ASSISTANT CUBMASTER
The Assistant Cubmaster helps the Cubmaster with all responsibilities.
ASSISTANT CUBMASTER INFORMATION
CAN YOU TELL ME A LITTLE ABOUT PACK 204
Cub Scout Pack 204 was founded in 2011, with the help of our Charter church, St. Paul’s Methodist Church. At the time, there were no other local Cub Scouts Packs. Since then, our Pack has grown to include up to 90 Scouts and 15 Leaders. Our program starts with the Lion’s program and continues through to the Arrow of Light program. Once the Arrow of Light program has been completed, the Scout can transition to the Boy Scouts.
In 2016, we were honored to pilot the Lions program for the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) Organization before it was rolled out to all of Cub Scout Packs. In 2018, we are happy to continue our growth by making the Lions program an official part of the Cub Scout program and by welcoming girls into our Pack.
WHAT IS A DEN
Cub Scout Dens are made up of other scouts of the same Cub Scout rank. Dens usually meet weekly or biweekly. The ranks are determined by the scouts age and/or grade.
Children like to belong to a group. The den is the place where scouts can learn new skills and develop interests in new things. They have fun in den meetings, during indoor and outdoor activities, and on field trips. As part of a small group of six to eight scouts, they are able to learn sportsmanship and good citizenship. They learn how to get along with others. They learn how to do their best, not just for themselves but also for the den.
WHAT ARE THE SCOUT RANKS
•Lions: The child must be at least 5 years old and/or is in kindergarten.
•Tigers: The child must be at least 7 years old and/or is in the first grade.
•Wolf: The child must be at least 8 years old and/or in second grade.
•Bear: The child must be at least 9 years old and/or is in the third grade.
•Webelo Level 1: The child must be at least 10 years old and/or is in the fourth grade.
•Webelo Level 2: Arrow of Light: The child must be at least 11 years old and/or is in the fifth grade.
WHAT IS A PACK
Cub Scout Packs are made up of all of the dens in the Cub Scout Council number. Packs usually meet monthly.
WHAT IS A CUBMASTER
Cubmasters are adult volunteers that work directly with Den Leaders and Cub Scouts and their parents/guardians to execute the Cub Scouting program in their pack.
WHAT ARE THE QUALIFICATIONS TO BE AN ASSISTANT CUBMASTER
The Assistant Cubmaster is at least 18 years old. At least one assistant Cubmaster should be able to replace the Cubmaster’s position in case of an emergency. If a pack has only one assistant Cubmaster, he or she must be at least 21 years old. In packs with more than one assistant Cubmaster, one must be at least 21 and the additional one may be at least age 18. The assistant Cubmaster is recommended by the Cubmaster, approved by the pack committee and chartered organization, and registered as an adult leader of the BSA.
WHAT ARE THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF AN ASSISTANT CUBMASTER
In addition to the leader’s general responsibility to the boys in Cub Scouting, the Assistant Cubmaster has certain other leadership responsibilities that may be summarized as follows:
•Complete required BSA training in a timely manner.
•Support the policies of the BSA.
•Attend the monthly Pack Leader Meetings.
•Attend the monthly Roundtable Meetings.
•Help the Cubmaster as needed. Be ready to fill in for the Cubmaster, if necessary.
•Participate in pack meetings, as needed.
•Supervise den chiefs and see that they are trained.
•Work with neighborhood troops that supply den chiefs and into which Webelos Scouts may graduate.
•Along with the pack committee, develop and promote an ongoing plan for recruiting new boys.
•Help with pack activities, such as dinners, derbies, bike safety workshops, and service projects.
•Along with the pack committee, coordinate outings to see that the pack and dens qualify for the National Summertime Pack Award.
•Participate in the annual pack program planning conference and pack leaders’ meetings.
IS THERE TRAINING TO BE AN ASSISTANT CUBMASTER
Training is provided and required to become an Assistant Cubmaster for the BSA. These classes are provided online and can be taken at your convenience. There is no cost to the Leader for the training.
•The Youth Protection Training and Youth Protection Pledge Cards are required for all new registered leaders and must be retaken every two years to maintain registration.
•STEM Orientation is designed to help Assistant Cubmasters learn more about their Scouting role and about other leadership positions
in the program.
•Assistant Cubmaster Position-Specific Training are instructor-led courses that are designed to help Assistant Cubmasters learn how to effectively carry out their Scouting roles.
•There is an Assistant Cubmaster Guide that is designed to have everything a leader needs to help them plan and conduct pack meetings. The activities found in the Assistant Cubmaster Guide are designed to support the purposes of Cub Scouting and are chosen to help promote the overall aims of Scouting:
•To develop a boy’s character,
•Train him in good citizenship,
•And encourage him to become more fit—physically, mentally, and morally.
WHAT ITEMS WILL I NEED TO PURCHASE TO BE AN ASSISTANT CUBMASTER
The BSA has always been a uniformed body. The uniforms help to create a sense of belonging by symbolizing character development, citizenship training and personal fitness. Wearing a uniform also gives the Scout and Leaders a sense of identification and commitment. All items can be purchased from the Wilmington Scout Shop at 912 Justison Street, Wilmington, DE 19801 and the Dover Army-Navy Store at 222 W. Loockerman Street, Dover, DE 19904. All items are required unless notated.
•An official tan Cub Scout shirt depending. It can be long or short sleeved. Things to keep in mind, the short-sleeved shirt can be worn throughout the seasons; however, a long sleeve shirt should not be worn under the short sleeve shirt.
•The official Cub neckerchief and Slide for the den rank are optional. If one was purchased during a prior season, they do not need to need a new one.
•The official Cub Cap for the den rank is optional. If one was purchased during a prior season, they do not need to need a new one.
•The official Cub Scout buckle and belt. You can buy rank specific belts and buckles, but to keep costs low, we only require the Cub Scout emblem one. If one was purchased during a prior season, they do not need to need a new one.
•During Den meetings or offsite Den Activities (unless specified):
•Men may wear pants or shorts that are jean or green. These items do not have to be purchased at the Scout store.
•Women may wear pants, skorts or shorts that are jean or green. These items do not have to be purchased at the Scout store.
•During Pack Meetings (unless specified).
•Men must wear the green pants or shorts. These items do not have to be purchased at the Scout store.
•Women must wear green pants, skorts or shorts. These items do not have to be purchased at the Scout store.
•Socks can be white. These do not have to be purchased at the Scout store.
•Shoes must be closed toe, cover the ankle and appropriate for activities. No heals. These do not have to be purchased at the Scout store.
•Patches: World Crest emblem, Council shoulder insignia, unit numerals (204). We do not recommend using the glue on material for the patches, so that they can be easily changed, if needed.
•During Pack events such as parades or popcorn sales, Leaders must wear their full uniform since they are representing our Pack and the Cub Scouts program.
WHAT KIND OF ACTIVITIES WILL MY PACK PARTICIPATE IN
For the Pack Meetings, some activities may include a hayride, walking in a local parade, monthly Pack Meetings where they will receive their advancement loops, the Pinewood Derby, a Blue and Gold Banquet, food collections for a local food pantry, two camping trips and much more.
For the Den Meetings, they will work towards receiving their Bobcat badge (If not earned previously) and completing their Lion requirements during their Den meetings. This may include activities, outings, learning the Scout motto and oath. Their Den Leader will provide more in-depth information.
"As a young boy, scouting gave me a confidence and camaraderie that is hard to find in modern life."