to serving more than 30,000 Scouts and 11,000 adult volunteers in and around Atlanta, your Council operates two great camping properties that offer year-round opportunities for your Cub Scout.

Woodruff Scout CAMPLocated near Blairsville in North Georgia, Robert W. Woodruff Scout Camp is a 1575-acre (637-hectare) camp property adjacent to Lake Notley and the Chattahoochee National Forest. The beautiful North Georgia Mountains surround most of the camp. Woodruff offers a spectacular 86-acre mountain lake, a climbing/rappelling tower, nature center, trading post, a COPE course, astronomy, shooting sports, heavily wooded campsites, and great hiking trails. Scouts have the opportunity to enjoy our great aquatic area or visit the nearby Nantahala or Ocoee Rivers for whitewater rafting, canoeing, or tubing. The Appalachian Trail and Cohutta Wilderness are close at hand and offer the opportunity for extended backpacking trips.

Bert Adams Scout CampLocated near Covington, Georgia, Bert Adams Scout Camp provides 1250 acres (505 hectare) for long-term resident and weekend camping, training events, and lots of outdoor Scouting fun. Thousands of Scouts and Scouters come to Bert Adams each year to participate in Boy Scout, Webelos and JROTC Summer Camps, Order of the Arrow Events, Ventur-ing and Explorer Outings, Cub Family Camping, Cub World Events, District Camporees, Cub Pack Picnics, ScoutReach Outings, Wood Badge Training, Junior Leader Training, and many other Scouting events. Bert Adams Scout Camp includes Camp Gorman, Camp Emerson, Cub World and the redeveloped Camp Jamison.

At Bert Adams, you will find a friendly atmosphere, where we take the needs and success of every Den and Pack seri-ously. We’ve worked hard to assemble a staff of adults and older Boy Scouts who are experts in Scout Skills, and good teachers and leaders as well. They love working with young Scouts and are the kind of model citizens your Scouts can look to as role models.

Source: The Family Room, Attitudes and Awareness Study, 2010

Did You Know: 71% of Cub Scouts joined “to go camping.”

Boys Life MagazineA monthly Scouting magazine for boys, Boy’s Life features sports, hobbies, science, history, jokes, comics, and stories boys love. Subscriptions available for $12.00 per year (plus tax).

ALLATOONA AQUATICS BASEA 400 acre lakefront property, leased by the Army Corps of Engineers, on Lake Allatoona is just north of metro Atlanta. The main emphasis at this camp is fun and safety in and around the water.

FUNDING FUN, FRIENDSHIP, & FUTURES

Poptastic Popcorn Sale

Camp Card Sale

It takes more than $9 million per year to ensure the programs, properties, and people that make Scouting the premier choice for youth and families in and around Atlanta. Our largest expenses are for programs and activities, some administrative costs, and maintenance expenses at our camps. Every year, the Council also gives Scouts the opportunity to help earn money for camp, uniforms, and other exciting programs.

Our income sources vary from the United Way to corpora-tions and foundations, but mostly from the generosity of individuals and families like yours. Each year a personal appeal is made to parents and leaders at a pack meet-ing. When you hear “Friends of Scouting” please consider contributing to the growth of Scouting in the Atlanta Area Council.

Each fall, the Atlanta Area Council conducts a popcorn sale to benefit the Scouting program of our Packs, Troops, and the Council. Popcorn helps pay for camp experiences, registration dues, handbooks, and more. Teach your son that a Scout is thrifty, that he earns his own way in Scout-ing. Scouts also can earn great prizes, be invited to special events, and receive college scholarship money for being top sellers.

Each spring, Scouts have the opportunity to sell discount cards with coupons from local businesses. The high commissions earned on the sale of each card help the Scout earn his way to camp. While the Camp Card discounts are great, what they are really selling is character and a better community. What you are really doing is making sure every Scout can get the benefit of summer camp.

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1800 Circle 75 Parkway SEAtlanta, GA 30339770-989-8820www.AtlantaBSA.org

Paddle a boatBuild a race car

Shoot a BowCook over a campfire

Read a mapLaunch a rocket

Scouts do things Most kids don’t