The Parents Handbook Updated

Posted: 27-Sep-2007 @ 2:10PM

We made some minor updates to the Parents Handbook (eg: our Chartering Organization is now correct).  The updated copy was given out at our Pack meeting last night and is available here as well.  The link below points to the current version still.

The Parents Handbook

In an effort to make clear many things about Cub Scouting, Pack 4 and our Scouting families we have created a Parents Handbook.  The purpose of the handbook is to introduce parents to the Scouting program overall, the Cub Scout program and in particular Pack 4's goals & expecations of everyone involved (including us).  We will update it periodically to cover any important topics related to Pack 4 and how it works.

All new Pack 4 families will be given a copy of the Handbook when they sign up or attend their first Pack meeting.  This does not mean that only new families may find it useful though.  ALL of our familes are encouraged to read it. 
If you have not yet read it, or you need another copy, then you can grab it here.

The Parents Role

Parents have a very important role in Pack 4.  The adult leaders do their best to provide a quality program, but all the leaders in Pack 4 are volunteers.  We depend on the parents of our Scouts to help make the program successful.

The Pack and each parent make a "pact" when a boy joins Cub Scouting.  Each parent or adult family member agrees to support his/her son in the following ways:

  • See that he has the proper uniform and handbook
  • Assist him in attending Den and Pack meetings
  • Work with him to complete achievements for his rank award
  • Return information forms and permission slips as asked
  • Support the Den Leader by participating in Den meetings, as a resource person or substitute
  • Agree to serve in some leadership capacity as called upon
  • Provide input to the Den Leader or Pack leadership with regard to Pack or Den programming.

Volunteer
The Pack needs each parent to take an active role.  The Cub Scout Program is a program for families as well as boys.  Everything works so much better when each parent volunteers to do "just one thing" for the Pack or for his or her son's Den.  Every single one of us can contribute something to the Pack and our boys.

Pack 4 needs YOU!  Along with help at Den and Pack meetings, we can use your help on one of our standing committees or in an adult leader position.  We are fortunate that our Pack grows every year, and with that growth our needs for parent involvement grow too.  So, we ask for you to volunteer to help.  Offer anything you can.

Goods
In addition to a parent's time and effort, the Pack operates on a very tight budget.  Therefore, we also need all the "free stuff" we can get, no matter how small it is.  Before you discard old uniforms, outdoor equipment, handicraft or art supplies, sporting equipment, or other items a Cub Scout Pack might be able to use, please think of us.

(The Pack maintains a "uniform closet" of old uniforms to provide to boys who cannot afford new uniforms and stores program supplies, and camping and outdoor equipment for use at meetings and events.)

Recruiting
We also ask for your help with recruiting.  Recruiting goes on all year round, not just at the start of the school year.  If your boy has a friend who is interested in Cub Scouts, bring him to any Pack or Den meeting.  Don't wait for the next year's membership meeting. 

You will feel great about helping out.  Your son will appreciate it.  And we guarantee that the time and effort you can contribute will be greatly appreciated by the entire Pack family!