Pack314 By-Laws

Cub Scouts - Pack 314

Bylaws, Policies & Information

CUB SCOUT PACK 314

Raleigh, NC

St. Raphael the Archangel Catholic Church

Impeessa District

Occoneechee Council

BSA

Pack Committee Publication

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INTRODUCTION TO PACK 314 BYLAWS, POLICIES AND INFORMATION

WELCOME TO PACK 314

This Cub Scout program exists as a part of the Boy Scouts of America’s (BSA) National Charter.  Pack 314 follows the regulations of the BSA.  The Pack focus is for the boys to have fun...and in the process, supplement the education they receive at home, church, and school by fostering character and spiritual growth.  

In Cub Scouts, the boys and adult guidance make the program work.  As Cub Scouts is a family program, parental participation is important to the Cub Scouts individually and to the Pack as a whole.  Enrolling your boy in Pack 314 is not only getting him into Scouting - it is making a personal commitment to help your son get the most out of Scouting.

I. PURPOSE

The purpose of Pack 314 is to deliver a high quality Cub Scout program to boys, by implementing the time-honored BSA-specified purposes, aims and methods.

II. OBLIGATION TO GOD

The BSA maintains that a Scout cannot grow into the best kind of citizen without recognizing an obligation to God. During worship at Scout functions God is recognized and worshiped in many ways.  Worship material is drawn from many sources.  Pack 314, consistent with BSA policy, is absolutely non-sectarian (non-denominational).  It is intended that its worship ceremonies also will be considered as such.

III. FAMILY INVOLVEMENT

Cub Scouts is an extension of the family and involves the total development of the Scouts.

The term “parent,” for the purpose of this document, means biological parent, legal guardian, and other adult relatives, as defined by the BSA.

Please note that scouting is NOT babysitting.  Each parent is expected to personally contribute a reasonable amount of time and energy to the Pack program.

The more that you as a parent put into Scouting, the more your son will gain from it.

Parents are asked to consider becoming involved as an adult leader.  There are many positions, with varying amounts of time requirements open to parents.  Being an adult leader can be a challenging, but very rewarding role.  There are many helpful experienced leaders and many other resources in Scouting to help new leaders embrace and excel in a leadership role.

There are also a variety of parent committees responsible for planning various Scouting events.  At least ONE parent MUST become a member of ONE of the Pack committees if they enroll one or more boys in Scouting.  Most committee positions involve two (2) to ten (10) total hours of commitment over the entire Scout year.  Your son’s Den leader can identify parent committee openings and needs.

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IV. PARENT COMMITTEES

The list of all Parent Committees and their basic description follows:

Blue and Gold Committee

This group plans and coordinates the ceremonial dinner held on the evening of the Pinewood Derby.  This includes planning the program agenda, entertainment, the meal’s main course, and coordinating other refreshments brought in by the different dens, decorations, paper goods, condiments, etc.

This committee typically meets twice annually, in November and January.

Campings and Outings Committee

This group plans the spring and fall campouts, and the “Big Winter Trip”.  This includes location (campground and site designations), assisting families in locating supplies they may need, group meals, scout ceremonies (awards/recognitions), and scout activities (games, achievements, electives, guest speaker, etc.).  This team will also plan, purchase (with reimbursement), prepare and serve the meal at the graduation campout.

This committee typically meets three times annually, in September, November, and January.

Pinewood Derby Committee

This group will plan, organize, and coordinate the workshops prior to derby day and also the events during event day. This includes gathering sponsorships, rules/regulations, track, trophies/awards, and refreshments.

This committee typically meets twice annually, in November and December.

Program Committee

This group plans the monthly Pack meetings - including deciding on the program themes, activities, guest speakers, and den responsibilities.  After the meetings have been planned, the agenda for each meeting (along with a list of den responsibilities) is passed to each Den Leader for implementation of the programs.

This committee typically meets twice annually, in August and October.

Service and Community Committee

“A Cub Scout gives goodwill”.  This group plans different ways that the Pack can give back to our community. Whether it is collecting canned foods for the food bank or participating in a trash pickup, it is the duty of a Cub Scout to show honor and respect for the place in which he lives.  This group contacts charitable organizations and throughout the year will communicate with the Pack on when and where help is needed.

This committee typically meets twice annually, in September and February.

Summertime Committee

Since Pack meetings are not held over the summer, this group plans different events for the months of June, July and August, in order for the scouts to continue to work together as a Pack.  The main event planned is the “Big Summer Trip”.  The five other events can be anything from group tours at a museum, a day at a park or zoo, or even working to complete a specific challenge (read 10 grade level books) in order to receive a certain badge.

This committee typically meets twice annually, in January and March.

Ways and Means Committee

Unfortunately money doesn’t grow on trees.  The Pack relies heavily on fundraisers and donations.  One of the main responsibilities of this group is to find ways to bring money into the Pack.  Each year our Pack sells popcorn, which is the #1 way to ensure we meet our budget.  This budget helps provide the funds needed in order to go camping, provide awards to Scouts, have the pinewood derby, and train our leaders (among many other things).  The function of this group is to plan and implement ways to raise money for the pack.

This committee typically meets twice annually, in September and March.

Besides the planning meetings, parents are asked to read the Calendar of Events and information provided by the Pack or their sons Den Leader.  This will help to keep you informed as to what is happening within the Den/Pack.  Please include this information in your family’s master calendar or your planning calendar.

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V. ORGANIZATION

The Cub Scout Pack is sponsored by its Chartered Organization, St. Raphael the Archangel Catholic Church.  The Chartered Organization Representative serves as a liaison between the Chartered Organization and the Pack Committee.  The Pack Committee sets its policies within the BSA policies and guidelines, delivers a quality BSA program and recommends Pack Leaders to the Chartered Organization.

The Pack is made up of the individual Dens when they come together for Pack Meetings and other activities.

The Cubmaster acts as an executive officer and leader of the Pack by implementing the BSA program at the Pack level.

The Den Leaders, supported by assistants and coaches implement the BSA program at the Den level.

Besides that high-level overview, here is a basic description of Pack leadership:

Pack leadership consists of Den Leaders, the Chartered Organization Representative, the Pack Committee Chairperson, the Pack Committee, the Cubmaster, and sometimes a Den Leader Coach.  These are adult positions. Let's look at what each one accomplishes in the 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 (3) people and is responsible for:

The Pack Committee/Leaders Meeting schedule is set by the Pack Committee, consistent with the District and Council calendar and always before a Pack Meeting.  Scout policies, training and any anticipated calendar changes are discussed.

An ideal Pack Committee consists of the following positions:

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Chartered Organization Representative

This person is the liaison between the Pack, the chartered organization, and the BSA.  The Chartered Organization Representative is responsible for the following:

A point that a new Scouter often misses is that the chartered organization "owns" the Pack, but not the Pack committee.  The Pack Committee is simply an administrative arm of the chartered organization.

The Chartered Organization Representative is a voting member of the local BSA Council and District committees.  As such, they represent the Pack on these committees.

If the chartered organization has more than one unit (e.g., a Cub Scout Pack and a Boy Scout Troop), the Chartered Organization Representative serves both.

Pack Committee Chair

The Pack Committee Chair is responsible for the following:

Cubmaster

The Cubmaster, who is sometimes refered to as the Unit Leader, is responsible for:

Pack Secretary

The Pack Secretary is responsible for:

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Pack Treasurer

The Pack Treasurer is responsible for the following:

Additional Treasury-related items to be noted:

Pack Advancement Chair

The Advancement Chair is responsible for the following:

Pack Membership/Registration Chair

The Pack Membership Chair is responsible for the following:

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Pack Public Relations/Service Chair

(This information is an addendum to the "Parent Committee" descriptions described elsewhere in this document.)

The Pack Public Relations/Service Chair is responsible for the following:

Pack Outings Chair

(This information is an addendum to the "Parent Committee" descriptions described elsewhere in this document.)

The Pack Outings Chair is responsible for the following:

Den Leader Coach

The den leader coach is responsible for ensuring stable, active, and enthusiastic Den Leaders for all Cub Scout and Webelos dens. They also help to insure that:

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VI. INITIAL REGISTRATION

Parents should COMPLETELY fill out the registration form and turn it in to the Membership Chairperson.  Besides the necessary medical information on the back of the form, please remember to tell the Leaders about any special medical needs your son might have.  

The registration fee is pro-rated, and you will be given the current cost of registration when you sign up.  Continued registration in the Pack begins each February; this is called re-chartering.  Boy's Life Magazine is an option, which will be included in the price, as it is a valuable resource for the family.

VII. UNIFORMS

New Cub Scouts should obtain the Scout shirt with appropriate patches, hat, belt, and neckerchief as soon as possible. The Scout pants or shorts and socks (optional for Pack 314) complete the uniform, and can be purchased as soon as finances allow after joining.  This constitutes the official “Class A” uniform for Pack 314 and should be worn to all meetings (except where instructed otherwise for certain events/activities).  It is the Cub Scouts’ responsibility (not the parents), to see that their uniforms are kept clean and worn properly.

Uniforms may be purchased at the BSA Occoneechee Council Office/Store on Atlantic Avenue in Raleigh.  Many thrift stores also have Scout uniforms.  Pack 314 also has an “experienced” Scout uniform bin where some Scout uniform pieces are available.

VIII. CUB SCOUT HANDBOOKS

The Cub Scout Handbook for each rank is a necessary part of Scouting.  Cub Scouts should have their Cub Scout Handbook with them at all meetings, outings and events.  This is needed for overall guidance, direction, sign-off, tracking of achievements, and recognition for advancement.  The Cub Scout Handbook, appropriate to the Scout’s den level, should be purchased along with the uniform.  The Cub Scout should also carry a pencil and paper to all Scouting events.

Your son’s Den Leader will determine which achievements, electives and activity pins are to be worked on during meetings, and which are to be done outside of meetings.

IX. CUB SCOUT BADGES

Cub Scouts (with the exception of Tiger Cubs) should do their best to earn the Bobcat Badge within one month of joining the Pack.  This gets the basics out of the way and allows the Scout to pursue his goals in Scouting.  The Scout’s next goal is to try to earn their rank badge (Tiger, Wolf, Bear, Webelos) by March of the current Scouting year.

In addition to the rank badges, there are a wide variety of patches, pins, and awards that Scouts can earn in a wide variety of focus areas.  Your sons Den Leader will help him understand and pursue those goals that he finds interesting. In particular, Scouts are encouraged to earn Religious Awards by contacting the head or coordinator of their Religious Organization.  Once the Religious Organization presents the Religious Award, the Pack awards a Religious Knot that the Scout wears on his uniform.

X. REGULAR MEETINGS

Cub Scout Den Meetings are at the TIME and PLACE as determined by the Den Leaders.  Prompt drop-off and pick-up of your son is mandatory.  

A parent or legal guardian must be present with their Tiger Cub at all Scout meetings and functions, and is invited to be present at meetings for other levels.

There is also a Pack Meeting every month, where all Pack 314 Dens meet and participate in a variety of activities.  A parent must attend the Pack Meetings.  Other family members such as siblings or grandparents are also welcome.

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XI. ATTENDANCE

Scouts are encouraged to attend all Den/Pack meetings and activities.  Regular attendance at Den/Pack meetings is required to be eligible to participate in any outside-of-meeting activities, such as hikes, outings, and events.

Parents are asked to consider all options before disciplining their son by denying him participation in Cub Scout activities.  All Scout meetings and activities serve to meet the long-range goals of turning out responsible, well-rounded young men.

XII. DUES

Pack 314 does not require Pack dues.  Pack revenue comes from registration fees and fundraisers (detailed below). Pack 314 uses all annual revenue for campouts, awards, supplies, and other Pack functions designed to benefit the Scouts directly.

Den dues are typically $1.00 per week or Den Meeting. Den Leaders are to use the dues for Den craft supplies and the like.  Dues are payable each week whether or not the Cub Scout attends the meetings (as the Den Leader purchase enough supplies for every boy in the Den, whether they show up at the meetings or not).  Monthly or annual dues may be paid up-front if desired.  Cub Scouts with a surplus of money in their Cub Scout Account will have funds taken out automatically each month to cover their dues.

XIII. SCOUT IN NEED

Scouting is for ALL boys.  There are ways that a boy can participate in the Scouting program as fully as any other boy, even though there may be financial hardships at home.  If there are problems, please speak to the Cubmaster about a Pack 314 "scholarship".  While there are things the Pack can do to help a boy financially, it is expected that the Cub Scout and Parents receiving the help should put forth the extra effort during Fund Raisers and in earning money for the Individual Scout Account.

XIV. ADVANCEMENT

The parent, along with the Cub Master and Den Leaders, has the direct responsibility to assist Cub Scouts with their advancements.  Adult assistance will be available for those Cub Scouts needing it.  Cub Scout’s parents should not hesitate to contact the Cubmaster or Den Leaders for help.

The Den/Pack provides the opportunity for advancement, BUT it is the determination of the Cub Scout and his parents that will decide how far the Cub Scout will advance.  Parents need to assist their sons in completing required work at home.  The Cub Scout Handbook for each level will answer many of the questions concerning requirements for advancement.  The Den Leaders will assist the Cub Scouts in the Den/Pack meetings with the signed-off requirements and advancement.

XV. FUND RAISING

Fund Raisers, along with dues, are important to the Pack.  Badges, patches, crafts, supplies, campground fees, nature program fees, and equipment are costly, yet are needed to provide the best program possible for the Scouts.  All fund raising activities are done as “Cub Scouts Pack 314”, and never individually or at the Den level.

Scouts are encouraged to participate in fund raising.  Good participation will keep the need for fund raising to a minimum.

Pack 314 traditionally only has one (1) major Fund Raiser per year - participating in nationally coordinated popcorn sales, in the September/October timeframe.

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XVI. BEHAVIOR

Scout behavior is a key factor in ALL Den and Pack activities, and Scouts are held to a strict (but fair) set of rules. Additionally, adult Scout Leaders and parents will be subject to the same rules for Behavior and Discipline Policy as the Scouts while involved in Scout functions, as well as in Scout-related contact outside of Scout functions.

The behavior and actions of a single person at a Scouting event can affect the entire Pack, so any serious misbehavior will have zero tolerance.  This policy ensures that Scouting will always be a positive factor in the lives of the Scout boys.

The Scout Leaders know that Cub Scout-aged boys have a high energy level and will not always do the right things. Nevertheless, two (2) things are always required:

Serious offenses that will not be tolerated are:

Less serious offenses (which are also prohibited) include:

Scout Law - Although not specific standards for discipline, the spirit of these guidelines is founded in the twelve points of the Scout Law.  A Scout is: Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, Reverent.

The Scouts will obey any reasonable command of a Scout Leader, especially on outings when a Scout could get lost or put him or others in an unsafe situation.

XVII. DISCIPLINE POLICY

If a Scout Leader is the subject of disciplinary action, the Chartered Organization Representative will be notified no later than the next business day.

Any Scout who misbehaves will be taken aside by two adult Scout Leaders, or an Adult Scout Leader and a parent, and warned of their misbehavior.  Should the Scout continue to misbehave a parent will be notified as soon as possible, requesting they remove their Scout.  If the parent is unable to remove the Scout, two trained adult Scout Leaders may accompany the Scout home and discuss the matter with his parent.

The adult Scout Leader and parent shall resolve general misbehavior.  Should this behavior persist so as to become serious in nature as defined in these bylaws, or the Scout Leader and parent cannot resolve the general misbehavior, an investigation may be convened at the request of either party.  This investigation will proceed as detailed directly below for serious misbehavior.

Should the Scout Leader and parent fail to correct any serious misbehavior of a Scout, an investigation shall be conducted by at least two trained adult Scout Leaders.

The investigating Scout Leaders shall not be related to the Scouts involved.  A parent of the Scout involved shall be notified immediately upon the decision to commence an investigation into their Scout’s conduct.

At the conclusion of the investigation, the investigating Scout Leaders shall submit a report to the Cub Master and Pack Committee Chair, which may or may not suggest a course of action.  The Cub Master and Pack Committee Chair shall determine if punishment is warranted and what the punishment shall be.

In the event that the punishment is dismissal from the Pack, the Pack Committee and Chartered Organization Representative shall be notified as soon as possible.  The Scout’s parent will be notified of the date, time and place of the next Pack Committee meeting.

The Scout’s parent may appeal the determination of punishment at the next Pack Committee meeting.  If this occurs:

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Facts and circumstances

In determining the severity of discipline for a violation, the Pack shall consider one or more of the following:

It is our intent that the Den/Pack Discipline Policy is enforced, but our hope is that it will rarely need to be fully carried out.  The Pack Committee Chair has the final word on any dispute that may arise through the use of this policy.

XVIII. DEN/PACK OUTINGS AND CAMPOUTS

Parent permission slips (or parental accompaniment/supervision) are required for ALL outings, events, activities, and campouts.  Medical Release Forms must also be on file with the Pack.

It is essential for parents to accompany Leaders and Scouts on outings and campouts to provide adequate supervision, safety, and accomplishment of Den/Pack objectives.  Where tents are used, families may camp together.  Where cabins or other group sleeping facilities are used, female parents and siblings will sleep in separate quarters from the Scouts and their male parent and Leaders.  Discipline on campouts will be left to the proper Den/Pack channels.  Safety is everyone’s responsibility on campouts.

Transportation

Parents, Leaders, or others may be called upon to provide transportation of Scouts to a campout or other Pack function.  The BSA policy for driving is:

Scouts will behave in transit to and from Scout functions as if they were at a Scout function, as not to distract the driver and cause an unsafe situation.

Camp Cleanliness

The primary purpose of the campout is to enjoy the outdoors, do crafts, take hikes, play games, have campfire programs, and to have fun together as a Pack and with family.  However, certain chores must be performed.  ALL Scouts are expected to pitch in and help accomplish these chores:

Before departure from a campsite, it will be inspected and left cleaner than it was found.

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Den/Pack Equipment

All Scouts using Den/Pack equipment are responsible for that equipment.  The Cubmaster will sign out equipment to the Leaders or to individual Scouts.

Equipment that is lost or damaged will be replaced or paid for by the Scout responsible for the loss or damage.  This does not include normal wear and tear.

Clothing

Scouts will bring proper clothing and equipment in accordance with the recommended checklist from their Leaders. Proper footwear will be worn at all times.  The only place a Scout may be barefoot on a campout is in the shower or in the water (as part of a water activity supervised by Leaders certified in water safety, per current BSA policy).

Knives, Hatchets, Saws, and Woodsman Tools

Horseplay with these tools will not be tolerated.  The Scout runs the risk of losing the privilege of using any tools if the situation warrants.

General Campout Rules

Please “DO YOUR BEST” to make each campout an enjoyable and memorable experience.

XIX. REVISIONS

This is a “living document”, which is subject to review and updating by the Pack Committee as needed.  All questions or suggestions regarding this document should be forwarded to the Pack Committee Chair or the Cubmaster.

In closing, Pack 314 hopes that your son and your family benefits in many ways from being associated with Scouting.  The Pack Leaders are subjected to annual training, and are tirelessly dedicated to your sons’ growth and development.  Again, welcome to the Pack 314 “family”.

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