Pack Structure

Pack Committee Positions

Pack Committee Member

Every pack is under the supervision of a pack committee. This committee consists of a minimum of three qualified U.S. citizens of good character, 21 years of age or older, who are selected by the chartered organization and registered as adult leaders of the BSA. One of these is designated as pack committee chair. Obviously, with a committee of three, members must assume responsibility for more areas of service than with a committee of seven or more, where the responsibilities can be spread around. Although packs can and do operate with a minimum of three committee members, experience has shown that a larger committee generally ensures a stronger, more stable pack. A larger committee is better able to perform all the required functions of a successful pack program. It is also a way of involving more pack families in meaningful service to the pack.

General Responsibilities:

• Make recommendations to the chartered organization for final approval of pack leadership.

• Recruit the Cubmaster and one or more assistant Cubmasters, with the chartered organization's approval.

• Provide adequate and safe facilities for pack meetings.

• Coordinate the pack program with the program of the chartered organization through the chartered organization representative.

• Assist with pack charter renewal.

• Help to stimulate the interest of parents through proper programming.

• Supervise finances and equipment.

• Work closely with the Cubmaster.

• Ensure that Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts receive a year around, quality program.

• Complete Pack Committee Fast Start Training and Cub Scout Leader Basic Training.

• Conduct, with the help of the Cubmaster, periodic training for parents.

• Cooperate with other Scouting units.

A strong pack committee will have individual members assigned to such areas as record keeping and correspondence, finances, advancement, training, public relations, and membership and re-registration. The pack committee chair decides how the responsibilities should be divided and gives committee members assignments. Details of the various pack committee functions follow.

Pack Committee Chair

         https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/510-240.pdf

Qualifications: Be a U.S. citizen at least 21 years of age, appointed by the chartered organization and registered as an adult leader of the BSA. A person of good character, familiar with organization procedures, with a deep concern for the pack's success. Preferably a member of the chartered organization, respected in the community, who shows the willingness and ability to be the Cubmaster's chief adviser.

The pack committee chair's job is to:

• Maintain a close relationship with the chartered organization representative, keeping this key person informed of the needs of the pack that must be brought to the attention of the organization or the district.

• Report to the chartered organization to cultivate harmonious relations.

• Confer with the Cubmaster on policy matters relating to the Cub Scout program and the chartered organization.

• Supervise pack committee operation by:

• Calling and presiding at pack leaders' meetings - Assigning duties to, and training, committee members - Planning for pack charter review, roundup, and re-registration - Approving bills before payment by the pack treasurer

• Conduct the annual pack program planning conference and pack leaders' meetings.

• Complete Pack Committee Fast Start Training and Cub Scout Leader Basic Training.

• Complete BSA Youth Protection Training.

• Ask the committee to assist with recommendations for Cubmaster, assistant Cubmasters, den leader coaches, Webelos den leaders, and den leaders, as needed.

• Recognize the need for more dens, and see that new dens are formed as needed.

• Work with the chartered organization representative to provide adequate and safe facilities for pack meetings.

• Cooperate with the Cubmaster on council-approved money earning projects so the pack can earn money for materials and equipment.

• Manage finances through adequate financial records.

• Maintain adequate pack records and take care of pack property.

• If the Cubmaster is unable to serve, assume active direction of the pack until a successor is recruited and registered.

• Appoint a committee member or other registered adult to be responsible for Youth Protection training.

• Provide a parent training program.  

• Develop and maintain strong pack-troop relationships, sharing with the troop committee the need for graduations into the troop.

• Work closely with the unit commissioner and other pack and troop leaders in effecting a smooth transition of Webelos Scouts into the troop.

• Help bring families together at joint activities for Webelos dens (or packs) and Boy Scout troops.

• Support the policies of the BSA.

Pack Secretary

• Keep informed of all Cub Scouting literature, materials, records, and forms so as to help leaders function effectively. Assist new den leaders by telling them what items are available.

• Acquaint den leaders with contents of the Pack Record Book so they will know how to supply the information that should be recorded there.

• Maintain up-to-date information on membership, leadership, attendance, and advancement in the Pack Record Book.

• Maintain an inventory of pack property.

• Handle correspondence for the pack. This may include writing letters of appreciation and requests for reservations or ordering supplies through the local council service center.

• Keep notes on pack leaders and committee' meetings. Record only key items such as things needing follow-up or items for the history of the pack.

• Notify leaders of pack leaders' meetings and other activities.

• Provide den leaders with records and forms for meetings.

Pack Treasurer

• Help the pack committee and Cubmaster establish a sound financial program for the pack with a pack budget plan.

• Open or maintain a bank account in the pack's name and arrange for all transactions to be signed by any two: Cubmaster, chair, secretary, or treasurer.

• Approve all budget expenditures. Check all disbursements against budget allowances and pay bills by check. The pack committee chair should approve bills before payment.

• Keep up-to-date financial records. Enter all income and expenditures under the proper budget item in the finance section of the Pack Record Book. Credit each Cub Scout with payment of dues. From time to time, compare the records with those of the den leaders to make sure they are in agreement. Give leadership in developing a coordinated record keeping system in the pack.

• Be responsible for thrift training within the pack. Encourage each den leader to explain the pack financial plan to each child and their family, so that children will accept responsibility for paying dues and parents will be alert for opportunities for children to earn dues money and develop habits of thrift.

• Periodically report on the pack's financial condition at the monthly pack meeting. Make regular monthly reports to the pack committee at pack leaders' meeting, and report to chartered organization as often as desirable on the financial condition of the pack.

• Provide petty cash needed by leaders. Keep a record of expenditures.

• Guide the pack in conducting council-approved, pack money -earning projects.

New Member Coordinator

         https://scoutingwire.org/marketing-and-membership-hub/councils/new-member-coordinator/

Sustaining strong membership in a unit depends not only on having new members join the unit but also on engaging youth and their families in the unit experience so that they stay. The role of the New Member Coordinators is to ensure that both keys to success take place.

The New Member Coordinators are appointed by and report to the Unit Committee Chair. The New Member Coordinators work with and are supported by the District Membership Chair as well as by unit leadership, the sponsoring organization, and commissioners.

In general, all New Member Coordinators:

• Serve as welcoming ambassadors for the unit.

• Work with the unit committee in developing and implementing the Unit Membership Plan.

• Participate in New Member Coordinator training and collaborate with the district membership team.

Specific responsibilities for each New Member Coordinator should be determined by the unit’s New Member team depending on individual interests and the needs of the unit.

The tasks and opportunities listed below should help to guide the planning for individual and shared responsibilities. Each of the three action elements listed should be included in the Unit Membership Plan developed with the leadership of New Member Coordinators:

• Share the benefits of Scouting.

  • Develop and share your own Scouting story, showing the impact of Scouting on your family.

  • Identify and access research data and local examples confirming the fun and value of Scouting to youth, families, and the community.

  • Promote Scouting benefits through social media and other avenues of communication.

  • Showcase Scouting through engagement in local community events and service.

• Guide the joining and welcoming process for youth and their families.

  • Help youth and adults to greet newcomers warmly and to establish friendly, enjoyable relationships so that new members form a strong sense of belonging.

  • Develop a unit welcome packet, electronically and/or in print, to answer frequently asked questions and to provide resource and contact information.

  • Ensure that youth and adult applications, transfers, and payments are promptly submitted to the council service center.

  • Build fun and excitement about the unit program and encourage youth and their families to take pride in Scouting accomplishments.

  • Promote feedback and sharing of ideas through customer satisfaction surveys and other measures.

Pack Advancement Chair

• Have a working knowledge of the Cub Scout and Webelos Scout advancement plans.

• Help plan and conduct induction and advancement recognition ceremonies.

• Train parents and pack committee in ways to stimulate Cub Scout advancement.

• Arrange for Webelos graduation ceremonies with the Cubmaster, Webelos den leader, and Scoutmaster.

• Promote the use of Cub Scout and Webelos Scout Den Advancement Charts to record advancement in the den and as an incentive for advancement.

• Collect Den Advancement Reports at pack leaders' meetings for use when ordering badges and insignia from the local council service center.

• Help build or obtain advancement equipment for use in making advancement ceremonies more effective.

• Promote wearing and proper use of uniform and insignia.

Pack Outdoor Activities Chair

• Help the Cubmaster and Pack Committee plan and arrange outdoor activities.

• Arrange for property, fire, and tour permits when required.

• Locate new picnic and camping areas as approved by the Council.

• Plan first aid for emergencies.

• Help arrange for equipment, as needed.

• Arrange for Safe Swim Defense implementation for all outings involving swimming.

• Help inform parents about opportunities for family camping.

• Assist in the promotion of day camp and resident camp opportunities.

• Complete BSA Youth Protection Training.

• Be aware of BSA health and safety requirements and see that these are carried out.

Pack Recruiting Chair

• Along with the Cubmaster and pack committee, develop and carry out a plan for year-round membership growth.

• Conduct an annual census of youth in the chartered organization for systematic recruitment.

• Work with pack committee members to promote recruitment plans.

• Follow up on Cub Scout dropouts to help return them to full, active membership.

• Help the Cubmaster and chartered organization representative plan and conduct the formal charter presentation.

Pack Fundraising Chair

• Propose fundraising ideas to Pack Committee for approval

• Research fundraising opportunities for the Pack / Scouts

• Coordinate or identify a committee to run other individual Pack fundraising efforts

• Actively engage parents, community members and businesses to engage in signing up for donations (Amazon, restaurants, etc.) and promote these programs as appropriate.

• Award Fundraiser Prizes at Pack meeting

Pack Public Relations Chair

This position keeps pack activities visible to the public, as well as to the families of the pack. Specifically, this person will:

• Identify and promote pack service projects in the chartered organization, school, and community. 

• Promote family participation in all pack events.

• Urge pack participation in appropriate programs of the chartered organization. Suggest ways of showing interest in the chartered organization’s overall program.

• Publicize and promote pack participation in Scouting Anniversary Week activities.

• Circulate Cub Scout recruiting fliers and brochures to invite children to join. 

• Along with the pack committee, promote new membership. Let the people in the neighborhood know that a Cub Scout pack is available.

• Consider using a monthly or quarterly pack newsletter to inform families of pack plans, guide new parents and guardians in pack policies, and create a feeling of unity among members of the pack family.

• Provide pack announcements for regular release in the official bulletins, newsletters, websites, etc., of your chartered organization.

• Make use of the news media in publicizing pack events.

Pack Blue & Gold Chair

Plans and coordinates the ceremonial dinner held in February.  Includes program agenda, entertainment, meals and other refreshments.

Pack Summertime Chair

Plans and executes events for June through August in order for the scouts to continue to work together and be able to earn the National Summertime Award. 

Pack Positions

Note that all Pack (child facing) positions require completion of the Youth Protection Training (YPT) prior to assuming role.  YPT training is good for two years, but will need to extend through each recharter year.  

Cubmaster

Qualifications: Is at least 21 years old and is registered as an adult leader of the BSA. Should be a leader who is able to communicate well with adults as well as boys. Should be able to delegate responsibilities and set a good example through behavior, attitude, and uniform. Preferably a member of the chartered organization.

The Cubmaster's responsibilities are to: 

• Complete Cubmaster Fast Start training and leader position-specific training. Attend monthly roundtables.

• Plan and help carry out the Cub Scout program in the pack according to the policies of the BSA. This includes leading the monthly pack meeting, with the help of other leaders.

• With the pack committee, develop and execute a year-round recruitment plan for recruiting children into Cub Scouts.

• Know about and use the appropriate and available literature, including but not limited to the Den & Pack Meeting Resource Guide and individual Den Leader Guides.

• See that the pack program, leaders, and Cub Scouts positively reflect the interests and objectives of the chartered organization and the BSA.

• Work with the pack committee on program ideas, selecting and recruiting adult leaders, and establishing a budget plan.

• Guide and support den leaders. See that they receive the required training for their positions.

• Help organize and encourage graduation into a Scouts BSA troop by establishing and maintaining good relationships with Scouts BSA troops.

• Maintain good relationships with parents and guardians. Seek their support and include them in activities.

• Plan and help carry out the Cub Scout program in the pack according to the policies of the BSA. This includes leading the monthly pack meeting, with the help of other leaders.

• See that Cub Scouts receive a quality, year-round program filled with fun and activities that qualify the dens and pack for the National Summertime Pack Award.

• See that the responsibilities specified for the assistant Cubmaster are carried out.

• See that the pack program, leaders, and Cub Scouts positively reflect the interests and objectives of the chartered organization and the BSA.

• Help the pack committee chair conduct the annual pack program planning conference and the monthly pack leaders’ meetings.

• Work as a team with the pack committee chair to cultivate, educate, and motivate all pack leaders and parents or guardians in Cub Scouting.

• Take part in the charter review meeting and annual charter presentation ceremony.

• Request den chiefs for all Cub Scout dens and, after selection, see that they are trained. Recognize the den chiefs at pack meetings.

• Conduct impressive advancement, recognition, and graduation ceremonies. For Webelos ceremonies, involve Scoutmasters and other Scouts BSA leaders.

• Meet with the unit commissioner, Webelos den leader, and Scoutmaster to establish plans for the Webelos Scouts’ transition to Boy Scouting.

• Encourage high advancement standards from all Cub Scouts.

• Help bring families together at joint activities for Webelos dens (or packs) and Scouts BSA troops.

• Support the policies of the BSA.

Assistant Cubmaster

The Assistant Cubmaster serves many roles within the pack. They may be asked to help plan a Pack meeting, organize an event, assist with awards and ceremonies or temporarily fill in for the Cubmaster. The person in this role should understand the Aims and Methods of scouting and be willing to jump in where needed. 

Den Leader

Cub Scout den leaders work directly with Cub Scouts and their parents/guardians to execute the Cub Scouting program in the den.

Qualifications: Is at least 21 years old, and should be an experienced leader, but may be a parent or guardian of a child in the den. Recommended by the Cubmaster after consultation with the parents and guardians of the Cub Scouts involved and approved by the pack committee and chartered organization. Registered as an adult leader of BSA.

Responsibilities:

• Work directly with other den and pack leaders to ensure that the den is an active and successful part of the pack.

• Plan, prepare for, and conduct den meetings with the assistant den leader and/or den chief or adult partners.

• Attend the pack leaders’ meetings.

• Lead the den at the monthly pack activity.

• Ensure the transition of Cub Scouts to a den of the next rank (or to a Scouts BSA troop if Webelos Scouts) at the end of the year.

Assistant Den Leader

Qualifications: Is at least 21 years old, and should be an experienced leader, but may be a parent or guardian of a child in the den. Recommended by the Cubmaster after consultation with the parents and guardians of the Cub Scouts involved and approved by the pack committee and chartered organization. Registered as an adult leader of BSA.

Responsibilities:

• Work directly with other den and pack leaders to ensure that the den is an active and successful part of the pack.

• Plan, prepare for, and conduct den meetings with the assistant den leader and/or den chief or adult partners.

• Attend the pack leaders’ meetings.

• Lead the den at the monthly pack activity.

• Ensure the transition of Cub Scouts to a den of the next rank (or to a Scouts BSA troop if Webelos Scouts) at the end of the year.