Cub Scout Pack 15 Weaverville North Carolina Information

Cub Scout Pack 15
Weaverville, NC

New Cub Scout Information

Safety

SAFETY is the watchword in all BSA activities! In most cases, each youth member will be under the supervision of a parent or guardian. In all cases, each youth participant is responsible to a specific adult.

At least one adult on a pack overnighter must have completed Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO, No. 34162A) to properly understand the importance of program intent, youth protection guidelines, health and safety, site selection, age-appropriate activities, and sufficient adult participation.

Alcohol, Tobacco and Drugs

The BSA prohibits the use of alcoholic beverages and controlled substances at encampments or activities on property owned and/or operated by the Boy Scouts of America, or at any activity involving participation of its youth members. Adults should support the attitude that children are better off without tobacco, so no tobacco products in any form may be used by leaders, parents or children in front of any Cubs. All Scouting functions, meetings, and activities will be conducted on a smoke-free basis, so smoking areas will be located away from all participants.

Firearms

Gun-shooting sports are not an approved part of the Cub Scout program except at a council-approved camps or activities where there are properly trained supervisors and all standards are enforced. Cub Scouts may have an opportunity to take part in a BB-gun (rifle) safety and marksmanship program under the direction of a certified BB-gun range officer. Cub Scouts are not permitted to use any other type of handgun or firearm.

Knives

A sharp pocket knife with a can opener on it is an invaluable backcountry tool. Keep it clean, sharp, and handy. Avoid large sheath knives. They are heavy and awkward to carry, and unnecessary for most camp chores except for cleaning fish. Only Cubs (Bears and WEBELOS) who have earned their whittling chip may bring their pocket knives to campouts.

Off-Site Meetings or Outings

Two adults (over age 21), with at least one being a registered BSA leader, must attend any meeting or activity away from the church (2-deep leadership). The responsible adult must submit a tour permit ( Local Tour Permit Application, No. 34426B) to the DBC. Transportation must be coordinated and conducted in a safe manner. Water activities (swimming or boating) must be supervised by a leader who has completed the appropriate BSA safety course. At least one leader must be trained in first aid if the den goes on a wilderness outing.

Behavior Guidelines

One of the developmental tasks of childhood is to learn appropriate behavior, as outlined in the Cub Scout Oath and values. The example set by positive adult role models is a powerful tool for shaping behavior and a tool that is stressed in Scouting. Misbehavior by a Cub may constitute a threat to the safety of the individual who misbehaves as well as to the safety of other unit members. Such misbehavior constitutes an unreasonable burden on a Scout unit and cannot be ignored. A boy that is disruptive three times during one meeting is not invited back for the next meeting ("3 strikes and you're out"). The first time a boy is disruptive he is given a verbal warning. The second time he can sit out in the hallway for 5 minutes with his parent, and if he continues to misbehave he should be taken home (he may call his parents if they are not present).

Special Activities

During the year, the pack will participate in various special activities, including the annual stream cleanup, Christmas Parade, food drive, skating party, Blue and Gold Banquet, Pinewood Derby, Cross-over, and others. Additional information will be provided at the appropriate times.

Chartered Organization

Pack 15 belongs to an organization with interests similar to those of the BSA. Weaverville United Methodist Church is chartered by the DBC to use the Scouting program. The church provides a suitable meeting place, adult leadership, supervision, support materials and opportunities for a healthy Scouting life for the boys under its care. The church also appoints one of its members as a chartered organization representative. Please help us keep the church facilities clean and well–maintained.

Leaders

The Pack Committee includes parents of boys in the pack and members of the chartered organization (church). The church appoints the committee, which appoints the leaders of the pack. Volunteer leaders, both men and women, are involved in the Pack 15 program. They receive appropriate training and serve in a variety of positions, from Den Leaders to committee members, to Cubmaster. If you are interested in helping, please complete and turn-in the Parents Information Sheet handout to your Den Leader or the Cubmaster.

Publications

Leaders are informed of national news and events through Scouting magazine (circulation 900,000) and the DBC Long Rifle. Boys may subscribe to Boys' Life magazine (circulation 1.3 million), which illustrates the scouting life. Also available are a number of youth and leader publications, including the Tiger Cub Handbook, Wolf Handbook, Bear Handbook, Webelos Handbook, Cub Scout Leader Book, Cub Scout Program Helps, and Webelos Leader Guide, all of which are available at the DBC office in Asheville.

Uniforms and Equipment

Cub Scout items, including uniforms and equipment are available from the DBC office at 333 West Haywood Street in Asheville (254-6189). New Cubs need a minimum of a blue scout shirt with all appropriate insignia (clerk at scout store will help) and an age-appropriate book (Tiger, Wolf, etc.). The Pack will supply the appropriate neckerchief and slide for each boy. Most boys will also want a belt with buckle and hat. One of the handouts shows where the insignia are to be sewed on the uniform. The Cub Scout uniform should be worn to all Scouting activities, except camping, where a Pack 15 t-shirt or similar attire is acceptable (see calendar for uniform guidance for each event).

Directions to DBS Office and Scout Store

Take I-26 (Highway 19/23) south toward Asheville. Take the Patton Street exit (NOT I-240 West or East) in Asheville. At the first light, turn right onto Clingman Avenue. At the next light, turn right onto Hilliard Street. Go 2 blocks and then turn right onto Haywood Street. Go one block and the office is on the left.

Registration and Fees

Each boy must register as a Cub Scout each year (December to December) and pay the registration fee and insurance of $11.20 per year. We strongly encourage a subscription to Boys’ Life at $12/year, for a total of $23.20/year. None of this money stays with the pack, but instead goes to the council and the national office. Pack 15 earns money by selling popcorn (see below), which is our only fund raising activity of the year. These funds support leadership training, outdoor programs, camping, awards, crafts and other activities for the Cubs. Boys joining for the fall (September to December) may pay a pro-rated fee of $3.80 for registration and insurance, and $4 for Boys’ Life, totaling $7.80 for the fall. They may also pay for the entire 16 months to avoid paying again at re-charter time in December.

Financial Assistance

If any family feels they may be unable to participate in Cub Scouting for financial reasons, please see the Cubmaster to discuss options for financial assistance.