Freehold Pack 160

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Pack 160 is chartered by the Marshall W. Errickson School PTO and affiliated with the Battleground District, Monmouth Council, Boy Scouts of America

Our Cub Master is Mark Skolnick

Our Pack Committee Chairman is Andrea Bundschuh and our Treasurer is Wayne Potochar

This year we have 5 active Dens.

 

                                   
  The Webelos II led by Tom Bundschuh
The Webelos led by Brian Altini
  The Bears led by Rocco Gagliardi
  The Wolves led by Diana Walsh and Laura Ellis
  The Tigers  Do you want to volunteer?


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 (e.g., a Thanksgiving Food Drive for the needy), outdoor activities (e.g., field trips, family campouts, etc.), fund raising activities, and fun competitions (e.g., Pinewood car Derby).

The Cubmaster is an adult volunteer who serves as master of ceremonies at all Pack meetings and leads Pack activities of all kinds. Pack leadership positions may be held by women or men.

The Pack Committee is a group of adult volunteers who plan the Pack program and individual activities as well as managing such things as record keeping, finance, leadership recruitment, and registration. The Pack Committee meets monthly and meetings are open to any interested parent.

The Den

A Cub Scout Pack is divided into small groups of about eight boys called dens, who meet weekly under the direction of adult Den Leaders and, in some cases, Boy Scout Den Chiefs. The Den Leaders are trained parent volunteers.

The den allows boys to get to know each other better and engage in activities that would be difficult in a larger group. The den also provides leadership opportunities for the boys as they elect "denners" or help to teach each other.

Den meeting activities are planned around the monthly theme and include games, handicrafts, hikes and other outdoor fun, practicing skits and stunts in preparation for the next Pack meeting and taking part in simple ceremonies and songs. Sometimes work on advancement requirements is included, but most of that work is accomplished by the boys with their parents (see details on the Webelos rank for an exception). The Den Leaders may ask for special help occasionally from parents (helping with a meeting, sharing a special skill, or just providing a snack for the boys).

Dens are organized by rank. Ranks are organized by grade and age:

bulletTiger Cub Dens
bulletBear Dens
bulletWolf Dens
bulletWebelos Dens

 

Den Chief The Den Chief is a Boy Scout from a nearby troop who, usually, has achieved at least the rank of First Class. The Den Chief is a trained leader who assists a Den Leader in the running of a Den.

It is the Den Chief's duty to assist the Cub Scouts in their den with the projects and activities of the Den. His duty also is to encourage, guide and protect them in all den and pack activities; and to show them by their example what a Boy Scout is.

Webelos Den Chiefs also will work to interest the Webelos Scouts in becoming Boy Scouts.

The Den Chief Pledge

I promise to help the Cub Scouts (or Webelos Scouts) in my den to the best of my ability; to encourage, guide, and protect them in all den and pack activities; and to show them by my example what a Boy Scout is.

I will strive to be prompt and dependable, and to cooperate with the leaders in carrying out the den program.

As each Cub Scout completes the third grade, I will encourage him to join a Webelos den.

As he becomes eligible, I will do all in my power to interest him in becoming a Boy Scout.

Den Chief Awards

The Den Chief can earn the Den Chief Service Award. See, Den Chief Awards

Grade and Age

Several years ago joining and advancement requirements for Cub Scouting were changed to a grade basis (with age as backup). Age is still used by some packs whose national organization has made that determination As a refresher, here are some age/grade requirements. Keep in mind that grade is the primary determination and age is the backup (note the work "or"):

bulletTIGER CUBS -- In the first grade, (or 7 years old)
bulletCUB SCOUTS (Wolves and Bears) -- In the second and third grade, (or 8 or 9 years old)
bulletWEBELOS SCOUTS -- In the fourth and fifth grade, (or 10 years old)
bulletARROW OF LIGHT -- Six months since completing the fourth grade, or six months since turning 10.
bulletBOY SCOUTS -- Completed the fifth grade, or age 11, or have earned the Arrow of Light.

The Pack Leadership


The pack leadership consists of Den Leaders, the Chartered Organization Representative, the Pack Committee Chairperson, the Pack Committee and the Cubmaster. These are adult positions. Let's look at what each one accomplishes in a Pack.

The Pack Committee


The Pack Committee takes care of the administrative needs of the pack. It is organized and chaired by the Pack Committee Chairperson. The committee consists of at least three people and is responsible for:

bulletFinding a meeting place
bulletSetting the Pack policies in accordance with Boy Scouting and the chartered organization.
bulletCoordinatng the Pack program with that of the charter organization.
bulletAssist with the annual Pack charter renewel.
bulletIs responsible for carrying out the policies and regulations of the Boy Scouts of America.
bulletProvides encouragement to leaders in carrying out the Pack program.
bulletProvides the finances and fundraising coordination for the Pack.
bulletIs responsible for Pack property.
bulletIs responsible for the quality of the adult leadership, that the leadership is recruited and trained. This is all adult leadership, including Cubmaster.
bulletResponsible for recommending this leadership to the charter organization for final approval.
bulletCoordination between the Pack and other scouting units.

A good Pack Committee consists of the following people:

bulletChartered Organization Representative
bulletPack Committee Chair
bulletSecretary
bulletTreasurer
bulletAdvancement
bulletPublic Relations
bulletMembership and Registration
bulletCubmaster 
bulletOutdoor Activities Coordinator
 

Chartered Organization Representative

This person is the liaison between the Pack, the PTO, and the BSA. They make sure that the PTO is aware of what the Pack is doing, and coordinates activities between the chartered organization and the Pack. It is also the responsibility of the chartered organization representative to communicate any relavent policies that the charter organization has to the Pack committee.

Pack Committee Chairperson


The Pack Committee Chairperson organizes and facilitates the running of the Pack committee.
This person works with the Cubmaster and Chartered Organization Representative to make sure that the responsibilities of the Pack Committee are being met.

For more information, see the section on the Pack Committee.

Cubmaster


The Cubmaster, who is sometimes refered to as the unit leader, is up front. Most parents think they run the show all by themselves. Now you know different. So what does a Cubmaster do? Plenty!

The Cubmaster is responsible for:

bulletConducting the pack program which includes leading the monthly Pack meeting, with the help of the other leaders.
bulletGuiding, supporting, motivating, and inspire the other adult leaders. Make sure they receive training for their positions.
bulletMaking sure the dens are functioning well.
bulletPlanning the den and pack programs with the help of the other leaders.
Coordinating the total Cub Scout program for the pack.
bulletHelping recruit den leaders and coaches.
bulletEstablishing and maintaining good relationships with Boy Scout Troops

 

Here is a listing  of the other ways that parents can get involved in the operation of the pack.


Job Title Event Description Duties
   
Car Wash Coordinator Each summer, usually on a Sunday, we gather at a local firehouse, lately it's been Adelphia, and wash cars from 11 to 2.  Coordinate the location, arrange for pickup of buckets, coolers and supplies.  Order Pizza. Turn money into treasurer.
Swap Meet Coordinator Boys bring old DVDs, video games and books that they no longer want and trade them with other boys.  Baked goods are donated by parents and sold. Event is a recruiting event, open to all students Reserve the location with facilities coordinator, order flyers, put flyers in office, coordinate pickup of soft drinks, coolers and ice, coordinate delivery of refreshments and change fund, arrive at 6 for setup, close at 9 PM. Turn money over to treasurer.
Family Camping Coordinator Saturday afternoon into Sunday, visit a local campground, boys play in the afternoon, parents cook meals, campfire program and the depart after breakfast. 2 Coordinators are required for each trip. Recruit a committee, choose a site, reserve site, arrange for food to be purchased, arrange for trailer to be brought to site, arrange for ice, beverages and food to be picked up. Develop program for afternoon activities, make announcements about the trip, collect names and money for the trip. Obtain BALOO Training.
Go See It Coordinator On a Saturday or Sunday, all members of the pack that are available go on an outing. Could be ice skating in Howell, visting a local point of interest, or road trip into NYC or PA.  2 coordinators are needed for each event. Pick the date for your event prior to calendar being posted, choose an event and get it approved by the committee chair, establish pricing or other requirements, provide information for flyers and calendar postings, make announcements.  Establish a rally point and departure time, collect money and pay any fees or other charges.
Popcorn Sales Blitz Coordinator Dens go to various businesses in the area and sell popcorn, usually from 10 to 2. Work with Popcorn kernel to identify and contact possible locations for sales blitz. Get approvals for locations, provide to Kernel who will assign dens to each location.
Halloween Party Coordinator Free event to all members of the pack and their families - costume party with games and food. Secure a location for the event, recruit committee, plan menu, arrange for crafts at the location, arrange for games and a master of ceremonies, put together and execute the program.  Make announcements and work through den leaders to get a headcount.
Pinewood Derby Committee Annual race of cub made cars. Test track, arrange for facility, arrange for computer and projector, arrange for trophy desigh, order and delivery, pick up car kits, distribute car kits.  Coordinate Weigh In, run event.
Blue and Gold Annual formal dining out - could be breakfast, brunch or evening meal.  There is a crossing over ceremony for Webelos 2 into Boy Scouts.  The pack publishes an ad journal that has the program, boosters and paid advertisements that defray the cost of the event.  Recruit committee, establish location and menu, set price, identify and contract with entertainment, coordinate decorations and activities, arrange for crossing over ceremony, prepare invitations for council VIPs and scout families, coordinate with Indian Ceremony performers, coordinate compilation of ad journal, collect booster ads.  make announcement and handle reservations. Contract with photographer for family portraits.
Pinewood Derby Food The pack sells hot dogs, soft drinks, donated baked goods and chips at the Pinewood derby. Recruit committee, establish menu, arrange for purchase of food, solicit donations o fbaked goods from parents, get change fund from treasurer, staff and run the food service at the pinewood derby, turn receipts to the treasurer.
Annual Camp In There is a high-adventure visit to a facility that has a program for visitors to arrive after closing and sleep in the facility - usually a museum. It's typically about 50 to 100 per person, and cubs can pay a portion or ALL of their fees through popcorn sales. Choose a venue, coordinate the date with the committee chair, contract for the facility, work with treasurer to submit deposits and other paperwork, make announcements and handle registrations.  Act as point of contact for pack at the event. 
Memorial Day Parade The pack congregates at Brinkerhoff, marches through the Boro, and ends up at the parking lot for the Courthouse Make announcements about the event, ensure that the pack is registered with council as attending, arrange for pack flag, American flag and pack banner to be delivered, arrange for cold drinks and snacks to be available at courthouse when the pack arrives.  Arrange for purchase and distribution of small, hand held, American flags for all boys to carry.
Summer Party As a kickoff for the year, we can have a BBQ at Quail Hill, with access to BB and Archery ranges. Recruit a committee, clear the date with the committee chair, arrange for the use of the facility, plan the menu, run the program.
Blue Claws On Scout day, the pack arrives with other packs and troops, participates in a parade and stays to watch the game. Clear the date, make announcements, collect a headcount, purchase tickets and collect money for the game.
Dune Grass Coordinator This could be a March Go See it. Boys help plant Dune Grass at Island Beach State Park  It takes about 2 hours on a Saturday morning and helps the beaches. About 2 months prior, clear a date with Friends of Island Beach State Park. Make announcements, act as point of contact for pack at the event.
Advancement Coordinator Provides all the badges for pack meetings. Put an email out to all den leaders each month requesting advancement information for beltloops and badges. Travel to council and buy the materials prior to each meeting. Assemble cards and badges for each pack meeting.
Flag Custodian   Sore flags at your home, Bring flags to all meetings. Bring harnesses to Memorial Day Parade.
Assistant Cubmaster   Conduct meetings in the absence of the cubmaster, work with den leaders to help develop programs, attend committee meetings.
Committee Member The pack committee sets the events and handles the business of the pack.  Attend committee meetings (every monyh), provide input and participate in planning program.
T-Shirt Coordinator All boys and leaders receive a pack t-shirt before the Pinewood Derby. Choose the color and style of the shirt, collect size information for all scouts order and distribute all shirts.
Assistant Popcorn Kernel   Work with Popcorn kernel to distribute popcorn as necessary and plan to take over as popcorn coordinator.
Summer Camp Every summer the pack brings a number of boys (5 to 10) to resident camp at Quail hill. It's a Tuesday to Friday night trip.  3 parents (minimum) stay with the boys. Choose the dates that you want to attend resident camp. Register with council as a volunteer leader, make announcements, obtain youth protection training from council, spend 3 days at Quail hill while the staff runs the program.  Provide supervision at the main campsite. Collect requirement satisfaction summaries from camp staff and distribute to boys or to their den leaders.

 

    

 

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This site was last updated 09/02/10