Volunteering

The Pack Committee

Every pack is under the supervision of a pack committee, which consists of at least three members (chair, secretary, and treasurer). By handling administrative and support tasks, the pack committee allows the Cubmaster, den leaders, and their assistants to focus on working directly with the Cub Scouts.

With a committee of three, members must assume responsibility for more areas of service than with a committee of seven or more. Although packs can and do operate with a minimum of three committee members, experience has shown that a larger committee generally ensures a stronger, more stable pack and is better able to perform all the required functions to ensure a successful pack program. It is also a way of involving more pack families in meaningful service to the pack.

Qualifications: Is at least 21 years old, is selected by the chartered organization, and is registered as an adult leader of the BSA. One member is designated as pack committee chair.

Responsibilities: Regardless of the size of the pack committee, these responsibilities must be performed:

• Make recommendations regarding pack leadership to the chartered organization for final approval of pack leadership.
• Recruit the Cubmaster and one or more assistant Cubmasters, with the chartered organization’s approval.
• Coordinate the pack’s program and the chartered organization’s program through the chartered organization representative.
• Help with pack charter renewal.
• Help stimulate the interest of adult family members through proper programming.
• Supervise finances and equipment.
• Vigorously assist the Cubmaster.
• Ensure that all Cub Scouts receive a year-round, quality program.
• Complete pack committee Fast Start training and Basic Leader Training for the position.
• Conduct, with the help of the Cubmaster, periodic training for parents and guardians.
• Cooperate with other Scouting units.

A strong pack committee will have individual members assigned to such areas as record keeping and correspondence, finances, advancement, training, public relations, and membership and registration. The pack committee chair decides how the responsibilities should be divided and gives committee members assignments.

Cubmaster

Everything that the Cubmaster does is aimed at helping the individual boy.

Qualifications: Is at least 21 years old and is registered as an adult leader of the BSA. Should be a leader who is able to communicate well with adults as well as boys. Should be able to delegate responsibilities and set a good example through behavior, attitude, and uniform. Preferably a member of the chartered organization.

Responsibilities: The Cubmaster’s responsibilities are to:

• Complete Cubmaster Fast Start training and leader position-specific training. Attend monthly roundtables.
• Plan and help carry out the Cub Scout program in the pack according to the policies of the BSA. This includes leading the monthly pack meeting, with the help of other leaders.
• With the pack committee, develop and execute a year-round recruitment plan for recruiting boys into Cub Scouting.
• Know about and use the appropriate and available literature, including the Den & Pack Meeting Resource Guide, the Webelos Leader Guide, and this resource.
• See that the pack program, leaders, and Cub Scouts positively reflect the interests and objectives of the chartered organization and the BSA.
• Work with the pack committee on program ideas, selecting and recruiting adult leaders, and establishing a budget plan.
• Guide and support den leaders. See that they receive the required training for their positions.
• Help organize and encourage graduation into a Boy Scout troop by establishing and maintaining good relationships with Boy Scout troops.
• Maintain good relationships with parents and guardians. Seek their support and include them in activities.
• See that Cub Scouts receive a quality, year-round program filled with fun and activities that qualify the dens and pack for the National Summertime Pack Award.
• See that the responsibilities specified for the assistant Cubmaster are carried out.
• Help the pack committee chair conduct the annual pack program planning conference and the monthly pack leaders’ meetings.
• Work as a team with the pack committee chair to cultivate, educate, and motivate all pack leaders and parents or guardians in Cub Scouting.
• Take part in the charter review meeting and annual charter presentation ceremony. 
• Request den chiefs for all Cub Scout dens and, after selection, see that they are trained. Recognize the den chiefs at pack meetings.
• Conduct impressive advancement, recognition, and graduation ceremonies. For Webelos ceremonies, involve Scoutmasters and other Boy Scout leaders.
• Meet with the unit commissioner, Webelos den leader, and Scoutmaster to establish plans for the Webelos Scouts’ transition to Boy Scouting.
• Encourage high advancement standards from all Cub Scouts.
• Help bring families together at joint activities for Webelos dens (or packs) and Boy Scout troops.
• Support the policies of the BSA.

Cub Scout Den Leaders

Cub Scout den leaders work directly with Cub Scouts and their parents/guardians to execute the Cub Scouting program in the den.

Qualifications: Is at least 21 years old, and should be an experienced leader, but may be a parent or guardian of a boy in the den. Recommended by the Cubmaster after consultation with the parents and guardians of the Cub Scouts involved, and approved by the pack committee and chartered organization. Registered as an adult leader of BSA.

Responsibilities:

• Work directly with other den and pack leaders to ensure that the den is an active and successful part of the pack.
• Plan, prepare for, and conduct den meetings with the assistant den leader and den chief (if Wolf, Bear, or Webelos den leaders) or adult partners (if Tiger Cub den leaders).
• Attend the pack leaders’ meetings.
• Lead the den at the monthly pack activity.
• Ensure the transition of Cub Scouts to a den of the next rank (or to a Boy Scout troop if Webelos Scouts) at the end of the year.

Tiger den leaders should do the following.

• Coordinate shared leadership among the Tiger Cub adult partners in the den.
• Ensure that each Tiger Cub and his adult partner have the opportunity to be the host team, planning and executing the den activities, rotating responsibilities monthly.

Cub Scout den leaders should keep in mind these responsibilities.

• Help train the den chief and guide him in working with Cub Scouts. See that he receives recognition for his efforts at den and pack meetings.
• Provide meaningful responsibilities for the denner and assistant denner so that they can learn responsibility and gain satisfaction from their efforts.

Webelos Den Leaders

Qualifications: Is at least 21 years old, subscribes to the Declaration of Religious Principle, and agrees to abide by the Scout Oath or Promise and the Scout Law. Possesses the moral, educational, and emotional qualities that the Boy Scouts of America deems necessary to afford positive leadership to youth. Should be interested in and enjoy working with boys and able to work with adults. May be a parent or guardian of one of the boys in the den. Recommended by the Cubmaster after consultation with parents or guardians of the Webelos Scouts involved, and approved by the pack committee and chartered organization. Registered as an adult leader of the BSA.

Responsibilities: The Webelos den leader’s responsibilities are to

• Give leadership to planning and carrying out a year-round program of activities for the Webelos den to achieve the purposes of Cub Scouting.
• Complete Webelos den leader Fast Start Training, position-specific Basic Leader Training, and Outdoor Leader Skills for Webelos Leaders. Attend monthly roundtables.
• Lead the den in its participation at the monthly pack meetings.
• Help establish a close working relationship with the assistant Webelos den leader and Webelos den chief, functioning with them as a den leadership team.
• Work in harmony with other den and pack leaders.
• Help the Cubmaster and pack committee recruit new Webelos Scouts.
• Help train the Webelos den chief and guide him in working with Webelos Scouts. Attend Den Chief Training with him. See that he receives recognition for his efforts at den and pack meetings.
• Attend the monthly den chief planning meeting for den leaders, assistant den leaders, and den chiefs.
• With the assistant Webelos den leader, meet with the Webelos den chief, and let him help plan Webelos den meetings and activities. Give him meaningful assignments.
• Provide worthwhile tasks for the Webelos denner so that he can assume some responsibility and gain satisfaction from his efforts.
• Use Boys’ Life and Scouting magazines and the Webelos Leader Guide as resources for program ideas and information.
• Instill Scouting spirit and moral values through personal example, ceremonies, and meaningful activities such as service projects.
• Promote the religious emblems program.
• Collect den dues and turn them in to the pack treasurer at the pack leaders’ meeting. Keep accurate records of den dues and attendance.
• Encourage Webelos Scouts to advance. Maintain high advancement standards. Keep accurate advancement records and see that the boys are promptly recognized for their achievements.
• With the help of the Cubmaster, pack committee, and unit commissioner, determine one or more neighborhood Boy Scout troops into which Webelos Scouts may be graduated, and establish a good working relationship with those troops. Try to graduate every Webelos Scout into a troop.
• Work with the Scoutmaster and assistant Scoutmaster to plan and conduct meaningful joint activities.
• Work with the Cubmaster to see that impressive graduation ceremonies are conducted in the pack. Invite the Scoutmaster and troop leaders to take part.
• Ask qualified people, including adult family members, to serve as activity badge counselors.
• Encourage parents or guardians of Webelos Scouts to help plan and carry out overnight campouts and other outdoor activities. Work with the troop assistant Scoutmaster or Scoutmaster to arrange for the loan of troop equipment for joint Webelos den-troop activities.
• Help the den and the pack earn the National Summertime Pack Award.
• Have a plan to ensure that a leader is available for all Webelos den meetings and activities. Call on the assistant Webelos den leader to fill in, as needed.
• Participate in the annual pack program planning conference and the monthly pack leaders’ meetings.
• Keep the Cubmaster and pack committee informed on the status and needs of the Webelos den.
• Support the policies of the BSA.

Cub Scout Den Chief

Qualifications: Is an older Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, or Venturer. Selected by the senior patrol leader and Scoutmaster, Varsity Scout Coach, or Venturing Advisor at the request of the Cubmaster. Approved by the Cubmaster and pack committee for recommendation to the den leader. Registered as a youth member of a troop, team, or crew.

Responsibilities: The Cub Scout den chief’s responsibilities are to

• Know the purposes of Cub Scouting.
• Help Cub Scouts achieve the purposes of Cub Scouting.
• Serve as the activities assistant at den meetings.
• Set a good example through attitude and uniforming.
• Be a friend to the boys in the den.
• Help lead weekly den meetings.
• Help the den in its part of the monthly pack meeting.
• Know the importance of the monthly theme and pack meeting plans.
• Meet regularly with the den leader to review den and pack meeting plans. Meet as needed with adult members of the den, pack, and troop.
• Receive training from the den leader (and Cubmaster or assistant Cubmaster) and attend Den Chief Training.
• Encourage Cub Scouts to become Webelos Scouts when they are eligible.
• Help the denner and assistant denner to be leaders.