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New Family Guide
New Family Guide
On behalf of everyone in Pack 6, we are so excited you and your family are joining our pack! Scouting is an amazing opportunity to make friends, learn new skills, and have fun! We are looking forward to meeting you and can't wait for all the adventures we have in store.
Joining Cub Scouts is one of the best decisions you can make for your child and your family, but it can also be really overwhelming at first. There's a lot of information and new terms that you'll be hearing over the next few weeks. Here's a guide to help you get up to speed... before you know it you'll be a pro!
Over the course of the school year, your child(ren) will work toward earning their rank. We call this process "advancement". Your child's rank is determined by their grade, and our pack is divided into Dens made up of scouts of the same grade. To earn rank, each scout must complete certain activities (called "adventures") which are outlined in your scout's handbook. Each scout should come to every meeting with the handbook of their corresponding rank.
Handbooks can be purchased at the Scout Shop or online.
Meetings
Meetings
Den Meetings are held a few times per month to work towards completing the adventures required to earn their rank. Your scout's Den Leaders will give you more information on when and where they hold Den Meetings.
Typically, Dens meet on Monday evenings.
Once per month we hold a Pack Meeting, where all the Dens get together to celebrate the progress the scouts have made in their advancement. We believe it's important to recognize the scouts for their hard work and involvement on a regular basis! Pack Meetings also entail a fun, unique, activity each month, such as the Raingutter Regatta, Pinewood Derby, or Field Day. These are typically the events that scouts remember for years to come!
Typically, Pack Meetings are on Sunday afternoon or Monday evening.
Dues and Fundraising
Dues and Fundraising
Scouting America Central Florida Council collects registration fees each year
$170 for new scouts ($145 program fee + one-time $25 fee)
$145 for returning scouts
Pack 6 collects $50 dues per scout, due at first Pack meeting after joining. We also fundraise in order to support the awesome programming and outings we have planned.
Fall Fundraiser: Popcorn - $300 sales or $150 opt out fee (due by Sept 16)
Our Pack was the #1 popcorn unit in the Council last year. We sold over $45,000! This enables our scouts to learn valuable lessons about entrepreneurship, goal-setting, and resilience. Most of our sales are from storefront shifts at Bass Pro Shop and Publix.
Spring Fundraiser: Camp Cards - $150 sales or $75 opt out fee (due by Jan 30)
Camp Cards have coupons to area businesses, many of which recoup the cost of the $10 card within a visit or two. Most of our sales are from storefront shifts at Ace Hardware in Dr. Phillips.
Our Pack uses two uniforms: Class A uniform and Class B uniform.
Class A is the default uniform that is worn to most meetings (you can buy the uniform from the Scout Shop, in person or online). Our Pack encourages each scout to purchase:
Class A Shirt
Shorts
Belt
All other elements (hat, neckerchief, slide, socks) are optional.
The Class B uniform consists of the Pack t-shirt worn with bottoms of your choice, and is typically worn whenever the Pack or Den is meeting outside. The Pack provides each scout with a new Class B shirt every 2 years, and additional shirts or adult sizes can be purchased separately.
We encourage scouts and adult leaders to wear the appropriate uniform at all our events. However, we understand that sometimes there are circumstances which prevent this, so please remember that we want attendance over appearance!
New families should be able to log in to Scoutbook (scoutbook.scouting.org) within a couple of days of registration. Scoutbook is a major method of communication used by the Pack, so if you have problems logging in or any questions, don't hesitate to Contact Us and we will be happy to help you!
Scoutbook is used to track several things, including:
your scout's membership in Scouting America,
progress towards their Rank,
your payments log, and
all of our upcoming events.
You will receive an email from Scoutbook for every Den Meeting, Pack Meeting, and other events, with a reminder to RSVP. You can also log any progress you scout makes toward any adventures completed at home, such as the Family & Reverence adventure.
Scoutbook can be accessed from a browser or the mobile 'Scouting' app.
Communication
Communication
GroupMe - messaging and reminders
GroupMe - messaging and reminders
***highly recommend that you download the app. We have several groups, and the app helps ensure you're engaging in the right one (and can see the history)
FYI- without the app, you'll get texts from a random number (that you can rename as 'GroupMe' contact if you'd like)
Scoutbook - emails and reminders
Scoutbook - emails and reminders
https://scoutbook.scouting.org
Invitations are sent to families upon registering. If you need your invite to be resent, please let us know! (packsixorlando@gmail.com)
Facebook - photo sharing and updates
Facebook - photo sharing and updates
Pack 6 Leaders & Parents - request access here
Website - one spot for latest information
Website - one spot for latest information
you're here! :) https://www.packsixorlando.org
Pack 6 is part of the Central Florida Council, which spans several counties in the region. The Council runs larger efforts like our annual Popcorn sales campaign, as well as our local Scout Shop, scouting campground (Camp La-No-Che), and leadership training. website: https://www.cflscouting.org/
The Council is made up of seven Districts, and Pack 6 is part of the Eagle Empire District, which comprises the western half of Orange County. The District coordinates monthly Roundtables to help us all deliver the best experiences for our scouts.
Our Council and District periodically host events that you will automatically be invited to via Scoutbook. These events are completely optional, but often provide a great opportunity to earn adventures not available through Pack or Den activities (such as archery).
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my son/daughter has to miss a den meeting?
That's ok! Most Cub Scout Adventures are able to be completed as a family. You'll be able to see what adventures you missed on our calendar, and work through the requirements in your scout's handbook on your own. When you're done (or if you have any questions), reach out to your Den Leader so they can record the completed activities (or answer your questions). As always, 'Do Your Best'.
My scout is in <other activity> on Mondays, can we still be in Cub Scouts?
Yep! While we'd love you to be a part of Pack 6, there are other Cub Scout packs in our area that meet on other nights. Families are not required to join the pack that recruits at their school... find the pack that works best for your family! Search on www.beascout.org
Do we have to go camping?
Nope. We understand that camping overnight can be stressful, especially if you've never done it or haven't done it in a while. So, if it's not the right time for your family, that's ok! All of the camping experiences we have on the calendar have 'day visitor' and 'overnight guest' options (both of which are optional). Day visitors arrive in the morning, enjoy all the activities, and then drive home at the end of the day.
Also, our pack and Central Florida Council offer Camping 101 sessions that you can use to learn about the basics, essential items, and the 'nice-to-have' creature comforts. We also have a packing list that you can use to gather supplies for when you're ready to join us overnight.
As a final note, when scouts cross over to a Troop (grades 6-12), they *will* be camping regularly. So, we highly encourage all AOL scouts (5th graders) to experience at least one overnight campout to ensure that they're prepared.
If we camp, what are the sleeping arrangements?
Cub Scout camping is family-centric. Scouts tent with their parent or guardian and siblings.
A Parent or guardian must be present for all overnight Cub Scout camping.
Are the dues per month or per year?
All dues are paid annually (once a year). BSA dues pay for a 12-month membership in Scouting America. For example, if you join in August 2024, your membership expires July 31, 2025. Pack dues are paid at Welcome to the Pack in September every year.
What is the time commitment?
We have an active pack, and meet multiple times each month for most of the year. See our calendar for our Key Dates. Families are encouraged to attend all Pack and Den meetings, but mainly because we know that attendance is key to having a great scouting experience. It's more fun to complete scouting adventures as a group! If you need to miss a meeting, it's ok. The Cub Scouts motto (for scouts and parents!) is 'Do your best', and we understand that your best can look different from day to day.
What are the expectations for behavior and discipline?
Everyone participating in Scouting activities is expected to abide by the Scout Oath and Law. Adult Leaders are trained to monitor behavior and intervene when necessary. Per Scouting America guidelines, discipline must be constructive and reflect Scouting's values.
How do you ensure a safe environment for my child?
https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/
"In Scouting, we will not compromise the safety of our youth, volunteers, and employees. Safety is a value that must be taught and reinforced at every opportunity. We are all responsible and must hold each other accountable to provide a safe environment for all participants. We are committed to abuse prevention by utilizing:
Mandatory youth protection training.
Criminal background checks.
Banning one-on-one adult and youth interactions.
Mandatory reporting of suspected abuse to law enforcement.
A volunteer screening database.
We are committed to injury and illness prevention by integrating safety measures in our handbooks, literature, and training materials, including the Guide to Safe Scouting. We expect leaders to use the four points of SAFE when delivering the program. SAFE Scouting measures include:
Youth are Supervised by qualified and trustworthy adults who set the example for safety.
Activities are Assessed for risks.
Pre-requisite Fitness and Skill levels are confirmed before participation.
Appropriate Equipment is utilized, and Environmental conditions are monitored."
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