Pack 183�2022�Welcome Parents!
Thank You for Joining Our Pack
Why do we scout?
To develop character, servant leadership, self confidence, an understanding of teamwork, interacting with adults & peers, basic life skills, appreciation of the outdoors, respect for yourself and the world around you, knowledge to face challenges with a positive mindset, willingness to take on challenges, so many more reasons but
the most important one is to find & embrace
FUN
while doing your best in life.
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Pack 183 Parents
You’ve made the decision to become a scouting family. Now what?
With everything being new, it can be a bit overwhelming.
Let’s step through some basics:
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Leadership & Structure
Cubmaster > Steve Brown Out-going/ Conor Murphy In-Coming
Committee Chair > Patrick Headley
Charter Organization Representative > Larry Edmunds
Treasurer > Ryan Underwood Out-going/ Incoming: Maybe You?
Advancement Chair > Renee Brown Out-going/ Incoming: Maybe this one?
Fundraising Chair > Sam Eller Out-going/ Incoming: Another great opportunity
Community Service Chair > Mike Harris
Outdoor Activities Director > Lauren Ball
Dens > Leaders, Assistant Leaders, Den Chiefs
Religious Emblem Coordinator> Lauren Cunningham
NOVA > Patrick Headley, Jerry Rhoads, Renee Brown
Webmasters > Jerry Rhoads, John Ball
Our Key Three
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Leadership & Structure
There are multiple layers beyond our pack.
Beyond the Pack
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Advancement Chair
What do I do?
Den advancement
Provide the belt loops and adventure pins to the den leaders
Assist in the official logging of earned advancement
Act as a resource for the den leadership
Award recognition
Serve as a coordinator for the advancement committee members, den leadership and pack decisions on awards to pursue
Monitor and track scouts progress towards award
Encourage scout participation in award activities
Provide resources and assistance to scouts in the pursuit of individual awards
Stay up-to-date with council and national award requirements
Adult knots
Provide information on the leadership requirements for recognition knots
Promote leader recognition
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The Uniform
Field Uniform/Class As
The formal, official uniform consisting of the blue or tan shirt, kerchief and slide. All additional items are optional for cubs.
This attire is requested at all den meetings unless a specific meeting has an exception.
Field uniforms are expected at all ceremonies and Pack wide events unless specifically noted otherwise.
Wearing of the unform supports pride in appearance and unity amongst our scouting family.
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The Uniform
Scout Attire/Class B-Ds
Any scout identifying attire which can fulfill the expectations of the event. As a pack, we have pack t-shirts which we refer to as Class Bs.
Many events will supply scout t-shirts or attire for purchase which can also work for scout attire. For older scouts, there are clearer definitions about the levels B – D.
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The Uniform
Brag Vest
This is a red felt vest that is adorned with commemorative bling such as fun patches, temporary award patches, event segments, etc. There is no wrong way to celebrate your cub achievements on it.
Please note though that the brag vest is not considered part of the Field Uniform.
Q&A on a vest example
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Uniform Assembly
You have your scout’s uniform, but how should you assemble all the pieces now? What to use for assembly? Sew vs Badge Magic
Blue Shirts: Sewing is preferred but Badge Magic has been very successful for many.
Ask yourself:
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Uniform Assembly
You have your scout’s uniform, but how should you assemble all the pieces now? What to use for assembly? Sew vs Badge Magic
Tan Shirts: Sewing is recommended.
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Uniform Assembly
Patch placement:
https://mediafiles.scoutshop.org/m2pdf/50015_Cub_Scout_Unif_InspFNL.pdf
The Handbook provides a reference for your rank too
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The Handbook
The Handbook is considered part of the official uniform for Tigers through AOL (Webelos 2).
It is a wonderful resource for the information about the different basic expectations and goals for your scout. It assists the scout, the parent, and the leaders in understanding and organizing activities.
There will be a consistent format to the handbook for all levels:
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The Handbook
For all ranks up to Webelos, the rank adventures/belt loops are located first and then the electives.
For Webelos 1 & AOL, the rank adventures for Webelos 1 are followed by the rank adventures for AOL. The electives are shared for these two dens and follow the adventures.
Demonstration on Program Compass identifiers, signing off on requirements, and book resources
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Awards
What is an Award?
Awards are additional optional achievements which can be earned by a scout.
As a pack, we aspire to offer a variety of opportunities to assist cubs in earning awards. These though are above and beyond the traditional program.
Many times, cubs have special interests and this offers an opportunity to experience and celebrate them.
For others, it is a wonderful introduction to new topics.
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Recognition
How will we recognize accomplishments?
Den meetings
We will be presenting rank adventures/belt loops and electives at den meetings. This will give your scout immediate recognition with peers and family. Your den leader can provide specific acknowledgements and make the presentation special.
What about awards?
Pack meetings
This will provide for a broader announcement to all the pack about the extra achievement. It also encourages scouts to become more comfortable in crowds and reduces the confusion of only why some receive an award for a den.
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Award: Religious Emblem & Knot
How does this work with Rank expectations?
Each rank level offers the award to fulfill one of the requirements towards the adventure/belt loop. It is not required.
How does a scout and parent learn more?
We have an incoming Coordinator, Lauren Cunningham, that can assist.
What if my families’ belief system is non-traditional? Is there something for my scout?
Please note that non-traditional can span a multitude of definitions. If your family is agnostic, atheist, an online/non-member participant in a belief system, etc., there are options. Your family’s choice in teaching morals and being a good human is not predefined by scouting.
Why is this award different than others for cubs?
This award is a partnership with organizations outside of scouting. The requirements developed are from those organizations. Awarding of the medal occurs with that organization’s approval of the completed activities. The Religious Knot earned can be worn on the uniform as a permanent display for the cub’s entire time in the program. Later, as an adult, it is the only knot that can be work from the youth on the uniform.
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Award Examples
The following are awards Pack 183 have earned or our actively pursuing. These are not the totality of awards available to cubs, so if there is another you are interested in or a topic of interest, please ask. Also, there are programs offered in many historical or national sites that can be earned by scouts.
Virginia Headwaters Council Diversity Patch
An award introduced by the Virginia Headwaters Council in 2021-22 scouting year. The “Commitment to Diversity” patch was created by VAHC’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee to strengthen inclusiveness, celebrate diversity, and create cultural awareness and understanding. Our Pack made earning this award a priority. Our goal is to continue to offer opportunities each year.
World Conservation Award
Wolf, Bear, & Webelos scouts who “think globally” and “act locally” in support of conservation efforts earn this award. Requirements vary by rank, and our Pack holds annual events to assist scouts in the achievement. This award is foundational for others.
Messenger of Peace
An award earned as a “global initiative designed to inspire millions of young men and women in more than 220 countries and territories to work toward peace.” Through research and planning an appropriate service project is selected and approved. Scouts complete said project, document and share the results with other scouts. Requirements do not change by rank.
Conservation Good Turn
“The Conservation Good Turn Award is an opportunity for Cub Scout packs, Scout troops and Venturing crews to join with conservation or environmental organizations (federal, state, local, or private) to carry out a conservation Good Turn in their home communities.” scouting.org
Journey to Excellence
Annual award that the Pack earns upon completion of specific requirements around Planning & Budget, Membership, Program, and Volunteer Leadership.
Recruiter
International Spirit
One time award for the first time a scout recruits another to join the pack.
To learn more about international scouting, to develop a greater appreciation and awareness of different cultures and countries, and to realize the similarities scouts share around the world, scouts can participate in specific requirements over their entire time as a cub. Requirements do not change by rank.
Whittling Chip
Available for Bears, Webelos, & AOL scouts earn the privilege to carry and use a pocketknife after demonstrating appropriate safety skills and performing the Pocketknife pledge. As a Pack, we pursue this designation as part of the Bear program. Older, new scouts can choose to work towards the award by informing one’s den leader. This is a temporary patch and moves to the brag vest in time.
Nova
Wolf, Bear, & Webelos scouts are able to explore a variety of experiences with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
Louisa Troop 3/1003 has a local SuperNova counselor available to mentor any of our scouts upon request. This award’s requirements are more involved. The recommendation is that a minimum of 2 NOVA awards have been earned by a cub before pursuing this award.
Super Nova
National Summertime Award
During qualifying events such as Cub Scout Day Camp, Resident Camp, certain Council festivals, opportunities for cubs to participate in appropriately supervised shooting events can earn the badge and with additional achievements, pins to adorn the patch.
Outdoor Activity Award
Shooting
Awards
Individual cub recognition for those who choose to participate in minimally one scout event each of the summer months.
An award introduced to encourage the love of the outdoors. Cubs may earn this by attending scout summer camp (day or resident) and then participating in a series of other outdoor activities.