Our Cub Scout pack (Pack 98) serves the families of General Wayne Elementary School and the surrounding communities. It is open to boys in the first grade through fifth grade. The overall goal of the program is to help the boys develop good character while having fun: "Fun, with a Purpose" as we call it. This philosophy is similar to the Character Counts models being used by the school district; in fact the school model is based, partially, on the 12 Principles of Scouting.
The "Pack" is made of all of the Cub Scouts from General Wayne and the surrounding community. Our Pack typically meets once a month for an activity. This year we are planning activities such as a (short) hike at Hawk Mountain Bird Sanctuary, photography, kickball, model rocket launch, an overnight stay at the Penn Museum (40 Winks with the Sphinx), and the famous Pinewood Derby Races.
The Pack consists of five "Dens" which are smaller groups of 5-10 boys, separated by school grade. Each Den has a Den Leader (trained adult volunteer) that helps to guide the boys and run Den meetings. The Dens typically meet two times per month, on a date chosen by the parents for convenience. The meetings can be held just about anywhere, but we have a Cub Scout Room that is exclusively for our Pack at Paoli Presbyterian Church. Most of our Dens choose to meet every other week on a week night at the church. The Den meetings are usually about 1 to 1 ½ hours long and consist of some short instructional time followed by an activity. Some of the Den activities are "Go See It" meeting where the families meet at a different location for an activity (the local fire department, police department, local parks, etc.). These meetings are all planned in advance, with enough notice so families can schedule these visits in with other activities.
To join Cub Scouts, a parent (or adult guardian) must complete an application form and return it to the Den Leader or other Pack leader. The annual fee is $95 for the first Scout, and $80 for each additional Scout (volume discounts). The fee covers the membership dues to the Boy Scouts of America, a subscription to Boys Life Magazine, insurance for the boys while participating in Scouting activities, a Cub Scout handbook (a new grade/rank specific book each year), a grade/rank specific neckerchief, a Pinewood Derby car kit, and other materials used for Den meetings throughout the year. If the annual fees present a financial issue, there are scholarships that can cover some or all of the costs; money should never be an obstacle for a boy to join Scouting.
In addition to the Pack and Den Meetings, Cub Scouts can participate in Summer Day Camps and Overnight Camps. Scholarships (or Camper-ships) are also available for Summer Camps.
Chuck Baker
Cub Master
Cub Scout Pack 98
chuckebaker@yahoo.com
(484) 431-1857