Public Scouting 101 - Cub Scout Pack 816 (Chula Vista, California)

Scouting 101

New to Scouting? Thinking about Scouting?

We developed this section to answer some common questions...

What is scouts about?

Will scouts help my son grow?

Why should I sign my son up?

How is Boy Scouts organized?

What's with all the fancy scouting words? (ScoutSpeak)

What can I expect from scouts?

What is expected of me?

As You Browse This Section, Look For the Videos...

Below some of the "Scouting 101" pages we've included a video to give you a feel for what scouting has meant to others; how it touched their lives in good ways. To give you a feel for the passion that comes to those who give scouting a try...

Building Tomorrows Leaders

Since 1910, Scouting has helped mold future leaders by combining educational activities and lifelong values with fun.

Scouting helps meet six essential needs of young people:

Mentoring

Scouting provides youth with good role models who can have a powerful impact on their lives. We have a process that screens, selects, and trains the leaders who can provide the attention all young people need to succeed in life.

Lifelong Learning

Scouting provides structured settings where kids can learn new skills and develop habits of continual learning that will help them succeed. Scouting offers a proven program of discovering, sharing, and applying knowledge and skills that last a lifetime.

Faith Traditions

One of the key tenets of Scouting is "duty to God." While Scouting does not define religious belief for its members, it does encourages each young person to begin a spiritual journey through the practice of his or her faith tradition.

Serving Others

Scouting is deeply rooted in the concept of doing for others. "Do a Good Turn Daily" is a core Scouting precept. Scouting encourages young people to recognize the needs of others and take action accordingly.

Healthy Living

Young people need to be well. To get the most from life, one must be both mentally and physically fit. A commitment to physical wellness has been reflected in Scouting's outdoor programs such as hiking, camping, swimming, climbing, and conservation. First aid, lifesaving, and safety programs are synonymous with Scouting. Our programs today include strong drug abuse awareness and prevention programs emphasizing the value of healthy living habits.

Building Character

Few will argue with the importance of teaching values and responsibility to our children - not only right from wrong, but specific, affirmative values such as fairness, courage, honor, and respect for others. Beginning with the Scout Oath and Scout Law, the Boy Scouts of America program is infused with character-building activities that allow youth to apply abstract principles to daily living situations.

The Scout Motto

What is the first thing a Cub Scout Learns?

Cub Scout Promise	Law of the Pack	Cub Scout Motto
I, (name), promise to do my best To do my duty to God and my country, To help other people, and To obey the Law of the Pack.	The Cub Scout follows Akela**. The Cub Scout helps the pack go. The pack helps the Cub Scout grow. The Cub Scout gives goodwill.	Do Your Best

** In Cub Scouts, Akela is a symbol of wisdom, authority, and leadership.

What makes Scouting great?

It's that we only expect the boys to do their best. It's all you can really ask for and it's all you can really expect.

Why Did We Include the Following Video?

We have no idea. But it's not boring...

YouTube Video

A Parent's Call to Action

The following is a little long. But it speaks to the heart of scouting and why you, as a parent, should consider it for your child...

"There is a battle of significant consequence taking place in the lives of boys in America today. In simple terms, it is the battle between doing what is right or wrong. A recent study conducted by Louis Harris & Associates indicates that the proportion of boys choosing to do what is wrong is alarmingly high. Even basic values such as not cheating on schoolwork and not stealing seem to be unstable.

Clearly, the results of this study indicate that our nation's youth are struggling with ethical and moral decisions, and that these difficulties can only increase with age. Therefore, the need for reinforcing and rewarding strong moral standards and providing positive role models at a young age is more important than ever before.

Cub Scouting creates a climate of cooperative and collaborative relationships between adults and children--a laboratory for adults and children to get to know one another. It provides opportunites for children to acquire the capacity for accomplishment. The program affirms to the child that the world really is an interesting place.

Cub Scouting is fun! But it is fun with a purpose. Woven though all the fun is an inspired program that really works. Tried and proven methods are used that transfer traditional values, build character, and develop leadership skills -- all in the context of fun and family togetherness."

(BSA: Operation Tiger Mania 1996)

Some Common Questions

What is the Mission of Boy Scouts?

...to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.

What Do Scouts Do?

Some of the best things about Cub Scouting are the activities the boys (and sometimes you) get to do: camping, hiking, racing model cars, going on field trips, or doing projects that help our community and the people who live here. Cub Scouting means "doing." All our activities are designed to have the boys doing something and by "doing" they learn some very valuable life lessons.

Do the Parents Have a Role?

Yes. As a program for the entire family, Cub Scouting can teach your boy a wholesome system of values and beliefs while building and strengthening relationships among family members. Scouting gives you a pretty neat platform to equip your son. We provide other mentors to help your son grow but you are also an important part of his development in scouting. Your role decreases as your son gets older.

But your role in the troop can be passive. We don't expect a parent to leap right in. But, be warned, Cub Scouting might touch you as it touches your son and you might eventually get 'the fever' that many of our leaders got from Scouting. But you are encouraged to go at your own pace.

How Old (or young) Can a Boy be to Join?

Cub Scouting is for boys in the first through fifth grades, or 7 to 10 years of age. Boys who are older than 10, or who have completed the fifth grade, can no longer join Cub Scouting, but they may be eligible to join the Boy Scout Troop 816

How do our Scouts Achieve Their Goals?

Activities are used to achieve the aims of Scouting—citizenship training, character development, and personal fitness. Many of the activities happen in the den (with the children in their grade) or with the entire pack (with all the grade levels). Our Scouts always have Go-and-See's and plenty of outdoor and indoor activities to help them achieve goals.

What Supplies and Equipment are Needed?

At minimum, each boy in Cub Scouting will need a uniform and a handbook. Each year, the handbook changes, as does the cap and neckerchief, but other uniform parts remain the same for at least the first three years. When a boy enters a Webelos den, he may need to obtain a new uniform if the parents in the den opt for the khaki-and-olive uniform.

Getting Started

When is a good time to get started?

Like most Cub Scout Packs, we go year-round. You can become a scout at anytime. Just contact our Cubmaster or the Den Leader in your age group - or, just show up at one of our meetings....

When do we meet?

Pack Meetings (when all of our scouts, 1st-5th grade, get together in the same place - with the Cubmaster) are normally held on the third Monday of each month at Paseo Del Rey Church located at 900 Paseo Del Rey Chula Vista, CA 91910. There are times when the meetings may be changed because of holidays or events happening within the Pack. You will be notified by your child's den leader if a meeting will be changed.

Den Meetings (when just one age group meets - with the Den Leader) can be held twice a month and when there are specific outings. The Den Leader will have their meeting times and locations.

What is the Cost of Joining?

First - don't let the cost scare you off. It's not that expensive and our Pack is able to assist if you need help. The person to see about assistance is the Committee Chair. This will be kept between you and them but you can tend to that later.

Second - The annual dues are $60.00, registration is $24.00 and $1.00 for insurance and the appropriate handbook averages around $12.00. A new uniform runs around $50-$60.00 but the shirt is good for several years, so uniform costs do go down as you move through the ranks.

Scout Language

This page will help you AFTER you sign your son up for Scouts. So glance it over for now and remember it is here for you later...

If you are new to scouting you will be exposed to "Scoutspeak". (It’s kinda like when you go to a party and everyone there is a computer programmer except you.)

To help you decode “Scoutspeak”, here are a few handy-dandy definitions:

Achievements

Wolf and Bear Cub Scouts must complete Achievements in their Handbook. These Achievements cover these areas: God, Country, Family, and Self. You must complete the required number of achievements to earn the rank award.

Activity Badge

There are 20 Activity Badges a Webelos scout can earn. These are divided into 5 areas: Physical, Mental, Technology, Outdoor, and Community. A pin is presented for completion of each activity Badge.

Akela

The Leader of the Pack. Does not have to wear leather or ride a Harley, although sometimes it helps. Usually the Cubmaster, but Akela also means Den Leaders and YOU--the main leader your boy looks to for guidance!

Arrow of Light

This is the highest award a boy can earn in Cub Scouting. Also the only non-religious award from Cub Scouts which can be worn on a Boy Scout Uniform.

Arrow Points

Arrow Points are awarded to Wolf and Bear Cub Scouts from completion of electives beyond the Achievements covered for earning the Wolf or Bear rank badge. A Gold Arrow Point is awarded for the first 10 electives; A Silver Arrow Point is awarded for each successive 10 electives completed.

Assistant Cubmaster (CA)

A volunteer who helps the Cubmaster run the pack and fills in when the Cubmaster is unavailable.

Assistant Den Leader (DA)

A volunteer leader who helps the Den Leader with holding weekly den meeting and fills in when the Den Leader is unavailable.

Bear

Veteran Cub Scout, now in 3rd Grade. Been there, done that, and looking for action. Chooses his achievements, and looks forward to Webelos. Of 24 possible achievements they must complete the prescribed amount in each area, God, Country, Family, and Self, for a total of 12.

Blue and Gold Banquet

Generally held in February to celebrate the anniversary of Cub Scouting. This celebration can be an annual pot luck dinner, banquet or whatever the pack decides to make it.

Blue and Gold Colors

The Cub Scout Colors. Blue stands for truth and spirituality, loyalty, and the sky above. Gold stands for warm sunlight, good cheer, and happiness.

Bobcat

Every boy who joins Cub Scouts must first earn the Bobcat Badge. Doing this, he learns the seven basic tenets of Cub Scouting: the Promise, the Law of the Pack the sign, the handshake, the motto, the salute, and what Webelos means.

Boy’s Life

A Scouting magazine for boys to help broaden their horizons in Cubbing.

Boy Scout

A Boy Scout is between the ages of 11 and 18 and belongs to a troop. He advances through these ranks: Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, then Eagle.

Boy Scouts of America (BSA)

The Boy Scouts of America is a nationally chartered organization that encompasses Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Venture Crews

Buddy System

One part of the Safe Swim Defense. Swimmers of like ability are paired. Check in and out of the water together and stay within 10 feet of each other during the swim. It is also used on other Cub Scout activities for safety reasons.

Charter

Formal permission from the Boy Scouts of America allowing a pack to organize

Chartered Organization

An organization that sponsors the pack. Monthly meetings are usually held in a building owned by that organization.

Chartered Organization Representative

An adult representative of the group or organization that currently holds the BSA charters. Reports information to and from the chartered organization and the Pack.

Commissioner

A volunteer Scouter who works with packs, troops, and crews to help the unit succeed.

Committee

This is a group of adult volunteers who “run” the pack. Any interested adult is welcome to attend Committee meetings

Committee Chair

The adult leader of the pack committee. Provides the motivation and direction to the committee to get the pack program implemented.

Council

A geographical area, made of up districts for administration of the Boy Scout programs.

Cub Scout

Any of a million or so boys between the ages of 6 and 11 who get together and have fun at Den and Pack meetings. Marked by curiosity, easy laughter, speed, and blue uniform. Likes to eat DingDongs and Bug Juice.

CSLBT

Cub Scout Leader Basic Training is 6 hour training session that covers all basic information needed to be pack leader.

Cubmaster

The Cubmaster is the chief adult volunteer leader. The Cubmaster runs the pack meetings and advices other leaders.

Den

A group of 6-8 boys who meet at regular intervals.

Denner

A Cub Scout or Webelo scout elected by his peers to help the den chief and den leader.

Den Chief

A Boy Scout who helps direct the activities of a den

Den Leader

Amazing adult, enjoys doing all kinds of stuff with boys, even if it involves large quantities of patience. Easily smiles, asks others for help, and uses all kinds of resources to keep smiling--like Roundtables.

District

Each council is divided into a number of districts.

District Executive

A professional Scouter who is responsible for the achievements of the district.

Elective

After the Achievements in the Wolf and Bear book. Can be done any time by a boy, and count toward Arrow Points after the Wolf or Bear badge have been earned. Can be repeated, if boy does his best every time.

Fast Start

Program for new leaders to help them until they can attend CSLBT

Fleur de lis

International Boy Scout Emblem. Also used by New Orleans football team. Some Scouters even have boxer shorts with this on them.

FOS

Friends of Scouting. Donations to support the camps, materials, special events, and the professional coordinators who help make Scouting possible.

Grown-up

Largish post-Cub Scout person, good for helping boys with tools, fire, and holding things while boy plays. Good candidate for leader.

Howl

A form of cheer, along with Growls, Whoops, and the Disco Mosquito cheer; all done to show appreciation of Cub Scout skits and stunts in place of mundane old “PTA applause”. Also, sound made when Wolf tries out hammer.

I

Word used with great pride by boy in Cub Scouts, as in “I did it!”

Joy

What happens when boy says “I did it!” after trying very hard.

Kid

Young male goat, or some one else’s progeny. Good candidate for Cubs.

Leader

Person who gives an hour each week (or more) to help boys grow to be young men of character. Sets example by giving back to the community.

Meeting

Semi-chaotic gathering of boys where much fun and some learning happens, usually helped along by Den Leaders and Grown-ups. For Tigers, each Tiger Cub and his partner get to host a meeting in turn.

New

Everything for a Tiger Cub! Learning about others, working with his partner, and finding out about the world around him. New things are things to Search--Discover--and Share for the whole Tiger Cub Den.

OA

Order of the Arrow. An honor group of Boy Scouts who give cheerful service helping others learn to enjoy the outdoors. Arrowmen also present dramatic and exciting ceremonies at campfires and special awards meetings.

Pack

The whole group – all or our dens and families together is called a Pack. The pack usually meets once a month.

Pinewood Derby

A pack racing competition, where Cubs and their parents work together to make model pinewood derby cars and compete for prizes.

Promise

What leaders try to deliver. To do their Best, to help others, and to help boys learn to Do Their Duty to God, Country, Family, and self.

Quiet

Unknown concept.

Scouter

Someone who may or may not have boys in Scouting, but just really loves the program and gets satisfaction from helping boys grow to men.

Tiger Cub Partner

A parent, big brother or sister, uncle or grandparent, or anyone who joins with a Tiger Cub to help him Search, Discover and Share the world as he plays and does things with other Tigers and their partners.

Tiger Coach

Adult liaison between Tiger Cub parents and the Pack.

Training

Available in many varieties to help everyone Do Their Best to be a good leader. Fast Start, Basic, and Youth Protection are common types

Useful

Most anything you’d never think of. Juice can lids and tissue tubes, bits of string, wood, packing peanuts, wheels, marbles, frosting containers, and whole bunches of stuff tha make great craft supplies!

Victory

What a boy wins every time he does something he really had to try at, even if he doesn’t go the fastest or highest or whatever.

Webelos

We’ll Be Loyal Scouts. Also, boys in 4th and 5th grade. Sometimes wear the khaki Boy Scout uniform (means he outgrew the blue one). Works on Activity Pins, camps, goes on hikes, prepares to be a Boy Scout. Old hand at this Cub Scout business--can build a Pinewood Derby car blindfolded.

Wolf

Cub Scout in 2nd grade. Incredibly cute in blue uniform and new yellow neckerchief. Full of life and enthusiasm, eager to learn all about Cubs.

X,Y, and Z

Symbols for the unknown. Not even Akela knows all the answers!

In Closing

We hope you enjoyed the tour

You are invited to contact any of our leaders (Akela) by visiting our "Contact Us" page. We are all available to help answer any questions or concerns.

On behalf of Pack 816 - We wish you and your family the very best and hope you will become the next scouting family in our Pack.

Sincerely,

Pack 816