Leadership
Cub Scouting leaders support the family
Hello, my name is Ken Burdon and I’m the Cubmaster (Pack Leader) for Natick Pack 310. I work alongside the other volunteer leaders to lead and develop an exciting, engaging and educational Cub Scouting program for boys and girls in kindergarten through 5th grade.
I am a Natick resident and have been engaged in Cub Scouting since my kids were in kindergarten (Lions), becoming a den leader (starting in Tigers) and accepted Cubmaster role in 2022.
The pack is split into Dens. Each Den is led by a Den Leader, who is also a parent of a scout in that Den.
A number of other people also contribute to the support of the Pack. Members of the community, parents, teachers and other packs all work together to enrich the experience.
DEN LEADERS
The monthly pack meeting brings together scouts from every den, their leaders, and their families, to participate in a large-scale event that serves as a showcase for everything the scouts have learned and done in their individual den meetings. The pack meeting gives the boys and girls a larger experience beyond their own den, and helps them to connect their individual activities to the entire Cub Scouting program.
A Scouting program for kindergarten-age girls and boys is now available.
The Lion program weaves traditional Scouting concepts of character development, leadership skills, personal fitness and citizenship into activities that are age-appropriate and fun for the scouts and their parents.
The activities introduce the family to Cub Scouting and provide an exciting way for children to explore the world around them. The program will fuel their imagination, creativity, and fun as they experience the growth Scouting can provide. At the end of the Lion year, they “graduate” to Tiger and advance through Cub Scouting.
Tiger Cubs is for firstgrade girls and boys (or those who are 7 years old) and their adult partners. In the Tiger Cub den, this team is introduced to the excitement of Cub Scouting as they tread the Tiger trail. The Tiger Cub den builds stronger families through involvement in a program that is flexible and fun for the boys and the adults. A shared leadership component, where a den leader works with the boy and adult partner teams, gives everyone input into the operation of the activities
Wolf Cubs is for second grade boys and girls (or those who are 8 years old) and their adult partners. In the Tiger Cub den, this team is introduced to the excitement of Cub Scouting as they tread the Wolf trail. The Wolf Cub den builds stronger families through involvement in a program that is flexible and fun for the scouts and the adults. A shared leadership component, where a den leader works with the children and adult partner teams, gives everyone input into the operation of the activities
Bear Cubs is for third-grade girls and boys (or those who are 7 years old) and their adult partners. In the Bear Cub den, this team is introduced to the excitement of Cub Scouting as they tread the Bear trail. The Bear Cub den builds stronger families through involvement in a program that is flexible and fun for the scouts and the adults. A shared leadership component, where a den leader works with the scout and adult partner teams, gives everyone input into the operation of the activities
A child who is in the fourth or fifth grade is a Webelos Scout, and their adventures are found in the Webelos Handbook.
If a child is a new Cub Scouts they first earn the Bobcat badge. After completing the requirements for Bobcat they go on to complete the requirements for the Webelos rank and then onto the Arrow of Light and the many electives that are offered. If a child joins in the fourth grade they earn the Webelos rank and then the Arrow of Light. If a child joins in the fifth grade they may start working on the Arrow of Light without earning the Webelos rank first.
The Webelos program is designed to prepare Cub Scouts to join a Scouts BSA Troop in February of their fifth-grade year.
A scout who is in the fourth or fifth grade is a Webelos Scout, and their adventures are found in the Webelos Handbook. Once a scout has completed their Webelos rank requirements or a new scout joins Cub Scouting in the fifth grade, they may work on Arrow of Light requirements Like all other new Cub Scouts, an Arrow of Light Scout must first earn their Bobcat rank. After completing the requirements for Bobcat they may go on to complete the requirements for the Arrow of Light rank and the many electives that are offered for their rank.
All Cub Scouts, except for those scouts who join Cub Scouting for the first time in fifth grade, must earn their Webelos rank prior to earning Arrow of Light. The requirements for Webelos and Arrow of Light may be worked on at the same time but the tenure requirements for each must be met and the awards must be earned and presented sequentially.
Get Involved
Do you want to invest in Cub Scouting?
We are always looking for individuals who wish to participate more formally in the preparation and delivery of the Cub Scouting program.
WHAT TO EXPECT
- One afternoon or evening each month for a den meeting
- One evening each month for the pack meeting
- One evening each month for a planning meeting with other pack leaders
- Time spent in research and planning each month on such interesting subjects as native Americans, knights, the circus, or whatever
the next monthly theme will be - Time spent in Cub Scout leader basic training
- Cost of the Cub Scout leader uniform
- The registration fee
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
A Cub Scout pack requires many behind-the-scenes members to create a well-functioning machine of adventure and fun. We are humbled by our members generous volunteering of time and manpower to help our scouts and pack.
Committee Chair – John Pendleton
- Maintain a close relationship with the chartered organization representative, keeping this key person informed of the needs of the pack that must be brought to the attention of the organization or the district.
- Report to the chartered organization to cultivate harmonious relations.
- Confer with the Cubmaster on policy matters relating to Cub Scouting and the chartered organization.
- Supervise pack committee operation by
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- Calling and presiding at pack leaders’ meetings.
- Assigning duties to committee members.
- Planning for pack charter review, roundup, and reregistration.
- Approving bills before payment by the pack treasurer.
- Conduct the annual pack program planning conference and pack leaders’ meetings.
- Complete pack committee Fast Start Training and Basic Leader Training for the position.
- Ask the committee to assist with recommendations for Cubmaster, assistant Cubmaster(s), and den leaders, as needed.
- Recognize the need for more dens, and see that new dens are formed as needed.
- Work with the chartered organization representative to provide adequate and safe facilities for pack meetings.
- Cooperate with the Cubmaster on council-approved money-earning projects so the pack can earn money for materials and equipment.
- Manage finances through adequate financial records.
- Maintain adequate pack records and take care of pack property.
- If the Cubmaster is unable to serve, assume active direction of the pack until a successor is recruited and registered.
- Appoint a committee member or other registered adult to be responsible for Youth Protection training.
- Provide a training program for adult family members.
- Develop and maintain strong pack-troop relationships, sharing with the troop committee the need for graduations into the troop.
- Work closely with the unit commissioner and other pack and troop leaders in bringing about a smooth transition of Webelos Scouts into the troop.
- Help bring families together at joint activities for Webelos dens (or packs) and Boy Scout troops.
- Support the policies of the BSA
Secretary
- Keep informed of all Cub Scouting literature, materials, records, and forms to help leaders function effectively. Help new den leaders by telling them what resources are available.
- Acquaint den leaders with the contents of the Pack Record Book so they will know how to supply the information that should be recorded there.
- Maintain up-to-date information on membership, leadership, attendance, and advancement in the Pack Record Book.
- Maintain an inventory of pack property.
- Handle correspondence for the pack. This may include writing letters of appreciation and requests for reservations, or ordering supplies through the local council service center.
- Keep notes on business conducted at pack leaders’ meetings. Record only key items such as things needing follow-up or items for the history of the pack.
- Notify leaders of pack leaders’ meetings and other activities
Treasurer – Christian Lassonde
- Help the pack committee and Cubmaster establish a sound financial program for the pack with a pack budget plan.
- Open or maintain a bank account in the pack’s name and arrange for all transactions to be signed by any two of the Cubmaster, pack committee chair, secretary, or treasurer.
- Approve all budget expenditures. Check all disbursements against budget allowances, and pay bills by check. The pack committee chair should approve bills before payment.
- Collect dues from den leaders at the pack leaders’ meeting, preferably in sealed den dues envelopes. Open envelopes in the presence of den leaders. Give receipts for these funds, and deposit the money in the bank account.
- Keep up-to-date financial records. Enter all income and expenditures under the proper budget item in the finance section of the Pack Record Book. Credit each Cub Scout with payment of dues. From time to time, compare the records with those of the den leaders to make sure they agree. Give leadership in developing a coordinated record-keeping system in the pack.
- Be responsible for thrift training within the pack. Encourage each den leader to explain the pack financial plan to each boy and his family so that boys will accept responsibility for paying dues and family members will be alert to opportunities for boys to earn dues money and develop habits of thrift.
- On the request of den leaders, sympathetically counsel with a boy who does not pay dues, determine the reason, and encourage regular payment. If the boy is unable to pay, work out a plan with the Cubmaster and pack committee so that the boy can earn dues.
- Periodically report on the pack’s financial condition at the monthly pack leaders’ meeting. Make regular monthly reports to the pack committee at the pack leaders’ meeting, and report to the chartered organization as often as desirable on the financial condition of the pack.
- Provide petty cash needed by leaders. Keep a record of expenditures.
- Guide the pack in conducting council-approved pack money-earning projects.
Advancement Chair
- Have a working knowledge of the Cub Scout advancement plans.
- Help plan and conduct induction and advancement recognition ceremonies.
- Train parents, guardians, and pack committee members in ways to stimulate Tiger Cub, Cub Scout, and Webelos Scout advancement.
- Arrange for Scout graduation ceremonies with the Cubmaster, den leader, and Scoutmaster (if graduating from Webelos).
- Promote the use of den advancement charts to record advancement in the den and as an incentive for advancement.
- Promote the use of den doodles as a stimulus for advancement.
- Collect den advancement reports at pack leaders’ meetings for use when ordering badges and insignia from the local council service center.
- Promote Boys’ Life magazine as an aid to advancement.
- Help build or obtain advancement equipment for use in making advancement ceremonies more effective.
- Promote the wearing and proper use of uniform and insignia.
Public Relations Chair – Rebecca Stern
- Stimulate pack service projects in the chartered organization, school, and community.
- Promote family participation in all pack events, such as Blue & Gold banquets, pack picnics, and other special events.
- Urge pack participation in appropriate programs of the chartered organization, such as the worship service on Scout Sunday or Scout Sabbath if the organization is a church or synagogue and Cub Scouts are members. Suggest ways of showing interest in the chartered organization’s overall program.
- Publicize and promote pack participation in Scouting Anniversary Week activities.
- Circulate Cub Scout recruiting fliers and leaflets to invite enrollment. Work with the pack committee to promote new membership. Let the people in the neighborhood know that a Cub Scout pack is available.
- Consider using a monthly or quarterly pack newsletter to inform families of pack plans, guide new parents and guardians in pack policies, and create a feeling of unity among members of the pack family.
- Provide pack announcements for regular release in the official bulletins, newsletters, Web sites, etc., of your chartered organization.
- Make use of the social and/or news media in publicizing pack events.
Outings Chair
- Help the Cubmaster plan and arrange for outdoor activities.
- Arrange for property, fire, and tour permits when required.
- Locate new picnic areas.
- Arrange for safe transportation when needed.
- Plan first aid for emergencies.
- Help Webelos den leaders plan Webelos overnight campouts. Help arrange for equipment, as needed.
- Arrange for Safe Swim Defense implementation for all outings involving swimming.
- Help inform parents and guardians about opportunities for family camping. Ensure that at least one adult has completed Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO) before any pack campout.
- Help promote day camp and resident camp opportunities.
- Be aware of BSA health and safety requirements and see that they are implemented.
- Know and carry out BSA outdoor program policy related to Cub Scouting. Review all activities to ensure that unit leaders comply with BSA policies in the Guide to Safe Scouting. Membership and Re-registration Chair
- Prepare re-registration papers and an annual report to the chartered organization. Secure signatures and registration fees for the coming year.
- Ask the chartered organization representative to submit a charter application and annual report to the chartered organization for approval.
- Arrange for periodic uniform inspections with the unit commissioner. At least a month before charter expiration, also arrange for the annual membership inventory, a uniform inspection, and the annual charter review meeting.
- Help the Cubmaster and chartered organization representative plan and conduct the formal charter presentation.
- Conduct an annual census of boys in the chartered organization for systematic recruitment. Work with pack committee members to promote recruitment plans.
- Visit new families to review the Bobcat requirements and “Parent Guide” in their child’s handbook. Emphasize the family’s role in their child’s advancement. Stress parent/guardian participation at den and pack functions and see that new families are introduced and feel welcome.
- Work with the Cubmaster and pack committee to develop and carry out a plan for year-round membership growth.
- Work with the Cubmaster and pack committee to see that
- eligible Lion Cubs transition into a Tiger den at the appropriate time.
- eligible Tiger Cubs transition into a Wolf den at the appropriate time.
- eligible Wolf Cub Scouts or 9-year-old Cub Scouts transition into a Bear den at the appropriate time.
- eligible Bear Cub Scouts or 10-year-old Cub Scouts transition into a Webelos den at the appropriate time.
- Webelos Scouts and parents or guardians have a smooth transition into a Boy Scout troop.
- Work with the Cubmaster in following up on former pack members who are now Boy Scouts and potential den chiefs.
- Follow up on Cub Scout dropouts to help return them to full, active membership.