The following material has been written to assist scouts and their families in learning some of the rules and procedures that have helped our pack remain successful and enhance each Scout's enjoyment of the program.
The program is for the Scouts and is as successful and rewarding as each of us makes it.
Everyone's thoughts and suggestions to make this a better program are always welcome.
The Pack Committee has adopted the following Mission Statement for Pack 142.
Cub Scout Pack 142 exists to serve boys by instilling values, preparing them for boy scouts.
We accomplish this by working 12 core values; Citizenship, Compassion, Cooperation, Courage, Faith, Health & Fitness, Honesty, Perseverance, Positive Attitude, Resourcefulness, Respect, and Responsibility.
The Pack meets the third Tueday of the month at 6:30 pm at St. John’s Parish Hall 502 N Monroe St Clinton, IL during the school year.
Exceptions due to school events, special events, outings, and holidays.
In addition to monthly Pack meetings, the Pack attempts to have some type of activity/camp-out monthly just for fun and periodic outdoor activities. Some examples of field trips might be bowling, Hockey Game, gym night, pool night, or Ice skating. Some examples of outdoor activities could include but are not limited to; Klondike Derby, Summer Day Camp, or a Day Hike.
Pack Program Each year in July/Aug. our annual program is developed by the Pack Committee for the Scouts. If a Parent would like to see something new, please bring it up to the Pack Committee meetings are announced monthly to all parents and are open to any parent.
The Pack is a family oriented group. Permission slips are generally not needed in the cub Scouts because a parent or legal guardian usually accompanies and is highly recommended to attend with their own scout. If a Parent or guardian cannot make the outing they will be required to fill out a permission slip in full. All parents and/or siblings of a registered scout are welcome at all times. Only a registered scout can have a permission slip filled out on him to attend an outing without a parent or legal guardian. No sibling is allowed without a parent or guardian present at all times. In most cases permission slips must be turned in the meeting prior to participation in each outing, whether one day or longer. These slips must be signed by a parent or guardian. These slips authorize the adult leader in charge to seek medical assistance should a Scout incur an accident or become ill. Depending on the seriousness of the problem, parents may be notified. If for some reason you misplace the permission slip, it may be handwritten, provided it is signed and dated and is worded as follows:
I give permission for ______________________ to attend the _____________________ event. He and I have read the Code of conduct and the Discipline Policy of Pack 142. In case of an emergency, I understand that every effort will be made to contact me. In the event I cannot be reached, I hereby give my permission to the physician selected by the adult leader in charge to secure proper treatment, including hospitalization, anesthesia, surgery or injections of medications for my child.
Date:_____________________ _______________________________
Signature of parent or guardian
Emergency Contact in preferred order.
1. Phone Number______________ Contact Name____________________
2. Phone Number______________ Contact Name____________________
3. Phone Number______________ Contact Name____________________
Any permission slip that is signed by anyone other than the parent or guardian will not be accepted. Parents are encouraged to take part in all of the outings.
Any boy not furnishing this slip will not attend event. Permission slip forms for each outing and activity are available at scout meetings at the time of activity sign-up.
Code of Conduct
Scouting is far more than fun outdoors, hiking and camping. Scouting is a way of life. Scouting is growing into responsible manhood, learning to be of service to others. The Cub Scout Promise is the foundation of Cub Scouting. In the Scout Promise is expressed the conduct which a Scout tries to live up to. When you are a Scout, the Scout Promise becomes your code. The Cub Scout Promise is as follows: I, (say your name), promise to do my best to do my duty to God and my country, to help other people, and to obey the law of the Pack. The ideals of the Scout Promise are high.
Required Clothing/Equipment.
The Class A uniform will be worn to Scout Meetings, and other events when the Pack is in the public eye. The Class A uniform consists of the official BSA shirt with proper insignia on the shirt as shown in the Official Scout Handbook plus the Pack neckerchief, a slide, shorts ,non-baggy blue jeans, shoes. Shoes are to be worn at all times except for aquatic or other specific activities. All scout items are available at W.D. Boyce Council Office.
The Class B uniform is worn for activities which will likely be sweaty or dirty. It consists of the Class B shirt and shorts or blue jeans. The class B allows the Pack members to identify as a member of the unit, while preserving the condition of the Class A uniform. Flip-flops or open-toed shoes are not allowed on camp-outs or during activities that could cause foot injury, such as hiking.
Over the years the Pack has accumulated numerous small size scout shirts. In an effort to make Scouting more affordable, young Scouts are welcome to have a shirt from the pantry, just talk to a leader. We hope that when your son outgrows it you will return it for future scouts to wear. On outings, Parents and siblings are also required to were proper attire that includes shorts ,non-baggy blue jeans, shoes and socks. Shoes are to be worn at all times except for aquatic or other specific activities.
CAMPING GEAR
Any Scout family needing camping gear, i.e. tent, sleeping bags, just need to ask the pack leaders to borrow from personal supplies and to be returned in a timely manner in the same condition (clean and dry) as borrowed. (All gear should be labeled with scout name for easy identification.) The Pack supplies cooking, eating and drinking utensils, food, and drinks with some exceptions. Those exceptions will be announced prior to the outing.
MISCELLANEOUS EQUIPMENT
· · Official Scout Handbook (the Pack recommends a zip lock bag).
· · Paper pen or pencil
ITEMS NOT PERMITTED ON OUTINGS
· · Sheath knives
· · Pocketknives UNLESS the Scout has earned his Whittling Chip
· · Alcoholic beverages
· · Firearms, ammunition or fireworks
· · Drugs OF ANY KIND. Required prescription drugs and not-prescription drugs must be carried by parent or legal guardian or be given to the outing leader by parent prior to departure with Scout's name and written instructions for use. All medicines should be in the original container.
· · Electronic devices such as CD players, game boys, boom boxes…
· · Cell phones are of great value for emergency situations. The leaders have them for that purpose.
In the interest of the safety of all Scouts, as well as the enjoyment and successful learning experience of the scouting program, common sense and good conduct is required at all times.
The following special rules should be noted:
- NO tree or fence climbing without specific LEADER permission
- NO participating in waterfront activities without proper supervision
- NO throwing of any objects except as part of an organized activity
- NO use of cutting tools (ax, knife, etc.) without successful completion of Whittling Chip.
- NO food or smellable in tents (due to possibly attracting animals)
- NO flame in tents
- Footwear and proper clothing will always be worn.
- No matches, strikers, lighters, flint and steel, no spark emitting devices.
We do our best to help out by running a variety of fundraisers throughout the year. All fundraisers are earmarked for a specific purpose depending upon the Pack committee decision. Some fundraisers are specifically to cover large expenses such as the running of outings and derbies. Others are earmarked to fund Pack activities such as field trips and the Blue & Gold Banquet.
Scouts are encouraged to participate in various fundraisers in order to ensure that the financial obligations of the Pack are met. The Pack Financial Records are always available for review by interested parents at Pack Committee meetings. The early knowledge of which Scouts will be participating in an activity greatly helps in the planning stages. Scouts who sign up for an event and later are unable to attend must notify one of the leaders prior to the event.
Besides the outing cost, some events require the purchase of food or supplies. These are not covered by the fee (unless otherwise stated). Normally the Cub-master plans the menu for an outing and purchases the food.
PACK EXPENSES
The Pack shall be responsible for paying the following expenses from the general fund:
- Pack Registration (annually) – to the council
- Pack Insurance (annually) - to the council
- Pack equipment (as needed - Committee Approval required)
- Advancement pins, patches, belt loops, rank patches, Blue & Gold Banquet expenses.
- Adult fees for summer day camp will be paid by the Pack.
- Leadership Training Costs for Pack Adult Leaders. (Committee Approval required)
- Leadership application fees (Committee Approval required)
- Upon the death of a family member, the Pack may make a donation of flowers or memorial fund not to exceed $50.
TRANSPORTATION POLICY
A driver pulling the Pack 142 trailer or carrying the majority of the pack supplies will be reimbursed for fuel expense for any Pack outing.
The reimbursement policy for the fuel expenses and tolls for others associated with any trip will be decided in advance of the trip at a Pack Committee meeting.
The Pack uses the resource of the parents to provide the transportation and the leadership for our outings. When accepting this responsibility we ask that as a leader you do your best to be an example of good scouting and act according to the Scout Promise and Law of the Pack as well as (but not limited to) the rules of this guidebook. You are being looked on as a role model for our scouts. It is mandatory that drivers are at least 21 years old, that they are physically prepared to drive and that their vehicle is in good working order. The Pack cannot tolerate an impaired driver due to alcohol or drugs and a driver may be asked by the Pack leadership not to drive if there is ANY concern that this may be a problem. If any parent has a concern that one of our drivers may be impaired, please bring it to the attention of the leader in charge of the activity. Your son's safety is our first concern. Proof of insurance and valid driver’s license must be provided prior to driving for an outing. All riders must wear seat belts while traveling as required by Illinois law.
Pack Budget
1. Fiscal Year. The Pack 142 Fiscal Year is defined as September 1 through August 31.
2. Annual Plan and Budget. A proposed plan for the coming year shall be prepared by the Pack Committee during the Pack’s Annual Planning meeting during July/ August of each calendar year. The Budget should provide an itemized month-by-month breakdown of all expected expenses needed to support the program for the next year. The Annual Budget will be reviewed by the Committee in November for any correction or additions.
We accept new member any time as long as they are between 1st and 5th grade. Our best advertisement is our boys. Applications are available during normal meeting times from the Cub-master. The completed application, including health information should be returned to the Cub- master with any required fees.
Webelos Scouts who cross over into Troop 142 from the Pack will be presented with a boy scout neckerchief and slide upon crossing over and the red shoulder epaulets that indicate they have crossed into Boy Scouting. Webelos Scouts crossing over will need to submit an application to be a Boy Scout indicating that they are joining Troop 142. It is the decision of the parent or guardian to have their scout join Troop 142 or to join another troop. Boys joining Pack 142 will be inducted into the Pack at the first possible meeting after their application has been logged with the council. It is recommended that the parents provide the boy with a book. This book will serve as their guide in Scouting. The cost to join Scouting is a registration fee.
Since the Scout Advancement Program is an integral part of the learning experience, each Scout is encouraged and expected to set certain attainable goals. All Scouts are required to progress to their next rank in a reasonable time. Scouts encountering difficulty in attaining goals are requested to discuss any specific problems with the Cub-master. Parents are welcome to join in these discussions.
The parents' responsibility is to encourage their son to achieve the next rank.
AWARDS PRESENTATION:
Awards for advancement, achievements or special situations will be distributed as follows:
The actual badge, patch, etc. will be procured and awarded to the Scout at the Pack meeting following the fulfillment of the requirements. A formal recognition and written certificate will be awarded for each achievement earned. Scouts are required to save the written documentation issued to them from the advancement chairman. These records are a back up to the Council’s records.
The Committee wishes to make the point that full parental support and attendance is very vital at each Pack meeting. Please make all effort to be in attendance. All of the family is welcome. Leaders are reminded that notification must be given to the awards chairman for all achievements to be recorded and awarded. This must be done at least two weeks prior to the Pack meeting.
At Pack 142 we consider safety of each and every member to be very important. At times the Pack will participate in activities of slightly higher risk than the average activity. When you sign any activity permission slip, you should fully understand the scope of the activity. For the health and safety of each member of the Pack we will use (but not limited to) the rules described in this booklet as a guide. The action taken to enforce these rules will depend on the infraction that occurred.
During all events and activities the Scouts are expected to live up to the rules established by the Boy Scouts of America, the Pack and the leaders. In the event that a Scout or adult does not follow these rules or threatens the health and safety of any of its members, the leader in charge may take immediate remedial action, including but not limited to immediate suspension from the activity. Depending on the circumstances, the parents may be immediately required to pick up their Scout. The individual may be reinstated either by the leader in charge of the specific event or by requesting reinstatement by the Pack Committee. Should such actions recur by the same Scout or adult, they may be subject to permanent dismissal from the Pack upon decision by the Pack Committee.
Disciplinary Actions
Every Scout, Scout Leader, and Parent is required to live by the Cub Scout Promise, The Law of the Pack and the Cub Scout motto at all times when wearing the Scout uniform, or present at any Pack 142 outing or event. In particular, Pack 142 has a "zero tolerance" policy regarding the following:
a) The uses of foul or vulgar language, sexual innuendo, calling people names, ethnic jokes or disparaging remarks.
b) The use of matches or flammable chemicals for other than their intended purpose
c) Bullying, hazing, or any action that could result in injury to the scout or anyone else.
d) Disrupting the Pack meeting.
e) Stealing, destroying and not respecting property.
It is the discretion of the Cub-master and the Assistant Cub-master/Leader to determine if a violation of the zero tolerance policy has occurred. Violation will result in the following order of severity or recurrence:
a) A verbal reprimand
b) A conference with a Cub-master and parent or legal guardian, in order to work out the problem, and set a course of better behavior.
c) The scout is sent home from the activity (including Summer Day Camp). In the Event this occurs, the Parents/guardians of the boy will be required to make arrangements to take custody of the boy. The Pack shall not be liable for any cost involved; these will be solely the parents/guardians' responsibility.
d) A Board of Review, with the purpose of discussing the problem and setting a course of a better behavior.
e) The scout is suspended from the Pack. Should this action be taken, the Cub-master and the Committee Chair will work with the parents or legal guardian with the goal to integrate the youth back into the Scouting program.
f) Expulsion from the Pack.
Disciplinary actions will be dealt with in strict confidence. The Scout's parents will be fully informed of the issue. Together, the Pack Committee, parents, and Cub-master will work toward a solution with the Pack's best interest in mind.
The parent of a Scout involved in a disciplinary action, who is the Cub-master, outing leader involved, or the Committee Chair, shall defer to another leader or Committee member during problem resolution.
The Pack leadership has an open door policy with any parent or Scout Leader. All actions will be kept as confidential as possible.
Appeals of any disciplinary actions for any Scout should follow the hierarchy organizational order:
Den Leader
Cub-master
Committee Chairman
Charter Representative
Charter Organization Officers
Appeals of any disciplinary actions for any Scout Leader or Parent should follow the hierarchy organizational order, starting with the Cub-master
When joining a scout Pack, it is important that the new scout and his parents have complete faith and trust in the quality of the adult leaders running the program.
Pack Committee Responsibilities
The Pack committee is the Pack's board of directors and supports the Pack program. The Pack committee does the following:
a) Ensures that quality adult leadership is recruited and trained. In case the Cub-master is absent, a qualified assistant Cub-master is assigned. If the Cub-master is unable to serve, a replacement is recruited.
b) Provides adequate meeting facilities.
c) Advises the Cub-master on policies relating to Cub Scouting and the chartered organization.
d) Supports leaders in carrying out the program.
e) Is responsible for finances, adequate funds, and disbursements in line with the approved budget plan.
f) Obtains, maintains, and properly cares for Pack property.
g) Ensures the Pack has an outdoor program.
h) Supports the Cub-master in working with the boys and problems that may affect the overall Pack program.
i) Provides for the special needs and assistance some boys may require.
j) Assists the Cub-master with handling boy behavioral problems. (Scout Committee Guidebook)
Pack Committee Officers:
a) Committee Chairman
b) Den Leaders
c) Treasurer
d) Chartered Organization Representative (ex-official)
Persons to fill these positions are volunteers from the scout parents. There shall be no limit to the number of terms for any of these positions. Open positions during the year can be filled by appointment by the Committee Chairman.
Committee Meetings
The Pack Committee Officers shall meet regularly to discuss Pack Business. The Committee Chairman will provide a written agenda and shall schedule meetings. The meetings shall be open to parents, registered members of Pack 142 and subcommittee officers. All Pack parents and other adults registered in Pack 142 are permitted voice and vote. A quorum will exist when at least half of the committee officers are present at a committee meeting.
Meetings are permissible without a quorum; however, no matters requiring a vote may be decided.
Expedited Approval
Should a need arise to obtain committee approval on an expedited basis, the Committee Chairman shall be authorized to contact the other elected committee officers by telephone or electronic mail to discuss the matter and conduct a vote. In any such instance, the results of that vote shall be ratified at the next regular Committee meeting.
References: The Boy Scout Handbook, The Troop Committee Guidebook, Guide to Safe Scouting