Pack 51 recently celebrated 83 years as a chartered organization of Boy Scouts of America. The Pack is sponsored by Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2000 Chestnut Street, Camp Hill.
What do you see in a Scout as he progresses...
You will see a lot of growth and transition as he matures, learns new skills and works with you towards becoming an independent young gentleman. As he progresses through each rank, he will become more capable and will require less from you in the way of help. By the time he nears the end of his 2nd year of Webelos, he will be prepared to move on to Boy Scouts.
Dens and Ranks
A Cub Scout Pack is comprised of boys in Grades 1 through 5. The boys are organized into dens of typically 8-10 boys of the same grade. Each grade has a rank associated with it, as follows:
First Grade = Tigers
Second Grade = Wolves
Third Grade = Bears
Fourth and Fifth Grade = Webelos
Each rank has slightly different uniform details, and each follows an advancement program specified in its own handbook.
Advancement and Recognition
In addition to fun group activities, scouting also offers your son advancement and recognition programs. These are designed to enhance his character, his sense of citizenship, his family ties, and his health and fitness, among others. Your scout's handbook contains the requirements for the advancements he can earn. Any achievements your son earns will be awarded at the next Pack Meeting. He wears his awards on his uniform.
While den leaders often plan den meetings in which the boys will be completing advancement requirements, your scout will need your active involvement to make the most out of cub scouting's advancement and recognition programs.
The Cub Scout Uniform
Your Scout will be expected to wear his uniform shirt, with neckerchief, at pack and den meetings unless notified otherwise by your den leader. Cub Scout pants, hat, and socks are optional. These items, as well as the Handbooks, can be purchased at either the Boy Scouts Scout Shop, located at 1 Baden Powell Lane, Mechanicsburg. A decent pair of jeans is acceptable in lieu of Cub Scout Pants. A Pack 51 T-shirt is available for purchase at most pack meetings. The T-shirt is a nice option for messy events and outings. Parents are also encouraged to wear Pack T-shirts.
Meetings and Outings
Dens typically meet 2-3 times a month. Your Den Leader will notify you of the meeting times and locations. Dens do not meet during the summer months. Pack meetings are usually held the third Thursday each month beginning at 6:30 PM in Fellowship Hall at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church and are also not held during the summer. Family and friends are encouraged to attend. Pack 51 does a wealth of year round activities such as camping, hiking, and community service. Most activities are designed for your whole family to participate. An Activity Schedule is published on this Scoutlander site and twice a year with upcoming Pack meetings and Activities. If any meeting or activity is canceled, your Den Leader will notify you.
Parent Supervision and Safety
All scouts are expected to be under the supervision of an adult partner or other designated responsible adult at all pack-wide functions. Den Leaders will not be responsible for supervising your scout at pack functions. First grade Tiger Cubs, as well as any scout with a physical or mental limitation, must be accompanied by an adult partner at scouting functions, including den meetings. This is to ensure that the Scout receives the best possible experience. Leaders should be notified (and reminded) of any special needs or limitations of your son to insure his safety. Our Leaders will make every effort to ensure that your son's needs are met.
How do I know what?s going on?
Your Den Leader will provide you with a schedule of den meetings and activities. The Pack provides a calendar of Pack events, along with selected events available from Keystone Area Council. Or you can click on our "Event Calendar" link on the left. Central PA New Birth of Freedom Council activities are available at New Birth of Freedom website. located at www.newbirthoffreedom.org
Pack Committee
The planning and management of the pack is carried out by volunteers that serve on the Pack Committee. The committee meets on the 1st Wednesday each month at 7pm at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church. Any interested parents/guardians are encouraged to attend. We would love to have you!
What can you do?
First and foremost, work with your son in his Handbook. Second, please offer to assist your den leader with meetings, and offer to assist with pack activities. As boys crossover to Boy Scouts, the Pack has a constant turnover of leadership. Remember - in order for the Pack to continue to be a success, parents need to pitch in and help whereverpossible. Please don't sit back and wait to be asked!