Youth protection is a fundamental and critical aspect of Cub Scouts and all Scouting programs in the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). The BSA places a strong emphasis on creating a safe and secure environment for all youth participants. This commitment to youth protection is outlined in BSA’s policies, guidelines, and training programs. Here are some key points regarding the Cub Scouts’ stance on youth protection: Youth Protection Training : All adult leaders and volunteers in Cub Scouting are required to complete Youth Protection Training. Pack 223 requests that ALL parents take this free training. This training covers topics such as recognizing signs of abuse, how to respond to instances of abuse or suspected abuse, and the importance of maintaining appropriate boundaries with youth members. You can find out more about this training and take the training at: https://www.scouting.org/training/youth-protection/ Two-Deep Leadership : The BSA enforces the “Two-Deep Leadership” policy, which means that no adult should ever be alone with a Scout who is not their child. There should always be at least two registered adult leaders present at all scouting activities, meetings, and outings. No One-on-One Contact : The BSA prohibits one-on-one contact between an adult leader and a youth member in private settings. This includes electronic communication, texting, and social media interactions. All communications should be conducted in an open and transparent manner. Background Checks : Adults who wish to become leaders or volunteers in Cub Scouting are required to undergo background checks to identify any criminal history that might pose a risk to youth members. Reporting Procedures: There are clear procedures in place for reporting any suspected instances of abuse or inappropriate behavior. These procedures are designed to ensure that appropriate action is taken to protect youth members. Youth Protection Policies: The BSA has comprehensive youth protection policies and guidelines that are regularly reviewed and updated to reflect best practices and legal requirements. Age-Appropriate Activities: Cub Scouting activities are designed to be age-appropriate, and safety considerations are a primary concern when planning and conducting activities. Safe Scouting Resources: The BSA provides resources and materials to help leaders and parents understand and implement youth protection policies effectively. BSA takes youth protection very seriously, and the organization is committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment for all Cub Scouts. If you have any concerns or questions about youth protection within Cub Scouting, you should reach out to any of our pack leaders. Additionally, it’s essential for parents and guardians to be informed about youth protection policies and to communicate regularly with their children about their experiences in Scouting.

Get Involved as a Cub Scout Parent Volunteer Our program thrives thanks to the dedication of parent volunteers who generously contribute their time, whether it’s just a few spare hours or more. Whether you can commit to two hours a week, a month, or a year, your involvement greatly enhances the Cub Scout experience for our young scouts. Here’s a glimpse of some volunteer roles vital to our Cub Scout pack: Cubmaster Be the friendly face of our pack, leading exciting pack meetings. Offer leadership and guidance to our committed team of leaders. Collaborate on planning and organizing pack activities and events. Ensure our program aligns seamlessly with BSA guidelines and values. Den Leader Lead a den, a close-knit group of Cub Scouts often organized by grade level. Craft and execute engaging den meetings. Guide Cub Scouts through their badge pursuits and advancements. Work closely with parents to nurture each Cub Scout’s progress. Assistant Den Leader Provide invaluable support to the den leader in planning and conducting den activities. Assist with various activities and badge requirements. Offer essential assistance to Cub Scouts and their families. Committee Chair Lead our pack committee, responsible for administrative and logistical support. Foster a supportive environment with adequate resources and leadership. Coordinate adult training and actively recruit new leaders. Pack Committee Member Actively contribute to our pack committee, each member bringing their unique skills and perspective. May have specific responsibilities, such as advancement tracking, fundraising, or event coordination. Advancement Chair Oversee and manage the advancement program for our pack. Ensure each Cub Scout is appropriately recognized for their accomplishments. Collaborate with leaders and parents to monitor and celebrate Cub Scouts’ progress. Treasurer Safeguard the pack’s finances and budget. Handle dues, fees, and expenses with efficiency and transparency. Maintain meticulous financial records and share regular financial reports with the committee. Membership Chair Play a vital role in welcoming new members, just like you, to our pack. Coordinate and organize recruitment events, making the onboarding process smooth and enjoyable. We deeply appreciate every parent volunteer’s contribution, no matter how big or small. Your involvement is what makes the Cub Scout journey an enriching adventure for our scouts. Join us in creating unforgettable experiences and building character for our young members.

Frequently Asked Questions - Cub Scout Pack 223

FAQ

These answers to commonly asked questions are intended to provide you with general information about our pack. If you would like further information or to discuss any of these in more detail, please reach out to the pack leadership.

Child Protection

Youth protection is a fundamental and critical aspect of Cub Scouts and all Scouting programs in the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). The BSA places a strong emphasis on creating a safe and secure environment for all youth participants. This commitment to youth protection is outlined in BSA’s policies, guidelines, and training programs. Here are some key points regarding the Cub Scouts’ stance on youth protection:

Youth Protection Training: All adult leaders and volunteers in Cub Scouting are required to complete Youth Protection Training. Pack 223 requests that ALL parents take this free training. This training covers topics such as recognizing signs of abuse, how to respond to instances of abuse or suspected abuse, and the importance of maintaining appropriate boundaries with youth members. You can find out more about this training and take the training at: https://www.scouting.org/training/youth-protection/
Two-Deep Leadership: The BSA enforces the “Two-Deep Leadership” policy, which means that no adult should ever be alone with a Scout who is not their child. There should always be at least two registered adult leaders present at all scouting activities, meetings, and outings.
No One-on-One Contact: The BSA prohibits one-on-one contact between an adult leader and a youth member in private settings. This includes electronic communication, texting, and social media interactions. All communications should be conducted in an open and transparent manner.
Background Checks: Adults who wish to become leaders or volunteers in Cub Scouting are required to undergo background checks to identify any criminal history that might pose a risk to youth members.
Reporting Procedures: There are clear procedures in place for reporting any suspected instances of abuse or inappropriate behavior. These procedures are designed to ensure that appropriate action is taken to protect youth members.
Youth Protection Policies: The BSA has comprehensive youth protection policies and guidelines that are regularly reviewed and updated to reflect best practices and legal requirements.
Age-Appropriate Activities: Cub Scouting activities are designed to be age-appropriate, and safety considerations are a primary concern when planning and conducting activities.
Safe Scouting Resources: The BSA provides resources and materials to help leaders and parents understand and implement youth protection policies effectively.

BSA takes youth protection very seriously, and the organization is committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment for all Cub Scouts. If you have any concerns or questions about youth protection within Cub Scouting, you should reach out to any of our pack leaders. Additionally, it’s essential for parents and guardians to be informed about youth protection policies and to communicate regularly with their children about their experiences in Scouting.

Parent Involvement

Lions (Kindergarten) and Tigers (1st Grade): At Pack 223, we value the involvement of parents in every step of their child’s scouting journey. For Lions and Tigers, a parent’s presence is not just welcome but required at all meetings and events. This policy is in accordance with the Boy Scouts of America’s guidelines, ensuring a nurturing and safe environment for our youngest scouts.

Wolves (2nd Grade) and Beyond: As our scouts grow and gain independence, the requirement for parental presence shifts. While it’s no longer mandatory by 2nd grade, we strongly encourage parents to maintain an active role in their child’s scouting experience. Our belief in the power of shared exploration and support remains steadfast.

Unified Participation: At Pack 223, we foster a sense of unity between parents, scouts, and leaders. We envision parents as integral partners in the scouting journey. Therefore, we kindly request that parents engage in all activities, unless there are specific circumstances that need to be discussed with our trusted adult leaders, such as Den Leaders or the Cubmaster.

Parent Leaders: For the optimal experience for our children, we kindly ask that at least one adult from each family registers with the BSA. This ensures we maintain a consistent presence of responsible adult supervision at all our events.

Join us in crafting a rewarding and memorable scouting journey, where guidance and enthusiasm from parents pave the way for a brighter future for our scouts.

Embrace the Adventure: To learn more about how your involvement as a parent enriches your child’s scouting experience, connect with us today. We’re excited to welcome you into our Pack 223 family!

Time Commitment

At Pack 223, we recognize the importance of balancing busy lives with the enriching experiences scouting has to offer. We believe in transparency and provide our members with all the information they need to make informed decisions about their involvement.

Scout’s Engaging Schedule: Our activities are meticulously planned and posted well in advance on our members-only website. As part of our commitment to clarity, here’s what you can expect in terms of time commitment:

Pack Meeting: This gathering unites all pack members for a 60-75 minute session. Typically held at Stafford Primary School on the 3rd Thursday of each month in the evening, it’s a fantastic opportunity for scouts to come together and learn.
Den Meeting: Exclusive to scouts within the same grade level, den meetings occur once or twice a month. These sessions last around 60-90 minutes and provide a focused environment for skill-building and camaraderie.
Service Projects and Activities: To ensure a well-rounded experience, we aim to organize at least one additional activity each month. From thrilling Mt. Hood sledding trips to the creative Pinewood Derby and impactful service projects like Scouting for Food, these endeavors foster team spirit and community engagement.

Your Journey, Your Schedule: We respect that every family has its own schedule and commitments. Our goal is to provide a flexible framework that allows your scout to thrive while accommodating your family’s needs.

Stay Informed: Our members-only website is your go-to resource for detailed schedules, event updates, and much more. Embrace the adventure with Pack 223 and join us in creating memorable scouting experiences!

Ready to Dive In? To delve deeper into the scouting adventure and discover how it fits into your family’s life, reach out to us today.

Volunteer Positions

Get Involved as a Cub Scout Parent Volunteer

Our program thrives thanks to the dedication of parent volunteers who generously contribute their time, whether it’s just a few spare hours or more. Whether you can commit to two hours a week, a month, or a year, your involvement greatly enhances the Cub Scout experience for our young scouts.

Here’s a glimpse of some volunteer roles vital to our Cub Scout pack:

Cubmaster

Be the friendly face of our pack, leading exciting pack meetings.
Offer leadership and guidance to our committed team of leaders.
Collaborate on planning and organizing pack activities and events.
Ensure our program aligns seamlessly with BSA guidelines and values.

Den Leader

Lead a den, a close-knit group of Cub Scouts often organized by grade level.
Craft and execute engaging den meetings.
Guide Cub Scouts through their badge pursuits and advancements.
Work closely with parents to nurture each Cub Scout’s progress.

Assistant Den Leader

Provide invaluable support to the den leader in planning and conducting den activities.
Assist with various activities and badge requirements.
Offer essential assistance to Cub Scouts and their families.

Committee Chair

Lead our pack committee, responsible for administrative and logistical support.
Foster a supportive environment with adequate resources and leadership.
Coordinate adult training and actively recruit new leaders.

Pack Committee Member

Actively contribute to our pack committee, each member bringing their unique skills and perspective.
May have specific responsibilities, such as advancement tracking, fundraising, or event coordination.

Advancement Chair

Oversee and manage the advancement program for our pack.
Ensure each Cub Scout is appropriately recognized for their accomplishments.
Collaborate with leaders and parents to monitor and celebrate Cub Scouts’ progress.

Treasurer

Safeguard the pack’s finances and budget.
Handle dues, fees, and expenses with efficiency and transparency.
Maintain meticulous financial records and share regular financial reports with the committee.

Membership Chair

Play a vital role in welcoming new members, just like you, to our pack.
Coordinate and organize recruitment events, making the onboarding process smooth and enjoyable.

We deeply appreciate every parent volunteer’s contribution, no matter how big or small. Your involvement is what makes the Cub Scout journey an enriching adventure for our scouts. Join us in creating unforgettable experiences and building character for our young members.

Cost

Inclusive Scouting: Breaking Down Barriers for All

At the core of our mission lies the belief that everyone, regardless of financial circumstances, should have the opportunity to join the Scouting family. Aligned with the Scout Law’s principle of thriftiness, we are dedicated to making Scouting accessible to all by keeping costs at a minimum.

Putting Affordability into Practice: As we prepare for the exciting 2023-24 season, we are hard at work finalizing our program costs. In previous years, our pack fees have averaged approximately $150 for the entire year, covering national and council fees. This fee encompasses a wide range of activities, access to facilities, and well-deserved awards. It’s important to note that there may be some events, particularly those involving food, which could have an additional cost associated with them.

Ensuring Accessibility: We recognize that financial situations vary, and we are committed to supporting every family. In addition to our annual fundraiser, we offer scholarships for both membership and summer camp, accessible through both pack and council channels. Our ultimate goal is to guarantee that every child can fully participate in the Scouting adventure.

Join us in embracing the values of inclusivity, fiscal responsibility, and camaraderie. Together, we create an inclusive and welcoming Scouting experience for all who aspire to be a part of it.

Ready to Get Involved? Reach out today to discover more about our commitment to affordability and the diverse opportunities we provide for every Scout to thrive.

Uniforms

Embrace the Meaningful Symbolism of the Cub Scout Uniform

Before we discuss the uniform, we want to be clear, no scout will be turned away from any Pack 223 activity because they are not in uniform.

More than just clothing, the Cub Scout uniform carries profound significance. It serves as a visual representation of unity, identity, and unwavering dedication to the core values and principles that define the Cub Scouts program.

A Unifying Emblem: The uniform bonds scouts together in a shared journey. It’s a powerful emblem that reinforces the sense of community and belonging within Pack 223.

Identity and Pride: Wearing the uniform fosters a sense of identity and pride among scouts. It communicates their commitment to the Cub Scouts’ ideals and their readiness to learn and lead.

Values in Fabric: Every patch, emblem, and badge on the uniform is a testament to the skills, character, and achievements of each scout. It’s a canvas on which their scouting journey unfolds.

Resources for Uniform Details: To ensure that your scout’s uniform reflects their rank and achievements accurately, visit our comprehensive guide at: Uniform Details. This resource offers insights into the specific uniform requirements for each rank.

Flexible Participation: While we encourage scouts to wear the uniform proudly, we want to emphasize that wearing it is a choice, not a requirement. No scout will be turned away from any Pack 223 activity because they are not in uniform.

Uniting Through Attire: Join us in celebrating the Cub Scout uniform as a representation of unity, shared values, and the incredible adventures that await. Let’s continue to embrace the spirit of scouting together!

Scouting with Special Needs

Cub Scouts, like all programs within the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), strive to be inclusive and accommodating to individuals with special needs. BSA has developed policies and resources to help Cub Scout packs provide a positive and enriching experience for all youth, including those with special needs. Here’s how Cub Scouts deal with special needs:

Inclusivity: Cub Scouts is open to all youth, regardless of their abilities or disabilities. BSA is committed to providing an inclusive environment where every child can participate and benefit from the Scouting program.
Individualized Support: Cub Scout packs work to provide individualized support and reasonable accommodations for youth with special needs. This may include modifying activities, providing additional assistance, or making adjustments to the meeting space to ensure accessibility.
Youth Protection: BSA’s Youth Protection policies apply to all youth members, and special attention is given to ensuring the safety and well-being of youth with special needs. Leaders are trained to recognize and address the specific needs and challenges these youth may face.
Leader Training: BSA offers training for leaders and volunteers on how to work effectively with youth with special needs. This training covers topics like communication, behavior management, and understanding various disabilities.
Individualized Education Plans (IEPs): Leaders may collaborate with parents and guardians to understand and implement any IEPs or 504 plans that a child has from their school, ensuring that Scouting activities are aligned with their educational needs.
Buddy System: Cub Scouts often use a buddy system, where youth are paired up with a buddy or partner during activities. This system can be particularly helpful for children with special needs, as it provides extra support and encouragement.
Consultation and Resources: Cub Scout leaders can consult with BSA resources, such as the Disabilities Awareness Committee, to access guidance and resources for working with youth with special needs.
Parent Involvement: Parents and guardians are encouraged to communicate openly with the pack leadership about their child’s needs, capabilities, and any necessary accommodations. This partnership helps ensure a positive experience for the child.
Adaptive Programs: In some cases, Cub Scout packs may offer adaptive or specialized programs designed to meet the needs of specific groups, such as Scouts with physical or developmental disabilities.

It’s important for parents or guardians of children with special needs to engage with their pack leadership early in the process to discuss any specific requirements or concerns. By working together, Cub Scouts can create an inclusive and supportive environment where all youth can enjoy the benefits of Scouting.

Religion

Religion plays a role in Cub Scouting, but its importance varies depending on the specific Cub Scout pack. Pack 223 is not chartered by a religious organization and has no direct affiliation with one.

Here are some key points regarding religion in Cub Scouting:

Inclusivity: BSA has made efforts in recent years to be more inclusive of individuals of all backgrounds, including those of different religious beliefs and those who are non-religious. This includes allowing the use of alternative versions of the Scout Oath and Law for individuals who may not wish to include a religious reference.

Duty to God: Cub Scouting has traditionally included a “Duty to God” requirement as part of the Scout Oath and Law. Scouts and leaders are encouraged to be reverent and respectful of their own beliefs and the beliefs of others.

Non-Denominational Approach: While Cub Scouting encourages the expression of religious faith, it is generally intended to be a non-denominational program. BSA emphasizes respect for the diverse religious backgrounds of its members.

Religious Emblems: Many religious organizations offer specific emblems and awards for Cub Scouts who are members of their faith. These emblems can be earned by Scouts who complete specific requirements related to their faith’s teachings.

Local Variation: The role of religion in Cub Scouting can vary by region, pack, and local leadership. Some packs may have a stronger religious influence, while others may place less emphasis on religious aspects.