What makes a Pack?

 

For those who have seen or read "The Jungle Book", it probably comes as no surprise that a lot of the symbolism in Cub Scouting aligns really closely with Rudyard Kipling's classic series. What you may not know is that the founder of Scouting, Sir Baden-Powell, was friends with Kipling and this alignment is no accident at all.

In our handbook, we teach about Akela, and the importance of finding a mentor to lead youth in every setting. Whether it's at home, school, your religious institution, sporting events, social clubs, your Scout Den, or the Pack; the influence of present adult leaders creates the very fabric upon which the story of our children's lives are written. Take a second right now and think about your childhood and you will undoubtedly find at least one core memory from an adult who fundamentally influenced your life in a positive way, just by being there when you needed them. It's not always about how much we can give as adults to our Scouts, it's about the simple act of giving if we're able. 

Packs are varied in their composition, but in essence they consist of 1 or more dens of elementary-aged children (usually split by grade level), and a cohort of parent volunteers to guide them. The "activity level" of a Pack is almost entirely based upon the involvement level of those parent volunteers and you can find a whole range of different levels across even our district, and especially our council and the nation overall. There are some Packs who struggle to coordinate regular Pack meetings, and others who have committees to coordinate other committees. But the commonality among all of this is that the control of that activity level, which translates directly to how involved our kids can be and how much fun and learning they get to have; all of that control is in our own hands as the adults of the Pack.

I won't lie to you, some of the volunteer positions take a LOT of work. But what isn't always apparent is a lot are either low-calorie or only involve small bursts of activity and a lot of down-time in between; and every single one of these positions is critical to the overall success of the Pack. I've personally spent a good amount of time in a few other non-profit organizations at all kinds of levels from "just tell me what to do" to board of directors, and I've found that the positions here are very agile and similar in that you can find anything really that fits your interest. 

Here's a current list of our openings for your consideration:

• Cubmaster
• Assistant Cubmaster
• New Member Coordinator
• Awards/Advancement Chair*
• School Liaison*
• Day Camp Coordinator*
• Summer Event Chair*

* These positions fall under the "not quite as intense" category and are great candidates for folks who don't have as much free time as they'd like in their lives right now

Quick note: every position comes with a free friend! No really, the goal here is to have you shadow someone who is rotating out of the current position so you can "learn the ropes". Who couldn't use a new friend?!?!?!?!

I really do hope you'd consider. I can tell you that I am not a typical "rah rah" type of person but I do appreciate the way this group has allowed me to find my own place and pace. I would love to talk to anyone about any of our openings as one new-ish volunteer to another. I'm the guy who hangs out in the Wolf Den with the abnormally exquisite beard and the absolutely stunning Savannah Bananas hat. Come say hi and let's chat about anything from Scouting to Bananaball!

If you're immediately interested in any of these positions, shoot us an email at pack1910cubscouts@gmail.com

Upcoming Adult Training Events

It's been said time and again; adult volunteers make the pack successful. But it's not about just throwing you to the wolves (no offense to our 2nd graders!), Scouts BSA wants to ensure that you are fully supported and provides a wide range of training opportunities; both virtually through the My Scouting Portal and in-person through the Longhorn Council and Mustang District. 

Here is a summary of upcoming trainings that we'd love for you to take part in:

Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO) Training

Dates: 

• Saturday March 11 (07:30am) >> Sunday March 12 (12:00pm)

       Registration closes March 1

Cost: $30 per participant

Location: Camp Burnett - 3301 N White Chapel Blvd. Southlake, TX 76092 (Directions)

<<< REGISTRATION LINK >>>

BALOO is the Cub Scout leader training required for any Cub Scout den or pack outdoor event, including pack camping overnighters and Webelos den overnighters. It is a requirement to have at least 1 BALOO-trained adult at our outdoor and overnight events, and we need to have as many adults certified as possible to ensure redundancy in case there is an emergency. (If there's only one certified adult on site and they have to leave, the entire pack has to leave)

BALOO training is comprised of two components - an online component and this practical, hands-on component. Both components must be completed to qualify as a "TRAINED" Cub Scout outdoor leader. The online component is available through the BSA LearnCenter at my.scouting.org and must be completed prior to the practical component. 

This practical portion of BALOO is an overnight camping experience and will cover GPS, aquatics, gear selection, nature & hiking, outdoor ethics, cooking & sanitation, first aid, cub scout knife safety and much, much more.

Note: ANY adult can attend this training, it is not limited to the registered Scout leaders and we encourage all interested parents and guardians to attend!

Cub Scout BB & Archery Instructor Training Course

Dates:

• Saturday, March 25  9:00AM - 12:00PM   BB
• Saturday, March 25  1:00PM - 4:00PM     Archery

     Registration closes March 23

• Saturday, May 20  9:00AM - 12:00PM   BB
• Saturday, May 20  1:00PM - 4:00PM     Archery

     Registration closes May 18

Cost: FREE

Location: Longhorn Council Office - 850 Cannon Dr, Hurst, TX 76054 (Directions)

<<< REGISTRATION LINK >>>

There are various events throughout the year held at the District and Council level where shooting sports are highlighted. For Cub Scouts, this includes both Archery and BB gun shooting and these events require certified instructors in the form of, you guessed it: adult volunteers like you!

These programs are designed to emphasize safety and marksmanship development under the direction of trained range personal using a nationally approved instructional method. Shooting sports are a major highlight in a Cub Scout's life and helping them learn a new skill is very gratifying. We hope you will consider getting trained so you can run ranges safely and effectively.

Note: Archery training is for CUB SCOUT ARCHERY ONLY. Leaders desiring to run Archery for Troops/Crews must be certified as USAA Level 1 instructors.

Parent/Leader Meeting TOMORROW!

PARENTS WANTED!!! PLEASE ATTEND MONDAY'S COMMITTEE MEETING TO HELP THE PACK MAKE PLANS AND DECISIONS ABOUT YOUR SON'S SCOUT ACTIVITIES.

The Pack Committee helps ensure that our Cub Scouts are offered fun-filled and meaningful events through the year.

New volunteers, Den Leaders and parents please attend and help enrich and strengthen our Pack. Topics include upcoming pack meeting plans, assignments for the next month and upcoming large-scale activities.

We have a few leadership roles we would love to have filled and just by coming to these meetings -- you could help the Pack tremendously!

The meeting is at 7pm at the Scout House on Monday, January 8. We will be finalizing the Pack Meeting, doing Blue & Gold planning, discussing Pine Wood Derby and the Spring Campout. Come join us!

Calling All Superheroes!

Every superhero needs a side kick and our Pack's leadership is no exception!

We NEED A SIDE KICK for our popcorn kernel IMMEDIATELY to help ensure slots are filled for our Show And Sell locations, to help solicit prime locations for Show And Sell opportunities, to ensure product is set up, maybe to help with a last minute restock, to help with pick up and/or delivery of popcorn, to help process the take orders for accuracy, to help check paperwork when forms are turned in... easy peasy!

This awesome side kick position is great for someone who might not have all the time to commit to a full time volunteer position but knows that even these SMALL amounts of help have a BIG IMPACT on our Pack!  We need you to dust off your tights... grab that cape...and be our much needed side kick!

Please e-mail Jennifer Woodruff HERE to let her know you're ready to be HER SUPERHERO!

Volunteers Wanted!

Our Scouts want to go to Day Camp. Online Day Camp registration will soon be live! For every 5 youth signed up for Day Camp, we need one parent volunteer as a chaperone. We need two deep leadership, however, so for each day we need four parents. But, more than that, we need ONE parent to be the Day Camp Coordinator.

What IS a Day Camp Coordinator? I'm glad you asked.  This is someone to ensure that we have the list of registered scouts, that they've submitted their registration online, that we have a copy of their health form and that their parent(s) register at least one day as a chaperone and that THEY have attended live YPT training. It's just someone to work behind the scenes as a point-of-contact for this activity and check boxes beside names. It's a very simple but very important job. You do NOT need to be a registered leader to do this... just someone who is willing to lend a helping hand.

We know there is someone out there waiting to help fill a void -- and THIS IS YOUR TIME TO SHINE! We need you!

And, if you're just feeling exceptionally generous, we have another couple of volunteer roles that we would love to be filled before the upcoming year. Please come to the Annual Planning Committee Meeting is Monday, May 1. If you'd like to plug in, please PLEASE do everything possible to make it to this meeting. THIS MEETING is where the magic happens and we need YOU to be a part of it!

PLEASE SEE OUR LEADER PAGE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THESE AND OTHER WAYS YOU CAN HELP FILL THE CRITICAL NEEDS OF OUR PACK.

Day Camp Coordinator

Uncle Sam Says - Pack 1910 Needs you to volunteer!

Our Cub Scouts want to go to Day Camp. We need two-deep leadership in two different dens every single day of Mustang District Day Camp.  That means, we need FOUR parent volunteers as chaperones EVERY DAY and we need ONE parent to be the Day Camp Coordinator.


What IS a Day Camp Coordinator? Someone to ensure that we have a complete list of scouts, that they've submitted their forms, that we have a copy of their health form and that their parents register at least one day as a chaperone and have attended training. It's basically someone to work behind the scenes as a point-of-contact for this activity and check boxes beside names.  It's a simple but very important job. You do NOT need to be a registered leader to do this... just someone who is willing to lend a helping hand.  

We know there is someone out there waiting to help fill a void -- and THIS IS YOUR TIME TO SHINE! We need you!

And, if you're just feeling exceptionally generous, we have another couple of volunteer roles that we would love to be filled before the upcoming year. Specifically the positions of PACK SECRETARY, OUTINGS CHAIR, and TRAINING CHAIR. 

Our next Committee Meeting is Monday, March 6. It's two months before our Annual Planning Meeting where we plan the entire upcoming Scouting year. So, now is a GREAT time to jump in and get your feet wet before the kick off of our Summer Events!  If you'd like to plug in, please PLEASE do everything possible to make it to this meeting. THIS is where the magic happens and we need you to be a part of it!

A Big Thank You

A big thank you to Liz Hayden for stepping up to take on the role of Summer Camp Coordinator!  YAY we can have summer camp attendees now!  Yay!!!

We so appreciate you taking that leap of faith and saying YES!  Many hands make light work and we SO APPRECIATE YOU!!!

Day Camp Coordinator

Our Scouts want to go to Day Camp.  Day Camp registration is LIVE!  As Ms. Attel said at our April Pack Meeting, we need parent volunteers as chaperones and we need ONE parent to be the Day Camp Coordinator. 

What IS a Day Camp Coordinator?  Someone to ensure that we have a list of scouts, that they've submitted their forms, that we have a copy of their health form and that their parents register at least one day as a chaperone and have attended training.  It's just someone to work behind the scenes as a point-of-contact for this activity and check boxes beside names.  It's a simple but very important job.  You do NOT need to be a registered leader to do this... just someone who is willing to lend a helping hand.  

We know there is someone out there waiting to help fill a void -- and THIS IS YOUR TIME TO SHINE!   We need you!  

And, if you're just feeling exceptionally generous, we have another couple of volunteer roles that we would love to be filled before the upcoming year. Specifically the position of MEMBERSHIP CHAIR and that of SECRETARY.  Our next Committee Meeting is Monday, May 2.  This is our Annual Planning Meeting -- where we plan for the upcoming year.  If you'd like to plug in, please PLEASE do everything possible to make it to this meeting.  THIS is where the magic happens and we need you to be a part of it!

PLEASE SEE OUR LEADER PAGE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THESE AND OTHER WAYS YOU CAN HELP FILL THE CRITICAL NEEDS OF OUR PACK.

Volunteers Needed

As our Webelos II have transitioned to Boy Scouts, we are needing to fill very critical positions in our Cub Scout Pack.  The reasoning is simple -- we do not and should not let current leadership wear all the hats.  The more we work together for the good of the Pack, the easier it is to get everything done.  Therefore, if your son is active, we need YOU to be active too!

First and foremost...

TREASURER -- This person is ensures the pack’s finances are sound. Specifically, the treasurer will:

• Help the establish a sound financial program for the pack with a pack budget plan.
• Maintain the bank account 
• Approve all budget expenditures. 
• Collect payments and give receipts; make deposits
• Keep up-to-date financial records. 
• Report on the pack’s financial condition at the monthly committee meeting. 

This position NEEDS TO BE FILLED IMMEDIATELY.  

We know there is someone out there waiting to help fill a void -- and THIS IS YOUR TIME TO SHINE!   We need you!  

Another couple of volunteer roles that are imperative to fill (one needs to be filled by next month) and a little idea of what it entails: 

MEMBERSHIP CHAIR 

• Follows checklist for new members to see that the are plugged in accordingly to Scoutbook, receives handbook, etc.
• Helps facilitate the Spring and Fall sign-ups
• Minimal time commitment other than spring/fall sign up time-frames

DAYCAMP COORDINATOR

• Promote Mustang District Day Camp within our Pack
• Ensures our ratios of chaperones/campers is met
• Time commitment is only during promotion period and camp period.  Present for the April and May Pack meetings for promotion and then coordinate rest from home.

Eric James has stepped up to be our Community Service Chair to help our Unit have scheduled service opportunities for the boys to engage in meaningful servantship in our community.

PLEASE SEE OUR LEADER PAGE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THESE AND OTHER WAYS YOU CAN HELP FILL THE CRITICAL NEEDS OF OUR PACK.

Volunteer Opportunities Available Now

As our Webelos II begin their transition into the Boy Scouts, we are needing to fill three very critical positions in our Cub Scout Pack.  First and foremost...

Awards Chair -- This person is responsible for working behind the scenes.  You run a report from our ScoutTrack software at the end of each month, take that list to the Scout Shop and purchase the awards.  Coordinate with the Cubmaster on how they are to be presented and help package them accordingly.  

This position NEEDS TO BE FILLED IMMEDIATELY.  

Our current Awards Chair needs a couple of rotations to train her replacement on how to read and run the reports. Her son is a Webelos II and THEY LEAVE in FEBRUARY.  Without her, recognition of advancement comes to a screeching halt.  

Stated differently, we don't want to and shouldn't let our current leadership wear all the hats in our Pack!  

We know there is someone out there waiting to help fill a void -- and THIS IS YOUR TIME TO SHINE!   We need you!  

Another couple of volunteer roles that will be coming up as well are those of:  

Cubmaster -- Have a calling to work with our youth and want to help bring the program to life?  This is the job for you!  Our Cubmaster is the face of our pack!  

and 

Assistant Cubmaster -- This lucky leader fills in for the Cubmaster when s/he is unavailable.  

PLEASE SEE OUR LEADER PAGE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THESE AND OTHER WAY YOU CAN HELP FILL THE CRITICAL NEEDS OF OUR PACK.