THE DEN 
A Cub Scout Pack is divided into small groups
of about 6-8 boys called Dens, who meet at least 2 times a month under
the direction of adult Den Leaders. Dens are organized by rank. Ranks
are organized by grade:
- Lion Cub Dens (Kindergarten)
- Tiger Cub Dens (1st grade)
- Wolf Dens (2nd grade)
- Bear Dens (3rd grade)
- Webelos Dens (4th/5th grades)
The Den allows boys to get to know each other
better and engage in activities that would be difficult in a larger
group. Den meeting activities are planned around the advancement requirements and include games, crafts, outdoor fun, practicing
skits and stunts in preparation for the next Pack Meeting, taking
part in simple ceremonies and songs, and working on monthly core values. Some of the work may be accomplished by the
boys with their parents outside of the Den Meeting. The Den Leaders may ask for special help from
parents (helping with a meeting, sharing a special skill, or just
providing a snack for the boys). The Lion and Tiger programs are run through
shared leadership of the adult partners.
THE PACK
The Pack is a group made up of several Dens.
The Pack includes not only the boys in those Dens, but also their
families, and their leaders. The Packs meets once a month with Cub
Scouts, leaders, parents and other family members attending. The Pack
meeting is the climax of the month's Den Meetings and activities. It
gives the Dens something to look forward to and work toward. This is a
chance to recognize the boys, their parents, and their leaders.
In addition to its regular meetings, the Pack sponsors certain special
projects. These include community projects, outdoor activities, fund
raising activities, and fun competitions (e.g., Pinewood car Derby).
Pack 136 also has a "Scout Fun Day" (usually on a Saturday)
which is an entirely optional day just to get together with their fellow
scouts to have a good time.
The Cubmaster is an adult volunteer who serves as master of ceremonies
at Pack Meetings. Pack
leadership positions may be held by men or women.
The Pack Committee is a group of adult volunteers who plan the Pack
program and manage things such as record keeping, finance, leadership recruitment, and registration. The
Pack Committee meets monthly and meetings are open to any interested
parent.
The Cub Scout Program has two basic features:
Rank Advancement Academics
and Sports Program
Rank Advancement
Bobcat, the first badge all Cub Scouts earn, regardless of age. To earn the Bobcat badge, a Cub
Scout must learn the Cub Scout motto, promise, handshake, salute, and
sign. This is typically a very short held rank before moving on to the advancement specific to their age level.
Lion Cubs is a
new
Cub Scout program for boys in Kindergarten and
their adult
partners--with each taking a turn planning and hosting Den gatherings. The program is focused on parent
cooperation and and covers a variety of topics which are outlined in
literature specifically designed
for the younger age group. Each month’s
curriculum includes Family/Den
Activities, At-Home Activities and Grand
Adventures.
Lion Cub activities and Grand Adventures are built around a monthly topic. The Lion Cub Adventure Guide contains idea pages for the Lion Cub and his adult partner to do at home and with the Den in order to build a deeper understanding of each topic. Lion Cubs love to be recognized like Cub Scouts and as the boys complete their activities, they receive beads to add to an instant recognition totem which can be worn on his right pocket or a belt.
Tiger Cubs are first graders
and an adult family member. Tiger Cubs members take turns
planning and hosting Den gatherings and
selecting projects from a broad
range of suggested activities. You and your son
will learn together throughout the year while fostering friendships
with the other families.
Tigers must first earn his Tiger Cub emblem, which is a tiger paw with four strings for beads. He wears this emblem on his right pocket. As a boy finishes each part of the five Tiger Cub achievements, he earns an orange bead (for den activities), a white bead (for family activities), or a black bead (for "Go See Its"). When the boy has earned five beads of each color, he can receive his Tiger Cub badge.
Wolves is the
program for boys who are in second
grade. To
earn the Wolf badge, a boy must complete twelve
achievements involving
simple physical and mental skills. Most, if not
all, will be presented
in Den meetings and any achievements missed will
need to be worked on a home before the badge can be earned.
To earn the Wolf badge, a boy must pass 12 achievements. His parent or guardian approves each achievement by signing his book. After he has earned the Wolf badge, a Wolf Scout can work on the 23 Wolf electives until he finishes second grade. He can choose from more than 100 elective projects that may show him new hobbies and teach him skills that will be useful during his Boy Scout years. When he completes 10 elective projects, he earns a Gold Arrow Point to wear under the Wolf bade. For each 10 elective projects after that, he earns a Silver Arrow Point.
The Bears program is for
boys in third grade. Bears get a little more in-depth and there are
twenty-four Bear achievements in four different categories. The Cub
Scout must complete twelve of these to earn the Bear badge. These
requirements are somewhat more difficult and challenging than previous ranks. When a boy has earned his Bear badge, he may work on electives to earn Arrow Points to wear under his Bear badge.
Webelos is
a two-year process for fourth and fifth grade boys as they transition from a
Cub Scout Pack to a Boy
Scout Troop. As they complete the requirements found in the
Webelos Scout Book,
they will work on activity badges and become
familiar with the Boy Scout
requirements - all leading to the final Cub Scout honor, the Arrow of Light.
The Webelos program is different from the Cub Scout program in that everything the Webelos work on is more difficult than what the younger boys in the Pack do. Webelos Scouts get to work on 20 different Webelos activity badges. Webelos may practice skills and complete project at home. When a boy has done the requirements for an activity badge (some are required, some are optional), the Den Leader must approve it rather than a parent. After a Webelos Scout earns seven activity badges, he can earn the compass points emblem. For each four activity badges earned after that, he receives a compass point.
The two years of Webelos are filled with activities and outdoor fun. They take part in Cub Scout Pack Meetings, events, and outings, but they also get to make their own plans and enjoy many activities that the younger Cub Scouts don't get to do.
Academic and Sports Program
This is a supplemental enrichment program that complements the Cub
Scout rank advancement program. The Academic subjects and Sports
activities allow boys to learn new techniques, increase scholarship
skills, develop sportsmanship - and have fun! Boys participating in the
program will be recognized for enjoying teamwork, developing physical
fitness, and discovering and building new talents. The Academic and
Sports program encourages a boy to do his best. Belt loops and pins are awarded to boys who complete the requirements.
Link to the Council's website for program options and requirements
Click here to download a Youth Application for Cub Scouts, or contact
Chris Koenig at (651) 464-2834 or chris@usahome@gmail.com for a hard copy.
Upon completion, turn into the Lino Lakes Elementary Office,
Attention: Cub Scouts