Pack 112 Parent Handbook

Other Things to Know

General Considerations

• Smoking/Tobacco - Boy Scouts of America discourages the use of tobacco during BSA events. Tobacco use should not occur in front of the boys during any Cub Scout activity.
• Alcohol - Prohibited at any Scout function.
• Cub Scout Sign - Two fingers up in the air indicate a need for quiet attention.

Camping

• Most camping equipment must be self-supplied although Wallwood does rent army tents.
• Scouts may not sleep in a tent of an adult who is not their parent or guardian.
• Children are not permitted to play with, feed or otherwise handle the campfire.
• Cub Scout Family Weekend and our Pack Family Trip are just that - for families. A parent or other adult designated by that Scout's parents must accompany the Scout. No adult should be responsible for any Scout/s other than his/her own. Den Leaders are not permitted to act as the guardian for any Scout other than his/her own.
• Webelos overnighters are designed to introduce the boy and his parent to camping under the leadership of the Webelos Den Leader. A parent or other designated adult must accompany the scout. Den Leaders are not permitted to act as the guardian for any scout other than his/her own.

Budget Considerations

Dues are required once each year per scout. The dues covers your scout's National Dues to BSA, a subscription to Boy's Life Magazine, one Pinewood Derby car kit, awards and achievements, the majority of den activities, and occasionally some pack activities. As each year for the scout becomes more complex, so does the difference in the dues. Dues for this year are as follows:

Tigers _________________ Wolves _______________

Bears _________________ Webelos ______________

Fundraising

Everyone dislikes fundraising, but we want to remind parents that fundraising plays an important role in Scouting. All pack members are expected to participate in this critical part of Scouting. We strongly encourage you and your Scout to participate in fundraising for several reasons:

• Knowing he is paying his own way increases a Scout's self esteem
• It relieves parents from a substantial financial commitment
• Your Scout is eligible to receive recognition and prizes for success in fundraising
• The Law of the Pack says "A Cub Scout helps the Pack go" - One way to do this is through fund raising

Our primary source of fund raising is Popcorn Sales, but others may be necessary by pack or den. The pack also receives revenue from sales of its Pack T-shirts.

We realize that every family's circumstances are different and that participation may present a hardship for a family. No boy should be denied the Scouting experience for financial reasons. If your family's situation is such that you require assistance with any financial aspect of Scouting, please see your den leader, the committee chair or Cubmaster. Your request will be handled in confidence. However, the scout can contribute to the pack and to his/her self for scout activities through volunteer work at Popcorn Show and Sales, Take Order Sales, and using their ingenuity.

Uniforms
One characteristic that Scouting seeks to build is pride - in self and in the ideals of Scouting. A properly worn uniform is considered a sign of respect for scouting and for themselves. "Class A" uniforms are the actual blue or khaki shirts with accompanying patches and pins.

The Class "B" uniform is the Pack 112 T-shirt or, less desirable, any T-shirt the boys receive from a Cub Scout event (camp, activity, or Scout Shop). If your son is unable to wear his Class "A" uniform for any reason, he should wear the Pack T-shirt if possible. The Class "B" uniform is usually promulgated for pack events such as campouts and summer activities.

A few pointers about wearing the Class "A" uniform properly:

• Pack 112 does not require the purchase of uniform pants. Boys wearing the Navy blue uniform shirt may choose to wear neat, navy blue pants or shorts, or nice blue jeans or jean shorts. Webelos wearing the khaki shirts should wear nice jeans or shorts or the army green pants or shorts.
• Tigers, Bears and Wolves wear the Navy uniform.
• Webelos may choose between the Navy or Khaki uniforms. The choice of which uniform shirt a Webelos Scout will wear is that of the Scout and his family.
• Shirts should be worn tucked in.
• Neckerchiefs are to be worn under the collar.
• Class A's should be worn to Pack meetings, Parades, and most field trips.
• Unless otherwise indicated, boys should wear their Class A's to den meetings Specifics of a field trip may indicate the need to wear Class B's.
• Uniform hats may be worn indoors (when in uniform) for ceremonies such as flag ceremonies, uniform inspections, ushering, etc... except in the sanctuary.
• Uniform belts are not required, but do enable the boys to display their earned beltloops.

The uniform Pack number can be purchased from the pack as a single patch.

Patch Vest
Many Cub Scouts wear the optional red patch vest to display the various participation patches that they have earned. One way to display academic & sports pins is on the letter "C" (think of a high school letter jacket) sewn onto the vest. The pack does not provide these but they can be purchased from the Suwannee River Area Council office. The patch vest can be purchased or simply homemade from red felt material.

Where to Obtain Uniform Items
Nearly all uniform items are available from the Scout Shop at 2032 Thomasville Road (850-576-4146). The BSA Supply Division also has a catalog and an online catalog. If the Scout Shop does not carry any item you find in the BSA Supply Division catalog (print or online) they can order it for you.

Some uniform items may be available from the pack for those on Scoutership. Families can also look on eBay and other online sources where there are often experienced uniforms for sale.

Pack 112 T-shirts are available for purchase at the monthly Pack Meetings.

Parents' "Uniform"
While not mandatory, all parents are encouraged to support the pack spirit by wearing the Pack 112 Polo or T-shirt to Cub Scout events. Even wearing the blue & gold Cub Scout colors will lend to the festivities. Some parents wear the "Proud Parent Ribbon" that displays the ranks that their scouts have earned.

Uniform Expenses
At 2004 prices, a brand-new "official" Tiger, Wolf or Bear Scout uniform (excluding slacks and socks, including handbook) will cost approximately $60. The patch vest runs about $12 (but much less if you make it yourself or wait until the pack offers them made again). Pack T-shirts cost $15.

Adult Uniforms
Adult leaders are highly encouraged to wear the appropriate Cub Scout Leader Uniform to all Den & Pack meetings and activities. At a minimum, the Pack Committee, Cubmaster, Den Leaders & Assistants should wear the tan shirt with appropriate patches and insignia. Other adult leaders should wear the pack polo or t-shirt.

Awards & Recognition

Promise, Law, Motto, Etc.